Chapter 17: The Well-Informed Li Deshang
Originally probing, Li Deshang's face immediately blossomed into a smile upon hearing Jason's greeting of 'Brother Gousheng,' the wrinkles on his face bunching up like a chrysanthemum.
As someone from an inconspicuous branch of the Northern Li Family, Li Deshang had become one of the officials in charge of 'Mountain City'. He had no problem with his abilities, especially his skill in recognizing people, which far surpassed others.
He could hear the sincerity in Jason's words.
That was complete and utter goodwill.
'My Brother Mu seems to have a taste for food?'
'Then I'll have to invite him over a few more times.'
'Some rare and exotic delicacies sent by others should also be brought over.'
Li Deshang thought to himself.
As one of the officials in charge of 'Mountain City', gifts from people entering through the small gate to the government office were unending.
Apart from money, there were also plenty of rare items.
Naturally, there were also exotic delicacies.
As for Jason's fondness for eating?
Li Deshang was truly overjoyed.
He had once worried that apart from 'Secret Medicine', Jason wouldn't be interested in anything else.
Li Deshang knew how rare 'Secret Medicine' was.
But now, there was another interest, which was just great.
A table of banquet food was just a few Silver Coins at most.
Even the best from Drunken Fairy Tower would only be around 20-30 Silver Coins.
Even if martial artists eat more than ordinary people, how much could they possibly eat, even if it were daily?
'This is so great!'
Li Deshang thought as he lifted his hand to pull Jason along.
Before, Li Deshang wouldn't have dared to.
But after Jason's calling of 'Brother Gousheng', Li Deshang knew that they had gotten closer, so he dared to.
"Brother Mu, take it easy, no rush."
After saying this, Li Deshang called to Jia Youcai, "Go to Drunken Fairy Tower and reserve a private room for me and Brother Mu, and then have their chef prepare well."
"Got it, sir."
Jia Youcai cheerfully turned and ran out.
For other matters, such as apprehending bandits, Jia Youcai lacked the strength, but for such a task, it was as easy as pie.
And in fact, it was like that.
Within five minutes, Jia Youcai had run back.
"Sir, Master Mu, it's all set."
Jia Youcai bowed in salute.
"Hmm, Brother Mu, let's go, we'll try the Drunken Fairy Tower's 'Drunken Fairy Chicken' tonight."
Li Deshang nodded and turned to look at Jason, who was waiting there.
Jason hadn't returned to his seat but stood there waiting.
'Brother Mu really is a genuine food lover!'
Li Deshang sighed.
Then, his heart grew increasingly joyous.
He felt he had found a faster way to forge a closer relationship with Jason.
In the group, Jason and Li Deshang led the way.
Dou Bao followed slightly behind Jason.
Jia Youcai and others had already run ahead to the entrance of Drunken Fairy Tower, waiting there with the owner of the tower.
"Sir Li's visit truly graces us with your presence!"
The owner of Drunken Fairy Tower, a potbellied middle-aged man, had a kindly appearance as he smiled.
"This time it's a family dinner."
"No need for anything else."
"Have your chef show their best skills."
Li Deshang instructed.
The business at Drunken Fairy Tower was booming, not just because of their dishes but also due to some rumors regarding the private rooms. Li Deshang was aware of this. However, since such matters weren't strictly forbidden, he deliberately turned a blind eye.
But today, Dou Bao was accompanying them.
Seeing Dou Bao's importance in his brother's heart earlier, such things must definitely not occur in front of Dou Bao.
Moreover, he was unsure of his brother's preferences.
If something happened, it would be improper.
Thus, it was a family dinner.
"Family dinner?"
"Understood."
The chubby owner's gaze quickly swept over Jason and Dou Bao and immediately comprehended.
Nonetheless, the chubby owner gave Jason another look.
Knowing who Jason was, as the owner of a tavern on Martial Arts Street, he was well-informed.
He had also heard the rumors from the previous night.
'Judging by Li Deshang's demeanor, it's likely that the rumors are true.'
Thinking of this, the chubby owner became even more respectful.
He could already foresee the benefits Li Deshang might gain from this event.
He would likely get promoted.
And Jason?
Would be paid more attention to by Li Deshang.
In any case, building good rapport was beneficial.
Then, this chubby owner led Li Deshang and Jason, bowing and guiding them to the second floor of Drunken Fairy Tower.
Only after arranging everything properly did he turn and close the door behind him.
"Brother Mu, how do you find it?"
Li Deshang pointed at the arrangement of the private room.
Upon entering the private room, past a beaded curtain, it was divided left and right, separated by a screen painted with the 'Fortune, Prosperity, Longevity' theme.
On the left was an Eight Immortal round table, a long lantern hanging from the ceiling, painted with bamboo and plum blossoms. On the four corners sat candles covered in white gauze, lighting the room up thoroughly.
On the other side of the screen was a censer, a zither table, and a lounging bed.
During meals, incense would burn in the censer, and the zither would play on the table.
It was undoubtedly a kind of enjoyment.
However, for Jason, such arrangements didn't matter as much. As long as the food was good, it was fine.
"It's alright."
So, Jason casually replied.
Dou Bao, however, took a close look at the setup.
She had seen similar setups before.
She really liked the censer, thinking if some poisonous smoke were mixed in, it would be imperceptible.
Unfortunately, it was destroyed by bandits, and the censer was shattered.
"Miss Dou Bao, what do you think?"
Li Deshang addressed Dou Bao.
Dou Bao was held in high regard in Jason's heart, so careful hospitality was necessary.
Li Deshang would not make basic mistakes.
"Hmm."
Dou Bao nodded slightly, without making any comments.