Chapter 1073: Beneath the Smiles

While countless people across Imperial celebrated the unexpected glimpse into Han Yue Ling and Lu Tian’s marriage, not everyone welcomed the news.

Some watched the photograph with admiration.

Others with envy.

And for a certain woman sitting behind an executive desk at Ji Corps, the photograph was enough to ignite a fury she could barely contain.

*Bang!

A phone struck the polished surface of the desk before sliding across it and crashing against a stack of documents.

Ji Chu Hua sat rigidly in her leather chair, her chest rising and falling with sharp, uneven breaths.

Her eyes remained fixed on the device.

The photograph was still displayed on its screen.

Two hands intertwined beneath a beautifully illuminated tree.

Two wedding rings.

A declaration of love that needed no explanation.

Her fingers curled into fists.

’Han Yue Ling.’

That woman again.

No matter where she looked, no matter what she did, everything seemed to revolve around her cousin.

Her businesses.

Her reputation.

The admiration of countless people.

And now, Lu Tian.

The one man Ji Chu Hua wanted more than anything.

She had known about their marriage. The announcements had been impossible to ignore, although neither Yue Ling nor Lu Tian had personally addressed the public speculation.

Some had even questioned whether the marriage was genuine.

Ji Chu Hua had clung to those doubts, however unreasonable they were.

But now?

Yue Ling had willingly shown the world that she was happy.

Worse, she had shown everyone that she was proud to belong to Lu Tian.

And he belonged to her.

The thought made Ji Chu Hua’s stomach twist.

"Miss Ji?"

A hesitant voice interrupted her thoughts.

Ji Chu Hua slowly lifted her head.

Her assistant stood near the desk, holding a folder against her chest.

The young woman had witnessed her employer’s sudden outburst but had no idea what had caused it.

"Leave."

The assistant stiffened.

"Miss Ji, there are still several documents requiring your signature before the afternoon meeting."

Ji Chu Hua’s eyes narrowed.

"Did you not hear me?"

The assistant swallowed.

"I understand, but Director Wang’s department needs—"

Ji Chu Hua snatched the pencil holder from her desk.

*Crash!

The object flew past the assistant’s shoulder and struck the wall behind her.

Pens scattered across the floor.

The young woman flinched violently.

"I SAID GET OUT!"

Ji Chu Hua rose from her chair, her face twisted with rage.

"Get the hell out of my office! I’ll sign those damn documents when I’m ready!"

The assistant’s face drained of color.

"Y-yes, Miss Ji."

She bowed hurriedly before rushing toward the door.

Only when it closed did Ji Chu Hua sink back into her chair.

Her breathing remained heavy.

She pressed her fingers against her temples, trying to suppress the anger burning beneath her skin.

But the more she thought about the photograph, the worse it became.

She could almost imagine Yue Ling standing beneath that tree, smiling at Lu Tian.

She could imagine the way he looked at her.

That infuriating tenderness he never showed anyone else.

Ji Chu Hua’s nails dug into her palms.

’What makes you so special?’

She had beauty.

Status.

A place within the Ji family.

She had spent years cultivating the image of a refined and accomplished woman.

Yet everyone’s attention went straight to Yue Ling.

She thought back to the hospital and the boutique.

He barely acknowledged her existence.

The memory of his cold indifference made her cheeks burn.

"Just wait," she whispered.

Her gaze returned to the phone.

It was a new device, purchased only recently after she had destroyed the previous one during another fit of anger.

For several seconds, she stared at it.

Then she opened the drawer beside her.

Inside lay another phone.

Gui Ting Fei had purchased it for her, joking that she needed a spare in case she destroyed yet another device.

At the time, she had laughed.

Now, she was grateful for his foresight.

Ji Chu Hua retrieved the phone and powered it on.

After locating a familiar number, she pressed the call button.

The line rang three times.

Then someone answered.

"Ji Chu Hua?"

The man’s voice carried unmistakable irritation.

"Why are you calling me? Didn’t we agree not to contact each other during working hours?"

Ji Chu Hua rolled her eyes but made her voice extra sweet.

"Ning Xingyu, when exactly are you planning to fulfill your part of our agreement?"

There was a brief silence.

Then a laugh sounded through the receiver.

"Ah. So that’s why you’re calling."

His amusement deepened.

"Let me guess. You saw the post."

Ji Chu Hua’s expression darkened.

"Don’t play games with me."

"How could I possibly miss it? Half my company has been talking about it since early this morning."

"Then you understand why I’m calling."

"Because your cousin is happy?"

"Because she’s getting married!"

Ning Xingyu chuckled.

"Well, their wedding is in the works."

Ji Chu Hua’s grip tightened around the phone.

"Don’t test my patience."

"Relax. I’m merely stating a fact."

She drew a sharp breath.

"If Yue Ling goes through with that wedding, you can forget about getting close to her. Do you honestly think Lu Tian will allow you anywhere near his wife?"

Ning Xingyu fell silent for a moment.

Then he laughed again.

"You sound awfully concerned about my chances."

"I’m concerned about our agreement."

"Of course you are."

His tone suggested he believed otherwise.

Ji Chu Hua’s jaw tightened.

She had little patience for his teasing.

Their arrangement was simple.

Ning Xingyu wanted Yue Ling.

Ji Chu Hua wanted Lu Tian and to become Ji Corps Chairwoman.

As far as she was concerned, their interests aligned perfectly.

All they needed was an opportunity to separate the couple.

"You’re wasting time," she said coldly.

"Am I?"

"Every day you delay gives them another chance to strengthen their relationship."

"And every day you spend obsessing over their relationship is another day you’re neglecting your own problems."

Ji Chu Hua frowned.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Tell me something. Has the old man announced his successor yet?"

Her expression changed.

Ning Xingyu noticed the silence.

"I’ll take that as a no."

"That’s none of your concern."

"On the contrary. Your position at Ji Corps is rather important to our arrangement."

Ji Chu Hua leaned back in her chair.

Her thoughts returned to the board meeting earlier that morning.

No formal announcement had been made concerning Grandfather Ji’s retirement.

Yet the atmosphere had been noticeably tense.

The question of succession had lingered beneath every discussion.

Half the board appeared willing to support her when the time came.

The other half remained unconvinced.

Some directors questioned her experience.

Others believed the final decision should rest entirely with Grandfather Ji.

And several had made it painfully clear that they would not support her without his endorsement.

That was the problem.

Her grandfather had never promised her anything.

Despite everything she had done to establish herself within the company, the old man continued to treat her as though she had yet to prove her worth.

Worse, she knew how much he favored Yue Ling.

The thought made her blood boil.

Yue Ling already had An Qing, and De L’amour.

Was that not enough?

Did she intend to take Ji Corps as well?

"Ji Chu Hua?"

Ning Xingyu’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

She straightened.

"Just do your part."

He chuckled.

"Don’t worry. I have my plans."

"I hope so."

"And you should focus on securing your position. It would be unfortunate if you lost everything before I made my move."

Ji Chu Hua’s eyes narrowed.

"Watch your mouth."

"Then stop calling me whenever your cousin does something that upsets you."

Before she could respond, the call ended.

Ji Chu Hua stared at the screen.

For a moment, she was tempted to throw the second phone across the room.

Instead, she slowly lowered it.

Ning Xingyu was arrogant.

Infuriatingly so.

But he had a point.

She could not afford to lose sight of Ji Corps.

Not when the question of succession remained unresolved.

Her gaze shifted toward the documents scattered across her desk.

After several minutes, she reached for the office telephone.

"Send my assistant back in."

A short while later, the office door opened.

The assistant entered cautiously, carrying the documents she had been ordered to bring earlier.

Her gaze briefly flickered toward the wall where the pencil holder had struck.

The scattered pens had already been collected by a member of the cleaning staff, but the memory of the outburst remained fresh.

"Miss Ji?"

Ji Chu Hua looked up.

The fury that had twisted her expression earlier was gone.

In its place was a gentle smile.

"Come in."

The assistant hesitated before approaching.

Ji Chu Hua stood and walked around her desk.

"I’m sorry about earlier."

The young woman blinked.

"I..."

"I received some upsetting news," Ji Chu Hua continued softly. "I allowed my emotions to get the better of me and lost my temper."

She reached for the documents.

The assistant instinctively flinched.

Ji Chu Hua noticed.

For the briefest moment, irritation flickered in her eyes.

Then she smiled again.

"There’s no need to be frightened. I shouldn’t have taken my frustration out on you."

"Of course, Miss Ji."

The assistant lowered her gaze.

Ji Chu Hua accepted the folder.

"Leave these with me. I’ll review them myself."

"Yes, Miss Ji."

The young woman bowed and turned toward the door but Ji Chu Hua stopped her.

"Oh, one more thing."

She paused.

"Please arrange a private meeting with Director Wang at our usual spot."

The assistant nodded.

"When would you like to meet him?"

"As soon as his schedule permits. Preferably today."

"Understood."

"And keep it discreet."

The assistant paused.

Then she bowed again.

"Yes, Miss Ji."

After the door closed, Ji Chu Hua returned to her desk.

She placed the documents in front of her and crossed one leg over the other.

A faint smirk curved her lips.

Director Wang had been among the strongest supporters of her succession.

If she wanted to secure her position, she needed to strengthen that support before Grandfather Ji made any decisions.

As for Yue Ling...

Ji Chu Hua glanced at the phone lying beside her.

The photograph remained etched in her mind.

’Enjoy your happiness while you can, Cousin.’

Her smile widened.

’Let’s see how long it lasts.’

Elsewhere in Imperial, Yue Ling remained blissfully unaware of her cousin’s latest schemes.

Her morning at De L’amour had passed without incident.

After reviewing several design proposals and making her rounds through the departments, she returned to her office to finish a few remaining documents.

By the time she glanced at the clock, it was nearly lunchtime.

She had promised Zhao Ya’Er they would meet.

And knowing the woman’s enthusiasm, Yue Ling suspected she would receive several impatient messages if she arrived late.

Fortunately, the restaurant was only a short drive away.

It was a well-established dining establishment frequented by prominent business figures, wealthy families, and visiting executives.

Yue Ling had initially suggested somewhere quieter.

But Zhao Ya’Er had insisted on trying the restaurant’s newly introduced menu.

Apparently, she had been waiting weeks for the opportunity.

In the end, Yue Ling had agreed.

After informing Liu Shan that she would be out for lunch, she gathered her belongings and left.

The restaurant was already crowded when Yue Ling arrived.

Soft instrumental music drifted through the dining area, mingling with the quiet conversations of its guests.

Elegant chandeliers illuminated the interior, while large windows overlooked the busy streets of Imperial.

Most of the private dining rooms had been reserved.

As a result, Zhao Ya’Er had secured a table near the windows, partially enclosed by decorative sliding screens that provided a measure of privacy.

Yue Ling spotted her almost immediately.

The woman was seated with her phone in hand.

However, the moment Zhao Ya’Er looked up, her expression brightened.

"Yue-Yue!"

She quickly stood.

"My goodness! How long has it been?"

Yue Ling smiled as Zhao Ya’Er hurried toward her.

Before she could answer, the woman wrapped her arms around her.

"Gosh! My cousin is keeping you all to himself!"

Yue Ling returned the embrace with a light laugh.

"You’re exaggerating."

"Am I?"

Zhao Ya’Er pulled back and gave her an accusing look.

"I hardly see you anymore."

"We saw each other recently."

"Exactly. Recently. Not today, not yesterday, not every other day."

Yue Ling raised an eyebrow.

"Would you like me to send you my daily schedule?"

Zhao Ya’Er laughed.

"Don’t tempt me."

The two women returned to their seats.

A waiter approached with glasses of water and handed them their menus.

After thanking him, Yue Ling placed her handbag beside her chair.

She had barely settled in when Zhao Ya’Er leaned forward.

"So."

Yue Ling looked at her.

"So?"

"Don’t give me that innocent look."

"What look?"

"The one you’re giving me right now."

Yue Ling chuckled.

Zhao Ya’Er lowered her voice conspiratorially.

"Tell me everything."

"About what?"

"Yue-Yue!"

Several nearby diners glanced in their direction.

Zhao Ya’Er immediately lowered her voice.

"Your post!"

Yue Ling reached for her water.

"What about it?"

"Was it another proposal?"

Yue Ling paused.

Zhao Ya’Er’s eyes sparkled.

"Did my cousin propose to you again?"

A soft smile touched Yue Ling’s lips.

"No. He didn’t."

"Oh?"

"The first times were already beautiful enough."

Her gaze lowered briefly toward the water in her glass.

Memories surfaced.

The lanterns rising into the night sky.

The gentle glow of water lanterns drifting across the lake.

Lu Tian’s voice.

His promises.

The love he had offered her without hesitation.

Both proposals had been unforgettable.

But the one by the lake held a tenderness that would remain with her for the rest of her life.

It had not simply been a promise between husband and wife.

It had also been a quiet remembrance of the child they had lost.

Their little one.

A life they had never been given the chance to hold.

Yue Ling’s fingers rested lightly against her glass.

Zhao Ya’Er noticed the subtle change in her expression.

Her excitement faded.

"Yue-Yue..."

There was immediate regret in her voice.

She knew what those memories meant.

Yue Ling looked up.

Seeing the concern in her friend’s eyes, she smiled gently.

"Don’t give me that look."

Zhao Ya’Er pressed her lips together.

"I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—"

"There’s nothing to apologize for."

Yue Ling’s voice remained soft.

"Those memories are precious to me."

She glanced down at the engagement ring on her finger. L’amour de ma vie.

"And they always will be."

Zhao Ya’Er’s expression softened.

For a moment, neither woman spoke.

Then Yue Ling picked up her menu.

"Besides, last night wasn’t about Tian proposing to me."

Zhao Ya’Er blinked.

"What?"

Yue Ling glanced at her over the menu.

"It was me proposing to him."

Silence.

Zhao Ya’Er stared.

Her lips parted.

Then closed.

She blinked once.

Twice.

"Wait."

Yue Ling smiled.

Zhao Ya’Er leaned closer.

"You’re telling me..."

"Yes."

"You proposed..."

"Yes."

"To my cousin?"

Yue Ling lowered her menu.

"How many cousins named Lu Tian do you have?"

Zhao Ya’Er stared at her for another second.

Then she burst into laughter.

"Oh, Yue-Yue!"

She covered her mouth, trying to keep her voice down.

"You’re really something else!"

Yue Ling shook her head in amusement.

Zhao Ya’Er grinned.

"No wonder my cousin is completely head over heels for you."

"Is that so?"

"Of course!"

She leaned back in her chair.

"Do you have any idea how many people would faint if they knew your post was actually a proposal?"

Yue Ling smiled.

"I wasn’t proposing to those people."

Zhao Ya’Er laughed again.

"Fair enough."

Yue Ling nudged the menu toward her.

"Now, hurry up and decide what you’re ordering. I only have an hour for lunch."

"All right, all right."

Zhao Ya’Er picked up the menu.

For a few moments, both women studied the available dishes.

Then—

*Thud!

Zhao Ya’Er dropped her menu onto the table.

"Wait a minute!"

Yue Ling looked up.

"What now?"

Zhao Ya’Er leaned forward.

"You proposed to my cousin?"

"We’ve established that."

"But can you actually do that?"

Yue Ling frowned.

"Do what?"

"Propose to a man."

Yue Ling stared at her.

Then she slowly lowered her menu.

"Zhao Ya’Er, there’s no rule saying a woman can’t propose to a man."

Zhao Ya’Er blinked.

"Oh."

She considered this then her expression changed.

A slow, mischievous smile spread across her face.

"I see..."

Yue Ling narrowed her eyes.

"What are you thinking?"

"Nothing."

"Ya’Er."

Zhao Ya’Er immediately raised her menu to hide the lower half of her face.

"Just taking notes."

A suspicious giggle escaped from behind the menu.

Yue Ling stared at her then understanding dawned.

"Xu Long?"

Zhao Ya’Er’s eyes widened above the menu.

"I didn’t say anything!"

"You didn’t have to."

Zhao Ya’Er laughed.

Yue Ling shook her head.

She could already imagine the thoughts running through the woman’s mind.

In the long run, if Xu Long continued taking his time, Zhao Ya’Er might very well decide to propose to him herself.

And judging by the gleam in her eyes, she was seriously considering it.

Yue Ling decided it was best not to encourage her.

"Choose your food."

Zhao Ya’Er lowered her menu.

"You’re no fun."

"I’m saving Xu Long from a surprise."

"Who says he’d complain?"

Yue Ling chuckled.

"Then perhaps you should ask him."

Zhao Ya’Er’s smile widened.

"Maybe I will."

Yue Ling silently offered Xu Long her sympathy.

The waiter returned a few minutes later.

Yue Ling ordered a simple pasta dish and a drink.

Zhao Ya’Er, on the other hand, appeared determined to experience everything the restaurant’s new menu had to offer.

She ordered an appetizer, a main course, and two desserts.

Yue Ling watched her in amusement.

"Are you planning to finish all of that?"

Zhao Ya’Er looked offended.

"Of course."

"All of it?"

"Absolutely."

Yue Ling glanced at the waiter.

"Please make sure she has enough room on the table."

The waiter struggled to suppress a smile.

Zhao Ya’Er laughed.

"Don’t worry. I’ll share the desserts with you."

"I didn’t ask for dessert."

"That’s why I’m ordering it for you."

Yue Ling shook her head.

There was no arguing with her.

Once their food arrived, the two women settled into an easy conversation.

They discussed work, mutual acquaintances, and the upcoming wedding.

Zhao Ya’Er was particularly interested in the preparations.

She wanted to know whether Yue Ling had chosen her dress, whether the guest arrangements were complete, and whether Lu Tian had finally stopped interfering with every little detail out of concern for his wife.

Yue Ling answered what she could.

She also made it clear that Lu Tian’s protective tendencies were unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

Zhao Ya’Er found that especially amusing.

"He’s always been like that," she said between bites. "Even when we were younger, he had this terrible habit of acting like he knew what was best for everyone."

Yue Ling smiled.

"That hasn’t changed."

"But now he has someone who actually argues with him."

"Someone has to."

Zhao Ya’Er laughed.

"You’re perfect for each other."

The conversation continued until their plates were nearly empty.

By the time Zhao Ya’Er finished her second dessert, Yue Ling glanced at the clock.

Her lunch break was almost over.

"I should head back soon."

Zhao Ya’Er sighed.

"Already?"

"I told you I only had an hour."

"Yes, but I was hoping you’d forget."

Yue Ling gave her an amused look.

"Unfortunately for you, I haven’t."

Zhao Ya’Er leaned back in her chair.

"Fine. Next time, we’re having a proper afternoon together."

"We’ll see."

"No. No ’we’ll see.’ You’re agreeing right now."

Yue Ling laughed.

"All right."

Satisfied, Zhao Ya’Er raised her hand to request the bill.

Several minutes passed.

No one approached.

She glanced toward the service counter.

"That’s strange."

Yue Ling looked up.

"What is?"

"The bill."

"Perhaps they’re busy."

Zhao Ya’Er waited another moment before signaling a passing server.

"Excuse me. Could we have our check, please?"

The server smiled politely.

"I’m sorry, Miss, we’ve been so busy due to the afternoon rush but your meal has already been paid for."

Both women paused.

Yue Ling frowned.

"Paid for?"

"Yes, Miss."

Zhao Ya’Er looked confused.

"By whom?"

The server glanced toward the bar.

"That gentleman over there."

She discreetly gestured toward a group of men standing near the far end of the dining area.

Yue Ling and Zhao Ya’Er turned.

Three men stood beside the polished bar counter.

Two were engaged in conversation, while the third held a glass loosely in one hand.

He wore a tailored suit that complemented his tall figure, his appearance refined and carefully composed.

There was an easy confidence in the way he stood.

The kind that suggested he was accustomed to being noticed.

As though sensing their attention, the man turned.

His gaze found Yue Ling almost immediately.

Then he smiled.

A slow, deliberate smile.

Yue Ling’s expression dimmed.

Beside her, Zhao Ya’Er’s brows drew together.

"Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me."

The man lifted his glass slightly in greeting.

It was Ning Xingyu.

For a moment, Yue Ling said nothing.

Her eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

She had not expected to encounter him here.

And judging by the pleased expression on his face, he was rather satisfied with the opportunity.

Zhao Ya’Er turned back toward the server.

"Please tell him we appreciate the gesture, but we’ll pay for our own meal."

The server hesitated.

"I’m afraid the payment has already been processed, Miss."

Zhao Ya’Er pressed her lips together.

"Of course it has."

Yue Ling remained quiet.

Her gaze shifted briefly toward Ning Xingyu, who had resumed speaking with his companions.

However, the occasional glance he cast in her direction made one thing clear.

He was waiting for a reaction.

Perhaps even an invitation to approach.

Yue Ling had no intention of giving him either.

She reached into her handbag and retrieved her wallet.

"Then please have someone bring the restaurant manager over."

The server blinked.

"Miss?"

"I’d like to settle the amount directly."

Zhao Ya’Er’s expression brightened.

"Exactly."

The server nodded.

"Of course. One moment, please."

After the woman departed, Zhao Ya’Er leaned toward Yue Ling.

"Does he seriously think buying us lunch is going to impress you?"

Yue Ling calmly placed her wallet on the table.

"Apparently."

Zhao Ya’Er glanced toward the bar again.

"I’ve never liked the way he looks at you."

Yue Ling followed her gaze.

Ning Xingyu was still smiling.

But there was something unsettling about the confidence behind that smile.

As though he believed their meeting was only the beginning of something.

Yue Ling looked away.

"Then don’t give him the satisfaction of knowing he’s bothered you."

Zhao Ya’Er exhaled.

"You’re right."

She picked up her glass.

"Still, I wish my cousin were here."

Yue Ling raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

Zhao Ya’Er gave her a knowing look.

"Because I’d love to see Ning Xingyu try that little stunt in front of him."

A faint smile touched Yue Ling’s lips.

"Tian wouldn’t be amused."

"Exactly."

The two women exchanged a glance.

Then Zhao Ya’Er chuckled.

But the amusement did not last.

From the corner of her eye, Yue Ling noticed movement near the bar.

Ning Xingyu had handed his glass to one of his companions.

He adjusted the cuff of his suit jacket before turning toward their table.

His expression remained pleasant.

Almost charming.

Yet there was something calculated in the way he approached.

Yue Ling’s smile disappeared.

Zhao Ya’Er noticed him too.

"Oh, wonderful," she muttered.

Ning Xingyu stopped a short distance from their table.

"Miss Han."

His voice was warm, as though they were old acquaintances meeting by chance.

"What a pleasant surprise."

Yue Ling lifted her gaze.

Her expression was perfectly composed.

"Mr. Ning."

His smile widened.

"I hope you enjoyed lunch."

Before Yue Ling could answer, Zhao Ya’Er spoke.

"We did. And we were perfectly capable of paying for it ourselves."

Ning Xingyu glanced at her.

"Miss Zhao. I didn’t realize you were joining Miss Han today."

Zhao Ya’Er smiled without warmth.

"Clearly."

A brief silence followed.

Ning Xingyu appeared unbothered.

He returned his attention to Yue Ling.

"Consider it a small congratulatory gesture."

Yue Ling’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"Congratulations?"

"Of course."

He smiled.

"Your photograph has been quite the topic of conversation today."

Zhao Ya’Er’s fingers tightened around her glass.

Ning Xingyu continued smoothly.

"I must say, I was surprised. You’ve always been so private."

Yue Ling met his gaze.

"People change."

"Indeed."

His smile deepened.

"And sometimes, those changes can be rather interesting."

Yue Ling said nothing.

Ning Xingyu studied her for a moment before adding, "Still, I hope you’ll accept my good wishes."

Yue Ling’s expression remained calm.

"Thank you. But there’s no need for you to pay for our meal."

"Please. It’s hardly worth mentioning."

"Then you won’t mind if I reimburse you."

For the first time, his smile faltered.

Only slightly.

Zhao Ya’Er nearly laughed.

Ning Xingyu recovered quickly.

"There’s really no need to be so formal."

Yue Ling tilted her head.

"We aren’t close enough for me to accept personal favors from you, Mr. Ning."

The words were spoken gently.

Almost politely.

But the boundary they established was unmistakable.

Ning Xingyu held her gaze.

Then he chuckled.

"Still as straightforward as ever."

Yue Ling offered no response.

He glanced at the ring on her finger.

It wasn’t a wedding ring but an engagement ring.

His expression remained pleasant, but something unreadable flickered through his eyes.

"Well, I won’t keep you ladies from your afternoon."

He stepped back.

"Congratulations again, Miss Han."

Yue Ling gave a slight nod.

Ning Xingyu smiled once more before turning away.

Only after he returned to his companions did Zhao Ya’Er release the breath she had been holding.

"That man gives me a headache."

Yue Ling quietly closed her wallet as the restaurant manager approached their table.

A few minutes later, the matter was settled.

Zhao Ya’Er rose from her chair and reached for her handbag.

"Next time, I’m choosing somewhere he can’t casually appear."

Yue Ling stood beside her.

"That would be preferable."

As the two women made their way toward the exit, Yue Ling did not look back.

She had no interest in Ning Xingyu’s intentions.

Nor did she care to discover what he hoped to accomplish with such an obvious gesture.

To her, he was merely an unwelcome interruption to an otherwise pleasant afternoon.

But across the restaurant, Ning Xingyu watched her leave.

The pleasant smile slowly faded from his face.

One of his companions glanced at him.

"Didn’t go the way you expected?"

Ning Xingyu slipped a hand into his trouser pocket.

"On the contrary."

His gaze remained fixed on the entrance long after Yue Ling had disappeared.

"She’s exactly as I expected."

The man beside him frowned.

"Then why bother?"

Ning Xingyu’s lips curved into a faint smile.

"Because some things are worth being patient for."

He turned away from the entrance.

And as he resumed his conversation, one thought lingered in his mind.

Han Yue Ling had made it perfectly clear that she wanted nothing to do with him.

But Ning Xingyu had never been particularly interested in accepting rejection.

Especially when he believed the woman rejecting him was worth the trouble.

And he had no intention of abandoning the agreement that could eventually place her within his reach.