Chapter 66: In Search of Childhood

After a brief conversation with the head chef, I learned that the total investment exceeded 2.5 million US dollars, with a staff-to-guest ratio of 2.5 employees for every guest. Though the average customer spends 3,000 yuan, the per capita cost is over 5,000 yuan. And it’s not just about the food—the costs also include foreign multimedia creatives, IT specialists, and various special effects technicians. In truth, the restaurant barely makes any profit; it exists purely to offer a unique experience.

Such a rigorous attitude commanded Johnson’s deepest respect. It was as if the chef were an artist, devoting himself wholeheartedly to every guest, pouring his passion into his work. It was something truly admirable.

Without a doubt, this was the most sincere restaurant Johnson had ever visited in the Magic City.

Back at the Nine Chambers, he sprawled comfortably in the living room. The koi in the tank swam quietly; he’d heard fish only have memories lasting seven seconds—was it true, he wondered?

“Where should we go tomorrow?” he mused aloud.

Bored, he scrolled through his phone, searching for attractions online. Suddenly, something caught his eye—Disneyland!

A smile broke across Johnson’s face. As a child, he’d envied other kids whose parents took them to amusement parks. It was one of his greatest childhood longings.

He downloaded the app, booked three tickets, and asked, “Have you ever been to Disneyland?” turning to Xia Long.

Xia Long shook his head. Xia Hu looked utterly confused. Johnson smirked and decided to let fate take its course. Tomorrow morning, they would set out.

The next day, they got up early. He instructed the brothers to change into sportswear—wearing black suits to Disneyland would be ridiculous.

They left at eight, arriving at the gates by nine, tickets in hand, lining up to enter. Suddenly, he noticed a thoughtful service: professional guides at a hundred yuan an hour.

He found a charming guide named Shishi and began his journey to make up for the regrets of childhood. Shishi held a small flag and a portable speaker, smiling warmly. “I’m delighted to serve the three of you. I hope you all leave here with wonderful memories today.”

“It’s nine-thirty in the morning, and today isn’t a peak day. My recommended route is: Adventure Isle—Treasure Cove—Fantasyland—Tomorrowland—Gardens of Imagination—Mickey Avenue.”

She pulled out a map, pointing as she walked. “Adventure Isle is a popular area. We’ll start with Soaring Over the Horizon, then queue for Roaring Rapids, and head toward Treasure Cove for Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure.”

“Afterward, we’ll move to Fantasyland for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and finally Peter Pan’s Flight. Judging by the crowds, none of the lines will be long. Then we proceed to Tomorrowland…”

Goodness, the girl was in full force, her finger darting around the route map. Johnson shot a glance at Xia Long, quickly intervening, “Hold on, hold on… Can we take this a little slower?”

“Miss, we’re here to relax, not on a commando mission!”

Shishi giggled. Johnson was evidently a wealthy guest, even bringing bodyguards to the park. She folded the map away and smiled, “Understood, you want a leisurely tour?”

Seeing Johnson nod, she sighed deliberately, “Clients like you are the best. Usually, it’s like leading a commando team—people desperate to do everything in two hours because they’ve paid for it…”

Everyone laughed, strolling and chatting unhurriedly. Parents around them hurried their children along as if they were celebrities dashing between appointments, afraid to waste even a minute.

Their first stop was Soaring Over the Horizon. Xia Long whispered, “Perhaps Xia Hu should accompany you. I’ll keep watch from below?”

Johnson paused, suddenly understanding, and laughingly scolded, “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of heights?”

He grabbed his arm, “No escape—if the boss is going, you’re both coming too!”

Securing their belongings, the three took their seats. They soared straight up into the clouds, sweeping over Mount Kilimanjaro, the snow-capped peaks so vivid they stole one’s breath. Dodging left and right, the ride suddenly plunged toward the snowy summits.

Even knowing it was a dome-projected film, the sensation of weightlessness was overwhelming. Johnson couldn’t help but join the crowd in shouting with excitement.

They flew above the African savannah, animals running wild below, the scent of grass wafting up. The Sydney Opera House, the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, the beaches of Fiji, Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany…

At times, they seemed close enough to touch an elephant or a seaplane, even the air changed scent as the scenes shifted. Over the Great Wall, skimming the tip of a pyramid, the Taj Mahal, deserts, beaches, Paris—and finally, back to land.

Johnson exhaled, his legs a little shaky. Looking back, Xia Long and Xia Hu were utterly composed. He muttered to himself, “Special forces, all right!”

Seeing Johnson’s pale face, Xia Long teased, “Boss, are you going to make it?”

“Get lost!” Johnson shot to his feet. “We’re just getting started—let’s go!”

He sidled up to Shishi, whispering, “Pick something more relaxed—nothing like bungee jumping!”

“Understood!” Shishi immediately replied. “I suggest we head to Pirate Cove—there’s a performance today, it’s spectacular!”

Johnson exchanged a look—this girl was sharp. Why not? They were here for a laid-back day, not an extreme challenge.

“This is the Battle for the Sunken Treasure. The exterior is styled as a Caribbean coastal fortress, offering guests a spectacular boat adventure.”

“Led by Captain Jack Sparrow from the films, visitors embark on a thrilling escapade, fully immersed in scenes where two pirate ships clash in a narrow strait…”

The park’s largest 4D dome theater perfectly recreated underwater effects. As soon as the boat launched, it seemed to plunge into the depths, surrounded by dazzling jewels and lost treasures.

The battle began; their boat drifted between the warring ships. Johnson could clearly see the cannon barrels extending from the ship on the left, firing in sync with the current. It was breathtaking.

Afterwards was a stage show, and everyone received a pirate coin. Watching the children’s bright excitement, Johnson couldn’t help but smile. It felt wonderful.

By now it was noon. Johnson asked, “I’ve heard online that food here is expensive. Where’s the priciest restaurant in Disneyland?”

“We’re not a Michelin restaurant, nor a time-honored Chinese brand. You don’t really come to a theme park for the food, do you?” Shishi replied confidently. “Granted, it’s not exactly cheap, but it’s far from outrageous. And with me here, I guarantee you’ll eat well today!”

In fact, the most economical way to dine at Disneyland was to bring your own sealed snacks and a bottle of mineral water. Things like packaged bread, custard pies, sausages, biscuits, raisins, and so on.

But cut fruit, duck necks in Tupperware, homemade sandwiches, smashed cucumbers, boiled eggs, DIY salads—those weren’t allowed.

When it came to food, Shishi was clearly a gourmand. “In my experience, there are plenty of tasty snacks. For example, the Turkey Leg at Treasure Cove is hugely popular—always a long line, but the aroma is irresistible, though it’s a bit spicy.”

“The Asian-style turkey leg costs fifty-five yuan each—they’re huge, easily enough for two to share.”

“Most adult meals are around a hundred yuan, which is about normal for tourist attractions. But since money’s no object for you, let me introduce a few of the best-reviewed restaurants!”

This was what Johnson had been waiting for. Since it was unlikely they’d finish every ride, why not focus on food and make the trip worthwhile?

“The Royal Banquet Hall costs three hundred sixty-eight yuan per person, reservation required, plus a fifteen percent service fee. The entire interior is a fairy-tale castle, with signature dishes inspired by classic stories. You can also take photos with characters like Cinderella, Mulan, and Snow White…”

Seeing Johnson frown, Shishi muttered, “If you’re a die-hard Disney fan, it’s not really about the food—you’re paying for the experience.”

“Then there’s the Old Vine Treehouse, offering roast chicken, Mongolian beef rice, pan-fried fish fillet, and spicy Sichuan fried chicken, plus desserts, sides, and vegetarian options.”

“It’s the best value, in my opinion—the most honest restaurant in the park. The chicken leg combo is only eighty yuan, the spicy chicken nugget and fries meal is seventy-five, single orders are seventy, plus a drink. The spicy fried chicken is truly amazing!”

Johnson, unwilling to indulge in fried junk food, quickly interjected, “Any other options?”