Chapter 294 - 171: Hair Standing on End
This sudden outburst startled Su Qi, who was walking beside her.
He paused, turned his head towards Han Lei, and saw that her delicate profile was tightly strained, her eyes almost spewing with anger.
Su Qi followed her gaze to the ground, indeed there were muddy footprints snaking in. But as someone seasoned in the military camp, he didn’t think it was a big deal.
With a slight pondering, he understood.
Han Lei was borrowing his place to shelter from the rain but let the attendants dirty his conference hall, which was a blow to his reputation, thus she deliberately made a big fuss.
And those few attendants who were scolded were retreating quickly, trembling in fear.
"It’s nothing, it’s nothing." Su Qi quickly waved his hand to mediate, wearing a gentle smile on his face. "I’ll have someone clean it up. Miss Wei need not mind."
He spoke, yet his gaze was involuntarily attracted to Han Lei’s reddening cheeks due to anger. The flush against her fair skin made her appear more vivid than before.
Upon hearing this, Han Lei turned around, her previous sharp aura instantly collected.
She curtsied gracefully towards Su Qi, her lowered eyelashes gently quivering, her tone filled with apology.
"I’m truly sorry, the servants don’t understand the etiquette and dirtied the General’s conference hall."
"It’s okay, it’s okay." Su Qi took the opportunity to assist Han Lei’s arm, helping her up.
𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺
In the presence of a beauty, he naturally wanted to appear magnanimous. Besides, he didn’t want those attendants to stay here either.
Thus, he waved to summon an attendant, signaling him to lead the servants to find another place for shelter.
Understanding his gesture, the attendant was about to lead the servants away when Han Lei suddenly spoke.
"Da Si!"
Being called by name, Da Si immediately stopped.
Han Lei’s soft voice reverted to the high and mighty tone of a noble lady.
"Go to the carriage and fetch two boxes of sauce-flavored fine wine I intended for Uncle. I shall gift them to Mr. Su."
"Yes!"
Da Si nodded respectfully and turned to leave.
Upon hearing this, Su Qi quickly waved his hand to decline, "That’s the wine you intended for Uncle? How can I..."
Though he spoke this, his gaze remained fixed on Han Lei’s delicate and lovely face.
Han Lei’s lips slightly curled, her eyes revealing a glimmer imperceptible to others.
"Sheltering here is also imposing on the General. A small gift, barely a token of respect, but I hope the General will accept it with a smile."
Han Lei spoke with such sincerity that Su Qi felt embarrassed to continue refusing.
"Uh... alright then. Thank you, Miss Wei."
The carriage was parked at the entrance of the conference hall, and Da Si soon returned with two exquisite brocade boxes. Just as he reached the threshold, Han Lei sharply called out.
"Stop!" She pointed at Da Si’s boots covered in mud, "Your feet are dirty, you mustn’t come in! Serve at the door, don’t wander far."
Da Si meekly responded and then stood by the door, only half of his shoulder visible from inside.
Han Lei personally walked to the door, her skirt swayed lightly, carrying a fragrant breeze.
When she took the brocade boxes, her fingertips lightly brushed Da Si’s hand, then she turned to walk towards Su Qi, again wearing a proper smile.
Watching Han Lei walk gracefully towards him, Su Qi unconsciously swallowed.
With a quick thought, he promptly said, "Since it’s Miss Wei’s wine, naturally it should be shared with Miss Wei. Uh... Why don’t I immediately instruct someone to prepare food and drinks, and for this flower borrowed to offer Buddha, we’ll call it welcoming Miss Wei."
Han Lei didn’t object, nodding slightly, indicating her agreement. The hairpin deliberately placed by her temples gently swayed with her movement.
She walked to the table, softly placing the stacked brocade boxes down, Su Qi delightedly pulled out a chair for her. Then went out to have food and drinks delivered.
Once the food and drinks were ready, Han Lei took the initiative to open the top brocade box.
Her movements were elegant and composed, her slender fingers deftly fetched two uniquely shaped grenade-like wine bottles.
"Pop" rang softly, she opened one lid, handing the bottle to Su Qi.
"You say this is wine?"
Su Qi took it, curiously inspecting it. The bottle in hand had a petite body, with a distinctive design, and he instantly smelled a rich aroma of wine. "Such fragrant wine!"
Han Lei slightly curled her red lips, seated herself gracefully as her skirt blossomed like petals at the edge of the stool.
"Has General Su ever heard of a wine called Drunken Immortal Brew?" Han Lei’s voice was soft yet carried a tinge of mystery.
Su Qi nodded, "Not only have I heard of it, but I’ve also tasted it! Drunken Immortal Brew is a superb wine, hard to procure even a single flask!"
He spoke, unwittingly rubbing the checkered bulge on the wine bottle.