The first update,

...

Since all these people had already arrived and sat down, and it was impossible to persuade them to leave, he simply let go of the matter. There were still things at the door that needed his attention, so he stepped out again.

By this point, quite some time had already passed since the official opening time, but guests kept arriving, and Qin Fang couldn't well begin early, could he?

However, after receiving so many people, there were hardly any new arrivals; most were guests who had been invited by those already inside and did not require Qin Fang's personal attention.

Just then, a middle-aged man strolled over leisurely. Although he didn't appear exceptional, Qin Fang almost immediately noticed from within the crowd that this man was no ordinary person; he had an air of authority about him that clearly set him apart.

"Young man, is this store open?"

Soon, the middle-aged man approached Qin Fang and asked in an even tone.

This middle-aged man appeared to be in his forties, but Qin Fang felt he must be older. His voice was even, neutral, yet it carried a dignified presence that was authoritative without being overly friendly—quite a unique vibe.

As for his looks, Qin Fang felt a strong sense of familiarity, as if he had seen him somewhere before, but no matter how hard he thought, he couldn't remember where.

Moreover, it was clear the middle-aged man didn't recognize Qin Fang either, judging from the way he had asked his question, which made Qin Fang dismiss his initial guess even more.

"There are many people who look alike... It's not strange..."

Qin Fang shook his head, casting aside the peculiar thought.

"Yes, sir! This store is mine. Today is the grand opening, and as my first customer, all of your consumption is on the house!"

Having discarded that thought, Qin Fang immediately beamed the brightest of smiles and said to the middle-aged man.

"First customer? Young man, it seems you're mistaken. There are quite a few people seated inside; how could I be the first? The most important thing in business is honesty and integrity—you shouldn't behave like this..."

Unexpectedly, the middle-aged man took the matter seriously and began to lecture Qin Fang.

"Please don't mind that, sir. Those are all friends who have come to congratulate me on the opening of my new store! You do not need to be with them; I'll take you straight to a private room. It's very quiet there and won't disturb you..."

Although Qin Fang was somewhat puzzled, he didn't mind it much. He was actually telling the truth. Despite the large turnout, no one had come to dine as a regular customer; they were there to offer congratulations, handing over red envelopes, and Qin Fang couldn't very well accept money from them.

But this man was indeed the very first actual customer, so Qin Fang decided to comp his meal as a good omen for the opening.

"Free of charge, and a private room, too—won't you be running at a loss if you do business like this?"

This gentleman certainly had a penchant for the particulars. After accusing Qin Fang of lacking honesty, he now seemed to be saying that Qin Fang was too earnest, creating a bit of a contradiction.

"Ha, you have misunderstood, sir! Although I lose out on this first bill and the room, my small restaurant aims to earn reputation and word-of-mouth through quality. I believe you'll be very satisfied after trying our dishes, and I trust you'll come back again, and then again... Like that, won't I have made my money back?"

Dealing with such a fastidious person would perhaps annoy or frustrate most businessmen, but Qin Fang had time on his hands and decided to chat with the middle-aged man at the door, intent on persuading him to enter.

The middle-aged man was surprised to hear Qin Fang's response and gave a slight nod, "It seems I really am destined to be your first customer! I must try your dishes to see if they're as good as you claim..."

"This way, please..."

Qin Fang smiled too, finally having persuaded the man.

At that moment, the group of girls on the side seemed to have had their fill of fun and started heading towards Qin Fang, apparently ready to enter the store.

"Master, we're going in now; you wait here by yourself!"

Ding Chuchu, who was as sprightly as ever, chatted with the three others while casually greeting Qin Fang, then prepared to walk past him.

"Secretary Tang!"

Just then, Ning Yumo casually glanced toward Qin Fang and froze, her eyes widening in disbelief before she exclaimed in surprise.

"Secretary Tang?"

Qin Fang was stunned too, instinctively repeating the phrase, yet he couldn't gather his wits.

"Dad!"

Before he could come to his senses, Tang Feifei heard Ning Yumo's exclamation and turned her gaze over as well, equally shocked. However, she quickly smiled and called out crisply.

"Dad?"

Qin Fang was dumbfounded, then realization dawned, and his face turned unspeakably awkward, "You are Secretary Tang... Secretary Tang?"

It was a redundant question; now that Tang Feifei had called him "dad," there was no doubt about it.

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