Chapter 29: Food from the Eastern Isles?

"This is just being swept along by circumstances," Ye Tian scratched his nose, feeling a bit embarrassed by Li Muqing's remark. Indeed, he hadn't been in Zhongdu long, yet so many headlines had followed him, causing a stir throughout the city.

"But this only proves how impressive you are!" Li Muqing shifted her tone, offering praise without reservation.

As the two were enjoying their conversation, the door to the private room swung open.

"Oh my, Mufeng, after all these years, you're still so handsome and charming! You and our Qingqing are truly a perfect match—talented and beautiful, made for each other!"

"I know you've always gotten along with Qingqing since childhood. She even said she missed you a lot while you were studying abroad these past years!"

A familiar voice filled the air.

Li Muqing's mother, Yin Huijuan, entered enthusiastically, holding the hand of a young man as she chatted and laughed.

But the moment Yin Huijuan caught sight of Ye Tian sitting beside her daughter, her expression darkened instantly.

"Qingqing, you came here to eat with Mufeng—why did you bring an outsider?" Mrs. Li's face was full of displeasure, her gaze toward Ye Tian distinctly unfriendly.

"Mom!"

Seeing her mother's expression, Li Muqing was immediately unhappy.

"It's just a meal, why can't I bring a friend?"

Everyone understood the real reason for this gathering. Ostensibly, it was an invitation to dinner, but in reality, it was a matchmaking event arranged by both families.

But no one spoke the truth aloud. After Li Muqing's words, Yin Huijuan could only force a smile and explain to the young man beside her:

"This is Ye Tian, he helped your Uncle Li with a medical issue before."

"No need for introductions—the famous young master of the Ye family!"

Chen Mufeng acted as though he was an old acquaintance, standing to shake Ye Tian's hand before introducing himself:

"Hello, Young Master Ye. I'm Chen Mufeng, childhood friend of Muqing." With a refined and courteous manner, Chen Mufeng smiled as he shook Ye Tian's hand.

Yet the disdain lurking in his eyes betrayed him.

Heh, the Ye family’s young master.

Now, you’re no longer the legendary genius of Zhongdu, just a lone, defeated dog—hardly worth mentioning!

As he shook hands, Chen Mufeng thought to himself.

Then, in a friendly tone, he continued the conversation:

"Come to think of it, Muqing and I were even born in the same month. When it came to naming us, Uncle Li and my father consulted together."

"Yes, yes, when they were little, Muqing and Mufeng got along so well. Everyone used to say they were destined for each other, and Mufeng even said he’d marry Qingqing when they grew up!"

Yin Huijuan eagerly chimed in.

"Hypocrite," Li Muqing muttered under her breath, just loud enough for Ye Tian to hear.

Chen Mufeng’s emphasis on his relationship with Li Muqing was nothing more than a thinly veiled message for Ye Tian: I’ve known Muqing longer than you—so respect the order of arrival!

Ye Tian merely smiled, ignoring their duet, and sat down, unapologetically sampling the Japanese dishes brought to the table.

This Japanese restaurant was the most renowned in Zhongdu. The owner, determined to preserve authenticity, had invited the legendary Yakitori Sage from Japan to oversee the kitchen.

Their serving style was quite unique. The Yakitori Sage, wearing a headband, cooked right in front of the guests, presenting what he claimed was the freshest food.

"Sashimi from Japan is delicious, Auntie. Try it with some sauce," Chen Mufeng chatted idly about childhood anecdotes with Li Muqing, all while showcasing his refined tastes to Mrs. Li.

"The Japanese are masters at yakitori. Just look at the way the lantern is tied—you can tell the chef is truly Japanese."

He then addressed the chef, who was grilling chicken wings, in Japanese. The chef’s eyes lit up and he responded immediately.

"Impressive, Mufeng. Your years of study in Japan have broadened your horizons," Yin Huijuan exclaimed, delighted.

In recent years, the Li family’s business had been declining, while the Chen family had flourished by connecting with Japan, even sending their young master, Chen Mufeng, to study there. Their industries prospered, and it seemed the Chen family was on the rise.

Given the longstanding friendship between the two families, and the childhood bond between Li Muqing and Chen Mufeng, Mrs. Li had entertained the idea of a marriage alliance.

So, when Chen Mufeng returned to the country, Yin Huijuan took the initiative to host a welcome dinner for him, deliberately choosing this Japanese restaurant to suit his tastes.

"At first glance, this lantern dish appears to be a hen’s ovary and unripe eggs," Ye Tian commented, frowning as the two enjoyed their meal.

"And it seems undercooked."

"You’re right, that’s exactly what it is," Li Muqing stifled a laugh, but the more she thought about Ye Tian’s description, the more disgusted she felt.

She promptly tossed aside the freshly grilled lantern dish handed to her by the chef.

Having his suspicions confirmed, Ye Tian lost all appetite and pushed the skewer of chicken off to the side.

The Japanese chef, seeing his dish so carelessly discarded, was clearly displeased. He muttered angrily in rapid Japanese.

"The chef says he doesn’t welcome guests who don’t respect the food," Chen Mufeng translated, wearing a troubled expression.

Ye Tian shook his head lightly.

"It’s not that I don’t respect the food. This restaurant is simply too perfunctory."

"The ingredients are poor enough—serving us chicken offal is one thing, but they don’t even cook it thoroughly. Eating this could easily cause food poisoning."

He picked up a skewer of grilled chicken wings, which the Japanese called "yakitori wings," and sliced it open with a small knife. Inside, it was still bright red with blood.

"Is this even edible?"

Mrs. Li, who moments before had been eating with gusto, suddenly felt her stomach churn violently, nearly vomiting. But for the sake of her future son-in-law’s impression, she forced herself to swallow.

"This is revolting, maybe we shouldn’t eat here," Li Muqing leaned close to Ye Tian, whispering in his ear, "Let’s go have barbecue at a street stall later."

Seeing their intimacy, Chen Mufeng’s expression darkened, his heart filled with irritation.

He had always liked Li Muqing, ever since childhood. Even after spending years in Japan, meeting and bedding countless beautiful women, the first person he thought of upon returning home was still Li Muqing.

The girl before him was as beautiful and poised as ever, her features exquisitely sculpted, her figure tall and perfectly proportioned—a far cry from those Japanese women.

More importantly, her bold and passionate nature made Chen Mufeng unable to let go.

Though they had been friends for years and their families were longtime allies, Li Muqing had once unhesitatingly rejected his confession.

That was why Chen Mufeng had resolved to study in Japan.

He wanted to become stronger, to amass greater wealth!

He wanted, upon his return, to show Li Muqing that he was outstanding enough, worthy of her affection!