Chapter 784: Strolling Through the Gathering
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Are you praising me, or teasing me?” Murong Yumeng smirked playfully. “And don’t be fooled by my appearance. If I were to truly lose my temper, you wouldn’t be able to handle it!”
Observing Murong Yumeng’s charming demeanor, Zi Zhijie couldn’t help but show a hint of infatuation on his face. “Well, I must admit, I’m quite curious now!”
Murong Yumeng chuckled lightly, a hint of pride gleaming in her eyes.
Evidently, she found Zi Zhijie’s admiration rather gratifying. However, whereas she once considered Zi Zhijie her best choice and was aware of the familial intentions behind their union, her heart now wavered. Especially after encountering the man earlier that day, she couldn’t help but feel there might be better options for her. Of course, everything remained uncertain. She wasn’t naive and wouldn’t act solely on her impulses. She would only settle for the best, believing she deserved nothing less.
“Let’s drop the subject. You haven’t answered my question yet!” Murong Yumeng smiled, resuming the conversation. “Have you seen that man before?”
After a moment of recollection, Zi Zhijie responded, “I haven’t. Perhaps he’s not even part of our social circle. Don’t dwell on it too much. We didn’t do anything significant today; it was merely a civil discussion. Besides, with your temperament, how could you possibly offend anyone?”
This aspect of Murong Yumeng was what Zi Zhijie admired most. Unlike other young ladies from affluent families, she was amiable and never looked down upon the less fortunate. In her spare time, she often volunteered for charitable causes. A woman of such gentleness was undoubtedly universally admired!
Zi Zhijie also felt fortunate that he and Murong Yumeng were childhood friends and that their families had agreed upon their future marriage. Otherwise, he believed he would have faced stiff competition.
Seeing Zi Zhijie’s apparent lack of recognition, Murong Yumeng smiled and decided not to press further.
As the two conversed, they soon reached the lobby of the homestay, where the rest of their party awaited them.
Without delay, they set off towards the bustling main gathering area.
The event was already in full swing, with the streets bustling with activity and chatter.
Huangfu Ruiling held tightly onto Ye Leng’an’s hand, fearing they might get separated in the crowd. His other hand already held numerous snack bags, the spoils of their journey.
Looking at the array of bags, he couldn’t help but feel resigned. He had suggested having something to eat before embarking on their excursion from the inn, but Ye Leng’an insisted on sampling specialty snacks directly. Unable to persuade her otherwise, he acquiesced.
However, he hadn’t expected Ye Leng’an to purchase so many snacks along the way, most of which were considered junk food.
After strolling for a while, they finally settled at a noodle stall.
Although not a proper noodle restaurant, the stall seemed popular, likely due to the large gathering. Judging by the crowd, the food was probably quite delicious.
Once seated, they opted for a single bowl of wonton noodles. With their plethora of snacks, ordering two bowls would likely result in leftovers.
Ye Leng’an began sampling the snacks on the table, offering Huangfu Ruiling the ones she enjoyed and discarding the ones she didn’t.
Though Huangfu Ruiling felt somewhat exasperated, he accepted everything Ye Leng’an offered.
Their bowl of wonton noodles arrived promptly, and they began sharing it intimately, exemplifying a close bond to onlookers.
After a taste, Ye Leng’an’s eyes lit up. “Delicious!”
Scooping up another wonton, she fed it to Huangfu Ruiling.
Taking a bite, Huangfu Ruiling found the wonton tasty but not exceptional. Yet, seeing Ye Leng’an’s satisfied expression, he couldn’t help but appreciate the flavor.
Observing their intimate exchange, the stall’s owner couldn’t help but chuckle. “You two make such a sweet couple!”
“We’re not a couple,” Huangfu Ruiling interjected, momentarily surprising the owner. However, his subsequent words elicited a mix of laughter and bewilderment. “We’re engaged. We’re fiancés.”
Ye Leng’an sighed internally at Huangfu Ruiling’s emphasis.
The owner, however, smiled knowingly upon hearing Huangfu Ruiling’s words. Glancing at Ye Leng’an, she remarked with a smile, “Ah, I see! Your fiancé seems quite fond of you! Ah, to be young again!”
“You’re still quite young yourself!” Ye Leng’an chimed in with a smile. “And judging by the rapport between you and your husband, your relationship must be strong!”
“What’s there to say? It’s just life,” the owner replied nonchalantly.
With a touch of nostalgia, she added, “We’re just an old married couple. Once a young girl, now a mother of two.”
Ye Leng’an chuckled and praised, “Your wontons are truly delicious! Knowing that, I’ll stick with wontons next time, no more wonton noodles.”
“As long as you enjoy them,” the owner responded with genuine pleasure. “The wonton recipe is a family heirloom, our means of livelihood. If you like them, you can visit Yuan Ji Noodle Shop down the street during the day. We operate there.”
“Ah, so you have a regular shop! That’s wonderful.” Ye Leng’an nodded in agreement. “I’ll drop by in a couple of days. Madam, please add two extra wontons for me then!”
“Hehe, if such an outstanding couple graces our doorstep, it’s like free advertising for us,” the owner chuckled. “Rest assured, we’ll make sure you’re satisfied.”