Chapter 582 284: New Year's Eve
"Mr. You is out playing, why did he bring along his family..."
Ji Lingruo arched her delicate eyebrows slightly, feeling an inexplicable hint of jealousy in the other person's words. She didn't mind and assumed this pale-faced young man was just envious of You Su's good fortune with women.
You Su found it amusing. They weren't going to do anything shady, so why not bring family along?
"Isn't it the New Year and the time to bring family along? Mr. He said he wanted to show me the charm of Henggao City's festivities, so I thought my senior and junior sisters hadn't seen it before, and I took the liberty of bringing them. Am I disrupting Mr. He's plans?"
You Su felt a bit apologetic, as the other party indeed hadn't directly invited the two women.
He Kongyue suppressed the unusual expression on her face, secretly regretting that she should have told You Su that only he could come on his own. With two extra burdens, how could she enjoy herself with You Su alone?
"Mr. You is considerate, it's not really a disturbance. I just assumed it would be only Mr. You, so I booked a smaller table. But it's okay, I'll just ask the folks at Drunken Immortal Inn to change our table."
Her words were bold, but on New Year's Eve, the Drunken Immortal Inn was already packed to capacity, so where would they find a room for He Kongyue?
"Mr. He, please spare me. Every restaurant in Henggao City is full, there's no way to get another table for you now."
Even if He Kongyue was willing to pay a premium, the establishment would be helpless. Those who could eat in a private room here were all reputable figures and wouldn't be lacking for the money He Kongyue offered.
"Why don't... I take my senior and junior sisters somewhere else to eat, so as not to disturb Mr. He's enjoyment. I'll come find Mr. He after we're done eating."
You Su didn't want to make things difficult for He Kongyue, as it was his idea to bring people along.
"How could that be? If Mr. You and the two fairies don't mind, I can take you to another place."
"Is Mr. He treating us?"
Ji Lingruo asked with some embarrassment, pulling on You Su's arm and hiding behind him, her half an arm sinking into that ample bosom.
He Kongyue observed this, feeling inexplicably sour, and reluctantly said:
"But of course."
Her bosom wasn't large, but it was indeed generous.
"Then it's all fine with us!" Ji Lingruo beamed with smiles.
...
Ji Lingruo was shocked to see the grand spectacle of red sleeves fluttering in the wind before her. This brightly lit, lively building was none other than the largest pleasure house in Henggao City — the Phoenix Perch Tower.
She turned to glare at He Kongyue, as if she could see through the hypocritical young man's ugly intentions. No wonder he was so downcast upon seeing her and her senior sister; he thought they would spoil his 'fun.'
He Kongyue keenly sensed this look and felt slightly embarrassed.
"Mr. He, you wouldn't be inviting us to dine at the Phoenix Perch Tower, would you? Just like in Mo Ye City?" Ji Lingruo sneered coldly.
"It smells so good."
You Su took a deep breath, catching a whiff of rich chicken soup aroma mixed with the scent of rouge in the air.
"Precisely here. Owner, four bowls of wontons, please."
He Kongyue shouted to a small roadside stall, leaving Ji Lingruo even more stunned. It turned out He Kongyue hadn't brought them to the Phoenix Perch Tower but rather to the stall beside it?
"Oh, Mr. He brought friends! Please wait a moment. Let me finish serving those ahead first!"
The stall owner skillfully ladled a batch of wontons into the pot, where steam rose from the bubbling broth, adding to the cozy vibe in the cold of winter.
"Does Mr. He often eat here?"
You Su was a bit surprised, finding it quite incongruous with Mr. He's status. But after a moment's thought, he figured that He Kongyue, wanting to maintain a dashing reputation, probably came to the Phoenix Perch Tower often. Simply going inside wasn't enough; he had to linger at the stall outside to let more people see him.
"I pass by occasionally, but each time I can't resist the taste and stop to try it. If Mr. You doesn't like it, I can take you somewhere else."
The first time He Kongyue came to the wonton stall beside the Phoenix Perch Tower was indeed to be seen, but as time went on, he was genuinely moved by the taste of the wontons.
"Mr. He also has an approachable side. I prefer this bustling roadside stall to the lofty Drunken Immortal Inn up there in isolation."
Ji Lingruo truly didn't mind, as long as the food was tasty. Her disdain was only because she couldn't take advantage of Mr. He for a lavish meal.
Soon, steaming bowls of wontons were served.
The wontons, with delicate minced filling, floated in the chicken broth, sprinkled with a tempting layer of oil, chopped green onions, and small river shrimp, all coming together to whet one's appetite.
You Su couldn't even care about the heat and eagerly scooped up a wonton into his mouth, exclaiming that the wonton's flavor was indeed incredibly delicious, so much so that even someone with He Kongyue's discerning taste would remember this stall. Even the faintest appetite would surely be revived with a single bite.
The wonton stall owner's decision to set up shop beside Phoenix Perch Tower was truly a stroke of genius.
You Su not only finished his own portion but also polished off Wangshu's serving.
Seeing You Su relish each bite brought He Kongyue satisfaction. It was pleasing for You Su to enjoy something she liked.
She initially worried that bringing You Su here would upset him, but now she realized it was all in her head.
But why is that snake demon so inconsiderate? Your senior brother only ate two bowls, and you went on to a third?
Spending money on a brother was one thing, but spending it on a brother's woman felt entirely different to He Kongyue.
In the cold of winter, after having some warm food, the group felt their bodies warm up, and they strolled together amidst the bustling city traffic and brilliant urban lights.