521: Chapter 381 521: Chapter 381 Tang Feiyang’s lips curled into a hint of sarcasm.
His smile didn’t reach his eyes as he lightly raised the corner of his mouth.
“Miss Du, you don’t even know who I am.
Why did you come in?
Just to mooch a meal off me?
I absolutely refuse to agree.
For an uninvited woman, I won’t pick up the tab.”
Du Jiaolan was taken aback.
She absolutely couldn’t believe that this good-looking man, who appeared to be so graceful, would actually dare to speak to a woman like her in this manner, and even expect her to pay the bill.
Although it’s not a given that a man should pay the bill when dining with a woman, nor is he expected to treat her to a meal, that was exactly what she had thought, which is why she so easily allowed the waiter to bring her the same dish as the man.
She bit her lip slightly.
She could certainly afford to pay for her own portion; it was just irksome to her.
Du Jiaolan’s maid overheard and couldn’t help but widen her eyes and open her mouth, but she dared not speak out.
“The gentleman jests.
As a lady, I’ve boldly introduced myself.
Surely a gentleman as graceful as yourself isn’t afraid that I might learn your identity?”
Du Jiaolan’s mind whirred.
With her clever and quick-witted nature, how could she give up so easily!
Without mentioning the matter of her paying the bill, this was the only time they were strangers.
Once they became acquainted, she believed no man who knew her would speak this way; after getting to know her, she believed this man would also be embarrassed to let her pick up the tab.
“But I have no interest in getting to know you.
It was you who forced your way in.
Why should I bother introducing myself to you?”
Tang Feiyang carried his venomous tongue and slyness to the end, eager to see just how capable this woman really was; he would know after testing her.
“If I’m not mistaken, are you not the son of the Chief of Staff, Tang Feiyang, the top senior brother of Confucianism Tao?”
Du Jiaolan’s face showed no hint of annoyance, in fact, there was not the slightest change.
Her mental fortitude was extraordinarily strong.
The maid beside her was already blushing with her head down, looking as if she wanted to burrow into a hole.
A mocking smile played on Tang Feiyang’s lips.
This woman was indeed here for him.
His attendant, hearing Du Jiaolan’s words, gripped the sword tighter, ready to protect the heir at any moment.
This woman, as the heir had anticipated, indeed held unspeakable secrets.
Tang Feiyang thought back to the busy streets they had passed earlier, with many ordinary carriages passing by.
He hadn’t paid much attention at the time, not realizing the movements of these common carriages within the Imperial City were indeed suspicious.
At this thought, Tang Feiyang covertly conveyed a message to his juniors, instructing them to pay attention to the carriages during their patrols, especially the ordinary ones, and also to both men and women within them.
Du Jiaolan was convinced that she had uncovered the man’s identity; he should admit it and treat her well.
Otherwise, he truly lacked gentlemanly grace.
She began to doubt whether this man was the real Tang Feiyang.
The rumored Tang Feiyang was not like this, being magnanimous and kind to others, especially affectionate towards men and women alike.
With a kind heart and particularly devoted to his country.
Humph, his country, falling into her hands, all that was left was her love for her country!
Du Jiaolan, observing that the man before her didn’t respond, merely smiled.
His kind of smile seemed to her less appealing than no smile at all.
Was perhaps this man a smiling tiger?
Du Jiaolan started to feel that this person was not so simple; otherwise, he wouldn’t hold such a high position.
Even as the son of the Chief of Staff, it would take ability to lead so many scholars.
Being accomplished in both the arts and martial skills might indeed be true, judging by the sword in front of him, which was no ordinary blade but a Malleable Iron Sword.
Du Jiaolan had practiced swordplay herself, but her own sword certainly couldn’t compare to that of the man before her.
Tang Feiyang had conveyed the message to his juniors, but his gaze remained intently on the woman before him.
Though it was inappropriate for a man and woman to make such eye contact while sitting together.
The so-called unseemliness of physical contact between men and women broke down in front of this woman.
Furthermore, they were not ordinary people; just from the fact that this woman ventured out without a veil, it was evident that she wasn’t afraid of being stared at.
Without any surprise in recognizing his identity, he casually admitted,
“Oh, you know me?”
Du Jiaolan let out a bell-like giggle, her red lips moving lightly, “Although residing in the secluded palace, I’ve heard my brothers speak of Master Tang.
Though they don’t describe his appearance in detail, the garments worn by the master alone are enough for me to surmise.”
Tang Feiyang beckoned, signaling for his attendant to pour another cup of tea.
After he was served, he picked up the teacup and lightly sipped.
“It seems I’m unfamiliar with your brothers; why would they be discussing me?”
Du Jiaolan saw they were now gradually engaging in a relaxed conversation, much like friends who had long been acquainted.
Her lips curled into an even deeper smile.
“Master Tang’s fame spreads far and wide; it may be that others don’t recognize Master Tang, but your illustrious name is well-known to us.”
Tang Feiyang shook his head and laughed off the flattery.
“Such praise I cannot accept.
In the Capital City, where talent abounds, and in the Cultivation World, with so many great figures, I cannot bear such laudation.”
“Master Tang, why be so modest?” Du Jiaolan chuckled behind her handkerchief, then picked up her teacup to take a sip.
Sharing a drink with such a handsome and dashing man at the same table was a delightful experience indeed.