Chapter 48: We Are Friends

Seeing Du Xiaomei and Li Lizhi devouring the "Orleans Set Meal" with no trace of ladylike demeanor, quickly leaving only scraps behind, Li Yi couldn’t help but let out a helpless laugh.

“Princess, Xiaomei, slow down—be careful not to choke,” Li Yi kindly reminded them. “If it’s not enough, I can ask the waiter to bring out some more…”

At his words, the two girls suddenly realized how unbecoming their behavior was. They both paused, glanced at each other, and couldn’t help but cover their mouths in laughter.

From that moment, they no longer dared to continue eating in Li Yi’s presence.

After all, it would have been impossible to maintain their poise and elegance as ladies. What’s more, there were plenty of outsiders nearby, eyeing them hungrily like wolves, their stares downright intimidating.

So, after exchanging another look, they spoke in unison, “We’re full!”

Li Yi was momentarily stunned.

But he noticed that, despite their sincerity, their eyes kept darting longingly toward the remaining food on the table, betraying their reluctance.

Doubt crept into Li Yi’s heart.

“Surely not—did just one reminder from me make them full?”

“Are they deliberately eating less to keep their figures?”

He mused over this inwardly.

He tried to offer more to Du Xiaomei, but she refused no matter what he said.

Li Yi could only feel helpless.

Nevertheless, since they had both made their stance clear, he wasn’t foolish enough to call them out on it.

After all, the saying goes: “Women and petty men are hard to please”—not without reason.

To offend a woman was to court disaster.

Xiaomei was easy enough to talk to, but Li Lizhi was the Fifth Princess of the realm. If he accidentally offended her, the consequences would be dire.

Thus, Li Yi merely nodded with a smile and dropped the subject, avoiding unnecessary trouble.

At that moment, Du Xiaomei glanced at Li Lizhi, wiped her mouth, and smiled. “Princess, shall we head back?”

“Very well!” Li Lizhi nodded, immediately understanding, and withdrew her gaze from the table.

She then rose gracefully and smiled at Li Yi. “Thank you for your generous invitation today, Young Master Li.”

Li Yi shook his head with a gentle smile. “Princess, there’s no need for such words. You’re Xiaomei’s friend, so naturally, you’re also a friend of Bo’an. Being able to invite you here is a blessing from many lifetimes.”

His expression was calm and his reply perfectly measured.

Though Li Lizhi was indeed beautiful, he kept a respectful distance. After all, she was the Fifth Princess and a cousin to Zhangsun Chong.

Yue’er, who had been standing quietly by, suddenly piped up, “Young Master, shall I ask the waiter to pack another portion for the Princess and Lady Du to take back as a late-night snack?”

At this, Du Xiaomei and Li Lizhi were both momentarily taken aback.

Yet, recalling Li Yi’s special connection with the owner of Zui Xian Pavilion—and how delicious the “Orleans Set Meal” truly was—both girls immediately shot Yue’er a grateful look.

A woman’s thoughts are best understood by another woman.

Just now, they had not eaten their fill. But after Li Yi’s reminder and with all those hungry eyes around them, they’d felt too embarrassed to continue.

Yue’er’s well-timed suggestion was exactly what they’d been hoping for.

Though the idea had been brewing in their hearts, they’d been too shy to voice it.

Li Yi, realizing this, nodded in agreement. “Excellent idea, Yue’er. Please see to it.”

“Yes, Young Master,” Yue’er replied, immediately signaling for the waiter, who understood at once and headed to the kitchen.

With that, the awkwardness that had lingered in Du Xiaomei and Li Lizhi’s hearts vanished, and their moods brightened considerably.

“In that case, I shall gratefully accept your kindness,” Li Lizhi said with a smile.

Li Yi returned her smile with a wave of his hand. “No need for thanks between friends, Princess.”

Du Xiaomei was delighted by his response.

Li Lizhi, hearing his words, paused in surprise before breaking into a genuine smile.

In that moment, her opinion of Li Yi shifted dramatically.

“So, Xiaomei’s husband is not one to put on airs. I misjudged him before,” she thought, feeling a touch of envy toward Du Xiaomei.

“How rare it is for a woman to find someone who truly cares for her.”

“And Li Yi is so handsome to boot!”

With that, her gaze lingered on Li Yi, a glimmer of tenderness in her eyes, making Li Yi so flustered he dared not meet her gaze.

Sensing his deliberate avoidance, Li Lizhi collected herself and turned to chat with Du Xiaomei about other matters.

Before long, just as the waiter emerged carrying the takeout boxes, two familiar figures appeared in Zui Xian Pavilion.

It was none other than Cheng Chumo and Luo Tong.

“Brother Bo’an, you’re here too? Wonderful!” The two men, spotting Li Yi, hurried over to greet him.

They barely spared a second glance at Li Lizhi—still disguised as a man—and Du Xiaomei, assuming them to be acquaintances of Li Yi.

After all, who would suspect the Princess herself was cross-dressing?

If you didn’t know her well, you’d never guess.

“To think you’re here as well, Brother Chumo? Brother Luo?” Li Yi said in surprise.

The two men exchanged a knowing smile, and Cheng Chumo laughed boisterously. “Brother Bo’an, I heard Zui Xian Pavilion has a new ‘Orleans Set Meal’ that’s said to be incredible.”

“Since fate has brought us together, why don’t we three brothers share a drink today?”

He struck a heroic pose, clapping Li Yi on the shoulder in invitation.

“Exactly! Word has it the entire city of Chang’an is abuzz about this ‘Orleans Set Meal.’ It must be amazing,” Luo Tong added with a sigh. “Today, let me be the host. Last time you drank us under the table, Bo’an, we must have our revenge!”

Their eyes shone as they looked at Li Yi, their spirits high.

“Uh…” Li Yi was stunned, thinking, “What are the odds?”

Can’t you see the Fifth Princess and my wife are here?

Is fate truly so strange…

(The End of this Chapter)