Shen Heping saw that someone had arrived and, disregarding Song Xi, went to greet them.
"Mr. Lou, you've finally arrived. I thought you were going to stand me up."
"I was delayed a bit on the road." Lou Yuming strode forward, brushing past Song Xi. His gaze flickered over the wine stains on her clothes before quickly retracting.
Shen Heping poured Lou Yuming a glass of wine, his tone somewhat fawning. "You jest, sir. I was the one who rushed the arrangement. Thanks to Elder Sun's connection, I'm already immensely grateful you could grace us with your presence."
He certainly knew how to speak prettily.
Lou Yuming took a sip of red wine. Perhaps the taste wasn't to his liking, as he didn't touch it again after putting it down. He looked at Shen Heping and Song Xi, his tone laced with amusement. "Mr. Shen certainly knows how to enjoy himself, even bringing someone to liven things up."
Shen Heping only then realized and quickly called Song Xi forward. "Come, Xi'er, greet Mr. Lou."
What rotten luck! Running into this formidable figure, Lou Yuming, everywhere she went!
Song Xi pursed her lips, remaining silent.
"Xi'er?" Shen Heping, seeing her complete lack of response, showed displeasure. "This young lady is unaccustomed to such company, Mr. Lou. Please don't mind her. Go change your clothes quickly, lest you spoil Mr. Lou's mood."
Song Xi, as if seizing a life raft, turned to leave.
"Wait."
Lou Yuming looked at her retreating, flustered figure and smiled with feigned understanding. "I'm not a picky person. This is fine, perfectly good."
Shen Heping felt a pang of anxiety. "If that's the case, Xi'er, come back."
Song Xi instantly plummeted from heaven to hell.
The two men chatted aimlessly, mostly Shen Heping talking, with Lou Yuming occasionally interjecting a word or two, which left Shen Heping quite satisfied.
Later, Shen Heping noticed Lou Yuming seemed quite interested in Song Xi, glancing at her several times. He even took the initiative to ask, "May I know how you two met?"
Shen Heping answered without reservation. "Naturally, here. Xi'er is well-behaved and sensible, just a bit timid. This is our first meeting today, and I find her quite special."
"Is that so?" Lou Yuming's eyes held a knowing glint. "I find her quite bold. Perhaps, if one isn't careful, she might just climb onto the roof."
Shen Heping blinked in surprise. "Mr. Lou is certainly good at making jokes. Xi'er isn't a cat."
"Indeed. Even if a cat's claws are sharp, it can never become a tiger."
While saying this, he stared intently at Song Xi, forcing her to hide behind Shen Heping before he somewhat relented.
Song Xi felt a prickle of unease, always suspecting Lou Yuming's words were aimed at her.
She was nervous, yet also feared the moment he would stop beating around the bush and directly expose her weakness. If that happened, it would be better to have it over with quickly, rather than be tormented like this, back and forth.
"Oh, right. I've always heard you have a fondness for listening to music, Mr. Lou. Xi'er is a highly skilled musician. Why don't you let her perform for you, to pass the time?" Shen Heping suggested.
He hadn't expected him to know even this. Lou Yuming's eyes flashed with coldness. He raised an eyebrow. "Xi—'er—"
He paused deliberately and asked, "What pieces do you play?"
Shen Heping took the opportunity to push Song Xi forward.
Song Xi stumbled a couple of steps before steadying herself, her lips slightly pale. "An—anything."
Lou Yuming reached out. Song Xi instinctively took a step back, only to realize he was merely smoothing the hem of her skirt with his fingertips.
"Then how about 'The Ballad of the Pipa'?"
He looked up at her, his gaze burning and dark. Song Xi's heart skipped a beat, leaving her flustered and at a loss.
Shen Heping also noticed Lou Yuming's gesture and his face lit up with joy.