Chapter 45:

“Miss, let me tell you, the medicinal cuisine here is absolutely delicious—it’s so hard to get a reservation,” Wei Yanyi excitedly recommended to Bo Pengpeng.

Bo Pengpeng curled her lips, looking rather unimpressed.

She had tasted everything under the sun. Although Benyuan Zhai had been quite popular lately, how much of it was genuine was hard to say.

Wei Yanyi could tell from Bo Pengpeng’s expression that she didn’t believe him, but he didn’t bother explaining further. She’d understand once she tried it.

Back then, he had been just as dismissive. But after one taste, the flavor had been truly unforgettable.

Every New Year’s Eve, Wei Yanyi would invite his closest friends for a gathering to strengthen bonds. Though he wasn’t the Wei family heir, as a member of the Wei family, he enjoyed the privileges that came with it and always made an effort to contribute to the family’s interests. Thanks to his extensive social circle, few ever declined his invitations.

His parents tacitly approved of his actions.

“Sir, would you like to order?” The waiter, pen in hand, politely asked Wei Yanyi.

Wei Yanyi handed the menu to Bo Pengpeng. “You order, Miss. That way, I won’t pick something you don’t like.”

Bo Pengpeng didn’t hold back, flipping through the menu.

The waitstaff at Benyuan Zhai were well-trained, sharp-eyed. They could tell at a glance that Bo Pengpeng was a first-timer. Smiling warmly, the waiter said, “Is this your first visit, miss? Tonight being New Year’s Eve, Benyuan Zhai has introduced several new medicinal dishes. One of them is our signature specialty—particularly suited for women, focusing on beauty and skincare. Of course, we also have options for men. Long-term consumption promotes detoxification, whitens and softens the skin, and may even eliminate blemishes. The effects of our previous signature dish speak for themselves, so this one is absolutely top-tier. Would you like to try it?”

Bo Pengpeng was tempted. Beauty and skincare—what woman wouldn’t be?

“Let’s go with that, then.”

The waiter beamed. “Excellent!”

Bo Pengpeng added a few more dishes before passing the menu back to Wei Yanyi.

Taking it, Wei Yanyi glanced around the table and said cheerfully, “Order whatever you want—don’t hold back. It’s New Year’s Eve; the more lively, the better. Besides, we’re all friends here!”

A man dressed in an alternative style grinned cheekily. “No worries there, Wei-ge. You’re the last person we’d hold back with.”

“Get lost,” Wei Yanyi laughed, swatting at him. “You little brat, always looking to take advantage of me. Fine, hurry up and order.”

With that, the rest of the group, none of them shy, placed their orders without hesitation. A single meal wouldn’t bankrupt the second son of the Wei family.

Once everyone had chosen, the waiter collected the menus and left.

The same alternative-dressed guy spoke up again. “Hey, Wei-ge, is the medicinal cuisine here really that good? I’ve heard you can’t just eat any medicinal dish randomly.”

Wei Yanyi: “I don’t know all the details, but my brother mentioned that the dishes on the menu are safe for general consumption, beneficial for health—similar to regular restaurant fare. For higher-tier options, you’d need a consultation with the resident physician to tailor a menu based on your constitution. The highest tier is their signature specialty—highly effective, suitable for a wide range of people, but there’s one catch: it’s limited in quantity.”

“Now I’m curious, Wei-ge. I’ll have to savor it properly later.”

The dishes arrived quickly, all served within half an hour.

Among the group, Bo Pengpeng held the highest status, and the others subtly deferred to her. When the food arrived, they waited for her to take the first bite.

Without hesitation, Bo Pengpeng lifted the lid of the dish the waiter had recommended.

The moment the lid came off, an intoxicating aroma filled the air. Bo Pengpeng couldn’t help but inhale deeply.

The room fell silent, as if everyone had been stunned by the fragrance.

*Gulp!* Someone audibly swallowed.

Snapping out of it, Bo Pengpeng calmly served herself a bowl.

“Dig in!” Wei Yanyi refused to admit he was the one most eager to eat.

“Yeah, yeah!”

“Absolutely!”

They all tacitly moved past the awkward moment.

Then, the private room fell into silence, the only sounds the clinking of chopsticks against bowls.

By the time they finished, the table was spotless—a slightly embarrassing testament to how delicious the food had been.

For people accustomed to gourmet delicacies, losing control over a table of medicinal cuisine spoke volumes about its quality.

Hang Yu smacked his lips, savoring the aftertaste. “Wei-ge, this medicinal cuisine is seriously amazing!”

Then, with a flattering grin, he added, “You’re the best, Wei-ge. I always thought medicinal food was just herbs boiled with ingredients—bitter and astringent. I never expected it to be this good.”

Hang Yu was the alternative-dressed guy from earlier. The youngest in the group, he enjoyed Wei Yanyi’s leniency. His carefree, scatterbrained nature made him easy to get along with.

Sitting beside Wei Yanyi, Hang Yu earned a light smack on the head. “Stop with the flattery, you little rascal!”

Unfazed, Hang Yu just kept grinning. He was used to it—being the youngest meant occasional head pats from the others.

Wei Yanyi glanced at the quiet Bo Pengpeng and teased, “Not bad, right, Miss?”

Bo Pengpeng pressed her lips together. Though the food had been excellent, who was she? Bo Pengpeng, the kind to admit she was wrong? Never.

Standing up, she said casually, “It was passable. Let’s go now that we’re done.”

It had to be said—Bo Pengpeng and Bo Jixi were truly siblings. Their reactions were identical.

Wei Yanyi chuckled inwardly. He knew Bo Pengpeng well enough to recognize her stubbornness. But he also knew better than to push her further. If she got annoyed, he’d be in trouble. “Right, right. Let’s head out. We’ve got other plans later.”

As they left the private room and reached the lobby, Bo Pengpeng’s gaze froze.

*What’s he doing here? Is Benyuan Zhai his restaurant?*

“Miss, what’s wrong?” Wei Yanyi asked, noticing her pause. He glanced around but didn’t spot any familiar faces—except for Boss Lu, whom he could greet.

Wei Yanyi stepped forward warmly. “Boss Lu, long time no see!”

Lu Yaoqing turned and smiled politely. “Hello, Second Young Master Wei.”

Glancing behind him, Lu Yaoqing added, “Here with friends? Did you enjoy the meal?”

Wei Yanyi replied cheerfully, “Yeah, it’s New Year’s Eve—perfect for catching up. But Boss Lu, your medicinal cuisine is truly outstanding. We had a great time.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. Customer satisfaction is our greatest compliment.”

Wei Yanyi had to admit—conversing with Boss Lu was always pleasant. His sincerity and attentiveness made people feel respected.

“Well, we’ve got other plans, so we’ll head out now. We’ll be back—just save some of that signature dish for us next time.” Then, turning to Bo Pengpeng, he asked, “Miss, are you still joining us?”

Bo Pengpeng thought of Qin Chaoyu and shook her head. She planned to visit Chaoyu later—spending New Year’s Eve with her was a must.

Only then did Lu Yaoqing notice Bo Pengpeng. He vaguely remembered her—a friend of Dr. Qin’s, someone he’d chatted pleasantly with at Tongrentang.

For someone he found likable, Lu Yaoqing was happy to engage. “Hello, we meet again.”

Bo Pengpeng nodded slightly. “Hello.”

She admitted she quite liked Lu Yaoqing—not romantically, but as someone easy to be around, a potential friend. So she didn’t mind being polite.

Wei Yanyi glanced between Lu Yaoqing and Bo Pengpeng. *When did these two meet? And since when is Miss so amiable?* Normally, she’d barely acknowledge greetings, if at all.

Rubbing his chin, Wei Yanyi’s interest was piqued. *Seems like there’s some gossip I missed.*

Few knew that beneath his rebellious exterior, Second Young Master Wei was an avid gossip enthusiast. He hid it well, and his intimidating demeanor kept most from discovering this side of him.

Lu Yaoqing: “Heading out? Next time you visit, I’d be happy to introduce you to Benyuan Zhai’s specialties.”

Bo Pengpeng nodded in agreement.

~

Qin Chaoyu gave Bo Jixi a strange look. She had been reading medical texts in her bedroom to pass the time when he called, asking to meet. Yet after she arrived, he just stood there silently, acting oddly.

Bo Jixi’s gaze flickered. Clearing his throat, he said seriously, “Just a spur-of-the-moment thing. I’ve been busy, but now that I have time, I wanted to check on the Lian family’s treatment progress. Nothing major. Hope I didn’t disturb you.”

*Oh, that.* Qin Chaoyu was still puzzled why he’d ask her instead of visiting the Lian family himself, but she figured it was because, as the doctor, she’d know more.

She said, “Lian Huijie’s acupuncture results are excellent—better than I expected. Initially, I estimated three to four months before the next phase, but it’s progressing after just over a month. His leg sensation is gradually returning, which has greatly boosted his confidence and improved his mindset. I don’t need to visit the Lian family as frequently now.”

Bo Jixi didn’t absorb a single word of her explanation.

Lately, his mind had been restless, his thoughts constantly wandering. He couldn’t pinpoint why, and it frustrated him immensely.