It was interesting to note that Nan Chen had selected the restaurant where Ning Ran, Feng Minsheng and the kids would dine in. It was the only condition he set for them to see the kids. He must be the one to decide on the restaurant where they would dine in. It was the only way for him to ensure the kidsâ
safety.
For the kidsâ benefit, the restaurant he had selected was the best in the Flower City, which was meant specially for children.
After dropping off Ning Ran and the kids near the restaurant, Cheng Xiangyun drove off immediately.
She had no wish to run into Feng Minsheng. Despite knowing that the dinner date was only meant for Ning Ran to clear up the matter with Feng Minsheng, Cheng Xiangyun was still reluctant to let Ning Ran meet that man.
Feng Minsheng was at the restaurant entrance waiting. Upon seeing the children, he was momentarily stunned. It was apparent that they belonged to the Nan family judging by their looks.
âThis is Uncle Feng.â
The kids did not greet nor bother to be friendly with him.
Ning Ran did not force them to greet him either.
âThe kids are shy to strangers. Sorry about that.â
Feng Minsheng smiled. âItâs okay. Letâs go in.â
There were not many customers in the restaurant as it was way too expensive, given its numerous amenities. An ordinary middle-income family would not be able to afford a meal in the place.
âThe staff here said that youâve ordered the A1 set meal?â Feng Minsheng asked Ning Ran.
âAh?â Ning Ran was caught off guard but recovered instantly. Nan Chen has ordered the set meal.
âYes.â Ning Ran nodded hurriedly.
âThen we only need to ask them to serve the food since youâve already ordered. What do you like to drink?â
âThe drink is included in the set meal.â
âDo you come here often?â
âNot often. Only once in a while.â
An awkward silence ensued.
âDarling, whatâs your name?â Feng Minsheng looked at Erbao.
Pretending not to hear him, Erbao turned her head and looked away.
âMy sisterâs name is Ning Sihan. Iâm Ning Sirui,â said Dabao to defuse the awkward situation.
There would be an important segment later in which Dabao needed to borrow Feng Minshengâs phone to play with. So Dabao was trying hard to keep the atmosphere light during the dinner.
âYour surname is Ning?â Feng Minsheng was delighted. Maybe they arenât the Nan familyâs children?
But he understood a second later. They are using Ning Ranâs surname. They should be from the Nan family. Otherwise, they wouldnât bear such a strong resemblance to the Nan family members.
âIs there a problem if they share the same surname as I?â
âOf course thereâs no problem at all.â
The food was then served.
All the dishes looked exquisite. The restaurant had paid meticulous attention to them, ranging from the colors and plating, ensuring that all children would love them.
Of course, being a restaurant that targeted children as their main clientele, it did not serve alcohol, only fruit juice and soda.
âRegarding the incident last time, Iâm very sorry to cause you a lot of trouble. Itâs all my fault.â Feng Minsheng brought up the incident about the photograph.
Ning Ran did not wish to talk about that incident as she was still bothered by it.
âForget it. Itâs over, so let us not mention it again,â said Ning Ran indifferently.
âI will pay attention next time to ensure that you wonât be hurt again.â
Ning Ran remained silent.
Feng Minsheng continued reminiscing about their past, while Ning Ran mostly kept quiet during the entire conversation.
Dabao finished his food first and sat patiently, waiting for the others to finish.
âGo and play with the other children. I want to chat with your mommy for a while longer.â
âI want to play games on the phone. Mommy, can you lend me your phone for a while?â
âMy phone is going flat soon, so you canât play with it.â Ning Ran rejected his request outright.
âJust a little while.â
âWhy donât you listen? My phone is going flat soon!â Ning Ran berated him.
Dabao put on a look of utter aggrievement.
âI have a lot of games on my phone. You can play them,â said Feng Minsheng, offering his phone to Dabao.
Dabao looked at Ning Ran inquiringly before he took the phone.
âFine, fine. You can play for a while but not for too long. Itâs not good for your eyes.â Ning Ran waved her hands resignedly.
Dabao took the phone and went to one side.
Erbao was restless and went to join the other children to play. Due to her good looks and friendly nature, it did not take her long to blend in with the other children.
âRan, whatâs your situation with that side now?â
âWhich side?â Ning Ran asked, pretending not to understand his question.
âThe Nan familyâs side. You seem to have a lot of interactions with them.â
âNothing, itâs still the same. Which side are you referring to?â Ning Ran continued to feign ignorance.
âDid they bully you?â
âWhy would they bully me? Even if they did, will you stand up for me?â Ning Ran joked.
âOf course. I will always protect you. Iâve made that promise to you before.â
Smiling, Ning Ran replied, âThe person we ran into that day in front of the restaurant was Nan Chen.
You must have recognized him. Why didnât you stand up for me then?â
âWe didnât run into any disagreements at that time. Why did I need to stand up for you then?â
âForget it. Iâm only joking. Thank you for your kind intentions. Oh yes, why are you so reluctant in bringing me to see your friends and family?â
âWe need to find an opportune timing for that. We just got together. I feel that we need to take things slowly.â
âSo when will be an opportune timing? Why is it so difficult? Is it because I have two kids?â
âOf course it isnât because of the kids. They wonât cause me any trouble. I like children.â
âThatâs good.â
Ning Ran sneered to herself. My kids are not ordinary kids. Iâm afraid they may cause you trouble in the future.
Dabao waded in on them in the midst of their chat.
He thanked Feng Minsheng after returning his phone.
Ning Ran exchanged a meaningful glance with Dabao, and knew that he had accomplished his task.
âLetâs go.â Ning Ran stood up.
âLetâs sit a while longer. Is there a hurry? The kids are still playing.â Feng Minsheng was reluctant to leave.
âThe kids still have to go to school tomorrow morning.â
âOkay. Then let me send you home.â
âNo, itâs alright. Someone will send us home,â rejected Ning Ran.
âLet me send you home,â insisted Feng Minsheng.
âThere really is no need. You rest early.â
After they came out of the restaurant, the bodyguard who was sent by Qiao Zhan, stepped forward.
âYoung Mistress, please wait a while. The car is coming now.â
âRan, are you returning to the Nan family house?â Feng Minsheng asked, looking displeased.
âI have no choice. After the incident, the Nan family has snatched my childrenâs custody. Do you want to help me to get the custody back?â
âThisâ¦â
âForget it. I know you arenât capable of it. It is nothing but a lie when you say you want to protect me.
You cower at the mention of the Nan family,â scowled Ning Ran, feigning anger.
âI am not. I will think of a plan.â
âSure. Then I will wait for you to save me.â
At this moment, the car arrived. The chauffeur alighted and opened the car door for Ning Ran.
Ning Ran placed the kids onto the child seats and secured their safety belts before boarding the car herself. She rolled down the window and waved goodbye to Feng Minsheng, who was standing at the roadside. âI will wait for your good news.â
Next Chapter q