37: A Date with a Beauty
“Let’s not talk about that,” Su Muqing interjected, changing the subject. “We should head back.”
“Alright.”
Shen Yifei shrugged, then hailed a taxi by the roadside. They both got in and headed back to the Jade River Manor complex (a high-end residential area).
It was almost two in the afternoon, and Shen Yifei, having eaten nothing all day, was famished.
Opening the door to their home, he found Su Muqing already seated on the sofa. She had clearly been contemplating the earlier events. Taking a deep breath, she declared, “Shen Yifei, while today’s incident was Zhang Wenzhi’s fault, I’m begging you, please try to cause me less trouble in the future!”
Shen Yifei merely chuckled. “Alright, alright, I get it. My adorable Ms. Su, please hurry and cook! It’s almost two, and I’m practically starving to death.”
Su Muqing’s temper flared. How dare he order her around? Who did he think he was?!
Though outwardly sulking, Su Muqing still tied on an apron and went to the kitchen to prepare lunch.
The morning’s grocery run had already stocked the fridge with various meats and vegetables: ribs, beef, pork, broccoli, green beans – a good mix of everything.
Truth be told, this was the first time Su Muqing had ever cooked for a man.
For the esteemed CEO of Aylin International Fashion Group to personally prepare a meal for a man – many would surely envy Shen Yifei if they witnessed such a sight.
After about half an hour of bustling, the dishes were on the table. The aroma was certainly promising, though the taste remained to be seen.
Su Muqing placed the last dish down and announced, “It’s ready. You can eat.”
“Oh.” Shen Yifei immediately walked over from the sofa and took his seat at the dining table.
A woman willing to cook for him – Shen Yifei couldn’t help but feel a touch of warmth in his heart. He picked up a piece of fish with his chopsticks and smiled. “This looks quite good. Let me try.”
With that, he popped it into his mouth.
Su Muqing glanced at Shen Yifei, unable to resist asking, “How does it taste?”
“Uh, just so-so,” Shen Yifei said, putting down his chopsticks.
Su Muqing’s face hardened, clearly annoyed. She reached for the plate. “Then I’ll just throw it out!”
Shen Yifei quickly snatched it back, picked up another piece of fish, and while tasting it, said, “Why throw it out? It’s not inedible.”
“If it’s not good, then don’t eat it! I’ll eat it myself!” Su Muqing retorted, pouting.
She didn't cook often, but her culinary skills weren't so terrible as to be inedible.
Sensing the souring atmosphere, Shen Yifei quickly tried to placate her. “I was just joking with you, Ms. Su. Your cooking is the best!”
Su Muqing’s pretty face remained frosty. She ignored Shen Yifei and simply began eating her own meal.
Shen Yifei saw no point in pushing his luck further and focused on the spread before him.
Though Su Muqing said nothing, she silently reflected on what the man had said.
She knew her cooking wasn’t great, yet Shen Yifei had eaten it with genuine appreciation, effectively saving her face (preserving her dignity/honor in a social interaction).
Thinking about it now, Shen Yifei’s attitude towards her had actually been quite good, while she was always quick to criticize him.
Even though she felt no romantic affection for this man, Su Muqing decided that she should try to change this habit of hers.
“I’m sorry it didn’t taste good. I’ll try to do better next time,” Su Muqing said, then immediately got up, took her bowl and chopsticks, and walked into the kitchen, her cheeks faintly flushed.
Shen Yifei froze, almost doubting his own ears.
What was wrong with this Ice Queen? She was actually capable of saying such gentle, charming words?
It had to be said, Su Muqing had a truly peculiar temperament. Usually aloof and cold, she would occasionally reveal a surprisingly cute side, making her utterly unpredictable.
Today was Sunday, but it was surprisingly busy.
Su Muqing remained a busy person, spending the afternoon at home dealing with various company affairs.
Shen Yifei, on the other hand, was quite idle until evening when he received a call from Lin Cair.
“Hello, Shen Yifei, a-are you free tonight? I’d like to treat you to dinner,” Lin Cair’s slightly flustered voice came from the other end of the line.
“I am, but how about I treat you instead?” Shen Yifei chuckled.
He knew Lin Cair had been struggling financially recently, and besides, Shen Yifei couldn't bring himself to let a girl pay for dinner.
“No, I insist,” Lin Cair said earnestly.
“Uh, alright.”
Given the girl’s firm tone, Shen Yifei had no choice but to agree.
Lin Cair’s lips curved into a smile. “Great, Brother Lang (a friendly honorific, often used among peers or by a younger person to an older one, indicating respect and familiarity). You choose the location.”
Shen Yifei didn’t stand on ceremony. After a moment’s thought, he said, “Let’s go to the bar street. It’s been a while since I’ve been to a bar.”
“Sounds good.”
They agreed on a time and place: 6 PM, Dreamland Bar on the bar street.
After hanging up, Shen Yifei checked the time; it was already a quarter past five.
Shen Yifei took a shower and changed into a Givenchy checkered casual suit. His demeanor became sharp and distinguished, giving him an air of nobility.
After styling his hair, Shen Yifei even struck a few poses in the mirror… “Damn, I’m undeniably drop-dead gorgeous!”
As he walked out of the bedroom, Su Muqing happened to be coming downstairs.
“Oh, right, Ms. Su, I have something to attend to tonight, so I’ll need to borrow your car,” Shen Yifei said with a smile.
Seeing Shen Yifei dressed so formally and impeccably, Su Muqing asked suspiciously, “Where are you going tonight, dressed like that?”
“I have a date with a beauty,” Shen Yifei chuckled.
Su Muqing’s expression subtly shifted. She let out a light laugh. “Oh really? I wonder which beauty has such terrible taste as to date you?”
Shen Yifei’s face darkened. Couldn’t this girl ever say anything nice?
“Ms. Su, it’s just dinner, not a date. And besides, this is my private matter. You seem a little too concerned, Ms. Su,” Shen Yifei said with a smile.
Upon hearing it was merely a casual dinner, Su Muqing unconsciously felt a wave of relief.
But she quickly chided herself. What did it matter to her if this guy went on a date with another woman?! Was she actually starting to care about him?
No, that was impossible!
Su Muqing scoffed lightly. “Don’t misunderstand. I just can’t stand certain men casually flirting with women out there.”
“I told you, it’s just dinner, not ‘flirting’,” Shen Yifei replied, a bit exasperated.
Su Muqing pouted, then tossed the car keys from the coffee table to Shen Yifei.
Shen Yifei caught the keys, smiling. “Thanks!”
He walked out of the villa and headed to the garage.
Su Muqing owned two cars: the Audi A5 convertible she usually drove, and a smaller Audi A3. Neither was particularly expensive.
Lin Cair likely recognized Su Muqing’s usual Audi A5, so to avoid any misunderstandings, Shen Yifei drove the slightly smaller Audi A3 out of the villa complex.
Earlier, Shen Yifei had said over the phone that he would pick up Lin Cair.
Lin Cair lived in the Peach Blossom Gardens residential area (a slightly older neighborhood), where she rented an apartment and lived a self-sufficient life.
As the Audi drove into the entrance of the residential area, Shen Yifei spotted a girl standing outside. Her figure was petite and lovely, her fair face beautiful and pure, giving her a pleasant, girl-next-door vibe.
Lin Cair had put on makeup before coming out, her features delicate and flawless. She wore a sky-blue dress that elegantly revealed her fair legs, a simple yet refreshing outfit that made her quite striking.