"You're too kind. Let Michael handle this."
Ye Zhi smiled and replied, "It doesn't matter whether he arranges it or I do."
...
On the way to the parking lot, I deliberately slowed down and then asked Ye Zhi in a low voice, "When did you bring your assistant here?"
“She has always been here; she has always lived in Xiaguan.”
"Oh...which hotel did she book?"
Hilton.
"The Hilton next to Canghai Yishu?"
"Hmm, is there a problem?"
"The standard is too high. Don't worry about the accommodation. I'll arrange a room for him at our inn."
"How can I show the difference between a diamond ring and a gold ring if I don't make some gesture?"
I looked at Ye Zhi a little awkwardly, and then I thought about it again, and it really made sense. My purpose in contacting her was to save face for myself and put Old Mi at ease. I stopped refusing and said to her, "You've thought this through more thoroughly than I have. I'll reimburse you for your accommodation and meals later."
"Let's not talk about that now."
...
An hour later, Ye Zhi drove me and Lao Mi back to the Hilton in the ancient city from the train station. As soon as Ye Zhi parked the car, a woman came over, took the things Ye Zhi was carrying, and said, "Ms. Ye, I've already booked the room. Give me your things, and I'll have the waiter take them to the room first... You can go straight to your meal here."
Ye Zhi nodded, and then gestured for me to hand the plastic bag that Lao Mi had brought to her assistant as well.
Old Mi had clearly never been to a hotel like this before. He asked me somewhat awkwardly, "What does this girl do? Why is she making such a big fuss? ... She can just have a meal anywhere."
I paused for a moment, then replied, "You can talk to her directly during dinner. If I tell you, it'll sound like I'm showing off."
Old Mi gave me a serious look, then followed the waiter into the restaurant.
...
At a round table that could seat 12 people, Lao Mi sat opposite Ye Zhi and me. The bright lights shone down, illuminating every luxurious detail in the private room... Before long, the waiters brought out the dishes we ordered one by one.
Ye Zhi, who hadn't said much until now, finally spoke to Lao Mi, who had also been silent, "Uncle, what kind of wine do you like to drink? I'll have the waiter bring it over."
Old Mi made a gesture to stop them, then replied, "Let's put the dinner aside for now. I have something to ask you two."
After exchanging a glance with Ye Zhi, we both turned our attention to Lao Mi.
How did you two meet?
As expected, Old Mi asked that question.
Ye Zhi seemed much more relaxed than when they first met. She replied, "Michael and I met on the way to Dali... My tire blew out on the highway, and I waited a long time for roadside assistance. Luckily, I met Michael, who helped me change the tire. Later, we bumped into each other again in Dali. I think it must be fate!"
This wasn't a lie, so Ye Zhi spoke with great ease.
Old Mi then turned to me and asked, "This isn't a game. You've figured it out yourself. What is it about that girl that you like?"
No one knows a father better than his son. The questions Lao Mi is asking now are all things we've talked about before, and he must have the same doubts. After Lu Jia left, this "new relationship" of mine came too quickly. Even if he doesn't suspect we're acting, he'll wonder if we got together because we were in a moment of passion.
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