"Ah Yan..."
Zhong Wu reached out, trying to grab Cheng Yan's trouser leg, but his hand froze in midair.
Cheng Yan tensed. Xueli Mei gave him a gentle push, and he didn't linger any longer.
Cheng Yan went downstairs and sought out the owner of Eight Treasures Restaurant, ready to hear Xu Yi's instructions and order another Eight Delicacies Feast to be delivered to his home. But the man who received him was a brocade-robed middle-aged man who introduced himself as Long Hu, the owner of Eight Treasures Restaurant. He wore a broad smile and was exceedingly courteous. When Cheng Yan tried to pay, Long Hu stubbornly refused. "With Master Cheng here, our humble shop is honored beyond measure. From now on, Eight Treasures Restaurant is your dining hall. Why speak of payment? You'd be insulting me!"
Cheng Yan gaped. Long Hu warmly took his hand and said, "Master Cheng, please don't stand on ceremony. I've always admired men of loyalty and honor. You live in Fengle, and a personage as outstanding as Lord Xu has come to visit you. That is an honor for everyone in Fengle. It's my great fortune to meet you. I heard that today is your esteemed son's hundredth-day celebration. I have nothing worthy to offer, but please accept this plaque. With it, everything at Eight Treasures Restaurant is free."
As he spoke, Long Hu handed over a jade plaque engraved with the words "Eight Treasures Restaurant."
"Ah Yan, let's go. Keep the plaque, and tell that fellow to send a few more tables' worth of food to your home. No need for anything fancy. Just the eight dishes."
Xu Yi's voice came from nearby.
Cheng Yan accepted the plaque, clasped his hands to Long Hu, and left.
Long Hu trembled with excitement, bowing again