Chapter Twenty-Seven: King Ada

“Wasn’t it agreed that I’d choose the place?” Li Yiyi said, looking at the hotpot restaurant before them with a hint of grievance.

“That’s because the places you pick are too low-end. The food they serve is terrible,” Wang Jing replied, putting an arm around Li Yiyi’s shoulders and spreading his hands.

“Are you sure this place is any good?” Li Yiyi asked skeptically, glancing at the sign beneath the restaurant’s name that read “shwj First Branch.”

“Of course. I’ve tried it myself. If you don’t believe me, ask Li Xian!” To bolster his argument, Wang Jing brought Li Xian into the conversation.

Li Yiyi looked back at Li Xian, who followed behind.

Li Xian nodded in affirmation and assured, “Wang Jing’s right. This hotpot restaurant is perfect in terms of dishes, flavor, and service!”

After Li Xian spoke, Wang Jing patted Li Yiyi’s shoulder and said, “Come on, if you’re not satisfied, I’ll treat you again. You can pick any place you like, and I won’t stop you!”

Since Wang Jing had gone to such lengths, Li Yiyi couldn’t refuse anymore and followed Wang Jing into the hotpot restaurant.

Of course, the treat wasn’t just for Li Yiyi; Wang Jing had invited the rest of the team as well. That was why Wang Jing had only now fulfilled his promise.

Ever since obtaining the T-virus serum, everyone in the team had been extremely busy. Wang Jing was constantly working, while Liu Peiqiang and Wang Lei were getting familiar with their new equipment, especially piloting the stealth helicopter and operating the new exoskeleton armor.

Alice had been busy striking at the remnants of Umbrella and rescuing survivors.

It was only today that everyone finally had time to gather together again. Though the meal was nominally a treat for Li Yiyi, in truth, it was a long-overdue celebration.

As soon as they entered, a waiter enthusiastically approached, “Mr. Wang, you’ve arrived! Please, this way!”

Hearing the waiter at the door, the restaurant manager immediately ran over, beaming with delight to personally welcome Wang Jing. Ever since Wang Jing started dining here, their revenue in the main dimension had multiplied several times, and the stock price soared daily.

It was, essentially, free global advertising—an opportunity countless people would kill for. Naturally, the manager was eager to serve Wang Jing as if he were a god of wealth.

Led by the manager’s enthusiastic guidance, Wang Jing and his companions were ushered into a luxurious private room. “Mr. Wang, this meal is on me. Order whatever you wish!” the manager said obsequiously.

But Wang Jing shook his hand to refuse the manager’s little scheme. “That’s unnecessary. Charge me as usual. I can afford it.”

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“That won’t do, Mr. Wang! The main dimension is streaming globally right now. You risked your life for all humanity—if I take your money, people will curse me for the rest of my life!” The manager looked troubled.

“Saving the world is one thing; paying for dinner is another. We can’t mix the two, or chaos will reign,” Wang Jing said solemnly.

Seeing Wang Jing’s resolve, the manager could only smile politely and began recording the dishes Wang Jing ordered.

During this time, the waiters brought exquisite appetizers, drinks, and fruit. Wang Jing noticed one particularly elegant female server.

When Wang Jing’s gaze fell on her, she didn’t shy away but nodded politely and smiled.

“All right, that’ll be enough for now,” Wang Jing said, closing the menu and handing it to the manager.

“Very well, please wait. The dishes will be served soon,” the manager replied with his ever-attentive smile.

Wang Jing nodded and casually asked, “Where’s the restroom?”

“Oh! Let me show you the way!” The manager started to move, but Wang Jing waved him off. “No need, I’ll go myself.”

“Of course. Out the door and turn right; it’s at the end of the hall.”

“Got it,” Wang Jing replied, rising and heading out, with Li Xian immediately following.

Once outside, Wang Jing didn’t turn right but headed straight downstairs.

Li Xian, noticing Wang Jing’s deviation, didn’t say a word but grew more alert and drew closer.

“Relax, I’m just meeting someone,” Wang Jing said, sensing Li Xian’s tension. But Li Xian remained vigilant, sticking close behind. Wang Jing didn’t comment further.

Downstairs, Wang Jing found the person he was looking for. “Ada Wong!” he said quietly to the female server ahead.

“Sir, are you speaking to me?”

Wang Jing nodded with a smile.

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“Sir, my name is He Qian, not Ada Wong. You must have mistaken me for someone else.” She tried to step past Wang Jing, but he blocked her.

“There are only a few thousand people left on Earth. I couldn’t possibly mistake you. What puzzles me is how a double agent ended up waiting tables in a hotpot restaurant. What are you planning?” Wang Jing asked slowly.

“Sir, I don’t understand. Double agent? What do you mean?” the server replied, looking confused.

“I have no ill intentions. If you’ve made up your mind, come find me. You have only the duration of this meal. You can either keep hiding in this world, or join me to explore others and earn admiration. It’s your choice.” With that, Wang Jing turned and headed back upstairs, leaving the server standing in bewilderment.

“Is she really a double agent?” Li Xian asked curiously on their way back.

“Of course. Have you ever seen an ordinary person in the apocalypse with such immaculate skin, and such a beautiful woman at that?” Wang Jing replied with a question.

“Do you think she’ll come?” Li Xian pressed.

“About sixty percent chance, though I’m not entirely certain.”

“If she wants to join us, she’ll have to pass the United Government’s strict scrutiny. Her double agent status alone won’t get her through the first round,” Li Xian reminded.

“I’m aware,” Wang Jing said, pushing open the private room door.

Soon, delicious food began arriving at the table, and the six of them ate with gusto. Before long, the plates were picked clean. Li Yiyi leaned back in his chair, patting his slightly bulging stomach in satisfaction.

At that moment, the beautiful female server entered, approached Wang Jing, and whispered, “Sir, there’s a lady downstairs looking for you.”

“Oh? Did she say her name?” Wang Jing asked, turning his head.

“She said she’s Ada Wong.”

Wang Jing stood up, addressing Wang Lei and the others, “You guys stay here. I’m going to meet someone.”