Chapter 117: Trouble at the Inn
At this time, the waiter came towards the three people with three bowls of tofu pudding. The tofu pudding exuded a faint bean fragrance, and the steam was rising, reflecting the simple smile on the waiter's face.
Liu Mengmeng rubbed her hands together with excitement, her eyes wide open, as if she had already smelled the sweet fragrance of the tofu pudding. Jiang Zhiyu and Qi Zimo also tilted their heads back slightly, staring at the tofu pudding in Xiao Er's hand, eager to taste it.
The waiter placed the tofu pudding on the table and said with a smile, "My three guests, this is our inn's specialty tofu pudding. It is delicious and nutritious. I brought it here especially for you."
Liu Mengmeng couldn't help but exclaimed: "Little Brother, the tofu pudding in your inn is really as famous as it is said to be!"
The waiter scratched his head in embarrassment. "Thank you for the compliment. These are all our inn's specialties. Please enjoy your meal, my three guests. If you have any other needs, please let me know."
After that, the waiter turned and left. The three of them looked at the tofu pudding and couldn't help but start chatting.
Jiang Zhiyu said softly: "This tofu pudding looks delicate and smooth, and the color is attractive. I wonder how it tastes."
Qi Zimo smiled slightly: "After the female disciples of the Imperial College have tasted it, they will know whether it lives up to its reputation."
Liu Mengmeng couldn't wait to pick up the chopsticks, picked up a piece of tofu pudding and put it in her mouth. She closed her eyes and savored it carefully, with an intoxicated expression on her face.
"Mm, it's delicious!" Liu Mengmeng said excitedly, "It's smooth, tender, fresh, sweet and delicious. It's really delicious."
Jiang Zhiyu and Qi Zimo also tasted it, with satisfied smiles on their faces. The three of them ate tofu pudding while chatting with the waiter.
"Brother Xiaoer, how do you make the tofu pudding in your inn?" Jiang Zhiyu asked curiously.
The waiter proudly said: "The tofu pudding in our inn is made from high-quality soybeans, which are carefully ground, boiled, filtered, and then gypsum is added to make the marinade, and finally simmered over low heat. Every process is strictly controlled to ensure the taste of the tofu pudding."
Qi Zimo nodded and praised: "Your inn is really well-intentioned, no wonder the tofu pudding is so delicious."
Liu Mengmeng couldn't help but ask: "Little Brother, do you have other special dishes in your inn?"
The waiter thought for a moment and said, "Our inn's specialty dishes include braised pork, sweet and sour spareribs, steamed sea bass, etc. The owner cooks them all himself, and they taste absolutely first-rate."
After hearing this, the three of them had a great appetite and expressed their desire to taste it. The waiter went to prepare the dishes with a smile, and soon, one delicious dish after another was served on the table.
The four of them ate and chatted in a harmonious atmosphere. Jiang Zhiyu asked about Xiaoer's family situation, and Xiaoer smiled and replied: "I have parents and a younger brother at home, and they are all farmers in my hometown. I came out to work as a waiter to supplement the family income."
Qi Zimo said with emotion: "The relatives in my hometown are always worried about me. You should work hard to let them live a good life as soon as possible."
The waiter nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Thank you for your concern, sir. I will try my best."
……
At this moment, the atmosphere in the inn suddenly became subtle. As soon as Jiang Shuyuan and Mei Zixu walked in, they felt a strange breath. Jiang Shuyuan pursed her lips tightly, revealing a hint of displeasure in her eyes, while Mei Zixu smiled and looked at ease.
They walked to the table of Jiang Zhiyu, Liu Mengmeng, and Qi Zimo, and Mei Zixu spoke first: "Zhiyu, Mengmeng, Zimo, you are here too, what a coincidence."
Jiang Zhiyu raised his head and saw Mei Zixu. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and then he smiled and responded: "Yes, Senior Brother Mei, I didn't expect to meet you here. Shuyuan, why do you look so ugly?"
Jiang Shuyuan snorted coldly, without answering, but sat down calmly, picked up the chopsticks and took a bite of tofu pudding. Mei Zixu noticed the awkward atmosphere and hurriedly changed the subject: "By the way, how come you have time to come here today?"
Liu Mengmeng answered quickly: "We are here to participate in the poetry competition of the Imperial College today. We heard that the prizes are very generous, so we are all here."
Qi Zimo added: "Yes, the theme of this competition is 'Inn', we want to find some inspiration here."
Mei Zixu's eyes flashed with curiosity: "Oh? What do you think?"
Jiang Zhiyu smiled slightly and said, "I want to write an interesting story about the innkeeper and the guests to show the good and evil of human nature."
Liu Mengmeng continued, "I plan to write a love story set in an inn, using the inn as the background to tell a poignant love story."
Qi Zimo said a little embarrassedly: "I don't know what to write yet, but I think the relationships between the various characters in the inn are very complicated, and I should be able to write a lot of stories."
Mei Zixu nodded and said, "What you said makes sense. However, I think there is more to the story in the inn than just this. There are many things worth exploring."
Jiang Shuyuan suddenly interrupted: "For example?"
Mei Zixu looked at Jiang Shuyuan and smiled: "For example, a murder case in the inn, a feud between the Jianghu and the underworld, or even a national event can all become the theme of the story."
Jiang Zhiyu's eyes lit up and he said, "Brother Mei is right. We can explore the story of the inn from different angles. Shuyuan, do you have any ideas?"
Jiang Shuyuan said coldly: "I just want to eat tofu pudding quietly and don't want to participate in your discussion."
Everyone looked at each other helplessly, Mei Zixu sighed softly and said, "Okay, then we won't bother you for now."
After that, they began to discuss the story of the inn enthusiastically. Although Jiang Shuyuan looked unhappy, she still overheard their discussion. Her dissatisfaction gradually dissipated, and she began to become interested in the story of the inn.
Just then, there was a commotion outside the inn. A waiter ran in in a panic, gasping for breath and saying, "Oh no! There's a commotion outside the inn, and they want to seek revenge on our boss."
Everyone's faces changed drastically. Mei Zixu immediately stood up and said, "Let's go out and take a look."
Jiang Zhiyu, Liu Mengmeng and Qi Zimo also stood up and followed Mei Zixu out of the inn. Jiang Shuyuan hesitated for a moment, but finally followed them.
When they arrived outside the inn, they saw a group of gangsters gathered together. One of them held a sword and pointed at the inn's sign and shouted, "Boss, you made my brother disabled. Today I will make you pay the price!"
The innkeeper came out in a hurry, smiling and saying, "My dear knight, it's just a misunderstanding. There must be some misunderstanding between us. Please calm down and we can discuss anything."
Mei Zixu saw this, stepped forward, and said with a bow: "Sir, can you listen to my advice? There is always a way to solve the problem, why bother with knives and guns?"
The gangster glared at Mei Zixu and asked, "Who are you? How dare you meddle in my business?"
Mei Zixu smiled slightly: "I am Mei Zixu from the Imperial College. I believe this knight is also a well-known figure in the martial arts world. We should value peace."
When the man from Jianghu heard the word "Imperial Academy", his expression eased a little, but he still said with some dissatisfaction: "What if my brother is disabled?"