Chapter 236: Visiting Grace Palace

After their quick lunch, Shen Yi—together with his wife—decided to pay Grace Palace Restaurant a visit. They dressed plainly so they wouldn't attract much attention and see what the restaurant's impression to the locals and tourist alike was. Together, most people would assume that they were just a tourist couple looking around the town to find some souvenirs.

Grace Palace Restaurant was situated deep in the central part of the town, but the path was blocked by several new restaurants that sprouted during the time when the Grace Palace lost its pillar of support.

"Until when are you going to ignore me?" Shen Yi trailed behind Lu Xinyi like a pet ignored by its owner. His wife kept her attention on the souvenir shops that offer trinkets and gifts exclusively available in this town. Some had started to put up decorations for the upcoming autumn festival.

"Until you can behave." Lu Xinyi hissed, refusing to give her husband a look.

"But Xinxin, didn't we agree that this is also our second honeymoon?"

The way Lu Xinyi stopped and turned around to face him was almost comical. She was mumbling something incoherent to herself and placed a hand on her hips.

"You are supposed to help me, Shen Yi. Not make fun of me—and for god's sake! Stop filming me!" Lu Xinyi glared at the video camera focused on her face. She sounded annoyed as she huffed and went back to check the nearest stall on her left.

"I'd say I'm sorry, but I'm not. You know, I would help, but making fun of you is so much more satisfying." Shen Yi amusedly replied.

"Stop laughing! It's not funny!" Lu Xinyi lifted her chin and huffed.

Shen Yi continued to record their strolling around the town. This was his better way to keep their memories together.

"I'm sorry, but you're really cute like this." He grinned. He was aware that he was testing her limit. Until when she could take all his teasing?

"Yeah, and you're really cute with a broken nose."

Shen Yi suppressed a grin threatening to spread on his lips. He kept his comments to himself for the meantime, not wanting to piss his wife too much. Else she would decide not to have a honeymoon during their stay.

When they reached the street where Grace Palace was located, people were buzzing on the pathway. The restaurant across Grace Palace had a long line of customers waiting for their turn.

Lu Xinyi raised her head to take in the sight of the Grace Palace Restaurant, but what they'd seen was different from what they had expected. The establishment had been long abandoned by the original owners, but the signage and the front facade of the restaurant were clean and neat.

"Have you been here before?" Lu Xinyi asked Shen Yi, but he was already ahead of her and had called someone from the inside of the closed restaurant.

A man in his late thirties emerged and greeted Shen Yi. Lu Xinyi followed her husband.

"Lu Xinyi, this is Yang Jian. He manages and keeps Grace Palace. Yang Jian, this is my wife, Lu Xinyi. I'm sure that my grandmother mentioned our visit for today."

Yang Jian gave Lu Xinyi a good look before smiling in approval. When Matriarch Shen called the other night to inform him about Shen Yi's impromptu visit with his wife, he'd been anticipating to meet the woman who successfully caught the attention of their impassive young master.

"It's a pleasure to meet the woman who was able to tame our young master." He grinned and offered a hand to shake with his new mistress. Shen Yi raised a brow but didn't say anything.

"Pleasure to meet you, too." Lu Xinyi shook Yang Jian's hand. She then gave the restaurant a quick glance. The signage was already worn out, but the inscription on it was still readable. "You've done a good job on keeping this place in one shape."

Yang Jian took a deep breath and wiped his forehead with a towel. He then led the couple inside the old restaurant. The visitor lounge had been prepared ahead of time. They sat in front of a low table that glimmered from cleanliness and with local foods served.

Shen Yi assessed the value of the property. With some minor renovations and a proper menu, Grace Palace could be open for business again.

"It wasn't easy, Madam Shen. The autumn festival is just on the corner. People are anticipating the upcoming cooking competition."

"Cooking competition?"

Lu Xinyi's eyes widened. She hadn't expected that there was a cooking battle included in the town's tradition during the autumn festival. Was it open for all, or was the competition for local chefs only?

"I don't see why you're so worked out about. Hasn't Grace Palace joined for some time now?" Shen Yi asked. The last time he visited Grace Palace, it was months away from the autumn festival; but everyone was already talking about it for some time.

He then noticed the amused glint on Lu Xinyi's eyes. "Do you want to participate?"

As if caught stealing from a cookie jar, Lu Xinyi flushed and nodded.

"I want to see if I can improve more by joining. Do they allow tourist to join?"

Yang Jian gaped as he stared at his masters. What? Young Madam could cook? He then frowned and crossed his arms on his chest.

"Young Madam, the competition is only for local restaurants only. It's part of the tradition for local restaurants to send their best chefs to compete, and Grace Palace hasn't been operational for years..."

"Don't forget that Lu Xinyi now owns Grace Palace." Shen Yi adjusted his cuffs and thanked Lu Xinyi for his cup of tea that she served.

"But Grace Palace..." Yang Jian hesitated. Shen Yi threw him a glare.

"You heard me. I don't repeat myself, Yang Jian."

"Yes, of course, Master Yi. As you wish."