“Let’s go with your suggestion. I was already benefiting from you anyway, so it’s normal for you to ask for a few more conditions. If you hadn’t said anything, I would have brought it up myself.”
“Then the basics are settled. I won’t waste any more time. If anything comes up later, just let me know, and I’ll handle it.”
“Agreed.” The two quickly reached an understanding and discussed everything pleasantly. Gu Yanshen quietly stood aside the entire time, saying nothing. Although he had many questions running through his mind, he didn’t ask a single one. Only after everything was settled did he finally speak.
“You’ve dealt with all the trouble that needed dealing with and said everything that needed saying. Can we go eat now? It’s getting late.”
“If we keep delaying, we might even miss lunch. I know you’re serious about business, but you can’t starve yourselves.” His expression remained cold, but there was a hidden warmth in his words.
Ye Chen couldn’t help but smile. It seemed his good friend had truly found a blossom of romance.
“Indeed, it’s already lunchtime. My stomach is growling. I wonder if Miss Shen would like to join us for a meal.”
“I also have many business questions I want to ask you. It would be good to discuss them at the table,” Ye Chen added. He wasn’t trying to cause trouble and even wanted to help Gu Yanshen. His reasoning was hard to refuse, and though Shen Suyu hesitated, she agreed. It was better to maintain a good relationship for future cooperation.
“This is no big deal. Naturally, we’ll follow your lead. Let’s go eat. I’m starving too,” she said politely, her emotional intelligence shining through.
“If things weren’t settled, I would have rushed to the restaurant immediately. I care a lot about food,” she added. Ye Chen raised his eyebrows, full of admiration. Only someone like her could match Gu Yanshen so well.
“Then let’s not waste time and go eat. We can also discuss the wager agreement at the table—I’m quite curious.”
“Not many would dare read this casually. Only Miss Shen has the courage. I really want to know your backing,” Ye Chen said as they chatted on their way to the state-run restaurant.
Throughout the meal, Ye Chen talked nonstop. Shen Suyu was thoroughly annoyed but had to endure. After all, how could such a cold person like Gu Yanshen have such a chatterbox as a friend?
“Oh?”
“The state-run restaurants on this island aren’t that great. When your business grows, I’ll take you to other restaurants. The food is amazing,” Ye Chen said with a smile.
After the meal, Ye Chen seemed to have reunited with a long-lost relative, becoming unusually close to Shen Suyu. He had learned a lot about business from her, even more than he had from his own family.
“Really?” Shen Suyu forced a smile, wanting to avoid further small talk. As she stepped out, she cut him off. She knew it was rude, but she couldn’t continue.
“Then it’ll trouble you, Mr. Ye. I really look forward to dining with you, but it’s getting late, and I need to return to rest. I have many tasks tomorrow and can’t delay. You should rest early as well,” she said, maintaining appearances. Ye Chen, being perceptive, immediately understood her meaning. He smiled shyly, touched, and rubbed his forehead.
“I’m really sorry for taking up your time, Miss Shen. I can’t help but go on endlessly when I’m interested in something. Rest assured, this won’t happen again. Please go back and rest. I look forward to our cooperation,” Ye Chen said politely. Shen Suyu finally let out a heavy sigh of relief. Her biggest fear had been Ye Chen continuing to chatter endlessly, leaving her unsure how to respond.
“All right.”
“Rest well too, Mr. Ye. I’ll contact you immediately once I have progress. It’s been a pleasure working with you.”
“Mm,” they exchanged a few more polite words before parting. Gu Yanshen followed Shen Suyu quietly. Once Ye Chen was out of sight, he finally voiced his lingering curiosity.
“I’ve learned about Miss Shen’s achievements before, though not in great detail. Still, I know more than most people,” Gu Yanshen began.
“I’m curious where Miss Shen learned her business skills. If you truly have this talent, why didn’t it show before?” He was straightforward, and Shen Suyu’s heart skipped a beat. Her face turned tense. Luckily, it was dark, so no one could see her expression; otherwise, she would have been exposed.
“Sir, I don’t understand what you mean. Are you doubting my character? You should know better than anyone what kind of person I am,” Shen Suyu said nervously, trying to avoid the question. Indeed, interacting with him was tricky; a single careless word could reveal too much.
“You don’t need to be so formal, Miss Shen. I’m not doubting you or trying to expose anything. I’m just curious because I know you,” Gu Yanshen replied.
“I don’t want to know what happened in between; I just want to know where you learned your skills. Can you be honest with me?” His tone was still firm but noticeably softened. He realized he had startled her and felt slightly guilty, so he spoke gently.
“I can be honest with you, Sir, but you must keep it a secret. You mustn’t reveal it to anyone under any circumstances,” Shen Suyu said after a long pause, finally deciding. She wasn’t sure if her decision was right, but she preferred honesty to being constantly trapped by Gu Yanshen.
“You can trust me. As a soldier, I’ll keep your secret. I won’t reveal a word, no matter the circumstances. If you’re worried, you can test me. If I break my promise, I’ll give up my rank and never serve in the army again,” he promised solemnly. Shen Suyu finally relaxed. She wasn’t ready to be completely honest, but some pretense had to be maintained.
“What I told Mr. Ye is true. My family has always been in business. I learned these skills by absorbing it from my family. I didn’t like doing business before, but now I have no choice. I’m just feeling my way forward, so I hope it works out,” she said, showing a fragile side.