In another private room, men clinked glasses, the atmosphere convivial.
"Why isn't Mr. Lou here yet?" someone asked.
Shao Cheng replied, "He'll be here any moment. Let's start eating."
He then sent a text message under the table: [Where are you?]
A black Bentley slowly pulled up to the restaurant entrance. The man inside was exceptionally handsome, with an air of noble refinement that instantly captured the attention of the waiting staff.
"Hello, are you Mr. Lou?"
Lou Yumeng gave a slight nod, his dark eyes calm and unruffled.
"Please follow me."
As he walked down a long corridor, he overheard a conversation between a departing couple.
"I heard someone's confessing on the second floor. They say it's a female celebrity!"
"Who?"
"I don't know..."
The attendant kindly reminded him, "Mr. Lou, watch your step."
Lou Yumeng ascended the stairs, his gaze casually sweeping over the second floor before returning, devoid of interest.
The attendant opened the door to the private room.
Shao Cheng: "You're finally here."
Lou Yumeng scanned the assembled guests before entering.
Shao Cheng whispered in his ear, "This is Vice Chairman Yu from the Directorate Group, Mr. Liu, the founder of OP, and..."
Lou Yumeng listened with casual indifference.
Shao Cheng said, "I thought you weren't coming today."
After shaking hands with each of the bosses present, Lou Yumeng said expressionlessly, "Once an order is given, how can I disobey?"
Shao Cheng adjusted his glasses. "Old Mrs. Zhang is such a fickle person. As soon as she heard you broke off your engagement, she arranged this blind date for you. I know you, though. When have you ever listened to her?"
Lou Yumeng took a sip of his wine, a slight curve forming on his lips. "OP has a new investment project next year."
Shao Cheng was greatly surprised. "You don't mean..."
"I'll try."
Shao Cheng's tone was full of admiration, yet tinged with a hint of helplessness. "As expected of you, treating a blind date like a business meeting. I'll play along and we'll see how things go."
Lou Yumeng raised his hand and clinked his glass against Shao Cheng's, a wild smile igniting in his eyes.
...
Meanwhile, Song Xi stood frozen, stunned by the unexpected confession.
Her mind struggled to process a response. She looked dazedly at Lu Chenyu, then at Ge Baitao, who was applauding beside her.
It seemed she had known about this all along.
The applause gradually died down. Song Xi's expression clearly showed not surprise, but a hint of bewilderment.
Ge Baitao pursed her lips and gestured to Lu Chenyu, initiating Plan B.
"Hahaha, I knew she'd be startled!"
Lu Chenyu stood up, holding the roses tightly. "...Yeah."
Ge Baitao explained, "Xi Xi, this is a prank, a joke!"
Song Xi exclaimed, "Ah?"
Ge Baitao preempted her: "You didn't actually take it seriously, did you?"
Song Xi looked at the bitterness in Lu Chenyu's eyes and, not daring to probe further, quickly shook her head. "...No."
And so, this "confession" was tacitly glossed over by everyone. The beautifully wrapped bouquet of red roses was placed in a corner, its vibrant color slowly dimming.
At the dinner table, Lu Chenyu forced himself to appear cheerful and engaged in conversation.
He spoke of watching Song Xi's stage performance, calling it heavenly.
But he didn't mention that he had watched the video more than ten times and secretly saved it on his phone.
Song Xi also expressed her anticipation for his upcoming drama.
The two engaged in polite, professional compliments, creating a somewhat awkward atmosphere. The meal concluded shortly thereafter.
Before parting, Song Xi went to the restroom.
As she emerged, she overheard a conversation, the voices strangely familiar.
"Mr. Liu wants you to meet his daughter tomorrow. What do you think?"
The man's voice was lazy. "I'll meet her."
"And if you actually like her, what about Song Xi?"
The man paused. "What does she have to do with it?"
"Brother, just two days ago you told me at my place she was your girlfriend."
"A mere act, and you believed it?"
"The young lady might have taken it seriously."
"Her?" The man let out a scoff. "She wouldn't."
"Excuse me, could you move aside."
Suddenly, a clear, cold female voice came from behind.