Chapter 149 Like Strangers
In Yancheng's social circles, there are as many people who know him as there are streetlights on the street.
Walking down the street, you might bump into someone you know at any time.
But once they're caught together, trouble will follow.
If she were to actually encounter such a situation, she certainly didn't want to become the subject of gossip for no reason.
Sheng Tingzhou pinched her cheek; his fingertips were warm.
He chuckled, his voice low and tinged with dissatisfaction.
Am I really that shameful?
She immediately waved her hand and hurriedly tried to explain.
"It's not that you can't stand the light of day... it's that I can't stand being seen by others."
He raised an eyebrow, his eyes flashing slightly, his tone revealing a hint of inquiry.
"Have you done something wrong?"
She opened her mouth, but was speechless for a moment, a helpless expression appearing on her face.
What is all this nonsense?
What is he guessing?
It was just a simple question, but he made it sound like she had done something wrong.
"We've just started dating, our relationship is just beginning, and there are still many things we haven't figured out..."
She explained softly.
"And I don't want others to know right now."
She paused, her eyes dimming slightly.
“Before, because of Zhou Yuze’s matter, the gossip never stopped. They said I was trying to climb the social ladder, that I was unscrupulous, and all sorts of nasty things were said.”
Memories flooded back, and she subconsciously bit her lip.
"Back then, every time I went out, I felt like there were countless eyes staring at me from behind, making it hard for me to breathe."
"If rumors of us being together are circulating again now, people will probably bring up old grievances again."
She looked at him, her eyes filled with worry.
“Some people are eager to use my past to their advantage, and I don’t want to go through those days again.”
It's better to avoid trouble.
Sheng Tingzhou's brows furrowed tightly, and his expression darkened.
He is not afraid of what others say, nor is he afraid of anyone gossiping behind his back.
But Song Zhiwei didn't think so.
She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling.
"Please... I just want some peace and quiet."
"I don't want to be talked about anymore, and I don't want our relationship to be under so much pressure right from the start."
She took a deep breath and continued, "When rumors spread, they come like a tornado, sweeping over everything and making it hard to even breathe."
"And the feelings between you and me right now are just beginning to sprout... They're too tender to withstand any turmoil; they might shatter at the slightest touch."
"No matter what happens in the future, at least for now..."
"I just want to protect this little bit of warmth and not let it go out."
Sheng Tingzhou looked at her quietly.
At that moment, his heart suddenly softened.
He didn't say anything more, but simply lowered his head and gently kissed her lips.
That kiss came unexpectedly.
Song Zhiwei froze, her heartbeat instantly going off track.
Her face flushed bright red instantly, the heat spreading from her ears all the way down to her neck.
Despite this, my heart was bubbling with sweetness.
She secretly glanced at him and saw that his expression was normal, even a little smug, so she couldn't help but smile.
Then she stood on tiptoe and reached out to put the mask on him.
Sheng Tingzhou obediently lowered his head and bent down to let her do as she pleased.
After going downstairs, the night breeze outside was slightly cool.
The two walked side by side to the parking lot, their steps unhurried.
He walked straight toward the incredibly flashy Aston Martin.
She quickly tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "How about... you ride in my car?"
He paused, turning his head to glance at her.
In just a moment, he saw through her thoughts.
She was afraid that riding in his car would be too conspicuous and make her easily recognized.
He smiled and nodded without hesitation: "Okay."
She breathed a sigh of relief, a relaxed smile spreading across her face, and led him toward her car.
A low-key white SUV, without any luxurious logos or eye-catching design.
It's perfect for blending into the city's traffic.
The navigation system automatically turned on, and a gentle voice announced the route, leading them to a well-known hot pot restaurant in the city center.
The car was quiet, with only the slight sound of the air conditioner blowing air.
The moment the door to the private room closed.
The waiter knocked twice politely, walked in carrying a tablet, and bowed slightly.
"Please order, both of you."
Song Zhiwei took the tablet and skillfully ordered the signature beef and tripe platter, along with some vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms for a light and refreshing meal that wasn't too greasy.
She handed the tablet back to Sheng Tingzhou in a natural tone.
"Is there anything else we need? Would you like to add anything else?"
Sheng Tingzhou took the tablet, slender fingers swiped across the screen twice, and added a portion of shrimp paste and a portion of hand-cut mutton.
He then handed the tablet back, his voice low.
"That's fine."
The waiter noted down the order and quietly left the private room, leaving the two of them alone.
As Song Zhiwei stared at the closed door, a scene suddenly flashed into her mind.
The same person stopped her as she walked out of the company building after her last interview and offered to treat her to a meal.
At that time, she was filled with trepidation and felt that he was aloof and superior.
She remembers not daring to lift her head at the time, only whispering, "Thank you, but no need."
But he didn't give us any room to refuse.
And now, she can actually sit here and eat hot pot with him face to face.
Time really flies.
The private room was warm and cozy, with the air conditioning set quite high, and the hot pot steaming continuously rising from it.
The air was filled with the rich aroma of butter and chili, making one sweat slightly.
She felt a little stuffy and reached out to unbutton her black coat.
Then he reached up and took off his coat, casually draping it over the back of the chair.
Sheng Tingzhou sat opposite him, holding a glass of ice water, his slender fingers gently swirling the glass.
"Your uncle didn't come to see you today?"
Song Zhiwei was picking up a piece of tripe and putting it into the pot.
Upon hearing this, his hand paused slightly, and the tip of his chopsticks almost plunged into the boiling red soup.
She looked up at him, somewhat surprised.
No, why?
He chuckled lightly and said casually, "It's nothing, I was just asking."
She nodded, put down her chopsticks, and picked up a wet wipe to clean her hands.
They are childhood friends, having grown up together since they were little.
Although there were unpleasant incidents later, and they even became like strangers for a time.
But after all, they've known each other since childhood, and their relationship is what it is.
She thought about it and didn't ask any more questions, assuming he was just concerned about his family.
One dish after another was served.
The waiters quickly arranged the meat on plates and put it in the pot; the meat slices curled up as soon as they touched the hot soup.
The two ate and chatted.
Time slipped by unnoticed, and in the blink of an eye, almost an hour had passed.
Finally, Sheng Tingzhou raised his hand to check his watch, then got up and paid the bill.
Then, he bent down to pick up the black coat draped over the back of the chair, shook out the wrinkles, turned around and walked to Song Zhiwei's side, naturally reaching out to drape it over her shoulders.
She paused for a moment, instinctively wanting to dodge.
But the movement stopped halfway through.
She lowered her head and obediently put her hands into her sleeves. Her fingertips were slightly cool, but her heartbeat inexplicably quickened.
The moment I pushed open the store door, a cold wind rushed towards me.
A row of neon lights illuminated the street, reflecting on the wet ground.
She instinctively wrapped her coat tighter and shrank her neck.
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