The manor's back garden.
Amidst the lush greenery, the mirror-still lake rippled as a gentle breeze swept over it.
Night had fallen, but the central pavilion was brightly lit by fire.
A cast-iron grill was set up beneath a century-old wisteria vine, manned by a professional barbecue chef in a tall hat. The charcoal CRACKLED and SIZZLED as it rendered the fat from all kinds of meat skewers.
Several serious-faced attendants stood in the corners, a fire extinguisher placed by each of their feet, responsible for on-site safety.
A massive wooden table sat in the center of the lakeside pavilion, laden with drinks and side dishes prepared by the attendants.
In the very middle was an entire roasted lamb.
When the group arrived together, a rich, charred aroma filled the air, whetting everyone's appetite.
"It smells so good!"
Zheng Yanfei closed her eyes, took a deep sniff, and then darted her tongue out to lick her lips.
