Pei Zhao’s face successfully darkened to the shade of charcoal.
“What did you say?”
The spicy hotpot restaurant was emitting a chill, and Shen Ji rubbed his arms, not understanding the situation.
“I said Miss Xi is my future wife! She cooks so deliciously and is so beautiful, she truly captivates my heart. When I go home, I’ll have my mother come to propose marriage!”
Shen Ji’s eyes sparkled with hearts as he stared at Xi Ning with a silly grin, completely unaware that his friend’s gaze could kill.
“Pfft! Cough! Cough!”
His voice wasn’t loud, but the surrounding tables were full, and those nearby heard him clearly.
Upon hearing Shen Ji wanted to marry Xi Ning, they couldn’t hold back.
This young man truly had guts, openly competing with the Third Master of the Pei family for a woman.
Was this the legendary “friend’s wife, no need to be polite”?
“Huh? What’s wrong with them? Do they think I’m not worthy of Miss Xi? Hmph! I’m the legitimate son of the Minister of Personnel’s household. Miss Xi hasn’t even rejected me yet.”
Shen Ji secretly grumbled. Pei Zhao glanced at him with narrowed eyes, “She’s taken.”
“How is that possible? I’ve been here so many times and never seen Miss Xi’s husband. Besides, what kind of man would let such a charming young lady run a business? Third Brother, don’t try to fool me.”
He had set his heart on Xi Ning and was determined to marry no one else!
Pei Zhao’s face grew darker and darker, strongly tempted to throw this friend out.
“Third Master, are you here to see our young lady?”
Ren Dong walked over and asked eagerly.
After the falling out between Third Master and the young lady, she and Nanny Su had been extremely worried, especially since the young lady had been sad for so many days—she must still care for Third Master.
Taking advantage of Xi Ning going to the back kitchen, Ren Dong couldn’t wait to come over and ask.
“See your young lady? Third Brother, you know Miss Xi?”
Shen Ji looked naive and foolish, and the nearby customers couldn’t help but sympathize with him.
Was there anything worse than falling for your brother’s woman?
Ren Dong didn’t know Shen Ji, so she replied when he asked, “Our young lady is Third Master’s mistress.”
“What did you say?”
Shen Ji abruptly stood up, his steps unsteady. The customers in the restaurant looked over, and Pei Zhao, with a stern face, pressed him back into his seat.
“Making a scene in public—what kind of behavior is that!”
“Miss Xi is your mistress? Why have you never told me?”
He had been like a fool, dreaming of marrying Xi Ning every day, while Pei Zhao watched his joke from the sidelines.
Shen Ji’s face flushed red with anger, rivaling the spiciness of the hotpot broth.
Pei Zhao sat there calmly, “You never asked me.”
“So you just watched me make a fool of myself? Pei Sanlang, I’ve finally seen you for who you are. We’re done! Absolutely done!”
Shen Ji bared his teeth, wanting to throw a few punches at his friend, but knowing he was no match for Pei Zhao, he could only imagine it.
No wonder the noble and unparalleled Pei Sanlang would come to the northern part of the city with him—it turned out this shop was run by his woman.
Hmph! He was truly lucky, keeping a mistress who was both charming and an excellent cook. Why didn’t he have such good fortune?
Shen Ji was determined to cut ties with him. Pei Zhao glanced at him, moved his leg aside to make a path, waiting for him to leave.
“Why should I? I’ll finish the hotpot before parting ways with you.”
“Oh.”
Ren Dong watched as the two nearly came to blows, feeling at a loss. Had she said something wrong?
“Where is your young lady?”
Pei Zhao asked quietly. He had clearly seen Xi Ning in the shop earlier, but she suddenly disappeared as soon as he entered.
Pei Zhao pursed his lips, his heart heavy with discomfort.That woman truly detests him, unwilling to even see him now.
So all the affection she showed before was just an act?
Ren Dong was somewhat afraid of Pei Zhao’s cold expression, losing the joy she felt upon seeing him earlier, and replied timidly.
“The young lady went to the back kitchen. There are many customers in the shop today, and the staff couldn’t handle it all, so she went to help.”
“If there aren’t enough staff, hire more. Why should she, as the owner, do such work!”
Hearing that Xi Ning wasn’t avoiding him, Pei Zhao’s expression softened slightly, but he was still displeased that Xi Ning was doing manual labor herself.
Why should his woman have to do such tiring work?
Pei Zhao’s anger silenced Ren Dong, but Shen Ji, who couldn’t stand it, sneered sarcastically from the side.
“It’s all because her man is useless. She follows him without any status or recognition, and he probably doesn’t even give her money on a regular basis. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have to start her own business. Tsk tsk, if she were my woman, I’d definitely marry her and treat her well.”
“If you don’t speak, no one will think you’re mute.”
Pei Zhao, stung by his words, scolded him with a dark expression.
“Hmph!”
Shen Ji was ultimately afraid of him and obediently shut his mouth after being reprimanded, though his expression remained defiant.
He treats Xi Ning poorly and won’t even let others speak about it. Just wait—Xi Ning will eventually kick him to the curb. When that time comes, I’ll step in and take her home, making him regret it.
Shen Ji gritted his teeth, silently cursing in his heart. Pei Zhao could easily see through his thoughts; though his face remained calm, jealousy churned within him.
That woman really knows how to charm people!
The dishes they ordered arrived quickly. Both men were well-off, and Shen Ji, being a foodie, ordered every item on the menu, nearly covering the entire table.
The shop provided seasonings, allowing each customer to adjust the flavors to their own taste.
It was Shen Ji’s first time trying sesame paste. Dipping the cooked lamb into the sesame paste was an absolute delight.
After finishing the lamb, he tried the duck blood. He used to avoid animal offal, finding it unclean, but it turned out to be surprisingly delicious after being cooked.
Shen Ji buried his head in his bowl, unable to tear himself away. The spicy aroma and the savory taste of the meat were simply irresistible.
For those who couldn’t handle the spiciness, there was also a tomato broth. Snow-white tofu, tender duck intestines, and various green vegetables cooked in it carried a sweet and sour flavor, both delicious and appetizing.
Especially the potato slices—crisp and refreshing when firm, flavorful and tender when soft—they were delicious no matter how they were cooked.
Not just Shen Ji, even Pei Zhao couldn’t stop eating.
He thought he already knew Xi Ning well, but this woman always managed to surprise him even more.
How could he ever let her go!
Pei Zhao lowered his gaze, having already made up his mind.
He was determined to have Xi Ning.
Even if this woman despised him, he would never let her go.
“Esteemed guests, this is corn juice gifted by our shopkeeper. Today is our grand opening, so everyone gets a serving.”
The waiter placed a pitcher on each table. Though the spiciness was exhilarating, it could become overwhelming.
“Corn juice? Yet another novel delicacy.”
Shen Ji took it and filled both their cups. He had already tried many new foods during this hotpot meal.
Pei Zhao looked at the clear, thick yellow drink in his cup and tapped his knuckles on the table.
Even a fool would start to doubt by now.
Where did Xi Ning get so many novel delicacies?
Just as he was lost in thought, Shen Ji had already picked up his cup and taken a big sip.
“Mmm! Delicious. This corn juice is thick and sweet, and it soothes the spiciness in my stomach. Third Brother, you should try it too.”Because of a meal, Shen Ji had long forgotten his intention to cut ties with Pei Zhao, urging him to quickly drink his beverage.
Pei Zhao snapped back to attention and also picked up his cup to take a sip. Unlike Shen Ji, who focused solely on the delicious food.
The corn juice had a thick texture, and after drinking it, there was a noticeable feeling of fullness—it was even more nourishing than rice soup.
Thinking of the refugees outside the city, Pei Zhao’s eyes lit up.