Wen Chu kept her head slightly bowed, burying nearly half her face in her cream-colored scarf. With only her eyes visible, she darted nervous glances at the surrounding crowd; her entire body practically screamed the words “I want to escape.”
She was a world away from the aggressive, fiery version of herself that had been in the car just moments ago.
Remembering how she had looked just as desperate to flee back in the private lounge, Xi Liye finally found his answer. He retraced a few steps and came to her side.
“Scared of crowds?” he asked. His voice cut through the noisy background with startling clarity.
Wen Chu, who was currently pouring all her energy into fighting her social anxiety, was startled by his sudden proximity. She jerked her head up, her eyes wide and round. “A… a little.”
How cute, Xi Liye thought.
He reached out and naturally took hold of her hand, which was hanging limply at her side. His palm was as warm and dry as ever, gripping her chilled fingers with an indisputable strength.
“Don’t be afraid. I’m here,” he said softly.
Xi Liye’s palm felt like a small heater. The steady flow of warmth not only thawed her frozen fingers but seemed to dispel a fraction of her terror toward her surroundings. Wen Chu followed him closely, step for step, as they moved through the bustling crowd. He kept a moderate pace—just slow enough for her to keep up—while skillfully using his own body to shield her from the crush of people.
Xi Liye led her to their reserved table. The restaurant was massive, but thankfully quiet, allowing Wen Chu to relax a little. It lived up to its reputation as a viral rooftop garden restaurant; the view was stunning, and thanks to the glass partitions, it wasn’t too cold. Once they were seated, a waiter approached with a smile and handed them the menus.
Only then did Xi Liye let go of her hand.
The sudden loss of warmth made Wen Chu’s fingers curl slightly. A flicker of disappointment—one she didn’t even notice herself—flitted through her heart.
Wen Chu took off her coat and draped it over her chair, revealing the beautiful dress she was wearing. It really was a bit high-profile… Sensitive to the gaze of others, she felt several eyes drifting her way. Just as she was about to put her coat back on, Xi Liye casually rested his arm across the back of her chair.
He wasn’t actually touching her, but the possessive posture effectively pulled her into his personal space, simultaneously blocking the line of sight from other patrons. He flipped through the menu with a neutral expression as if he were simply leaning back, but Wen Chu instantly felt the weight of those wandering eyes lift, as if an invisible barrier had been erected.
She breathed a small sigh of relief, though the lingering scent of his presence right behind her made her feel even more self-conscious. After asking about her dietary restrictions and preferences, Xi Liye ordered several dishes and drinks.
While waiting for the food, Wen Chu tried her best to slip back into her “high-maintenance brat” persona.
She looked around and began to nitpick. “This place… doesn’t seem as ‘legendary’ as the internet says. Look over there—that decorative lamp is so ugly.” She pointed toward a wall lamp in the distance that was, in reality, perfectly fine.
Xi Liye followed her finger. “You don’t like the lights here?”
She had been the one to choose this restaurant, yet here she was complaining the moment they arrived.
“It’s… it’s not that I don’t like them,” Wen Chu stammered, her voice trailing off under his gaze. “I just feel like… it’s nothing special.”
“Mhm,” Xi Liye hummed. “The dress is very unique. Did you pick it yourself?”
The opportunity had arrived.
Wen Chu immediately perked up, flashing a practiced, coquettish smile. “Nope! My roommate lent it to me. It looks good, right? Doesn’t it suit me perfectly? I want to buy one too, it’s just… a little expensive.”
The last bit was a blatant hint, delivered with a touch of a pout.
Xi Liye’s gaze swept over the black velvet hem of the dress. When he had picked her up, she was wearing her coat, so he hadn’t seen the full outfit. Now that he could, there was no denying it suited her perfectly. He looked up at her—at her deliberately straightened back and the expectant look on her face.
Suddenly, his fingertips felt a phantom itch.
“I see.”
Wen Chu felt a spark of joy at his cold response; her “vain social climber” act must have been convincing. Seizing the moment, she pushed further. “Then… can you buy me a few dresses like this? I really think they suit me.” She looked at him with wide, expectant eyes.
“You’re afraid of people, yet you want to wear this?” Xi Liye recalled the short walk from the parking lot. She had practically been glued to his side, trying to bury her face in her scarf, looking completely out of place amidst the glittering night scenery and the crowd.
Why would someone so hypersensitive to the gaze of strangers—someone who tried so hard to shrink her presence—want to wear such eye-catching clothes?
“What do you know… if I weren’t out with you, I wouldn’t wear this,” Wen Chu muttered, turning her face away just enough to reveal a perfectly timed blush on her ears.
“So, you’re blaming me now?”
Wen Chu grew more emboldened as she spoke. “Exactly! I am blaming you!”
“Then… can I interpret this as you wanting me to buy you dresses so you can wear them for me?” Xi Liye asked.
Wen Chu didn’t know how he had reached that conclusion, but since the male lead had provided the excuse, she might as well run with it.
“Yes! Exactly that!”
A strange sense of amusement bubbled up in Xi Liye’s chest. He hummed in acknowledgment and nodded, but said nothing more, leaving Wen Chu confused. Is he buying them or not?
The food arrived quickly. Xi Liye cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and pushed the plate toward her, then poured her a glass of red wine at the perfect temperature. His movements were elegant and fluid.
Acting the part of the spoiled princess, Wen Chu accepted his service as her birthright and thoroughly enjoyed the meal. She had to admit, Xi Liye was a very considerate boyfriend. If it weren’t for the plot—and the knowledge that he would eventually be the death of her—she wouldn’t have minded a real relationship with him.
After dinner, the waiter served a delicate dessert. Xi Liye stepped away to a quiet corner to take a work call. Wen Chu looked at the tempting dessert but found she had lost her appetite. The view at this “viral” spot was great, but the food was mediocre.
Bored, she scanned the room. Her eyes accidentally landed on a couple at a nearby table. The woman was speaking with intense emotion while the man looked utterly annoyed. After a brief argument, the man stood up and stormed off, leaving the woman alone with red-rimmed eyes.
A breakup in the wild?
Wen Chu’s heart skipped a beat. This was perfect “teaching material!” She could see exactly how people fought and broke up. Maybe she could use these moves when it was finally time to break up with the male lead.
She was so engrossed in the drama that she didn’t notice Xi Liye had finished his call. He stood just behind her, following her gaze, and took in the entire scene.