Chapter 47: As If Awakened from a Dream

After a while, Du Xiaomei, Li Lizhi, and the others still hadn’t recovered from their stunned state. It felt as though even the air around them had fallen silent for a long time.

After a lengthy moment of astonishment, it was Du Xiaomei who snapped out of it first. She asked in disbelief, “Husband, wasn’t today’s portion of the ‘Orleans Set’ already sold out?”

Moments ago, both she and Li Lizhi had heard the waiter say so with their own ears. Other diners nearby had kindly reminded them as well. Yet now, with just a single word from Li Yi’s maid, the waiter’s attitude had changed so dramatically? It was simply unbelievable! Could it be... would they really bring out two servings of the ‘Orleans Set’? Could they truly be so lucky today as to taste the legendary delicacy everyone raved about?

At this moment, even Du Xiaomei didn’t know whether she should believe Li Yi. She looked at him, hesitant to speak. After all, the waiter’s attitude had said it all. Yet, his manner toward them was now completely different from before. How could this be explained?

Du Xiaomei simply couldn’t fathom what sort of relationship her husband had with the owner of Drunken Immortal Pavilion. Li Lizhi too frowned slightly, her gaze fixed on Li Yi, her thoughts unreadable.

“Don’t worry, Xiaomei.” Li Yi smiled softly and ruffled Du Xiaomei’s hair, his voice full of gentle affection. “When have I ever made idle boasts? Whatever you want, even if it’s a star in the sky, I’ll fetch it for you.”

“Husband, you’re so good to me...” Du Xiaomei smiled blissfully, her face radiant with happiness. If Li Lizhi weren’t present, she would have already nestled into Li Yi’s arms. Since Li Yi was unwilling to say more, she was sensible enough not to press him with further questions.

Li Lizhi, for her part, found their flirtation a bit much to bear. “Du Xiaomei, Li Bo’an, do you two even remember I’m here? This is too much, hmph...” Li Lizhi grumbled in annoyance.

It was just then that a mouthwatering aroma suddenly wafted through the entire restaurant. The enticing scent drifted straight to everyone’s noses, causing many diners to look up abruptly, their faces transformed, eyes fixed toward the kitchen.

They saw the same waiter who had left earlier return, carefully carrying two servings of the Orleans Set. The chicken on the plates was golden and glistening, the rich aroma irresistible and instantly whetting everyone’s appetite. The sound of gulping was audible throughout the room, and not a soul cared if such a display was undignified.

“That smell... it’s the Orleans Set!”

“Damn it, didn’t Manager Xu say the Orleans Set was sold out for today? How did someone still manage to order it— and two portions, at that!”

“No way! Waiter, bring me one too...”

Many people began to clamor, eyes glued to the Orleans Set. Some diners even half rose from their seats, on the verge of rushing over to snatch it for themselves.

Seeing this, the waiter immediately shielded the plates with his body, forcing a pained smile as he said, “Gentlemen, these are for Young Master Li, on the owner’s orders. I’m really sorry. If you wish to try it, please come back tomorrow.”

The other diners fell silent, the corners of their mouths twitching. Yet, remembering how that wealthy merchant had slunk away in defeat earlier, they managed to restrain themselves, mumbling their discontent under their breath. They could only watch helplessly as the waiter delivered the two servings of the Orleans Set to Li Yi’s table, tormented with envy.

All the while, they speculated in their hearts: what exactly was the relationship between the owner of Drunken Immortal Pavilion and Young Master Li Yi...

Meanwhile, Li Lizhi and Du Xiaomei, simply from the aroma, couldn’t help but swallow eagerly. Even now, they still felt as if they were in a dream.

“This... this is the legendary ‘Orleans Set’?” Li Lizhi exclaimed, her face unsettled, hands half-raised in anticipation, unable to contain her eagerness to taste it.

Du Xiaomei was no different, staring excitedly at the dish, her lips pursed, momentarily speechless.

“Fifth Princess, Xiaomei, go ahead and try it— see what you think.” Li Yi smiled calmly and reminded them softly.

“Uh... gulp...” The two of them finally came to their senses and nodded.

Almost in unison, Li Lizhi and Du Xiaomei asked, “Then... we won’t stand on ceremony?”

Li Yi nodded silently, taking a chicken drumstick from the plate, tearing off a small piece and holding it to Du Xiaomei’s lips. This made her blush as red as a rose, her face suffused with shyness.

“Husband... I can do it myself...” Du Xiaomei said bashfully.

“Hurry and try it. If it gets cold, it won’t taste as good.” Li Yi insisted with a smile, his hand unmoving.

“Alright...” Du Xiaomei didn’t refuse again. Glancing at Li Lizhi, she lowered her head and gently tasted a bite.

The moment the chicken touched her lips, Du Xiaomei froze in place. Her eyes blinked in disbelief, her face awash with amazement.

“Husband, this ‘Orleans Chicken Wing’... it’s so delicious!” Du Xiaomei exclaimed breathlessly.

“If you like it, have some more!” Li Yi replied with a serene smile.

“Mhm!” Du Xiaomei nodded and continued eating.

Although Li Lizhi felt a bit put off by their public display of affection, she couldn’t resist after hearing Du Xiaomei’s praise. Without waiting for her maid, she imitated Li Yi’s gesture, tore off a piece of chicken, and tasted it herself.

The moment it entered her mouth, the chicken was tender, crisp, yet full of bite. The unique sensation was indescribable— it was as though she were floating through a dreamlike paradise, her taste buds suddenly awakened, like a martial artist’s meridians being opened, filling her with utter contentment and delight.

One bite, then another, and yet another...

Li Lizhi ate as if spellbound, unable to stop, transformed into a little foodie before anyone’s eyes.

“The flavor of this Orleans Set truly is exquisite— even better, perhaps, than the rare delicacies of the palace!” she thought as she ate.

At that moment, she forgot entirely that she was a princess, and even forgot about the damage done to her pride by Li Yi and Du Xiaomei’s display of affection...

(End of chapter)