Chapter 115 Did you eat properly?
Shen Qingyan is handsome, talkative, popular, and has a lot of friends.
When his friends in the industry learned that he had returned to China, they immediately organized a gathering at Wangjinglou Restaurant, inviting him for drinks and dinner.
Seeing that Shen Jingni had been listless and in low spirits lately, Shen Qingyan took her along.
When they arrived at Wangjing Tower, he kept nagging in her ear: "I just don't understand Shen Miaomiao. You're supposed to be in a relationship, so why are you unhappy about it?"
“No,” Shen Jingni retorted, “I’m not unhappy, I’m just seriously thinking about a problem.”
"What's the problem?"
She pouted, her voice soft and muffled, "Do I like Zhao Zonglan or not?"
The fact that you're thinking about it means you haven't completely fallen for it yet.
This is a good thing.
Shen Qingyan put one hand into his trouser pocket, a smile in his eyes, "My advice is, don't even think about it."
"People say love is irrational, but you seem quite rational, which means you don't like him."
"I'm just used to him being nice to me."
Is that really the case?
Shen Jingni was now even more uncertain.
Seeing that she seemed to have taken his words to heart, Shen Qingyan continued, "Liking someone means having a possessive streak. You'll feel unhappy and jealous when you see him with other women..."
After rattling off a bunch of things, he glanced at her sideways and asked, "You probably don't have any of these, right?"
Shen Jingni did not speak.
As the largest and most luxurious restaurant in Beijing, Wangjinglou has always had a good number of customers.
Whether it's socializing, family gatherings, or business entertainment, most people choose this place.
Besides Lach, a shareholder, Jingyao's new project also has several partners.
Ruifan International, owned by the Tang family, is among them.
Tang Shu's older sister, Tang Yuchu, had just returned to China last month and was entrusted with an important task: liaising with Jingyao.
Tang Yuchu is different from Rong Zaiyi. She is devoted to her work, capable, shrewd, and very bold.
Today, we are inviting Zhao Zonglan to dinner on behalf of the Tang family.
Several other partners also came with them.
Shen Qingyan was called into a private room by her friend.
Shen Jingni went to the restroom, and when she came back, she saw Zhao Zonglan at the corner of the corridor.
Among the group, the man's tall and imposing figure stood out.
His black overcoat and suit were crisp and austere, his trousers were neatly pressed, and he held a slender cigarette between his fingers. His handsome face was indifferent and cold, and he was listening listlessly to the person next to him.
The woman next to him wore an ivory white suit skirt, her chestnut medium-length hair was tied in a low bun, she was tall and had a capable demeanor.
Some wealthy ladies passing by were whispering among themselves.
"Huh? That looks like Miss Tang, she and Mr. Zhao seem quite well-matched."
"I heard that the old lady of the Zhao family is seriously ill and wants Mr. Zhao to get married as soon as possible. I wonder if she has chosen this one."
Shen Jingni had not seen Zhao Zonglan for four days.
I never expected that our reunion would be like this.
Although she knew that Zhao Zonglan would not be forced by anyone and that he liked her, she still felt uneasy and unhappy upon hearing such remarks, so she simply turned around and walked in the other direction.
So much so that Zhao Zonglan only saw her back.
He lowered his eyes and smoked, his emotions inscrutable.
Shen Qingyan's friends hosted a welcome party for her; many people came, and it was very lively.
Shen Jingni and several girls who liked Shen Qingyan sat together and chatted.
They surrounded her, asking her everything about Shen Qingyan.
"Miaomiao, when is Brother Yan going back to Los Angeles?"
"Does he have a girl he likes in Los Angeles?"
"Miaomiao, come to my house to play tomorrow, and bring your brother too."
"Your brother likes girls, right?"
Shen Jingni had seen this kind of scene many times since she was a child.
Shen Qingyan's appearance is too deceptive; he has never lacked suitors. Back when he was in school, quite a few even came to his home to pursue him.
She can handle small situations with ease.
Meanwhile, the men on the other side had already started drinking.
A young master came looking for Shen Jingni with wine.
"Jingni, it's been a long time since we last met, come on, let's have a drink."
He had just handed over the wine glass when Shen Qingyan blocked it.
"Are you out of your mind?" Shen Qingyan's casual suit was loose, and his handsome face was devoid of smiles. "My Miaomiao has a bad stomach and can't drink."
The man hadn't given up yet. "Brother Yan, it's okay to drink a little. Jing Ni isn't that delicate."
"You can't understand human language, can you?"
Shen Qingyan casually picked up an empty wine bottle from the side and asked in a nonchalant tone, "Would it be okay if I made a hole in your head?"
The young master immediately cowered, quickly put away his wine glass, and said pitifully, "Brother Yan, you're so fierce."
"Get lost."
Shen Qingyan gave him a light kick, chasing him away.
Then he said to Shen Jingni, "It's getting late, we should go back, otherwise we'll get scolded by Ms. Xu again."
"Go outside and wait for me. I'll tell them I'll be there soon."
It's said to be quick, but it actually takes some time; just dealing with all those girls is enough for him to handle.
Shen Jingni left the private room and went straight downstairs, waiting for him at the door.
She stood under the pillars, with rows of sheepskin palace lanterns overhead, casting long shadows in the light.
A series of noisy footsteps approached.
Surrounded by people, the person who strode out of the door was none other than Zhao Zonglan.
The slightly overweight middle-aged boss was reporting something to him, respectfully and cautiously.
Zhao Zonglan listened casually.
His gaze fell directly on Shen Jingni.
He parted his thin lips slightly, his tone revealing little emotion, and simply said two words, "Go first."
The people behind them didn't dare to follow any further and quickly left.
Zhao Zonglan then turned around and walked towards Shen Jingni.
What are you doing here?
His tone was calm, seemingly no different from before.
Shen Jingni lowered her head and honestly replied, "Wait for my brother."
Zhao Zonglan stood beside her, his shadow stretched long by the lamplight.
She could smell the familiar, faint sandalwood scent on him—the scent she longed for.
In the distance, the city's neon lights blurred into a sea of light, and the night wind swept past the hanging palace lanterns, causing the light and shadows to sway.
Zhao Zonglan looked calmly ahead, his voice low: "Not a marriage partner, nor a romantic interest, just discussing work."
Even though he knew she probably wouldn't care or be jealous, he didn't want her to overthink it.
"oh."
Shen Jingni responded with a haughty smile, a slight upturn at the corners of her lips.
A silent warmth flowed between the two of them.
He looked at her thin face, a hint of helplessness in his dark eyes, "Have you been eating properly these past few days?"
Shen Jingni felt a little guilty and answered slowly, "Yes."
"lie."
Shen Jingni looked up and met his gaze, her tone still coquettish, even more unrestrained than before, "You won't believe me even if I tell you, so why do you ask?"
Zhao Zonglan didn't say anything more, just looked at her with a deep and focused gaze.
He missed her so much he was going crazy.
Shen Jingni felt a little hot behind her ears from his gaze, and she quickly turned her face away. "I'm going to Macau with Sister Wen tomorrow."
He said, "Okay."
"Vast and boundless".
Shen Qingyan strode out of the door, not even glancing at Zhao Zonglan, and grabbed Shen Jingni's hand to leave, saying, "Let's go home."
Zhao Zonglan simply stood still.
Watching them leave, he narrowed his eyes slightly, then coldly ordered Chang An: "Investigate Shen Qingyan's situation in Los Angeles. I need detailed data on his company."
"yes."
On the way back.
Shen Qingyan and Shen Jingni sat in the back seat of the car.
He recalled what he had just witnessed and realized the situation was worse than he had imagined.
"Miaomiao, the New Year is just around the corner, and your studio has no business. How about..."
"Want to come to Los Angeles with me for a few days?"
"Perfect timing. A change of scenery will give you a chance to think things through and figure out exactly what your feelings are for Zhao Zonglan."
There's a saying, "Whatever it is, if you love someone, even if they are separated by mountains and seas, you can overcome them."
"If you really like him, changing your environment will make it easier for you to think things through."
Although there seemed to be nothing wrong with what she said, Shen Jingni felt that something was off.
"I've discussed it with Lao Shen, and our family will go to Los Angeles to celebrate the Spring Festival this year."
"If you don't say anything, I'll take that as a yes."
"We'll leave on Monday after you come back from Macau."
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