Chapter 42: The Fierce Protector of Her Husband
Looking at Yue’er’s aggrieved expression, like a young wife who’s made a mistake, Li Yi couldn’t help but feel both amused and exasperated.
“Yue’er, come here for a moment,” Li Yi said with a smile.
“…Yes, Young Master.” Yue’er nodded in confusion, her face still crestfallen as she obediently stepped closer to Li Yi.
Unexpectedly, Li Yi suddenly stood up, pinched her cheek lightly, and smiled serenely, “If the deal didn’t go through, so be it. Once this opportunity is gone, he won’t find another like it. Your Young Master’s abilities… are remarkable!”
Yue’er was stunned, shrinking back a little from Li Yi’s unexpected move, her blue-green eyes turning, uncertain but smiling nonetheless.
Though she still didn’t fully grasp what Li Yi meant, she grinned widely.
“Mm, Young Master’s abilities truly are remarkable!” Yue’er nodded earnestly.
She never liked to dwell on other matters.
No matter what Li Yi said, she only needed to obey, and she would never be wrong.
Young Master’s words were always right.
If Young Master was wrong, then surely she had misunderstood.
In short, Young Master’s words were law!
Seeing this, Li Yi’s interest was piqued.
He leaned closer, gently lifted Yue’er’s chin, studying her with great interest for a while, then grinned mischievously, “Yue’er, I’m quite remarkable in other ways too. Would you like to find out?”
“Young Master…” Seemingly recalling something embarrassing, Yue’er murmured softly, her adorable cheeks flushing crimson.
At this moment, Li Yi was so close that their faces nearly touched.
Li Yi’s direct gaze made Yue’er blush even harder, lowering her head in shyness, her hands awkwardly searching for somewhere to rest, finally gripping the edge of her skirt tightly.
“Haha!” Li Yi burst into laughter, amused by Yue’er’s reaction, released her, and walked out, leaving her standing there in a daze.
Only then did Yue’er realize Young Master had been teasing her.
“Young Master is so naughty!” She stuck out her tongue, quickly picked up her skirt, and hurried after him, “Young Master, wait for me…”
…
…
Outside the Number One Heaven private room.
Manager Xu first saw Zheng An emerge with a bitter face, saying nothing before leaving, while Li Yi walked out laughing heartily, leaving Xu utterly perplexed.
“Could it be… this man has also fallen into Young Master’s trap?”
At this thought, Manager Xu’s mood suddenly lightened.
At least, he wasn’t the only one who had been duped…
Yet Li Yi was unaware of Manager Xu’s thoughts at this moment.
He had just pondered and realized that if Master Song and the others continued as chefs at Drunken Immortal Pavilion, trouble would surely follow.
Therefore, Li Yi beckoned Manager Xu over, calling, “Manager Xu, come here, I have something for you.”
“Yes, Young Master.” Manager Xu nodded with a smile, quickly catching up.
As they walked, Li Yi said, “Manager Xu, I’ve decided to have the recipe for the Orleans set meal taught to your chefs, let them handle it.”
“Ah…?” Manager Xu was instantly dumbfounded.
He hadn’t expected Li Yi to call him over for this matter.
Earlier, Li Yi had guarded the kitchen door so cautiously, wary of his staff.
Why the sudden change in attitude?
Manager Xu couldn’t understand and felt both astonished and flattered.
“Could it be… Young Master is testing me?”
Thinking this, Manager Xu replied nervously, “Young Master, please don’t jest with me. I have no such intentions. To serve you is satisfaction enough for me.”
He couldn’t help but respond cautiously.
After all, he had just witnessed someone offer fifty taels of gold for an Orleans set meal, and Li Yi still refused.
How could he possibly hand over the recipe?
Li Yi, however, gave him an exasperated look, “Manager Xu, don’t you want more profit?”
“Of course I do!” Manager Xu blurted out without thinking.
“In that case, let’s tear up the previous agreement and sign a new one together.” Li Yi waved his hand, and Yue’er handed the agreement to Manager Xu, who stared at it in bewilderment.
“This… Young Master?” For a moment, Manager Xu was at a loss.
“Manager Xu, just take it,” Yue’er reminded him with a frown.
“Uh… Thank you, Young Master, thank you, Miss Yue’er.” Hearing Yue’er’s crisp voice and seeing Li Yi nod with a smile, Manager Xu finally came to his senses and accepted the agreement to read it carefully.
…
…
Meanwhile, in the eastern part of Chang’an, on a bustling avenue.
Du Xiaomei, dressed as a man, walked alongside a handsome young man whose cheeks were rosy as peach blossoms.
Trailing behind them were two attendants in male attire.
However, these two appeared as fair-skinned and adorable as infants, wholly unlike typical men.
“Fifth Young… Master, just ahead is the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.”
Nearly slipping with her words, Du Xiaomei pointed at a nearby tavern, her face radiant with joy. “I’ve heard the food there is delicious. Let me take you to try it!”
The handsome young man, addressed as Fifth Young Master, looked at Du Xiaomei suspiciously and asked, “Is it really better than the delicacies of the palace?”
He doubted Du Xiaomei’s claim.
After all, he had grown up in the palace, tasting countless dishes others could only dream of.
In his memory, palace food set the standard for excellence!
How could anything outside possibly compare?
“Hehe, Fifth Young Master, you’re so sheltered…” Du Xiaomei said smugly, waving her fist, her cheeks glowing with happiness. “My husband says the food at Drunken Immortal Pavilion is the best, so it must be better than the palace’s!”
“….” Fifth Young Master rolled his eyes silently. This silly girl was utterly obsessed with her husband.
Best not to provoke her…
He decided not to argue with Du Xiaomei, but instead, curiosity piqued, accompanied her toward Drunken Immortal Pavilion.
Yet before they could even enter, the air around them was filled with excited chatter:
“The new ‘Orleans Chicken Wings’ at Drunken Immortal Pavilion—what a flavor! Unbelievable!”
“What, you’ve actually tasted the Orleans Chicken Wings?!”
“Haha, that’s nothing. Luckily I went early; not only did I try the wings, but also the Orleans drumsticks and fried chicken. The taste—truly the best I’ve ever had. There’s only one place in the world for such food…”
“Alas, it’s a pity. Drunken Immortal Pavilion sells only a hundred Orleans set meals each day, and each person is allowed just one…”
“Damn it, I even switched hats to try and order another, but they recognized me… Guess I’ll have to line up early tomorrow morning…”
Many shook their heads, disappointed yet hopeful as they left, swallowing their longing.
Du Xiaomei and Fifth Young Master listened, bewildered and intrigued.
“Orleans set meal?” they echoed, exchanging puzzled glances.