CHAPTER 662: CHAPTER 661 WEN SI COMES TO VISIT

Noon marked the beginning of welcoming guests; attendants with pristine white towels draped over their shoulders bustled about the main hall, their faces beaming with smiles, while the kitchen had already lit its fires, emitting fragrant scents that made passersby involuntarily stop to take a deep breath.

Wufu greeted Ah Jiu, remarking, "I thought I wouldn’t see you until this evening."

Ah Jiu looked around the restaurant environment and said, "How could I not come to offer my congratulations on the opening of your first business venture? Boss Wu, congratulations!"

Wufu laughed merrily and accepted the gift that Yuan Ye handed over, saying with a smile, "Thank you very much."

Upon opening the long box, inside was a scroll; Wufu glanced at Ah Jiu, then took it out and unfolded it himself.

It was a Nine Fish Lotus Painting—both the fish and lotuses were drawn so vividly they seemed to swim and bloom on paper, as if they had come to life.

"Manager Zhong, find a place to hang this up," Wufu instructed, after surveying the painting, then turned to Ah Jiu, "This is Ninth Master, an honored guest of mine; from now on, show the utmost respect whenever you encounter Ninth Master."

Manager Zhong, with years of experience, had already developed keen eyes; recognizing the stature of Ah Jiu’s party, he had already bent his waist respectfully. With Wufu’s introduction, he greeted Ah Jiu with a bow, "This old man has met Ninth Master."

"Not necessary," Ah Jiu said, quite pleased.

Instead of feeling any discontent with this haughty and imperious demeanor, Manager Zhong felt even more reassured and fortunate. With the County Magistrate backing them and now this distinguished young master of unknown origin, it was clear his new employer had solid support, and there was no fear of the previous owner’s problems arising again.

Manager Zhong hung the painting beside the cabinet behind the reception desk. Yuan Ye’s mouth twitched slightly; a Fan Kuan original Nine Fish Painting—just one of these could buy ten such taverns, yet here it was, hung casually in a small tavern’s counter. Would people consider it a waste of a national treasure?

However, once given as a gift, it belonged to the recipient, and there would be no complaints even if it were hung in a thatched hut.

Yuan Ye glanced at the painting, then followed Ah Jiu and Wufu to the backyard.

"The weather is wonderful today, with no wind. Dining in this pavilion will allow us to enjoy the lingering snowscape. I’ll have someone prepare a hotpot to bring over," Wufu led Ah Jiu to sit down in the pavilion.

Ah Jiu then said, "If you’re busy, go ahead and entertain your guests. I’m no stranger here and don’t require your personal attention today."

"Right!" Wufu fluttered away.

A slight smile played at the corners of Ah Jiu’s mouth, not knowing if it was because Wufu didn’t argue or for some other reason.

Just sitting down to drink a cup of tea, Ah Jiu saw Wen Congrui; he was outside the beaded curtain, slightly bowing as he inquired, "Is that Ninth Master inside?"

Ah Jiu’s eyes narrowed slightly, giving Yuan Ye a glance.

Yuan Ye lifted the bamboo curtain, revealing Wen Congrui’s true appearance. With a shallow smile and upon seeing Ah Jiu seated at the table, he said, "I have come uninvited. May Ninth Master indulge me with a cup of tea?"

Without standing, Ah Jiu replied, "To have the pleasure of serving Young Master Wen Yu tea is indeed my fortune. Please."

Wen Congrui’s eyes flickered, he thanked him with a hand gesture and ascended the steps to reach the pavilion with a brazier at its center; a tea set was arranged on the table, while the person seated at its edge wore a jade crown, his facial features handsome and noble, his gaze radiating an indescribable nobility and disdain.

Suddenly, Wen Congrui felt such eyes did not belong on such a face; though not ugly, it seemed somewhat discordant, as if they deserved a more refined countenance.