"She's quite good-looking. Too bad that village girl got her."
Su Weiwei commented, then took two small packets of powder from her bag and handed them to him.
"I heard you used to be a gigolo. You must have put in a lot of effort to get in here. Don't worry about the money—it's yours. But you'll need to make a scene so everyone knows," Su Weiwei said maliciously.
She not only wanted to win over Huo Xingzhou, but also aimed to ruin Qiao Xi's reputation.
"Don't worry, we do this kind of thing properly once we're paid."
The waiter in a tailcoat put the two packets in his pocket.
"I've heard about it. The Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is served in small bowls. Just put the powder in both portions, one for Huo Xingzhou and one for Qiao Xi. Then, 'accidentally' spill it on their clothes and use the opportunity," Su Weiwei continued, trying to stall for time and find the right moment to act, fearing that Huo Xingzhou might notice something.
"Got it, Miss Su."
The waiter, looking rather experienced, accepted the instructions.
Su Weiwei finished speaking, then turned and walked away with a sway of her hips in her high heels.
As the waiter prepared to leave, he was suddenly stopped by a man.
He panicked and looked at the carefree man in front of him, saying, "Mo... Mo Shao."
"What do you have in your hand?" Mo Jiaojun asked, staring at the waiter's hand.
"Nothing," the waiter said, hiding the packets behind him.
Mo Jiaojun gave a faint smile, "I heard everything."
He raised an eyebrow and stepped up to the waiter, grabbing his hand and snatching the packets from him.
"Is this what Su Weiwei asked you to do?"
"Mo... Mo Shao! Please spare me!" The waiter, realizing the seriousness of the situation, immediately begged, "Please don't tell anyone, I beg you!"
Mo Jiaojun, the notorious playboy of Haicheng, was known for doing outrageous things with no moral limits. His reputation was worse than Sun Weimeng's.
Mo Jiaojun pinched the powder packets in his hand and asked in a low voice, "What is this?"
The waiter hesitated before replying, "It's a stimulant for... fun."
"Interesting!" Mo Jiaojun said, weighing the powder packet in his hand. "I can keep it a secret, but you'll need to do something for me."
"Mo Shao, what do you want me to do?" the waiter asked, feeling cornered.
"Come closer."
Mo Jiaojun, always cautious when plotting, was careful to avoid eavesdroppers. He whispered instructions to the waiter, whose face turned pale with fear.
"This... Mo Shao! If I do this, I won't have a place in Haicheng anymore!" the waiter said anxiously.
"Do you do it or not? If you don't, I'll make sure you don't have a place here. But if you agree, after this is done, I'll give you money so you can leave Haicheng and live comfortably."
Mo Jiaojun pressured him with both threats and promises.
"I'll do it, I'll do it right now!" The waiter, pale-faced, grabbed the powder packets and hurried towards the kitchen.
Mo Jiaojun watched his panicked figure with a sly grin, clearly anticipating a thrilling scene to unfold.
At the banquet.
Su Weiwei had returned to her seat, waiting for the food to arrive.
Each guest was served a bowl of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, made by Haicheng's most famous chef. It was said to have been prepared three days in advance, and the smell was rich and tantalizing as it was served.
"Mr. Sun, this is a real treat!" one guest remarked.
"I heard it was made by the inheritor of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall—its quality is comparable to royal court cuisine from ancient times."
They all lifted the lids and started tasting.
Su Weiwei's eyes were focused on Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi, watching as they opened the lid and tasted the dish.
She lowered her head and slowly began eating herself.
To her surprise, this Buddha Jumps Over the Wall tasted better than any she'd had before.
A concealed, smug smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
At the main table.
Huo Xingzhou leaned closer to Qiao Xi and lowered his voice, "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall—first taste the broth, then savor the ingredients layer by layer."
There was a way to eat it, just like crabs had their own method.
Qiao Xi, her bright eyes shining with curiosity, imitated Huo Xingzhou. She first sipped the clear broth, then bit into the tender, juicy abalone.
"It's delicious," she said.
Huo Xingzhou smiled slightly, "If you like it, have more."
He even pushed his own bowl of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall towards her, but Qiao Xi politely refused.
"We each get one bowl. It's the rule. I can't be greedy."
She was quite restrained.
"Hey!"
Sun Weimeng had been watching them for a while and couldn't hold back any longer, calling out, "You two are at my family's banquet and still whispering sweet nothings to show off your affection. We know your relationship is good, but don't blind us with it!"
His words brought a round of laughter from the table.
It seemed only Sun Weimeng had the courage to tease Huo Xingzhou in such a way.
Qiao Xi's face flushed red.
Huo Xingzhou merely glanced at him, his expression indifferent.
Sun Weimeng immediately shut up.
Sun's wife extended her hand and gave her son a sharp slap on the back, saying, "Don't mind him, Mr. Huo. My son has been spoiled. A good relationship like yours is a blessing. Let's all raise our glasses and wish Mr. Huo a happy marriage and a long life together."
She was quite good at lightening the mood.
Everyone at the main table stood up to toast Huo Xingzhou, and even Qiao Xi had to lift her glass.
"Mr. Huo, may you have a son soon!"
"May you have two in three years!"
The toasts became more and more absurd.
Huo Xingzhou drank three glasses, accepting the toasts without complaint.
Qiao Xi also sipped three small cups, feeling the strong burn of the liquor. She quickly started to feel lightheaded. The difference between white wine and medicinal wine was significant, and her body swayed a little.
Just then, the waiter accidentally bumped into her, spilling soup onto her dress.
"Sorry, sorry!" The waiter quickly apologized.
Qiao Xi smiled lightly, "It's fine. I might not have been standing still."
She turned to Huo Xingzhou and said, "Mr. Huo, I'll go to the restroom."
"Okay."
Huo Xingzhou pointed to the second-floor rooms and said, "There are name tags on the doors. Just find the one with your name. The Sun family has prepared everything, and there should be spare clothes."
"Thanks."
Sun's wife, seeing the situation, cheerfully offered, "Qiao Xi, how about I go with you? I've prepared dresses in a universal size for the female guests. You can change into one."
"No, I can find it myself."
Qiao Xi felt a little embarrassed to have Sun's wife accompany her. After all, she was the guest of honor today.
There were many people coming to toast at the table, and it wouldn't be appropriate for her to leave.
"Alright then, if you need anything, just call the room's landline. The service desk will provide whatever you need."
"Okay."
The Sun family had indeed prepared well.
Qiao Xi stood up and slowly made her way out, heading for the second-floor lounge.
Su Weiwei saw this and gave the handsome waiter a subtle glance, signaling him to follow.
The waiter, gritting his teeth, followed Qiao Xi at a safe distance.