A maid carefully handed a bottle of red wine to Ansel, “This bottle of red wine comes from Governor Luthor’s private vineyard. Before drinking red wine, it needs to be decanted. We’re decanting it now, so it can be paired with the main course later.”

Li Xin looked at it, “How many years has it been?”

Ansel glanced at the date, “It’s been 36 years.”

“Then you’re decanting it a bit late. Red wines that have been stored for so long are best decanted for around two hours,” Li Xin said.

Ansel paused, his eyebrows involuntarily raised, but as it was a distinguished guest, he didn’t question it and silently opened the red wine, pouring it into the decanter.

“You can gently swirl it; that way, an hour will suffice,” Li Xin said.

Of course, service puts the customer first, but Ansel hesitated. He dared not handle it carelessly, as the Gourmet Association had specific rules. If he damaged such a treasure, he couldn’t bear the consequences. “Please wait a moment.”

He needed to consult with the chef, as this ritual was set by the chef, and they weren’t sure of the specifics, said to be passed down from the Grand Governor.

Li Xin wasn’t bothered, as he was actually indifferent.

Christie wasn’t surprised that Li Xin knew about red wine, but rather found it bold of him to question the Gourmet Association—it took some courage.

“Give it a try; their food is indeed exceptional.”

The cold dishes were all colorful, fragrant, and flavorful, impossible without exceptional knife skills. Christie took a bite—it was her first time trying the Gourmet Association’s food, and it was the work of an elder.

Tasting it, Christie lightly frowned, and seeing her, Li Xin also tried it. It was really delicious, “It’s quite good.”

Christie swallowed the food, placed a hand over her chest, and exhaled lightly, “It’s just too delicious.”

Faced with such cuisine, Christie finally put aside work and enjoyed like a regular girl. The beauty and delicious food together were hard to resist, and for the Awakened, this delicacy was particularly enticing.

With the beautiful scenery and good company beside them, along with Dao Yuan’s top-notch food, they both forgot their troubles for a moment, savoring the ease of the moment. Unnoticed, Ansel had returned, shaking the decanter like a schoolboy.

“Why decant the wine?” Christie curiously asked. Rilong City also had red wine, but it didn’t need decanting; it was drunk directly. She had held back for a long time but couldn’t anymore.

“Get the wine a bit tipsy, and then drink it quickly when it’s not looking!” Li Xin joked, winking at Christie.

Christie was thinking seriously, but upon seeing his expression, her fair cheeks began to heat up. This guy was trying to turn the tables?!

“Mr. Li, does this work for you?” Ansel asked as if he’d committed a crime because the chef’s instructions were to follow the guest’s preference.

The wrong timing of the wine couldn’t match the main course, which was a major mistake for the Gourmet Association. All dishes required the right timing, and this wasn’t the right introduction for an important guest’s first formal meal, but Ansel still wasn’t fully convinced.

“Let me try,” Li Xin gestured to the wine glass.

At this moment, Ansel realized he had met an expert. This ceremony was said to be known only to a select few close to the Grand Governor in the Rilong royal family. He finally understood he was just a manager.

Ansel’s initial respect was just because the other was a VIP of the Gourmet Association, but now it was genuine; some people seem ordinary, but are actually deeply hidden. He realized he was too superficial.

Some wine was skillfully poured, and Li Xin picked up the glass, swirling it expertly, sniffing it at his nose, before taking a small sip. Christie didn’t understand, but it seemed so elegant to her, while Ansel bowed even lower beside them.

“A bit off in timing, but it’s passable; let’s not delay the main course. Mr. Bocuse’s food is the core,” Li Xin nodded—it was free, so he wouldn’t be picky.

“Yes, sir,” Ansel was convinced. Ignoring such rare wine, and valuing Mr. Bocuse’s food more—was this a true connoisseur?

Ansel suppressed the shock in his heart, respectfully pouring red wine into Christie’s glass. Christie clearly caught the Gourmet Association’s core member’s reverent yet proud demeanor. Initially, it was just work, but now it was different.

Her little man had conquered this core member of the Gourmet Association with just a few words and actions, though she didn’t understand their significance.

She herself was no different. She still remembered Li Xin’s expression when he said, “Who is more noble than whom?”, when he didn’t even know his identity. That detached, worldly look had indeed made her heart tremble, and it was that moment’s confusion that led to a series of subsequent events.

“Sister, red wine suits women best,” Li Xin raised his glass. The red moonlight over the bay shone through the window onto the crystal glass, reflecting a vivid hue.

“So, you really do understand women,” Christie said with a charming smile.

“Sister, what are you talking about? I’m still a child.”

Christie, ready to spar some more, couldn’t hold it in. Such a big child indeed?

The main course was snow bear paw. Looking at the braised bear paw in front of him, the steaming aroma was strong, and Li Xin’s appetite was unleashed. He devoured the red wine bear paw without hesitation. This old man really put in the effort. I’m not sure what conditions he’ll bring up afterward, but that can wait. For now, I can’t resist this temptation.

It had a chewy texture, a tender kind of chewiness, and it actually burst with juice upon entry, leaving a lingering fragrance. It felt like warmth was rushing through his body, and the energy nearly drained by the Leo yesterday seemed to be replenished all at once. This was truly a pleasant surprise. The Gourmet Association certainly has something special. Christie also felt full of energy, and it seemed as though her secret injuries had healed. They say that the Gourmet Association’s dishes are not just for enjoyment but can also heal various hidden injuries, and it seems to be true.

Sometimes culinary therapy is more stable than magic potions, with fewer side effects.

A bottle of red wine was also nearly finished by Li Xin and Christie. It tasted better and better towards the end, and coupled with Li Xin’s words that red wine can make women prettier, the mood was enhanced even more. Li Xin found it somewhat overwhelming to watch the infinitely charming Christie.

After the main course, there were fruits and desserts. Li Xin found them all right, but Christie loved them, especially those exquisite desserts, showing her genuine fondness.

After a meal that lasted two hours, Li Xin and Christie almost forgot their purpose of coming. At this moment, Bocuse also came down with a glass of red wine, “Li Xin, you finally decided to take care of my business. You were right; it really should be over two hours. What a pity, it brought a flaw to your meal experience, only to make up for it next time.”

“I wouldn’t dare come here casually.” Li Xin laughed, “After eating your food, I can’t eat anything else.”

Bocuse laughed heartily, “Ansell, tell the others to rest. I will chat with my two friends.”

“Yes,” Ansell respectfully withdrew, closing the door for the three of them.

“Let me introduce, this is Miss Christie from the Hex Bird Report, my superior.” Li Xin said, “This is Mr. Bocuse, the head chef of Lanuo Restaurant.”

The two nodded, clearly Bocuse knew something and was aware of their purpose.

“When Hex Bird Report first appeared, the Gourmet Association noticed it. Its spread is very helpful to gourmet food, but we didn’t expect it to develop to its current state. Governor Luthor is indeed a unique figure in Dao Yuan’s history,” Bocuse lamented, “Through Anthony’s incident, the report has gained a foothold in Moncalleta.”

“Achieved a small success, but the current situation is still precarious,” Christie smiled lightly. She wasn’t being modest. The Hedan Daily can afford to lose countless times, but they cannot afford to lose even once.

Bocuse neither agreed nor denied. Li Xin saw that Bocuse was so familiar with him without prompting, so he asked directly, “Bocuse, have you met Governor Luthor?”

Bocuse nodded, “Met him, but not familiar. However, the cooperation between the Gourmet Association and the Grand Governor is very pleasant.”

Li Xin didn’t think much of it, but it was the first time Christie had heard of it. Governor Luthor is involved with many hidden powers, has many friends, and many enemies. This information is generally secretive at the top level, and she didn’t expect Bocuse to be willing to share.

Li Xin didn’t pursue further, returning to the main topic, “Actually, this visit is also to discuss cooperation. I have recently been entrusted by Prince Achilles to investigate the Inner Demon case, and coincidentally, the Night Patrol is also investigating. The current evidence points to the Dark Cuisine branch.”

Bocuse chuckled, “What is Miss Christie responsible for now?”

“Night Patrol, protecting the Hex Bird Society’s smooth development. This case is being assisted at the invitation of the Funeral Attendant. Mr. Bocuse should have heard the Night Patrol’s mission, to uphold justice. We also want to contribute to capturing the culprit.” Christie said. At this point, Christie had already entered work mode.

“Looking at Miss Christie, you appear to be a native Hedan person. How did you become a Night Patrol?” Bocuse asked curiously.

Both sides were probing, and sincerity was necessary.

Christie smiled sweetly, “My parents are Hedan people, but I was born and raised in the Dragon Capital. I believe in the Moon God. I’ve always had one question, why does Elder Bocuse have such high regard for Li Xin?”

Bocuse laughed, “Don’t you also think highly of him?”

At that moment, Christie struggled to maintain her adjusted work mode. She knew it was easy to conceal from ordinary people, but not so much from someone like Bocuse. Still, she didn’t expect him to subtly point it out.

“Ahem, Bocuse, this is my superior.”

“Right, I hold your superior in high regard.” Bocuse laughed, “You also have a talent for gourmet food. Would you like to join the Gourmet Association?”

Before Li Xin could speak, Christie flatly refused, “Elder Bocuse, this kind of poaching is not okay. Li Xin is one of our Night Patrol!”

Night Patrol members cannot join the Gourmet Association, and members of the Gourmet Association cannot be Night Patrol.

“What a pity, Li Xin’s talent and fortune in the gourmet path have limitless potential,” Bocuse said, “Of course, joining the Gourmet Association is somewhat of a pity. Our small association cannot quite handle it.”

Christie didn’t know if Bocuse was being modest or something else. The Gourmet Association is not small and can coexist peacefully with various paths, which is extremely advantageous in the Sixth Epoch.

“Alright, Bocuse, let’s stop the flattery. We’re all on the same side. The presence of Dark Cuisine branch members in Hedan is undeniable. They’ve been deeply rooted for many years. We suspect they are using human bodies as food.” Li Xin said, circling around with an old fox like Bocuse was pointless.

“There’s no need to suspect; it’s them,” Bocuse said, “That’s the reason I came to Hedan.”

Li Xin and Christie’s expressions both lit up, “Do you know who they are?” Christie asked.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep