Lao Cheng Hotpot Restaurant.
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This was an old hotpot restaurant tucked away in a secluded alley of Qinghe District. It was hugely popular, and reservations were usually needed in advance to get a table. The second floor had an open-air terrace, where the evening breeze carried waves of fragrant aroma.
Tonight, the second-floor terrace had been reserved by three young people.
"It smells so good—"
Zhong Wei took a deep breath and swallowed. "...Where is that hotpot smell coming from? It smells way too good. I'm practically drooling. How much longer until Little Gu gets here?"
Senior Apprentice Sister Luo lightly smacked him with a pair of unopened chopsticks and warned, "Wait patiently. No touching the chopsticks until Little Gu arrives."
Very soon.
The hotpot was brought out. A thin layer of tea had been poured over a large block of butter, which simmered slowly until it melted completely. The fragrance of Sichuan pepper gradually spread, while little bubbles burbled up from the pot.
"As expected of a hotpot restaurant Teacher found..." Zhong Wei gazed at the crimson oily broth and sighed. "It's hidden so well, so it must be delicious. If I don't use my chopsticks, can I at least have a sip of the soup?"
Senior Apprentice Sister Luo shot him a glare.
Zhong Wei sheepishly pulled back his spoon.
After clearing his throat, Zhong Wei changed the subject and said seriously, "By the way... Little Gu was really surprising. Those people from the Assessment Team were all tough customers. They didn't look like the type to go easy on anyone. How did he pass the assessment?"
Nan Jin wore casual clothes and sat near the edge of the terrace, one hand resting on the railing. She looked toward the street corner beyond the alley and