"What a coincidence, isn't it? Anyone who didn't know better would think you came here specifically to follow me." Li Xi carefully observed the man and made sure she didn't recognize him.
"Haha, young master, you're joking. I was planning to go to Mu City to visit relatives, but I encountered bandits on the way. Luckily, I met you, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable." The young man breathed a sigh of relief and said thankfully.
Feng Monian was displeased by the way the man's gaze fell on Li Xi, and said to his attendant, "Take him with you." He then gestured for Li Xi to get into the carriage.
"Brother Feng, don't you think this person is suspicious?" Li Xi cautiously observed the man.
Upon hearing this, Feng Monian smiled slightly, "It is indeed somewhat unusual, but don't worry, with so many of us, he can't cause any major trouble."
Mu City is only an hour's carriage ride from the capital, and the group arrived at their destination smoothly before noon.
"Brother Feng, your house is truly magnificent!" Li Xi exclaimed.
As the carriage traveled along, artificial hills, lakes, pavilions, gardens and other landscapes came into view one after another, as if one were in a beautiful painting.
Finally, they drove through the tall porch and continued deep into the house before stopping.
Although President Wang's own family is very wealthy, she was still deeply impressed by this family with its rich history.
She knew all too well that the wealth and status of such a prestigious family were far beyond what ordinary wealthy merchants could achieve.
"Master Feng, you have truly broadened my horizons. As an ordinary merchant, I have never seen such a place before. It is truly amazing," Chairman Wang said modestly.
She knew that the power and status of Yinxian Manor were beyond the reach of ordinary wealthy merchants.
"President, you flatter me. Everywhere is just a place for people to rest. How can there be any distinction between high and low, noble and lowly?" Feng Monian said humbly.
Li Xi began to doubt the true intentions of the owner of Yinxian Manor.
After all, for a family that already enjoys a prestigious reputation, opening a hot pot restaurant doesn't seem like a necessary business decision. Perhaps, this owner of the manor has other motives.
Just as Li Xi was deep in thought, Master Feng suddenly spoke up: "Brother, I see you have some doubts, so why not speak frankly?"
Li Xi was startled, but she remained calm on the surface and said with a faint smile, "Brother Feng, you're overthinking it. I was just thinking about how to decorate this hot pot restaurant."
Feng Monian did not raise any objections, but instead said directly, "It's all up to you to decide. Just tell me what you need when the time comes."
President Wang was very satisfied with Master Feng's attitude. "That's enough. I'll go to the Chamber of Commerce branch first. Could you please take Xiaoxi to see the shops? She's an expert in interior design."
As soon as she finished speaking, her figure disappeared from sight, leaving the two of them speechless.
"That's always been the president's style. I'm so sorry to have troubled you. You can just arrange for someone to take me to see the shops," Li Xi suggested with a smile, while enjoying the delicate pastries.
Feng Monian handed a cup of tea to Li Xi and said casually, "After lunch, I'll show you around. We're just killing time anyway. There are some interesting things here. Let me be your guide today."
"That's great!" Li Xi felt it would be better to communicate with him directly, so she could find out if he was satisfied with her design.
Li Xi is very good at observing the other party's reaction and getting the most intuitive feedback from the client's first reaction. This is her consistent practice.
The lavishness of lunch was comparable to that of imperial cuisine. Although Li Xi had never tasted real imperial food, she imagined that the emperor's meals must also be this luxurious.
The table was laden with delicacies such as shark fin, bird's nest, fish maw, sea cucumber, and bear paw, leaving her dazzled and unsure which dish to try first.
Seeing Li Xi's confusion, Feng Monian carefully brought her a bowl of bird's nest soup and said softly, "Have a bowl of bird's nest soup to whet your appetite first."
Li Xi was very pleased with her thoughtfulness and secretly resolved to perform well and not let down the host's hospitality.
After a satisfying meal, Li Xi was full of energy. She spent two hours finalizing the design direction.
Li Xi showed the initial design draft and asked with a smile, "Brother Feng, what do you think of this plan?" She had done in-depth research on shop design in her previous life, so this was not difficult for her.
He leaned down and peered over Li Xi's back, his gaze falling on the blueprints in her hands. He was tall and imposing, much taller than Li Xi, almost completely enveloping her in his shadow.
He leaned down and peered over Li Xi's back, his gaze falling on the blueprints in her hands. He was tall and imposing, much taller than Li Xi, almost completely enveloping her in his shadow.
"Very good, let's do it this way." As soon as he finished speaking, his breath gently brushed against Li Xi's ear, making her feel a slight tickle.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she turned her head to look at him somewhat awkwardly. As their eyes met, an indescribable emotion seemed to flow in the air.
A faint smile played at the corners of his lips, a smile that seemed to gently ripple through her heart. The atmosphere between them suddenly became subtle and tense, as if a conflict could erupt at any moment.
Li Xi felt her heart racing and her cheeks slightly flushed. She quickly ran to the kitchen, trying to mask her discomfort with some lighthearted words.
“The kitchen needs some improvements too!” she said, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere.
Feng Monian quietly observed her panicked reaction, a slight, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips. Fortunately, the mask concealed his unrestrained emotions.
As night fell, Feng Monian led Li Xi to one of his taverns.
The tavern is decorated in a classic style, with red lanterns, wooden tables and chairs, and rows of wine racks displaying a variety of fine wines. As soon as you enter, a faint aroma of wine wafts through the air, making you feel intoxicated even before you take a sip.
Feng Monian led Li Xi to a corner by the window, where the night outside and the warm yellow light inside created a cozy and peaceful atmosphere.
"The wines here are all of the finest quality. What would you like to drink?" Feng Monian asked Li Xi, a rare hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes.
Li Xi didn't know much about alcohol. "Brother Feng, I'll listen to you. I don't know much about these things."
Feng Monian smiled and nodded, then gestured to the waiter beside him. The waiter immediately nodded and turned to leave. A moment later, he returned carrying two wine jugs and placed them on the table in front of them.
"These are the two most popular drinks in our tavern. One is 'Drunken Dream,' and the other is 'Forget-Me-Not,'" the manager said. "Drunken Dream is a strong fruit wine with a hint of sweetness and a charming fruity aroma, suitable for those who like sweet flavors; 'Forget-Me-Not' is a full-bodied dry red wine with a rich fruity aroma and a slight bitterness, suitable for those who like a rich flavor."
Li Xi took a small sip of "Drunken Dream," and it was indeed as intense as the shopkeeper had described.
Seeing the satisfied expressions on the two men's faces, the shopkeeper breathed a sigh of relief. Hearing the manor lord's stern tone, he feared that he might be dissatisfied.
Hurry up and go to the kitchen to urge the chefs to prepare the dishes quickly. It's rare for the host to bring guests over, so we must make sure they leave with a good time.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com