Hera, being just as much of a foodie as Athena, immediately started thinking.


    "Oh! I saw a new Chinese restaurant near the Uptown Mall. Why don’t we check it out?" Athena suggested excitedly, her eyes shining with anticipation.


    Hera pondered for a moment. <i>’The studio is nearby, so having lunch there wouldn’t be a bad idea. That way, I won’t bete to meet up with the movie’s staff and Director Nick,’</i> she thought before turning to Athena.


    "Alright, let’s take my car," Hera said, casually twirling her car keys around her fingers. The sight made Athena’s eyes sparkle with excitement.


    "Sweet! Let me drive!" Athena eximed, snatching the keys from Hera’s hands.


    Hera, having anticipated this move, didn’t resist. After all, Athena had been rambling about wanting to experience driving one of her cars for ages.


    And considering that Hera’s collection consisted of rare models that couldn’t be bought with money alone, she figured she’d indulge her best friend just this once.


    As they arrived at the garage where Hera’s car was parked, Athena paused, taking a moment to admire the vehicle before clicking her tongue in appreciation.


    "Tsk! This baby is seriously sleek! What a beast!" she eximed, eyes gleaming with excitement.


    Without wasting another second, she unlocked the door and hopped into the driver’s seat.


    The moment she started the engine and heard its smooth, powerful rumble, her smile grew uncontrobly.


    She couldn’t resist revving the gas a few times, enjoying the purr of the machine.


    Meanwhile, Hera took her time getting into the passenger seat, watching Athena’s enthusiasm with amusement.


    "Like it?" Hera asked mischievously, ncing at Athena from the corner of her eye.


    "Yeah! Why, are you giving it to me?!" Athena giggled, throwing a hopeful look Hera’s way.


    Hera chuckled before replying with a firm, "No."


    Athena immediately choked on her own saliva, shooting Hera a betrayed look. "You’re such a tease," she pouted, but the yful glint in her eyes remained.


    Shaking her head in amusement, she shifted gears and smoothly drove out of the garage.


    Once they hit the open road, she rolled down the window, letting the cool breeze rush in.


    The wind yed with her hair as upbeat music sted through the speakers, setting the perfect mood for their ride.


    Not long after, they arrived at the Chinese restaurant. Fortunately, they had encountered no traffic, making the ride smooth and effortless.


    As they pulled up to the entrance, a valet was already waiting for them. With practiced ease, he assisted both Hera and Athena out of the car.


    Athena handed over the keys before the two made their way inside.


    The restaurant’s exterior was a breathtaking homage to ancient Chinese architecture. Stone carvings of dragons, lions, and other mythical creatures lined the pathway, exuding an air of grandeur.


    A striking red archway with a green-tiled roof stood at the entrance, crowned by a majestic golden dragon coiling around a jade ball—eerily simr to the gate at Green Dragon Manor.


    The entire ce exuded luxury. A grand crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling in the lobby area, casting a warm, elegant glow.


    Guests were first greeted by the staff, who checked for reservations.


    If they didn’t have one and the restaurant was full, they would be directed to the lounge to wait until a table became avable.


    Since the establishment was still new, it was bustling with patrons. Many of them were young heiresses from prestigious families and well-known celebrities, all eager to experience the restaurant’s refined ambiance and exquisite cuisine.


    The lobby exuded a perfect blend of ancient charm and modern elegance. As they stepped inside, a staff member greeted them with a warm smile.


    "Hello, ma’am. Do you have a reservation, or would you like to walk in?"


    Athena nced at Hera apologetically, realizing toote that the restaurant required reservations. However, Hera simply shrugged, unfazed.


    "No, we don’t have a reservation. Is there a long wait for a table?" she asked gently, not wanting to put pressure on the staff. The staff member responded graciously.


    "There is a 15-minute wait, ma’am, but there’s no need to worry—the line isn’t too long at the moment. Our VIP seating is reserved for members only, while the regr seating area currently has a waiting list of ten people. However, we are in the process of clearing four tables," the staff member exined politely.


    Hera nodded before asking, "What are the requirements for obtaining a membership card?"


    "To qualify for membership, we require our members to meet a certain financial capacity, as our VIP section is part of an exclusive club. Membership grants ess to private dining rooms, the VIP lounge, an entertainment area, a tea room, and several other premium amenities within the establishment," the staff member borated.


    "So, in short, this is just aworking hub for the rich..." Athena murmured, though both Hera and the staff heard her clearly.


    The staff, however, remained professional, maintaining a polite smile withoutmenting on Athena’s remark.


    She patiently waited as the two continued their conversation, understanding that they were no ordinary customers.


    From their demeanor and attire alone, she could tell they came from wealth. Unlike less-experienced staff, she had been well-trained to recognize high-status guests.


    Even though Hera’s outfit bore no visible luxury brand, the staff’s trained eye instantly recognized that it was custom-made—far more expensive than any designerbel.