Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1398 - 713: Equity Stake
At this time, the sky had already darkened, lights were lit up inside the Shen Mansion, and Phoenix Tower was illuminated brightly. Lian Manman and Shen Jin, surrounded by a group of maids, once again arrived in front of Phoenix Tower. Lian Manman lifted her eyes and looked up, the Phoenix Tower under the glow of the lights presented a splendid scene, completely different from daytime. It was crystal clear, dazzling like a crystal palace.
Sixth Master’s dinner party was set in an open hall on the third floor, with only one table laid out. Apart from Sixth Master, Shen Jin, and Shen Qian, three siblings, there were also invited guests including Master Chu, Mr. Loo, Wu Lang, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi.
"...since we are all family, let’s consider this a small family dinner." Sixth Master said as he invited everyone to take their seats.
Mr. Loo was very pleased to sit at this table, dining with the Shen Family siblings, as it held a completely different significance from being a guest at the Shen Family’s grand banquet. Although Sixth Master’s words were spoken lightly, Mr. Loo understood the weight behind them.
Among those present, there was no need to mention Master Chu, who had been with the Shen Family for decades, teaching other Shen Family members before Shen Qian. He was bound to spend his life in the Shen Family. Mr. Loo was now also under the Shen Family’s banner. Shen Jin had already performed the ceremony to acknowledge Mr. Loo as his master, and now was considered Mr. Loo’s disciple. Wu Lang, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi were also Mr. Loo’s students.
Wu Lang and Shen Qian were scholars of the same class, currently in Shengjing Academy, and were classmates as well. Lian Manman, Xiao Qi, and Shen Qian were friends; Xiao Qi and Shen Qian also shared a bond as classmates. Lian Manman and Shen Jin were friends since childhood.
Lian Manman’s family owed their current circumstances to Sixth Master’s support. The Shen Family repeatedly achieved great deeds, and Lian Manman’s family undoubtedly contributed to this. All of this began when Lian Manman accidentally rescued Sixth Master. Although few people knew of this incident.
Looking at it this way, they indeed seemed like family. Because of this, Shen Jin and Lian Manman could sit together without any reservations.
The dinner did not have many dishes prepared, as it had already been agreed upon that this dinner was meant to taste the new roast duck from Lian’s.
Since Lian’s Roast Duck Shop had the only hanging oven for roasting ducks, the duck had been roasted at the shop and swiftly sent over by horseback. Lian’s specialized duck meat slicing master stood by nearby, and upon the arrival of the roast duck, he displayed his skills and swiftly sliced two large plates of duck meat, thin as paper, all with skin and meat intact.
Lotus leaf pancakes, bean paste, cucumber slices, radish slices, spring onion segments, pea shoots, duck soup with chestnuts, and other items were placed on the table, quickly completing a full set of the roast duck banquet.
Among those present, except for Sixth Master, everyone had tasted Lian’s roast duck before. There was no need for the maids to attend to them; Shen Jin washed his hands and rolled the first duck pancake for Sixth Master.
Although Sixth Master had never eaten such a fresh version of roast duck, he had learned about it from Mr. Loo, Shen Jin, and others. Seeing everyone watching him, he took the duck pancake roll from Shen Jin’s hands and slowly began eating.
Lian Manman smiled at Sixth Master, remembering that he didn’t like greasy food. This roast duck made from stuffed ducks was aromatic enough but not greasy, especially when paired with this eating style. Lian Manman believed Sixth Master would enjoy it.
Sixth Master finished a duck pancake but didn’t make any comments. Instead, he gestured for everyone to start eating. Afterward, without needing anyone’s help, he rolled another duck pancake himself.
After eating the duck pancake, he sampled some side dishes and finished by drinking a bowl of duck soup.
Since there was no alcohol involved, the dinner did not last long. After the meal, everyone left the table to the side for tea and conversation.
Both Mr. Loo and Master Chu praised the roast duck as delicious, with Shen Jin and Shen Qian sharing the same sentiment.
"... it’s tastier than what you sent to Nian Garden last time. Is this the duck you mentioned raising specifically?" Shen Jin asked Lian Manman.
"Yes." Lian Manman nodded with a smile, "They were raised using the ancient method described in the books."
"Indeed, it’s rich but not greasy." Shen Jin remarked.
"What does Sixth Master think?" Lian Manman asked Sixth Master with a smile.
"Hmm, not bad." Sixth Master was drinking tea, and upon hearing Lian Manman’s question, he slowly put down the teacup and nodded slightly.
"Is that all, not bad?" Lian Manman knew that Sixth Master often spoke in this style, yet she asked again.
"Brilliant and mighty?" Sixth Master slightly turned his body, squinted his eyes, and suddenly said.
Incongruous answer, was this meant to retaliate? Lian Manman held back her laughter.
