After walking for a while, Zhao Jiaqi asked him to put her down. The matter was settled, and the suppressed emotions in her heart were released, making her feel very relaxed.
When they reached the town and saw the crowds of people, they asked Wang Hui and learned that the most luxurious restaurant in town was actually their own hot pot restaurant.
Zhao Jiaqi was a little confused. Where on earth had her Bai Lu opened her restaurants? Every place they went, there was a hot pot restaurant.
As summer was approaching, they were going to eat hot pot? This was a crazy idea, wasn't it?
Led by Wang Hui and Wang Fang, they went to the hot pot restaurant. Coincidentally, as soon as they entered, they saw the shopkeeper talking to a woman.
Upon closer inspection, that woman was actually Bai Lu. At this, not only did Zhao Jiaqi's expression change, but Fan Zehao's also changed. The Chief behind them lowered his head directly.
All three of them were anxious, hoping Bai Lu would be smart enough not to expose their identities.
As people entered the restaurant, the two people who were reconciling accounts looked up at them simultaneously. Bai Lu's eyes almost stopped moving.
The shopkeeper rushed to greet them. Wang Hui asked, "In a few days, we want to book this place for one day. How much will it cost?"
When the shopkeeper heard that they wanted to book the restaurant, he pondered for a moment and asked, "If I may be so bold, I'd like to ask what you need the restaurant for? You know, my restaurant does not engage in bad deeds. This is a place for legitimate dining. If you intend to do anything wrong, please choose another place."
Wang Hui disliked his words and knitted her brows. "What you're saying makes no sense. If we were going to do bad things, we would have gone to a brothel long ago. Why would we come here?"
"Booking a restaurant, of course, is to invite distinguished guests for a meal. We will pay you for the whole day, and we only need to eat one meal."
Hearing the truth, the shopkeeper was not angry and held up two fingers. "Two thousand taels a day, including one meal, excluding drinks. Drinks are extra."
Wang Hui dared not agree. Instead, she looked at Zhao Jiaqi behind her. "Eldest Sister, what do you think!"
Zhao Jiaqi looked at Fan Zehao and smiled deliberately. "Young Master Fan, what do you think!"
"Agreed!"
With a single sentence, the venue was settled, and the shopkeeper would be notified in advance when they would come to eat.
Fan Zehao took out a silver note worth a thousand taels from his pocket and handed it to the shopkeeper. "This is the deposit. Please keep it safe."
Then, he looked at Bai Lu, who was standing silently to the side. "I find this waiter quite pleasing to the eye. That day, I happen to be hosting distinguished guests for a meal. Let her serve us our food and drinks."
When the shopkeeper heard this, his eyes almost popped out. Before the shopkeeper could refuse, Bai Lu spoke first. "Esteemed young master, I am good at cooking, but I'm afraid it's not appropriate for me to serve drinks and water. However, we have very capable and beautiful young girls here. Why don't you let them serve you gentlemen, and I will cook for you?"
When Fan Zehao heard her call him "young master," the knot in his heart finally loosened.
He pretended to be profound and nodded. "Since you say your cooking is delicious, then you shall cook. Come to the village chief's house in Gangshang Village tonight. Bring your menu. We need to order in advance. Please prepare well."
Bai Lu smiled when she heard this. "Certainly, certainly. I will also bring some of our restaurant's specialties tonight for you to taste. If you like them, I will include them that day."
After setting the time, their group finally left. Bai Lu personally saw them off. Watching them walk away, she returned to the restaurant.
The shopkeeper was truly confused by Steward Bai's actions. "Steward Bai, why did you do that?"
"It was just a whim. It's been a long time since I've cooked, and today I met such a customer, so I naturally have to treat them well. This could be a potential major client in the future, so we cannot be careless!"
After speaking, Bai Lu walked to a corner of the hall according to the menu and sat down. Although her eyes were on the menu, her mind was thinking about why the Prince and Princess had come here.
Furthermore, the two masters did not recognize her and even asked her to entertain them personally. Was there something going on?
She didn't know if something was going on, but Bai Lu had a bad feeling about it. Tonight, she would go to their residence to test the waters.
Whether it worked or not, she had to try. Once she made up her mind, she focused her gaze on the menu. If she was stumped, not only would she lose face, but she might also ruin her masters' plans.
After leaving the restaurant, they began to wander around the town. Seeing this, Wang Fang no longer followed. He needed to return to the village to report to the village chief.
When he left, the Chief knew, but the three people ahead who were shopping did not. The Prince was wholeheartedly accompanying the Princess as she bought clothes and various snacks, having a great time.
Wang Hui, who was like a shadow, had no tact and continued to follow behind, eating and drinking for free, and having a great time.
As for him, he was observing the surroundings for any suspicious individuals.
At noon, when the four of them were eating, they realized Wang Fang was missing. The Chief said at this time, "He went back to the village. He probably has something urgent to tell the village chief."
Zhao Jiaqi responded faintly, "Oh, then we won't bother with him. Let's eat. After we finish eating, I'll go back. I'm tired."
This time, Zhao Jiaqi was only allergic to fish during her pregnancy, and had no other reactions. This reassured Fan Zehao a lot.
During the meal, Fan Zehao kept a close eye on his wife as she ate. He wouldn't let her eat anything too greasy, nor anything too plain. It had to be a balanced diet. What should have been a meal lasting half an hour took a full hour.
Seeing this, Wang Hui tugged at the Chief's sleeve and asked, "Didn't she say she didn't want this child? Why is he taking such good care of Eldest Sister now!"
The Chief frowned and pulled his sleeve from her hand, impatiently saying, "It's their marital business. What does it have to do with you? Eat your meal."
Wang Hui, who was reprimanded, lowered her head and ate silently, occasionally looking up at the two of them. A hint of confusion flashed in her eyes.
Now, it didn't seem like he was a live-in son-in-law. It was more like a loving couple with a home. This was not consistent with what they had said before.
It seemed there might be something she and her father didn't know.
After eating, they found an ox cart to return to the village. The bumpy ride was quite novel for Zhao Jiaqi.
She hadn't experienced it for many years. Thinking back then, life was rushed, but it was sweet. There weren't so many bothersome matters every day.
Upon returning to the village, as soon as they entered the village chief's house, they were invited to the front hall by the village chief. This time, entering the front hall was not as grand.