The server took Chaithanya's order once more and returned to the kitchen to inform the chef.
Meanwhile, Sis Xia's mind was clouded with questions. Why would an A-list actor come to her restaurant? Was it really that popular? Most days, only ten to twenty seats were occupied out of the hundreds available. Why would a celebrity choose her modest place over the five-star restaurants in the city?
While Xia was lost in thought, Chaithanya turned to Xiuying. "See, you've been working as my personal secretary for three years. We know each other well, so we're basically friends. And friends look out for each other. If you're hungry, eat. This meal is on me. Actually, every time you eat with me, it'll be my treat. If you ever run into any trouble, don't hesitate to tell me. I'll do my best to help."
His words moved her to tears. She didn't say anything, just turned her face away so he wouldn't notice the glistening in her eyes. She didn't know if he would truly keep his promise, but the care in his words was enough to touch her. In a harsh world, the presence of even one person who cares makes it more bearable.
Soon, dish after dish filled the table. Chaithanya and Xiuying devoured the food, forgetting both their worries and table manners.
Eager to make an impression, Sis Xia slipped into the restroom to check her makeup and outfit. In the mirror, her black wavy hair cascaded around her face. Long, arched brows framed her eyes, complementing her short, sharp nose. Her porcelain-like skin carried a natural glow, highlighted by rosy cheeks. Her lips, slim yet plump, held an alluring charm. Her curvaceous figure, with its graceful bust and hips, completed a silhouette of striking allure.
At twenty-eight, she was a jade-like beauty, the kind who could easily captivate young men like Chaithanya.
She instructed the server to alert her when the guests were done eating. A few minutes later, the server knocked on the restroom door. Freshly made up, Xia stepped out and walked to the counter. By then, Chaithanya had eaten his fill. He cleaned his hands—having used them instead of chopsticks—and walked to the counter.
Looking around, he didn't find what he wanted. Noticing his hesitation, Xia asked curiously, "What are you looking for?"
"Do you have a palm payment machine?" he asked eagerly.
"I just bought one recently. Have you registered your palm payment?" Xia replied, placing the device on the counter.
"I haven't. What do I need to register?" he asked.
"Just scan the QR code on the screen with WeChat and complete the process on your phone," she said with a warm smile.
"Alright." Chaithanya pulled out his phone and spent five minutes registering. Excitedly, he placed his palm on the screen, completing the payment. The novelty of paying with his hand amused him.
As he enjoyed the experience, Xia adjusted her top and asked in a slightly seductive tone, "Little brother Junhao, how are the dishes? Which ones did you like the most?"
"Every dish was delicious. I liked them all," he replied, stealing a glance at her figure.
"How about this—give me your number. Call me before you come, and I'll prepare your favorite dishes in advance," she offered with a smile that carried subtle temptation.
Chaithanya thought to himself, Chinese women are born enchantresses. No filters, no heavy makeup—just natural, effortless allure. A beauty like hers is enough to overwhelm any young man.
"Sure," he agreed, taking out his phone and adding her on WeChat. Xiuying, standing nearby, shot him warning looks, urging him not to share his number, but he ignored her and went ahead.
After exchanging farewells, Chaithanya and Xiuying stepped out of the restaurant. The moment they exited, Xiuying glared at him, hands on her hips, her fit body taut with irritation.
Smiling, Chaithanya reassured her. "She doesn't know my real identity. All she has is my personal WeChat. No one knows that account belongs to Junhao, the A-list actor."
He got onto his bike, put on his helmet, and waited for Xiuying to climb on. With a frustrated huff, she mounted behind him, holding onto his shoulders.
They rode toward Shanghai, weaving through traffic until they neared his mansion. Suddenly, at a red light, Chaithanya felt dizzy. A disturbing vision flashed in his mind—a blind woman carrying her daughter struck by a car, then crushed by a truck, killed instantly in a brutal scene that made him vomit.
Shaken, he lifted his head and spotted the very same blind woman with a baby in her arms, weaving between cars to beg for money. It was a common spot for her—wealthy drivers often passed through, and unlike their gated homes, the streets were accessible. She had been doing this for months, suffering minor accidents but always protecting her child first.
She could never leave her baby alone under the bridge where they lived. Besides, people were more likely to give when they saw a mother with a child.
But this time, she had no idea that not just her life, but her baby's, was on the edge of a brutal, unforgiving fate.
"Shit, I won't let someone die in front of my eyes when I know nothing compares to the value of a life," Chaithanya muttered. He glanced back and added, "Stay here. I need to save that mother."
"Huh? Save a mother?" Xiuying was stunned. Chaithanya set the bike on its stand and sprinted toward the woman. Time was running out—he had to act fast to save both mother and child.
He moved swiftly, but still, he was a little late. The car was already right in front of them, about to strike. A surge of adrenaline rushed through his veins. With everything in him, he pushed forward, leaping in front of the vehicle and using his body as a shield.
A miracle unfolded—the car screeched to a halt. He had stopped it, though he had no idea how. Pain shot through him as he realized his hand was broken, the agony stabbing through his mind again and again.
Though he had been wearing a helmet, the impact sent it tumbling to the ground, exposing his face for all to see.
"Oh my god! Isn't that A-list actor Junhao? He just risked his life to save a beggar! How can he be so kind and fearless?" someone cried out, shattering the stunned silence that had gripped the crowd.