Chapter 350: Chapter 217: The Third Life

Li Xin knew that if he didn’t do something soon, he’d be exposed.

“Young Master Simmons seldom visits, why don’t we have a casual meal together?” Li Xin invited. Considering Simmons’s taste, the inn’s food might be hard to swallow, but his invitation, even if declined, would leave Dragon Mother feeling appreciated—a win-win.

“Alright, the diced chicken last time was quite unique. It’s been a while, and I do miss it a bit,” Simmons replied with a smile. “Thanks for the trouble.”

“No trouble at all, what’s good about chicken? We’ve long prepared the secret speciality of Lirong Inn just for you, young master!” Upon hearing Simmons would stay, Dragon Mother finally stopped trying to throw herself at him and excitedly swayed her large hips to prepare.

Simmons looked at Li Xin, “The boss is quite enthusiastic.”

“Ha, haha, Dragon Mother is enthusiastic towards everyone. I guess the inn hasn’t had any issues under your care, and she’s very grateful,” Li Xin said helplessly. This wasn’t really about him; he was just trying to be polite.

Simmons waved his hand, “I didn’t really help much.”

Actually, even without his intervention, Li Xin surely had many ways to handle it; his involvement just made things easier.

Dragon Mother returned in a flurry, rushing into the kitchen, then calling out Dalivin and Mr. Kan, changing into new outfits. Young Master Simmons seldom visited, so they had to impress and show off their capabilities. She knew high society valued matching social classes.

It didn’t take long for Dragon Mother to come out, dressed in a lavish outfit; her sexy arms seemed ready for a race, her thighs stood like pillars, quite reassuring.

?

Dragon Mother had somehow arranged a special room as a dining area, likely under debt pressure. Dalivin and Mr. Kan changed into neat server uniforms, complete with bow ties. In the kitchen, Ma Liu received instructions, his knife flying, leaving illusions, with pans frying simultaneously; seven or eight ingredients being handled at once, his movements swift. A flick of his hand and the pan flipped itself, his fingers rhythmically controlling the pan. Two fresh fish flew from the basin, slicing through the air… With a flash of the knife, layered sashimi appeared on the board, uniform in thickness, crystal clear…

In the room, Dalivin stood respectfully, holding a bottle of red wine…

“Young Master Simmons, this red wine was transported all the way from Dragon Capital, exclusively for the royal family, extremely rare, fitting for a man like an eagle.” Dragon Mother laughed.

Simmons just wanted a simple meal with Li Xin, but didn’t expect such a grand setup. After all, he was a young master of the George family, an old noble line passed down for generations. Very elegantly, he took the bottle, glanced at it, eyes showing surprise: “This is a limited edition from Governor Luthor’s estate, once had the fortune to taste it with grandfather, didn’t expect to see it again.”

Dragon Mother’s vivid red lips opened wide, giving a thumbs up, “Truly Young Master Simmons, I knew you had an eye for quality. It’s said less than a thousand bottles remain, each one a treasure.”

“Too precious, worthy of collection.” Even with his wealth, Simmons felt it a pity.

“Wine pairs with heroes, now is its finest moment.” Dragon Mother tapped her thumb against the bottle neck, then pulled the cork straight out, “Let it breathe, let’s start with appetizers, a little Hedan traditional gin to whet the appetite.”

By now, Ma Liu and Mr. Kan had already brought in plates, all cold dishes. The exquisite dishes laid out were a surprise, even for Li Xin. Simmons was in disbelief; given his background, he could instantly recognize the level of skill, surpassing his own family’s cooks. If comparably skilled, it would only be the Ivory Bay Restaurant with that Gourmet Association elder.

“Brother Li, you truly know how to enjoy.” Simmons chuckled wryly.

What was called low-key, what was called hidden talents, today he truly saw it. It wasn’t that he wasn’t curious, but his decorum prevented him from asking wildly. From Grandmaster Kundra’s attitude, the sudden rise of the Celestial Principle School had much to do with Brother Li. His grandfather analyzed that although the Celestial Principle School was strong, it would take decades before they could challenge the Church Court, and only then was there a defensive stance. Who knew they’d suddenly make great strides?

Thought the inn just lived on diced chicken daily, figuring Brother Li was experiencing life, turns out there’s a chef at this level, how naive of him.

Li Xin also felt naive; how hadn’t he considered it? With a genius from the Gourmet Association right beside him, and spare change to enjoy a feast, surely good food provokes good thoughts.

“This is prepared by Dragon Mother for young master Simmons, fresh ingredients daily,” Mr. Kan quickly praised.

Dragon Mother looked warmly at Simmons, who didn’t hesitate, spearing a piece of sashimi. Dragon Mother watched Simmons with a smile, as if looking at her prince, “Young master, dip it with the special sauce.”

Simmons dipped it lightly, placed it in his mouth, a burst of sweetness shot through, a strong sense of delight surged within, eating several slices in succession. Good food easily bridged gaps, good wine ignited bonds, Li Xin initially had doubts about Ma Liu’s skills, but one taste dispelled them—Gourmet, genius Gourmet, missed the mark.

The appetizers were exquisite, yet they differed from the Gourmet’s lavishness; instead, they brought an earthy beauty—flawless fundamentals. With fine wine and food, the three quickly began chatting, Dragon Mother tirelessly encouraged drinking, Simmons was generous, accepting all, having an excellent time.

Li Xin felt somewhat ashamed; Young Master Simmons was exceptional, able to see beyond appearances, admirable indeed.

The subsequent dishes were served one after another by Dalivin and Mr. Kan, never letting the atmosphere cool down. Seizing the moment, Dragon Mother opened the conversation box, first asking about the preparations for the battle, and eventually extending it to whether there was a girlfriend.

“I haven’t considered that issue yet; the Glory Celebration is the most important task at the moment.”

“Then, what kind of type does Young Master like? Slim or curvy, fair, and sexy?” Dragon Mother asked cautiously.

“Haha, of course, the latter. I’m a man of vulgar tastes.” Simmons replied with ease.

“What vulgar taste? Young Master Simmons is a true connoisseur of women. Here’s a toast to you.”

Simmons showcased his drinking capacity too, transitioning from gin to red wine, paired with Ma Liu’s various delicacies, enjoying more comfortably than at the Lanuo Ivory Restaurant, feeling more relaxed here.

Dalivin went into the kitchen where Ma Liu was fully concentrated on preparing the soup dish, “Ma Liu, Dragon Mother seems to really like Simmons, aren’t you a bit concerned?”

Ma Liu delightedly garnished the plate, “I… I’m paying close close attention.”

“Ah, I mean he’s your rival in love!” Dalivin had to hint to his brother, even though the chance Simmons would fancy Dragon Mother was nearly as likely as a meteor striking the inn’s rooftop.

Ma Liu paused slightly upon hearing this, faintly smiled, and then continued his work diligently.

Dalivin sighed deeply, love indeed.

Is there a possibility? Could his lack of achievement on the painter’s path be because he hasn’t understood love?

Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since he had a heart-to-heart with his confidantes about art.

After satisfying meals and drinks, Simmons got on the carriage with Dragon Mother’s help. Li Xin wanted to step forward to assist but was directly pushed over by Dragon Mother, almost thrown out the window. Li Xin could only watch Simmons being tenderly escorted onto the carriage by Dragon Mother.

Watching the distant carriage, Dragon Mother waved her handkerchief with reluctance. It was the happiest day she had had in years, as if it was a world of two between her and Young Master Simmons. Back in her room, she closed the door in an unusually quiet manner.

Li Xin, Dalivin, and Mr. Kan were helping Ma Liu tidy up the kitchen, and Ma Liu even prepared a small stove for Dalivin and Mr. Kan. It turned out Dragon Mother would have Ma Liu procure top-quality ingredients every day, just in case a distinguished guest arrived.

On the carriage, Simmons rubbed his head. He certainly could handle his liquor, but he had drunk a bit too much. What was Brother Li implying when he asked him to accompany Dragon Mother? Could there be some hidden meaning?

That small chef was no ordinary person, possessing skills on par with Bocuse, a master indeed. He remembered one of the waiters being a painter and the other a magician, neither seemed ordinary, and as for Dragon Mother…

At first, he thought she was an uncouth matron, but strangely enough, there was a unique fragrance on her which was very comforting and enticing, making him yearn to get close. If there weren’t so many people, he might have slipped up. He glanced outside at the blazing sun, rubbed his head again, wondering if he was hallucinating, or perhaps he truly should consider falling in love?

Wait a moment… Bocuse was an elder of the Gourmet Association, and Your Majesty had invited another elder; there were five elders in total at the Gourmet Association. It’s said the elders seldom meet unless something special happens. Ma Liu’s skill level was comparable to the elders, but he didn’t seem to be old enough. The possibility of three elders was unlikely.

Simmons felt a chill in his heart; could this be the Gourmet Association’s genius ’traitor,’ soon to become the sixth elder, Alain Ducasse?

The key figure in the Inner Demon case!

Having come this far, Simmons had actually worked out most of the real circumstances regarding the Inner Demon case. His grandfather didn’t shy away from some matters and encouraged him to think about them, although he was not allowed to participate.

Inside the carriage, Simmons’ expression fell into a struggle, but it didn’t last long before he let out a heavy breath, and his eyes opened again with a calm restored. There was even a hint of rebellious satisfaction at the corner of his mouth. In the journey of personal growth, one faces many decisions, just as he once chose to enter the Secret Castle. This time was no different; he decided to forge his own path and choose his own beliefs.

Bang…

A mind matrix appeared; Simmons’ eyes showed an incredible look, as his chest emitted a glow and a surge of power erupted from his Divine Relic, the Knight’s Shield of Glory, permeated through his entire body.

He activated the third life — the Knight’s Loyalty.

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