Chapter 106 - 6: The Imported Red Wine Tastes Good
Chapter 106: Chapter 6: The Imported Red Wine Tastes Good
For banquets like this, every single step was coordinated behind the scenes by the most powerful, core scions. Only after they gained mutual support and acknowledgment would the details be finalized.
Si Mingxin was one of those qualified to do so. While he couldn’t influence Zhong Zimo’s ultimate decisions, he still had enough clout to secure two spots in a simple parlor game like this. Chu Chengxi, on the other hand, was frequently exposed to fine wines thanks to his elite family background. He possessed absolute confidence that he could utterly crush a clueless nouveau riche like Zhang Yan in this area.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yan led Xia Xiqing onto the stage and smiled at Zhong Zimo. "I’ve long heard that Eldest Young Master Zhong’s wine collection is the finest in Meng City! Opportunities like this are rare. Would it be possible for my female companion to have a taste as well?"
Zhong Zimo glanced at Xia Xiqing, who stood by Zhang Yan’s side like an aloof, unattainable beauty. Even he couldn’t help but be surprised by her loveliness. He thought, "This guy certainly knows how to treat a lady."
"Why not?" Zhong Zimo said. "The other guests are also welcome to invite their companions on stage for the tasting."
Prompted by his words, three more people—two women and one man—immediately stepped up from the audience. The man had the build of a model with a pretty-boy face. One of the women wore exquisite, charming makeup, while the other was the beautiful woman they had seen before, the one accompanying Chu Chengxi.
However, with Chu Chengxi watching this time, the woman didn’t dare make eyes at Zhang Yan again. But as she passed in front of Zhang Yan to get on stage, her swinging hand brushed against his crotch—whether intentionally or not, it was hard to say.
Both of them raised their eyebrows simultaneously.
For some unknown reason, Zhang Yan subconsciously glanced at Xia Xiqing beside him. Fortunately, she didn’t seem to have noticed a thing.
The four pairs of guests were now in position. The first three groups took turns tasting the eight bottles of red wine while Zhang Yan carefully observed their movements so he could mimic them later. He noticed that after Chu Chengxi finished drinking, the man gave him a meaningful look.
It was finally their group’s turn. Just as they were about to pour the wine, Zhang Yan frowned. "Why is this glass dirty?"
The nearby waiter’s expression changed drastically. He hurried forward. "I am so sorry, sir. I will immediately fetch you—"
"There’s no need. Just take this glass away." Zhang Yan casually took Xia Xiqing’s glass and poured the wine for her, pouring a little extra before handing it back. "You drink."
At this point, Xia Xiqing still hadn’t caught on to his little scheme. She foolishly obeyed, taking a sip of the red wine and rolling it around carefully in her mouth to savor the taste. She nodded, having already formed her judgment for this particular glass. She was just about to drain the rest of the wine when Zhang Yan reached out to stop her.
"There are still seven bottles left. It’s not good to drink too much," he said.
Thinking his words made sense, Xia Xiqing handed the glass to Zhang Yan, who was holding his hand out. Although it wasn’t a strict competition, to avoid the flavors of the different wines mixing, guests were provided with clean water to rinse their mouths and given a fresh glass after each tasting. She naturally assumed that Zhang Yan was going to hand the used glass over to the waiter to be cleared away.
Instead, Zhang Yan took the glass, smiled faintly, brought it to his own lips, and downed the remaining wine.
A faint, inexplicable fragrance seemed to linger on the rim of the glass. Mixed with the aroma of the wine, it gave off a distinctly unique flavor.
Xia Xiqing’s eyes widened slightly. An indescribable feeling instantly sprouted in her heart, and she subconsciously pursed her lips. However, she then noticed that her lipstick mark was on the opposite side of the rim. She breathed a sigh of relief, though that strange, fluttering feeling lingered in her chest, refusing to fade.
"Good wine!" Zhang Yan exclaimed.
He thought, "This imported wine really hits differently!"