Gu Xuelan arrived at her restaurant before the sun had fully risen, the streets of Beijing still quiet, dust catching the morning light.
She stepped out of the black sedan, heels clicking sharply against the pavement. Her deep-red Cheongsam clung perfectly to her figure, the delicate embroidery catching each stray ray of sunlight.
The diamond earrings at her ears and the ring on her hand glittered subtly, announcing her presence without words.
The restaurant's entrance was pristine, polished, and intentionally imposing. Inside, the marble counters reflected her image as if congratulating her on the empire she was about to build.
Today, she would present herself not just as a chef, but as a star, a rising name in the culinary world.
Xuelan walked past the waiting staff, her gaze scanning each station. She didn't need to speak, her reputation preceded her. The young assistant chef rushed to her side, carrying a silver tray of ingredients for the day.
