Chapter 321 - Chapter 321: Chapter 329: Unexpected (2/2)

“Why are you standing there? If you’re willing, take a seat and have a few drinks with us. Let’s consider ourselves friends.”

With that invitation from Shangguan Wuyou, Han Yu naturally agreed. Deng Chen, momentarily stunned, followed suit and sat down, inwardly surprised by Shangguan Wuyou’s almost friendly reaction.

Shangguan Wuyou cast a glance at his longtime friend and immediately knew what he was thinking. “No need to compare me with those people. I always focus on a person’s substance. What are those rumors to me? I am hardly that shallow, judging everything by appearances. Setting everything else aside, just the fact that he put an end to that evil gang of bandits earns him my respect!”

Of course, it wasn’t as simple as Shangguan Wuyou made it sound. At the time, that gang of bandits had quite a few tricks up their sleeves, which Shangguan Wuyou had also paid attention to. So, when Han Yu eventually exterminated the bandits, Shangguan Wuyou conducted a detailed investigation of Han Yu, learning about his life and deeds, which led to his high regard for Han Yu. Especially since Han Yu had handled himself well just now, dealing with those who tried to charm or intimidate him with equanimity. Watching Deng Chen bring Han Yu over, Shangguan Wuyou went with the flow and made the connection.

Shangguan Wuyou, Deng Chen, and Han Yu were all individuals who attracted a lot of attention. So, when the three of them sat together, drinking and chatting, it led many to speculate and assess the situation. Some who had considered troubling Han Yu now weighed whether they should proceed, guessing at the relationship between Shangguan Wuyou and Han Yu. After all, everyone knew that without a close relationship, Shangguan Wuyou would not offer such treatment.

Han Yu took in the reactions of everyone present, his expression unchanged, yet a profound look flashed deep in his eyes.

At the banquet, a man seated opposite Shangguan Wuyou watched Han Yu and the others drinking and conversing spiritedly. His eyes narrowed viciously, betraying a dangerous signal: This youngster does have some ability, getting on Shangguan Wuyou’s good side so quickly. New grudges and old, he has ruined my plans. There are still accounts to be settled with this arrogant young man!

“A thousand cups of wine are not enough when friends meet. Xiu Qi is truly a kindred spirit. If it weren’t for the occasion being inappropriate, I would drink three hundred cups with you.” Shangguan Wuyou went from mere appreciation of Han Yu to a genuine sense of camaraderie. He had thought Han Yu, coming from a farming background, would be limited in his abilities and perspective. Yet, Han Yu had demonstrated extraordinary insight, with views and understandings closely matching his own. They found each other’s company agreeable.

“If Brother Run Zhi doesn’t mind, come to my Mansion some day. I’ll have my Wife prepare some dishes, and we’ll also invite Wei Qing to join us. Let’s drink to our heart’s content!”

“Nothing could be better than that. Run Zhi, you don’t know, but the food at Xiu Qi Mansion is excellent. Whether it’s the meals or the pastries, I haven’t found anything to match it,” Deng Chen said eagerly, looking forward to visiting Han Yu’s home.

“That sounds wonderful. If Xiu Qi doesn’t mind, I’ll bring my Wife too. She is as much of a foodie as Run Zhi and would never miss out on good food,” Shangguan Wuyou replied, a man who doted on his wife. He and his Wife had been childhood sweethearts, and upon growing up, he brought her home as his Wife. The couple lived wholeheartedly together, unlike other Young Masters who were surrounded by a bevy of wives and concubines. Even Deng Chen, who had no concubines, had a little girl in his room to attend to him.

Han Yu, having agreed with Deng Chen and Shangguan Wuyou, thought it was about time to go outside and meet Su Wenyue to take her home. His love and respect for his Daughter-in-law were apparent, earning another look of esteem from Shangguan Wuyou. Speaking of which, he too had to go and meet “that fierce little foodie” of his own. As Deng Chen observed the two men, he shook his head in amusement.