The farce had ended, and it was nearing mealtime.
Zhong Jichen had given Lu Xiaoxiao the address and told them to come over. Lu Qinghe had already gone home first.
Hai Tang Ju was a restaurant under Qin Corporation and was the largest high-end dining establishment in A City. Soft, gentle music played elegantly, and the lobby floor was paved with expensive marble. Above them hung a huge, magnificent crystal chandelier that sparkled brilliantly.
They were led inside by staff. The paintings along the corridor carried a classical charm.
When the door was pushed open, Qin Jindu was seated at the head seat. Having changed out of his sportswear into a black suit, his features appeared even more defined. His sharp, handsome contours and deep eyes made people unconsciously slow their breathing when he looked over.
“Miss Bai, sit here!” Zhong Jichen spoke up proactively and also signaled to Lu Xiaoxiao with his eyes.
Lu Xiaoxiao pushed her toward him. The first thing she noticed was the familiar sandalwood scent from the man—it seemed she could always smell it on him…
Bai Shusu looked slightly nervous, her hands tightly gripping the hem of her clothes, but she still sat down beside him.
Ever since Lu Xiaoxiao learned of Qin Jindu’s identity, she had also become restrained, not daring to let her eyes wander, occasionally forcing out awkward laughs.
The atmosphere did not grow cold. Zhong Jichen kept trying to liven things up, and Lin Han, though naturally calm, would still respond to him.
A bottle of Amarone wine was brought out. Bai Shusu tasted the delicious dishes; everything was exquisite and offered a unique culinary experience. Her favorite was the sweet-and-sour spare ribs, and most of the dish ended up in her stomach as she slowly relaxed and began eating more freely.
When the man saw her eating so happily, he wiped his hands with a napkin and rotated the dishes toward her. Bai Shusu was so focused on eating that she did not notice everyone’s gaze on her.
Zhong Jichen silently sighed in admiration. After so many years, he had never seen Qin Jindu personally rotate dishes for anyone. Lin Han understood his meaning and only smiled faintly.
Lu Xiaoxiao accepted the wine Zhong Jichen poured for her. The fruity aroma was rich and the taste excellent. She nodded repeatedly. “Su Su, try this wine. It’s really good!”
Bai Shusu’s chopsticks froze mid-air.
She instantly recalled that night of drunkenness she would rather die forgetting…
“…I won’t drink… you drink…” she refused firmly. She would never touch alcohol again.
Qin Jindu saw through her thoughts and raised his brows, a teasing smile appearing on his lips.
Feeling the scorching gaze on her, Bai Shusu turned her head, only to meet his eyes by accident in a slightly awkward moment.
It deepened the man’s smile.
She noticed that Qin Jindu always seemed to be smiling. Was it just her imagination?
Qin Jindu drank quite a bit with them. Bai Shusu noticed a faint flush spreading across his skin, and a subtle fruity aroma lingered in the air between them.
That intertwined feeling was dangerous. Their eyes met occasionally, his gaze carrying a hint of intoxication. Bai Shusu felt her body gradually growing warmer…
“…Xiaoxiao, I’m going to the restroom.”
Lu Xiaoxiao did not notice her unusual state. “Do you want me to go with you?”
“No… I’ll be quick.”
After all, Yu Yi was following her, so she felt reassured.
Seeing the woman’s flushed face and hurried retreating figure, the man tapped his fingers against the wine glass. Then he lifted it to his lips and drained it in one gulp. His throat rolled with heat.
He stood up and followed her.
Lu Xiaoxiao watched the two people leave one after another and immediately understood.
“Hey, if those two end up together…” Zhong Jichen leaned over with a teasing expression.
Although she felt that no one was worthy of Su Su, Qin Jindu truly seemed flawless…
Lu Xiaoxiao also knew that Bai Shusu had feelings for him. As if making a decision, she raised her glass.
“Cheers! To them!”
Zhong Jichen clinked glasses with her, and Lin Han smiled as he joined in.
Zhong Jichen had already seen it—Qin Jindu was serious. A man’s eyes did not lie. He felt relieved for him. Ah Du reaching this point had not been easy. People in high positions often endured countless burdens; sometimes he even felt Qin Jindu was not like a normal person—neither happy nor sad.
To meet someone he liked was never easy.
Lin Han understood him and drank with him.
May everything move in a better direction.
Bai Shusu was not unaware of his intentions. She had always been sensitive to them.
Her agreement to Cong Shuang’s bet today had also been an attempt—to test whether the plot could change, whether the ending could be different. Indeed, the storyline had changed; the protagonist’s halo no longer seemed effective, and she could even win against the female lead. With the plot developing beyond control, doubt began to rise within her. The unpredictable future made her uneasy, making her feel as if she had never actually transmigrated into a novel at all…
She straightened her clothes and rinsed her hands under cold water. The chill helped calm her down.
No matter what, anything that could be changed meant uncertainty. Perhaps she really could escape the plot…
But when she came out, Yu Yi was nowhere to be seen.
At the corner’s shadow, she slightly lifted her gaze and unexpectedly met a pair of eyes. Deep, distant, and unreadable.
Her body stiffened. She moved her lips. “…Qin Jindu?”
This was the first time she had called his full name.
Shards of light fell across him as she watched him slowly walk closer. A sense of danger and aggression washed over her, yet her heartbeat inexplicably quickened.
Her back pressed against the wall. The man was too tall; her gaze could only land on his chest. Warm breath was in front of her, and cold stone was behind her.
She was forced to tilt her head up slightly. Their breaths intertwined, his scent growing stronger.
In the moment he leaned closer, her hand pressed against his chest, meeting his meaningful gaze. He tilted his head slightly, as if accommodating her height.
“…You…” She looked at him, noticing his straight nose and thin lips, his dark eyes sharp and deep. He was extremely close.
Feeling uncomfortable, Bai Shusu pushed him slightly. “…Are you drunk?”
Several buttons of his shirt were undone, and his sleeves were rolled up slightly. His eyes were dark, his brows tinged with intoxication, yet he remained dangerously attractive.
“Mm.” His voice was low and slightly hoarse.
Bai Shusu felt like he was seducing her.
A blush spread across her face, her eyes flickering shyly. “…Let’s go back.”
Her shy expression was like a blooming crimson rose. The escaping girl was pulled straight into his arms.
Her sweet scent was drawn into him, and Bai Shusu stiffened in panic.
Then he deepened the embrace, locking her tightly against his chest, ignoring her faint struggles from embarrassment, greedily capturing the mixed scent of roses and skin.
“You…”
In that intimate embrace, Bai Shusu lost all strength and softened against him. His arm encircled her slender waist with no space left between them.
His breathing grew deeper and heavier. His throat moved unconsciously, dryness spreading that he could not describe.
Her soft body pressed tightly against his; she could feel his strong, firm physique.
His desire for her had reached its peak at this moment—so intense it was nearly beyond control.