Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1225: Attending the Banquet
Previously on Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies...
Chapter 1225: Attending the Banquet
The mining of the Elemental Stone deposit was bound to proceed without interruption.
Zhang Yi made this determination, intending to assign overseers for the task. Furthermore, personnel from the Jiangnan Region would be required to join, ensuring no foul play occurred during the distribution process.
Once these issues had been addressed, Zhang Yi bid farewell to Qin Qigong and readied himself to head back to the Jiangnan Region.
Qin Qigong responded with courteous remarks before accompanying Zhang Yi to the exit.
Upon reaching his lodging, Zhang Yi noticed from afar two stunning ladies dressed in Snowy Plateau traditional outfits, standing quietly at the entrance amid the swirling wind and snow.
The moment he approached, the pair advanced promptly to welcome him.
"Honorable Chaos!"
Zhang Yi identified them as servants from Pagyi Gesang's group.
That elderly fellow appeared unsightly and overweight, yet his followers were youthful and attractive."What brings you here?" Zhang Yi inquired, smiling gently.
One servant clasped her hands together and addressed Zhang Yi, "Our master has arranged a feast to celebrate your success, and he specifically dispatched us to escort you there."
Zhang Yi abruptly recalled the detail. He remembered that prior to his journey to the Qinling Mountains, Pagyi Gesang had brought up such an invitation.
Yet upon his return, the thought had slipped his mind.
"I figured it was mere courtesy, not realizing he meant to follow through," Zhang Yi murmured under his breath.
He harbored no deep affection for the plump man from the Southwest Region, nor any particular disdain.
In truth, he lacked the inclination to involve himself in others' concerns.
Nevertheless, Pagyi Gesang had consistently shown him utmost respect. Since the promise was made, Zhang Yi hesitated to decline.
For safety's sake, he told the two servants, "Should Chief Pagyi have set up a grand meal, I wouldn't want to partake without my loved ones. Might I invite my family along?"
The servants shared a quick look, then bowed with smiles toward Zhang Yi.
"Absolutely! Lord Pagyi mentioned this gathering is meant for you, along with your kin and companions."
Zhang Yi laughed lightly and asked them to remain outside while he went inside to gather the others.
The family showed little astonishment upon learning of Pagyi Gesang's dinner invitation.
Given Zhang Yi's immense influence and position now, many sought to gain his favor.
"It could simply be a casual meal. We should attend," Zhou Ke'er suggested, hooking her arm through Zhang Yi's with a grin.
Yang Xinxin agreed with a nod.
Zhang Yi grinned and replied, "With a host providing, why not join in? You see, the Pagyi family boasts an exceptional chef; his creations linger in your thoughts. The mere idea has me salivating already!"
Zhang Yi had sampled countless gourmet delights, but Pagyi Luodan, the superhuman cook traveling with Pagyi Gesang, crafted meals of unparalleled flavor, outshining even Shengjing's top state banquet specialists.
Though uncertain about Pagyi Gesang's true intentions, the group viewed it as a final indulgent repast before departing Shengjing, which appealed to all.
Guided by the two servants, they reached the Southwest Region's interim quarters.
Well before stepping into the yard, a captivating, mouthwatering scent drifted on the breeze.
Hua Hua, nestled in Yang Xinxin's embrace, perked up its head, eyes gleaming as it eagerly sniffed to pinpoint the aroma's origin.
Spotting Zhang Yi's arrival, those within rushed to notify their leader.
Moments later, Pagyi Gesang lumbered forward, hauling his heavy frame with a beaming expression to receive them.
"Esteemed Lord Chaos, and your dear ones, I'm truly grateful for your presence! Pagyi Gesang feels profoundly privileged."
Pagyi Gesang offered Zhang Yi a deep, formal bow.
Zhang Yi hastened to support him upright.
"Chief Pagyi, there's no need for such ceremony. We're the ones grateful for your effort in hosting this supper."
Following brief pleasantries, Pagyi Gesang ushered Zhang Yi and his group indoors.
As they stepped in, Zhang Yi's gaze swept over the surroundings.
Southwest Region folks donned their regional attire: cotton jackets with removable sleeves, hair bound by scarves or ties.
However, under those outfits, glimpses of advanced combat gear peeked from the edges.
Within the dwelling, every assistant was a youthful, lovely servant girl.
Relative to Zhou Ke'er and her companions, their features were merely refined, lacking true allure.
Even so, such grace was rare on the Snowy Plateau; certain women appeared sourced from the Sichuan-Chongqing region, their skin notably pale and enchanting.
As a handful entered the chamber, the servants provided exceptional care.
Even Fatty Xu, still nursing his recent romantic loss, got flanked by two attendants aiding him with his jacket.
Flustered yet pleased, Fatty Xu eyed them and sighed inwardly.
Their appearance and soft demeanor paled beside Li Yangyang's.
Truly, when guys begin to boast, ladies hold little ground, he reflected silently.
Zhang Yi and the rest claimed spots at the large central round table.
The host, Pagyi Gesang, occupied the prime position, with Zhang Yi seated beside him.
With all visitors present, the servants swiftly served the ready courses.
The spread proved astonishingly opulent. Though Zhang Yi had savored numerous fine cuisines, he conceded none rivaled this banquet.
Lifting the covers unveiled a stunning variety of dishes that instantly whetted hungers, amplified by the bewitching smells permeating the space.
Zhang Yi gulped subtly; such instinctive response to delectable sights was unavoidable.
He wasn't the only one; his companions displayed matching responses.
Pagyi Gesang gestured, accepting a leather flask from a servant, and personally filled glasses with highland barley wine for Zhang Yi and the group.
"This represents our Snowy Plateau's finest brew. Kindly sample it, all of you!"
Pagyi Gesang declared cheerfully.
His deferential conduct invited no fault.
He lifted his glass and announced, "I appreciate your attendance. Here's to you all!" With that, he emptied it swiftly.
Zhang Yi eyed his own glass briefly, paused, then sipped as well.
Zhang Yi's family routinely used antidotes against unintended toxins or plots, hence their vigilance.
During the rounds of cheers and glass exchanges, Pagyi Gesang's attentiveness stood out remarkably. Without prior knowledge of his command over underlings, one might doubt his stature as a prominent tusi in the Southwest Region.
Observing Pagyi Gesang, Zhang Yi sensed mounting curiosity.
The Southwest Region held unique traits. Due to the mystic sect's influence, it functioned under a theocratic rule blending faith and authority.
External meddling was rare.
This Shengjing visit featured merely a mid-level envoy to convey their position.
Pagyi Gesang's excessive cordiality toward him exceeded what other regional delegates experienced.
Author's Note