The whole table looked up.
"I missed." Xu Huo smiled apologetically at He Pu.
"It was only a cup." He Pu waved his hand, signaling Maid Hu Shan to clean it up.
The smoked duck was served next, but He Pu frowned at the platter. The servant looked a little flustered, so Mr. Dong came over, took the platter, and replaced the whole duck, which had been cut crosswise into pieces, with one that had been decapitated and had its tail removed, then split lengthwise down the middle.
He Pu smiled at everyone. "Only symmetrical things can be called beautiful. It's just a habit of mine. I hope you'll forgive me for making you witness it."
The Players could only manage awkward smiles.
The final main course soon arrived. The servants carried in a large roasting pan and lifted its copper lid. A whole roast lamb, its skin golden and its meat glistening with fragrant juices, filled the room with its aroma.
"The ingredients for this roast lamb are all fresh: a lamb just one month old, and fragrant herbs and fruits picked and washed just now."
A servant had already cut a piece and placed it on He Pu's plate. He picked up his knife and fork and deftly sliced the meat into thin pieces. Then he speared one and put it in his mouth, chewing slowly.
The roast lamb did smell delicious. Several people at the table secretly swallowed.
"Everyone, please help yourselves." He Pu waved, and the servants took their carving knives. They quickly removed the lamb ribs intact and divided the meat among the guests.
Xu Huo shifted his gaze from the ribs to the piece of meat on his plate and set down his knife. "The food isn't to my taste. You'll have to excuse