After washing up briefly, Chen Yi changed into a dry long robe, then held up an oil-paper umbrella and headed to Jiaxing Garden.
By then, Xiao Wan'er had already arranged a lavish feast.
Xiao Wuge, Xie Tingyun, Shen Huatang, along with Xiao Die, Cui'er, and Juan'er, were all seated.
Seeing Chen Yi arrive, Xiao Wan'er and Xiao Wuge greeted him with smiles and invited him to sit, while everyone else rose to welcome him.
Chen Yi casually cupped his hands in greeting, then sat opposite Xiao Wuge.
Xiao Wan'er occupied the seat of honor to his left, while Xiao Die sat to his right.
A faint fragrance inevitably drifted beneath his nose.
Most of it came from Xiao Wan'er, while a smaller portion was Xiao Die's sweet scent.
After looking everyone over, Chen Yi feigned ignorance and asked, "Wasn't today meant to be a banquet for that boss from Hundred Herbs Hall?"
"Why hasn't he come?"
Xiao Wan'er looked at him with eyes that seemed both reproachful and not. "You still have the nerve to ask? I told you this morning to come back early, yet you didn't return until evening."
Meeting her gaze, Chen Yi answered naturally, "Mr. Yue Ming invited me, and it was hard to refuse such kindness, so I stayed at the academy a while longer."
Xiao Wan'er naturally did not suspect anything, nor was she truly blaming him. After saying that much, she let the matter go and explained:
"That Boss Chen came with his people this afternoon. He was somewhat taciturn, but his manner and speech were quite outstanding."
"Especially the Hundred Herbs Hall Expansion Plan he brought out. It was admirable enough that even grandfather praised him highly."
Chen Yi gave an oh, more or less understanding that she had already discussed matters