Chapter 1442: A Quarter of Politeness
The Restaurant of the Gods is located on the Place des Vosges in the Marais district. From the outside, you wouldn't be able to tell it's a three-star Michelin restaurant. A wooden door, too narrow for two people to enter side by side, is flanked by two green plants. The yellow exterior walls appear unassuming and understated, though. Inside, however, the interior is resplendent: the golden, Rococo-style décor creates a sense of sophistication. Tapestries hang on the walls, creating a sense of refinement, grandeur, and sheer luxury. It's a stark contrast to the exterior's aesthetic.
This house was originally a French nobleman's house, and the rooms still retain the style of the past, except that there are many more dining tables in the room.
Normally, this place is incredibly lively: Don't even think about foreigners being quiet when dining; even at a three-star Michelin restaurant, the atmosphere can be as lively as a market. To accommodate more customers, tables are spaced incredibly close together, so even if everyone is whispering, the next table can still hear clearly. Life isn't a movie; try asking the freedom-loving French, who dislike being controlled, to speak more quietly. Prepare for a fight.
This is definitely not a good place to chat or discuss business.
But today is different from the past. It is very quiet here, with only one person sitting at a long table.
"Hubert, it's already 9:10, why hasn't he come yet?" It was Jules who asked the question.
Hubert sighed and said, "Jules, calm down. This is France. Renault and Luxon haven't arrived yet."
The French are famous for being late all over the world, especially when attending a banquet. They must be at least fifteen minutes late, which is called a "courtesy quarter hour". It is actually impolite to arrive at the banquet on time.
They say this is done to give the host more time to prepare.
Of course, even though it's called a 'courtesy quarter hour', being late by half an hour or an hour is perfectly normal. They have no concept of time here.
Jules said, "Oh, this is the first time I think this French habit of being late is a bad habit. When can he come?"
Hubert asked, "How should I know?"
"Why don't you give him a call?" said Zhu Er.
Hubert said helplessly, "That's so un-French, isn't it? Jules, it's already very difficult for me to arrange a date with him for you. He just had a party last night."
Ruth Birkin, who was sitting next to Jules, said, "I know the internet is full of photos of people who attended the party today. His taste is really average. None of the people who attended the party were famous internet celebrities. Damn it, they made us wait for him like this? I can accept waiting for Mr. Renault and Mr. Luxon, but why should we wait for Xiao?"
Hubert asked, "Ms. Birkin, do you think he needs to invite some celebrities to make himself look good? Jules, are you sure you want Ruth Birkin to attend this party? With the way she talks, I guarantee you'll end up in a bad mood today!"
Ruth Birkin said, "I know he's a billionaire, but we've met too many wealthy people! They're all our clients! Luxury goods serve the wealthy, but likewise, the wealthy serve luxury goods! The two serve each other! This is France, and he's from Daxia, so he has to abide by our French rules."
After hearing this, Hubert said without even looking at her, "Jules, I suggest you ask this Ruth Birkin to leave. Her presence here will definitely cause trouble. Do you want her here to use her beauty to make Xiao relax? Believe me, Xiao has seen all kinds of women. When I left Xiao Peng's ship today, his men were there herding out the young men and women who attended the cocktail party yesterday. No matter how young and beautiful they were, they were herded like pigs, showing no mercy at all. He's not a French man. He's more pragmatic and won't suffer any hardship for the sake of his lower body."
After hearing this, Zhu Er looked a little embarrassed.
Hubert immediately understood what was going on: "Oh, Jules, you are in good health indeed. You are still strong despite your age!"
Ruth Birkin said, "Mr. Huber, I don't know what your relationship with Jules is, nor do I know your background, but please respect yourself and be careful with your words."
After hearing this, Jules was anxious: "Lu! Apologize to Mr. Huber immediately! Mr. Huber is the director of DRSD!"
"DRSD?" Ruth Birkin expressed confusion.
Jules explained: "The French National Intelligence and Security Agency!"
Ruth Birkin's face changed after hearing this, and she quickly apologized, "Mr. Hubert, I'm sorry, I didn't know your identity! Jules, why didn't you tell me Hubert's identity?"
She had to apologize! If she offended Hubert, she would have no privacy at all!
Zhu Er shook his head and said, "Hubert's identity is sensitive and he shouldn't be dealing with such matters. That's why fewer and fewer people know his identity."
Hubert glanced at Ruth Birkin and said, "You said he's just a wealthy man from Daxia? Remember, a cow is a cow, regardless of nationality. I've known him for a long time. When we first met, he needed to rely on me, but now? I have to be more careful when interacting with him. Are you more capable than me? Jules, it's this woman who caused the trouble, right? She'll only cause you more trouble like this—foolish woman!"
Ruth Birkin was furious after hearing this, but she couldn't show it. She could only smile and remain silent.
Zhu Er said, "The two museum directors will be here soon. It's not very nice for a group of men like us to have dinner here without women to accompany us."
Hubert suddenly became furious. "Renault and Luxon, those two idiots... Never mind, I won't scold them. It's already this late and they haven't come yet? What if Xiao gets here before them? If that happens and this stupid woman comes along... I swear to God! This is the last time I'll help you!"
Zhu Er asked in confusion: "Isn't this a normal thing?"
Just as Hubert was about to speak, he heard the waiter speak.
"Here I come!" Hubert stood up and said.
Jules and Ruth Birkin didn't understand why Hubert got up so early to greet them, which was not in line with French etiquette for welcoming guests.
However, since Yu Beier had stood up to greet them, they had to follow suit, so they quickly stood up to greet him together.
"Xiao!" Yu Beier greeted him warmly.
Xiao Peng said he would bring many people, but in fact he only brought Ilka.
"Sorry for the long wait." Xiao Peng said, "I'm really annoyed by your French rule of being late. This 'courtesy quarter hour' is really unacceptable. I've been waiting at the door for twenty minutes. That's why I said I'd treat you to dinner!"
"..." Yu Beier and others were speechless. We were almost going crazy waiting for you, but you were standing at the door and didn't come in?
You are amazing!
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