The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming

Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Long Time No See

The youth in the center of the group could barely conceal the smug look on his face. ”My father once received a favor from the Dingbei Marquis Mansion. Now that the Heir of Duke Dingbei has returned to the Capital City, it’s only proper to send an invitation.”

His words sounded modest, but they subtly implied his family had dealings with the Dingbei Marquis Mansion. The others around him listened, their faces filled with envy.

”That’s the Dingbei Marquis Mansion we’re talking about—true Royal Nobles! Forget common families; even among all the officials in the imperial court, how many are graced with their favor? Brother Mingze, when you make it big, don’t forget about us!”

The group’s continuous flattery made the youth increasingly pleased with himself.

One of them eagerly suggested, ”Hey, since we’re all together today, why don’t we head over to Chunfeng Lou? A new headliner just arrived. She plays the pipa beautifully, and she’s an absolute stunner!”

The suggestion immediately met with the others’ approval, but the youth in the middle, after his eyes first lit up, showed a troubled expression.

”I’m afraid I can’t go. I haven’t finished the schoolwork my father assigned me yesterday. If he finds out I went to Chunfeng Lou again, he’ll definitely be angry.”

The other youths thought nothing of it.

”We’re just going to listen to a song! What’s the big deal? Besides, you can do your schoolwork anytime. Why be like those bookworms, burying your head in a pile of useless books all day?”

They all came from families with some means, and the people they looked down on the most were the poor students who studied so painstakingly.

The youth was tempted, but in the end, he still refused, saying with some frustration, ”You guys don’t understand. My father’s expectations for me are getting higher and higher. He saw the last essay I wrote and gave me a real earful. Forget it, I’ll go some other time!”

Hearing this, the others all looked regretful.

”That’s a real shame. That Miss Su doesn’t perform every day. If we miss her today, who knows when we’ll get to see her beautiful face again...”

Ye Chutang withdrew her gaze.

Before the waiter could recite the specials, Ye Yunfeng had already started ordering.

”Crystal Pork Trotter, Stewed Lion’s Head Meatballs with Crab Roe, Bok Choy in White Sauce, Phoenix-Tail Shrimp, and an order of Steamed Pork Ribs with Rice Flour!”

The waiter listened and gave him a couple of extra glances.

He had thought they were travelers from out of town, but judging by the young man’s tone, he was clearly rattling off the Lan Yue Building’s signature dishes as if he knew them by heart, just like a regular.

”Big Sis, want to order anything else?” Ye Yunfeng was starving and looked at her with pleading eyes.

As the saying goes, a growing boy will eat you out of house and home. Teenagers are at an age where they’re constantly growing. Ye Jingyan was one thing, but Ye Yunfeng’s appetite was truly astonishing. If Ye Chutang didn’t occasionally swind—no, diligently earn money, she probably wouldn’t be able to afford to feed him.

She thought for a moment and said, ”Let’s also get an order of Sweet-and-Sour Mandarin Fish with Pine Nuts and a portion of Lychee Pork.”

’Xiao Wu has a sweet tooth; he’ll definitely like these.’

The young woman’s clear, pleasant voice rang out, flowing like a cool spring through the boisterous, lively main hall.

The waiter quickly acknowledged the order.

Never mind the mandarin fish; the Lychee Pork was truly the signature of all signature dishes at the Lan Yue Building. The average person wouldn’t even know about it. Only true VIPs would order it.

When the waiter first saw this woman, he had felt her overall bearing was unlike that of a commoner and thus hadn’t dared to be negligent. Now, hearing her order this dish with such familiarity, he was even more certain her status was extraordinary. ’She must be a young lady from a noble family visiting from out of town.’ He became even more attentive, not daring to offend her.

”Right away! Please wait just a moment, your food will be here soon!”

A youth coming down the stairs heard her voice and couldn’t help but look over. When he got a clear view of the young woman’s face, a flash of stunned admiration crossed his eyes.

He immediately nudged the person beside him with his elbow. ”Hey, hey! Look over there! You were just saying that Miss Su from Chunfeng Lou is a stunner. How do you think she compares to this one?”

The other youth, a tall and skinny fellow who had been busy talking, was drawn by his words and glanced over instinctively. ”What—”

His voice died in his throat.

After a long moment, he finally came to his senses and began sizing up the young woman, a fervent heat already kindling in his eyes.

”No comparison, there’s no comparison at all! I thought Miss Su was gorgeous enough, but next to this one, she’s just a common beauty! I just wonder whose family she’s from. How have I never seen her before?”

He was a great admirer of beautiful women. If there were a woman of such looks in the capital, it was impossible he wouldn’t know about her.

”She doesn’t look like a local from the Capital City?”

”Probably not. Her clothes and attire are quite ordinary. But her looks and bearing are truly out of this world!”

”What, smitten? How about I go ask around for you?”

Noticing their reactions, the youth in the center of the group asked, a little puzzled, ”Who are you two talking about?”

The tall, skinny one quickly gestured with his eyes. ”Over there! The young lady sitting in the corner! Isn’t she a total knockout?”

The youth in the middle followed their gaze. He started, then slowly furrowed his brow.

’For some reason, her side profile looks vaguely familiar...’

Seeing his reaction, the tall, skinny fellow found it a bit strange and quickly added, ”Of course, she’s definitely not as beautiful as your sister! But she’s certainly striking, isn’t she?”

The youth didn’t speak, and his furrowed brow did not relax.

The friends exchanged glances, not expecting such a reaction from him.

The tall, skinny one’s eyes darted around as he asked tentatively, ”So? Brother Mingze, if you’ve taken a fancy to her, I promise I won’t compete with you!”

His question received no response.

The youth took two more steps, his eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to see more clearly.

In the eyes of the others, however, this only confirmed that he had taken a liking to the young woman, and they couldn’t help but exchange sly smiles.

”Brother Mingze, if you’re too shy, we can go ask for you!”

”Exactly! If Brother Mingze takes an interest in her, it’s her good fortune!”

The commotion from their group seemed to have attracted her attention. Just as he hesitated, wondering whether to step forward, the woman suddenly lifted her gaze and looked over.

A uniquely beautiful and elegant face came into view.

The group of youths fell silent.

A moment ago, they had only seen a side profile from a distance and already thought her a peerless beauty. Now, seeing her features clearly and meeting her dark, gentle, star-like eyes, they found her even more breathtaking, almost soul-stirringly captivating.

The tall, skinny one was the first to react. A smile spread across his face as he cupped his hands in a salute toward Ye Chutang. ”I am Han Yao. My father is the Junior Minister of the Ministry of Rites. Might I be so bold as to ask for the young lady’s name?”

He had deliberately stated his family background, expecting her to be flustered and awed. To his surprise, the young woman opposite him remained perfectly calm, as if she hadn’t heard him at all.

Just then, the waiter began to serve the dishes. She turned her head to the little toddler beside her and said, ”Xiao Wu, try this.”

Han Yao felt he had completely lost face. Everyone around them was still watching!

He frowned, his tone turning nasty. ”Do you have any idea who this is next to me? This is the second son of Lord Ye, the Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice! You—”

The young woman finally turned her head again.

Just as Han Yao thought she was finally scared, he saw the corner of her lips curve into a slight smile. She smiled at the person beside him and said:

”Mingze, long time no see.”