It vanished in less than a second, replaced by a mischievous smile gracing Wan Zheng's lips.
His pair of phoenix eyes squinted slightly, adding to the charm of his handsome face.
"You're right. We should have a feast, since my dear brother suggested such a good way for this young master to make money."
Ji Yin hurriedly nodded, thinking it was a good idea and eager to flatter.
"Yes, yes…"
"Then Brother Ji Yin should treat me first. I'll treat you back later."
Wan Zheng's tone was playful, yet carried a trace of seriousness at the end of his words as he leaned back in the wooden chair.
"What… treat you? Me?"
Ji Yin stammered, confused and flustered.
He couldn't help but swallow hard and showed a stiff smile.
It was so sudden and unexpected that it cracked the facade he tried to keep.
What nonsense was this fool even saying?
Ji Yin thought angrily, wanting to scold Wan Zheng right to his face.
He looked at the young master before him, who appeared utterly indifferent to the words just spoken.
"Young Master Zheng must be in jest, I…I didn't even bring enough money with me today."
"You can put it under your name and pay it later. I know Mr. Zhang will understand."
Wan Zheng's casual remark made it sound as if everything was fine.
It was as though he truly trusted Ji Yin to settle the meal.
Furthermore, to leave the other person no excuse, he bound his last words with their relationship.
"I remember you borrowed 500 taels of silver from me three days ago for those fine new clothes from the Royal Capital. Surely my brother won't be stingy about treating me to such a little meal?"
Trying to refuse him, Wan Zheng would not allow it.
He stared back at the other's face, twisted as if he had swallowed something foul.
The other had probably already sensed something was wrong, yet Wan Zheng was certain Ji Yin would not dare run from him.
After all, this young master Zheng was the cash cow he could never afford to lose.
Not understanding what nonsense this fool was spouting, resentment clawed at Ji Yin's chest.
But he forced it down and smoothed his expression.
For the sake of his ties with Young Master Zheng, he bit his lip until it hurt and ground his teeth.
In the end, he gave a response that went against his heart.
"Brother speaks too heavily. This little food is nothing. I should be the one thanking Young Master for lending me the silver. Without it, I wouldn't have gotten the clothes I needed."
"Great, great. Then brother shall enjoy today's feast with me!"
Wan Zheng laughed, nodding with the haughty air of the former body owner.
He sounded very pleased to Ji Yin, which made the other feel more at ease in the moment.
Still, Ji Yin wanted to speak, preparing another excuse to avoid paying for the meal.
But before he could, the old waiter, Mr. Zhang, arrived with their food, followed by other waiters, leaving him no chance.
The small waiters greeted Wan Zheng with respect, bowed slightly, and set the dishes on the table one by one.
Bowls of rice, fried fish, chicken stew, braised pork belly, and more soon filled the table.
The sight alone could stir anyone's appetite, and the steam rising from each dish was enough to make an empty stomach growl.
Wan Zheng himself was no exception.
He hadn't eaten a single thing since arriving in this world and waking up in someone else's body, and hunger bit at him now.
Wan Zheng had actually planned to grab some steamed buns from a street stall for breakfast, but luck seemed to knock at his door.
Right in Ji Yin's body.
The moment he saw the other man's face, memories hit him like a hammer.
This was the guy who always tricked the original body owner into going to Lailou Inn, Peony Garden, and Mr. Han's Gambling Shop, spending money recklessly.
Now it was his turn to collect that money.
The dishes on the table kept coming, filling nearly every inch of space.
Without inviting the other, just like the original Wan Zheng would, he dug in first.
He tasted everything as if he were the one paying for it.
No shame at all.
Ji Yin stared, frozen, ready to speak, but Young Master Zheng ignored him, too busy eating to give him a chance.
Wan Zheng intentionally ignored the other, as he was someone who did not like speaking while eating.
If the other didn't lift their chopsticks, it was their problem.
By the time he finished the last sip of soup, he had already devoured four bowls of rice.
The other dishes were mostly untouched.
A few had been sampled, leaving only small portions behind.
"Mr. Zhang never fails me." Wan Zheng wiped his lips with the small napkin cloth already on the table.
He finally turned his attention to Ji Yin, whose eyebrows had briefly furrowed before meeting his gaze.
"Oh, why aren't you eating?"
"I… I'm not hungry." Ji Yin replied dryly.
"Not hungry, brother? That's a shame. You've got to try these dishes. That roast duck with honey glaze is incredible. It could easily beat anything in the Royal Capital."
Wan Zheng pretended to show a moment of dismay, then as quickly as the wind, called out to the nearest waiter.
"Boy, come here."
The young waiter ran over, clearly pleased to be called by the distinguished guest.
"Yes, Young Master?"
"Pack me a large bowl of plain white rice and all of these dishes. I'll take them out myself."
"Yes, Young Master… take out?" The boy looked confused and hesitant, unfamiliar with the idea.
The Lailou Inn had never offered takeout before, and it seemed no one had ever requested it.
Knowing this rural place was not as developed as the Royal Capital, Wan Zheng explained the concept, and the little waiter quickly caught on.
The little legs hurried off to tell Mr. Zhang, careful not to anger their God of Wealth.
At the mention of 'takeout,' Ji Yin sitting across the table froze, anger welling up inside him as he gritted his teeth.
This young master had the nerve to take out food and order more on top of that!
Shameless, utterly shameless!