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"Hah, Drunken Immortal Residence truly is exceptional; just look at these cups, they’re not something ordinary people would use."

Xia Zheng caressed the teacup in his hand, his eyebrows slightly raised. That smile of his grew more and more improper the longer one looked at it.

As expected, Zhao Hongsheng’s face twitched, and he inwardly cursed the shopkeeper of Drunken Immortal Residence: Does that old coot think having nice things is the same as having taste?

Lin Yuan couldn’t help covering her mouth to stifle her laughter. The table full of gold and silver utensils was almost blinding, though she was still uncertain about Zhao Hongsheng’s ulterior motive for suddenly inviting them to dine.

"I’ve long heard about the exquisite dishes at Drunken Immortal Residence, and Drunken Immortal Tower in the Capital city is said to be even more so.

However, having always lived in the palace, I’ve never had a chance to taste them," said Zhao Hongde with a smile.

"Today, to have the opportunity to taste such delicious food, I must truly thank Second Brother. "

Zhao Hongsheng gathered his wits and squeezed out a smile, "Third Brother, you are too kind. As a brother, it’s only natural for me to host a welcoming feast for you.

Besides, Drunken Immortal Residence is a property of our mother’s family.

With Second Brother and cousin arriving in Yecheng, how could I, as the eldest brother, not invite everyone over for a gathering? "

Zhao Hongsheng’s words sounded grand and righteous, but Xia Zheng curled his lip and gave a big eye-roll.

Lin Yuan understood Xia Zheng’s temperament well. She knew that even if he truly despised this overbearing wolf, he wouldn’t say anything rash at the moment. At least he should first figure out the big tail wolf’s intentions.

Zhao Hongde, with his good demeanor, really wanted to roll his eyes just like Xia Zheng, but he still held back, smiling and saying, "Then we have Second Brother to thank."

Just as they were speaking, the door to the elegant room opened, and Tang Ruyan came in with the waitstaff, carrying the dishes.

Zhao Hongsheng felt a sense of relief wash over him, grateful for the food’s arrival. If it had been any later, he feared he might have drowned in Xia Zheng’s glaring.

"Young Master, the dishes are here."

Tang Ruyan smiled sweetly, and although it wasn’t intentional, she was still very conscious of her behavior in front of the three distinguished men, let alone the presence of Lin Yuan, who hailed from a humble village background.

No matter how non-superficial she was compared to the likes of Wang Qiaoxin, the inherent sense of superiority in her bones was something she couldn’t hide.

Even though Tang Ruyan’s smile was as beautiful as a flower and her gait light and delicate—she had even dabbed on a subtle layer of rouge and her body was fragranced just right—it was regrettably true that not one of the three men in the room spared her a glance.

Xia Zheng’s eyes had always held only one woman, Lin Yuan. Right now, he was leaning close to her ear, whispering who knows what, but from Lin Yuan’s slightly bashful expression, one could guess at the tenderness of their conversation.

Zhao Hongde looked on with an amused smile at the pair across from him. Although he had known Lin Yuan for only a few days, he already treated her as his own dear sister. The affection in his eyes was almost too sweet to bear.

Meanwhile, Zhao Hongsheng, who should have been paying attention to Tang Ruyan, was staring intensely at the tableful of golden and silverware. Tang Ruyan was at his side, and yet he couldn’t even muster a smile for her.

Failing to achieve the effect she had anticipated, Tang Ruyan felt a mix of disappointment and jealousy.

Was it conceivable that this peasant girl could draw the attention of the two men in the room?

The men must be blind not to notice such a flower right in front of them, utterly devoid of romance!

"Gentlemen, these dishes are all signature offerings of Drunken Immortal Residence, and I’m sure you will like them."

Tang Ruyan cleared her throat, hoping to draw everyone’s attention with the most graceful and sweetest voice she could muster.

"I wonder if you gentlemen are familiar with these dishes. How about allowing Yanie to introduce them to you?"

Pointing to a dish that resembled a Peony flower, Tang Ruyan smiled and said, "This dish, named ’Nation’s Beauty,’ is made with the black fish unique to Yecheng as its main ingredient.

The fish meat is sliced into strips and then arranged into the shape of a peony.

During cooking, they are first set with hot oil, then pan-fried until done.

After plating, it’s dressed with various spices, and freshly-carved cucumber slices are added as petals to truly complete the ’Nation’s Beauty. ’

It must be said that Tang Ruyan’s voice was indeed very pleasing. Unfortunately, all the attention was captured by the dish, leaving none for Tang Ruyan herself.

Feeling deflated, Tang Ruyan pursed her lips. However, when she saw Xia Zheng carefully placing the first bite of fish into Lin Yuan’s dish, meticulously removing the bones, she couldn’t help but feel stunned.