Chapter 450: The Most Delicious Mutton Broth

The scholar, the martial youth, and the childhood friend on stilts—all three of them looked at Gu Ning’an with slightly different, complicated expressions.

It seemed all three of them harbored romantic feelings for the daughter of the Zheng family…

But what did Zheng De think about it?

Given how he doted on his daughter, he must be aware that there were suitors for her here in Lexiang County.

Yet if he didn’t interfere at all, that alone proved these three young men were of decent character.

Moreover, after spending time with the Zheng family’s daughter, Gu Ning’an could clearly feel her intelligence—though her temperament was a bit mischievous and quirky.

Her coming up to him today to sell rattle-drums probably had a bit of “just for fun” mixed in…

At the same time, as Gu Ning’an was analyzing the three youths across from him, they too were each working through their own little thoughts.

First, Qin Hao—a young man from a family of martial academy—his first glance was directed at Gu Ning’an’s shoulders, hips, and legs.

To him, Gu Ning’an had the air of a scholar, but it wasn’t the overly sour and musty kind like Chen Ren’s.

Though tall enough, he still looked too skinny.

Could someone like that beat Hanrui in a fight?

Next was Chen Ren. His first impression of Gu Ning’an was actually quite good. After all, they were both scholars—surely better than a musclehead with more brawn than brains and a love-struck fool who spent all day asking if Miss Zheng was thirsty or hungry…

However, he was also quite curious: how skilled was Gu Ning’an in the arts of qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting? Could he surpass Miss Zheng?

After all, she had crushed him thoroughly on the “path of scholarship,” to the point his confidence had nearly collapsed…

Lastly came Liu Feng. At first, he did feel a pang of jealousy when Zheng Hanrui refused to sit with him and instead chose to sit with Gu Ning’an.

For a moment, he truly felt sour—but then he quickly found an excuse for her: Hanrui must’ve been afraid he’d feel cramped if she sat next to him… she was just being considerate…

After a bit of “self-hypnosis,” his eyes returned to focusing solely on Zheng Hanrui…

Although everyone’s thoughts seemed long-winded, in truth it all happened in the blink of an eye. After Gu Ning’an and Zheng Hanrui sat down, the waiter tactfully stepped up after their brief pleasantries and asked, “Esteemed guests, one serving of lamb soup each? Any dietary restrictions?”

To the side, Zheng Hanrui waved her hand. “I’m not picky. Just one serving of soup is fine, thank you.”

“You’re too kind, young miss!” The waiter was surprised by her beauty but only gave her a polite glance before turning to Gu Ning’an. “And you, sir?”

Gu Ning’an replied, “One serving as well. Please make the flatbread crispier, thank you.”

Hearing this, the waiter instinctively gave him a second look and smiled. “Certainly. We’re a bit busy today, so you may need to wait a little.”

Gu Ning’an nodded. “No rush.”

Once the waiter left, Zheng Hanrui blinked her big eyes—like two glossy black grapes—and looked at Gu Ning’an curiously. “Young Master Gu, have you had it before? Does it taste better when the flatbread is crispy?”

Gu Ning’an nodded. “Back in the county, there used to be a lamb soup vendor. I got used to crispy flatbread from them.”

At that, Qin Hao interjected, “Was it the one called A’Wu’s lamb soup on the east side of the county?”

Gu Ning’an shook his head. “No.”

“It couldn’t have been A’Wu’s,” Liu Feng added. “That place only lasted a short while before shutting down. It must’ve been Big Liu’s Lamb Soup on the west side. That place lasted two years.”

Gu Ning’an chuckled. “No, it was Sun’s Lamb Soup.”

Sun’s Lamb Soup?

The four young men at the table all fell into thought, trying to recall any memories of this “Sun’s Lamb Soup.”

After a while, Qin Hao, unable to remember, cupped his fists and asked, “Brother Gu, we’re rough folks, so I won’t call you ‘young master’—it just sounds weird to me.”

“I’ve roamed all the streets and alleys of this county since I was a kid, and I’ve never seen any Sun’s Lamb Soup. Where was it located?”

Gu Ning’an smiled and pointed outside. “It wasn’t a shop. Granny Sun used to push a cart and sell the soup as a street vendor. The road across from this restaurant was one of the easiest places to catch her.”

Seeing how matter-of-factly Gu Ning’an spoke, no one doubted him. They just figured “Sun’s Lamb Soup” was a short-lived, mobile vendor, which was why none of them had ever seen it.

At that moment, Zheng Hanrui asked again, “Young Master Gu, when you talked about Sun’s Lamb Soup, you had a smile on your face. Was it really that good?”

Gu Ning’an nodded. “Yes. It was the best lamb soup I’ve ever had…”

Zheng Hanrui looked wistful. “Hearing you say that, I really want to try Granny Sun’s broth myself…”

“Young Master Gu!”

“Do you know where that granny is now?”

“I want to take Hanrui to try it.”

Liu Feng asked his question with lightning speed.

Hearing this, Zheng Hanrui’s heart immediately tightened!

She hadn’t asked on purpose—because she’d already guessed the old woman had passed away.

Otherwise, why would none of them have ever seen her?

And if Gu Ning’an really thought hers was the best lamb soup, why would he be here eating someone else’s?

In short, that kind of question shouldn’t have been asked!

Just as Zheng Hanrui was about to change the subject, Gu Ning’an calmly said, “Granny Sun passed away some years ago…”

As expected!

Liu Feng, you blockhead!

Zheng Hanrui quickly turned to Gu Ning’an, full of apology. “I’m sorry, Young Master Gu. My childhood friend really is a bit dense.”

Beside her, Liu Feng looked regretful. “Yeah, yeah… I didn’t think it through…”

Seeing this, Gu Ning’an waved his hand. “No need. Birth, aging, sickness, and death are the most common parts of life. No need to be so tense.”

“Mhm!” Liu Feng nodded hard and was just about to say more when the waiter returned with lamb soup for the three who’d arrived early.

The broth was steaming hot, its milky white surface dotted with bits of green scallion—its fragrant aroma instantly whetting one’s appetite.

As for the flatbread, since there were no special requests, it was standard fare—soft and fluffy in appearance.

The colour and aroma were promising, but how would it taste?

As his gaze shifted from the bowls to the people, Gu Ning’an couldn’t help but feel a little anticipation.

Then Liu Feng pushed his own bowl of broth toward Zheng Hanrui. “Hanrui, you eat first.”

Zheng Hanrui blinked in surprise. “I don’t want it. You eat.”

“I’m not hungry,” Liu Feng insisted. “You eat first.”

Frowning slightly, Zheng Hanrui asked, “Then why’d you come to a lamb soup shop if you’re not hungry?”

Liu Feng: (；′⌒`)