True Flavor House was not far from Qichen Palace. From the private room on its third floor, one could look through the eastern window and see Qichen Palace to the southwest, only about half a kilometer away in a straight line. The moment Hu Xiaotian entered the elegantly antiquated room, he realized Xi Yan had made her preparations long ago.
Four cold dishes had already been laid out on the square table, and the wine sat warmed in a wine warmer. Its rich fragrance slowly suffused the air, dissolving into the space above them. Hu Xiaotian sniffed deeply. The wine smelled wonderful.
"Sit!" Xi Yan said.
Hu Xiaotian dispensed with the courtesies. Once seated, he looked her up and down. Xi Yan's eyes widened. "Have you looked enough?"
"Yes. For the sake of my appetite, could you change your appearance before eating with me?"
Xi Yan smiled. "What would you like me to turn into? How about I take on Long Xiyue's appearance?"
"Sure!" Hu Xiaotian said.
"Hah!" Xi Yan planted her hands on her hips, looking vicious enough to swallow Hu Xiaotian alive and skin him whole. Hu Xiaotian, however, was accustomed to it and paid her no mind.
"You really do think about her every moment of the day!" Xi Yan said.
"You brought her up yourself. I was only going along with your suggestion."
Xi Yan seemed angry. She turned and walked behind the screen, then emerged a moment later. As though by magic, she had changed from the sallow, emaciated man she had been into her own enchanting, alluring self. Dressed in a long red gown, she walked with graceful, swaying steps.
Yet Hu Xiaotian remained unmoved by this young beauty who could topple cities and kingdoms. His eyes stayed fixed on the cold dishes. "The