Chapter 171
Xu Ke was smiling as he sent messages to Lin Mengyao, but was suddenly overshadowed by two figures. Xu Ke’s eyes flickered with a dark glimmer. When he looked up and recognized them, his eyes were full of surprise, followed by deep nostalgia and emotion. “I really didn’t expect the first people I’d encounter after returning to Shangjing would be you two. Please, have a seat. What would you like to drink? It’s on me.” The joy in Xu Ke’s voice was so clear that anyone who wasn’t deaf could hear it plainly.
Yang Rongrong looked worriedly at Chu Lian.
Chu Lian pulled Yang Rongrong to sit opposite Xu Ke, her delicate face full of frost. “There’s no need for drinks. I just came in to clarify something with you.”
Xu Ke’s smile clearly grew stiff for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. “I don’t know what you want to say to me?”
“I know our two families once jokingly arranged an engagement for us when we were young, but you know it’s not the Republic era anymore. The practice of parental arranged marriages is long outdated, so I advise you to forget about the past. I will not marry you. I already have someone I love, and we are currently dating. Unless something unexpected happens, we will get married, so I don’t want you to bother me.”
Chu Lian spoke coldly, ignoring Yang Rongrong shaking her hand under the table.
“Lian’s words may have been a bit harsh, but she means no harm. She just hopes you won’t separate the lovebirds and ruin others’ happiness for personal gain.” Yang Rongrong said helplessly, casting a glance at Chu Lian before speaking to Xu Ke.
“Who is the person you like?” Xu Ke chuckled lightly and looked at Chu Lian as he asked.
“It’s Lian Xuan from the Lian Family.” Chu Lian’s gaze softened immediately when she mentioned Lian Xuan, evidently showing her love for him.
“So it’s him, you two are very well-matched.” Xu Ke said with a smile.
“Good that you know. I don’t want you to say anything to my parents that would ruin my happiness, understood?” Chu Lian raised her rounded chin and arrogantly looked at Xu Ke as she spoke.
Xu Ke placed his crossed hands on the table, speaking softly. His gentle tone made Chu Lian and Yang Rongrong blush immediately.
“Indeed, we were a bit rude on this matter, but I also hope you can understand—we just care too much and lose our reason, not intentionally.” Yang Rongrong felt an unprecedented heat on her face but still managed to finish her words with a slightly trembling voice.
“I hope you understand, marriage is a lifelong matter. To any girl, nothing brings more joy and happiness than marrying someone they truly love, so due to this reason, some impolite actions aren’t unforgivable, right?”
“You’re absolutely right. I forgive your earlier rudeness. So, would you like to stay and have a drink or leave now?” Xu Ke asked with a cheerful smile. His forgiving and magnanimous attitude made the previously aggressive Chu Lian and Yang Rongrong, who constantly defended Chu Lian, both avert their eyes in embarrassment.
“Let’s skip today; we’ll invite you another day.” Chu Lian became even more embarrassed under Xu Ke’s gaze, and quickly pulled Yang Rongrong away. On their way out, she even stumbled over a chair, looking rather like she was fleeing in defeat.
Xu Ke watched their retreating figures and only withdrew his gaze when they completely disappeared from sight. But the eyes that were full of the spring breeze a moment ago were now covered by wind and snow, leaving only coldness and a hint of murder.
“As foolish and reckless as ever,” Xu Ke said softly.
The reason he came to this place today, a place he once liked very much, was not because it was urgent, but just to encounter Chu Lian coincidentally. That flash drive, it contained a large part about the Chu Family.
Xu Ke narrowed his eyes, hiding all the murderous intent within. Though he still retained some of that aloofness, it was much better compared to earlier.
Even after leaving the café, the heat on Chu Lian and Yang Rongrong’s faces still hadn’t dissipated. The two girls looked at each other’s flushed cheeks with eyes full of shame.
“Was I too reckless just now? The other party did nothing, yet I lunged at them based on assumptions and said so much. I’ve really embarrassed myself.” Chu Lian stomped her foot, speaking with a bit of frustration.
“You can’t be blamed entirely. If I hadn’t dragged you over saying I saw him, you wouldn’t have charged in and said those things. If someone’s to blame, blame me.” Yang Rongrong said with guilt as she looked at Chu Lian, who seemed ashamed enough to want to hit her head against a wall.
“Don’t say that, how can I blame you? You only did it for my good. Oh, let’s not think about this. Anyway, the Xu Family is hosting a banquet tomorrow, I’ll prepare a gift to apologize. I don’t think he’ll hold it against a girl like me.” Chu Lian rolled her eyes and said softly.
“It’s still early now, let’s go pick out a gift for him first.”
“Alright, sure.”
The two girls who were previously troubled began to smile again, linking arms and indulging in a fresh shopping spree.
The Xu Family’s banquet arrived quickly, almost in the blink of an eye.
On this day, Xu Ke wore a black suit, with a shining tie bar on his gray-striped tie and the latest Cartier ruby cufflinks at his wrists. His new Patek Philippe watch peeked out from beneath the black suit, its occasional glimpse enough to dazzle.
Xu Ke donned a pair of ruby-encrusted glasses Housekeeper Zhao had brought, slicked his bangs back with hair gel, revealing a smooth forehead and eyebrows that extended towards his temples, and beneath them, those sharp eyes.
“In just the blink of an eye, the Family Head has grown up so well. If the old master saw how excellently you’ve grown, he’d be exceedingly relieved,” Housekeeper Zhao said with reddened eyes, looking at Xu Ke with benevolence. “The Family Head looks very handsome today; I doubt there’s a lady in Shangjing who can resist your charm.”
“Grandpa Zhao, please don’t praise me so much, you’re making me a bit embarrassed.” Xu Ke glanced helplessly at Housekeeper Zhao and then led the way to the hall where the banquet was being held.