Chapter 39: I'll Have One Too

From a considerable distance, even before the waiters had neared, a tantalizing aroma wafted through Drunken Immortal Pavilion, sweeping across the entire hall and permeating the air. In the blink of an eye, the whole establishment was filled with the rich, mouthwatering scent.

“Gentlemen, the Orleans-style wings are here…”

“The Orleans drumsticks, coming through…”

“Orleans fried chicken, just arrived…”

Several waiters, beaming with delight, called out as they carried platters of golden, lustrous food to the tables of those who had ordered. Each dish was set down with its tray, accompanied by a wrapping of old yellow paper and a white napkin.

Gulp.

“What’s going on…”

“This…”

The diners stared in stupefaction, their Adam’s apples bobbing as they swallowed repeatedly. Whatever disgruntlement they had felt before dissolved instantly, leaving them dumbstruck and at a loss for words.

“Please, gentlemen, enjoy your meal,” a thoughtful waiter gently reminded them, snapping the diners from their trance. Nodding blankly, they prepared to taste the food.

But suddenly, they realized there were no chopsticks on their trays. Looking around at the other tables, they saw the same: no chopsticks, only yellow wrapping paper and napkins.

For a moment, nobody knew how to begin. They looked at each other, confusion and uncertainty clouding their faces.

At this point, a nearby waiter kindly explained, “Gentlemen, the ‘Orleans Set’ requires no chopsticks. Simply use your hands—there are napkins provided for your convenience. Please, enjoy.”

With that, the waiter turned and hurried off to the kitchen.

The diners were left in shock, staring at one another.

With their hands? Here, in front of so many people, not even in the privacy of their own homes? Had they really been told to eat with their hands?

Was this some kind of joke?

Such behavior felt utterly indecorous…

Their hearts brimmed with hesitation and silent protest.

Yet the waiters had vanished into the bustle, with no one left to consult. The guests hesitated for a long while, reluctant to move.

But at last, the irresistible aroma of the Orleans fare proved too much. One by one, faces set, they picked up their portions and took a bite.

“If this isn’t delicious, I’ll have it out with Manager Xu!” they thought as they began to eat.

But after the very first taste, they could not stop. It was as if their entire palate had awakened to flavors unknown.

All sense of propriety forgotten, they devoured the meal with gusto.

Suddenly, no one in the entire pavilion paid the slightest heed to anyone else’s table manners; everyone was wolfing down their food.

They looked like starving souls reincarnated.

“Mmm… this is incredible!”

“Waiter, another portion!”

“Bring me another, too…”

Licking their fingers, the diners threw back their heads and shouted with delight.

Seeing others do the same, they exchanged knowing glances, not ridicule, sharing a smile as they awaited the next serving.

But the waiter only smiled apologetically, “My apologies, gentlemen—only one Orleans Set per person per day.”

Everyone was left speechless, swallowing their disappointment.

They remembered the house rules written on the menu and stared longingly at those still enjoying their meal, frustration clouding their eyes.

Some nearly rushed over to snatch another serving from someone else’s hands.

Just then, a man in fine attire, having finished his meal and overheard the conversation, slammed a hundred taels of silver on the table.

“Manager Xu, bring me another! A hundred taels for a serving—surely that’s enough!” he said boldly.

Inspired, others pulled out their purses, eager to follow suit.

The sound of silver hitting tabletops filled the air.

Ten taels, twenty, fifty, a hundred… all laid out in hopes of another helping.

Manager Xu’s eyes gleamed with greed as he watched the silver pile up. Rubbing his hands together, he was about to gather up the money and agree to their demands.

But then he remembered: the Orleans Sets were made on Li Yi’s orders. At once, his courage deserted him.

He couldn’t risk it.

No matter his greed, he dared not bring this up with Li Yi. The rules were set by the master himself, and the agreement made it plain as day. He could not defy it.

“My sincerest apologies, gentlemen,” he said with a forced smile, coming to the center of the hall to bow and apologize. “My employer set the rule personally—one serving per person per day. Only a hundred portions made daily. Once sold out, there will be no more. I must ask you all to come again tomorrow.”

Watching the silver slip through his fingers, Manager Xu felt utterly desolate.

“My silver… gone just like that…” he thought, heart aching as if pierced by an arrow.

Meanwhile, those who still craved the Orleans Set were stunned to hear his words.

Rules set by the owner? Was there really someone in this world who would turn down money, who didn’t want to earn more?

After all, the smallest offering was ten taels, and some had put forth a full hundred—just for another portion!

And yet, the answer was simply no?

Surely this was madness…

The diners exchanged bewildered glances, suspicion gnawing at their thoughts.

The man in fine robes, after a moment’s pause, frowned thoughtfully at Manager Xu. Suddenly, he spoke in a low, commanding voice, “Manager Xu, summon your employer. I will speak with him myself!”

At the same time, he placed a gleaming gold ingot on the table—at least fifty taels’ worth.

Many nearby looked on in astonishment.

But Manager Xu, for his part, instantly fell silent, deeply troubled by the turn of events.