119 Chapter 119 Attending The Banquet
“There’s good news, excellent news, and it’s not just one.” The old lady replied with a smile.
Then, she pointed to a small shed not far away and said, “Young man, haven’t you noticed that the people collecting protection fees in this market are gone?
“I heard that the county governor has also changed, and some of the previous miscellaneous taxes will be waived from next year. We commoners can finally live a good life.”
“That’s right. In the past, there were various taxes that we had to pay. Now, we finally get to catch a breather, ” said a middle-aged woman selling pickled vegetables.
“It’s such a pity for my eldest daughter. I don’t know where she’s been sold to.” She wiped her tears as she continued.
As soon as she finished speaking, the lively atmosphere in the market dropped to the freezing point.
Gu Chengrui and Zhou Ying looked at each other and then walked away silently.
At the same time, they finally realized how deep the waters in this county were. At least, it was much deeper than what they had seen. If they had not saved Young Master Zhou by chance, their lives would definitely not have turned for the better.
When the two arrived at the restaurant, Manager Liu was already waiting at the entrance. When he saw them, he immediately came up to them and greeted them warmly, “Doctor Gu, Mrs. Gu, you’re here. Please come in.”
“Uncle Liu, you’re too polite.” Gu Chengrui greeted him. Then, the couple followed him into the restaurant and entered a luxuriously decorated private room on the second floor.
Manager Liu invited them to sit and said, “Let’s sit down and have a drink first; the second owner will be here soon.”
“Please do what you need to do. We’ll just wait.” Gu Chengrui said.
“That’s true; we’re acquaintances now. Tell me if you need anything, and don’t be polite.” Manager Liu turned around and left after saying that.
Zhou Ying stared at a plate of date-paste cakes on the table. At first glance, she could tell it was an excellent artisan-made cake. She pinched a piece and put it in her mouth, tasting it. “It’s delicious. There are no impurities in it at all.”
“If you like it, eat more. These old-fashioned snacks are really tasty when they’re made fresh.” Gu Chengrui pushed a plate of spring rolls in front of her as he said that.
Zhou Ying looked at the crispy golden snacks in front of her and replied, “To be honest, seeing these spring rolls reminds me of many different fried snacks. It’s a pity I never learned how to make them, always missing something special.”
“Is it those snacks that were deep fried in beef fat?”
“Yes, it’s always so fragrant, crunchy, and delicious.”
“We can try making them later. Maybe I can reproduce it.”
“What are you two talking about? You seem to be having a good time.” Young Master Zhou smiled as he walked in, followed by a waiter.
“We’re just talking about some food. Brother Zhou, please take a seat.” Gu Chengrui stood up and said.
Young Master Zhou nodded his head and raised his hand to signal for him to sit down too. He sat on the main seat and said, “I’m not afraid of you guys laughing at me, but I’m also a glutton. Tell me what you guys want to eat, and we’ll have a good meal this afternoon.”
“Then don’t mind if we do. Let’s have Hongyun restaurant’s signature dishes, sauced beef, and red braised pork,” suggested Gu Chengrui.
Young Master Zhou nodded and told the waiter. Then, he asked Zhou Ying, “What do you want to eat?”
Zhou Ying wanted to say “poached fish,” but she remembered that Young Master Zhou was still injured. So she changed her words, “Stir-fried white prawns and some cold shredded tofu salad.”
“Shredded tofu salad, do we have it here?” Young Master Zhou couldn’t remember the dish no matter how hard he tried, so he looked at the waiter.
The waiter nodded. “Yes, it’s a new dish. It’s only served after getting some advice from Mrs. Gu.’
“Then we’ll have one.” After Young Master Zhou finished ordering, he looked at the two of them and asked, “What else do you want to eat? Continue ordering. The three of us have to order at least ten dishes and a soup, right?”