"Cough cough!"
Before she could even swallow a sip of wine, Nangong Zeyue nearly choked to death.
What's gotten into Deputy Commander Xiang today? How did he manage to become acquainted with this nobody?
If others are lowering their stance, it wouldn't be right for you to keep putting on airs.
He was the emperor's favorite, and everyone else was too busy trying to curry favor with him.
Nangong Zeyue was not an opportunist. Xiang Yang spoke frankly and remained humble despite his high position. Nangong Zeyue genuinely felt that Xiang Yang was a trustworthy person.
The ever-generous and unrestrained Nangong Zeyue raised his wine cup again, "I shall accept your offer. From now on, you may address me as you wish, Brother Xiang."
The waiter cut the roasted meat into small pieces and placed them in front of them, then explained how to eat it.
Nangong Zeyue was the first to pick up a lettuce leaf, wrap a piece of meat, and put it in her mouth.
"Hmm! Not bad, you should try one too."
Xiangyang imitated his movements, holding lettuce in one hand and picking up some grilled meat with the other, dipping it in some sauce and chili powder, his movements clean and efficient.
"Wow! It's crispy and delicious, absolutely amazing!"
Xiangyang swallowed the meat in his mouth and praised it highly. He then picked up his wine cup and said, "Young master, you really didn't lie to me. This way of eating the dish is truly unprecedented and will never be repeated. Come on! Let's have a drink."
Nangong Zeyue had always been fond of peach blossom wine, so without hesitation, the two of them picked up their wine cups and began to drink together.
Xiangyang talked a lot today, from the capital to Yannan.
They talked about everything from the imperial court to the martial arts world, from the north to the south, their topics escalating further and further away.
Whenever they got to a happy moment, the two would raise their glasses and take a sip.
When the topic turned to interesting tales and rumors of the martial arts world, Nangong Zeyue became very interested.
The two clinked glasses and chatted, their distance closing considerably, like long-lost friends reunited, speaking in a relaxed and casual manner.
The waiter in charge of grilling the meat saw the two chatting enthusiastically and quietly refilled their wine cups when they were empty.
Before we knew it, the two jars of wine were empty.
Just as Xiang Yang was about to call for more wine, Hu Qing pushed open the door and entered, carrying a wine jar in one hand.
"Brother Nangong, Deputy Commander, I'm sorry, we have a few regular guests today, so we've neglected you both."
Nangong Zeyue patted the chair next to her. "Brother Hu, there's no need to be so polite. There are no outsiders here."
Hu Qing poured a glass of wine for the two of them, then poured one for himself before sitting down next to Nangong Zeyue as instructed.
The three raised their glasses and drank together. Nangong Zeyue's handsome face flushed with a rosy blush. Hu Qing knew that this was the state one was in when slightly tipsy from the peach blossom wine.
He asked with concern if Nangong Zeyue was doing well at the Honglu Temple, and then drank two cups with the two of them before leaving.
After a hearty meal and drinks, Nangong Zeyue felt a little tipsy.
After the waiter finished grilling the meat, he left. Xiangyang picked up the wine jar and walked to Nangong Zeyue's side.
"Young master has a good capacity for alcohol. Let's finish our drink and then go downstairs."
Nangong Zeyue quickly pressed down on his wine cup, "I can't take it anymore, I've had enough to drink today. Once I receive my salary, I'll definitely invite Brother Xiang to come and try the rest of our signature dishes."
Xiangyang hiccuped and said, "Okay, it's a deal."
He shook the wine jar in his hand again and said in a serious tone, "The waiter said that there is not much peach blossom wine left. Ordinary customers can't even get to drink it at Juxian Pavilion. Let's not waste this fine wine. Let's split the rest in half and not waste it."
Nangong Zeyue naturally knew that the peach blossom wine was running low in stock.
Hu Qing had just drunk a little, and guessing there wasn't much left, he truthfully said, "I really can't hold my liquor anymore, I can't go on."
“Young master is a man of great stature; how can you casually say ‘no’? Yes, you must do it.”
As Xiang Yang spoke, he took Nangong Zeyue's wine cup and poured it to the brim.
Then he shook the wine jar in his hand, said to Nangong Zeyue, "Cheers first," and then tilted his head back and drank the wine jar down to the bottom.
Nangong Zeyue suspected that there was less wine in the jar than in his wine cup, but he had no evidence.
They drank it all down so generously; it would be disrespectful for me not to accept their hospitality.
Nangong Zeyue stood up, picked up her wine cup, and drank it all in one gulp.
He put down his wine cup, cupped his hands in thanks to Xiang Yang, and said, "Thank you for your hospitality, Brother Xiang. See you later."
Seeing that Nangong Zeyue was about to leave after saying goodbye, Xiangyang quickly called out to him, "Young master, don't be in such a hurry to leave. I'd like to ask you about a place. Do you know Lianwu Lake?"
Nangong Zeyue paused slightly. "I know, it's getting late. Why are you asking about Lotus Mist Lake, Brother Xiang?"
"I heard there's a natural hot spring by the lake. I figured I finally had some free time to relax today, so I wanted to check it out. But the lake is so big, I don't know if the hot spring is on the east or west side."
"Brother Xiang, don't worry. The bathhouse happens to be located near the east side, which is on my way. I'll go with you."
Seeing that Nangong Zeyue was going to lead the way for him, Xiang Yang grinned and said, "Young master is so righteous."
The two went downstairs, and Xiangyang paid the bill at the counter. Hu Qing learned that the two were going to the hot spring bathhouse, so he called the restaurant's driver to take them there.
The two arrived at the bathhouse, where lanterns were already hung in front of the gate.
In front of the bathhouse gate, under the warm light, it was hard to tell whether the redness on their faces was from being drunk or from the light reflecting off their skin.
Just when Xiang Yang thought Nangong Zeyue was about to run away again, a waiter came out to greet him.
"Please come in, distinguished guests. Would you prefer a light bath or a medicinal bath?"
Nangong Zeyue glanced at Xiang Yang and said, "Do you want a light bath or a medicinal bath? It's on me."
Nangong Zeyue is a person who understands the importance of reciprocity. Now that they've arrived at the bathhouse, how could he just leave them there?
Xiangyang didn't refuse and said to the waiter, "Just a simple bath is fine."
Upon entering the lobby, Nangong Zeyue rushed to the counter to pay for the hot spring bath.
As she turned her head, she saw Xiangyang looking around. Nangong Zeyue patted him on the shoulder and said, "Don't look around. It would be embarrassing if a woman passed by."
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