Chapter Twenty-Eight: A Heartwarming Dinner

Mingyue sat down to dine in such a lavish and imposing setting for the first time, and her heart was immediately filled with novelty. She had heard that the royal family was extremely particular about their meals, with hundreds of dishes served at every sitting. She couldn't help but wonder curiously, "I wonder what kind of spectacle Feng Qingcheng’s dining is like?"

Just as Mingyue was lost in these wandering thoughts, Feng Qingcheng pointed to the refreshments on a small table and said to her, "Sit down and have some snacks first; dinner will be a while." With that, he slid a plate of osmanthus cakes in front of her.

Mingyue was truly famished. She picked up a piece of osmanthus cake and began to eat. The cakes were shaped like flowers and tasted rich and fragrant; while they lacked the rustic simplicity of her hometown, they were nonetheless delicious. Mingyue couldn't help but exclaim, "Mmm, this is so good."

Feng Qingcheng smiled and said, "If you like them, have some more." He moved the plate closer to her and picked up a jade carafe to pour her a cup of fragrant tea. The tea was a vibrant emerald green, swirling within the delicate, translucent jade cup, looking impossibly beautiful.

Seeing Mingyue looking around as she ate, he took a look at the room's furnishings himself, though he felt no particular joy in them.

Feng Qingcheng remarked, "The people here are all my servants; you needn't be restrained. The cooks here are quite decent."

In truth, he left out the fact that ten years ago, when he arrived at Mount Shu severely wounded, he had only ten years of life left. Back then, he was like a stray dog; no one cared about him, and no one looked after him.

Later, after he successfully became a disciple of the Mount Shu Immortal Sect and rose to be the top pupil of the Sect Leader, his imperial father had prepared this residence for him, equipping it with royal chefs, imperial physicians, and a host of servants.

Since he had used his unique talent to become a Level 5 alchemist five years ago, his father had suddenly become extremely concerned about this son he had never valued since childhood, sending gifts frequently.

In reality, he did not visit often, especially after his condition improved; he would come only once every few months or half a year. Though he was not a frequent visitor, the head steward, Du You, kept the place in perfect order, ensuring that as soon as he returned, he could immediately enjoy a delicious meal.

Mingyue watched him sitting quietly across from her—his face like fine jade, his every gesture elegant and refined. His long, deep phoenix eyes were like bright stars in the sky, yet they carried a sharp, imposing authority. Sitting there, he was like a beautiful painting, so captivating that she couldn't tear her gaze away.

How could there be such a magnificent man in the world? Mingyue sighed inwardly, her heart and eyes entirely filled with his elegant presence.

Du You arrived with a joyful expression to report, "Master, the meal is ready."

Feng Qingcheng nodded, and Du You stepped out. Soon, many servants arrived, carrying an array of dishes that were a feast for the eyes and the palate.

The fragrance wafted through the air, instantly whetting Mingyue’s appetite. She looked up and saw various dishes, each more exquisite than the last, being brought in until the table was completely full—there must have been thirty or forty dishes in total.

Mingyue mused to herself, "The world of the wealthy is truly different."

Once Du You had finished setting the table, he led the others away, closing the door behind them. Mingyue surveyed the spread: reds and greens, blacks and whites, meats and vegetables, stir-fried, steamed, stewed, and boiled. Every dish was steaming hot and smelled divine; Mingyue felt her hunger pangs intensify.

Feng Qingcheng stood up, took Mingyue’s hand, and said, "Come, let us dine."

Mingyue nodded happily, her face lit with excitement and delight.

The two sat at the table. Feng Qingcheng picked up his chopsticks with an elegant motion and, taking the lead, placed a piece of food into Mingyue’s bowl, saying softly, "Eat whatever you like, help yourself, don't be shy."

Mingyue nodded, feeling flattered. There were so many dishes, many of which she had never seen before. Her appetite fully piqued, she began to eat without further hesitation.

Feng Qingcheng picked up a piece of food for himself and chewed slowly. His elegant and noble aura made Mingyue feel as though she were watching a painting come to life rather than simply watching someone eat.

Mingyue tried a dish of pickled meat stewed with jade bamboo shoots. It was incredibly fresh, crisp, and delicious, prompting her to tuck in with genuine enthusiasm.

Mingyue had been a foodie since she was a child, deeply fond of tasting all kinds of delicacies. When she ate, she was focused and immersed, her savoring expression making her look incredibly cute and naive.

He looked up and saw the charming, beautiful young girl with her head slightly bowed, her focused gaze fixed on the dishes. Her bright, spirited eyes sparkled with joy, and her exquisite face had a lovely, rosy glow as she ate the food before her with modest grace.

There were tiny beads of sweat on the tip of the girl’s nose, and her cheeks were puffed out as she chewed. Her slender, jade-like fingers gripped her white jade chopsticks, and when she reached out to grab a dish, her delicate, ivory wrists were revealed.

The girl smiled as she ate, looking completely satisfied and happy, as if she were eating the most delicious food in the world. That rustic, adorable, and naive way of enjoying her meal made him lose his focus for a moment.

He suddenly remembered more than a decade ago, when he had been in the forest with a little girl named "Xiaoxiao," hunting and eating roasted rabbit together.

Back then, that little girl had