Jiang Changbin pointed ahead, then sighed. "Brother Shang, tell me... how high-ranking an official am I, really? Going to those fancy places makes me uncomfortable. The photos alone are more than I can stand. Ah... and then there's being told the meal is free. That makes me even more uncomfortable! Am I, Jiang Changbin, the sort who can't afford to pay and eats on the cheap?"
Shang Qingyun remained impassive, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
"Besides, as a cadre of my standing, can I just accept any dinner invitation? Those people really do look down on others through a dog's eyes."
Jiang Changbin snorted and thumped his chest. "I'm a model of integrity, righteousness in every bone and nothing but a clean breeze in my sleeves, self-disciplined and devoted to public service!"
"Ah." Shang Qingyun sighed.
He felt that this fellow really did talk too much.
"So I simply had someone book this roadside farmhouse restaurant..."
Jiang Changbin leaned close to Shang Qingyun's ear. "...Actually, my brother-in-law's brother-in-law runs this place. Hehehe... Brother Shang, do look after him in the future."
Shang Qingyun was instantly left speechless with exasperation. He pointed at him a few times, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "So after all that, this was what you were waiting to spring on me?"
"We can eat here with peace of mind."
As they spoke, they reached the little restaurant and pushed the door open. Jiang Changbin bellowed, "Liu! Little Liu! How are those dishes coming along?"
"They're ready! They've been ready for ages."
A young man ran out wearing an apron, his face full of smiles. "Brother Jiang, I've been preparing this meal for you for three whole days!"
"Bullshit! Three days ago, I didn't even know I'd be coming here to eat! Besides, could ingredients you