The navigation app estimated a 26-minute drive, but the actual journey took 53 minutes—nearly an hour. The driver remarked that traffic was considered exceptionally smooth today, a testament to the well-earned reputation of the Imperial Capital's traffic congestion.
Longxinji on Xinyuan South Road is located on the ground floor of the Qihao Center. Its interior is minimalist and elegant, featuring private dining rooms at the very back and open seating in the front.
A waitress standing at the entrance immediately approached Li Xiangdong and his two companions to ask about their reservation. Li Xiangdong gave the name under which the table was booked. It turned out to be a bar counter seat right next to the chef's workstation—no wonder a last-minute booking had been possible. However, as all three were filled with the excitement of dining at a Michelin three-star restaurant for the very first time, this minor shortcoming was easily overlooked.
Chapter 88