Just as Gu Lili was about to open the gift with an awkward smile, Chang'an, who had been silent for a long time, spoke up.
"Lili, something smells off in the kitchen. Did Chenxi put in the wrong seasoning? Go check it out, I'll take care of the guests for you!"
Gu Lili sniffed hard, but it didn't seem to have any special smell.
However, Chang'an's painting conveniently provided Gu Lili with a way out.
Gu Lili quickly said, "In that case, Chang'an, please help us take Master Yuan and Young Master Han to the main hall for a short while. The food will be ready soon."
After she finished speaking, she hurriedly walked into the kitchen.
Seeing this, Yuanbao and Han Mingyue had no choice but to reluctantly let Chang'an lead them into the house.
"Chenxi, come help me put the things in the room, I'll cook them," Gu Lili said as she walked to Gu Chenxi's side.
Gu Chenxi quickly wiped her hands several times with the hem of her skirt to make sure there was no oil on them before taking the things from Gu Lili's hands.
After Gu Chenxi left, Gu Lili quickly scooped up some soup with a spatula, dipped a finger in it, and then put it to her mouth.
There's no strange smell at all!
It seems Chang'an's nose might be malfunctioning.
In about half an hour, Gu Lili had prepared the meal.
Gu Chenxi helped bring all the dishes to the table, set out bowls and chopsticks, and then went to the front hall to call people to eat.
As soon as Han Mingyue sat down, Chang'an followed and sat down next to him.
Han Mingyue looked at Chang'an with some dissatisfaction. He vividly remembered the fight between Chang'an and him last time.
What's going on today? The sun seems to have risen in the west.
Is sitting next to him an attempt to reconcile with me?
snort!
For Gu Lili's sake, it's not impossible!
When Han Mingyue and Chang'an looked at each other, he knew that he had been overthinking things.
Chang'an stared coldly at Han Mingyue, his gaze exactly the same as the one he had on the day of the fight.
Han Mingyue felt that if Gu Lili hadn't been there, Chang'an would have really started another fight with her.
However, Han Mingyue was somewhat puzzled as to why Chang'an harbored such hostility towards her.
Could it be that...
He likes Gu Lili too!
Thinking of this, Han Mingyue glanced at Chang'an with a hint of sarcasm.
He was nothing but a savage who didn't even know his own family or his own name; how could he compare to me?
The Han family is extremely wealthy, and Master Yuan also said that his scholarship might be enough to qualify him for the imperial examination next spring.
Even if I can't make the list, Chang'an is still no match for me.
Chang'an did not show any anger on his face despite Han Mingyue's mockery; he still looked at Han Mingyue coldly.
Han Mingyue snorted coldly, stopped looking at Chang'an, picked up her chopsticks, and prepared to eat the dishes in front of her.
However, just as Han Mingyue's chopsticks picked up a piece of meat, Chang'an's chopsticks suddenly darted in and snatched the meat away.
Enraged, Han Mingyue raised her chopsticks and began to fight with Chang'an over them.
Neither of them would give in; one hand was gripping the meat, while the other was used to fight.
"Wow, Brother Chang'an is so amazing!" Gu Yanyu couldn't help but clap her hands and exclaim.
Just now, he saw Chang'an almost crush Mingyue's flesh with a single palm strike.
Everyone at the table immediately turned their attention to the two of them, especially Gu Lili. They didn't know why someone so old would still be fighting over meat.
Hearing Gu Yanyu praise Chang'an like that, Han Mingyue narrowed his eyes, mustered all his strength, and swung his palm towards Chang'an.
Chang'an dodged Han Mingyue's palm strike with a swift movement, while his other hand remained firmly clamped on the flesh.
Han Mingyue was furious. Just as he was about to retaliate, Master Yuan, who was sitting opposite him, reached over with his chopsticks and stuffed the meat that the two of them were fighting over into his own mouth.
Chang'an and Han Mingyue were dumbfounded as they watched the meat they had fought over go into Master Yuan's mouth.
This is what they call "when the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman benefits!"
"If you two aren't going to eat, then I will! Oh my, Lili's cooking skills are amazing, this meat is so fragrant!" Master Yuan praised as he ate.
As Master Yuan spoke, he glanced at Gu Lili out of the corner of his eye.
The little girl looked like she hadn't had enough, as if Mingyue had watched the two of them fight over the meat long enough.
However, in order to be able to have a meal in peace, Master Yuan did not regret his actions.
What if those two bastards accidentally flip the table? How will he eat then?
Gu Lili was indeed still not satisfied. If the four of them could learn martial arts, they would have the ability to protect themselves in the future.
Previously, although Gu Lili took the three of them running every day, their physical strength improved, but if they encountered someone who knew martial arts, they would be in danger.
"Chang'an, how about you teach us martial arts every night from now on?" Gu Lili asked with shining eyes.
They hardly have any time in the morning; they only have free time after dinner each evening.
Chang'an calmly put away her empty chopsticks, then smiled and replied, "Of course! Let's start tonight!"
As Chang'an spoke, he gave Han Mingyue a provocative look.
Han Mingyue rolled her eyes at him, ignored Chang'an, and continued eating.
What good is learning martial arts from you? The only one who can help Lili earn money is me, Han Mingyue!
Wait a few days until my brother replies, then let's see how cocky you can be!
"Cousin, I also want to learn with Brother Chang'an, is that okay?" Li Qimu asked in a clear voice.
It seems that Li Qimu is more interested in martial arts than in studying.
Gu Lili picked up a piece of meat and put it into Li Qimu's bowl, and said with a smile, "Then we'll have to ask your brother Chang'an if he's willing to teach you."
As Gu Lili spoke, she winked at Li Qimu.
Although Chang'an lived and ate at his house, whether or not he wanted to teach was up to him.
Li Qimu understood Gu Lili's signal and quickly imitated her, placing a piece of meat into Chang'an's bowl.
"Brother Chang'an, could you teach me too?" Li Qimu asked sweetly.
Grandma Li had no objection to Li Qimu's desire to learn martial arts.
So she didn't say a word from beginning to end. It's good for a man to learn some martial arts to protect himself.
Chang'an, seeing the sensible Li Qimu, naturally nodded in agreement.
After eating and resting for a while, Chang'an led everyone to practice martial arts.
"Yes, Yun Chu, keep your arms straight!"
"Alright, alright, stand firm, Yan Yu!"
"Lili, your palm strike should be aimed this way!"
In the courtyard, by the moonlight, everyone except Old Madam Li followed Chang'an to learn.
Just as the group was practicing diligently, a roar from a wild beast caught their attention.
Under normal circumstances, wild animals would not come that close to a village.
Gu Lili withdrew her hand and walked towards the door.
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