CHAPTER 69: CHAPTER 69 JIU CITY JOURNEY 1_1

Yan Xixi woke up to find the light outside the window already dim.

Checking the time, it was only three in the afternoon, but the continuous snowfall made it seem more like dusk.

After freshening up, she went out and found a figure sitting in the living room: Wan Donglin. He was reading a document. Hearing her footsteps, he said without looking up, "Xixi, you’re awake? Perfect. I’m hungry too. Let’s go out to eat."

She remained standing where she was.

He looked up. "All freshened up? Let’s go."

Of course, she didn’t disobey him.

That day, on a whim, Wan Donglin took her to an extremely bustling street. A food exhibition was being held there, featuring snacks from all around the globe. It seemed as if everyone in the city who hadn’t returned to their hometowns had gathered here. The place was a sea of people, packed so tightly it was difficult to move.

The two of them found seats at a dessert shop. A smiling waitress greeted them, "It’s really crowded. Could you two please take this number and wait for a moment?"

Yan Xixi took the number and sat down. Wan Donglin extended his hand. "Let me see what the number is."

Yan Xixi passed the tag to him.

Wan Donglin took it and looked: 2B.

His eyes widened, and then he burst out laughing. Even Yan Xixi couldn’t help but chuckle.

Steaming hot brown sugar mochi, sweet pear soup, Three Great Cannons, Heartbroken Bean Jelly, roasted rabbit leg, mutton skewers... After not eating properly for two days, Yan Xixi’s appetite was exceptionally good.

Seeing her eat and drink with such gusto filled Wan Donglin with joy. Truly, when you witness someone relishing their food so thoroughly, you realize how incredibly delicious even the plainest fare can be. Life, too, seemed so much more beautiful.

She was gnawing on a freshly roasted rabbit leg garnished with chopped spring onions. It was steaming hot, its aroma tantalizing.

He used a tissue to wipe some chili powder from her face. The gesture was too intimate for her; unused to such familiarity, she quickly offered him a rabbit leg. "Mr. Wan, aren’t you having any?"

He sighed deeply. "Just watching you eat is enough to make me full."

Her face was flushed; she wasn’t sure if it was from the steam or shyness. It glowed like fine jade, emanating a gentle, warm light. His gaze remained fixed on her.

"Hey, Master Wan..."

Wan Donglin frowned slightly; he hadn’t expected to be interrupted here.

The man practically rushed to his side, his expression incredibly excited. "Master Wan? It really is you! I spotted you from a distance but couldn’t quite believe my eyes. I had to look several times to confirm it was truly you... Master Wan, you come here for the food festival too? My treat, my treat! What else would you like? This is such a coincidence, such an honor..."

Yan Xixi looked up and stiffened; this man was Zhou Xiaoxuan’s husband. At that moment, his attention was entirely on Wan Donglin. He seemed overjoyed and flattered by the unexpected encounter, constantly rubbing his hands and speaking with excessive politeness and respect.

Master Wan had attended the man’s grand wedding out of courtesy to a mutual friend. Although they hadn’t seen each other since, the benefits of Master Wan’s presence were clear. In subsequent business dealings, the husband often showed friends video clips of Master Wan at the wedding to boost his own standing.

Zhou Xiaoxuan, who had hurried over upon hearing the commotion, also cooed affectingly, "Master Wan, it’s been so long! You look more vibrant and debonair than ever..."

Wan Donglin just smiled. "You’re both too kind."

"Not at all! It’s our honor to meet you, Master Wan... And this beautiful lady is?"

At this point, Yan Xixi, who had been engrossed in her food, had no choice but to look up.