In the private dining room nad “Pearl,” everyone was already seated.
At first, the atmosphere was quite lively. After all, they had all co to attend the Four Seas Grand Ceremony, treating it like a vacation, so their moods were generally good—especially since they were now at Fanhai Tavern, about to enjoy fine cuisine.
Even though not everyone knew each other well, it wasn’t a big deal. They were all of the sa generation, so getting along wasn’t too difficult.
But now, the atmosphere had beco sowhat awkward.
The main reason? Xu Ming’s self-introduction.
The na “Xu Ming.”
To them, it was best if this na only existed in rumors.
As long as Xu Ming never appeared in front of them, as long as he remained absent from reality, it didn’t matter what he was like.
According to rumors, Xu Ming and Zhu Cici had promised themselves to each other for life. But as long as Xu Ming never actually showed up, those were just rumors—nothing more.
And as long as they were just rumors, no one seriously thought about the relationship between Zhu Cici and Xu Ming.
Not to ntion that Wu Kingdom and Qi Kingdom had always been at odds, making the likelihood of the two actually being together incredibly low.
But the mont Xu Ming appeared, everything changed.
The mont he showed up, the long-circulating rumors across the land suddenly beca more than just whispers—they might actually turn into reality.
“Does Zhu Cici still have feelings for Xu Ming?”
“Has she rejected all those marriage proposals because of him?”
“Are they really going to end up together?”
Various speculations surfaced in their minds.
Especially for people like Ling Bisheng—who had feelings for Zhu Cici. The depth of their affections varied, but they all shared so level of admiration for her.
But it never really mattered to them before.
To their minds, Zhu Cici rejecting everyone was a good thing.
This way, she didn’t belong to any one person—she belonged to everyone.
And since everyone had been rejected, there was a strange sense of balance in their hearts.
In fact, at White Deer Academy, those who had been turned down by Zhu Cici often bonded over their shared experience, even becoming close friends.
But now, things were different.
Now, a person who could truly win Zhu Cici’s heart seed to have appeared—Xu Ming.
Ling Bisheng’s gaze drifted toward Zhu Cici.
She was sitting directly across from Xu Ming, her head lowered, hands resting on her lap, a soft blush spreading across her cheeks.
Ling Bisheng’s heart trembled.
For a mont, he couldn’t look away.
This was the first ti he had ever seen Zhu Cici like this—so shy, so delicate.
She had never looked like this before.
The Zhu Cici he knew had always been graceful and composed, facing everything with unwavering poise.
But now, with this hint of shyness, she looked even more beautiful—there was an added touch of youthful innocence to her.
Ling Bisheng felt both fortunate and heartbroken.
Fortunate, because he had been able to witness such a breathtaking side of her.
Heartbroken, because the reason for her shyness wasn’t him—it was the man sitting across from her.
Xu Ming, too, felt a bit awkward.
At first, he hadn’t thought much of it.
After all, the last ti he and Zhu Cici had t was back when they were children. Who would take childhood matters so seriously?
Even that poem he had given her back then—surely, it didn’t an much now.
But now… with Zhu Cici acting so shy, Xu Ming couldn’t help but feel uncertain.
“No way,” he thought. “After all these years… does she really still like ?”
Just as the atmosphere at the table grew more and more delicate, the restaurant’s serving maids entered, carrying plates of food.
“Co, co, let’s eat!”
Finally seizing the opportunity, Yu Wenxi called out to everyone, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere at the table. “Let tell you all, the Erald Fish Sashimi from Fanhai Tavern is absolutely top-notch! Especially when dipped in the special Beihai (North Sea) sauce—it’s simply divine!”
“I’ll try it!”
Miao Feng quickly picked up his chopsticks, grabbed a piece, and popped it into his mouth. His exaggerated expression imdiately followed with a drawn-out “Mmm~!”
“Not bad, not bad! I love it! As expected, the higher the quality of the ingredients, the simpler the cooking thod should be.” Miao Feng pointed at the sashimi. “Co on, eat up! The texture is unbelievably tender!”
“I’ve got to try it too,” Chen Kun said, barely containing his eagerness.
If not for the slightly awkward atmosphere, he would’ve already eaten half the plate by now.
As for whatever was going on between Zhu Cici and Xu Ming?
What did that have to do with him?
His only concern was eating!
The mont he took a bite of the fish, his eyes lit up.
“This is the best sashimi I’ve ever had! Absolutely incredible!”
Without hesitation, he grabbed another piece.
“Sashimi this simple—can it really be that good? Let try.”
Xu Ming chuckled, then picked up his chopsticks and took a piece for himself.
The mont the fish entered his mouth, the silky smooth texture lted on his tongue.
There wasn’t the slightest trace of fishiness—only the pure, delicate taste of fresh fish. He could even feel the rich oils dancing across his palate.
“What do you think, Brother Xu? I wasn’t lying, was I?” Yu Wenxi grinned.
Xu Ming nodded. “It truly is exceptional—probably the best sashimi I’ve ever had.”
Seeing Xu Ming pick up his chopsticks, the others followed suit. More and more dishes were brought to the table, and before long, the once-awkward atmosphere had eased significantly.
“I’ve long heard of Brother Xu’s remarkable literary talent,” Fang Yu suddenly said. “Why didn’t you join White Deer Academy? I heard one of our elders personally invited you.”
Xu Ming smiled. “I wouldn’t know about that. I never t anyone from White Deer Academy. Besides, I’m just an ordinary man—wielding a blade suits far better than wielding a pen.”
“Haha! Brother Xu, you’re too modest.” Yu Wenxi poured him a full cup of wine. “That Butterfly Loves Flowers poem you wrote as a child was breathtaking.”
The mont Yu Wenxi said this, the entire table fell silent.
A sharp intake of breath ca from several people.
Miao Feng rubbed his forehead.
This guy… does he even know how to read the room?
Was now really the ti to bring that up?
Sure enough, Zhu Cici—who had just started to relax—blushed again. She gently bit her chopsticks, her expression unreadable.
The atmosphere, which had only just ward up, turned awkward once more.
As Miao Feng frantically searched for a way to salvage the situation, Zhu Cici suddenly raised her head.
Her clear eyes t Xu Ming’s.
Then, in a soft, gentle voice, she asked—
“Since that year… have you been well?”
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