Xiao Man browsed through the shop, picking out suitable mallets, but found none to her liking. "Shopkeeper, do you have any others?"
"These are all newly arrived stock. The young lady hasn't taken a fancy to any?"
Xiao Man shook her head. Seeing this, the shopkeeper immediately brought out a few more sets for her to choose from.
"Man'er." A voice, filled with surprise, called out. Xiao Man followed the sound and saw a figure in sapphire blue approaching her. "It seems Man'er will also be attending the polo match hosted by the Duchess of Chen."
"Wen..."
Wen Mohan frowned slightly. Xiao Man immediately reacted and corrected herself, "Mohan."
A smile spread across Wen Mohan's face. He quickly took out the mallets he had chosen. "What a coincidence, I've just picked out two sets of mallets. They're both good; I think you'll like them."
Before Xiao Man could respond, Wen Mohan had already placed the mallets in her hands. "Speaking of which, it's been a long time since we played polo together. Remember the last time? I was teamed with Mo Yu, and you were with the Thirteenth Prince. We lost terribly back then. See, do you like these mallets?"
Xiao Man examined the mallets Wen Mohan handed her, her eyes shining. Wen Mohan had excellent taste. "They're quite good."
"Since you like them, let's each take one," Wen Mohan said joyfully. "Do you need riding attire as well?"
"I do."
"Let me help you pick," Wen Mohan volunteered. The riding attire was on the second floor. The shopkeeper led them upstairs. Wen Mohan selected a black riding outfit with red trim for Xiao Man. "Try it on and see if you like it."
Xiao Man nodded and went to change. Ying Xue, however, cast furtive glances at Wen Mohan from the corner of her eye. Someone offering unsolicited favors must have ulterior motives.
"Miss Ying Xue."
"Young Master Wen."
"These are pastries from Bajin Pavilion. Trying on clothes takes time. Have some snacks while you wait." Wen Mohan placed a box of pastries in front of Ying Xue.
Ying Xue did not move. As a hidden guard, she would never casually accept food from others, especially not from those belonging to opposing factions.
Wen Mohan smiled helplessly at Ying Xue's wary expression. He opened the lid, picked out a pastry, and popped it into his mouth. "Bajin Pavilion's pastries are exquisite. I've heard that Man'er also enjoys them greatly. I bought a few extra boxes; Miss Ying Xue can take them back with her later."
"My young lady..."
"Your young lady and I are friends. I doubt she would refuse a few boxes of pastries."
Ying Xue fell silent. She could handle Prince Qin, but Wen Mohan was even more difficult to deal with. He seemed to know what she was thinking yet was incredibly considerate, never making anyone feel awkward.
Just then, Xiao Man emerged in her riding attire, her hair tied up high, exuding an imposing aura. A flicker of admiration flashed in Wen Mohan's eyes as he applauded. "Truly a general's daughter, so heroic and spirited. This riding outfit suits you perfectly."
"Ying Xue, does it look good?"
"It looks very good, Miss. It suits you perfectly." Ying Xue had to admit that Wen Mohan's taste was indeed excellent. The riding outfit he chose showcased Xiao Man's strengths perfectly.
"Then it's this one," Xiao Man said with satisfaction. "Mohan, thank you so much. Without you, I don't know how long it would have taken me to find something suitable."
"How will you thank me?" Wen Mohan asked gently.
Xiao Man replied heartily, "I'll pay for that set of mallets you chose, as my thanks."
"How can that be? Besides, I've already paid for these things," Wen Mohan shook his head.
"Money spent should not be taken back!" Xiao Man declared, about to head downstairs to ask the shopkeeper to refund Wen Mohan. But Wen Mohan stopped her with a grab.
"Money spent should not be taken back," Wen Mohan said with a smile. "Man'er, invite me to a meal. You said last time you'd treat me, but I've even traveled to the Wuyue Kingdom and back, and I still haven't had that meal." Su Dan Novel Network.
Hearing this, Xiao Man readily agreed. "Yes, I'll treat you. Where would you like to eat? My treat, don't be polite."
Wen Mohan's smile deepened in his eyes. "I heard a new restaurant opened called 'Shi Wei Tian' (Food is Heaven). They have many dishes, and the chef's skills are superb. I don't think Man'er has been there either. How about Shi Wei Tian?"
"Alright, please wait a moment while I change."
When Xiao Man and Wen Mohan appeared at the entrance of Shi Wei Tian, a waiter rushed to greet them. "Young Master, Miss, please come in."
"Do you have a private room?"
"Yes, we do. This way, please." The waiter, with a cordial smile, led them upstairs. Shi Wei Tian was doing brisk business, with many people already seated in the main hall. They entered a private room, exquisitely decorated, with a view of the lake outside, offering beautiful scenery.
"People regard food as heaven; beauty can also be consumed. The owner of Shi Wei Tian is indeed a witty person." Wen Mohan picked up the menu and handed it to Xiao Man. "Man'er, what would you like to eat?"
"It's my treat today. Order what you like," Xiao Man said earnestly.
Wen Mohan smiled, his expression as pleasant as a spring breeze. "Whatever Man'er likes, I like."
"That's not necessarily true," Xiao Man took the menu and asked seriously. "Tell me what you like to eat and what you don't. Next time I treat you, I'll know what dishes to order."
The tenderness in Wen Mohan's eyes seemed about to overflow. "I like sweet food. I don't like overly spicy dishes; I can't handle too much spice."
"Do you have any particular favorite foods?"
"Yes!" Wen Mohan replied without hesitation. "Bajin Wuzi (Eight Treasures Meatballs)."
"Okay, one Bajin Wuzi, plus Furong Geng (Hibiscus Soup), Guihua Lian'ou (Osmanthus Lotus Root), Steamed Mandarin Fish..." Xiao Man ordered eight dishes and two snacks, all of which were sweet. Wen Mohan listened, his expression growing even gentler. On his way back to Wuyue Kingdom, he had been worried about Xiao Man's safety. Learning that she had safely returned to the General's mansion had finally put his mind at ease.
He had rushed back relentlessly, eager to see her. Who knew she rarely left her residence? When he finally learned she had gone out, she had already returned to her mansion before he could even meet her. Today, he had waited for a full hour just to chance upon her, arriving at the shop at dawn, all for the sake of sharing a meal with her.
The kitchen served the dishes with extreme speed. As each dish was served, Xiao Man would pick a piece for Wen Mohan and ask if it was delicious. Wen Mohan would nod with a smile, agreeing that it was delicious. He had never realized before that sweet food could bring such happiness, making him feel sweet from his mouth to his heart.
"This Lord Duke wants to see who is occupying this private room of mine!" A noisy voice erupted from outside, followed by the door to Xiao Man and their private room being pushed open. A person stormed in, looking furious, and slammed a bag of silver onto the table. "This money is more than enough to compensate you. Now, get out! This private room is exclusively for me!"