The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan
Chapter 361 - 360 Sets Boundaries with Other Men ( - One)

Chapter 361: 360 Sets Boundaries with Other Men (Chapter One)

It had been over half a month since they last parted in Tianshui County, and Bai Di looked as though he had completely transformed.

Before leaving Tianshui County, Li Xianyun had seen him once, and although the boils on his chin had been removed, his face was still a bit swollen.

Now he had recovered completely, and there wasn’t the slightest hint that he had ever suffered from boils; he was almost distractingly handsome.

Although he was still somewhat frail, he had the elegant and cultured demeanor of a refined gentleman, which was quite distinctive.

Li Xianyun said with a smile, "Family Head Bai, what brings you to Shangjing?"

Bai Di’s face lit up with a smile, "I’m here in Shangjing to take care of some things."

Li Xianyun introduced Ali and Bai Di to each other.

Since there was much to be arranged at Ruyi Square, Ali left first.

In the warm light of the setting sun, only Li Xianyun and Bai Di remained.

From his letters, Li Xianyun had gleaned that he might harbor special feelings for her, but it was only a suspicion, and she didn’t dare to be certain.

After all, a visitor from afar deserves hospitality, not to mention that the preserves had a market in both Houtang and Houliang largely because of Xingfang Restaurant’s initial acceptance of them.

This favor was worth treating him to a good meal.

Li Xianyun looked up at him and said with a laugh, "Family Head, have you had your meal yet?"

"Not yet," Bai Di replied with a laugh.

"There’s a decent tavern nearby, let me treat you to a meal."

Bai Di laughed and said, "You have in mind the same thing as I do, but since you’ve made the business of Xingfang Restaurant thrive, I should be the one treating."

Li Xianyun naturally demurred.

As they walked toward Songhe Tower, Bai Di looked at Li Xianyun.

She looked vibrant and lively, her complexion much better than when she was in Tianshui County.

Li Xianyun turned her head, and their gazes met.

Openly and candidly, Bai Di said, "You don’t have to always call me Family Head, it seems too formal. I go by the given name Ziyu, just call me Ziyu."

Steadily, Li Xianyun replied, "I think I’ll still call you Mr. Bai, it feels more natural to me."

She was rejecting him.

Bai Di’s face stiffened slightly, and he replied with a forced smile, "That’s fine too."

Songhe Tower was a five-story structure that combined the architectural styles of the Khitan, Houtang, and even Houliang. Although it didn’t fit neatly into any category, the fusion of these styles made it comfortable, marking the success of its design.

Actually, there were Songhe Towers in the Central Plains as well.

The Songhe Tower in the Khitan lands might lag in terms of exquisite and delectable dishes compared to its Central Plains counterpart, but it boasted a greater variety of cuisine at reasonable prices.

Therefore, Songhe Tower was always bustling and crowded during mealtimes, making it very lively.

Standing at the entrance, Li Xianyun looked into the crowded Songhe Tower and said, "It looks like they’re full inside, let’s go eat somewhere else."

Bai Di obstructed her path and said, "I’m an old acquaintance of the owner of Songhe Tower, he should be able to spare some face for me. Let’s go."

With that, he led the way inside.

Li Xianyun had no choice but to follow him.

Indeed, as soon as the owner of Songhe Tower, who was standing by the counter, saw Bai Di, he hurried over and bowed with his hands clasped, saying, "Family Head Bai, what an unexpected pleasure."

Although the owner was Khitan, he used Han etiquette to show his respect to Bai Di.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Bai Di smiled and asked, "My friend and I would like to dine at your esteemed establishment. Do you have a table available?"

The owner replied with a smile, "How can you say such things, Mr. Bai? Even if there is no room for others, there’s always space for you. We have a private room on the fifth floor, and there’s an observatory with a view for overlooking the scenery. Would you like to dine there?"

"There could be nothing better."

A group of people, led by the host, went directly to the fifth floor and arrived at the private room with the so-called viewing terrace.

The private room was spacious, with a wide door leading directly outside, where there was a large protruding terrace with a railing for distant views.

Li Xianyun somewhat regretted coming here.

Yelu Yan even got jealous over a cat, so if he found out she came to such an elegant place to eat with a man, who knows how jealous he would get.

Sometime she began to care a bit more about Yelu Yan’s feelings.

Seeing that Li Xianyun was somewhat preoccupied, Bai Di smiled and said, "What’s the matter, something on your mind?"

Li Xianyun responded with a smile but no words.

Li Xianyun and Bai Di sat opposite each other, with Bater and Youlan serving behind them.

Bater’s eyes were full of hostility towards Bai Di.

The server repeated the list of renowned dishes from the restaurant.

Bai Di smiled and asked, "Is there anything in particular you’d like to eat?"

"I had a late lunch today, I’m not hungry, anything is fine."

Bai Di didn’t fuss over it and ordered several dishes, with a mix of vegetable and meat, soup and solids.

"Xinglong Piaohao has shipped over the raisins, and they tasted quite good, so I’m thinking of ordering more," Bai Di said.

A single Drying Room could produce over a thousand kilograms of raisins, and with so many Drying Rooms, there was no shortage of raisins.

"Great. Tomorrow I’ll have someone accompany you to the Drying Room for a look. If you find them suitable, you can take some away on the spot."

Bai Di looked earnestly at Li Xianyun and said, "Young Master, won’t you accompany us?"

Li Xianyun replied with a smile, "I have other businesses to manage. There is a person in charge of the raisins, and they understand them better than I do."

"But I can’t trust anyone else, and the main reason I came here was..."

Mainly it was to see you.

Suddenly, Bai Di stopped short.

Li Xianyun, being very astute, had already deduced his intentions from his expression and words, and without a ripple in her demeanor, she said, "In that case, over the next few days, I’ll have someone accompany you to see the raisins. Once the arrangements are nearly finalized, my husband and I will invite you for another meal."

Upon hearing her words, Bai Di was rooted to the spot, as though his soul had left his body, and it took him a long time to recover.

"You’re married?" Bai Di asked in shock.

He wasn’t surprised by her identity as a woman; it seemed he had indeed realized she had taken on the identity of a woman.

Li Xianyun nodded and said, "You’ve seen my husband before. He’s the burly man who accompanied me to treat your illness last time."

Bai Di had some recollection of Yelu Yan.

He was tall and sturdy, fit and robust, with a startlingly handsome face that exuded an aura of dominance and nobility—clearly not the look of a mere servant.

At that time, however, Bai Di’s entire attention had been on Li Xianyun, and he hadn’t pondered the stark contrast emanating from Yelu Yan.

Just then, there was a sudden knock at the door.

Bai Di said, "Come in."

The door was pushed open, and standing outside was an exceedingly burly and handsome man.

His deep-set eyes betrayed no emotion, yet compelled one to straighten up involuntarily.

Li Xianyun looked at Yelu Yan standing outside the door and smiled, "Husband, what brings you here?"

Then she looked at Bai Di and said, "Young Master Bai, this is my husband, the one I was telling you about."

Bai Di’s face appeared somewhat unnatural, his lips curved into a smile, but it was bitter.

Yelu Yan glanced at Bai Di, walked straight to Li Xianyun, and sat down next to her. He stretched out his arm and wrapped it around Li Xianyun’s waist.

Bai Di’s gaze lingered momentarily on the hand encircling Li Xianyun’s waist, then he picked up his cup and took a sip with his head lowered.