Chapter 426: Chapter 426: I Want to Be a Matchmaker

Xiao Lin concluded that Xu Xiangbei’s words were nonsense. Her blue eyes became particularly bright, and she pointed out sharply, "All you do is spout these arguments; actually, you’re just going to see beauties."

Being rendered speechless by Xiao Lin, and wanting to argue back but seeing Jessica looking at him, too much explanation would seem hypocritical. Xu Xiangbei could only smile wryly and say, "You really know me well, with so many beauties, who wouldn’t want a feast for the eyes?"

Xiao Lin and Jessica smiled triumphantly, "So, with us two beauties accompanying you for dinner, you can feast your eyes enough."

They reached the Emperor’s Pavilion together. Boss Zhou was greeting customers at the entrance. Seeing Xu Xiangbei bringing in two beauties, he hurriedly welcomed them with a smile, "Dr. Xu, it’s been a few days. The second-floor Biyun Hall is still reserved for you.

Xiao Lin led Jessica to the second-floor Biyun Hall while Xu Xiangbei went to the kitchen to order dishes. Zhou Ping, wearing a tall chef hat, was smoking at the kitchen entrance, looking slightly melancholic.

Seeing Xu Xiangbei approach, Zhou Ping tossed away his cigarette and smiled honestly, "Dr. Xu, you’re here."

Noticing Zhou Ping’s slightly gloomy expression, Xu Xiangbei asked, "What’s wrong? Something on your mind?"

Caught by Xu Xiangbei, Zhou Ping smiled awkwardly, "What, no, I’m just feeling a bit unwell."

Hearing Zhou Ping’s explanation, Xu Xiangbei grinned wickedly, "Oh, feeling unwell? Want me to check your pulse? I am a doctor, you know. No illness can hide from my diagnosis."

Zhou Ping was stunned; pretending to be sick in front of a doctor felt like being caught cheating during an exam. His face reddened, and he hid his hands behind, still insisting, "Really, I’m just not feeling well."

Xu Xiangbei grabbed a freshly washed cucumber from the kitchen and started munching on it, laughing as he said, "I can see you do look a bit under the weather. Isn’t it true that every end of the month in the past few months, you’ve felt unwell?"

Zhou Ping laughed evasively, "Dr. Xu, you really figured it out, it is indeed like that."

Xu Xiangbei chuckled mischievously, "This kind of illness is quite common, called Beauty Illness; you’re looking more like a beauty."

Zhou Ping was bewildered, laughing without quite understanding, "I’m looking more like a beauty? Are you saying I am pretty like a beauty? But I am a man."

Xu Xiangbei sarcastically remarked with disdain, "I’m saying you’re like a beauty with PMS—moody and easily depressed every month."

It wasn’t until then that Zhou Ping realized Xu Xiangbei was teasing him for pretending to be sick, and he couldn’t help but blush. Embarrassed, he pulled out a cigarette from the pack and handed it to Xu Xiangbei, lighting it up.

"Actually, I just recently had a breakup with a girl I had known for a month. She didn’t like being around kitchen smoke and broke up."

Xu Xiangbei sympathetically patted Zhou Ping’s shoulder, "There’s plenty of fish in the sea. Her leaving shows you weren’t meant to be. No need to be upset, let it be. The one meant for you will come someday."

Hearing this, Zhou Ping felt much comforted, smiled while smoking, and said, "Thank you, Dr. Xu. Your words are more enlightening than reading ten years of books. Though you are younger, your luck with the ladies is much better. Always surrounded by beauties, I’m really envious."

Mentioning beauties, Xu Xiangbei thought of something, and grinned, "I just met a beautiful photographer today; want me to introduce her to you? She’s in the Biyun Hall now, sitting with my girlfriend."

Xu Xiangbei’s offer to introduce him to a beauty made Zhou Ping both excited and shy, "What kind of beauty? I don’t know if I’m worthy."

Xu Xiangbei smiled, "There’s no such thing as unworthy. You are worthy as long as you are sincere with her, accompany her, and share your joy. Nothing has happened yet, so don’t be discouraged. Otherwise, you accomplish nothing. I support you; bring your best dish and follow me to the private room."

After ordering, the first dish was the Emperor’s Pavilion specialty, Beef and Seafood Balls.

Zhou Ping specially crafted a new flavor, using lots of rose petals to make Rose Petal Beef and Seafood Balls. The vivid rose petals and green veggie leaves sprinkled on golden broth provided a refreshing vibe.

Xu Xiangbei introduced Jessica specially, "This is the chef of the Emperor’s Pavilion, Zhou Ping, also my partner. All the dishes are made by him alone. Miss Jessica, you must try the specialty dish, Beef and Seafood Balls, on your first visit to the pavilion. For you, Zhou Ping added rose petals to it. The meatballs not only have a seafood freshness but also a hint of rose petal fragrance."

Zhou Ping handed a soup spoon to Jessica, who, never hearing of using rose petals in cooking, scooped out a beef and seafood ball from the broth with skepticism and put it in her mouth.

The broth faintly carried a rose aroma, and as the meatball entered her mouth, a light and fresh rose scent greeted her, significantly boosting her appetite.

Biting softly, the texture was smooth and not greasy, delicious with a light floral aroma, truly like savoring food among rose blooms.

Jessica couldn’t help but exclaim, "So delicious, so fresh!"

Pleased by Jessica’s praise, Zhou Ping beamed, "Miss Jessica, since it’s your first visit, you must eat more."

Jessica smiled and thanked Zhou Ping, "Thank you for the delicacy; it’s the best meatball I’ve ever tasted."

Xiao Lin, also trying the rose petal beef and seafood ball for the first time, was full of praise after tasting and exclaimed, "Zhou Ping, your skill is indeed amazing. I’ve been here several times and had the beef and seafood balls, but this rose flavor is my first; it indeed smells wonderful, I really like it."

Xu Xiangbei heaped praise on Zhou Ping to Jessica, making Zhou Ping blush like a monkey’s butt. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Xu Xiangbei winked at Zhou Ping and said, "Zhou Ping, this is your first encounter with Miss Jessica, sit down and toast to the beautiful photographer."

Zhou Ping sat next to Jessica, and they had a glass of red wine together. One glass down, courage surged, and he opened up.

Jessica was not only a photographer but also a gourmet. This meeting with Zhou Ping was like finding a kindred spirit, resonating deeply with their conversation on food. Truly a friend in need is a friend indeed, and meeting over a bottle of good wine makes a thousand cups seem too few. Talking and drinking, they quickly became well acquainted.

Xu Xiangbei left the private room for the restroom, and Xiao Lin followed, playfully punching his shoulder, "Dr. Xu, you’re playing matchmaker now, huh?"

Xu Xiangbei caught Xiao Lin’s gentle, fair hand to stop her from hitting him, and winked while smiling, "I’m a miracle doctor, capable of curing all ailments, including lovesickness. Do you have a lovesickness that needs my healing?"