Chapter 182: The Gracious and Intelligent Xu Yiyun
Without hesitation, Dai Tonghua stepped towards the entrance of the restaurant, his two servants brusquely pushing aside the people in front.
"Hey, watch it!"
"Yeah, no cutting in line!"
Several grumbles of discontent were quickly silenced as the complainers recognized the royal attire on Dai Tonghua.
Frowning, Dai Tonghua glanced at his servants, "Stop this nonsense, stand back!"
The two servants immediately apologized and stood quietly behind him.
In public, Dai Tonghua, the eldest prince of the Star Luo Empire, had to at least pretend to be a benevolent ruler. His servants played the role of the bad guys, while he acted as the good guy.
Although the servants seemed to be submissive, their expressions showed a hint of nonchalance. Dai Tonghua was not known for punishing them severely for such actions.
Despite the commotion, the goal was achieved: Dai Tonghua now stood at the front of the line. He intended to move further but stopped in his tracks, his pupils dilating slightly in surprise.
In front of him stood a very familiar figure.
Noticing the disturbance behind him, Xu Changling turned around to see Dai Tonghua, his face showing a mix of surprise and a peculiar smile. "Your Highness," he greeted formally.
What a coincidence that the First Prince would show up here.
Is it to prevent me from sending messages?
That shouldn't be the case. Zhao Qu can't manipulate the First Prince.
Xu Changling's mind raced with various speculations.
Meanwhile, Dai Tonghua felt similarly uneasy.
Although he didn't know the details, he was aware that his father and the Second Prime Minister were scheming something significant, which involved the prime minister before him.
Xu Changling's subtle, somewhat mocking smile made Dai Tonghua nervous.
He had only come to investigate this restaurant on his father's orders, but now he felt out of place.
Did Xu Changling have some connection to this restaurant? No way!
Facing Xu Changling's polite greeting, Dai Tonghua found himself speechless for a moment.
Observing Dai Tonghua's reaction, Xu Changling's eyes sparkled with understanding.
Apparently, Dai Tonghua's presence here was also a coincidence, which put both of them at ease.
Nodding to Dai Tonghua, Xu Changling turned back to look at the restaurant's window, lost in thought.
He felt a gentle squeeze on his hand and glanced at his daughter, Xu Yiyun, who was nervously watching him.
Smiling warmly, he reassured her, "It's alright."
There had been a proposal for a political marriage between Xu Yiyun and the First Prince, suggested by Dai Yuansheng during a banquet.
Xu Changling had politely declined, and since then, Xu Yiyun had kept her distance from Dai Tonghua. Now, encountering him again, she felt uneasy.
Not long after, Qin Yue opened the restaurant's door.
Xu Changling, with a knowing look, turned to Dai Tonghua. "Your Highness, we will be dining upstairs. Will you…"
"I'll stay on the first floor," Dai Tonghua quickly replied, not wanting to dine with Xu Changling.
Seeing Dai Tonghua's swift reaction, Xu Changling felt relieved. With a polite nod, he led his wife and daughter upstairs, warmly greeted by Qin Yue.
"Your Highness, what would you like to order?" Qin Yue asked, slightly nervous in the presence of the First Prince.
Eyeing the golden-haired girl before him, Dai Tonghua's gaze briefly flickered with lust but quickly turned calm, remembering his father's advice not to offend this restaurant, which was connected to the Tang Sect Sect Master. "Give me one of everything," he ordered.
Concerned, Qin Yue explained, "We don't allow food to be wasted, if you order everything, you might not be able to finish it all, Your Highness."
Irritated but remembering his father's warning, Dai Tonghua pointed to his two servants, "Don't worry, I'll give anything that is not finished to them, It won't go to waste."
Qin Yue nodded, jotting down his order before moving to the next customer.
…
"A few days without visiting, and your restaurant has quite a few new additions, even wine now. Very nice," Xu Changling commented as his family settled upstairs.
Listening to Qin Yao describe recent changes, he smiled warmly, though a bit preoccupied.
He enjoyed fine wines but today wasn't the right time; he couldn't afford to get drunk and jeopardize important matters.
"Father, we rarely get to come here. Won't you try some of the wine?" Xu Yiyun pleaded, nudging her mother.
This was their usual ploy; Xu Yiyun often found ways for her father to enjoy a little wine despite her mother's restrictions.
Feeling a surge of warmth, Xu Changling gently shook his head, "I've been busy with state affairs and haven't spent enough time with you two. I won't drink today."
Xu Yiyun, sensing something different in her father's demeanor, complied, her big eyes blinking thoughtfully.
Soon, their ordered dishes arrived, and the spectacular appearances of the dishes elicited gasps of amazement from his wife and daughter.
Even Xu Changling, though distracted, couldn't help but be impressed.
"Father, try this. It's even better than the sweet sponge cakes in Star Luo City," Xu Yiyun said, offering a piece of Triple No-Stick.
She felt her father was troubled today, despite his usual warm smile and indulgent tone. Xu Yiyun, intuitive and considerate, hoped that the sweet treat might cheer him up.
Smiling more genuinely, Xu Changling accepted the offering, tasting and praising it, "Indeed, it's delicious."
"See, I told you!" Xu Yiyun giggled, taking a bite herself.
Watching his daughter's playful demeanor, Xu Changling couldn't help but laugh, feeling his heavy heart lighten a bit.
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