391 Settling Down (Part 4)

She was eager to go on a date.

Zhao Zhan followed behind his lover with an indulgent look on his face. He watched as she strolled around the streets. His reach was not too far away and not too close, and at many times, he stood close to protect her from gazes.

There was no curfew in Shangjing. On Central Street, the lanterns hanging under the eaves on both sides of the street were very bright.

“We’re here.”

!!
The lady who was guarding the entrance of the bar saw Zhao Zhan and greeted him with a smile, “Sir Zhao, you’re here.”

She raised her brows and covered her mouth with her handkerchief as she looked at Yue Jiaojiao’s smile. You’re so beautiful, Miss. I’ve seen many people come and go at the entrance of this tavern, but it’s rare to see someone as beautiful as you.”

Zhao Zhan’s face darkened as he blocked the hand that was about to touch Yue Jiaojiao. “She’s my wife.”

“Pardon me for my behavior. It’s just that her face looks really tender, so I addressed her wrongly. A seat has been reserved for you. Please come in.”

Zhao Zhan led Yue Jiaojiao up the stairs.

The decorations in the tavern were not in the style of the Central Plains, but full of exotic structures.

In the middle of the room, the sound of the horn and the beating of the drum was very lively. The tables were not arranged in an orderly manner. Instead, they were placed randomly everywhere

On the beams of the house, there were light veils and bones of some unknown animal.

The lanterns were very bright, reflecting the hustle and bustle that was happening inside. It wasn’t too noisy, so the atmosphere made everyone happy.

The room wasn’t completely flat. The tables were placed on the steps, and Zhao Zhan was escorted to a corner. He could see the entire room sitting there.

This was a spot that Zhao Zhan had carefully selected.

It was not far from the back door. If anything were to happen, Zhao Zhan could just leave through the back door with Yue Jiaojiao.

“Esteemed guests, what kind of wine would you like to drink? We have wine from the Western Region, wine from Shangjing, and other fruity wines.”

“There’s fruit wine?”

“Bring up the grape wine and fruit wine for a taste.”

Yue Jiaojiao’s body swayed slightly. Zhao Zhan leaned back in his chair and tilted his head to look at her.

His lover’s posture was relaxed, without the slightest bit of discomfort. She was like a fish sliding into the river, comfortably wagging its tail and then going away.

Zhao Zhan leaned forward and wrapped his arms around his lover’s slender waist.

Yue Jiaojiao’s clothes were thin, and the skin on her waist was burned by Zhao Zhan’s palm. She turned her head and glared at him weakly.

His lover’s eyes were full of charm, and Zhao Zhan couldn’t help but move closer to her.

There was a girl in a light muslin dress swaying her waist in the middle of the tavern to the beat of the drum. Yet, Zhao Zhan’s attention was completely on his lover.

“Your wine.”

The porcelain bottle that contained wine had a beautiful narrow opening, and the servant placed two cups on the table.

“It’s a glass cup.”

Back then, Yue Jiaojiao wanted to introduce glass in Willow Village. However, no one in Huai County had heard of this kind of thing, so she could only give up.

“Where is this cup made?” Zhao Zhan held the cup in his hand and asked first, “If they can make a cup, I’m sure they can also make other pieces.”

The servant was taken aback. This was the first time she had heard someone ask such a strange question. “The shopkeeper bought this cup from Treasure Pavilion. As for where it was made, I really don’t know.”

Zhao Zhan noted down the name Treasure Pavilion and planned to take a look when he had the time.

In such a short time, Yue Jiaojiao had already tasted several different flavors of fruit wine.

Her face was red, and it was hard to tell whether it was reflected by the red light above her head or the charm she exuded.

Zhao Zhan vigilantly scanned his surroundings, wishing that he could hide his lover’s appearance from others.

Yue Jiaojiao was so excited that she picked out a few of her favorite fruit wines and mixed them together. Then, she pushed it in front of Zhao Zhan. “Zhao Zhan, try this.”

She reeked of alcohol and her eyes were misty. When she handed the wine over, she lay on the back of Zhao Zhan’s hand and gently scratched his adam’s apple with her soft fingers.

“Jiaojiao…”

Zhao Zhan grabbed her hand and held it in his palm. His eyes were burning as he looked at her, wishing he could hold her in his arms forever.

“Zhao Zhan, have a taste.”

He brought the glass to his lips and looked at Yue Jiaojiao’s endearing face. Zhao Zhan didn’t even look at her hand as he drank the wine in one gulp.

Even if it was filled with venom, he would gladly endure it.

A servant came over to extinguish a few lanterns in the room and relit the corner lamps nailed to the wall.

The corner that Yue Jiaojiao and the others were sitting in turned dark, and a tulle drooped down to hide them behind it.