School Beauty's Personal Martial Expert
Chapter 199: Imperial Banquet

Chapter 199: Imperial Banquet

Having heard the Old Master’s words, Leng Xuan suddenly understood and became very curious about the identity of the Old Master’s longstanding rival, but since the Old Master did not speak of it, he felt it was not his place to ask. Just then, a knock came from outside, and he heard Uncle Liu saying, "Old Master, Mr. Leng, the meal is ready."

"Got it, we’re coming!" The Old Master glanced at Leng Xuan and laughed, "Let’s go have dinner. We couldn’t make it to Imperial Cuisine House this time, mainly because I was concerned about outside safety. But I’ve had Old Liu invite some of the best chefs from Imperial Cuisine House. You should try their dishes. Here in Baiyun City, they’re second to none, haha." With that, he patted Leng Xuan’s shoulder.

Leng Xuan felt at ease with the Old Master and found him to be very straightforward. He gave the impression of a friendship that transcended age. He smiled and said, "Alright, let’s go have a taste then!"

Upon arriving at the dining room, Ling Xuejiu and Li Mengjie had already taken their seats early. When they saw Grandpa coming with Leng Xuan and Uncle Liu, the two girls stood up. Ling Xuejiu pouted and coquettishly said, "Grandpa, what were you and Leng Xuan talking about for so long? You made me and Xiao Jie suffer here."

"Oh...?" Old Master Ling paused and asked in bewilderment, "What kind of suffering have you and Xiao Jie been enduring here?"

Before Ling Xuejiu could speak, Li Mengjie interjected with a smile, "Grandpa Ling, what Xue Jiu means is that sitting here, looking at this table full of delicious food without being able to touch it, is torturous for our stomachs."

"Ah, hahaha..." Ling Tian laughed and said to Leng Xuan, "It seems that indeed we are to blame!"

Leng Xuan couldn’t help but laugh too, though he said nothing.

After Leng Xuan and Old Master Ling sat down, Uncle Liu did not take a seat. Old Master Ling glanced at Uncle Liu and said, "Old Liu, Leng Xuan is not a stranger; there’s no need for formalities. Sit down and eat with us."

Uncle Liu hesitated for a moment. Usually, when there were no outsiders, he would dine with the Old Master, as the Old Master never treated trusted people like servants. To be overly formal with the Old Master might actually displease him. With a wry smile, Uncle Liu also took his seat.

"Grandpa, where is Auntie He? Why didn’t you invite her to join us for the meal?" Ling Xuejiu asked curiously. She hadn’t seen Auntie He since their arrival.

As Uncle Liu poured a glass of wine for Leng Xuan, he took over the conversation, "Oh, Miss, He Mei had some matters at home and went back for a bit."

"Right, let’s not worry about her, let’s start!" Old Master Ling glanced at Uncle Liu and said, "Old Liu, fill my cup too, oh, with baijiu."

Puffing up with indignation, Ling Xuejiu said, "Grandpa, you can’t drink, or you’ll start coughing again later."

Ling Tian laughed heartily. His beloved granddaughter really had him over a barrel, even taking charge of his affairs? But he knew that she meant well for him, and he begged like a child asking an adult for candy, "I won’t drink much, just a little; that shouldn’t be a problem, right? Today is Leng Xuan’s first time dining with Grandpa; how could I not join him for a few drinks?"

Quickly, Leng Xuan said, "There’s no need, Old Master, I don’t feel like drinking either!"

Ling Tian asked, "Don’t you usually drink?"

With an awkward smile, Leng Xuan replied, "I used to drink a bit before, but now that I need to ensure Miss’s safety, I can’t drink anymore."