Storm of Gods

Chapter 249 Testing
A maid carefully handed Ansel a bottle of red wine. "This bottle of red wine comes from Grand Consul Luther's private winery. Red wine needs to be decanted before drinking. Here you are, it's decanted now, and you can pair it with your meal later."

Li Xin looked at it and asked, "How many years has it been?"

Ansel glanced at the date. "It's been 36 years."

“You woke up a bit late. Red wine that has been stored for too long is best consumed within about two hours,” Li Xin said.

Ansel paused for a moment, his eyebrows twitching involuntarily, but since he was a VIP, he didn't dare to question him. He silently opened the red wine and poured it into the decanter.

"You can shake it gently, and an hour should be enough," Li Xin said.

Service is of course paramount, but Ansel hesitated. He dared not touch it; it was the rule of the Gourmet Association. He couldn't afford to damage such a delicacy. "Please wait a moment."

He had to consult with the head chef, because the chef had set the rules for this ceremony, and they didn't know the specific reasons. It was said that it was passed down from the Grand Consul.

Li Xin didn't care; in fact, he didn't care at all.

Christie wasn't surprised that Li Xin knew about red wine, but she was impressed that he dared to question the Gourmets Association; she thought that no one else had that kind of courage.

"Give it a try, their food is truly exceptional."

Each cold dish was a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate; such skill could only be achieved with exceptional knife work. Christie took a bite; it was her first time trying food from the Food Association, especially since it was the work of an elder.

Upon tasting it, Christie frowned slightly. Li Xin took a bite as well and exclaimed, "It's really delicious!"

Christie swallowed her food, placed a hand on her chest, and let out a soft breath. "It was absolutely delicious."

Faced with delicious food, Christie finally put down her work and enjoyed it like a normal girl. The combination of beauty and deliciousness was irresistible, and this kind of food was extremely tempting to awakened individuals.

With beautiful scenery, a lovely woman by their side, and Daoyuan's top-notch cuisine, the two of them forgot their troubles and enjoyed the moment. They didn't know when Ansel had returned and was shaking the decanter like a primary school student.

"Why do we need to decant the wine?" Christie asked curiously. There is red wine on the market in Lilong, but it doesn't need to be decanted and is drunk directly. She had been holding back for a long time but couldn't resist.

“Sway the wine until she’s dizzy, then drink it all when she’s not looking!” Li Xin laughed, then winked at Christie.

Christie, who had been seriously considering the matter, suddenly felt her pale cheeks flush when she saw that look in his eyes. This kid actually wanted to take the initiative?!

“Mr. Li, is this alright?” Ansel asked as if he had committed a crime, because the chef meant to do it according to the guest’s opinion.

The timing of the wine was wrong, causing it to clash with the timing of the main meal. This was a major mistake for the food connoisseurs' association, as all food has a specific cooking time and cannot be off-time. Unfortunately, this was the VIP's first formal meal, but Ansel still couldn't quite believe it.

"I'll give it a try," Li Xin said, pointing to the wine glass.

At this moment, Ansel knew he had met a big shot. It was said that only a very few people close to the Grand Consul in the Lilong royal family knew about this kind of ceremony. He finally understood that he could only be a manager.

Ansel's initial respect stemmed from the fact that the other party was a VIP of the Gourmet Association, but at this moment it came from the heart. Some people may seem ordinary, but they are actually quite shrewd. He was too superficial.

Li Xin poured a very moderate amount of red wine, picked up the glass, swirled it skillfully, smelled it, and then took a small sip. Christy didn't understand, but she felt it was very elegant, while Ansel bent down even lower.

"It's a little undercooked, but it'll do. Don't let it interfere with the main course; Mr. Bocuse's cuisine is the key." Li Xin nodded, thinking that if it's free, then he shouldn't be picky.

“Yes, sir.” Ansel was convinced. He ignored the rare and exquisite wine and was more interested in Mr. Bocuse’s food. Was this what a true friend was?
Ansel suppressed his shock and respectfully poured red wine into Christie's glass as well. Christie clearly noticed his expression; the service of a core member of the Gourmet Association was respectful yet proud. At first, it was just a job, but now it was different.

Her little man had won over this key member of the food association with just a few words and actions, even though she didn't know what the meaning behind it was.

She herself was no different. She still remembers the expression on Li Xin's face when he said, "Who is more noble than whom?" At that time, he did not know his own identity. His detached and calm gaze really made her heart tremble. It was that moment of confusion that led to the series of events that followed.

“Sister, red wine is the most suitable for women.” Li Xin raised his glass. The moonlight shining through the window above the bay shone on the crystal glass, reflecting a vibrant hue.

"So you really understand women that well," Christie said with a charming smile.

"Sister, what are you saying? I'm still a child."

Christie, who had been preparing to exchange a few moves, couldn't hold back any longer. "Is there really such a big child?"

The main course was bear paws from a snow bear. Looking at the braised bear paws in front of him, the steaming heat emanating a strong aroma, Li Xin's appetite was whetted. He ate heartily without any restraint. Red wine and bear paws—this old man really went all out! He wondered what conditions the old man would bring up later, but he didn't care. He just ate and thought about it later. He simply couldn't resist the temptation.

It was chewy, a tender chewiness that burst with juice in your mouth, leaving a lingering fragrance. A warm sensation coursed through my body, as if the energy I'd almost lost to the lion yesterday had been instantly replenished. This was truly an unexpected delight. The Gourmet Association certainly had something special. Christie also felt energized, as if her hidden injuries had healed. It's said that the Gourmet Association's food isn't just for enjoyment, but can also heal various hidden injuries; it seems that's true. Sometimes, food therapy is more stable than potions, with fewer side effects.

Li Xin and Christie had almost finished the bottle of red wine. It tasted better and better as it went on, and with Li Xin saying that red wine could make women more beautiful, their moods were even better. Li Xin, on the other hand, was finding it hard to resist Christie's infinite charm.

After the main course, there was fruit and dessert, which Li Xin was fine with, but Christie really liked it, especially the delicate desserts; it was clear she genuinely enjoyed them.

Two hours passed after the meal, and Li Xin and Christie had almost forgotten the purpose of their visit. At this moment, Bocuse came down with a glass of red wine. "Li Xin, you've finally decided to patronize my business. You're right, it really should have been more than two hours. It's a pity that it ruined your meal. We'll have to make up for it next time."

"I wouldn't dare come to this place so casually," Li Xin said with a smile. "After eating your delicious food, I can't eat anything else."

Bocuse laughed heartily, "Ansel, tell the others to rest. I'd like to chat with my two friends."

"Yes." Ansel respectfully withdrew and closed the door for the three of them.

"Let me introduce you. This is Miss Christy, from Hexbird News, my boss," Li Xin said. "This is Mr. Bocuse, the head chef of Blue Agate Restaurant."

Both men nodded in acknowledgment, clearly indicating that Bocuse knew something and the purpose of their visit.

"The Gourmets' Guild noticed it when the Hexbird News first appeared, and its spread was extremely helpful to the food scene. We just didn't expect it to develop to this point. Grand Archon Luther is indeed a remarkable figure in the history of Dao Yuan," Bocuse said with emotion. "Through the Anthony incident, the Hexbird News has finally gained a foothold in Montcareta."

"We've achieved some small successes, but the current situation is still precarious." Christie smiled slightly. She wasn't being modest; the Herdan Daily could lose countless times, but they couldn't afford to lose even once.

Bocuse remained noncommittal. Seeing how familiar Bocuse was with him, Li Xin didn't stand on ceremony either, "Bocuse, have you met Grand Consul Luther?"

Bocuse nodded. "I've met him before, but we're not close. However, the collaboration between the Gourmets' Association and the Grand Consul has been very pleasant."

Li Xin didn't think much of it, but Christie was hearing about it for the first time. She said that Grand Consul Luther was a powerful figure with connections to many secret forces, and that he had many friends and enemies. These were top-level secrets, and she didn't expect Bocuse to be willing to talk about them.

Li Xin didn't press further and returned to the main topic, "Actually, I'm here to discuss a collaboration. I've recently been commissioned by Prince Aklis to investigate the Visceral Demon case, and the Night Watchers are also investigating it. The current evidence points to the Dark Cuisine branch."

Bocuse smiled. "What is Miss Christy in charge of now?"

“The Night Watchers are here to protect the smooth development of Hexbird Society. We are assisting with this case at the invitation of the Funeral Directors. Mr. Bocuse should have heard of the Night Watchers’ mission: to uphold justice. We also want to do our part in catching the murderer,” Christie said, already in work mode.

“Miss Christie looks like a true Herdan, so how did she become a Night Watcher?” Bogus asked curiously.

Both sides are testing each other; they need to show some sincerity first.

Christie smiled gently. "My parents are Herdans, but I was born and raised in Dragon Capital. I worship the Moon Goddess. Actually, I've always wondered why Elder Bogus thinks so highly of Li Xin?"

Bocuse laughed. "Don't you think highly of him too?"

Christie's carefully cultivated work demeanor was almost broken. She knew it was easy to keep it from ordinary people, but it would be difficult for someone like Bocuse. However, she didn't expect him to subtly reveal the truth.

"Ahem, Bocuse, this is my boss."

“Yes, I really admire your boss,” Bocuse chuckled. “You’re also quite talented in food; how about joining the Gourmet Association?”

Before Li Xin could even speak, Christie flatly refused, "Elder Bocuse, you can't poach people like this! Li Xin is one of our Night Patrol members!"

Nightwatchers cannot join the Gourmets' Guild, and members of the Gourmets' Guild cannot be Nightwatchers.

“What a pity. Li Xin’s talent and luck are so bright on the path to becoming a gourmet,” Bocuse said. “Of course, it’s a bit of a shame that he joined the Gourmet Association. Our small association can’t handle it.”

Christie didn't know if Bocuse was being polite or what, but the Gourmets' Association was quite large and could coexist peacefully with all kinds of paths, which was extremely advantageous in the Sixth Age.

“Alright, Bogus, stop flattering each other. We’re all on the same side. There are people in Heldan who have a branch of dark cuisine, and they’ve been cultivating it for many years. We suspect they use human bodies to make food,” Li Xin said. There was no point in beating around the bush with an old fox like Bogus.

“No doubt about it, it’s him,” Bocuse said. “That’s why I came to Heldan.”

Li Xin and Christie both perked up. "You know who he is?" Christie asked.

(End of this chapter)