The record for the highest auction price of bluefin tuna has reached an astonishing several million dors. Most of this prized fish will end up in upscale restaurants, where it seems there is an endless demand for such a premium ingredient. For those willing to spend hundreds of dors, a mere slice of this delicacy can be enjoyed at a restaurant.
However, the reality is that the two gills of such a tuna will never make their way into the back kitchens of any restaurant.
Many people struggle toprehend why the ultra-wealthy indulge in such extreme extravagance. For them, whether a meal’s ingredients cost thousands or tens of thousands of dors is inconsequential. In their eyes, the true worth of a bottle of wine priced at tens of thousands lies solely in the moment it is uncorked, producing a satisfying sound.
This behavior stems from their immense wealth, allowing them to spend freely without giving it a second thought; it’s nearly impossible for them to exhaust their fortune in a single lifetime. While an average person may spend a day or two’s wages on a meal, for a billionaire like Takehiko Ito, dining on a $100,000 meal might only represent the interest earned from his savings in a day.
Essentially, when Takehiko Ito spends $100,000 on a meal, it equates to an ordinary person spending just 10 yuan on a bowl of vegetarian noodle soup.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">
Although Charlie is also quite wealthy, money holds little significance for him, and he has never developed a taste for extravagant spending. After hearing Emi Ito’s introduction, he nodded and smiled, saying, “Ms. Ito has put in a lot of effort, but I don’t have such refined tastes; I’m happy with some home-cooked meals without the need for extravagance.”
Nanako Ito chuckled, replying, “Even if Mr. Wade doesn’t visit us, my aunt prepares exquisite meals for him. His annual food expenses alone amount to millions of dors. Honestly, I see it more as a gimmick than a necessity.”
Ito Yuhikoughed, saying, “Nanako, anything in this world can be considered a path if pursued to the extreme. You cherish ikebana, so you go to great lengths to acquire the finest flowers. While a single rose might cost just 1 yuan at a store, the best ones selected from top cultivars can reach tens of thousands. The finest flowers, paired with the most elegant arrangements, embody the art of flowers, while a bouquet costing 100 yuan from a roadside shop will neverpare in sophistication.”
“Tea, too, is an art form. While ordinary folks might brew a cup from a tea bag or mix it with milk, that merely counts as drinking tea. True tea appreciation requires the finest leaves, exquisite teapots, and the most refined brewing techniques.”
“Though I may not know much about the arts of flowers or tea, I certainly understand the art of food!” Nanako Ito teased, “It’s all about savoring the best ingredients and the finest wines!”
She stuck out her tongue yfully, adding, “Just admit you’re greedy; there’s no need to borate!”
Ito Yuhiko burst into heartyughter and poured a bottle of sakebeled “14 generations,” presenting it to Charlie. “Mr. Wade, this isn’t just any sake; it’s one of the finest, known as Long Xiao Jiutian. Even a prime minister might not have the chance to experience it!”<fn29df> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? Find1Novel</fn29df>
“Long Xiao Jiutian…” Charlie smirked awkwardly, asking, “What’s behind such a name?” Ito Yuhiko replied with a grin, “It reflects the unique branding culture of Japan. Regardless of quality, the name must exude a high-end aura. The more obscure, the more it seems prestigious. The terminology surrounding sake could fill a book. Notable brands include Heilong, Longyin, and Longquan, but Long Xiao Jiutian is the pinnacle.”
Curious, Charlie inquired, “Mr. Ito, honestly, is this wine any good?”
“Good… well, it’s drinkable,” Takehiko Ito pondered for a moment and then stated candidly, “To be truthful, in terms of taste alone, it pales inparison to Coke.”
He quickly added, “But this sake is, after all, a national treasure of Japan!” He noted that wine made from sour, fermented grapes by Europeans is inferior to grape juice. “Isn’t that what their cultural pride stands on?”
Charlie nodded in understanding, smiling as he remarked, “It seems that Japanese sake and French red wine are akin to our local music for drinking.”
Takehiko Ito chuckled in agreement, pping his hands. “Mr. Wade is absolutely right!”
Then, he poured a ss of sake for Charlie and said with a smile, “However, Mr. Wade, while the taste may not be exceptional, the experience of feeling slightly tipsy is something that nothing else can replicate. Let’s invite Tanaka to join us for a bit of drinking and chatting; it will enhance our enjoyment!”