The people in Li Xi's mansion are all family members of the disciples of the Hidden Sect, and each of them has their own duties in the mansion.
Some were in charge of the kitchen, some were in charge of the garden, and others were responsible for guarding and taking care of their families.
Despite their different backgrounds, everyone got along very well.
Li Xi signed an employment relationship with them, not a servant relationship.
This type of contract makes both parties feel comfortable and free, while also protecting each other's rights.
For these family members, working here not only provides a stable income but also a safe living environment.
Moreover, they cherish this job very much because they are incredibly proud to know that their children are working for the Hidden Sect.
These people are deeply grateful to Li Xi, knowing that without this job they might face poverty and hardship.
Therefore, everyone was very loyal to Li Xi and did their best to fulfill their job responsibilities.
They knew that if they performed well, they would not only gain Li Xi's praise, but also bring more benefits to their families.
Furthermore, the Hidden Sect is no longer the obscure little sect it once was.
As the Hidden Sect grows and prospers, they believe that life will get better and better in the future, and the children will have better opportunities for development.
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, you've finally come out? Has the Emperor Emeritus stopped keeping you at bay?"
Li Xi couldn't help but chuckle when she saw the person next to her enjoying their meal.
"You little rascal, always teasing me." The Empress Dowager gently patted Li Xi's shoulder. "Qi Yu is here, so I have to sneak out quickly. Those two love to play with those chess pieces."
“Oh? Your Highness is here too? I haven’t seen him before,” Li Xi asked curiously.
But she didn't really care, after all, she still disliked Qi Yu to some extent, but she couldn't show it.
"Oh, never mind him. Grill me some eggplants, you grill them the best." The Empress Dowager said, and then sat down on the stone bench to the side.
Although the Empress Dowager is over sixty years old, she still occasionally has the temperament of a young girl, and her love for food is no less than it was back then.
Li Xi's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile, and then she nodded gently in agreement.
Several tender eggplants sat on the small stove, sizzling and releasing an enticing aroma as they roasted over the charcoal fire.
Li Xi skillfully picked up the tongs and carefully turned the eggplant over to ensure that each side was heated evenly.
When the eggplant was roasted until it was soft and cooked through, she picked up a sharp knife and carefully cut the eggplant in half to reveal the soft and sticky filling inside.
She would occasionally sprinkle on some special spices to make the eggplant taste even better.
Throughout the process, her movements were fluid and natural, as if she had done it countless times before.
In her past life, when she wasn't so busy, she also loved to go to the night market to eat barbecue and drink beer.
At that time, she liked to sit in an open-air seat, watching the bustling crowd, listening to the noise, and feeling the lively atmosphere.
In that moment, she could temporarily put aside the pressures and worries of life and enjoy the happiness that food brought.
She felt that the barbecue and beer at the night market had a special magic that could make people forget all unpleasant things and focus only on the beautiful moments of the present.
We can never go back to that time.
But upon closer reflection, she didn't seem to have much attachment to her past life since her mother passed away.
On the contrary, I feel more warmth here.
"Xiao Xi, is it done yet?" The Empress Dowager watched as she brushed on the sauce, her mouth practically watering, and couldn't help but urge her on.
"Hey, here they come." Li Xi skillfully placed two grilled eggplants into a plate.
The Empress Dowager, unable to resist the aroma any longer, picked up her chopsticks and took a piece of eggplant.
I gently blew on it a few times, then eagerly put it in my mouth.
The eggplant has a slightly charred skin, while the inside is soft and delicate, perfectly blended with special spices, making every bite an ultimate tease for the taste buds.
"Wow, this is delicious! Xiaoxi, your cooking skills are getting better and better." The Empress Dowager was extremely satisfied.
"Xiao Xi, don't feed the Empress too much," Meng Zhelan finally appeared in the courtyard after finishing her work.
Seeing the numerous plates piled up in front of the Empress Dowager, one could tell she had eaten a great deal.
At her age, she should eat smaller, more frequent meals for better health.
"Alright, I'll do as you say," the Empress Dowager readily agreed.
It's good to save some room so we can have a big meal later.
Meng Zhelan was also helpless; the table was covered with empty plates.
The Empress Dowager smiled and looked at Meng Zhelan, "Lan'er, you are always so thoughtful, even taking good care of this old woman's appetite. However, Xiaoxi's roasted eggplant skills today are simply irresistible."
The feast began, and everyone, regardless of status or background, sat together, laughing and chatting.
The table was laden with Ling'er's signature dishes, their aromas filling the air and making one's mouth water.
"Ling'er, it's been so long since I've had your cooking, I really miss it so much," Chairman Wang exclaimed.
With the year-end approaching, Chairman Wang, who is usually extremely busy, finally has some free time.
"That's easy. If you want something to eat, just have someone make a trip. We have everything you need, order whatever you like." Ling'er's words now carried a hint of boldness and confidence.
"You said it yourself, so I'll shamelessly go and eat for free," Chairman Wang joked.
Another table
Shen Xu looked at Li Xi beside him, hesitating to speak.
Li Xi noticed this as well and asked, "Brother Chen, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
"No, it's nothing, it's just..." He was interrupted by the person who came in before he could finish speaking.
"Am I late?" Qin Xiaolin stood at the door, a hint of apology on his face.
Li Xi was overjoyed to see the visitor and immediately stood up to greet him. "Not at all, we just started eating. Brother Qin, you've arrived right on time for the meal, you should punish yourself with three drinks."
Seeing this, Shen Xu was somewhat disappointed, but he hid it well.
He gently patted the empty seat next to him, gesturing for Qin Xiaolin to sit down: "Brother Qin, you've come at the right time. Please take a seat, let's eat and chat."
Qin Xiaolin smiled and agreed, then strode over to Shen Xu and Li Xi and sat down directly.
The subtle atmosphere seemed to change slightly with Qin Xiaolin's arrival.
Shen Xu's gaze shifted subtly between Li Xi and Qin Xiaolin, carrying a complex and indescribable emotion.
"Come, let's first toast to today's protagonist," Song Yuan said with a raised glass, "Happy birthday, Xiaoxi!"
Upon hearing this, everyone raised their glasses in response, and the crisp sound of clinking glasses echoed in the hall.
After a few rounds of drinks, those who couldn't hold their liquor had already gone home to rest.
Only Li Xi, Qin Xiaolin, and Shen Xu remained, still drinking together.
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