Once the woman in charge left, the eighteen young beauties gracefully bowed in unison. Six took up instruments such as pipas and zithers, while the remaining twelve danced across the open floor of the hall to their music.
When the dance ended, six women approached the three men with graceful steps. Soon, each man had a beauty pressed against either side.
Maidservants filed in with trays, placing delicious dishes, fine wine, and Spirit Tea on the table.
The woman on Tang Yan's left poured him wine.
The beauty on his right brought a piece of fruit to his lips, her eyes alluring and her bearing enchanting. "Young master, have a bite of spirit golden melon!" she said in a soft, sweet voice.
Tang Yan felt no restraint and handled the attention with ease.
"Brother Zhang, it's my honor to meet you. In this vast Spirit Wasteland, our meeting is a stroke of fate that can only be encountered, never sought.
Shopkeeper Qin, let's toast Brother Zhang together!
I don't drink, though, so I'll substitute tea," Tong Chengxian said, raising his cup.
Shopkeeper Qin said unhappily, "Aren't you treating us like outsiders, Shopkeeper Tong? How can you toast young Brother Zhang with tea?"
Tong Chengxian was not annoyed. "I really don't touch alcohol!" he said apologetically.
The beauty beside Tong Chengxian immediately vouched for him. "Please don't be upset, gentlemen. Master Xian never touches wine when he visits Cloudtop Pavilion, either."
Tang Yan did not mind. He smiled. "Friendship needs no wine to measure it. Brother Tong's friendship is fierier than wine and mellower, too! Come, bottoms up!"
"Exactly, Brother Zhang!" Tong Chengxian took warmly to Tang Yan's attitude and drained his Spirit Tea with a smile.
"Brother Tong, the resources you brought this time amounted to ten times everyone else