Ji Yanzhou glanced at the address. It was a century-old restaurant known for its excellent privacy and comfort. The dishes followed imperial traditions, making it extremely expensive—a place ordinary people would never dare to try.
He didn’t understand why Duan Qingyu had invited him to eat here when he had already booked another restaurant according to his preferences.
But the moment he opened the private room door and saw the scene inside, Ji Yanzhou felt as if all the blood in his body had stopped circulating. His feet seemed weighed down by heavy iron stones, unable to move.
He had imagined how their meeting would unfold, but the current situation was completely beyond his control…
Ji Xueli turned toward the door at the sound of movement. The man standing there was no less handsome than Duan Qingyu, though his features lacked Duan Qingyu’s striking, cold elegance. His jawline was sharp and severe, like clear snow—difficult to approach.
She only glanced at him before looking away. Someone this handsome probably had status too, but she was utterly confused at the moment…
Ji Yanzhou noticed her indifferent gaze and assumed she was pretending not to know him. Anger began to burn inside him…
He forced himself to calm down, walked in, and his voice turned cold. “Why meet here?”
“I ran into Xueli, so we came together.” Duan Qingyu took out a lighter and held it in his hand. The crisp cuffs of his black shirt, paired with a silver wristwatch, accentuated his pale, slender fingers, making them appear even colder and more despondent.
Xueli… Hearing the way he addressed her, Ji Yanzhou’s eyes turned a few degrees colder.
Duan Qingyu met his gaze, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips.
They knew each other, which meant it was possible he and she also knew each other. Ji Xueli looked up at him and smiled politely. “You don’t mind, do you?”
Ji Yanzhou hadn’t expected them to become familiar, nor did he know when they had met. He clenched his hand slightly before relaxing it, sitting down across from them without responding.
How rude… Ji Xueli thought to herself, annoyed that he hadn’t answered her.
Duan Qingyu subtly observed their expressions. Compared to Ji Yanzhou, Ji Xueli appeared much calmer.
“Would you like some tea?” Duan Qingyu picked up the teapot and asked Ji Xueli.
Ji Xueli accepted gladly. “Thank you.”
“Duan Qingyu, we’re here to discuss business. Can outsiders listen in?” Ji Yanzhou watched their interaction, suppressing his irritation.
Ji Xueli took a sip of tea. She still didn’t know his identity, so she couldn’t get angry. She couldn’t get angry…
“How could Xueli be an outsider?” Duan Qingyu said meaningfully.
Ji Yanzhou understood immediately, his expression turning displeased. But Ji Xueli remained completely oblivious.
All she could gather was that she and the man before her were indeed acquainted, and he was likely also part of Huacheng’s aristocracy.
“If you two need to discuss business, perhaps I shouldn’t intrude,” Ji Xueli said.
“Stay seated. Business can be discussed anytime, right?” Duan Qingyu’s voice was gentle yet firm.
Ji Xueli looked at Ji Yanzhou. His eyes were dark and unfathomable, making it impossible to discern his true feelings.
For some reason, this man gave her the impression that he disliked her intensely, which irritated her. But without knowing his background, she felt like she had swallowed a bitter pill—unable to voice her grievances.
After a moment of thought, Ji Xueli decided to treat him as if he were air for now. She turned to Duan Qingyu and asked, “Ren Tang is one of your artists, right?”
She had just searched online and found out that the Duan family also operated a talent agency, managed by Duan Qingyu. His ventures spanned a wide range, from finance to the entertainment industry—no wonder those female celebrities at the sea dance party had flocked to him one after another.
“No impression.” Duan Qingyu tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his posture relaxed.
“You saw it just now, so I’m telling you in advance to avoid taking action without your knowledge,” Ji Xueli said.
Ren Tang—she was definitely going to deal with her.
Only then did Ji Yanzhou look up at her.
“Oh? So Xueli is preparing for revenge,” Duan Qingyu said, looking at her as if this were something unusual.
“It’s not revenge, just making friends with her.” Ji Xueli felt his words were a bit too strong and corrected him.
Duan Qingyu understood the meaning behind her words and found the person before him even more interesting. He finished the tea in his hand in one gulp.
“What happened with Ren Tang?” Ji Yanzhou, who had been silent for a while, finally spoke.
Ji Xueli glanced at him. “Nothing much, she just took something of mine.”
He frowned. Even before she went to Germany, he had heard that their relationship had always been strained. Back then, Ji Xueli had wanted to focus on acting and had endured it quietly.
Because of Ji Yanzhou’s presence, Ji Xueli’s appetite had soured, and she finished her meal early.
“I didn’t drive. Can you take me?” Ji Xueli said to Duan Qingyu.
Duan Qingyu glanced at the BMW behind her. “You didn’t drive?”
“That’s right.” Ji Xueli remained unfazed. At worst, she could have someone drive it back tomorrow, but the opportunity to spend time with Duan Qingyu would be gone if she missed it now.
Ji Yanzhou interjected coldly, “I’ll take you.”
Ji Xueli had no desire to ride with this cold-faced man. She opened the passenger door of Duan Qingyu’s car on her own. “No need, I’ll ride with him.”
The atmosphere around Ji Yanzhou grew tense.
“We’ll talk tomorrow.” Duan Qingyu curled his lips into a mocking smile and got into the car under Ji Yanzhou’s gaze.
Ji Yanzhou stood motionless, watching the Maybach drive away, his expression stern, his thin lips pressed into a tight line.
She really didn’t want to see him, not even bothering to say goodbye… Ji Xueli, your heart remains as ruthless as ever.
He couldn’t help but recall the last words she had said during their argument: from now on, if we meet again, let’s treat each other as strangers.
And she truly… kept her word.
Ji Yanzhou sneered coldly. If she wanted to be strangers, then he would grant her wish.