bestfiction Chapter 127 Dining at Yanyu Tower
Chapter 127 Dining at Yanyu Tower
With a smile on his face, Fan Junyu was as elegant as if he had stepped out of a painting. With gentle and skillful movements, he picked up his chopsticks, took the golden-brown rib that exuded an enticing aroma, and carefully placed it on the exquisite plate in front of He Mingning. Then, he leaned slightly forward and said softly in a voice that seemed to melt hearts, "Princess, please try this rib and see if it suits your taste."
He Mingning's cheeks flushed, and she nodded shyly, replying, "Okay, sure." She gently picked up a rib with her chopsticks, brought it to her lips, blew on it to cool it, and then carefully took a small bite. In that instant, her bright eyes shone like stars in the night sky, and she radiated an indescribable brilliance. Then, she looked up, her beautiful eyes, like clear lake water, gazing tenderly at Fan Junyu, and said in a sweet voice, "Wow, it's so delicious!"
Before He Mingning could finish speaking, Fan Junyu, as if by magic, quickly picked up other delicious dishes and placed them on her plate, saying in the same warm tone, "Try these dishes too." He Mingning nodded slightly in thanks, then lowered her head again, focusing on savoring the beautifully presented and fragrant dishes. At this moment, she was like a little elf immersed in a culinary paradise, fully enjoying the unique flavor of each dish. After a while, she exclaimed with satisfaction, "These dishes are all very delicious!"
Hearing He Mingning's praise, Fan Junyu's lips involuntarily curved upwards, forming a smile as radiant as the warm spring sun. He looked at the woman in front of him, who had captured his heart, with eyes full of affection, and said softly, "Since you think it's delicious, then eat more, don't go hungry."
He Mingning was enjoying a fragrant piece of pork rib when she suddenly stopped. Like a curious kitten, she blinked her big, bright eyes and asked the person opposite her with a puzzled look, "I heard that this restaurant is really hard to book; you have to book a whole day in advance! Could it be... that you booked it yesterday?"
Upon hearing this, Fan Junyu, who was sitting opposite He Mingning, couldn't help but smile slightly and patiently explained, "Actually, no. If it weren't for your presence today, I would probably have just grabbed a quick meal at Dali Temple with Lu Xia and Zhang Yi."
Hearing this, He Mingning still had a large piece of fresh and juicy fish stuffed in her mouth, but this did not dampen her enthusiasm to continue asking questions: "But... if that's the case, then why are we able to walk in so easily now? It can't be that we just happened to get lucky and there were empty seats, right?"
At this moment, Fan Junyu's smile widened, his smile as dazzling as the most beautiful flower blooming in spring. He slowly said, "This room is my own room. No matter when or where, it will always be silently preserved for me."
After hearing these words, He Mingning still stared blankly at Fan Junyu. Her bewildered appearance was simply adorable and incredibly cute, making people want to reach out and gently pinch her chubby cheeks.
Fan Junyu gazed quietly at the graceful young woman before him. Her delicate and refined face was as beautiful as a flower blooming in early spring. At that moment, Fan Junyu's heart seemed to be warmed by a pool of spring water, becoming incredibly tender. He spoke softly, patiently explaining to the young woman in a gentle and deep voice, "This restaurant is no ordinary establishment! It belongs to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion. The entire restaurant has three floors, each with its own unique atmosphere and purpose."
At this point, Fan Junyu paused slightly before continuing, "The first floor is like a lively palace of joy for the common people. Whether they are peddlers or ordinary citizens, they can all enjoy the pleasures of delicious food here. The second floor, on the other hand, has become the exclusive domain of the sons of officials and the imperial relatives. They drink, make merry, and discuss current affairs here, creating a unique scene. As for the third floor..."
Fan Junyu deliberately kept everyone in suspense before slowly saying, "This third floor is like a mysterious castle, usually closed to the public! However, because of my uncle's connections, some rooms here are specially reserved for relatives and friends. So, if the owners of these rooms want to come and dine, they don't need to make reservations in advance like others."
After listening to Fan Junyu's explanation, He Mingning nodded slightly, indicating that he understood the situation. At this moment, Fan Junyu seemed to recall something interesting and continued enthusiastically, "Speaking of restaurants in our capital, this isn't the only famous one! There are two other equally renowned establishments. One of them is called Yaoxi Restaurant, which is owned by a prince! Yaoxi Restaurant's biggest specialty is its seafood dishes. The chefs there are simply seafood masters; their seafood delicacies are so delicious that just thinking about them makes your mouth water!"
There's also Fuyou Tower, the best, most mysterious restaurant in the entire capital. No one knows who the real boss behind it is. This tower is nine stories high, and each floor offers a different cuisine, as if it has gathered unique culinary treasures from all over the world, exuding an irresistible charm.
The other restaurant is Yanyulou. It is famous for its unique and distinctive dishes, which are like shining pearls among home-style delicacies. In particular, the authentic Beijing flavors have captivated countless diners.
At this moment, He Mingning was listening quietly to Fan Junyu's detailed introduction of the two restaurants. When she heard such a wonderful description, she couldn't help but let out a soft "Oh," as if she was savoring these wonderful words.
Fan Junyu paused for a moment, staring ahead as if organizing his thoughts. After a while, he slowly turned his head and asked He Mingning beside him in a low voice, "Do you know who owns all these rooms on the third floor?"
Upon hearing this, He Mingning was slightly taken aback at first, then, like a docile and obedient little lamb, she gently shook her head and softly replied, "I don't know." Her large, watery eyes revealed a hint of confusion and curiosity.
Seeing He Mingning's expression, Fan Junyu couldn't help but smile slightly, a smile as radiant and captivating as spring flowers in bloom. She calmly said, "This third floor has a total of five rooms. The one located at the very back belongs to the Prince of Zhenbei." Having said that, she observed He Mingning's reaction.
Upon hearing this, He Mingning's eyes widened instantly, like two copper bells, his face filled with astonishment, his mouth agape, and he involuntarily cried out in surprise, "It's actually the Little Imperial Uncle! How is this possible?" His voice was like a thunderclap in the air, filled with endless disbelief and shock.
Seeing He Mingning's expression, Fan Junyu couldn't help but smile slightly and nod gently, like a blooming flower dancing lightly in the breeze. He then continued, "As for the room I'm currently staying in, it happens to be located right in the middle of the row of houses. To be honest, this room was originally prepared specifically for the Prince. However, when the Prince came here, he felt it was too noisy and chaotic, not suiting his tranquil and contemplative nature. Therefore, after much deliberation, the Prince resolutely chose the innermost, quietest and most secluded room. And so, this room originally prepared for the Prince naturally became mine."
He Mingning listened attentively to Fan Junyu's story. After he finished speaking, she nodded thoughtfully, having already understood the whole story.
Fan Junyu then continued, "The room on our right is one that Uncle specially reserved for himself; and the room on our left is one that Uncle carefully prepared for His Highness the Fifth Prince; as for the room at the very front, it is reserved for the rest of the Qin family."
Upon hearing this, He Mingning couldn't help but ask curiously, "I didn't expect Fifth Brother to have his own room here?"
Fan Junyu smiled and nodded, replying, "Yes, the Fifth Prince and the Prince are both very close friends of my cousin, so naturally my cousin would prepare exclusive rooms for them in advance."
He Mingning nodded as if suddenly understanding, muttering to himself, "Oh, I see..."
At this moment, Fan Junyu spoke softly, "Alright, I have explained the origins and reasons of these rooms to the princess. Now, please enjoy this sumptuous and delicious meal in peace! After the princess finishes her meal, I will personally escort you to the Duke's mansion."
Upon hearing this, He Mingning quickly waved his hand and declined, saying, "Really, there's no need to go to so much trouble. You must have many important things to take care of. I can go by myself."
Fan Junyu maintained a faint smile and softly replied, "Hehe, the princess said the same thing yesterday." Though he didn't say anything more, He Mingning knew perfectly well what he meant—it was nothing more than the incident with Yang Tian. Thinking of this, He Mingning no longer insisted on being escorted. Fan Junyu gazed at He Mingning, and seeing that she remained silent, gently stroked her hair and softly said, "Please eat!"
He Mingning was engrossed in enjoying the food in front of her when suddenly she felt a gentle touch on the top of her head. The sensation was like a breeze brushing against her hair, making her heart flutter and a wave of shyness wash over her. She instinctively lowered her head, not daring to look directly at the person, her eyes flickering uncertainly, as if lost in a mist.
However, despite feeling somewhat flustered, He Mingning didn't stop eating, continuing to take small bites of the food in front of her. But her mind was no longer on the delicious food; instead, she would occasionally steal glances at the person beside her.
Time passed quietly, and He Mingning gradually noticed that Fan Junyu, sitting opposite her, hadn't touched his chopsticks. This aroused her curiosity and doubt, and she finally couldn't help but ask, "Why haven't you started eating yet?" As soon as she finished speaking, Fan Junyu's lips curled up slightly, forming a faint smile, and he replied softly, "I'll start eating now." With that, he elegantly picked up his chopsticks and slowly reached for the plate on the table.
As the meal progressed, Fan Junyu inadvertently noticed that He Mingning's plate was almost empty. He frowned slightly, a hint of concern flashing in his eyes. Without hesitation, he reached out with his chopsticks, picked up some fresh and delicious dishes, and gently placed them on He Mingning's plate.
He Mingning grew up in a temple, where life was austere and frugal, and food was especially precious; not a single grain of food was wasted. This habit was deeply ingrained in her, to the point that she would try her best to finish every last bit of food placed on her plate, no matter how little there was. Fan Junyu had already noticed this when they dined together the previous day.
Watching He Mingning eat so intently, Fan Junyu pondered to himself. He felt that He Mingning usually ate too little, which might be why she appeared so thin. Thinking of this, Fan Junyu deliberately kept adding various dishes to He Mingning's plate, hoping to get her to eat more.
And so, under Fan Junyu's "deliberate care," He Mingning unknowingly ate a full half bowl more rice than usual. When she realized it, she couldn't help but look at her empty bowl in surprise, a blush rising on her face, as lovely and charming as a ripe apple.
As He Mingning gently put down her chopsticks, Fan Junyu's deep and intense eyes locked onto her, as if trying to see through her appearance to the depths of her heart. Fan Junyu's lips curved slightly, and he asked with a hint of doubt and concern, "Are you really full?"
He Mingning looked up, meeting Fan Junyu's intense gaze, and nodded slightly in response, indicating that she was indeed full. Then, without taking her eyes off Fan Junyu, she asked softly with concern, "And you? I don't see you've eaten much."
Upon hearing He Mingning's question, a faint smile appeared on Fan Junyu's face, as charming as a flower blooming in spring. He replied softly, "Don't worry, I'll start enjoying the rest of the food now." As soon as he finished speaking, Fan Junyu swiftly picked up his chopsticks, his movements elegant yet efficient, and devoured the remaining food on the table in a flash. However, Fan Junyu also felt a bit bloated; he had clearly eaten too much.