11 ARC 1 - The Way to become an Empress Part 10

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I managed to get out safely. I walked quite a distance before letting my guard down, and called the system.

"System, where's Xi Jiu right now?"

"He's in a restaurant called Meiwei. He's alone right now, and doesn't seem to be waiting for company."

"So he's merely eating his lunch, huh. I see. Then, is that restaurant far from here?"

"Not quite. Host just needs to turn right then go straight ahead. After a few blocks, host can reach that restaurant."

"Okay."

I did as the system instructed, and finally reached my destination.

"Where is Xi Jiu?"

"He's currently in the second floor, and had just started eating. He's sitting by the window, on the left most corner after climbing the stairs"

"Sorry, miss. Our store is currently full right now. If you want to eat here, you need to wait for a while and perhaps reserve a seat first." A server approached me as I entered the establishment.

"I actually have a companion inside already." I answered back.

"Oh, then shall I guide miss?"

"No need."

"Then I'll excuse myself. Please enjoy your time." The server bowed and left.

I then immediately headed upstairs and saw a lone man eating in a corner.

The restaurant is full, so a perfect opportunity to share a table.

I approached the man, observing him as I was getting closer.

No wonder my maid was blushing. Xi Jiu is handsome. And, his body doesn't seem all that muscular, but when you look closely, you can actually see that he is.

Still, if I were to choose, I'd say Ji Zhen Tian is more my type. A handsome elegant face with a seemingly lean when clothed yet muscular when naked body. Anyway,

I reached his table and asked,

"Can I share this table with you?" I looked at Xi Jiu with pleading eyes.

"Y-yes." He stuttered a little.

A virgin boy. That's the vibe he gives off.

Men and women in this era are not allowed to interact much unless they're relatives or are wedded.

Well, unless you're in a brothel.

"Uhm, I'm sorry for this. I just really wanted to try the food from this restaurant. I was only able to go out today, but the restaurant's full, so I lied about having a companion. It was a great coincidence I found someone who doesn't have one. Can you please play along with me?"

"S-sure. What do you want to eat?"

"Thanks! Is this the menu? Then, I want this, this, and this."

Xi Jiu looked at me as if amazed.

"You're quite a heavy eater, huh." He chuckled a little.

"N-no. You're wrong. I'm not!"

"Okay, okay."

"Just one okay is enough."

"Haha" he laughed.

Well, I'm glad I was able to pull the coincidence trope.

"By the way, what's your name? I am Ye Ling."

"I am named Xi Jiu."

"Nice to meet you, Xi Jiu."

Why doesn't he recognize an Imperial Consort? Exactly because I'm an Imperial Consort. Ordinary men need to lower their heads and not look at the Emperor's wives.

Xi Jiu called for a server and ordered exactly what I picked.

It took a while before my food was served, and Xi Jiu already finished his.

"You're already done eating?"

"Yeah."

"Don't go just yet. You can even help me clear the food as a token of our friendship."

"Haha what's with that?"

"Exactly. Now help me finish the food. Or, do you have some business you need to attend to?"

"You're not making any sense, Miss Ye." He chuckled. "I'm actually free for the rest of the day today."

"Then isn't it fine? Come eat with me. And, if you're free for the rest of the day, won't you accompany me to explore the city?"

I once again used my charms and looked at him expectantly.

"O-okay." He gave in.