Back at the farm, Yi Xing sat on a lounge chair outside, with a bottle of white wine on the table beside him.
Zhang Han had specifically bought it, having heard it was a local specialty, and wanted to try it.
Coincidentally, someone was returning early and brought it back; he also said that if anyone wanted to drink it, they could open a bottle to taste, as he had bought more than one.
Accompanied by beautiful women, fine wine, and a charming view—the three “beauties”—Yi Xing comfortably reclined in the lounge chair, his eyes slightly closed, enjoying the gentle evening breeze.
It was as if his entire being merged with the tranquil farm and the enchanting twilight.
Li Feier and Xu Qing sat beside him, equally immersed in the wonderful atmosphere.
They gently swirled the wine glasses in their hands, taking a small sip.
They couldn't say it tasted great, just that it was alright, especially since they had paid for it.
Unfortunately, this pleasant moment didn't last long.
Suddenly, music blared, followed by an electronic voice saying, “1, 3, 9...”
Hearing the familiar ringtone, Yi Xing pulled out the old-fashioned button phone from his pants pocket.
Honestly, he was a bit startled by the sound; it was simply too loud.
Without even checking who was calling, he answered it without hesitation.
Besides their own people, only the production crew would have this phone number.
“Hello, who is it?”
“It’s me. What’s the name of our farm?” Zhang Han’s voice came from the other end of the line, asking with some embarrassment.
“Brother Han, you can’t find it?”
“Just tell me the name quickly.”
Yi Xing covered the receiver and quietly asked the two people next to him, “What’s the name of the place we’re staying at?”
Of course, he didn't know the name; he hadn't booked this place.
Zhang Han booked the farm, yet he was asking Yi Xing—it was completely backwards.
The two older sisters both shook their heads; they didn't know either.
“We don’t know either. How about I drive to pick you up?”
“Then come quickly. We’re waiting for you at the entrance of this market.”
Zhang Han reported his location.
He wanted to bring the sisters home too, but he got lost while driving.
Whether departing from Rome or the farm, Yi Xing had led the way the entire time.
Zhang Han only needed to follow closely behind, not worrying about anything else, let alone memorizing the route.
“Alright, you and the sisters stay put there. I’ll be there right away.”
Yi Xing quickly hung up the phone and then burst into laughter.
He had been holding it in for too long; he hadn't expected even the tour guide to get lost.
“What are you laughing about?” Li Feier asked curiously.
“Brother Han and the others are lost. I need to go pick them up.”
Such a funny thing definitely had to be shared with everyone.
After laughing enough, he stood up, grabbed the car keys, and walked towards where the car was parked.
He knew the location of the market Zhang Han mentioned; they had passed it when they went for Chinese food.
At the time, people in the car had said they would go there later to buy groceries and other things, so he just needed to drive back along the same road.
Not long after, he saw Zheng Peipei standing by the roadside waiting.
He pulled the car to a stop in front of her, rolled down the window, and said with a teasing tone, “Sisters, hurry and get in.
I’m here to take you home.
I really don’t understand, how can a tour guide get lost?”
Hearing this, Zhang Han immediately rushed over, pretending to give the person in the car a fierce jab.
Yi Xing played along, letting out a pained cry, “Ouch, Brother Han, I was just joking.
There’s no need to resort to violence.”
“You brat, you’re even teasing me now.
Lead the way quickly.”
“Got it.”
Yi Xing responded, then turned the car around, leading the car behind him towards home.
He came alone, and he left alone; no one got in his car to chat.
He pressed harder on the accelerator and quickly returned to the farm.
He parked the car and walked to the car behind, opening its trunk.
Together with the sisters, he moved the items bought from the market into the living room and kitchen.
Those who knew how to cook went to their rooms to change into clothes they didn't wear often, then entered the kitchen, ready to show off their skills.
“Does anyone have any dietary restrictions?
Does anyone not eat spicy food?” Zheng Peipei walked out with a knife in her hand, startling everyone sprawled on the living room sofa into sitting upright, fearing they might accidentally upset her.
“I can eat anything.”
“Me too.”
“Xiao Xing, we forgot to buy staples.
Ask the production crew if they have any extra bento boxes and buy a few.”
Zheng Peipei noticed a certain idle person and assigned him a task.
They were heading to the next location tomorrow, so there was no need to specially buy rice.
In European countries, most staples are typically “noodle” or “bread” based; rice is rarely seen.
At least, the Hua Shao Group’s accommodation didn't have any.
Upon receiving the task, Yi Xing quickly went downstairs to find Director Liao, who was waiting nearby.
Another round of negotiations began; getting anything from the production crew without paying a price was utterly impossible.
“Director, you heard it too, right?
Name your price.
How much per bento box?”
“It's not that I don't want to give it to you; the quantities are all calculated.
You know our resources are also very limited.
But seeing as you really need it, how about 20 euros per bento box?” Director Liao said with difficulty, already looking forward to “extorting” these people again.
“Don’t think that just because we’re abroad now, the price control bureau can’t touch you.
Your pricing is too outrageous.
Forget it, we don’t want it.”
Yi Xing shook his head, preparing to leave.
Although he was prepared to be ripped off, this was a bit too much.
They were really treating them like suckers.
At this price, it would cost at least 100 euros, and a bowl of rice couldn’t possibly be filling.
“The price can be negotiated, don’t rush off!” Seeing that he was really about to leave, Director Liao panicked a little and quickly stepped forward to grab him, a wide smile plastered on his face.
“I don’t think you have any intention of negotiating properly.”
“How about this, you name a price, as long as it’s not too outrageous, it’s negotiable.”
He saw the person in front of him hold up a finger, paused, and then tentatively asked, “10 euros?
That’s not impossible, I can accept that.”
Then he saw the other person roll his eyes and say impatiently, “Director, you’re really dreaming, to even suggest 10 euros.
My offer is 1 euro per box.”
If he didn't have to get staples from the production crew right now, Yi Xing wouldn't even want to give 1 euro.
Converted to domestic currency, 1 euro for a bento box would be nearly 8 yuan, which was an unthinkable price.
“Impossible.
1 euro here can’t even buy a bread, let alone rice.
3 euros per box, no room for negotiation.”
“Alright then, here’s 21 euros, for a total of seven portions.
Don’t send less.”
“I won’t, don’t worry.”
Last time, Zheng Peipei had shown Yi Xing some bargaining and negotiation skills, and he immediately applied them to the situation, mastering them quite well.
Based on the local prices, pushing it down to between 3-6 euros was about right... Everyone gathered around the dining table, where 7 or 8 dishes, all prepared by the three master chefs Zheng Peipei, Liu Tao, and Zhang Kaili, were laid out.
Zhang Han raised his glass and said,
“Come, let’s all thank our three master chefs for their hard work and for providing such a sumptuous dinner, and also Xiao Xing for buying the bento boxes from the production crew.
Finally, I want to thank everyone for their understanding of me along the way.
I know I have many shortcomings, and I’ll drink this first as a toast!”
“Cheers!”
Everyone responded, and the crisp clinking of glasses echoed through the farm.
Everyone had joyful expressions on their faces, enjoying dinner in a warm and cheerful atmosphere.