Chapter 88

Fifteen days later, at Newhaven Commercial Plaza, a prime location had stood vacant for two weeks. Day and night, renovations transformed the space. Now, a new restaurant, the “Evermore Diner,” occupied the spot.

The restaurant boasted bright, clean interiors with high-end décor and relaxing music. Neatly dressed waitstaff added to the pleasant atmosphere. A large board outside displayed posters announcing the grand opening:

“Evermore Diner is now open!”

“Evermore Diner: Rustic food from the real countryside! The most delicious rustic food!”

“Every dish is made with natural, uncontaminated, farm-fresh ingredients. Truly natural, delicious, and healthier! Eat with peace of mind!”

“Membership card offer: Pay $150, get $165! Pay $300, get $330! Pay $450, get $500!”

“Spend $15, get a 10% discount!”

A crowd gathered, discussing the claims:

“Rustic food?”

“Every dish is made with natural farming ingredients?”

“Truly natural, uncontaminated, delicious, and healthier?”

“Eh, they’re exaggerating.”

“There’s no real rustic food anymore.”

“All vegetables are grown in greenhouses. We just hope the pesticide residue is within the standard!”

Food safety was a contentious issue in Eldoria. Unsurprisingly, the crowd was skeptical of the Evermore Diner’s claims, viewing them as a marketing gimmick.

Inside, Harlan and his wife, Sophia, overheard the conversation and felt disheartened.

Sophia whispered, “Why don’t they believe our food is authentic?”

Harlan sighed, “It’s not their fault. Recent food scandals—toxic eggs, reused oil, lean meat powder—have eroded public trust. People don’t believe truly natural, healthy food exists anymore.”

Sophia murmured, “Those unscrupulous merchants ruined our country’s food reputation!”

While the couple whispered inside, the crowd outside remained unconvinced, and no one entered the restaurant. The dozen or so waitstaff felt discouraged; their grand opening, complete with discounts, seemed to be failing.

Harlan, noticing the idle staff, instructed, “There are people outside. Everyone, persuade them to try our food.”

“Yes, sir!” the staff responded in unison.

Harlan and Sophia, co-owners and chefs of the Evermore Diner, watched as their employees attempted to attract customers. Despite detailed explanations, the crowd remained hesitant, and many left without entering. Discouraged, Harlan and Sophia felt their efforts were in vain.

Just then, a red Ferrari led a convoy of luxury cars—Mercedes, Audis, and others—toward the Commercial Plaza. The Ferrari’s driver, a beautiful woman with long hair and sunglasses, immediately drew attention. It was Claire Carter.

The cars parked before the Evermore Diner, causing the staff to cheer.

“Miss Carter is here!”

“Line up to welcome Ms. Carter!”

“I’ll get the fireworks!”

Some lined up, while others went inside to retrieve fireworks. Harlan and Sophia also went outside to greet Claire.

Claire exited the Ferrari, followed by a dozen bodyguards. They formed a protective ring around a Mercedes, indicating an important passenger inside. Curiosity mounted among onlookers.

Claire approached the Mercedes as two bodyguards opened the door. A silver-haired man in a white suit emerged—Denton Carter.

Someone in the crowd recognized him. “Isn’t that Denton Carter, the patriarch of the Carter family? A business tycoon and martial arts hero.”

“Why is he here?”

Claire greeted Denton, smiling. “Grandpa, we’re at the Evermore Diner.”

Denton looked at the restaurant and nodded. “Let’s go in.”

Harlan and Sophia were astonished. Harlan greeted them warmly. Denton asked Claire who Harlan was.

“Grandpa, this is Gilmore’s father,” Claire explained.

Denton smiled warmly at Harlan—a rare gesture, Claire knew. It was clearly due to Gilmore.

The employees set off fireworks. Harlan and Sophia led Denton and Claire inside, followed by the bodyguards. All the luxury cars except Claire's Ferrari departed.

The onlookers were amazed.

“Could this restaurant really have high-end, delicious food? Maybe the ingredients are farm-fresh, and the dishes are truly natural and healthy? Otherwise, why would Mr. Carter and Miss Carter be here?” they wondered.