Chapter 115: Sneaking into the Kitchen [First Update]

Fang Nian was unsure of the true origins of the Lu family, but their investment portfolio clearly indicated immense wealth. They invested exclusively in the most popular and lucrative ventures in the current world. However, compared to real estate development or internet technology, operating a hunter camp was not a particularly high-yield project, and for investors of such vast resources, it was not exactly an appealing prospect.

Tan Hong naturally understood Fang Nian’s perspective, but if they wanted to defeat the Xiao family in District 16, they stood no chance without the backing of a ruthless investor.

The drive to the suburban villa district took about an hour. When the three of them stepped out of the car, they couldn't help but sigh at the surroundings; the young Master Lu certainly knew how to enjoy life, as the air here was noticeably better than in the city. Though the sky remained as gloomy as ever, the quiet living environment offered a starkly different feeling.

"It’s good to be rich. Even in these chaotic times, one can still enjoy such treatment."

Upon reaching the front of the villa, they realized they might have been the last to arrive, as a dozen luxury cars were already parked in the driveway.

"Looks like we're late."

Fang Nian gave a helpless smile and reached out to ring the doorbell. Soon, a butler’s voice responded, "Who are you looking for?"

Fang Nian replied politely, "Hello, we are representatives from the Cloud Hunt Pavilion and the Tan family in District 16. We are here to speak with Mr. Lu Xiao regarding an investment."

There was a noticeable hesitation on the other end. A moment later, the voice returned, sounding puzzled. "I apologize, but I do not see your names on the guest list. May I ask what industry you are in so I can verify?"

Fang Nian paused for a moment before answering calmly, "Hunter Camps."

Beside him, Tan Hong tugged at his sleeve, looking embarrassed, just as the butler’s voice echoed again: "My apologies. We have only invited the Xiao family as operators of hunter camps. Your names are not on the list. Please return home."

Before Fang Nian could respond, the line went dead. Looking back at the Fatty and Tan Hong, seeing their crestfallen expressions, he finally understood the situation.

"They didn't invite us? Then why did we even come?" Tan Hong forced a bitter smile. "Nothing to be done. We just wanted to try our luck, but it seems we’ve wasted our time."

The Fatty shook his head resignedly. "Forget it. Since they don't value us, there's no point in debasing ourselves. I think we should look for another investor."

Tan Hong nodded, knowing there was no path forward, and they headed back to the car. However, Fang Nian did not leave. Instead, he began to observe the perimeter of the villa.

The Fatty was stunned, but quickly realized his intent. "Are you planning to break in? Old Fang, don't be ridiculous. Their security is extremely tight. Don't get turned into a sieve before you even climb the wall."

Fang Nian waved him off. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. You two drive to the clearing a mile away and wait for me. Once I’m done, I’ll find you."

With that, Fang Nian disappeared around a corner behind the villa. He observed the property and realized the security wasn't as professional as it appeared; many of the guards at the sentry posts were yawning. This was likely because the perimeter security of the residential area was so high that they had grown lax internally.

Fang Nian’s physical condition was no longer what it once was; a wall a few meters high posed no threat to him. With a few swift movements, he easily scaled it. Traversing the garden and the swimming pool, he slipped into the villa through the back door. It was undeniably massive—the main hall alone could fit two of the Xia family’s villas inside it. The Lu family’s wealth was truly staggering.

Through some reconnaissance, Fang Nian learned that Lu Xiao was currently hosting guests in the banquet hall. The kitchen was in a frenzy, with several chefs busily carving and stir-frying.

Fang Nian was no fool; he wouldn't simply rush into the banquet hall to talk business. But infiltrating the staff was possible if he could incapacitate a server. Even then, how would he manage to stay and speak with Lu Xiao? He rested his chin on his hand, thinking, while his brain quickly recalled the details about Lu Yuan he had seen on Tan Hong’s watch.

"Got it."

Fang Nian’s eyebrows arched slightly. He remembered the files mentioning that Lu Yuan didn't have many hobbies; he wasn't particularly fond of luxury car parties, but rather preferred listening to music, tasting fine wines, and enjoying gourmet food.

Having made up his mind, Fang Nian took action. He ambushed a chef near the restroom, tied the unconscious man up in a corner, donned his uniform, and returned to the kitchen.

"Brother Long!" "Uncle Long!"

When Fang Nian returned to the kitchen, many didn't recognize him because of his mask, but they greeted him all the same. It was clear that this "Chef Long" held a high reputation in the kitchen. Fang Nian nodded at them, scanned the room, and walked over to an empty station.

Seeing the string beans blanching in a pot, he frowned, scooped them out, and dumped them straight into the trash. The apprentice beside him rushed over in a panic. "Chef Long, why did you throw those away? It took us forever to pick out the best ones from ten pounds of beans. We’re about to start serving; we can't have an empty platter!"

The apprentice was clearly diligent, but Fang Nian wouldn't be questioned by a subordinate. He put on a cold face and snapped, "Are you tired of this job? You dare question me? Do you think you can do better? If you can, then you take over as head chef."

The apprentice froze. Usually, Brother Long was kind to them, teaching them everything without reservation and never scolding them so harshly. They were used to being informal with him. But this "Brother Long" seemed like a completely different person—not only was he volatile, but his voice even sounded slightly different.

The apprentice wanted to ask, but a sharp, piercing glare from Fang Nian silenced him instantly.

Seeing that the apprentice was cowed, Fang Nian commanded, "Go, get me some tender chicken, yellow fungus, fresh lily bulbs, and monkey head mushrooms. Then, get me a fresh black carp—and be quick. If you delay the service, we’ll both be in big trouble."

The apprentice, no longer daring to hesitate, immediately turned to prepare the ingredients.