Wen Mohan always placed food into Xiao Man's bowl at the perfect moment, just as she was thinking about what to eat. "This is the signature dish from Manyue Zhai, the Eight Treasures Meatballs. Each meatball has a different flavor; they are truly exquisite."
"The texture is tender and delightful, and the meat filling is incredibly fresh and fragrant. It truly lives up to its reputation as a signature dish," Xiao Man praised without reservation.
"And this, Emerald Jade Treasure, is also outstanding. You usually frequent places for the wealthy and influential and rarely come to Manyue Zhai. You wouldn't know how delicious the food here is," Wen Mohan explained the dishes while serving Xiao Man.
Xiao Man listened and ate. Seeing that Wen Mohan hadn't eaten much, she quickly picked up a meatball and put it into his bowl. "You eat too. Good food is best shared with friends; it tastes even better."
Wen Mohan smiled and nodded. Even when eating, he exuded the demeanor of a refined gentleman. Xiao Man couldn't help but sigh, "A gentleman of virtue, like a craftsman who carves and polishes, carves and polishes. What kind of lady could be worthy of such a refined gentleman as yourself?"
Wen Mohan's expression shifted slightly. He looked at Xiao Man, his voice growing as gentle as flowing water, "Reeds sway and rustle, white dew turns to frost. The one I yearn for is by the water's edge."
"The one you yearn for..." Xiao Man mused, "Looking at the beauties of the capital, at most one or two possess exceptional looks, and only one in ten is remarkably talented. Those who possess both beauty and talent are even rarer, one in a hundred. I wonder which young lady has caught your discerning eye?"
Wen Mohan merely smiled and continued to serve Xiao Man. "Man'er, you are a heroine among women, skilled in both civil and martial arts, exceptionally beautiful, and kind-hearted. For such an outstanding daughter as yourself, which young man could be worthy of being your husband?"
"Don't tease me. In this capital, those who wish to marry me are of two kinds: those with ill intentions and those who are compelled.
"What do you mean?"
"As you know, I have a bad reputation, a temper, and my martial arts are not weak. I can get into a fight at the slightest disagreement. As the saying goes, a wise man marries a virtuous wife. What young man would want to marry a female martial champion and keep her on a pedestal? Even those who want to marry me are only after my father's military power and the Emperor's favor. If I were born into an ordinary family, I'd likely be avoided by everyone."
"If I were to love someone, whether she were bathed in glory or fallen into the dust, she would be the love of my heart. I love that person, not her status, nor her appearance, but simply her."
Xiao Man listened and couldn't help but lament the rarity of good men in this world. Unfortunately, they were all spoken for. His Highness the Prince of Qin, though seemingly indifferent, was devoted to only one. Wen Mohan, the refined gentleman, gentle as jade, was also steadfast. She truly envied the women they loved.
"I envy them."
Wen Mohan smiled. "What do you envy?"
"I envy the women who are loved by you," Xiao Man accepted the fruit wine Wen Mohan offered. "His Highness the Prince of Qin dotes on only one, and you have remained true to your original intention. Such fine men, why aren't they ours?"
Upon hearing this, Wen Mohan immediately said, "As long as you are willing..."
*Bang!* The door was kicked open, and a man strode in, radiating murderous intent. Without regard for Wen Mohan's surprised expression, he walked directly to Xiao Man's side and stood there. "He ran away."
"So he ran away, why are you so angry?" Sudancheng.com
The man was none other than Dongfang Wei, who had gone to chase after Yu Qianmo. Dongfang Wei's sun-kissed skin was flushed red with anger. Xiao Man patted the seat beside her. "Don't be angry. Sit down and eat something to calm yourself. Qianmo has always been unreliable. If you get angry with him, you'll only end up upsetting yourself."
Dongfang Wei immediately sat down next to Xiao Man. Seeing only two sets of bowls and chopsticks on the table, Xiao Man was about to ask for another set when Dongfang Wei snatched the chopsticks from her hand.
As he ate, Dongfang Wei said fiercely, "If my father hadn't strictly forbidden me from killing him, I would have chopped him up long ago!"
"You are old family friends, why must it come to this?"
"With his attitude, he's not fit to marry my sister! That's wishful thinking! I will absolutely not agree to marry my sister to someone like him!" Dongfang Wei thought of Yu Qianmo stealing his Phoenix Pearl and then not knowing who he gave it to, and he was filled with rage. When he escorted Yu Qianmo back to the martial arts alliance, he had used every trick in the book. The man only said he truly didn't know who took it!
"Are your two families betrothed?"
"I will not agree!"
"Yes, yes, yes, that brat Yu Qianmo is hardly worthy of your beautiful sister," Xiao Man quickly agreed.
Wen Mohan's expression turned cold. Not only was he displeased that Dongfang Wei had interrupted him, but he also disliked Dongfang Wei using Xiao Man's chopsticks. Men and women are different, didn't he even know that?
Wen Mohan immediately ordered the waiter standing outside the door to bring a new set of bowls and chopsticks for Xiao Man, no longer looking at Dongfang Wei. Although he didn't know who this person was, the way he looked at Xiao Man was filled with displeasure, yet he had to suppress it. He figured Xiao Man must have gotten something on him.
"Eat some more."
"No, I'm full." Xiao Man refused repeatedly. Then, as if remembering something, she took out an exquisite box from her embrace and handed it to Wen Mohan. "This is a congratulatory gift for Miss Wen. I don't know if she'll like it. Please give it to her on my behalf."
Wen Mohan took it. "You are very thoughtful. Yu'er will like it."
Xiao Man smiled and nodded, her gaze falling on Dongfang Wei, who was devouring the food like a whirlwind. She thought, is this really the young master of the Dongfang family? Your family isn't particularly poor; they're certainly not short on money. But seeing you eat like you haven't seen food in a lifetime?
"Eat slowly. An outsider might think I'm mistreating you."
Dongfang Wei shot Xiao Man a glare. He, the dignified young master of the Dongfang family, was forced to be her secret guard, and she called this not mistreatment? "Xiao Man, let me make this clear: it's him or me. If you dare to accept Yu Qianmo, I'll turn around and leave immediately."
"How could that be? Having you is enough for me." Xiao Man had no idea how suggestive her words were.
"That's smart of you," Dongfang Wei finally put down his chopsticks with satisfaction. "It's getting late. Let's go back to the mansion, or your father will find trouble with me again."
Thinking of it made Dongfang Wei feel aggrieved. As soon as Xiao Zhen entered Xiao Man's courtyard, he discovered him lurking in the shadows. While Xiao Man went to the main courtyard to pay her respects, he was dragged out and beaten. If he hadn't quickly revealed his identity, he would have almost died at his hands.
Xiao Man looked at the sky outside. It was indeed late. She stood up to bid farewell. "Young Master Wen, thank you for your hospitality today. I'll treat you another day. Please don't refuse."
"Alright, as long as Man'er invites me, I will never refuse."
Xiao Man left with Dongfang Wei. Wen Mohan sat at the table without moving, as if by doing so, Xiao Man would still be sitting beside him, but ultimately, it was self-deception.