As a Magnate, I Started Checking in at a Convenience Store - Chapter 431
Chapter 431: Edward Arrives
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The next morning!
“Grandfather, your grandson is calling again!” Zhou Chao’s phone on the bedside table started ringing.
In a drowsy state, he reached for his phone and answered, “Hello, who’s this?” “Zhou, it’s already 10 in the morning, and you’re still in bed?”
“Duke Samosayte? Have you arrived in Jingdu, Huaxia?” Hearing the familiar voice, Zhou Chao immediately sat up from the bed, and even Shoufu by his side was startled and meowed a few times as it fell to the ground.
“We’ve already arrived a while ago. We’re at the hotel. We called to check on the arrangements on your end.”
“It’s all set up here. Send me the location of the hotel where you’re staying, and I’ll bring my people over to meet you in a bit.”
“Alright, no problem.”
Just as Duke Samosayte was about to hang up, Zhou Chao stopped him.
“Wait a moment, Your Grace. I’d like to know who’s in charge on your end, so I can make the necessary arrangements.”
Duke Samosayte immediately understood that Zhou Chao was trying to find out if there were higher-ranking individuals coming, so he could adjust the level of hospitality accordingly.
After a brief silence, he replied, “His Royal Highness Edward is here personally.”
“Alright, 1 understand. I’ll contact this end and coordinate with you.”
“Good!”
After hanging up the phone, Zhou Chao quickly jumped out of bed and headed to the bathroom for a quick wash.
He changed into fresh clothes and saw his assistant still sitting on the bed.
“I’ll be busy for a while. We can play later when I come back. If you’re hungry, go to the cat’s den and have some cat food!” He patted Shoufu and walked downstairs, taking out his phone to call Xiao Yang.
“What’s up?” He heard Xiao Yang’s slightly irritable voice as soon as the call connected.
“What’s wrong, getting worked up early in the morning?”
“I got scolded by the old master this morning. Well, why am I telling you this? Hurry up and tell me what’s going on. I’m busy!”
Hearing that Xiao Yang had been scolded by the old master, Zhou Chao felt a lot better. He chuckled and said, “John Moses just called me and said they’ve already arrived in Jingdu. They want to know when we can meet to discuss the details.”
“Who’s John Moses?” Xiao Yang asked with some confusion.
Zhou Chao was speechless at his brother’s question. He sighed and said, “Big brother, they came all the way from the Eagle Kingdom, and you don’t even remember their names. Isn’t that embarrassing?”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yang immediately understood and said excitedly, “You said they’ve already arrived in Jingdu? Why didn’t they inform me and just sneak in like this?”
“Is it glorious to make a big fuss and come to our territory to return the lost national treasure? Do you think they have no shame?”
“You’re right. Who’s the highest-ranking person among them?”
“Edward!”
“Edward? 1’11 inform the higher-ups right away. Send me the hotel address, and we’ll meet them at the hotel later.” Hearing that Edward was coming, Xiao Yang knew he couldn’t handle it himself, so he would arrange for others to join.
“Alright, I got it.”
After hanging up the phone, Zhou Chao forwarded the location that John (Duke Samosayte) had sent him to Xiao Yang.
Dressed formally, he took the keys to his Rolls-Royce Phantom and left the house.
The Ritz-Carlton hotel was located in the West City district, and it took Zhou Chao about 40 minutes to arrive. He tossed the keys to the valet and walked inside.
As he looked at the hotel’s rich British-style decor, Zhou Chao understood why Edward and his group had chosen to stay here.
After waiting for about half an hour, Xiao Yang finally arrived.
“It’s almost lunchtime, and you’re the only one who came!” Zhou Chao noticed that Xiao Yang had come alone.
“We discussed it upstairs. We’ll meet in the afternoon. Since they don’t want to make a big scene, but we can’t forget our country’s traditional etiquette. We’ll meet at the State Guesthouse in the afternoon. And by the way, the location for the exchange might change!”
“Why?”
“At first, no one expected them to send a prince. If anything goes wrong, it could be exploited by malicious individuals.”
Zhou Chao nodded thoughtfully at the explanation.
“Understood, you can handle this matter yourselves. Let’s go up now; I’m sure they’re eager to meet us.” With that, the two of them headed towards the elevator. However, halfway there, Zhou Chao stopped again.
“What’s wrong?” Xiao Yang looked at Zhou Chao in confusion.
“I’ll arrange a private dining room first. We’re about to have a meal, and we can discuss matters at the table.”
“You’re really particular about this dining culture!”
Zhou Chao smiled and walked towards the lobby manager. After a brief exchange, he was led upstairs by the manager, and Xiao Yang followed suit.
“All right, this should be enough. We prefer British cuisine, and you’ll be informed when it’s time to serve!” Zhou Chao handed the menu back to the food and beverage manager.
“Okay, no problem. There will be a dedicated server at the entrance of the private dining room. Just notify them when you need something.”
Zhou Chao nodded and didn’t linger. He led Xiao Yang to the presidential suite on the upper floor.
“Room 888, this is it.” Zhou Chao gently knocked on the door.
The next moment, several adjacent room doors were opened, and two people emerged from each room. At the same time, the door to the presidential suite also opened, revealing none other than Duke John Moses.
“Zhou, you finally made it. It’s been an hour and a half.” John Moses complained slightly, and at the same time, he made a gesture, and the bodyguards next to him all returned to their rooms.
“Your Grace, 1 came here as quickly as possible. You know that traffic is unavoidable,” Zhou Chao said with a helpless tone.
John Moses shrugged and said, “Well, we had traffic this morning too. Come on in.”
Zhou Chao and Xiao Yang exchanged a glance and then walked into the room.
As they entered, they saw Edward sitting on the sofa, watching TV.
“Your Highness Edward, it’s nice to see you again.” Zhou Chao greeted warmly.
“Zhou, to be honest, I didn’t want to see you. Whenever I see you, I’m reminded of what happened before, and my mood turns sour.” Edward looked at Zhou Chao and spoke frankly.
The entire room fell silent for a moment. Just as Zhou Chao was thinking about how to respond, Edward spoke again.
“Zhou, as the host, you should show us around Jingdu, let us enjoy the local scenery and cuisine, it could be your way of making amends.”
Zhou Chao smiled at his words and replied, “No problem, once we’re done with our business, I’ll take you around for some fun.”
“That’s settled then. Oh, by the way, Zhou, you haven’t introduced this gentleman. Who is he?” Edward pointed at Xiao Yang and asked.
“Let me introduce him. This is my brother, Xiao Yang. He’s also in charge of your security this time.”
Edward glanced at Xiao Yang and nodded, seemingly not too concerned about him. Xiao Yang, seeing this, didn’t bother to initiate a greeting.
“What about your people? Why haven’t they come?” Duke John asked from the side.
“They are already making arrangements. We will meet at the State Guesthouse in the afternoon. The morning was too rushed.”
“Alright, makes sense,” Edward nodded in agreement.
Seeing that Edward didn’t say much, Duke John didn’t press further.
“Your Highness Edward, I’ve arranged lunch at the hotel. Shall we eat and chat at the same time?”
Edward glanced at his golden wristwatch and saw that it was already 12 o’clock, so he nodded in agreement.
Zhou Chao led Edward and his group downstairs to a private dining room. As they passed by Xiao Yang, he couldn’t help but wear a mocking expression, which infuriated Xiao Yang to the point that his hands clenched into fists.
Upon reaching the private room, they all took their seats. Zhou Chao sat next to Edward, and at the same time, the hotel’s servers began serving the dishes. Exquisite and delicious dishes were presented before Edward, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas. Edward couldn’t help but inhale deeply, savoring the scents wafting through the room.
“Zhou, the cuisine in Huaxia is truly exquisite. 1 even took the time to learn how to use chopsticks. Looking at these dishes, I can hardly wait to start eating,” Edward said, fixated on the delicacies on the table.
“Your Highness Edward, you can start eating now. They won’t taste as good when they get cold,” Zhou Chao said with a smile.
Edward, who had been eagerly waiting, immediately picked up his chopsticks and started eating. If it weren’t for the etiquette he had learned since childhood, he might have held the plate and eaten directly.
As they savored the dishes, Edward would occasionally nod in approval, and Zhou Chao and the others also started eating.
Whenever Edward found a particularly delicious dish, he would ask Zhou Chao to tell him about the dish’s origin and preparation method. Fortunately, Zhou Chao was not only a gourmet but also a top chef himself; otherwise, he might have struggled to explain.
What was originally meant to be a half-hour lunch ended up taking almost an hour and a half. They had gone through several rounds of dishes, and Zhou Chao couldn’t believe how much Edward could eat.
“Zhou, I’m truly satisfied. I’m looking forward to exploring Jingdu in a few days,” Edward said with anticipation in his eyes.
“Don’t worry; 1 won’t disappoint you.”
Edward nodded at Zhou Chao’s assurance and got up to return to his room. Just as he reached the door, he turned back and asked, “What time is the afternoon meeting?”
“At 3 o’clock in the afternoon at the State Guesthouse. I’ll take you there later,” Xiao Yang replied from the side.
“Alright, thank you for your help this afternoon,” Edward said before leaving the private dining room.
Once Edward and his companion left, Xiao Yang turned to Zhou Chao and said, “Xiao Chao, I have a feeling that something is off with Edward. Why is he so friendly with you? Normally, he should be at odds with you.”
“You know what’s going on, and I’m not oblivious to it either. 1 just don’t know what he’s up to. We’ll find out later. 1 won’t be involved in the afternoon’s affairs, so you can take him directly to the State Guesthouse,” Zhou Chao replied, pondering Edward’s motives.
“Alright, I understand..”
