Chapter 634: Chapter 633: A Graceful Smile Wins Hearts

The next day, Ah Jiu dressed up in new attire, waiting for Wufu to come. It was almost noon by the time she finally arrived, fashionably late.

On seeing Ah Jiu clad in a brand-new purple brocade robe edged with gold thread at the collar and sleeves, and embroidered with auspicious clouds, Wufu found it supremely noble.

“My, why are you dressed up like a peacock today?” Wufu’s eyes lit up as she sized up Ah Jiu, “Purple really suits you.”

Purple symbolized nobility, both distinguished and elegant. He wore it, fully exuding the style of a king, especially that brocade belt around his waist. Probably just one of its pearls, if taken off and sold, would be enough for a farming family to live well for decades.

Ah Jiu, flattered by the compliment, curved his lips into a small smirk and asked, “Why have you come so late?”

“Late?” Wufu looked up, squinting at the sun hanging in the sky, and said, “It’s not late yet, not even noon. Perfect timing to mooch a lunch off you.”

“What would you like to eat?” Ah Jiu asked indulgently, then thinking for a moment, instructed Yuan Ye, “I remember a veal calf was delivered today, right?”

“Yes, Master!” Yuan Ye replied respectfully.

“Prepare the hotpot. Use the rib-eye cut of the beef and slice it a bit thinner,” Ah Jiu ordered.

Yuan Ye acknowledged and went away to arrange everything.

Wufu’s eyes sparkled on hearing this, she said, “And prepare two extra bowls of sauce, chop the garlic very finely, add a spoonful of sesame oil, and make a dense stock for the hotpot base using beef bones, boiling it with a few goji berries and a couple more slices of spring onion. Hmm, and roast a beef steak too, take the short ribs and make it medium-rare. Before roasting, gently pound the meat a bit, but remember not to overcook it; if it’s well-done, it won’t be tender and will become tough.”

Yuan Ye listened, his face almost cracking.

Hoo Die stood by, almost drooling as she heard, and said, “I’ll go give the instructions myself.” With that, she quickly disappeared with a few light steps.

“Go ahead, make sure there’s plenty,” Ah Jiu said with a smile in his eyes, sending Yuan Ye on his way.

With a bow, Yuan Ye left. If these two would really be together, there wouldn’t be any conflict when it came to eating; both were particular food lovers.

“You always have good stuff here, including fresh veal.” Wufu spoke with a contented smile, “I’m in for a treat today.”

“It was our master who, hearing that the young miss would come, sent someone out to buy it yesterday and had it delivered overnight. That veal calf was raised on a pasture, and allegedly, even the grass it ate was fragrant,” Xiao Li finally found an opportunity to interject.

Ah Jiu glanced indifferently at him and said, “You’re always talking too much. Go and fetch that plaque.”

“Yes!”

Once the two of them were alone, Wufu cocked an eyebrow and asked, “Was it really sent over overnight?”

Ah Jiu felt somewhat uncomfortable and vaguely said, “Don’t listen to his nonsense; I just felt like eating it.”

Wufu looked at him with a smile that was not quite a smile, suddenly leaned closer, and teased, “First cherries, now veal. This move of yours, Ah Jiu, seems to be quite a gesture to win a smile from a beauty!”

Cough cough!

Ah Jiu burst into laughter and pointed at her, “You wouldn’t be suggesting that you’re the beauty, would you?”

Wufu spun around gracefully and laughed, “Am I not?”

Ah Jiu looked her up and down and said, “Excuse my poor eyesight.”

Wufu became angry.

“I won’t lower myself to your level; my eyesight may be poor, but others will recognize what’s precious!” Wufu huffed and turned away.

A flicker in Ah Jiu’s eyes, he quickly closed the gap with a few strides and asked casually, “This person you speak of, could it be Wen Si?”

Wufu stopped in her tracks, fixing her gaze on him.

Ah Jiu did not look away, the corner of his lips slightly upturned.

“Ah Jiu, are you jealous?” After a long while, Wufu finally asked quietly.