Chapter 13: The Gathering (Part 2)

In the Eastern District, the number of hotels is countless, but none can rival the opulence and expense of the Imperial Court. For an average white-collar worker, a single meal here could easily consume a month's salary, and that's just the minimum charge—a testament to its exclusivity.

Sima Yu, with a clear intent to embarrass a certain "country bumpkin," also hoped to give him a taste of high society, so that he might retreat in defeat.

"Welcome!" Two rows of hostesses in bright red cheongsams chorused at the entrance.

"Mr. Sima, you've arrived. Would you like your usual private room?" A waiter greeted him with familiarity, clearly recognizing him as a regular patron.

"No need. Just find us a quiet spot," Sima Yu waved him off, slipping a red banknote into the waiter's hand.

"Very well, please follow me," the waiter pocketed the tip with practiced subtlety, his face glowing with a professional smile as he led the way.

Sima Yu glanced at the so-called "bumpkin" beside him, only to find the man still as composed as ever. His disappointment grew, tinged with a simmering irritation. Just wait, he thought, let's see how long you can keep that calm facade.

As the group sat down at the table, whether by chance or design, Sima Yu and Luo Feizi placed ChuChu between them, leaving Xiang Ri across from her.

ChuChu shot an apologetic glance at Xiang Ri. "I'm sorry!"

Xiang Ri replied telepathically, "It's fine. Just make sure to make it up to me later. Heh, heh."

ChuChu gritted her teeth. "You scoundrel!" She couldn't decipher his exact meaning, but from his suggestive look, it was surely something that would make her blush. She decided to ignore him.

"What would you like to order?" The waiter addressed the whole group, but his gaze lingered on Sima Yu and Luo Feizi, both recognizable figures. The beautiful lady beside them warranted a passing glance, but the young man who looked like a laborer? He could be easily overlooked.

"Since everyone seems so modest, why don't I take the initiative and order for us?" Sima Yu smiled, taking the menu from the waiter.

"Sima, we're all so familiar. Do you really need to be so polite?" Luo Feizi teased him.

ChuChu nodded politely in response. Xiang Ri, meanwhile, maintained his indifferent demeanor, leaving everyone guessing at his thoughts.

"Do you have fresh lobster?" Sima Yu scanned the menu, then asked the waiter.

"Yes, Mr. Sima. We received a fresh shipment of Australian rock lobster this afternoon, around 5 p.m.," the waiter replied with a smile.

"Oh, great. We'll have four," Sima Yu said, then paused dramatically. "Ah, how rude of me, Miss ChuChu, I didn't even ask your preferences before ordering! Forgive my presumptuousness. Is there anything you'd like in particular?" He smoothly shifted to a more personal tone.

"That's fine! You can choose whatever you like," ChuChu replied, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the way he addressed her, but with her high school best friend present, she didn't want to make things awkward.

"Hey, Sima, you're really something! You're so focused on ChuChu that you've completely forgotten about me!" Luo Feizi pouted playfully.

"How could that be? ChuChu is a guest, so I must ask her first, then you. After all, we're so close that you told me not to stand on ceremony!" Sima Yu retorted, smiling.

"Hmph, well, you're not wrong."

"Ah, I nearly forgot about our other guest... May I ask your name, sir?" Sima Yu suddenly addressed Xiang Ri, who had remained silent.

"His name is Xiang," ChuChu hurriedly answered, afraid the man might say something inappropriate.

"Oh, Mr. Xiang, is lobster to your taste?" Sima Yu maintained his polite smile.

"I don't care for seafood," Xiang Ri replied coldly, casting a glance at the man who was clearly eyeing the woman he had already set his sights on. You're playing with fire, he thought, but I'll toy with you for a bit.

"You, waiter, come here," Xiang Ri beckoned to the server with a casual wave.

"Oh no," ChuChu groaned inwardly, sending Xiang Ri a pleading look, praying he wouldn't say anything too embarrassing.

Sima Yu fought the urge to laugh out loud. This guy wasn't just a country bumpkin—he seemed like a time traveler from ancient history!

Luo Feizi's face flushed with embarrassment. She regretted inviting Xiang Ri along. If only she had known, she wouldn't have put everyone in this awkward situation.

But Xiang Ri remained oblivious to their reactions, basking in the playful gaze ChuChu sent his way. He grabbed the menu from the embarrassed waiter, skimmed it briefly, and said, "I'll have fried rice."

The waiter froze, his expression turning to stone. ChuChu wished she could disappear into the ground. Luo Feizi muttered an excuse and dashed to the restroom, while Sima Yu's face twisted in disbelief.

"What's the matter? Does this grand establishment not even serve fried rice?" Xiang Ri asked, suppressing his satisfaction at the chaos he had caused.

"Um... Mr. Sima, what do you think?" The waiter turned to Sima Yu for guidance.

"Give him the fried rice. Charge him at the lobster price," Sima Yu said calmly.

"Very well, I'll ask the kitchen if they can make it," the waiter responded, turning to leave.

"Hold on!" Xiang Ri called out.

"Is there anything else, sir?" The waiter's patience was wearing thin, and his once-constant smile had vanished.

ChuChu gazed at Xiang Ri with a silent plea, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

"Sigh!" Xiang Ri let out a breath, having initially intended to ask for fried rice made with rooster eggs. But upon seeing the girl's tear-filled eyes, his resolve wavered. "Forget the fried rice," he said reluctantly. "I suddenly remembered I haven't had steak in a long time. Bring me a steak instead." He then turned to the girl, "Would you like a steak too?"

"Me? Oh... sure!" ChuChu quickly wiped away her tears, casting him a grateful glance.

"Make that two steaks," Xiang Ri said to the waiter.

"Very well! How would you like them cooked?" The waiter's irritation subsided slightly, relieved that this country-looking fellow wasn't making another absurd request.

"I'll take mine medium rare, sirloin, with plenty of black pepper. As for hers..." Xiang Ri pointed to ChuChu and continued with a casual air, "She'll have an orange-infused steak. Can you do that? Great. Make it medium-well, preferably a filet."

"Please wait a moment, it will be ready shortly," the waiter replied, his attitude shifting to respect. Sirloin, known for its toughness and chew, suited the young and strong, while filet—tender, lean, and rich in protein—was ideal for those conscious of their figure. Only true connoisseurs cared about such distinctions.

ChuChu, covering her mouth in shock, stared at him with wide eyes. This guy... when did he become so knowledgeable? Not to mention his fighting skills—even Sister Qing couldn't best him. And he seemed to have plenty of money, spending tens of thousands on clothes without a second thought. Yet her research told her he was a simple, bookish man. What other secrets was he hiding?

Sima Yu's face was a mix of emotions—shock, jealousy, and a hint of disdain. This bumpkin knew more about fine dining than he did! No wonder he had managed to woo a wealthy heiress. Clearly, it was time to change tactics.

Noticing ChuChu's dazed expression, Xiang Ri couldn't resist leaning closer, taking the seat that belonged to Luo Feizi, and whispered, "Hey, were you daydreaming about some complicated moves from those romance films?"

"Go to hell!" ChuChu snapped back, her brows furrowing. "How did you know I liked orange-infused steak?"

"I didn't," Xiang Ri smirked. "But I did notice someone sneaking downstairs in the middle of the night to drink orange juice..."

"What! You saw me... you pervert, were you spying on me?" ChuChu's face flushed with embarrassment, remembering that she had only been wearing underwear at the time. He must've seen everything.

"It wasn't on purpose! You were sneaking around to grab a drink, and I thought you were a thief! I was about to interrogate you, but when I saw it was you, I went back to bed."

"I don't believe you! You didn't go back to bed—you must've done something dirty!" ChuChu was convinced he had been secretly watching her the whole time.

"You even know that?" Xiang Ri pretended to be shocked.

"Of course! Now confess, what did you really do?" ChuChu asked smugly.

"Not much. I just couldn't help but admire your cute little butt swaying by the fridge..."

"And... what did you do?" ChuChu asked, her face turning scarlet, her teeth clenched.

"Well, let's just say... what any man would do. But it wouldn't be appropriate to go into detail, would it?" Xiang Ri's grin was shameless.

"You bastard! I hate you!"

"Hey, don't blame me! It's your fault for never giving me a taste of anything sweet. Since I couldn't really do anything to you, I had to settle for a little mental satisfaction, right?" Xiang Ri spoke with a righteous air, as if completely unashamed.

"You pervert! From now on, I'm banning you from leaving your room at night! No more..." Before she could finish, Xiang Ri suddenly stood up.

"You scared me!" ChuChu exclaimed.

"ChuChu, I have to leave. You'll have to head back on your own later," Xiang Ri's demeanor changed instantly, his eyes coldly fixed on the entrance. That fleeting figure... if he wasn't mistaken, it had to be him!

"What's wrong with you?" ChuChu asked in annoyance.

"Yes, Mr. Xiang, what's the matter?" Sima Yu, who had been observing their conversation from the sidelines, finally found a chance to speak. He had been unable to butt in earlier due to their hushed tones.

"I saw an old high school classmate. ChuChu, I'll explain later." Xiang Ri rushed out of the restaurant, accidentally bumping into Luo Feizi, who was returning from the restroom, leaving her with an even worse impression of him.

"Damn it! Leaving me all alone... Hey, was that classmate of yours a man or a woman?" ChuChu called after him, but her question went unanswered as he had already run off. She sulked in frustration.

"Hehe, considering how urgently Mr. Xiang chased after them, I doubt it was a man," Sima Yu teased, though his implication was unmistakable.

"Really?" ChuChu muttered absentmindedly, feeling even more agitated inside.