Li Fuyou, who had decided to go to Dongfeng Restaurant, set out on the second day.
The carriage to Dongfeng Restaurant traveled especially slowly due to the need to pass through a bustling street.
Sitting inside the carriage, Li Fuyou, as usual, closed his eyes to rest.
However, suddenly, the buzzing of the crowd’s gossip reached his ears, causing his frown to deepen and his complexion turned frosty. He called out to the driver ahead, "Amo, stop the carriage."
Amo had no choice but to obey the young master’s command and stopped the carriage. He too had heard the murmurs of the crowd, but he believed the young master would find out sooner or later. He trusted that the young master would be able to bounce back.
Once the carriage stopped, the gossip of the crowd could be heard clearly inside.
"Something big has happened again."
"The owner of Dongfeng Restaurant, Li Fuyou, went to Huaman Building last night and sought out the top courtesan, Mudan."
"Who would have thought Li Fuyou was such a libertine? This is indeed big news."
"What? It’d be better if he were a libertine."
"What? Who told you that?"
"Because of his impotence, he could only torment Lady Mudan, nearly killing her in the process."
"Is that so? By what you’re saying, does that mean he can only be dominated by men?"
"Haha, I never imagined that Li Fuyou, who always acts so high and mighty, is impotent and to be dominated by men. What a great delight to hear."
As the crowd continued their chatter, inside the carriage Li Fuyou struggled to control his raging emotions. His veins were popping, and his gaze turned icy. He hadn’t expected the events of the previous night to spread so quickly. He was always cautious in his dealings, yet this time he had slipped. His fists clenched tightly, he was determined not to accept this humiliation. He would reclaim his honor. He spoke softly, "Amo, let’s go."
Seeing that the young master had not lost his temper, Amo was relieved, and the carriage continued on its way, soon arriving at Dongfeng Restaurant.
Li Fuyou stepped out of the carriage and entered Dongfeng Restaurant. The once crowded hall was no longer as it had been; now it was desolate with only a few scattered customers.
In contrast, across the street, the place was bustling, and there was even a line of people waiting.
Li Fuyou sneered. In just a few days, his Dongfeng Restaurant had been eclipsed by the rival Yuelai Restaurant.
Li Fuyou entered a special room in Dongfeng Restaurant designated for his use. After sitting down, his gaze was inscrutable, and he slowly said, "Amo, how’s the investigation? Where does Yuelai Restaurant’s new dish come from? Who’s behind it?"
Amo was filled with self-reproach as he hadn’t managed to fulfill the young master’s task, "Young master, I haven’t found out yet."
Li Fuyou dropped his gaze in silence, deep in thought. After a moment, he lifted his head, his eyes flashing with schemes, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly, "Go and poach the chefs from Yuelai Restaurant."
"Yes, young master," Amo replied, suddenly enlightened. The chefs at Yuelai Restaurant were familiar with those recipes, so bringing them over would serve as a temporary fix. He would then continue to search for the person behind it all.
Li Fuyou’s fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, showing none of his previous dejectedness. He pondered on how to combat Yuelai Restaurant.
His deep eyes were clear, and his thin lips curved, "No matter what, we must find the chef behind Yuelai Restaurant."