Chapter 1216 Faint From Hunger
The meal started with the appetizers; Dim sum platters, crispy spring rolls, and Sichuan cucumber salad. Whether it was the assortment of steamed dumplings and buns, delicate spring rolls filled with mixed vegetables and served with sweet chili dipping sauce, or even the refreshing cucumber tossed in a spicy Sichuan dressing, these appetizers were well received by everyone. There was something that suited everyone's taste perfectly.
This showed how much Mu Chenyan was familiar with everyone in this room. No matter how long she knew them, she could perfectly tell what suited their taste. If there was someone about whom she didn't know anything, it was her own 'freshly-baked' boyfriend, Xia Zhao.
But that was no longer a problem too. Because now, she could just ask him what he wanted instead of letting him eat whatever she ate. Not like he'd ever complain about that too.
Not only the appetizers showed her knowledge about the people's tastes but also the main course which included; Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu, Steamed Whole Fish, and stir-fried seasonal greens along with hot and sour soup, Yangzhou Fried rice, and Dan Dan Noodles. Of course, Mu Chenyan wanted to add the Beijing Roast duck too but Xia Zhao held her back telling her that it was already enough to have this much.
"I think I've lived in this city the longest," said Shui Koshing. "Yet, I had no idea about this private kitchen. How did you even find this gem, Chenyan?"
Mu Chenyan gave him a smug look, "Only gems can recognize others of their kind."
"I asked a simple question. Didn't ask you to show off."
Mu Chenyan drank the fragrant Jasmine green tea leisurely before answering him, "I learned about it from a friend."
"You and your social circle are out of my understanding."
"I'm not something everyone can understand," she said.
"But the one beside you can understand you very well," said Shui Koshing. "Am I right?"
Mu Chenyan looked at Xia Zhao who was sitting beside her and pursed her lips refusing to answer since there was only one answer; of course, he understood her very well! Was there even a need to ask that?
"Don't tell me, it's this friend who told you about this place," Shui Koshing raised his brows at her inquisitively.
Mu Chenyan cleared his throat, "He did. So what?" She paused and then said, "In fact, I think he lived here longer than you."
"Technically, I don't live in this city," Xia Zhao finally said something. And he was telling the truth too. He lived a little outside the city in a quiet place far from the busy life of the city.
"So, how do you know about this place? Yue said you are an amazing cook yourself. I don't think you're the kind of person who eats out frequently," said Shui Koshing.
"A business partner brought me here once," answered Xia Zhao. He obviously didn't deny that he really didn't eat out that frequently. It was a very rare thing for him. After all, he only had to cook for himself. How hard could it possibly be?
"Don't just look at Zhao's silence. He is a very resourceful person," commented Xiang Hulin.
"Aunt, I like these sesame balls," said Xiang Wai. "These crispy and chewy glutinous rice balls are filled with black sesame paste. It's delightful." She looked at Zhai Yanjun, "Share your mango pudding with me. I want to taste that too."
"Wai, eat what's in your own bowl. Don't stare at others' bowls," said Xiang Weimin.
"Ge, it's not like I asked you for it. I'm asking my boyfriend. And he has no problem with my request. Why are you talking so much? You also shared your sesame ball with Justin. Don't think I didn't see that."
Xiang Hulin's lips twitched seeing these two. Well, when they did this, he couldn't bring himself to doubt that they were really his own. They really learned it all from him. After all, he used to do the same with Mu Chenyan. It only changed now a little since they are old.
Then he turned his eyes towards Raelle who was eating the mango pudding silently. She didn't care about anything happening around her as if it didn't concern her. As if she was in her own bubble. In fact, he knew that she could listen to everything around her but she purposely didn't speak a word.
And the other person who was as unconcerned as she was, was his grandson, Justin. This little boy was also enjoying his dessert.
Suddenly, Raelle's phone vibrated. Since she had placed it on the table, everyone could see that she was getting a call. She didn't pay any attention to that either. Only after she put down her bowl did she pick up the phone and connected the video call.
"Why are you so slow?!" came an angry roar. "I told you a million times to always pick up my call at the first ring just like I do. You know relationships are all about reciprocity. How can you expect me to pick up your call at the first ring if you won't do the same?"
"I don't expect you to pick up my call at the first ring," answered Raelle. "Did I ever ask you to do so? Only you're so picky. What can I do about that?"
"A person like you doesn't deserve a friend like me."
"Oh."
Hearing her bland response, Hyson growled and along with him, his stomach also growled.
"You didn't eat?"
"No. I just came back from the set," said Hyson sadly. "Did you eat?"
"Why else do you think I didn't take your call? I was busy eating," said Raelle and then she even changed the direction of the camera to show him the almost finished dishes on the table and she even announced the names of the dishes she ate tonight making Hyson gulp.
Since she wasn't wearing any headphones, everyone could hear their conversation very clearly and they could also see that Raelle told him what they ate on purpose. She was really torturing Hyson who was already hungry.
"Hey! Don't do that to my poor godson!" said Mu Chenyan.
Hyson made a sound like he was about to cry, "You cruel best friend! What did I do to deserve you as my best friend?"
"I believe you did a lot of good deeds."
"No! I feel like I did a lot of bad deeds that's why you are here as my best friend."
"Whatever you say."
"Yanyan! Ellie is bullying me!"
"Whine. Whine a little more. I'll see what Yanyan can do for you."
Both Mu Chenyan and Hyson changed their expressions because they both knew that Mu Chenyan could do nothing to Raelle Xiang.
"I'll go to eat myself," said Hyson. "Don't think you can make me jealous." But before he could leave, he had to run back saying, "Damn it! The universe is against me now. There are so many reporters outside the hotel. What the hell are they doing?"
"I know!" came Shui Xian's voice. "Your movie's supporting actress is caught in a dating scandal. So, that's why there are so many reporters there."
"Xian Ge, how do you know that?"
"I own an entertainment company now. I need to have some knowledge of current affairs. Besides, this is the trending topic right now."
"Just go to the hotel's restaurant," said Raelle.
Hyson made a face and finally scummbed to his fate. He sighed heavily and said, "Why are you guys out on dinner?"
"Yanyan called us out for dinner," said Raelle.
"I did not expect this from my godmother. You betrayed me so soon!"
Mu Chenyan chuckled and said, "I did not. It was a very impromptu plan. Trust me. How can I leave you aside on purpose? How? Not possible!"
"Forget it. I won't say anything to you. In case, my mum starts nagging me again."
"I think she does have something to say," said Raelle.
"Don't turn the camera towards her. I don't wanna hear what she has to say right now. I'm too hungry and I don't wanna fill my stomach with her scolding."
Yue Yue rolled her eyes, 'As if anyone can scold you.'
Raelle conveyed her words to him, "I don't know about anyone else but you sure can, mum! But I'm very happy that you're forgetting me recently. I guess, I'm not that important anymore."
"Stop wasting my time. Why are you calling?" asked Raelle.
"I'm wasting your time? Is this a way to talk, bestie? Respect me a little! I need some respect."
"When did you respect me? Didn't you just say it's all about reciprocity?"
Hyson didn't expect her to throw his own words back at him. Well, it wasn't all that unexpected either. He could only sigh and say, "I'll call you later to tell you why I called. You're busy right now. And I'm gonna go eat something now before I faint from hunger."
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