Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

The waiter read out the menu, eloquently listing the names of the various dishes and their corresponding cooking tips. Li Ruoyue listened carefully to each dish the waiter announced. This waiter was truly worthy of being from a large restaurant; he had put a lot of effort into the dishes. She said softly, "Hmm... let's order these for now. However, could you please help me pick out a few exquisite and delicious desserts?" She smiled slightly, expressing her satisfaction and anticipation for the waiter's service.

After hearing this, the waiter showed a hearty smile on his face and replied, "Okay! Don't worry, sir, I will make sure to arrange everything for you!" Then he turned and left with a brisk and agile step, as if he couldn't wait to show off his culinary talent.

Watching the waiter's retreating figure, Li Ruoyue sighed softly, thinking to herself, "This restaurant looks quite lively; their signature dishes must be unique." She hoped the food would live up to her expectations and satisfy her palate. At the same time, she began to imagine the delicious dishes that were about to be served, and her mouth watered.

Soon, an enticing aroma wafted into the air. It turned out that the waiter had brought the carefully prepared dishes to the table and greeted warmly, "Sir, please enjoy your meal! If you have any other needs, you can always tell me." Li Ruoyue nodded slightly, and her eyes were immediately attracted by the dazzling array of delicacies on the table, her eyes flashing with excitement and satisfaction.

Baili Xi looked at the table full of delicious food and couldn't help but feel moved. He turned to look at everyone and suggested with a smile: "Look, everyone, this table full of delicious food is already in front of us, but there are not many of us. If only a few of us enjoy it, it would be a bit wasteful. Why not invite your friends to share this feast together? Wouldn't it add to the joyful atmosphere?"

As soon as the words fell, Li Ruoyue nodded slightly in agreement. She said softly, "Mr. Baili is absolutely right. After all, everyone here knows each other, and sharing a meal can only enhance our friendship." With that, she looked around, motioning for Lu Zhu and the servant who had accompanied the Fourth Prince to sit down and eat together.

After receiving her master's permission, Lu Zhu's face lit up with joy. She walked lightly to the table and carefully sat down. The servant seemed a little reserved, hesitating for a moment before slowly moving to the seat. However, a hint of gratitude flashed in his eyes, and he clearly felt honored to be able to participate in this banquet.

The servant beside the Fourth Prince seemed rather reserved, flustered and overwhelmed. He said with deep trepidation, "You are all persons of high rank, and I am but a mere servant. How dare I dine with you?" Baili Xi, however, disagreed, retorting, "We are all human beings. Why should we distinguish between high and low? Since we know each other, let's enjoy our meal together." At this moment, Li Ruoyue interrupted, smiling and asking, "May I ask your name, young man? It seems inappropriate to keep calling you 'young man'." The servant hurriedly bowed and explained, "My name is Zhu Qi, sir. You may call me by my first name."

Bailixi smiled and gently waved towards Zhu Qi, saying, "Come on, come on, take a seat! Don't be so reserved. Let's enjoy this delicious meal together. We must enjoy it to the fullest!" Zhu Qi was a little hesitant at first, but seeing Bailixi's enthusiasm and generosity, he no longer refused. He first clasped his hands together and bowed slightly to express his gratitude, then slowly walked to the table and sat down steadily.

Several figures sat quietly around the dining table, the atmosphere remarkably peaceful and tranquil. Each person was absorbed in the delicious food before them, occasionally looking up to exchange a few words with those around them, but more often than not, they simply savored the tranquility of the moment. Time seemed to freeze at this moment, the only sounds in the world remaining were the soft clink of chewing and cutlery.

Finally, the last bite of food was taken, and everyone put down their bowls and chopsticks with satisfaction. Someone gently wiped the corner of their mouth, then stood up, walked to the sink, and began to rinse their mouth diligently. Others followed suit, and for a moment, the gurgling sound of water sounded like a harmonious symphony.

After completing these simple movements, everyone returned to their seats, rested for a short while, and then stood up and moved to the small living room in the box. The layout here was very warm and comfortable, with soft sofas, exquisite coffee tables, and fresh flowers with a faint fragrance, which made people feel particularly relaxed.

They each found a comfortable seat, and the waiter brought a steaming pot of fragrant tea. The spout tilted gently, and the clear tea trickled into the cup, creating ripples. The elegant tea fragrance instantly filled the air, refreshing the senses.

Several people picked up their teacups and carefully took a sip, feeling the warmth of the liquid sliding down their throats. At this moment, no words were needed; just immerse yourself in the tranquility and let your soul find a moment of comfort.

Li Ruoyue looked directly at Baili Xi and said straight to the point, "Master Baili, I won't beat around the bush with you. I'm going to ask you directly, are you working for the Fourth Prince as his advisor?"

Baili Xi's heart trembled upon hearing this, and a look of astonishment crossed his face. He had not expected Li Ruoyue to ask such a direct question, and for a moment he was unsure how to respond. At this moment, Li Ruoyue quickly turned to look at Zhu Qi beside him and said in a low voice, "The reason is simple. Zhu Qi once visited the palace and saw you serving the Fourth Prince."

Upon seeing this, Zhu Qi quickly agreed, "Yes, what Miss said is true. The last time I entered the palace, I did see Master Baili beside the Fourth Prince. In addition, I would like to thank you for rescuing my master before. My master has been looking for you, Miss! If it is convenient for you, could you tell me your name so that I can report it to my master when I return?" After saying this, Zhu Qi looked at Li Ruoyue expectantly, hoping to get her reply.

Baili Xi's face was filled with disbelief, and his voice trembled slightly as he said, "To... to think there was such a past!" Li Xi, standing beside him, was also astonished, muttering to himself, "To think there was such a past... it's truly unimaginable!" Then, Li Xi calmed himself down and spoke frankly to Li Ruoyue, "Miss Li, at this point, I will no longer conceal this. In fact, I have indeed been serving the Fourth Duke and the Fourth Prince. My master was once indebted to the Fourth Prince for saving his life, and to repay this kindness, he specially sent me to the capital, to the Fourth Prince's residence, to see if there was any way I could help him, and to stay by his side and fulfill my duties."

Li Ruoyue didn't show any shyness after hearing this. She spoke directly and straightforwardly, "If that's the case, then that's perfect. Since you're all by the Fourth Prince's side, and Zhu Qi is here too, could you please tell him that I have something important to discuss and hope to meet him in person? Would it be convenient for you to pass on the message?"

Baili Xi and Zhu Qi exchanged a glance before slowly answering, "If that's all you need, I can certainly pass it on." As soon as he finished speaking, Li Ruoyue gracefully stood up, bowed slightly toward Baili Xi, and whispered, "Thank you, sir, for helping me pass on this message." Her voice was clear and melodious, like the sound of a yellow oriole escaping a valley, evoking a warm impression. At this moment, the atmosphere in the room grew somewhat subtle, as if an invisible force was tugging at everyone's thoughts.

Baili Xi quickly waved his hands and said, "Miss Li, please don't be so formal. It's just a trivial matter. I really can't afford such a heavy courtesy from you!" However, he was secretly thinking in his heart, if he agreed to let us go somewhere, how would you meet then?

Li Ruoyue pondered for a moment and replied, "If my wish comes true, I hope we can meet here again. Two days later, at noon, I will wait here in person for good news. No matter what the result is, I will keep waiting." Her eyes were firm and persistent, as if she was ready to wait for a long time.

Baili Xi smiled and responded, "Then I'll trouble you, Miss Li. You can just call me by my name, there's no need to be too formal. When the time comes, just say 'Li Ruoyue' and I will come to meet you." After saying that, the two looked at each other and smiled, and there seemed to be a tacit understanding and expectation between them.

Baili Xi smiled, his voice loud and clear, "Since that's the case, I won't refuse any more. From now on, I'll call you Ruoyue!" His gaze was frank and friendly, as if he'd known her for a long time. Then, he added enthusiastically, "As for me, you don't need to call me Master Baili anymore. Just call me Ah Xi. That's how my master calls me. That way, we won't seem so distant."

Li Ruoyue, standing nearby, couldn't help but smile upon hearing this. Her eyes, bright as stars, gleamed with intelligence as she softly replied, "Since it's what Brother Axi says, I'll obey. From now on, we'll address each other as 'Ruoyue' and 'Axi'. It truly is much more natural than all those red tape." Her tone was gentle and graceful, like a spring breeze, bringing immense comfort.

After they reached an agreement, they went downstairs. Li Ruoyue wanted to pay the bill, but Bailixi sternly refused. "Li Ruoyue, aren't you slapping me in the face? I invited you to dinner, so why should I ask you to pay the bill? If you do this again, I will be unhappy." Li Ruoyue heard this and said helplessly, "I asked you to tell me to tell me, and now I have to let you eat. How can I do that?"

Baili Xi said with a serious face: "Since I invited you to dine here, the expenses will naturally be borne by me. But if you really want to treat me, you can wait until the next opportunity. But this meal today must be on my account!" After saying this, he also deliberately emphasized his position again, indicating that there was no room for negotiation.

Standing nearby, observing his expression from afar, you might only reveal a hint of helplessness and softly respond, "Alright then..." Then, Baili Xi turned and walked towards the counter to pay. However, at that moment, Zhu Qi Wang Qian hurriedly called out, "Master Baili, please wait a moment! You don't need to pay this bill. This is our prince's private room, and as per custom, servants visit each distinguished guest's residence at the end of each month to collect the corresponding fees. Therefore, these expenses will be settled monthly, so you don't have to worry or concern yourself with them."