Dongfang Qinlan was a meat lover. She was happily chomping away at the meat. Since she couldn't eat spicy food, Dongfang Huaizhu had to rinse the meat in clear water before putting it into Dongfang Qinlan's bowl.
Wangquan Baoye watched Dongfang Huaizhu's actions. They were rather fussy, but she didn't seem to mind. He thought to himself: She must dote on her younger sister a great deal. He could very well understand such feelings, for he too had a lovely younger sister. Just thinking about it softened his heart.
"Sir?"
Dongfang Huaizhu noticed Wangquan Baoye staring blankly at the hot - pot.
Wangquan Baoye came back to his senses. "I also have a younger sister."
When he said this, his face wasn't as cold as usual. There was a hint of tenderness on it.
Dongfang Huaizhu's heart skipped a beat. She was touched in a place that was rarely shown. So, this man also had a tender side. In Dongfang Huaizhu's eyes, Wangquan Baoye was no longer just cold and aloof; he now seemed full of human warmth.
Wangquan Baoye never imagined that his casual remark would earn him the favor of the woman sitting opposite. He just continued to cook the meat on his own, thinking that this Dongfang Huaizhu was quite different from the one in his impression.
"Boss, so you're here!" A clear female voice rang out.
Dongfang Huaizhu saw a group of young men walking over with a woman.
"We've been looking for you everywhere!" a young man said.
"So you're here on a date with a beauty. No wonder we couldn't find you anywhere," another young man chimed in.
Dongfang Huaizhu had no idea what was going on, but her face remained calm.
Wangquan Baoye smiled helplessly and scolded them, "Stop talking nonsense! Miss Dongfang and I have a gentleman's agreement. Since the two Miss Dongfangs are here today, stop being so improper."
Wangquan Baoye stood up and walked towards the young men.
Dongfang Huaizhu and Dongfang Qinlan quickly stood up too.
Dongfang Huaizhu looked behind Wangquan Baoye. A girl in a simple green dress stood there. Her big eyes were like two black gemstones, calm yet with a hint of coldness. The rest of her face was covered by a white veil.
Dongfang Huaizhu took a few steps forward and bent down slightly. "Hello."
"This is Miss Dongfang."
"Is it the Dongfang from the Dongfang Clan?" A handsome and tall young man spoke up. He had thin lips, a high nose bridge, a somewhat cold - looking face with a gaunt appearance, blue - tinged pupils, and long black hair that fell on his shoulders. A white mask covered his right eye and forehead diagonally. He must be the type that many girls would like.
"Sir, I'm from the Divine Volcano Manor. My name is Dongfang Huaizhu," Dongfang Huaizhu said as she bowed to them.
"This is my brother, Li Zizai from the Li Clan of Taoyuan," Wangquan Baoye introduced the man who had just spoken.
The man nodded at Dongfang Huaizhu, indicating that they were now acquainted.
"What about me? What about me?" Another slightly shorter young man asked.
Although he was shorter than Li Zizai and Wangquan Baoye, his heroic air was no less than theirs. Under his imposing sword - shaped eyebrows were a pair of charming peach - blossom eyes. His lips were a bit thick, and his nose was straight. He looked like a little troublemaker.
"This is my fourth brother, Li Quzhuo, also from the Li Clan of Taoyuan and Li Zizai's younger brother," Wangquan Baoye introduced him to Dongfang Huaizhu.
Dongfang Huaizhu bowed to the three of them, marking their acquaintance.
"This is my younger sister, Dongfang Qinlan," Dongfang Huaizhu introduced when she saw them looking at each other in confusion.
The two girls didn't say a word to each other. It was obvious that they were both formidable characters.
"Gentlemen and Miss, if you don't mind, would you like to sit down and have hot - pot with us?" Dongfang Huaizhu tentatively invited them.
"I don't think that's necessary," Li Zizai replied.
"Sir, please don't be polite. It'll be more lively with more people," Dongfang Huaizhu continued.
"Don't worry. Miss Dongfang's cooking is really good. If you don't try it, you'll regret it," Wangquan Baoye said mysteriously, looking rather proud.
"Okay! Okay! Big brother, let's eat! Let's eat!" Li Quzhuo tugged at Li Zizai's arm.
"Then I'll not be polite. Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Dongfang," Li Zizai nodded and said to Dongfang Huaizhu.
"Please, gentlemen."
"Thank you for your hospitality," they said in unison.
The group came and sat down by the stove. Li Zizai, Li Quzhuo, and Qingmuyuan sat next to Wangquan Baoye. Dongfang Qinlan sat next to Qingmuyuan. In this way, Dongfang Huaizhu was sitting next to Wangquan Baoye.
The people involved didn't think there was anything wrong. They thought this was just natural.
Dongfang Huaizhu distributed bowls and chopsticks to everyone. She thought to herself: Fortunately, I prepared some extra bowls and chopsticks.
Qingmuyuan couldn't resist the fragrant smell and picked up a chopstick full of food. Just like Wangquan Baoye, her first bite was of the fish.
After taking a bite, Qingmuyuan's eyes lit up, and she couldn't wait to take a second bite.
Everyone else also started to eat. After tasting the food, they all praised it.
Seeing that Qingmuyuan could eat spicy food without any problem, Dongfang Qinlan was unwilling to be left behind. "I can eat spicy food, sister," she said. Then she picked up a chopstick full of meat, blew on it, and put it directly into her mouth. But the spiciness made her unable to speak. Her face turned red, her eyes were full of tears, and she gasped for air.
Everyone burst out laughing at her appearance. Dongfang Huaizhu was helpless about her younger sister's competitiveness and quickly poured water for Dongfang Qinlan. Dongfang Qinlan gulped down several mouthfuls of water before her complexion improved.
Wangquan Baoye couldn't laugh in this harmonious atmosphere. He felt strange. Why did Dongfang Huaizhu invite his brothers to have hot - pot with them?
He turned his head and looked at his brothers. Li Zizai was handsome, tall, and serious but kind - hearted.
Li Quzhuo was charming and had a cheerful personality. He was like a little sun, warming those around him. A strange thought suddenly popped into his mind.
Could it be...
No way...
Wangquan Baoye looked at Dongfang Huaizhu's gentle smile. His suspicion grew stronger: Did she fall in love with one of his brothers?
Wangquan Baoye tried to get this thought out of his head, but it seemed to have taken root and wouldn't go away. He quietly nudged Li Zizai and the others aside to keep them away from Dongfang Huaizhu.
Dongfang Huaizhu saw that there was no water on Li Zizai and Li Quzhuo's side, so she took a kettle and was about to hand it over. Before they could react, a big hand snatched the kettle away. It was Wangquan Baoye. Dongfang Qinlan was confused, looking blank. Wangquan Baoye handed the water to Li Zizai and Li Quzhuo, whose expressions were a bit strange.
He had reacted almost instinctively, without thinking. He just didn't want her to get too close to his brothers...
Wangquan Baoye's feelings were quietly budding and growing.
"Gentlemen, I have a suggestion," Dongfang Huaizhu took the initiative to break the awkward atmosphere.
"How about we play finger - guessing games while drinking?" Dongfang Huaizhu said when she saw everyone waiting for her to continue.
As soon as she said this, everyone agreed. They were just worried about how to break the tense atmosphere, and Dongfang Huaizhu's words provided them with a way out.