Chapter 22 "...Don't force me to beat you up here."
Song Shiyi changed her clothes; the cream-colored Peter Pan collar knitted short-sleeved top accentuated her soft shoulder line, and the knitted texture was fine and soft.
She paired it with a blue and white checkered pleated skirt. The skirt was fluffy and light, swaying gently as she walked. The fresh feel of the checkered pattern balanced the sweetness, making her look more adorable.
Her long, warm brown hair was slightly wavy, fluffy yet neat, with wispy strands falling gently beside her cheeks, softening her delicate facial features.
A light-colored bow was pinned to one side of her hair, small and delicate, adding a touch of sweet and soft girlish charm.
Her eyebrows and eyes were delicate, her facial features were soft, her skin was fair and radiant, her eyes drooped slightly at the corners, giving her an innocent and unguarded look, and her lips were small, full, and light pink.
She looks sweet and serene.
But Si Yue, who was beside her, gave off a completely different feeling.
Her long, wavy hair cascaded down her back, her eyes were bright and lively, and there was still a lingering smile at the corners of her eyes. She exuded a vibrant and energetic aura.
A red and white checkered off-shoulder tank top paired with dark denim shorts creates a sleek and eye-catching look.
Her long, slender, and fair legs, along with her delicate waist that could be encircled with one hand, were incredibly sexy.
She was like a refreshing orange soda in the middle of summer—intense, cheerful, and full of youthful energy.
Si Yue wore light makeup, which added to her beauty.
Xie Lin's eyes flickered slightly, then he looked away, his expression remaining unchanged.
Song Shiyi only applied a layer of lip gloss, which made her look shiny and very kissable.
He Jinzhao looked away with difficulty, trying his best to make his voice sound normal.
"...You're here, please make yourself at home."
Xie Lin glanced at him, looking utterly captivated.
He's completely out of his mind.
I booked a four-seater.
They've already taken their seats. Where can they sit for the remaining two seats?
Clearly, he himself was aware of this problem.
He Jinzhao coughed lightly twice, a flash of embarrassment crossing his eyes.
Song Shiyi, unaware that something was amiss, sat down opposite them with Si Yue.
He Jinzhao moved the menu over, speaking politely and gently.
Let's see what we want to eat.
Song Shiyi's gaze lingered on him for a moment, then she gave him a slight smile.
He Jinzhao subconsciously straightened his back. He had dressed up specially before going out, but he didn't know if someone understood his thoughts.
Whether Song Shiyi understands or not is another matter.
Anyway, Si Yue figured it out.
It couldn't be more obvious.
The boy wore a loose-fitting long black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his well-defined arms. A thin silver chain adorned his wrist, adding to his refined look.
The wispy bangs softened her features, her brows and eyes held a hint of arrogance, and her every move exuded a relaxed and languid air.
Fresh and casual.
There's really nothing to say about it.
It's just one word.
handsome!
A man who knows how to dress well gets extra points.
She gave a meaningful glance to the girl beside her who was quietly looking at the menu.
She wouldn't believe it wasn't for Song Shiyi.
Just then, she inadvertently made eye contact with Xie Lin across from her.
However, his attitude seemed much better than it was in the afternoon.
When he saw her looking over, he raised his chin and nodded at her.
Si Yue: "..."
Something's fishy.
Actually, it's because he secretly stole photos from her WeChat Moments to benefit himself, and he's now thanking her in a friendly way.
Si Yue didn't think much of it and lowered her eyes to huddle with Song Shiyi to discuss what dishes to order.
He Jinzhao didn't miss the interaction between the two of them. He glanced at Si Yue, raised his chin slightly, and spoke in a lazy tone.
What's wrong with you?
Xie Lin glanced at him, his eyelids drooping.
"That's the situation. If you want to know the specifics, we'll have to see what happens."
He Jinzhao: "?"
"...Don't force me to beat you up here."
Xie Lin shrugged. "As you can see, we're not close, there's nothing going on, and I have no gossip for you."
He Jinzhao looked at him suspiciously, his face full of disbelief.
"Yeah?"
"So you two exchanged contact information?"
Speaking of this, Xie Lin narrowed his eyes, his expression meaningful.
"Well, who knows, maybe we'll have business collaborations in the future?"
He Jinzhao hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.
"Are you serious?"
He couldn't imagine what business ties Xie Lin and Si Yue could possibly have.
Could it be some kind of shady agreement?
Keeping canaries is not a good idea.
He'll be going through a nightmare of trying to win his wife back!
He said with a serious expression, "Your thinking is not advisable."
Xie Lin paused, somewhat surprised.
Did he guess it?
Xie Lin coughed lightly twice, feeling somewhat guilty.
"I see."
They'll do it again next time.
He Jinzhao looked at him with a look of satisfaction, and patted him on the shoulder.
"It's good that you realize it; there's still hope if you admit your mistakes and correct them."
Xie Lin nodded, but in reality, the words went in one ear and out the other.
Little did they know, the two were talking about completely different things.
Between taking orders and the food being served, the atmosphere inexplicably became a little awkward.
He Jinzhao is not a talkative person in front of outsiders.
Xie Lin, every time he opens his mouth, makes you want to punch him.
Needless to say, Song Shiyi couldn't even speak out if he wanted to.
In the end, only Si Yue, the outgoing and naturally friendly one, was left to start conversations.
Otherwise, the next meal would be so unbearable.
There's no room for awkward silences when she's around!
"Have you two known each other since childhood?"
She looked at the two people opposite her with curiosity and asked sincerely.
Song Shiyi was also a little curious. She had met He Jinzhao quite a few times in high school, but she had never seen Xie Lin by his side.
Upon hearing this, both of them shook their heads.
“He grew up abroad. When he was in high school, his family business moved to China, so he returned to China with them.”
Si Yue was somewhat surprised, "Mixed-race?"
She examined Xie Lin's appearance carefully and said in confusion, "He doesn't look like it. Don't people say that mixed-race people are handsome?"
Xie Lin glanced at her casually, his tone smug.
"What, can't I be a pure Chinese?"
"Are those foreigners as handsome as me?"
What's your aesthetic sense?
"..."
Si Yue gritted her teeth and hardened her fist.
Song Shiyi began to skillfully stroke the hair.
"Don't be angry, don't be angry."
He Jinzhao nudged his arm, looking speechless: "Can't you speak to girls in a nicer tone?"
Xie Lin looked completely innocent: "I haven't talked to girls much."
He Jinzhao: "..."
What's the meaning?
Who would put this here?
Si Yue had just calmed down when she heard his words and sneered.
"Emotional intelligence is a good thing, but unfortunately, someone doesn't have it."
Xie Lin slightly raised his eyelids and narrowed his eyes.
Just as he was about to say something, He Jinzhao cleverly interrupted him.
"My buddy isn't very good at talking, but he's a good person at heart. Don't take it personally."
There was no way around it; if he didn't smooth things over, the two of them would probably start fighting.
He had to admit that Xie Lin had a sharp tongue.
He felt that Xie Lin's long-standing integrity was largely due to this.
Besides, if Xie Lin angers someone, won't he be the one who suffers in the end?
After all, Si Yue was one of Song Shiyi's few true friends; best friends are more important than anything else.
He wouldn't dare mess with Xie Lin. If Xie Lin messed things up for him, he'd really be sitting at his doorstep crying.
Xie Lin remained silent, idly fiddling with the flowers in the vase on the table.
Si Yue pursed her lips, inwardly grumbling to herself.
Who exactly likes him?
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