“Seriously? This screams ‘foot massage parlor’ vibes~” Su Yue mused.

Manager Wang, who’d just come to greet them, nearly fainted at her remark. *This* opulent, gold-accented decor—called a foot massage parlor? Does *your* foot massage parlor have walls gilded in real gold?!

But as a professionally trained high-end lobby manager, he kept his composure and smile intact.

“This way, honored guests.”

He gave a slight bow and guided them to a window seat: burgundy genuine leather cushions, an antique carved rosewood table, an old-fashioned candlestick with three candles flickering above a deep crimson cloth.

Manager Wang shot Su Yue a proud glance. Every detail was his doing. Chen Yan’s text had mentioned bringing a Vampire Princess, so he’d hastily arranged vampire-themed decor—stereotypical, yes, but better than nothing. Going the extra mile for guests was the shop’s creed. Elegance, too.

“This table’s so tiny. Barely fits any dishes,” Su Yue remarked sharply. Clearly designed to limit portions—especially that candlestick right in the middle. So obstructive.

Manager Wang froze, utterly bewildered. In all his high-end hospitality career, he’d never encountered such a thought process. He shot Chen Yan a helpless look.

Chen Yan gave a sympathetic nod.

“Little Su Yue, buffet etiquette means taking small portions frequently.”

“Oh.”

Since Chen Yan sided with the restaurant—and he was footing the bill—Su Yue reluctantly sat down. Her loss? Not her problem.

Manager Wang exhaled in relief. So the Vampire Princess still obeyed her master. No further trouble.

He presented two menus. “Honored guests, we blend self-service and ordering. All buffet stations are open, and every menu item can be ordered freely—unlimited, complimentary. Shall we place an order now?”

Su Yue flipped the menu, eyes scanning curiously. She pointed randomly.

“This one. This. And this…”

Manager Wang scribbled quickly.

“Skip those. Three portions of everything else.”

“?”

His small eyes widened with massive confusion. Two career-shaking shocks in three minutes flat.

“What’s wrong? You said we can order freely! Only ten dishes on the menu—ordering more is a crime?” Su Yue asked nervously. First time doing this, but the dish names were just too tempting.

“Place it. Don’t worry if she finishes,” Chen Yan said, barely suppressing a laugh, waving him off.

“Yes, right away.”

With the guest’s word final, Manager Wang trudged to the kitchen, resignation on his face. Moments later, muffled cursing drifted out.

“The chefs here lack manners,” Su Yue murmured, glancing worriedly toward the kitchen.

“Well… it’s only 300 yuan per person,” Chen Yan chuckled inwardly. Ten tables max daily. One main dish per guest was standard. Su Yue just ordered nearly the entire menu—triple. Roughly four days’ kitchen workload.

“True. I’ll check the buffet stations.” Su Yue stood and headed off.

Chen Yan stayed seated, unlocking his phone. Too many pending matters lately.

“Salmon, king crab legs, hairy crab… Nothing *that* impressive,” she muttered while browsing.

“Roasted lamb chops—nice!” She reached with her tongs. Another pair clamped the same piece.

Su Yue turned. A woman in a lavish red gown was sizing her up, sharp eyes sweeping over her face, then her cheap tracksuit.

“Oh? A beggar daring to dine at ‘Heaven on Earth’? Must’ve used that pretty little face to lure men, huh?”

(Su Yue still wore the hastily bought sportswear Chen Yan had arranged. To the woman—a semi-literate dropout—silver hair meant dye, crimson eyes meant contacts. Cheap clothes? Either fallen out of favor or a freshly tricked girl. Jealousy flared.)

“Huh?” Su Yue blinked. Just fighting over meat… why the insult?

But well-behaved Su Yue avoided conflict. She just wanted meat.

“Sister, take this chop. I’ll have the other.” She calmly took a different piece, ignoring the jab.

“Hmph. I wouldn’t touch lamb *you’ve* handled.” The woman sneered. “Oh dear… little sister rarely visits high-end places, I suppose?”

“Mm. First time.” Su Yue nodded. A 300-yuan buffet *was* her debut.

“Huh?!” The woman faltered. Mockery too subtle? Time to escalate.

“To get a man to bring you here… you must’ve paid quite a price, hmm~?”

“Price?”

Su Yue’s mind raced. Chen Yan treated her… but the *cost*?

“Very hard. First, captured by the Enforcement Squad. Dragged to the villains’ HQ. Stripped naked on the second floor. Then blinded by bright lights. Lost half my possessions. Burdened with massive debt.” She summarized her day plainly.

“What?! That man’s *monstrous*?!” The gown-clad woman gasped. Thrown to thugs, stripped, tortured, debt-trapped?!

Such cruel treatment!

“Yes! He forced me to sign a contract while unconscious, stalks and spies on me, wants me forever dependent!” Su Yue listed Chen Yan’s “crimes.”

“Stalking?! A contract of servitude?! Imprisonment?!”

Though she relied on men too, this was unbearable—especially for such a lovely girl. She must be blackmailed.

“Little sister… stay strong. I pray you regain your freedom soon.” She cupped Su Yue’s face, eyes sincere. A shared sorrow. All she could offer was blessing.

“Don’t worry, Sister. I will!” Su Yue raised a tiny fist, smiling brightly. *First* person to wish her freedom. Everyone else—even Lucifer—sided with Chen Yan. Such kindness was rare.

“Mm. Sister believes in you.”

Her heart ached. How could this girl, after such torment, still smile so radiantly?

The red-gowned woman left dejectedly, unable to face the silver-haired girl again. That pure smile only pierced her own ugly, envious heart.

“Huh? Sister didn’t want the lamb chops?” Su Yue watched her vanish empty-handed, then happily piled all the chops onto her plate and dashed back.

“What’s got you smiling?” Chen Yan asked.

“Met a really kind older sister~"