He took a deep breath and dialed the number of the Guo family at No. 28 Repulse Bay, which he had already memorized.
After a few rings, the phone was picked up.
"Hello? Who is this?"
It was the polite voice of the Guo family's housekeeper.
"It's me, Peter Ho.
Please help me pick up Miss Rumeng."
Ho Chun-ting's voice tried hard to maintain his usual calm and noble tone, but there was still a hint of imperceptible tension.
He deliberately omitted the name "Miss Liu" and chose the more intimate and respectful "Miss Rumeng".
"Okay, Mr. Huo, please wait a moment."
The housekeeper's expression also tensed up, and then he quickly responded politely, hung up the phone, and went to call Liu Rumeng.
The short wait felt like torture.
Huo Zhenting's heart was beating a little faster. He even rehearsed in his mind the scene where Liu Rumeng softly agreed and made an appointment to meet in the elegant room of Mandarin Oriental in the afternoon.
What should she wear?
A simple and elegant cheongsam?
Or a new dress?
Her cool temperament, coupled with the elegance of Mandarin Oriental...
And those damn paparazzi...
No, this time he will definitely send people to clear the area in advance!
"Young Master Huo?"
A clear, calm voice with a barely perceptible sense of distance finally came from the other end of the receiver.
Like pearls falling on a jade plate, it instantly soothed Huo Zhenting's anxious nerves, but ignited another more intense throbbing.
…
"Miss Ru...Miss Rumeng! Please allow me to call you that."
Huo Zhenting's tone involuntarily took on a hint of eagerness, and the corners of his mouth rose slightly, "It's me. What happened last night caused a lot of uproar in the city, and I'm sorry to have embarrassed Miss Rumeng.
It’s really... those Japanese devils are going too far!
But don't worry, I will take care of this matter."
He paused, his voice becoming softer and deeper, with unquestionable consideration, and then quietly, even omitting the word "Miss", he said: "Rumeng, you see, the weather is just right this afternoon.
I know that Mandarin Oriental has added a very good tea restaurant with great privacy. Their dim sum chef is an authentic veteran invited from Yangcheng Lianxianglou, and the crystal shrimp dumplings are a must-try.
How about...we go try it together?
Just consider it as a way to calm you down, and also let me... express my apologies.
It was indeed rude of me to visit you that night."
He spoke sincerely, and every word seemed to be for the other party's benefit, while showing the considerate demeanor of a rich young man.
There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds.
This brief silence made Huo Zhenting's heart tighten.
Finally, Liu Rumeng's voice sounded again, still so calm, and even added a bit of soft apology and consideration for him: "Young Master Huo, you are too polite.
What happened that night, in essence... it was all because of me that got you into trouble."
Her voice dropped slightly, with just the right amount of weakness and embarrassment, "Take a look at the newspapers these past two days... They're all filled with the story of you and Mr. Kobayashi Tenmo that night.
And those previous... groundless reports about me.
The situation is tense right now, and countless eyes are staring at you, the Guo family, and me."
She sighed softly, and this sigh seemed to sweep across Huo Zhenting's heart like a feather, adding more pity: "Young Master Huo, you are of noble status, how important is your reputation?
If you meet me and those nosy people make up stories, take photos and make a big fuss about it, wouldn't it make your job even more difficult?
Let the Huo family... suffer more criticism?
I... I really can't bear it and feel sorry.
So... for the sake of your reputation, Mr. Huo, I think it's better for us... not to meet for the time being.
What do you think, when this storm has passed and the dust has settled?"
Her wording was flawless, and every sentence was based on the reputation of Ho Chun-ting and the face of the Ho family. She portrayed the image of a "weak" person who was sensible, knew the limits, and was unwilling to implicate others.
The tone was so sincere and earnest, the posture was so humble, full of respect for him and... vague dependence?
It was a rejection, but this rejection was filled with deep affection for his own good, with infinite grievances and expectations for the future.
Just like a flexible silk thread, it is neither cut off forcefully nor completely catered to, but just "fished" gently and just right.
The more she "thought about him", the more hatred Huo Zhenting felt towards Xiaolin Tianwang and the desire to ruin his good deeds surged!
And his pity and possessiveness for her being "understanding" and "wronged" instantly soared to the peak!
“Pah.”
A slight sound was heard.
Huo Zhenting then realized that he had used too much force and the finely crafted gold pen was deformed by being squeezed between his fingers!
He tried hard to suppress the rage in his heart and the intense heartache for Liu Rumeng. His throat was a little tight, but his voice was even gentler, full of understanding and comfort: "Rumeng...you are right, I was inconsiderate.
These flies are buzzing around and really disturbing the peace and quiet!"
His tone changed, with the domineering and promise of a rich young man,
“Don’t worry!
These are just temporary troubles, Kobayashi Tenwang won’t be able to jump around for much longer!
Once I have completely solved this problem and cleared away all this mess, no one will dare to write or speak nonsense anymore.
You... take good care of yourself, don't think too much, and wait for my news."
"Well, thank you, Mr. Huo, for your understanding."
Liu Rumeng's voice was still soft and calm, without any unnecessary emotion.
Huo Zhenting listened to the busy tone on the other end and slowly put down the microphone which was already getting hot.
In the office, the afterglow of Liu Rumeng seemed to still linger.
But soon, an even more intense rage blazed up, completely drowning out that bit of tenderness!
His handsome face twisted as he stared at the golden pen that had been pinched into no shape, his eyes flashing with coldness.
Kobayashi Tenbo!
Everything is because of this lingering guy!
Steal his thunder!
Ruining his good deeds!
Stop him from possessing Liu Rumeng!
This also forced Liu Rumeng to decline his invitation in order to avoid suspicion. How unfair!
This hatred and resentment are irreconcilable!
…
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