Mingyao was so angry that she gritted her teeth; he had actually caught her by the tail.

In order to prevent Pei Siyu from discovering her true identity, she endured it!

As long as Pei Zhao doesn't do anything out of line, everything is negotiable.

Pei Zhao took Mingyao directly to a nearby upscale Western restaurant for a meal.

Mingyao sat awkwardly across from him, her smile slightly shy. "Mr. Pei, this meal must be very expensive."

"Yes, I often come here to eat with my uncle, what do you think?"

He slowly and methodically cleared the plates, his movements elegant and refined.

Mingyao had just taken a sip of red wine when she heard Pei Zhao's words and almost choked.

She coughed lightly twice and wiped her lips with a tissue. "I feel a little embarrassed that Mr. Pei treated me to such an expensive meal."

"It's okay, just treat me as a friend."

Pei Zhao poured wine for Ming Yao, saying, "I've never met a woman as interesting as you before."

Mingyao's smile faded slightly, and she pinched her knuckles hard. "Young Master Pei still doesn't know enough."

"There are plenty of women who are prettier and more interesting than me."

Pei Zhao curled his lips into a smile, swirling the red liquid in his wine glass as he stared intently at Ming Yao. "What? Afraid I'm interested in you?"

Seeing Pei Zhao's ambiguous smile, Ming Yao felt a chill run down her spine. "Young Master Pei, you're of such high status, why would you like me?"

Before he could finish speaking, Pei Zhao retorted, "Why not?"

Mingyao: "..."

"What does Mr. Pei want to say?"

At this moment, the waiter came over, put down the dessert, and glanced at Mingyao intentionally.

Noticing the waiter's gaze, Mingyao wished she could disappear into the ground immediately.

If Pei Siyu frequents this restaurant, the waiters will definitely recognize them.

Who knows, she might come to this restaurant someday and be recognized by the waiters, which could lead to some unnecessary misunderstandings.

Mingyao forced a smile, but in reality, she felt like she was sitting on pins and needles, wishing she could leave immediately.

After the waiter left, Pei Zhao said unhurriedly, "It's nothing."

That's what he said, but his gaze never left Mingyao's face for a moment.

Mingyao pretended to eat as if nothing had happened.

Pei Zhao stared intently for a while, then suddenly asked, "Are you really married?"

"Yes, that's right."

Pei Zhao narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp as a knife, and asked again with a hint of doubt, "Really? You're not lying to me?"

"I'm not lying to you," Mingyao answered firmly. "No woman would joke about her marriage, right?"

Pei Zhao immediately slumped his head like a deflated balloon, "Sigh, we're destined to meet but not to be together."

"How about this?" He suddenly remembered something, and a glint appeared in his eyes. "As a second choice, let's be friends."

"Your personality is very interesting. If you can't be my girlfriend, we can at least be friends."

Pei Zhao had never been so frustrated in front of a woman before; Ming Yao was the first.

He had a strong desire to explore Mingyao, wanting to see through the true nature hidden beneath this woman's gentle exterior.

Wanting to get close but not wanting to cross moral boundaries, Pei Zhao could only settle for a compromise.

Mingyao nodded, "Okay, let's be friends then."

She secretly breathed a sigh of relief; as long as she didn't mention liking him, being friends was perfectly fine.

After a long day of work, Mingyao returned to the Pei family mansion, exhausted both physically and mentally.

As soon as Aunt Wu brought the food to the table, Mingyao looked at the single-serving dishes and asked, "Is Master Pei not coming back again today?"

"Master Pei said he would be back, but it would be very late. Madam, please rest first."

Mingyao had no desire to rest; her mind was filled with thoughts of Boss Wang and the cooperation.

A deafening roar came without warning, and Mingyao jumped and quickly went to the window.

A sudden burst of white light, like splashed ink, swept across the sky, as if it were a sharp blade, threatening to cleave the low-hanging sky in two.

Pitter-patter, raindrops the size of soybeans rolled onto the glass, bursting into tiny raindrops.

"It's raining," Mingyao murmured, lost in thought as she looked at the sea shrouded in rain.

The autumn rain came suddenly and fiercely; what awaited her and Pei Siyu might also be a storm.

Mingyao sat cross-legged on the sofa, quietly waiting for Pei Siyu to return.

The midnight chimes abruptly jolted Mingyao awake. She sat up abruptly, her eyes still blurry with sleep, and looked at the wall clock.

She yawned, and the suit jacket covering her fell off her shoulders.

It smells of familiar pine. Isn't this Pei Siyu's suit?

He's back?

Mingyao suddenly looked to her side and met Pei Siyu's cold, phoenix-like eyes.

Mingyao froze, her lips twitching into a forced smile. "Master Pei, when did you get back?"

She was annoyed; she hadn't even seen Pei Siyu right beside her!

Pei Siyu picked up his suit jacket from the sofa, his voice cold and flat, "Go back to your room and rest."

After saying that, he strode upstairs, and Mingyao jumped off the sofa barefoot. "Wait."

Pei Siyu stopped on the steps, his eyes shooting out a chilling light.

Mingyao clutched her skirt and stammered, "Losing Boss Wang's cooperation was my fault. I'll find a way to make it back, I won't..."

"No need." Pei Siyu forcefully interrupted her before she could finish speaking. "Just do your own thing and don't meddle in things that aren't your business."

Mingyao watched Pei Siyu's retreating figure and whispered, "I won't cause you any trouble."

She clenched her fists, a hint of determination in her eyes.

"Master Pei, words are not enough; I will keep my word."

Mingyao raised her head, her gaze firm and intense as she looked at Pei Siyu on the second floor.

Pei Siyu glanced at her sideways and said sarcastically, "You?"

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