28: Like me?

First to appear was a series of desserts: osmanthus cakes, strawberry tarts, and pudding milk tea.

Then came the main courses: Wagyu beef, snow crab, fugu, braised pork, sweet and sour fish…

Seeing that the two were about to eat, several girls in ancient costumes walked over.

"Hello, ladies, we can offer to pour wine, serve dishes, or even feed you, providing you with an emperor-like experience. Do you require such service?"

The girls in ancient attire smiled charmingly, looking at the two who were momentarily stunned.

Ye Xi was a bit bewildered. There was even a feeding service? Isn't that a bit too improper? Is there something even more improper?

Li Xuening glanced at Ye Xi and smiled, "Today I'm treating you to a meal, so it's all up to you."

Hearing this, Ye Xi waved her hand and replied to the young ladies, "Thank you for your hospitality just now, but it's not necessary. We prefer to eat without disturbance."

Although she really wanted to enjoy such imperial treatment, she felt it wasn't the right time. Forcing it now would surely make her seem not dedicated enough.

After the others left, only Ye Xi and Li Xuening remained in the pavilion.

The steaming aroma of tea intertwined with the fragrance of the dishes.

Li Xuening picked up a piece of tender fish and put it into her mouth. It melted instantly, and the sweet and sour taste was just right.

"Xiao Xi, try this fish; its taste is truly exquisite."

Looking at the fish Li Xuening had placed on her plate, Ye Xi took a bite and indeed, it was excellent.

"Sister Xuening, I'm really sorry. This meal must not be cheap; you've spent too much."

Ye Xi's eyes drooped, and she sighed, a little downcast.

"It's fine, it's fine. I caused you so much trouble, so treating you to a good meal is the least I can do."

Feeling Ye Xi's emotional fluctuations, Li Xuening suddenly felt a little uneasy. Could it be that the dinner she prepared wasn't satisfactory?

If she wasn't satisfied, they could still change locations. She shouldn't just silently endure it.

"Here, Sister Xuening, shall I serve you a piece of this dish too?"

Ye Xi politely cut a piece of steak and offered it to Li Xuening's plate.

"Mmm, delicious."

Li Xuening savored it carefully, as if the steak had become even more delicious than usual because of Ye Xi's touch.

"Sister Xuening, you are so elegant and beautiful when you eat. I really like it."

Ye Xi pretended to hesitate for a moment, then lowered her head, looking at Li Xuening's pretty face.

"You like me?"

Li Xuening's eyes lit up, and for a moment, she was a little lost.

Her mind raced as she carefully considered the meaning of Ye Xi's words.

Should she be more proactive and get to the bottom of it?

But if the other person was just joking, she would surely be very embarrassed.

Could Xiao Xi really accept breaking societal norms and two girls bravely being together?

No, no, she might just be simply expressing the friendship and liking between two close friends.

Li Xuening suddenly felt it was better not to risk it. Keeping the ambiguity was better than being rejected, right?

Seeing that Li Xuening didn't speak, Ye Xi knew she had fallen into overthinking again.

When you like someone, their every expression is enough to make you ponder for a long time. Ye Xi had deeply experienced this when she was pursuing the 'green tea' girl.

"Sister Xuening, what's wrong?" Ye Xi asked, feigning a look of concern.

"Actually, I like Xiao Xi too. Which person wouldn't like a girl as beautiful as Xiao Xi?"

Li Xuening finished speaking, glanced at Ye Xi, then lowered her head again.

Noticing that the other person was looking at her with some surprise, she defensively explained, "Don't misunderstand, I'm not talking about that kind of liking, the one of admiration."

Li Xuening felt a wave of injustice in her heart. Waaah, I *was* talking about that kind of liking, the one of admiration.

"I know, there are many kinds of liking. I like apples, I like puppies and kittens, it's all 'liking'. Liking is very broad and all-encompassing."

"My liking for you seems to be the same as your liking for me, doesn't it?"

Ye Xi didn't expose her, covering her mouth with a soft, delicate laugh.