Chapter 46: Is Someone Roasting Chicken Inside?

Just moments ago, the prince unexpectedly instructed the people in the restaurant to prepare cooking utensils, even bringing out a good amount of raw ingredients. Then, he began to personally roast them.

It was the first time the guests had ever seen someone come to a restaurant and take to cooking themselves. In truth, it was a first even for Lin Si. Yet the alluring aroma of roasted meat drifting through the air was constantly tempting the hunger in their bellies.

The scent was irresistible. Just inhaling it was enough to make mouths water, and even those who had eaten their fill felt suddenly empty inside. But all they could do was catch the fragrance; they hadn’t even glimpsed the meat itself.

The one roasting sat in a refined private booth, shielded from view by a folding screen, so no one could see what was happening inside. What’s more, several guards stood outside the screen.

These guards were tall and sturdy, their expressions cold and vigilant. The discerning among the guests noticed that even their uniforms were of a fabric reserved for servants of the imperial family. That made it even less likely anyone would dare barge in out of curiosity—they could only remain at a distance, tormented by the drifting aroma.

Sikou Yan’s lips curved in a faint smile as he watched the oil sizzle and glisten on the roast chicken he held. The sight alone was enough to make Lin Si swallow involuntarily.

As Ji Tianxin ascended the stairs, she saw all the diners’ gazes fixed in one direction. “What is that smell? It’s delicious,” Su Qing couldn’t help but murmur, licking her lips.

No wonder her mistress had come straight here; there was something tasty to be had.

Ji Tianxin glanced toward the screen, then stepped forward. Yet as soon as she neared, the guards outside blocked her path.

Ji Tianxin’s brows furrowed slightly, and she asked, “Is someone roasting chicken in there?”

Her question prompted laughter among many of the guests upstairs. They all assumed this little girl had followed the scent, hoping to beg for a taste. And, to be honest, that was exactly the case.

But after all, children could do no wrong, and everyone treated it as an amusing sight. Seeing that the guards still refused to let her through, Ji Tianxin pondered for a moment. Of all people, the last she’d want to offend was a good cook. If this person truly had such culinary skill, and she caused offense, how would she ever lure them away? More importantly, what if she could never again taste such delicious food?

“Su Qing, give them money.” In this mundane world, money opens all doors—so she’d use it to pave her way.

“Yes, miss.” Su Qing immediately pulled out a heavy purse, its weight alone betraying the riches inside.

Lin Si was somewhat surprised by this little girl’s boldness. She was more interesting than he’d expected.

Sikou Yan’s ink-dark brows lifted ever so slightly, his lips parting in a faint smile. “I don’t want money.”

The youth, beautiful as a demon but bearing the cold elegance of a god, seemed separated from mortals by the slightest shift of expression. He said he didn’t want money.

Ji Tianxin stood in place, hugging her rabbit-shaped lantern, her brow furrowing again. If not money… then what did he want? She couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—good cooks were truly rare these days, and this was a difficult situation.

Yet the voice sounded oddly familiar, as though she’d heard it somewhere before.

“You, come in.” The voice rang out again.

As soon as he spoke, the guards stepped aside, standing at attention on either side, nodding to Ji Tianxin.

After all, if the prince himself had issued the invitation, she was a guest.

Sikou Yan’s men were always well-trained.

Ji Tianxin uttered a soft “oh,” then, holding her rabbit lantern, she stepped inside.