Chapter 1295: 1295: Open Rivalry and Secret Struggle

Chapter 1295: Chapter 1295: Open Rivalry and Secret Struggle

The car arrived at the new Xianheng Grand Hotel just as the skies were beginning to darken.

The difference between the Xianheng Grand Hotel and the old Xianheng Hotel lies in that this is a modern hospitality establishment, completely lacking any trace of rustic charm.

Because he had already dined at the old Xianheng Hotel last night, Luo Ziling had no objections to this arrangement.

However, Luo Liansheng seemed somewhat disappointed; he had originally thought that Ouyang Feifei had booked the Xianheng Hotel he was familiar with.

Yet he did not show this disappointment, nor did he blame Ouyang Feifei.

After all, he would be spending some time in Yuezhou, and there would be plenty of opportunities to visit the Xianheng Hotel to reminisce about the past.

Aside from Luo Liansheng, it was everyone else’s first trip to Yuezhou.

In fact, had Ouyang Feifei not known Luo Ziling, she would never have paid any attention to a second-tier city like Yuezhou.

Born and raised in Yanjing, now in control of Lingyun Group with its hundreds of billions in assets, her focus would naturally be on major cities like Yanjing, Zhonghai, Yangcheng, Yuzhou, and Shuzhou. Even when expanding her business, she would prioritize these locations.

Hence, other second and third-tier cities scarcely caught their attention.

Ouyang Feifei wasn’t fond of traveling either, and being preoccupied with work most of the time, she wouldn’t possibly pay any heed to such a small place as Yuezhou.

Unfamiliar with the local circumstances of Yuezhou, when arranging dinner, she defaulted to the reputable and historically established Xianheng Grand Hotel.

She was not aware of the difference between the Xianheng Hotel and the Xianheng Grand Hotel; only after noticing a quaint-looking Xianheng Hotel nearby did she realize she might not have handled the matter properly.

Therefore, upon entering the private dining room with everyone, she expressed her embarrassment.

“We dined at the old Xianheng Hotel last night and found it quite enjoyable,” Luo Ziling said with a smile, taking Ouyang Feifei’s cue, “We experienced the charm of the old yesterday, and today we’ll get to taste more of Yuezhou’s cuisine. I’m sure it will be delightful.”

Yang Qingyin did not comment. She observed Ouyang Feifei’s slight embarrassment and wouldn’t kick someone while they were down.

“The stinky tofu we had yesterday was actually pretty good,” Yang Xiaodong, the blabbermouth, went along with Luo Ziling’s sentiment: “Who would have thought something that smells so foul could taste so delicious?”

After pausing, he turned to Wang Qing beside him and asked, “Do you want to try the stinky tofu?”

“I’d rather not!” Wang Qing frowned, “I don’t like eating that stuff.”

“We all had it yesterday, even Qingyin had several pieces,” Wang Zhenjun chimed in, “I don’t think they have it here, but after we finish eating, we can go out and buy some. It was quite memorable.”

“I used to enjoy it a lot too,” Luo Liansheng laughed, “but I don’t know if the taste has changed.”

“Let’s all give it a try,” Ouyang Feifei, who actually detested weird-tasting food, quickly said seeing that most were praising the stinky tofu: “Grandfather Luo, why don’t you order for us tonight? You’re an old Yuezhou local; you know the local delicacies best.”

Yang Qingyin saw Ouyang Feifei trying to ingratiate herself with Luo Liansheng and immediately followed suit by saying, “Grandfather Luo, please recommend a few of the most authentic delicacies so that we can truly appreciate the taste of Yuezhou’s cuisine.”

Just now, when arranging the seating, Luo Ziling and Luo Liansheng sat together, with Ouyang Feifei beside Luo Liansheng, and Yang Qingyin beside Luo Ziling.

The seating arrangement held significant implications and, in the minds of the two women, it was another battlefield of their rivalry.

Ouyang Feifei was content with her seat next to Luo Liansheng, while Yang Qingyin’s choice to sit next to Luo Ziling conveyed a different intention.

Luo Ziling could sense the competition between the two women from the outset, but he pretended not to notice, letting them engage openly and secretly in their rivalry.

In truth, he rather enjoyed watching their contest because it gave him a sense of achievement.

Wang Zhenjun, Yang Xiaodong, Ye Xiaoli, and Wang Qing were merely spectators. Ye Xiaoli and Wang Qing naturally hoped that their owner could get along with Luo Ziling, whereas Yang Xiaodong and Wang Zhenjun had similar ambitions to their respective interests.

However, they all wanted to see Ouyang Feifei and Yang Qingyin perform well during the meal, they were simply there to enjoy the show.

Luo Liansheng wanted to drink Yuezhou Old Wine, and everyone agreed to join him.

He was not very satisfied with the wine provided by the hotel as it lacked a genuine taste.

This annoyed Ouyang Feifei, who sent Wang Qing to find the hotel manager.

Finally, after a scolding from Wang Qing, the hotel manager brought over a jug of original brew reserved for VIPs.

“This tastes better, but it still lacks the fragrance of our homemade wine,” commented Luo Liansheng, smelling the wine and feeling nostalgic, “Back when my father was alive, the wine he brewed tasted excellent. Even my own brewing wasn’t bad, but once I went to the Northwest, I couldn’t replicate the same taste here. Haha, once I sort things out, I need to find a way to brew a few vats of wine, to give away as gifts.”

“Grandfather Luo, can you give me a vat?” Ouyang Feifei immediately chimed in, “My grandfather really likes drinking homemade yellow wine, and I also think its taste is quite good. I believe the wine brewed by a master like you, Grandfather Luo, must be exceptionally rich. When the time comes, you have to give me a jug.”

“Of course, no problem!” Luo Liansheng happily agreed.

“Grandfather Luo, could you also give me a jug?” Yang Qingyin, unfazed by Ouyang Feifei’s earlier request, smiled and asked Luo Liansheng, “Ever since being with Ziling, I often drink yellow wine and find it tastes better than other wines, it has the flavor of grains. Just last night, I actually drank nearly two jin of yellow wine and still wanted more. Ziling said homemade yellow wine is even more fragrant and has a better taste, and I’d really like to try it.”

“If you have time, why not join me in brewing the wine? Then everyone can have a share,” Luo Liansheng laughed heartily, “The only fear is you may not have the time.”

“Grandfather Luo, when will you be brewing? Just give me a shout when the time comes, I will certainly clear all my schedules and come to learn brewing from you!” Ouyang Feifei immediately agreed, her laughter sweet, “Is it customary to brew wine during the New Year at each household?”

“Usually we brew before the New Year; it’s a bit late now, but if we start brewing in the next couple of days, we can still drink homemade yellow wine during the New Year, although it won’t be the richest in flavor,” Luo Liansheng smiled happily, “If we can settle the property issue in the next few days, then we can start brewing soon, and by the Lantern Festival, we’ll have good wine to drink.”

“Then I’ll stay to help Grandfather Luo brew the wine!” Ouyang Feifei declared, then turned to query Yang Qingyin, “Qingyin, what about you?”

“If we start brewing in the next couple of days, I can participate,” Yang Qingyin seemed slightly disappointed, “if it’s any later, I won’t have time.”

“She is going to travel to America with her parents!” Luo Ziling interjected.

Upon hearing Luo Ziling’s words, a wave of joy instantly surged in Ouyang Feifei’s heart.