Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
âNo,â You Luan immediately averted his gaze, refraining from further conversation.
Heâd grown accustomed to and grasped Xiao Yichenâs ways in the past five years. No one could alter his decisions, not even Sir Xiao or Madam Xiao. âAnything else?â Xiao Yichen pressed on.
âNo,â You Luan promptly responded. âIâll get to it now.â
With that, You Luan pivoted and exited the CEOâs office.
Xiao Yichen observed the closing door, a complex emotion fleeting through his eyes.
Yet, it swiftly vanished. He retrieved his phone and dialed a number.
After several rings, a delicate voice answered, âHello, Yichen.â
âAre you busy?â Xiao Yichenâs tone lacked the chill present in his interaction with You Luan, bearing a touch of indifference.
âIâm free. Nothing much on my plate at the company today, and no shoots till tomorrow afternoon,â the womanâs sweet voice resounded from the other end.
âShall I pick you up for dinner now?â Xiao Yichenâs voice remained composed.
âSure.â The voice on the line brimmed with delight. âIâll wait for you in the office. Call me when youâre close. Iâll come downstairs.â
âOkayâ¦â
Xiao Yichen ended the call. He stood up, took his coat and keys, and exited his office.
Thirty minutes later, Xiao Yichenâs sleek sports car halted at Sheng Yi Media, where a woman in a white dress stepped out.
As Xiao Yichen spotted Bai Lu, he opened the car door and greeted her. He moved to the other side to usher her into the car.
âYichen.â Bai Lu exchanged a smile before getting in.
After Xiao Yichen closed the door, he returned to the driverâs seat, ignited the engine, and departed.
As the eye-catching car left, chatter sparked among onlookers.
âThe news yesterday was accurate. This A-list celebrity, Bai Lu, is soon-to-be Mrs. Xiao!â
âWho knows? Bai Lu is Sheng Yi Mediaâs star. Maybe Mr. Xiao is just toying around?â
âHeâs picked her up personally several times. Thatâs no game, right?â
âBai Lu has indeed associated herself with Mr. Xiao. Director Zhangâs leading lady role is confirmed to be Bai Lu.â
Xiao Yichen had reserved the whole place for lunch in an upscale Western restaurant. Only two occupied seats, Xiao Yichen and Bai Lu.
âYichen, next time, letâs not be so extravagant. We can book a private room,â Bai Lu suggested in a soft tone, adding with a hint of flirtation, âIâm not worried about exposure anyway.â
âAlright,â Xiao Yichen replied softly. He glanced at Bai Lu, questioning, âArenât you concerned about being exposed?â n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
âYes.â Bai Lu nodded, smiling. Unaware of Xiao Yichenâs intent behind the question.
Xiao Yichen didnât immediately respond. Instead, he took a white napkin and gently dabbed the corners of Bai Luâs mouth. Then, he calmly asked, âSo, what truly worries you?â
âIâ¦â Bai Lu faltered, unable to reply swiftly. She suddenly realized Xiao Yichen seemed perturbed. Swiftly changing tack, she murmured, âYichen, I apologize. I misunderstood.â
Sheâd misconstrued his intentions. He hadnât booked the place out of fear of exposure.
Xiao Yichen paid no heed to Bai Luâs apology. He took a bite of steak, then remarked, âAfter all these years by my side, you ought to comprehend that I dislike presumptuousness in women!â
Despite his composed tone, it seemed like a cautionary message to Bai Lu.
âYes, yes. I understand,â Bai Lu hurriedly agreed, trembling with fear..