Antina asked the crucial question, and He Ka Yan Yi tilted his head back, letting out a hearty laugh. "Naturally, Ling Chuan is the youngest. However, when Ling Chuan was young, he and Lian Nuo had a bet. If Ling Chuan won, Lian Nuo would call him brother. He actually won that match, and ever since, Lian Nuo has called him 'Fifth Brother'. The habit just stuck."
"Your sibling relationship is truly enviable," Anthony sighed, continuing to drink.
Illuminated by the bright firelight, the disappointment and sadness in Anthony's eyes were particularly clear.
Perhaps it was thoughts of his own siblings that made him envy the harmonious family bond of the He Ka family.
"Your Highness Fifth Prince, the wine has arrived."
A servant brought over a jar of wine and knelt before them, pouring for both men.
At this moment, Li Yun Er also walked over, her gaze sweeping over the wine bottles in the servant's arms. A flicker of slyness crossed her bright eyes.
"Come, let's drink this cup first. The roast lamb will be ready soon. I'll treat you to our Hidden Clan's specialty roast lamb."
He Ka Ling Chuan was hospitable, generous, and easygoing, making him approachable.
"Thank you for your generous hospitality, Prince Ling Chuan."
"Cheers."
"This wine is excellent."
"We heard earlier that your Hidden Clan's roast lamb is delicious. I'm quite looking forward to it."
"I love lamb the most."
...
The guests chatted animatedly, creating a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.
However, there were a couple of exceptions.
For instance, the 'iron pillar' whose expression was as dark as ink throughout the banquet yet managed to be overlooked; and Li Yun Er, who had been terrified earlier, losing all composure.
One refused to speak, while the other tried her best to minimize her presence, fearing drawing attention and mockery.
After everyone put down their wine cups, He Ka Ling Chuan turned to the servant. "Go ask if the roast lamb is ready and have it brought over."
"Yes, Your Highness Fifth Prince."
The servant turned and left.
Moments later, several people carried over two whole roasted lambs. Two others set up folding racks, propped the lambs up, and began carving them with knives.
"Wow, it smells amazing."
"It looks crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, so appetizing."
"What kind of spices did they use? It smells incredible."
"Indeed."
"I've eaten a lot of roast lamb, but none have smelled this good. I love lamb chops, could I have a few more?"
...
The roast lamb chef, holding a knife, cut pieces of meat and placed them on plates, serving each person.
He Ka Yan Yi wore a handsome smile. "Please, try it. Our Hidden Clan's roast lamb is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and incredibly juicy. It will surely leave you wanting more."
Li Yun Er loved lamb, and Meng Jing Wei was no exception.
She looked at the lamb chops on her plate, put on disposable gloves, and began to eat.
"Here, this is a special secret sauce. Dip it in, and it's even tastier."
He Ka Ling Chuan stood up and placed a portion of the sauce in front of Meng Jing Wei.
Antina beside her clicked her tongue. "Tsk, tsk, tsk... Prince Ling Chuan, you're being too biased. Why don't we have any?"
"Perhaps it's because you're a married woman," Anthony teased.
The others chuckled.
Only the person concerned felt uneasy, her gaze instinctively drawn to Qing Mu Ye at the next table. He was drinking silently, not saying a word.
Han Jun Yan noticed Meng Jing Wei's gaze and also looked at Qing Mu Ye, unable to help but feel curious. "I didn't pay much attention before, but now I find your bodyguard, Jing Wei, rather familiar."
His casually spoken words drew everyone's attention, and all eyes turned to Qing Mu Ye.
Qing Mu Ye sat with his back hunched and legs crossed. He didn't look up, merely continuing to drink and eat lamb with his head bowed.