"Seventh sister, I donāt have much hope left. Su Ming is just too popular, and each competitor is stronger than the last. So, Iāve decided to help you out."
"Sixth sister, what are you going to do? Donāt do anything reckless."
Vivian hurriedly warned upon hearing Xia Lanās words.
"Donāt worry, I know what Iām doing!"
Xia Lan replied confidently.
Vivian suddenly didnāt know what to say, so she stepped forward and softly inquired.
"Mr. Su Ming."
"Sorry, I was a bit distracted."
Su Ming snapped back to reality and apologized.
"Itās okay. Mr. Su Ming, do you particularly like jacarandas?"
Vivian asked with a smile.
"Uh, letās not talk about that now. Letās head inside!"
Su Ming then led the two of them towards the restaurant entrance.
At that moment, a female hostess from the Flower Sea Restaurant saw the three of them approaching and respectfully greeted them.
"Welcome!"
Su Ming immediately regained his focus and led Vivian and Xia Lan into the restaurant.
Just then, a male manager dressed in a white shirt and black suit, looking quite gentlemanly, approached and said.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Iām Haven, the manager of Flower Sea Restaurant. May I ask if youāve made a reservation?"
"No."
Su Ming shook his head and replied.
"Iām terribly sorry, but weāre fully booked today. Perhaps you can make a reservation for next time? We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience."
Manager Haven said with great regret.
Su Ming was also taken aback, surprised that their business was still so good at this time.
However, before Su Ming could speak, Xia Lan stepped forward and said.
"If I remember correctly, your restaurant should be a property of the Misir Family."
"Yes, might I ask who you are, miss?"
Manager Haven was also surprised.
"Donāt worry about who we are. Iām very good friends with your Miss Miduo. Do you want me to call her right now?"
Xia Lan asked directly.
"Misunderstanding, itās all a misunderstanding. I didnāt realize you were friends of our Miss. Thereās a very nice spot on the second floor; let me take you there!"
Manager Haven quickly corrected himself.
"Thank you."
Su Ming nodded in reply.
Manager Haven immediately led Su Ming and the others upstairs to an open-air balcony.
The entire terrace was planted with various flowers, with a white dining table in the center amidst a particularly beautiful setting.
After Su Ming and the others sat down, Haven respectfully asked.
"What would you like to eat?"
"Vivian, Xia Lan, you go ahead and order. Feel free to get whatever you want, donāt hold back."
Su Ming said to Vivian and Xia Lan.
"Then I wonāt be polite."
Xia Lan answered enthusiastically.
"Alright."
Su Ming nodded and then turned to look at the distant cityscape.
This spot was very nice, facing the cityās central square, where a large projection system was displaying the latest news updates.
"Ladies and gentlemen, according to the latest news, the Dark Star Empireās troops are advancing towards Earth Flame Star. The Earth Flame Star defense line is now in a state of first-level combat readiness. But thereās no need to panic; defending Earth Flame Star is the Federation First Legion, whose strength is formidable..."
Su Ming watched the scenery for a while, then turned back to Xia Lan and Vivian and asked.
"Are you done ordering?"
"Yes, but I ordered some really expensive dishes; you wonāt be upset, will you?"
Xia Lan asked with a smile.
"No way. Am I the kind of stingy person? Even if you want to book the entire restaurant, I wouldnāt bat an eye."
Su Ming replied, amused.
"Youāre awesome!"
Xia Lan said, feeling very pleased.
"Mr. Su Ming, you and Xia Lan really get along well."
Vivian said with a light laugh as she watched the two teasing each other.
"Weāre buddies, of course, we get along."
Su Ming responded with a smile.
Xia Lan heard Su Mingās words, and a flicker of disappointment flashed across her eyes, but she quickly returned to normal.
At that moment, a waitress pushed a cart over, placing one elaborate dish after another on the table, finally setting down a bottle of Water of Life.
Seeing the Water of Life, Su Ming was slightly taken aback and asked.
"In this setting, shouldnāt we be drinking red? Why are we drinking white?"
"Itās all the same."
Xia Lan said with a smile.
"Alright."
Su Ming wasnāt one to ruin the mood.
Then Xia Lan opened a bottle of Water of Life, poured a full glass, and handed it to Su Ming.
"Pour a little less; this seems very strong."
Su Ming said, accepting the glass.
"Yeah, our tolerance isnāt great, weāll drink less, and you drink more."
Xia Lan then poured half a glass for herself and Vivian, topping off Su Mingās glass.
"Okay."
Su Ming didnāt mind.
Then Xia Lan raised her glass with a smile and said.
"Itās rare for us to gather like this for a meal, letās have a toast."
"Sure."
Su Ming lifted his glass in response.
The three clinked glasses and immediately downed their drinks.
"What proof is this? 96 proof?"
Su Ming felt his stomach burning after drinking a glass, then picked up the bottle of white alcohol and checked it. Wow, 96 proof.
"Su Ming, letās have another glass together."
Xia Lan cheerfully picked up the white alcohol, refilling Su Mingās glass.
"Give me a moment."
"Youāre already backing down this fast? Even I, who canāt drink, didnāt say give me a moment. Or is it that you donāt want to drink with me?"
Xia Lan pretended to be heartbroken.
Of course, internally, she was overjoyed, as she prided herself on being the champion of drinking; she was set on drinking Su Ming under the table this time.
"Forget I said anything."
Su Ming reluctantly raised his glass.
Vivian sat quietly beside them, watching Xia Lan come up with various excuses to challenge Su Ming in drinking, roughly guessing her intentions.