Peerless Martial Expert in the City
Chapter 671 - 667: Zhao Gao

Chapter 671: Chapter 667: Zhao Gao

(I had something to attend to during the day and returned late, so the update is a bit delayed; my apologies!)

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Chapter 667 Zhao Gao

His name was Zhao Gao, sharing the same name as that eunuch from the Qin Dynasty, and not just his name, his personality also bore a striking resemblance—he was extremely crafty and insidious. Although he often smiled like a Maitreya Buddha, his actions were ruthless, making him a tough character. Those who knew him well dared not to underestimate him.

This Zhao Gao, labeled with the name of the infamous figure from the Qin Dynasty, seemed to possess some of that Zhao Gao’s traits. Unlike many other men, he exercised extreme restraint regarding lustful desires for women. He had no significant hobbies in other areas, except for a singular passion for wine, which had led him to open several wineries.

Although Li Zhengyi felt confident about Zhao Gao’s expertise in wine, he was worried that he might pose questions that were too simple and allow Xiao Yi to bluff his way through. To prevent any mishaps, he still stood up, his face bright with a warm smile. "Director Zhao indeed has a discerning eye, picking out a person knowledgeable in wine. This Young Master Xiao is a rare connoisseur and lover of wine. You might want to be cautious, Director Zhao."

While Li Zhengyi seemed to compliment Xiao Yi as a wine connoisseur, the mocking look in his eye and his tone of voice made it clear what he really intended to convey.

The other guests, who had already given up on Xiao Yi, turned their attention to him at Li Zhengyi’s words. Even those who were already engaged in their showdowns shifted their focus to Xiao Yi.

At this point, anyone who did not grasp Li Zhengyi’s purpose could only be considered a fool, and naturally, there were no fools present. They all mockingly looked at Xiao Yi, eager to see how Zhao Gao and Li Zhengyi would humiliate him. They wanted to see how this unimpressive young man, who dared to oppose Li Zhengyi, would crumble with embarrassment.

"To receive such praise from Young Master Li, it seems that Young Master Xiao’s knowledge and understanding of wine must be truly exceptional. I am probably out of my depth," Zhao said.

Zhao Gao laughed heartily.

Zhao Gao was no fool. Not only was he not a fool, but also a very astute and intelligent man, so he instantly grasped Li Zhengyi’s intentions. Nevertheless, he did not mind giving Li Zhengyi face by harshly humiliating the young man.

He had never seen this Xiao Yi before, and although he did not know his background, his intuition told him this was not someone of importance. Putting him down to give Li Zhengyi face seemed like no harm at all.

"Young Master Li flatters me. I have only a rudimentary understanding of wine, far from being someone versed in the knowledge of wine," Xiao Yi said.

Xiao Yi glanced meaningfully at Li Zhengyi and, with a smile, politely returned the compliment. After speaking, he did not waste more words, simply adding, "I look forward to learning from you, Director Zhao."

Seeing how composed Xiao Yi was, everyone was momentarily surprised.

But soon they realized he probably didn’t know how formidable Zhao Gao was. They sneered, thinking that Xiao Yi was eagerly courting destruction.

The corners of Li Zhengyi’s mouth curled up with a cold smirk. He began to contemplate how he would kick Xiao Yi when he was down after the upcoming humiliation.

Zhao Gao also mentally sneered, a flash of coldness in his eyes. He was very dissatisfied with Xiao Yi’s reaction. He expected Xiao Yi to be flattering him profusely in respect, but instead, Xiao Yi had just offered a polite remark before eagerly speaking up again, in a tone that seemed not the least bit intimidated by him.

If you’re so eager to court death, then I will oblige. I will soon let you witness my prowess.

Zhao Gao muttered to himself, pondered for a moment in his mind, then the wheels turned in his head, and he spoke with a beaming smile, "Today we are here for Lafite, and I presume Young Master Xiao is very familiar with it. Since I, too, am quite interested in Lafite, maybe Young Master Xiao could enlighten us on the history of the Lafite Estate?"

As Zhao Gao posed the question, everyone present was momentarily taken aback.

No one expected Zhao Gao to ask such an easy question. They thought, even if this guy is a bumpkin, with how Lafite has been hyped up in recent years, he must have heard something about it, right?

Only Li Zhengyi, upon hearing Zhao Gao’s question, immediately showed a smug expression, the corner of his mouth rising slightly.

He thought to himself, "True to Zhao Gao’s nature, that’s sly enough. The history of Lafite, although widespread, is mostly known only for its surface story. Plus, the topic is too broad. If Xiao Yi misses anything or doesn’t cover it all, it will provide an excuse to declare him a failure."

"Director Zhao is really challenging me. However, since you asked, I will do my best to share," Xiao Yi replied.

Upon hearing Director Zhao pose this question, Xiao Yi almost laughed out loud. If Zhao had asked something more obscure, Xiao Yi would indeed have been worried, but as far as Lafite was concerned, he could recite its history by heart. Yet his face showed no sign of this confidence, as he smiled slightly, humbly voiced his willingness, and furrowed his brow in thought.

Indeed, a bumpkin!

"You actually want to drink Lafite without even knowing its history?"

"If he really managed to drink Lafite, that would simply be a waste of good wine, a travesty against all reason!"

The bystanders, seeing Xiao Yi struggling right from the start, immediately began to look down on him in speechless disdain.

Even Li Zhengyi and Zhao Gao were taken aback. They had thought that, at the very least, like the other guests, Xiao Yi would blurt out some trivial facts, such as Lafite being the name of a winery or some such basic common knowledge.

But to their surprise, Xiao Yi could not say a word.

Nevertheless, Li Zhengyi soon recovered his senses. Seeing the contemptuous looks from the guests around them directed at Xiao Yi, his face revealed a hint of pleasure. Xiao Yi’s embarrassment—wasn’t that exactly what he wanted? The more embarrassed, the better!

Without hesitation, he was ready to speak, to mock Xiao Yi thoroughly, to amplify his embarrassment to the fullest.

But just as he was about to speak, Xiao Yi, who had been furrowing his brow in thought, slowly began to speak.

"The most famous wine-producing regions in France include Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Alsace..."

Just as I thought!

He’s just spouting the same old clichés!

Although he had no choice but to swallow the scornful remarks he was intending to enjoy, Li Zhengyi’s face immediately showed a look of disdain upon hearing Xiao Yi begin to speak.

The people nearby also wore looks of contempt, showing no intention of listening any further, for what Xiao Yi was discussing was almost known by heart to every person present.

In Zhao Gao’s eyes, too, there was a flicker of sarcasm, but as Xiao Yi spoke, he acted as if he were listening with great pleasure, smiling very happily on the surface.

But soon, his smile began to freeze on his face...

"Within the Bordeaux region, sixty-one of the most outstanding estates were selected... Among them, the first-growth estates number four, with Chateau Lafite ranking first. Thus, the two words ’Lafite’ represent an unmatched quality and character in wine, making it truly world-class."

Watching Xiao Yi speak fluently, Li Zhengyi’s expression gradually stiffened. A true connoisseur reveals himself in action—it’s true that what Xiao Yi was saying was common knowledge, known by all, but the fact that Xiao Yi could recite this segment so thoroughly was somewhat abnormal.

"The history of Lafite is very ancient. Lafite Estate was founded by a noble named Lalite..."

Xiao Yi paid no attention to their expressions and continued to speak unhurriedly. Foreign words flowed smoothly from his lips without the slightest hesitation, which left almost everyone around him stunned, including Li Zhengyi who couldn’t help but freeze.

And more people were captivated by Xiao Yi’s narration, involuntarily engrossed, forgetting their previous disdain for him, listening intently as Xiao Yi spoke of things they had never heard before.

Zhao Yuhua, standing nearby, also glanced at Xiao Yi, her eyes flashing with rare admiration, a pensive look on her face.

"What we can hear about is over six hundred years of history!"

As Xiao Yi’s final words fell, the room was almost entirely silent, and for a moment, no one could react.

Only when Xiao Yi, with a beaming smile, looked at Zhao Gao, who had already lost his ability to smile and stood there with a shocked and dazed face, did he speak, "Director Zhao, I wonder if what I just said was correct? Was there anything misrepresented?"

"This... this..."

Zhao Gao’s face turned the color of liver in an instant. He wanted to say there were errors or omissions or something of the sort, but after racking his brains, he found he was completely unable to pick out anything wrong with Xiao Yi’s narration. Finally, after stammering for a while, he had to give up unwillingly and with great reluctance he managed to say a complete sentence, "Young Master Xiao was very thorough. I had no idea you were so familiar with Lafite."

"Thank you, Director Zhao, I was simply fortunate to have come across some records about Lafite a few days ago. I am probably just showing off in front of an expert, which makes me look foolish," Xiao Yi responded, nodding with a humble and courteous smile. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation.)