Chapter 83: Sorry, I almost didn

“It’s probably still early—any good recommendations?”

Li Chen asked casually, but Chu Ruoyan actually began thinking seriously.

“There was a close friend I trained with in the Imperial Capital—beautiful beyond compare. I’m not sure if she’s married yet. Five years ago, her family had some trouble and moved south to another city. I can write her a letter and invite her to the palace. When she comes, His Majesty can take a look. If he likes her, I’ll help you win her over!”

Hearing this, Li Chen lightly patted her firm rear and told her to get moving.

If this is done well, she’ll surely get a reward.

At the mention of a reward, Chu Ruoyan’s long legs trembled involuntarily.

After tidying her clothes, Chu Ruoyan left Li Chen’s chambers to prepare for tonight’s family banquet.

Li Chen also changed into his outdoor attire and headed to No. 7 Changqing Street in the Imperial Capital.

Sometimes, fate is simply inexplicably wonderful.

It was high noon. Wu Nanzhi had cooped herself up in her residence all day and was ready to go out for a meal.

As she stepped onto Changqing Street, a man appeared before her—one she would never forget for the rest of her life: Li Chen.

So he really did hear me yesterday.

I thought you weren’t coming, huh, you man!

Wu Nanzhi stood by the roadside, waiting for Li Chen to come over and greet her.

As they drew closer, she suppressed her inner excitement and resumed her cold, aloof demeanor.

But Li Chen walked right past her without a word, his expression as if he were searching for a house number.

Wu Nanzhi rushed forward and blocked his path.

She crossed her arms at her waist, accentuating her full figure.

Li Chen feigned hesitation, then said: “Hmm, sorry—I almost didn’t recognize you in clothes.”

“You! You! You!” Wu Nanzhi was so furious she couldn’t speak, stomping her feet in place.

She didn’t know why, but seeing Li Chen’s face made her want to get angry.

How could a man be so terrible?

How could he say such nonsense with such a straight face?

This remark struck right at Wu Nanzhi’s core—she had nearly forgotten that humiliating memory, and now Li Chen had dragged it up again, right here on the street.

Nearby onlookers had already cast suspicious glances, beginning to speculate about their relationship based on those words.

In no time, according to the chaotic laws of gossip, they’d be the couple everyone whispered had an improper affair.

Seeing Wu Nanzhi’s puffed cheeks and heaving chest, Li Chen felt delighted.

After all, she was beautiful—even angry, she looked good.

Having teased her enough, Li Chen said: “Want to have a meal together?”

Hearing this, Wu Nanzhi intended to refuse.

But she could tell his tone was casual, with no hint of flattery—meaning if she refused, he wouldn’t invite again, and they’d likely have no further contact.

She had finally caught Li Chen; she wasn’t about to let him slip away so easily.

Besides, the onlookers around them were growing thicker—she didn’t want to stay here any longer, so she accepted his invitation.

Li Chen wasn’t familiar with this street, so he picked a restaurant at random.

The restaurant sat in a quiet corner of the bustling market, its appearance strikingly different.

Instead of the typical TianCe Dynasty upturned eaves and blue tiles, it was a three-story building of pure white marble, inlaid with golden reliefs that shimmered brilliantly in the sunset.

It looked like a place opened by foreigners from another land.

The patrons were either wealthy or noble, and most came in pairs—one man and one woman.

Inside, the decor was elegant, perfect for romantic dates.

Wu Nanzhi wasn’t some timid girl who’d feel embarrassed just because this place attracted couples.

Under the maid’s guidance, the two entered the dining area.

Wu Nanzhi’s beauty and figure were extraordinary—she drew immediate attention upon entering.

Even men with girlfriends stole glances at her, admiring her full curves while comparing them to their own flat companions, envying Li Chen’s luck and thinking he had the best meal.

After all, when a man and woman came here, everyone assumed they were a couple.

Naturally, they imagined what couples did at night.

Envy aside, there were indeed a few noble youths present.

But this was the Imperial Capital—they glanced at Li Chen’s attire and knew better than to provoke him.

Besides, Chief Constable Lin Yue’e had a fearsome reputation; fines meant nothing to nobles, but being thrown in jail left a record, ruining any chance of a proper position in the capital.

Especially those already holding official posts dared not stir trouble.

So they could only glare at Li Chen with jealousy.

But if their girlfriends noticed this, the meal would instantly become a breakup lunch.

These men only dared sneak glances at Wu Nanzhi, sating their eyes.

!

But when they looked at their own girlfriends, they found them staring dreamily at Li Chen, their eyes brimming with unhidden admiration.

Li Chen was naturally handsome, with his tall, elegant frame and noble bearing—he was every woman’s dream man.

If not for their boyfriends beside them, they’d have rushed over to flirt with him already.

They didn’t care about Wu Nanzhi—even if he offered them a one-night stand, they’d gladly accept.

When women are hungry, they’re hungrier than men.

Women’s boldness and lust were reserved only for men like Li Chen, whose looks were exceptional.

Other men? Only reserve and shyness.

This instantly made the previously guilty men resentful.

Li Chen, however, found it strange—why was the air so tense since he entered? Especially the women—their gazes looked like they wanted to devour him.

Maybe this place is a good spot for fishing.

But with Wu Nanzhi as his primary target, Li Chen hadn’t yet acted on that thought.

The two followed the maid to a quiet corner and sat down; the tension in the air slowly eased.

The maid handed them the menu. Li Chen ordered, then passed it to Wu Nanzhi to choose.

Wu Nanzhi didn’t hold back at all—she went on a wild ordering spree.

For example, she ordered ten portions of highland yak beef and eight six-armed bear paws.

At first, Li Chen thought she was trying to bankrupt him by ordering so much.

But he had brought money this time—she wouldn’t get her way.

Only when the dishes arrived did he realize: this woman could truly eat.

She ordered, and she finished—nothing went to waste.

Plates were cleared continuously, and fresh ingredients arrived nonstop.

Watching Wu Nanzhi enjoy her meal so thoroughly, Li Chen tried some himself.

The six-armed bear paw was golden in color, tender and melting in the mouth—far more delicious than ordinary bear paws, truly an excellent dish.

The chef’s skill was impressive; this place truly had its own character.

Six-armed bears were low-grade magical beasts—not ordinary ingredients; most people couldn’t even get them.

Seeing Li Chen eating the six-armed bear paw, Wu Nanzhi said between bites: “This place isn’t authentic enough—the six-armed bears are probably farmed. If you have time, come to Huju City. I’ll get you wild ones—that’s the real taste.”

“Alright, I’ll definitely go when I have time. Can you cook?” Li Chen asked curiously.

“Of course I can. I cook for myself at home. Don’t think I’m bragging—I’m the food champion of Huju City.” Wu Nanzhi had no other talents, no progress in cultivation, but she knew food inside out.

She was also ranked the number one woman in Huju City that every man wanted to marry.

(End of Chapter)