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

Gao Bai was nearing the age of fifty and had poor teeth. Ordinarily, he could only eat soft foods, but they were bland and tasteless. This tofu soup, however, was just right.

Seeing 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 answered, "I have read it through once, but to understand its meaning, I still need some time."

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

He brought out the tofu soup. Milky-white tofu was mixed with finely minced meat, the broth thick and rich, pale and elegant in color, savory and fragrant in taste.

Gao Bai usually enjoyed salty food, but because of his age, he could not eat overly strong flavors. He could only wrong himself by eating light meals.

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

"What is this?"

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

Rong Xi smiled and replied, "It is a new dish from Gourmet Pavilion. When I saw it, I thought it suited Teacher's palate, so I brought it for you to try."

Gao Bai could not help taking another sip.

"If Teacher thinks it is good, I will bring some every day."

Though the two were not master and disciple, Gao Bai's desire 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 endlessly busy and rarely returned home. After coming to Great Wei, the Liu Clan grandmother and grandson had treated him with respect.

Hu Yulin and Jiang Weiping were his close friends, respecting and admiring him.

Only Gao Bai regarded him as a junior. Even when he mistakenly believed Rong Xi to be hopelessly stupid, he showed neither disgust nor disdain. Instead, he had been exceedingly protective of him.

Rong Xi was deeply moved by such affection.

Hearing this, Gao Bai looked up and saw the sincerity in his smile and the gentleness in his gaze. His heart felt greatly comforted, and he silently praised Rong Xi's affectionate and righteous character.

But outwardly, he said, "Though the soup is good, you must not indulge in it. Besides, you are alone here and have little income. Gourmet Pavilion's dishes are expensive and hard to buy, so there is no need."

Rong Xi smiled. "Teacher need not worry. This soup is not expensive. I can..."

"No need." Gao Bai refused directly, 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 unpleasant, yet every word was spoken for Rong Xi's sake.

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

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

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 are to know of this. Do not let anyone else, nor Teacher Gao's household, hear of it. Deduct the reduced amount from my share of the profits."

Although Gao Bai taught at the town school, 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 great respect. Forget seventy percent off—even free would be fine."

The two exchanged courtesies and refusals. In the end, Duan Changjin could not outstubborn Rong Xi and sighed. "I will keep Eldest Brother's words firmly in mind. I certainly will not let anyone else learn of it."

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

By chance, someone caught the corner of his eye, and he stopped short.

Chen Dalang's face was truly impossible to forget. Once seen, it would be engraved upon one's heart.

Just as he halted, Chen Dalang turned his gaze toward him. Their eyes met, and both were stunned for a moment. Only when Duan Changjin questioned him did Rong Xi come back to himself.

He smiled and answered, "I happened upon an old friend."

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

Seeing the remaining young man's stunned expression, Rong Xi found his face familiar but could not recall who he was. He asked, "May I ask who this young gentleman is?"

Upon seeing him, Chen Chuangu was overjoyed beyond measure. Forgetting all else, he hurriedly rose and said with a smile, "Eldest Brother, it has been a long time. I have missed you greatly."

"Rong Xi?" the young man exclaimed in disbelief.

How could Rong Xi be acquainted with Father and Uncle Chen? And he seemed not to recognize him? He had even called Father "Young Master Chen"?

Chen Dalang sat kneeling by the window, nobility seeming innate to him. With the rosy grace of clouds and the charm of the moon, even his faint smile made the hall shine.

"You truly do not recognize him?" A trace of sharpness flickered in Chen Dalang's gaze.

Chen Chuangu was also somewhat puzzled.

They had asked Liang Siwen before. The rumors that Rong Xi had intended to force himself upon him were indeed true. Yet now, Rong Dalang seemed not to recognize Liang Siwen at all. It was truly rather strange.

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

Memories erupted through his mind in rapid flashes. A scene flickered past, then suddenly matched the face of the young man before him.

He stood dazed for a moment, then bowed apologetically. "I committed many offenses before. I ask this young gentleman to be magnanimous."

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

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

However, the attempted coercion had not been the original owner's true intention.

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

Chen Chuangu sighed. "Perhaps Eldest Brother and Si Wen have some misunderstanding?"

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 plain."

Chen Dalang and Chen Chuangu had already witnessed Rong Xi's skill. Seeing what was on the tray now, they did not find it strange.

But it was Liang Siwen's first time seeing it. Merely looking at the color made his index finger twitch with appetite; when he caught its fragrance, his Adam's apple bobbed. No longer caring that Rong Xi was present, he picked up his chopsticks and tasted 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 been disdainful in his heart last night, but today he felt that even a palace feast could not compare to this.

Gourmet Pavilion truly lived up to its name.

Having been captured by the food, young Liang had already forgotten all about aristocratic decorum. Besides, he was a martial man by nature and did not stand on petty ceremony, eating away with unabashed delight.

"Convey our thanks to the proprietor," Chen Chuangu said to the shop servant.