Jade waved her hand dismissively. "My mom doesn't like that stuff. She says it's all marketing gimmicks and scams. She prefers snow fungus!"
She turned to the waiter. "Bring my mother a bowl of snow fungus and pear soup."
I sneered internally. Seven years ago, during Jade's confinement, Zoey had hypocritically sent a few boxes of bird's nest as an excuse for not visiting, claiming her "old ailment" had flared up. I had made one comment about the quality back then, and Jade had held a grudge ever since.
"You all eat slowly. If it's not enough, order more."
I stood. "I'm going to the restroom."
I walked out of the private room and went straight to the front desk.
"Waiter." My voice was clear. "Bring out your most expensive liquor."
Five minutes later, I strolled out of the restaurant, two bottles of vintage red wine worth $200,000 tucked securely under my arm. I hailed a cab and headed straight for the airport.
Back in the private room, the restaurant manager pushed the door open, beaming.
"Congratulations to our honored guests! Your spending today has exceeded $200,000. As a token of our appreciation, please accept this collector's edition zodiac commemorative liquor."