Chapter 22: Was She Looked Down Upon by a Dog’s Eyes?

Lanting was located in the busiest part of City B, and the rent here was astronomical, a number that ordinary people couldn’t even imagine in a year.

Though it was a place of entertainment, it had enforced a strict membership system since its inception.

The requirements for membership were extremely high. Not only did it require a financial verification, but also a series of complicated evaluation criteria. Without substantial resources, no one could become a member.

Members had to personally attend, and they were free to bring as many people as they liked.

For others who wanted to enter, the only option was to buy an entrance ticket.

A single entrance ticket allowed entry for over ten people, enough for a fun time. But these tickets were only released in small quantities each year.

When they were released, they were eagerly grabbed by the wealthy heirs who spent lavishly. After all, just obtaining an entrance ticket was something they could brag about to their friends for a long time.

Despite the strict conditions to get in, Lanting was still extremely popular among the wealthy and influential.

One reason was that it offered excellent privacy, making it perfect for entertaining clients. Don’t think that rich people have no sense of competition—on the contrary, their desire to outdo others is just as strong as anyone else’s.

Doing business here was more effective, since being able to enter was already a sign of status.

To date, countless business deals worth billions have been negotiated in this place.

The second, and more important reason, was that it was known that Mr. Qi, who kept a low profile, might appear here.

Yes, this was Mr. Qi’s childhood friend’s business, and having such a powerful connection helped Lanting quickly rise to fame.

Even with a one-in-a-thousand chance of meeting the usually elusive Mr. Qi, even just exchanging a greeting would be enough. At least you could become a familiar face, right?

So, from the moment Lanting opened, it gained rapid fame, and now, it was approaching a legendary status.

Countless people felt proud to be able to enter, as it was a confirmation of their social standing.

A black sedan slowly stopped at the entrance. The overly plain vehicle seemed completely out of place next to the luxurious lobby.

Even the doorman didn’t immediately react, unsure whether to step forward to offer valet service.

Su Baili had just gotten out of the car, and not far from her, another vehicle parked.

A woman wearing sunglasses got out, walking with an arrogant stride, and said, “Take me to Qiushuigao.”

“Yes, please follow me, honored guest.” The doorman, who had hesitated earlier, no longer hesitated and respectfully said, “This way, please.”

At this moment, Su Baili also closed the car door and started walking inside.

The two of them happened to cross paths.

The woman first noticed Su Baili’s face, then tensed up, looking somewhat anxious.

But when she saw the car that Su Baili had come in, a look of disdain appeared in her eyes. “Little girl, this isn’t a place that just anyone can enter. I advise you to go home quickly,” she said.

Su Baili frowned. Did she know this person???

She wasn’t one to let herself be humiliated. Just as she was about to retort, the woman had already flicked her entrance ticket and quickly walked inside.

Su Baili was even more enraged!

Ahhhhh—don’t run! She could take a lot, but never humiliation. If she didn’t stand up for herself now, she wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.

Su Baili raised her foot to chase, but before she could take more than a couple of steps, someone stopped her. She could only watch as the woman entered Lanting, her back disappearing from view.

“Hello, may I see your membership card, entrance ticket, or other entry credentials?” The doorman asked professionally.

“Me? A card?” Su Baili looked confused.

She pointed at her own nose…

This was yet another area of confusion for her. Since when did entering Lanting require a card?

The doorman, seeing her confusion, assumed she was causing trouble. He said sternly, “Miss, this is a private club. Without valid credentials, you cannot enter.”

“…”

This was awkward.

Su Baili shook her phone. “Can I make a phone call first?”

The doorman coldly replied, “Please step aside. Don’t block the entrance, it might disturb the other guests. I can’t be responsible for that.”

Before he could finish, a series of hurried footsteps came from behind. The doorman felt a sharp tap on the back of his head.

“Move aside. How dare you speak to Miss Su like that?”

Su Baili looked up to see Assistant Chen and the manager of Lanting.

The doorman, rubbing his head, looked at the manager in confusion.

The manager, nearly having a heart attack, had been wondering why his right eyelid had been twitching all day. It turned out he was waiting for this moment.

The doorman was the one who should be feeling wronged, not him.

If Miss Su got upset, they might as well close Lanting down. Did he think that just because he worked here, he could lord it over everyone?

A place like Lanting, seemingly glamorous, could be shut down with just one word from Mr. Qi.

The manager, forcing a smile, carefully explained, “My apologies, Miss Su. After an evaluation, all the previous doormen were promoted to work inside as servers. These are new employees, so they don’t recognize you. I’ll make sure they pay more attention in the future, and this won’t happen again.”

The manager felt helpless. The people Lanting couldn’t afford to offend were no one other than Mr. Qi and Miss Su. Their faces were walking billboards. They could come and go as they pleased.

As for Mr. Qi, he always notified them in advance. Even their boss would personally accompany him. As for Miss Su, she rarely visited, so the staff was unfamiliar with her.

Normally, everyone else had to present their entry credentials to get in, which made this situation quite unusual.

It was just that they had recently hired new employees, and Su Baili had happened to arrive when they didn’t know her special status. If he hadn’t run into Assistant Chen, he wouldn’t have even realized what was happening.

His heart had been racing, and sure enough, it had all gone wrong.

The doorman, who had never heard the manager speak to anyone like that, was now flustered and repeatedly apologized. “I’m so sorry, it’s all my fault.”

Assistant Chen, who had a good relationship with the manager, helped by saying, “Miss Su, Manager Wu didn’t know you were coming. As soon as I heard, I came to greet you.”

Manager Wu shot Assistant Chen a grateful glance.

Su Baili waved her hand. “It’s fine, I understand. It’s all for work. Everyone has their difficulties. Let’s just let this matter go. If everything’s good here, can I go inside now?”

Hearing this, both the manager and the doorman let out a heavy sigh of relief.

The manager immediately smiled broadly and said respectfully, “Please follow me.”