Zhulixiang was a classic Cantonese-style buffet. It perfectly inherited the characteristics of Cantonese cuisine, which emphasized original flavors and pursued the freshness of ingredients, all while remaining reasonably priced.
While its overly mild flavors might not suit everyone’s palate, no one would ever find it unpalatable.
For students who were frequently traumatized by the innovations of the Fourth Canteen, a restaurant where one didn’t have to play the food lottery was as precious as a national treasure.
Students who had genuinely been hurt by cafeteria food fiercely supported Zhulixiang. Old Sijiqing was a fanatical fan of the place and had enthusiastically recommended it in the dorm multiple times.
Yu Weiwan preferred rich, heavy flavors, so this was actually her first time here.
She sat at a table with Qi Chi, their tabletop piled high with dishes and desserts.
The crab-roe soup dumplings were translucent, filled with delicious broth; the crispy skin roast pigeon was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bursting with savory flavor upon taking a bite; the rich, braised chicken feet were coated in a thick sauce and melted off the bone at a gentle touch…
The variety was rich, and the taste was far better than Yu Weiwan had expected.
Qi Chi held a small bowl of Mango Pomelo Sago. After taking a spoonful, a look of pleasant surprise washed over her face, and her deer-like eyes widened slightly, making them look even rounder.
Yu Weiwan took what seemed like a casual glance before drawing her gaze back, intending to continue eating. Suddenly, a hard object pressed against her lips.
Yu Weiwan looked down; a spoon held a generous portion of Mango Pomelo Sago right in front of her.
Yuyu, this Mango Pomelo Sago is super delicious! Quick, try a taste, Qi Chi shared enthusiastically.
Yu Weiwan: …
How about moving the spoon away first so I can fetch a portion myself?
Feeding someone with a spoon you just used… Qi Chi, you really don’t bother maintaining any personal distance at all…
Seeing Yu Weiwan remain still, Qi Chi pushed the spoon forward a bit more, nearly slipping it past her lips into her mouth.
Qi Chi patted her chest in guarantee: Just try one spoonful, it’s honestly delicious.
She wrinkled her nose: If I lie to you, I’m a puppy.
What’s the use of turning into a puppy?
Even if you turned into a puppy right now and started barking ‘woof woof woof’, it wouldn’t magically turn this spoon into a brand-new one.
This spoon still came into intimate contact with your lips and tongue, and it left your mouth less than thirty seconds ago. Do you even realize this is called an indirect kiss?
Forget it.
Yu Weiwan closed her eyes, gave up thinking, opened her mouth, wrapped her lips around it, and swallowed.
Large, plump chunks of mango and smooth coconut milk slid down her throat, refreshing and crisp.
Qi Chi: Tastes good, right?
Yu Weiwan nodded: Mhm.
Having received her validation, Qi Chi gained even more confidence: Yuyu, you must treasure me properly. Besides me, who else would think of you the very second they taste something delicious?
Yu Weiwan: …
Nice thought, just don’t think it next time. It’s not like I absolutely had to eat this dessert.
Fearing another one of Qi Chi’s sudden whims, Yu Weiwan spent the remainder of the time carefully timing when to dish out food for her, finally bringing the dinner to a peaceful conclusion.
The group headed toward the final destination of their gathering: Shifu.
Shifu was a new Chinese-style speakeasy bar, tastefully decorated with a quiet and elegant ambiance. Under the soft, warm yellow lighting, a raspy female voice sang softly.
The waitstaff and mixologists were all dressed in black Ming-style standing-collar shirts and horse-face skirts embroidered with silver patterns.
After finding open seats to sit down, a waiter came over to introduce the drinking options: We have two ways to order drinks here. The first is in the form of bamboo slips, combining the spirits with historical dynasties, drinks from different dynasties come with distinct chalices and stories. The second is our classic flower-themed cocktails, drawn randomly by choosing a lot. The results are unknown, often bringing delightful surprises.
Upon hearing the second method of ordering, Qi Chi’s eyes lit up behind her glasses. She asked eagerly, Where’s the fortune tube? Can I draw right now?
The waiter: Please wait a moment.
The waiter brought over the fortune tube.
Qi Chi grabbed Yu Weiwan’s hand: Yuyu, bless me! The drink I draw must be both pretty and delicious.
Yu Weiwan: You’d be better off praying to the Buddha; that would be far more useful than asking me.
Qi Chi retorted without hesitation: The Buddha doesn’t care about me, He definitely wouldn’t bother.
A critical strike.
Yu Weiwan’s facial expression softened. She allowed Qi Chi to hold her hand as they shook the tube together.
Clack. A bamboo slip fell out.
Qi Chi picked it up. Written on it in small seal script were three large characters: Flowers Born of Dreams.
The drink was served quickly. After a brief wait, the waitress returned carrying a wooden box. She placed the box down carefully and gestured for Qi Chi to open it.
The instant it was opened, white mist billowed out like a flowing river, revealing a view of blooming flowers and lush green grass inside.
The cocktail glass was custom-made, featuring a tall stem with the rim of the glass shaped to flow and fan outward. The liquid inside was a pale green, topped with delicate white petals floating on the surface.
The overall presentation was ridiculously gorgeous.
Taking a small sip, it tasted delicious! It perfectly matched her expectations.
Overjoyed, Qi Chi curled her eyes into smiles at Yu Weiwan: Yuyu, you have to keep blessing me in the future too~
Yu Weiwan: …Mhm.
I will always protect and bless you.
Knowing her own low tolerance for alcohol, Yu Weiwan opted out of drawing a fortune. Instead, she beckoned the waiter over to ask: Which drink here has the lowest alcohol content?
The waiter: Jianyuan (‘Seeing the Moon’), it’s only 15% ABV.
Only 15%? Is a 15% cocktail considered low?
Yu Weiwan: That’s the lowest?
The waiter: Can’t get any lower.
After a moment’s hesitation, the waiter suggested: Perhaps you could speak with our mixologist and have her customize a drink that’s more palatably mild for you.
Qi Chi was beside herself with laughter at the side.
Left with no choice, Yu Weiwan went to find the mixologist.
Yu Weiwan: Hello, please mix a drink for me. The lower the alcohol content, the better.
The mixologist: OK. Any specific ABV requirement?
Yu Weiwan: Preferably not exceeding 10%.
The mixologist: ?
The mixologist sized Yu Weiwan up from head to toe, then sincerely advised: How about you just drink some Sprite?
Yu Weiwan remained silent for a few seconds before replying: If you can’t mix it, drinking Sprite is fine by me too.
Huh? Using reverse psychology on me? The mixologist let out a cold laugh. Well, it worked. The thing I hate most in this life is being looked down upon! Just you wait.
Though an old trick, reverse psychology was practical. It didn’t take long for the mixologist to finish the drink.
Handing over the glass, the mixologist smirked maliciously: Forgot to tell you, the name of this drink is ‘Rookie’. I’m going to add it to the menu right away with a note attached, exclusively served for beginners.
Yu Weiwan: Oh.
Unsure of what the mixologist was laughing at, since it couldn’t cause her any real damage, Yu Weiwan kindly maintained her silence.
Carrying the Rookie back to the booth, the moment her buttocks touched the seat, Qi Chi immediately leaned over and wrapped herself around Yu Weiwan’s arm.
Where were you gone for so long out of sight? What were you doing?
Yu Weiwan lifted her glass to indicate: Here.
Qi Chi questioned suspiciously: Ordering a drink shouldn’t take this long. Did you two talk about other things?
Yu Weiwan: No. Using reverse psychology didn’t count as chatting, and someone unilaterally venting harsh words didn’t count either.
There definitely was! I saw you two chatting at the bar with my own eyes, and the mixologist even smiled at you! Qi Chi grew angrier the more she spoke.
You just don’t want to tell me! Qi Chi narrowed her eyes dangerously. Yuyu, do you look down on me and want to make new friends?
You’re going to abandon me, your old love, to run into the arms of a new interest, aren’t you?!
Where was all this coming from?
Heaven knows she was truly innocent.
However, this matter was hard to explain. She couldn’t very well drag the mixologist over to confront her. Besides, given the malicious personality the mixologist had displayed at the end, whether she would help clarify or take the opportunity to add fuel to the fire was hard to say.
Yu Weiwan could only offer a pale denial: It’s not what you think.
Qi Chi clearly didn’t believe it. She let out an angry Hmph!, turned her face to the side, and stopped talking.
Just then, the dim lighting suddenly shifted, as explosive electronic beats combined with the sound of a pipa began to play.
To match its unique style, Shifu had specially hired traditional folk musicians for a Chinese-style rave from 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
Right now was the opening of the rave.
Under the rhythmic background music, people hit the dance floor one after another.
Qi Chi went as well.
To vent her frustration, her movements were wide and dramatic, completely disregarding the rhythm of the music. Yet, she remained the most eye-catching person on the dance floor. Anyone glancing over would instantly have their gaze drawn to her.
She dances well, doesn’t she? A somewhat familiar female voice sounded.
Yu Weiwan turned her head, only to realize that Chao Ying had arrived beside her at some point.
To be honest, after experiencing how Chao Ying had nonchalantly stabbed right where it hurt during the afternoon game, Yu Weiwan had complex feelings toward her.
Wary, guarded, and experiencing a slight panic over having her hidden inner thoughts seen through.
Understanding Yu Weiwan’s attitude, Chao Ying paid it no mind: You haven’t answered me yet. Look over there, Qi Chi dances pretty well, doesn’t she? After all, she has so many years of foundation. Even when she dances casually, her power and execution are unmatched by others.
Yu Weiwan let out an Mhm: Qi Chi won first place in the youth classical dance solo category at the Youth Lotus Cup. On the day of the competition, I was sitting in the audience.
The underlying meaning was clear: no one understood Qi Chi’s talent in dance better than she did, so there was no need for Chao Ying to state the obvious.
Chao Ying smiled and yielded: Alright, alright, consider it unsaid. I’m off to grab a drink. You stay here and continue admiring.
After shifting through several poses on the floor, Qi Chi grew tired of dancing and returned to the booth to rest.
She melted into a pool of water on the seat, casually picking up her glass of Flowers Born of Dreams and drinking it down.
Afterward, as if remembering something, she sat up straight and stared at Yu Weiwan’s drink.
What’s so good about this drink? The color is so light; it obviously doesn’t taste good.
Qi Chi suddenly reached out, snatched it, and drank it all in one gulp.
Knowing that Qi Chi was still throwing a huff at her, Yu Weiwan didn’t return to the booth, choosing instead to watch over Qi Chi from not far away.
Perhaps today was destined to be an eventful day, refusing to let Yu Weiwan pass the evening in peace.
A tall, cool woman wearing a cheongsam walked over: Hey beautiful, single? Mind adding each other on WeChat so we can get to know each other?
Sorry, I already have someone I like, Yu Weiwan declined.
The woman pressed on: Don’t be so rigid at such a young age. We’re just getting acquainted, not doing anything else. Besides, nowadays, how much is ‘liking someone’ really worth? Life is short; we might as well enjoy the moment while we can.
Mine isn’t, Yu Weiwan emphasized. Mine isn’t.
My feelings are worth a fortune.
Hearing this, the woman froze for a moment, staring intently at Yu Weiwan for a long while before curling her lip: Guess I misjudged you.
Come on out, stop hiding, Yu Weiwan said, looking toward a spot behind her.
Chao Ying emerged from the shadows, stating with certainty: You really do like Qi Chi.
Yu Weiwan frowned. Why her again?
Chao Ying continued talking to herself: I heard you two have known each other for many years, so you must have known long ago that Qi Chi is straight.
She looked deeply curious: If that’s the case, why do you still like her? Isn’t it painful to like someone with whom you can never have a future?
Such an overly blunt question felt invasive. Yu Weiwan asked her in return: This is my private affair. What does it have to do with you?
Chao Ying chuckled: It has a lot to do with me. I’m here to self-recommend. Since Qi Chi won’t end up with you, what do you think about me?
Yu Weiwan: ???