It was obvious that Tang Youyou had become famous overnight. However, these literati showed no trace of jealousy. Instead, they were mostly envious and convinced.
Those people kept congratulating her, and some secretly made up their minds to compete again in the next poetry competition.
Xiao Sanniang clapped her hands and gave the final speech.
"Today's poetry conference is hereby concluded. This poem 'Invitation to Wine' will surely spread among the people. The food and drinks for everyone today are on me, Xiao Sanniang! Let's celebrate the birth of this masterpiece!"
Tang Youyou blushed slightly. Of course, she knew that it was all thanks to the "big wronged soul" Li Bai. But this was just a plot in the book. Why bother getting entangled in it?
She looked at the fine wine in her arms and couldn't help but lift the lid. Instantly, the strong aroma of the wine assailed her nostrils. Just smelling the fragrance made Tang Youyou feel a bit tipsy.
She carefully closed the lid and saw Young Master Lin Xiao walking towards her from afar.
"What can I do for you, Young Master Lin Xiao?" Tang Youyou handed the wine to Qingyu beside her and slowly raised her eyes to look at Lin Xiao.
Lin Xiao bowed slightly, glanced at Tang Youyou's eyes, and joked, "May I ask your name, young master? I'd like to make friends with you. Would you do me the honor?"
Lin Xiao spoke very carefully, afraid of upsetting Tang Youyou.
Tang Youyou, of course, was magnanimous. She waved her hand and said, "Sure. My surname is Tang and my given name is Wuxie."
Lin Xiao bowed again. "Brother Tang is truly erudite. I'm convinced that I've lost."
Being praised like this, Tang Youyou felt a bit guilty. She quickly waved her hand. "I just won by luck. There's no such thing as being erudite. If people talk like this, what would the great scholars in the court think?"
What she said was true. During Rong Xun's reign, many learned people from the folk were promoted to official positions in the court. Among them were many old literati with rich knowledge.
Just thinking of those white - haired old men, she felt a bit sorry for them. Even though they were old, they were still eager for knowledge on the road of learning. This was probably the persistence of scholars from poor families.
They were worthy of respect, and she naturally felt in awe of them.
Thinking of this, both of them fell silent for a moment. Then Lin Xiao spoke again to invite her. "Today, to congratulate Brother Tang, how about we go to the Wangchun Tower opposite for a drink?"
Hearing this, Tang Youyou nodded without hesitation. But she didn't notice that Qingyu beside her had already frowned. It seemed as if the word "worried" was written on her face.
However, at this moment, Tang Youyou only had food on her mind. She completely forgot the fact that she couldn't hold her liquor.
Helplessly, Qingyu and Yiran had to follow closely behind, afraid that something might happen to Tang Youyou.
The two came to the restaurant. The madam immediately took a fancy to Tang Youyou and Lin Xiao. With their handsome looks, even the most outstanding young men in her restaurant couldn't compare to them.
The madam showed a flattering smile and walked quickly towards them from afar. Her voice grew louder as she approached.
"Oh, what wind has blown Young Master Lin here? You're our honored guest. I've always reserved the VIP room for you."
As she spoke, the madam's eyes immediately fell on Tang Youyou. Her expression was so exaggerated that no one could match. All the features on her face were trying their best to show enthusiasm.
When looking at Tang Youyou, she was still waving the handkerchief in her hand, constantly fanning it in front of Tang Youyou's face. A smell of cheap perfume came towards Tang Youyou.
The pungent smell, combined with the stench of wine and meat, almost made Tang Youyou faint. She endured the nausea and followed Lin Xiao inside.
As they walked, the madam kept chattering. "Oh, Master Lin, you've brought another honored guest. This young master looks extraordinary. I wonder which family he comes from?"
Seeing her keep asking, Tang Youyou only had one thought in her mind: annoying.
Lin Xiao naturally noticed Tang Youyou's impatience. He just gave the madam a look, and she quickly left.
Lin Xiao looked at Tang Youyou apologetically and raised his right hand, indicating for her to enter the room first.
"Brother Tang, I didn't take good care of you today and made you feel uncomfortable."
Hearing this, Tang Youyou just shook her head and quietly stepped into the room. She sat down at the round table and saw that the furnishings in the room were very simple, completely different from the vulgar and luxurious lobby downstairs.
"No, I should thank Brother Lin for spending money to bring me to such a nice place."
After a while, the waiter knocked on the door and came in with delicious dishes. The table was filled with a dazzling array of dishes. Tang Youyou's stomach began to growl embarrassingly.
Although the growl was not very loud, everyone in the room could hear it clearly. Instantly, the redness that was originally on her neck climbed up to her cheeks.
Seeing this, Lin Xiao couldn't help but smile. "I guess Brother Tang is tired. Eat more. If you can't hold your liquor, just drink a little. There's no need to force yourself."
Seeing Lin Xiao being so considerate, Tang Youyou almost cried on the spot. Soon, she no longer acted like a young master. She picked up the chopsticks on the table and started to gobble up.
When she had eaten enough and most of the dishes on the table were empty, at the end, she didn't forget to let out a long - awaited belch.
Burp~
Finally, her bottomless pit was filled. When she turned to look at Lin Xiao beside her, she saw that this person was looking at her in a daze.
And his chopsticks were clean. He hadn't eaten a single bite...
Tang Youyou scratched her head shyly and said apologetically, "Sorry, Brother Lin. I just haven't eaten so happily for a long time. I was happy today and ate a bit more. I've made a fool of myself in front of you."
As soon as she finished speaking, Lin Xiao quickly waved his hand and said, "No, no. It's a blessing for Brother Tang to be able to eat. I also want to eat more, but I don't have such a good appetite. Brother Tang has a really good appetite."
Hearing him say this, Tang Youyou felt completely ashamed.
However, this wasn't the first time she had embarrassed herself, so she forgot about it soon.
When she saw Lin Xiao hesitating, her expression suddenly changed. She looked at Lin Xiao seriously and said slowly, "If Brother Lin has something to ask, just say it directly. I don't like this kind of beating around the bush."
As soon as Tang Youyou said this, Lin Xiao finally sighed. He said helplessly, "Brother Tang is right. I do have a favor to ask."
Tang Youyou took the opportunity to say, "Tell me."
Lin Xiao picked up the wine cup on the table and drank the wine in one gulp. He looked into Tang Youyou's beautiful eyes, finally mustered up the courage, and was ready to speak his mind.