Chapter 162 - 159: Songyun Marsh

Chapter 162: Chapter 159: Songyun Marsh

Half past six in Taikoo Li. The setting sun cast an infinitely beautiful glow over the bustling streets.

The handsome Su Yunzhou stood at a crowded street corner. He had already turned down two girls who tried to hit on him. Young women these days were becoming increasingly bold. Of course, their mindsets were just as avant-garde and confident as their outfits, though sometimes a bit incomprehensible. He was particularly curious about the girl who had just walked by, wearing heavy makeup and a bizarre outfit that made him wonder if it rode up uncomfortably. However, his curiosity was strictly limited to the clothes. He was busy enough right now and simply didn’t have the energy to spare. He genuinely envied those masters of time management who could juggle so many beautiful girls simultaneously.

A short while later, Su Yunzhou finally spotted a woman whose Yan beauty stood out even more amidst the crowd. Liu Yiyi wore a tight black dress that perfectly accentuated her graceful curves. The hem stopped just above her knees, retaining a feminine softness while exuding both sexiness and elegance. The black-and-white low heels on her feet not only elongated her legs but also added a captivating charm to her stride.

"Sorry! There was a bit of traffic," Liu Yiyi said as she arrived fashionably late.

Su Yunzhou looked at her, his eyes twinkling. "I was actually a tiny bit upset, but isn’t it strange? The moment I saw you, all that unhappiness just vanished into thin air."

"Hehe." Liu Yiyi covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

The most wonderful thing about sweet talk was the look in a person’s eyes when they said it. She had always believed that the light in one’s eyes couldn’t lie. And at this very moment, she saw only her own reflection in his eyes.

Liu Yiyi stepped forward and hooked her arm through Su Yunzhou’s, beaming brightly. "Tonight, I’ll treat you to a big meal to make it up to you."

"Then I’ll gladly accept!" Su Yunzhou replied softly.

"Let’s go!"

During her free time earlier in the day, Liu Yiyi had already booked a table at a famous Sichuan restaurant. The two walked forward, weaving through the bustling crowd and turning a few corners. About five or six minutes later, the prosperous commercial street gave way to an antique-looking alley. Modern and ancient architectural styles blended perfectly here, creating a unique, refreshingly elegant atmosphere.

Liu Yiyi pointed to a shop with a plaque hanging not far away. "This is the one!"

Su Yunzhou followed her gaze.

"Songyun Marsh."

"Interesting name."

The place looked more like a traditional teahouse or an ancient academy. Two hostesses in Chinese qipao stood at the entrance. They were quite pretty and wore proper, welcoming smiles that made guests feel like they were bathed in a spring breeze.

"Hello! Do you have a reservation?"

After Liu Yiyi took out her phone to verify the booking details, one of the hostesses led them inside with graceful steps.

Upon entering the restaurant, they were greeted by a small corridor lined with awards. Su Yunzhou even spotted a familiar Michelin star logo. They walked a few steps further, and the view suddenly opened up. Inside, there were small bridges over flowing water, rockery fish ponds, and the vibrant atmosphere of chirping birds and fragrant flowers. On one side stood a series of two-story private dining rooms of various sizes. On the other side was a brightly lit main dining hall for walk-in guests. The neat and spacious hall featured rows of tables and chairs arranged in an orderly yet dynamic fashion, with various oil paintings and traditional landscape artworks decorating the walls.

After the two sat down at an empty table in the hall, the hostess gracefully took her leave. A male waiter, adopting the traditional title of an ancient tavern boy, walked over.

"Dear guests, this is our menu. Please take a look."

Liu Yiyi smiled and pointed at Su Yunzhou, signaling him to order. "It’s my treat, so order whatever you like."

Hearing this, an envious expression appeared on the waiter’s face. He thought, "Another kept man living off a woman, and this rich sugar mommy is absolutely stunning in both temperament and looks. Sigh! Why doesn’t this kind of good luck ever fall on my head?"

Su Yunzhou smiled, took the menu from the waiter, and generously ordered several specialty dishes.

The waiter snapped out of his daze and gently reminded him, "Sir, for two people, these dishes will be more than enough."

Su Yunzhou nodded. The waiter double-checked the names of the dishes. After confirming everything was correct, he asked if they had any dietary restrictions regarding scallions, ginger, garlic, or spice before turning around to place the order at the counter.

Soon after, a classic Sichuan dish, perfect in color, aroma, and taste, was served.

"Dear guests, this is our signature dish—Fu Rong Chicken Slices."

Following that, a few other signature dishes were brought out: Sweet Potato Vine Meatballs, Songyun Potted Meat, Crispy Rock Carp, and Dry-Braised Deer Tendon.

"Sir, all your dishes have been served. Would you like to try some of our home-brewed plum wine?"

"Sure! Bring us some!"

"Right away! I’ll pour two taels for each of you to have a little taste first."

The waiter politely bowed and withdrew.

A moment later, Liu Yiyi picked up her delicate little wine glass. "Cheers! May this glass bring you good health and smooth sailing in everything you do."

Su Yunzhou raised his glass. "So much ceremony today!"

The plum wine was tart, sweet, and highly appetizing. Liu Yiyi used her chopsticks to pick up a piece of crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside carp skin coated in a sweet and sour sauce, placing it into Su Yunzhou’s bowl.

"Try this. I saw on Little Blue Book that this dish has the best reviews."

"Alright!" Su Yunzhou didn’t stand on ceremony. He put it in his mouth and savored the rich flavors. "It’s delicious! You should try some too!"

This kind of dinner date was the most relaxing. The atmosphere was cheerful, and since they didn’t know anyone around them, they could chat and eat without any reservations. Su Yunzhou frequently amused Liu Yiyi, making her cover her mouth and giggle softly.

Right at that moment, a pleasantly surprised voice rang out from the side.

"Su Xiaoyou, is that really you?"

Looking toward the sound, it was none other than Gu Sanming, the man with whom he had shared a brief encounter—or rather, a musical clash.

Su Yunzhou stood up and said, "Mr. Gu, long time no see. I didn’t expect to run into you here."

Gu Sanming laughed heartily. "Indeed! I thought my eyes were deceiving me just now."

The two exchanged a few pleasantries before Su Yunzhou introduced Liu Yiyi to Ancient.

Gu Sanming had a great memory. He smiled meaningfully and praised, "You have a great eye, my young friend."

These words added an even deeper shade of peach to Liu Yiyi’s face, which was already flushed from drinking a few cups of wine. Gu Sanming looked at the plum wine on the table, and then at Su Yunzhou, a living embodiment of the saying that youth without romance was a youth lived in vain.

"My young friend, you have excellent food and wine today. May I ask for a small cup to join you?"

Instead of answering immediately, Su Yunzhou turned his gaze to Liu Yiyi. She naturally agreed, feeling incredibly happy inside. In truth, even if he hadn’t asked her, she would have consented, but this little detail of seeking her approval made her feel profoundly respected. This was exactly what moved her the most about him.

Gu Sanming smiled and said, "Then I’ll go over there to greet a few of my students and be right back."

After he left, Liu Yiyi instantly went into gossip mode. Upon learning how the two of them had met, her beautiful eyes widened in absolute shock. She looked as if she had just discovered a whole new world.

"You know how to play the piano?"

"I dabble in it."

"Wow! What other hidden Skills do you have that I don’t know about?"

Su Yunzhou rolled his eyes playfully, leaned in close to her ear, took in her wonderful scent, and whispered a few words.

Hearing this, Liu Yiyi’s pretty face flushed deep crimson. The affection in her eyes was utterly irresistible, truly living up to the old saying:

"A drunken beauty with a peach-pink face; unforgettable are her sweet words, delicate form, and gentle shyness."