Gu Xijue coldly met Lu Zheng's gaze; their eyes locked, neither man willing to yield.

"Lu Zheng, what brings you here?"

Yesterday, there was a fight that made headlines. Is Lu Zheng going to cause trouble for Gu Xijue again today?

Thinking this, Qiao Zhen unconsciously took a step back, blocking Lu Zheng and Gu Xijue.

Lu Zheng noticed Qiao Zhen's subtle actions and frowned in displeasure.

"You are an employee of Morningstar, which belongs to the Lu family. Do you have any objections to me showing concern for my own employees?"

Qiao Zhen was stunned by Lu Zheng's retort. She realized that Lu Zheng's mouth was simply infuriating, yet he always managed to find all sorts of twisted logic.

"Of course, it is an honor for you, Sir, to have Mr. Lu grace us with your presence."

Gu Xijue, on the other hand, appeared calm and composed, as if he hadn't taken yesterday's events to heart at all.

"Since Mr. Lu has asked, I can certainly afford to treat you to a meal. Let's go."

Although Qiao Zhen was unhappy, she had no choice but to stand between the two of them and get off the elevator together.

The sight of the three of them together just felt awkward no matter how you looked at it.

"Given Mr. Gu's financial situation, dining at a five-star hotel shouldn't be a problem, right?"

The three sat in the car, with Qiao Zhen sandwiched in the middle. Lu Zheng, however, stood between Qiao Zhen and provoked Gu Xijue.

Gu Xijue still had a faint smile on his face as he slowly shook his head.

"Mr. Lu is too kind. Since I said I would treat you, I would have no objection even if you ordered a full Manchu Han Imperial Feast."

Then, Gu Xijue looked at Qiao Zhen and asked softly, "What would Zhenzhen like to eat?"

Hearing Gu Xijue address Qiao Zhen, a glint of light flashed in Lu Zheng's eyes.

How wonderful! Seducing his woman right in front of him, does she really think he, Lu Zheng, is dead?

"I'll order whatever Zhenzhen likes to eat, so there's no need for you to trouble yourself, Mr. Gu."

Qiao Zhen was caught in the middle, listening to the two men's childish infighting, and wished she could just disappear on the spot.

"I'm not picky about food, it's up to you guys."

After interjecting, Qiao Zhen simply lay back, closed her eyes, and pretended to sleep, to avoid being bothered to death by these two men.

Lu Zheng raised an eyebrow at Gu Xijue triumphantly, as if to say that he knew Qiao Zhen better than Gu Xijue.

"I remember in high school, Zhenzhen, you loved spicy food the most, but later you changed to a milder flavor for me. But it's okay, let's order spicy food today, I also want to try the flavor that Zhenzhen likes."

Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng's expression changed.

The next second, Lu Zheng reached out and pulled Qiao Zhen into his arms.

"Zhenzhen must be sleepy. Rest on my shoulder for a while. I'll wake you up when we get to the restaurant."

Qiao Zhen couldn't hold back any longer and immediately sat up straight, her face full of anger.

"Enough! What are you two trying to do? How childish! You've been arguing non-stop since we got to the office, and your noise is driving me crazy!"

After Qiao Zhen launched into a tirade, Lu Zheng and Gu Xijue exchanged a glance and simultaneously shut their mouths.

After venting her frustrations, Qiao Zhen finally felt better. She leaned back in her chair and leisurely closed her eyes.

Throughout the journey, Lu Zheng and Gu Xijue stared at each other, creating an awkward and strange atmosphere in the car.

Finally, half an hour later, the car stopped in front of the largest five-star hotel in Jiangcheng.

"Mr. Gu, we've arrived."

The driver nodded to Gu Xijue.

"Zhenzhen..."

"Zhenzhen, we've arrived. Wake up, let's go down for dinner."

Before Gu Xijue could speak, Lu Zheng woke Qiao Zhen up first.

Qiao Zhen groggily opened her eyes and glanced out the car window.

"Um."

Because she had just woken up, Qiao Zhen's voice was a little hoarse and languid, as endearing as a noble ragdoll cat.

Lu Zheng subconsciously stepped to the side to block Qiao Zhen's view.

"I'll carry you down."

As Lu Zheng spoke, without waiting for Qiao Zhen to refuse, he reached out and lifted her out of the car.

"Mr. Gu, could you please book a private room? I prefer a quiet meal and don't like to be disturbed."

After Lu Zheng finished speaking, he picked up Qiao Zhen and strode towards the restaurant.

Gu Xijue watched the two figures disappear into the distance, a glint of malice flashing in his dark eyes. He then lifted his leg and followed them.

"Lu Zheng, what are you doing? Put me down right now!"

Keep in mind, this is a restaurant, a place with lots of people and eyes. Lu Zheng and Gu Xijue are already prominent figures in Jiangcheng.

The three of them together in one frame was enough to cause a huge uproar. What's more, she was currently being held in Lu Zheng's arms.

Unfortunately, Lu Zheng didn't care about any of that.

Those deep black eyes looked at Qiao Zhen, and in the blink of an eye, Qiao Zhen could actually see the grievance in them.

Like a big dog abandoned by its owner, it looks innocent and pitiful.

Qiao Zhen softened for a moment and forgot to struggle.

Lu Zheng carried Qiao Zhen into the private room with a satisfied expression, and a smug smile curled up on his lips where Qiao Zhen was not paying attention.

"Mr. Gu, would you mind getting two menus? Zhenzhen just woke up and is quite clingy."

As Lu Zheng spoke, his eyes were fixed on Gu Xijue.

Gu Xijue struggled to maintain his smile and said in a deep voice, "Of course."

Fortunately, before Gu Xijue could leave, a waiter brought the menu.

Lu Zheng took the menu and considerately handed it to Qiao Zhen.

"Zhenzhen, see if there's anything you particularly want to eat."

Qiao Zhen didn't stand on ceremony; after a busy morning, her stomach was growling with hunger.

After ordering what she wanted to eat, Qiao Zhen handed the menu to Lu Zheng.

"Give me your most expensive set meal, plus a caviar, a foie gras, and a bottle of 1982 Lafite."

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!