"Alright. If it's a loss, don't blame me," Guo Xuyang said.
"As long as we follow President Guo, we'll have meat to eat everywhere. I'm happy even if we lose money," Pi Xiaoqian flattered him to the skies.
"Okay, okay, I'm going to puke," Li Minxi said.
"Someone shameless is invincible in the world. Fatty, I'm truly defeated by you."
"Haven't you known me for more than a day or two? Who else is worth me flattering like that?"
"Alright, alright, stop, stop," Guo Xuyang couldn't stand it anymore.
"Tell me, where are we eating?"
"I've found a great place for you, serving cuisine for royalty and nobility. It requires advance reservation. I've booked it. Let's go."
This time, Pi Xiaoqian took a few people to a traditional courtyard house (Siheyuan) in a hutong in Kyoto.
They say good wine needs no bush, Guo Xuyang really didn't know how Pi Xiaoqian found such a place.
"The old man has a peculiar temper, only ten tables a day. I managed to snag a spot from a friend.
Otherwise, we'd have to queue until the latter half of the month. But the flavors are indeed excellent; I've been here once with a friend."
Pi Xiaoqian led the way as he spoke.
As the group entered the courtyard, the entire place was decorated in an ancient, elegant style, likely renovated later.
The courtyard was divided into three sections, with each section containing rooms of varying sizes.
The room Pi Xiaoqian booked was in the second section.
Inside the room, a rosewood dining table was set with eight chairs. The decoration was minimal,
with only a water dispenser, a kettle, and several teacups placed upside down on a tea tray.
"The owner's ancestors were from the imperial kitchen, and he has a thorough understanding of the ingredients for Manchu-Han Imperial Feasts.
His signature dishes include Crystal Pig Knuckle, Steamed Lamb, Braised Yellow Eel, Stir-fried Tendon, Fried Ribs, and Marinated Duck.
There are also dishes like Pineapple with Fire Goose, Black Mushroom with Pork Kidney, Cucumber with Pork Kidney Flowers, and Asparagus with Chicken.
He generally serves dishes per person, so we don't need to order. It's served in pairs, not singles. For five people, there will be six dishes and one soup.
For seven people, eight dishes and one soup.
If you drink alcohol, two cold dishes will be added; otherwise, all dishes will be hot.
You'll know how good they are when the food arrives."
Pi Xiaoqian introduced the peculiar rules of the place.
"What if only two people are dining?" Ilena asked.
"Two hot dishes and one soup. If you're drinking, two cold dishes will be added."
"I think the owner prioritizes saving food," Li Minxi said.
"That's true. Anyway, we eat whatever is served.
But tables here are extremely hard to come by.
If I hadn't snatched this from my friend, we wouldn't have the fortune to enjoy the food here."
"Does the owner accommodate tables for any number of people?" Lü Liang asked.
"A minimum of two, and no limit for more. However, I heard the largest table here can only seat sixteen people; any more and it won't fit."
"In that case, the owner can prepare the dishes in advance according to the guests' needs.
This ensures the freshness of the ingredients and that they are well-seasoned.
I must say, the owner has a very good business sense," Guo Xuyang remarked.
As the five people were discussing, the dishes arrived.
The six hot dishes were Steamed Lamb, Braised Yellow Eel, Fried Ribs, Stir-fried Tendon, Pineapple with Fire Goose, and Asparagus with Chicken.
The two cold dishes were Crispy Ginger Preserved Eggs and Kyoto Kidney Balls.
The soup was Mushroom and Egg Flower Soup.
The liquor was a 56-degree premium Erguotou.
"Come, everyone. Let's start with the chopsticks and try these dishes," Pi Xiaoqian said while pouring wine.
"Let's drink the wine later. Otherwise, our tongues will go numb and we won't be able to taste the food."
The group tasted each dish, and they all praised it highly.
"This Steamed Lamb is divine, so tender," Guo Xuyang said, putting down his chopsticks.
"The owner has truly perfected these dishes; steamed, braised, fried, stir-fried, all done," Li Minxi commented.
"It's indeed very good."
"I feel my taste buds are exploding," Ilena exclaimed dramatically.
"Come, let's toast to Brother Guo's return and to our camaraderie," Pi Xiaoqian said, raising his wine glass.
"Drink," the group said in unison, downing the liquor.
"It's so strong!" Ilena exclaimed. "Oh, my god."
"Does it feel good?" Pi Xiaoqian asked.
"It feels great."
Li Minxi stomped hard on Pi Xiaoqian's foot.
Pi Xiaoqian snapped back to attention.
Although Ilena spoke Mandarin quite well, her accent when saying "it feels great" could be easily misunderstood.
Pi Xiaoqian hadn't paid attention at first, but when Li Minxi stepped on his foot, he realized he had spoken carelessly.
"Come, I propose a second toast, wishing success for our trip to Myanmar," Pi Xiaoqian said, quickly raising his wine glass again.
"Your intention is good. I'll say it again: maintain a normal mindset, don't set your expectations too high, and you won't be as disappointed if they aren't met," Guo Xuyang said after finishing his drink.
"We believe in your capabilities. Besides, the investment money is what you gave us," Pi Xiaoqian said.
"By the way, Ranran wants to invest 200 million. She asked me to tell you," Li Minxi said, looking at Guo Xuyang.
"You went to the club last night, and she got over 200 million from opening raw stones. She wants to invest more."
"No problem, any amount is fine. The more, the better, so we can buy more raw stones," Guo Xuyang replied.
Su Ran was called back by Li Ziyu that afternoon.
He wanted to understand Guo Xuyang's situation in detail.
"Su Ran, what's the situation between Guo Xuyang and Li Minxi?"
"Friends. There's no special situation."
"Why does Li Minxi always protect Guo Xuyang?"
"She doesn't. It's just that Guo Xuyang helped us win a million last time.
Later, Guo Xuyang took us to select jadeite a few more times.
They want to establish a jadeite company to sell jadeite. We've all invested."
"Is that all?"
"Yes."
Actually, Su Ran liked Li Ziyu quite a bit, but Li Ziyu was solely infatuated with Li Minxi and never gave her a second glance.
Although Li Ziyu behaved disgracefully at the club, Su Ran didn't think so.
She believed it was fine for men to indulge a little, as long as they were family-oriented.
So she answered whatever Li Ziyu asked.
Of course, she wouldn't relay Li Minxi's backhanded insults to Li Ziyu.
"You're saying Guo Xuyang has never failed when buying raw stones?" Li Ziyu asked.
"Almost. Anyway, whatever he picks has always appreciated greatly," Su Ran replied.
"Hmm, could it be that this guy can see through stones? Does he have superpowers?"
"I don't know about that," Su Ran said.
"I need to find someone to investigate this guy thoroughly. Alright, you can go back now. Don't tell Li Minxi that I spoke with you."
"Okay, Fourth Brother, I'm leaving now."
"You may go," Li Ziyu said, waving his hand.