It took about 20 minutes for him to return with two large bags full of food.
Melody remained in the same position, holding a small wooden stick that had appeared from nowhere, idly scratching lines on the ground.
Her long hair cascaded softly on both sides, making her look youthful and cute.
She seemed more like an 18-year-old than someone in her thirties.
Seeing Lu Qingxu’s shoes, she dropped the stick and slowly stood up.
“Why did you buy so much?”
Lu Qingxu handed her a bag, “There’s yours too.”
She didn’t take it, “I don’t eat at night. It’s bad for my health.”
“Is there anything else you need to buy? If not, we’ll go back.”
“It’s not fried food; I chose grilled items for you. Young people love to eat, but they also pay attention to health. Take a look first.”
Lu Qingxu insisted on handing her the bag as if seeking praise.
After all, it was late at night, and the food seemed to have a filter, making it exceptionally tempting.
Especially since Melody hadn't eaten dinner, a glance at the color made her resolve waver slightly.
“Since you bought it, I’ll make an exception.”
Lu Qingxu was as happy as if he had won the lottery.
As they walked back, he asked if she wanted to eat a little first.
Melody said, “No. I don’t like eating while walking on the street.”
Indeed, although she was wearing slippers while out, the elegance that emanated from her was undeniable.
“Then let’s eat back at the hotel.”
“I don’t like the smell of food in the room.”
“…”
For some reason, her tone and expression when she said this were remarkably similar to Zhan Bei Jue.
Lu Qingxu had known Zhan Bei Jue for so many years, yet only recently discovered he had close female friends.
The thought made him feel a bit uncomfortable.
“Then where should we eat?”
“Isn’t there a garden behind the hotel? Let’s eat on the bench.”
They went to the garden, put down the food, and Lu Qingxu handed her her portion.
Melody ate without any pretense.
However, the popular street food was consumed by her as if it were a Michelin-starred meal.
She seemed even more like Zhan Bei Jue.
Lu Qingxu couldn’t help but ask her, “I still don’t know your name.”
“Didn’t he tell you? Melody.”
“Oh. My name is Lu Qingxu.”
“Your names are both so awkward, I can’t get used to them. Can I call you by your last name?”
No one had ever called him that before; it felt like a special pet name, and Lu Qingxu was delighted.
“Okay.”
Seeing her pleasant attitude, Lu Qingxu finally asked.
“Has anyone ever told you that you look a lot like someone?”
“Who? A celebrity? Keira Knightley?”
From the side, she did indeed resemble Keira Knightley.
Both were slender beauties with exceptionally good skin.
But that wasn't who Lu Qingxu was thinking of.
“I think you resemble President Zhan a bit.”
Melody hadn't expected him to say that. Although they were twins, they weren't really close, and it sounded strange.
Pretending not to care about his words, she shrugged.
“Maybe it’s because we’ve known each other for a long time. You know, friends tend to become alike after knowing each other for a while.”
“I’ve known him for quite some time, and I basically know all his friends. I didn’t expect there to be any hidden gems.”
“What are you trying to say?”
Lu Qingxu’s admiration and liking for Melody were evident.
Having lived this long, if Melody couldn’t see through what he was thinking, she would have lived in vain.
Seeing him cautiously trying to delve deeper into the topic, she intervened in time.
With a smile, she candidly reminded him.
“I think perhaps Jue might not have explained some things clearly to you.”
“What things?”
“I have no intention of getting married, nor am I looking for a boyfriend, and I don’t plan to stay in the country for long, so…”
Her words extinguished the flicker of hope that had just ignited in Lu Qingxu.
However, he had no principles at the moment.
As long as he could talk to Melody and see her smile, he was content.
“I understand. He told me everything.”
“That’s good. Since I invited you over, I won’t let you spend extra money.”
“Your airfare, plus this meal, will all be on my tab.”
“…”
In Lu Qingxu’s view, he still held some traditional beliefs about gender roles.
He believed it was natural for men to protect women, and when men and women went out together, the man should pay.
This was the first time he had met a woman like Melody, who prioritized finances before acting and constantly drew boundaries with him.
He couldn't help but wonder: this woman doesn't want to get married, doesn't want to date, and is so clear about money?
Could she have been hurt in love before?
It’s unlikely that a woman would naturally advocate for a single lifestyle from birth.
She was so beautiful; if she had become so cautious because of a man’s hurt, it would be truly heartbreaking.
With this thought, Lu Qingxu felt even more tender towards her in his heart.
After eating and drinking, it was nearly two o'clock by the time they got back to the hotel and lay down.
However, Lu Qingxu felt no sleepiness.
In the darkness, it was his domain, where he could possess her to his heart’s content; he didn't want to waste time.
Naturally, having slept late, Lu Qingxu overslept the next day.
When he woke up, Melody was long gone.
He wandered into the living room alone and saw a stack of money and a note under his phone.
He picked it up and saw that it was a full 10,000 yuan.
The note was entirely in English. Melody had written that she had a pleasant time yesterday but didn't need him today. She would be staying in Bei Cheng for a while longer and would call him again if needed. The money was for his services. She wished him a safe journey.
Ah, it was pretty much the same approach his scoundrel friends used.
Except that usually, it was men treating women this way.
He was the complete opposite.
Looking at the money and the note, Lu Qingxu found it ironic yet incredibly interesting.
This woman was different from everyone else; how could he forget her?
There was nothing significant in his work that required his constant attention, so taking a few extra days off was not an issue.
He knew he would miss her desperately if he returned, so Lu Qingxu didn't leave.
He ordered takeout, ate, and then went to the hotel gym to work out.
After returning, he got himself cleaned up and ready; it was already closing time.
He was scrolling through his phone when Melody entered the room.
Seeing that he hadn't left yet, she seemed somewhat surprised.
“Didn’t you see the note I left?”
Lu Qingxu said he had.
“But the money you gave me was too much; that’s my rate for two days, so I decided to stay and accompany you for one more day.”
This reason was impossible for Melody to refuse.
Staying at the hospital to look after patients was quite boring. It would be best to have someone to talk to at night.
She didn't stand on ceremony, washed up, and comfortably took advantage of Lu Qingxu.
Around seven o'clock, Lu Qingxu called her to go out.
“Don’t sleep yet; we haven’t had dinner. Let’s go eat something before coming back to sleep.”
Zhan Bei Jue had instructed Melody not to wander off. While going out in the dark might be acceptable, she glanced outside; the lights were bright, and she refused.
“No. If you want to go, go by yourself.”
“We won’t go to crowded places. I’m leaving tomorrow, so I’ll accompany you to watch a movie.”