Xia Linglan had originally planned to host a banquet for Yi Shuyuan at the Heavenly Origin Pool, but in the end, she changed her mind and ordered a large spread to take away from a renowned restaurant in Pen Shan County.
Beside the picturesque Heavenly Origin Pool, the Aquatic Folk arranged tables and stools while whispering among themselves.
Yu Ling and Yu Shi laid out the food they had ordered. Thanks to their spells, it was still piping hot.
Xia Linglan, her daughter, and Yi Shuyuan watched from nearby.
"Actually, compared to those cold, lifeless affairs they call banquets in the Water Palace, I prefer this warmth of everyday life. I imagine you feel the same, Mr. Yi?"
Hearing Xia Linglan say this, Yi Shuyuan could not help inwardly praising her perceptiveness.
"You're quite right, Madam Xia."
Listening to her mother's seemingly relaxed tone, Lu Yuwei linked arms with her and pressed close, prompting Xia Linglan to reach out and smooth her daughter's hair at the temples.
Hui Mian leaped down from Yi Shuyuan's shoulder and landed straight on the table, startling a maid into crying out, "Ah!"
"Hehehe, I'm just like the master-I like this warmth of everyday life too! Mm, that smells wonderful!"
Seeing the marten demon sniff the food in bliss, the maids covered their mouths and giggled, though none dared laugh too openly. This little marten surely was not as simple as appearances suggested.
"Madam, everything is ready!"
At that announcement, Xia Linglan invited Yi Shuyuan to take his seat.
"Please, Mr. Yi!"
"Please!"
Since the Heavenly Origin Pool lay in a basin, with plenty of higher ground surrounding it, its surface was sometimes as still as a mirror apart from the springs above and the waterfalls below.
Dining beside such a beautiful lake lifted the