"You’re so smart, Qingxi, don’t worry, you’ll certainly pass." Li Du’s way of addressing her unconsciously evolved from Miss Liu to Qingxi, marking a breakthrough in their relationship from strangers, something to celebrate.
Liu Qingxi felt a surge of joy inside, but she didn’t show it on her face, opting for a slight smile instead: "Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Li."
What seemed like encouragement in his words actually contained deeper implications.
His father is the National Guardian General, so even if she didn’t pass, he would ask his father to help her.
Is this silly boy really interested in her??
Just at this moment, the square-faced waiter brought over some appetizers and conveniently handed them a brown menu to order from.
Li Du displayed gentlemanly manners by letting Liu Qingxi order first. She didn’t hold back, yet showed restraint in not choosing excessively expensive dishes, consulting him for his opinion during the process.
Men’s responses throughout history have been fairly consistent: "As you wish."
The young gentleman Li Du was no exception, answering as such.
Crispy duck, rouge goose breast, pickled whitebait, sweet jujube soup, and roasted venison - five dishes in total.
The two continued their casual conversation.
Li Du vented about his hardships, mostly about his father forcing him into martial training all year round, in all weathers. As his father would say: A real man should defend his family and nation, and protect his homeland.
The beautiful lady opposite him became his willing listener, sometimes joining in his words with hearty laughter.
Liu Qingxi would also speak about family matters, though only selecting the good things to talk about, like how her mother pressured her into learning embroidery, calligraphy, and etiquette.
She never disclosed her long-term role as a tool for her mother to gain favor, or the dirty secrets of the rear courtyard.
How could the sole, carefree offspring of the National Guardian General understand such things?
A brief moment later.
Five waiters in plain grey round-collared robes served the dishes one by one. The square-faced waiter followed at the end, "All the dishes are served, please enjoy."
After greeting them, he quietly withdrew.
At this moment, it was still morning, with the sunlight not too strong.
The second floor of the Shuyu Pavilion was not fully occupied.
There were only a few tables occupied here and there, separated by screens for privacy. Without going out of the way to greet tables, people couldn’t be seen, ensuring ample privacy.
The spacing was generous, so there was no worry of being overheard unless speaking loudly!
As long as it wasn’t loud, there was nothing to worry about.
The five dishes were laid out on the table. They lived up to their reputation, looking deliciously appetizing.
Liu Qingxi took the lead, picking up a piece of rouge goose breast with jade chopsticks to try.
Mmm, delicious!
With the chopsticks in her right hand and her mouth chewing the meat, she raised her left thumb to Li Du sitting opposite her, signaling him to try it, it tasted really good!
Rouge goose breast is made with goose meat as the main ingredient, with red yeast rice, red melon shavings, and apples as main additives, and Shaoxing rice wine, honey, and cinnamon as seasonings. The goose is marinated until it approaches a red color, steamed till cooked in a stewpot, and then glazed with a glaze, the goose meat turns red, thus named: rouge goose breast.
Its flavor is slightly sweet, this dish is known for its replenishing, energy-boosting, and appetite-warming effects.
As a signature dish at Shuyu Pavilion, it’s very popular.
It has become one of the must-order dishes when entertaining guests.
Li Du reached out his jade chopsticks, grabbed a piece, and put it in his mouth to try: "Mmm, delicious." He pretended it was very good, nodding with a surprised expression, and after chewing, he reached with his chopsticks again.
The person opposite puffed her cheeks, chewing the food, moving slightly, like the little squirrel she had when she was young, inexplicably a bit cute.
Thinking this, he also said out loud:
"You kind of remind me of the little squirrel I had when I was young; when it ate, its cheeks would puff up too."
After saying it, he laughed heartily, very candid.
Li Du scratched his head, thinking it was good that she was happy, and nodded in agreement: "That’s great."