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They lived in the same town, not far apart. When Rong Xi arrived, the tofu soup was still steaming.

Gao Bai was nearing fifty and had poor teeth. He could usually only eat soft foods, but those were bland and tasteless. This tofu soup was just right.

When he saw Rong Xi arrive, Gao Bai deliberately put on a stern face and asked, "Have you finished reading the book?"

Rong Xi smiled, set the food box on the table, and replied, "I have read it once, but it will take some time to fully understand its meaning."

Seeing Gao Bai's expression ease slightly, he opened the food box. "Teacher, I came today because of this dish."

He brought out the tofu soup. Milky-white tofu and minced meat mingled within it; the broth was thick, pale and refined in color, savory and fragrant in taste.

Gao Bai usually liked salty food, but because of his age, he could not eat overly strong flavors. He had no choice but to make do with light meals.

Yet the tofu soup was light without losing its savory fragrance. Both the tofu and minced meat were exceptionally soft, melting the moment they entered the mouth. It was practically tailored for him.

"What is this?"

He scooped up a mouthful to taste, then immediately asked in amazement.

Rong Xi answered with a smile, "It is a new dish from Gourmet Pavilion. When I saw it, I thought it would suit Teacher, so I brought some for you to try."

Gao Bai could not resist taking another sip.

"If Teacher likes it, I will bring some every day."

Though the two were not

master and disciple

However, Gao Bai's instinct to protect him was a kind of care from an elder that Rong Xi had never experienced before.

In his previous life, his parents had been constantly busy and rarely returned home. After coming to Great Wei, the Liu Clan's grandparents and grandson had treated him with respect.

Hu Yulin and Jiang Weiping were his close friends, and they respected and admired him.

Only Gao Bai treated him as a junior. Even when he mistakenly believed Rong Xi to be hopelessly foolish, he showed neither disdain nor disgust, but instead took great care of him.

Rong Xi was deeply moved by such affection.

Hearing this, Gao Bai looked up and saw the sincerity of his smile and the gentleness in his eyes. His heart warmed, and he silently praised Rong Xi's loyal and righteous character.

Yet outwardly, he said, "The soup may be good, but you must not indulge in it. Besides, you are alone here with no real income. Gourmet Pavilion's dishes are expensive, so there is no need."

Rong Xi smiled. "Teacher, do not worry. This soup is not expensive. I can—"

"No." Gao Bai refused outright, blowing his beard and glaring. "Just focus on your studies. If I want to eat it, I will buy it myself. Why would I need you to bring it?"

His tone was harsh, but every word was spoken with Rong Xi's best interests in mind.

Rong Xi smiled. "I will heed Teacher's words."

The two chatted freely for a while before Rong Xi left the residence and went to Gourmet Pavilion in the county seat.

After seeing Duan Changjin, he said, "If a servant from Teacher Gao's household comes to buy tofu soup, charge them seventy percent less. Only you and I may know of this. Do not let anyone else, or Teacher Gao's household, hear of it. Deduct the reduced amount from my share of the profits."

Although Gao Bai taught at a school in town, everyone in Mengshan County knew his name.

Upon hearing this, Duan Changjin immediately waved his hands. "Eldest Brother, you are being far too formal. I, too, hold Teacher Gao in high esteem. Forget seventy percent off—even free would be fine."

The two politely declined each other's offers. In the end, Duan Changjin could not outargue Rong Xi and sighed. "I will remember Dalang's words and make sure no one else learns of it."

After thanking him, Rong Xi was about to leave for Hu Residence.

By chance, his peripheral vision caught sight of someone, and he stopped at once.

Chen Dalang's appearance was truly unforgettable. Once seen, it was engraved in one's heart.

Just as he stopped, Chen Dalang turned to look over. Their gazes met, and both were briefly stunned. Only when Duan Changjin spoke to him did Rong Xi snap back to his senses.

He replied with a smile, "I happened upon an old friend."

With that, he walked to the window. Seeing Chen Dalang and the other two, he cupped his hands and said, "Young Master Chen, Brother Chen."

Seeing the astonished look on the remaining young man's face, Rong Xi found him familiar but could not recall where he had seen him. He asked, "May I ask who this young gentleman is?"

When Chen Chuangu saw him, he was overjoyed beyond measure. Forgetting all else, he hurriedly stood and said with a smile, "Dalang, it has been a long time. I have missed you greatly."

"Rong Xi?" The young man could not believe it.

How did Rong Xi know Father and Uncle Chen? And why did he seem not to recognize him? Why was he calling Father "Young Master Chen"?

Chen Dalang sat kneeling beside the window, his nobility seemingly innate, his bearing as radiant as sunset clouds and as elegant as the moon. Even his faint smile made the hall shine.

"Do you truly not recognize him?" A hint of sharpness flashed in Chen Dalang's gaze.

Chen Chuangu was also somewhat confused.

They had asked Liang Siwen, and the rumor that Rong Xi had tried to force himself on him was indeed true. Yet now, Rong Dalang seemed not to know Liang Siwen at all. It was truly strange.

Seeing the odd expressions on their faces—especially the young man, whose eyes cycled through embarrassment, anger, and awkwardness—Rong Xi's heart tightened.

Memories surged through his mind. Images flashed past, then suddenly aligned with the young man's face before him.

He stood dazed for a moment, then bowed apologetically. "I was greatly offensive before. I hope this young gentleman can be magnanimous."

This young man was named Liang Siwen, one of the protagonists of this book.

Had he not met him today, Rong Xi would have long forgotten that he was living in the world of a book. The original owner had been punished for trying to force himself on Liang Siwen and sent to Linxi by Minister Rong.

However, the original owner had not truly intended to force himself on him.

His solemn apology instead left Liang Siwen at a loss. Seeing Rong Xi's change in attitude before and after, Chen Dalang could not help but frown slightly. It did not seem false.

Chen Chuangu sighed. "Perhaps Dalang and Siwen have misunderstood each other?"

Just then, a shop servant arrived carrying a tray. Following Duan Changjin's instructions, he beamed and said, "The proprietor said that since the three young masters are friends of Young Master Rong, he will treat you. He only hopes you will not find the dishes too simple."

Chen Dalang and Chen Chuangu had already experienced Rong Xi's skills. Seeing the food on the tray now, they did not find it strange.

But it was Liang Siwen's first time seeing it. The sight alone made his appetite stir, and when he caught its scent, his Adam's apple could not help bobbing. No longer caring that Rong Xi was present, he picked up his chopsticks to taste it after receiving Chen Dalang's permission.

The moment it entered his mouth, he felt as though he had ascended into the clouds.

He had scorned it in his heart last night, but today he felt that even an imperial banquet could not compare to this.

Gourmet Pavilion truly lived up to its name.

Conquered by the food, young Liang had already forgotten all about aristocratic decorum. Besides, he was a martial man by nature and did not fuss over trifles, eating to his heart's content.

"Please thank the proprietor for us," Chen Chuangu said to the shop servant.