"If you're interested, I can arrange an important role for Gu Tangxue in my next production..."
Su Qi's tone changed upon hearing this, but she was wary of Song Heqing's intentions. "Seriously?"
"Absolutely. My word is my bond."
Su Qi was silent for a few seconds before agreeing, "Alright."
Gu Tangxue was determined to break into the entertainment industry, and securing a significant role under a renowned director like Song Heqing would be ideal.
To be safe, Su Qi sent Gu Tangxue a message before leaving.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, she discovered it was a French establishment, exuding romance and elegance. Live music filled the air, with a piano, violin, and cello creating a beautiful ambiance that permeated the French restaurant, even the air seemed to carry the scent of red wine.
The lighting was dim, a candlelit dinner, yet the atmosphere was perfectly set.
It was no wonder the director was known for his many scandals in the entertainment industry, changing women like clothes; he certainly knew what women desired.
It was a shame, though, as she was still a married woman, and with a baby on the way.
She wasn't sure if Song Heqing had such intentions, but she was clearly not his type.
Unless, of course, Song Heqing truly wanted to become a stepfather.
A server guided Su Qi to a table by the window.
Su Qi wore a simple black dress that evening, with a conservative design, featuring a subtle cutout at the back of the waist.
Despite its simplicity, Su Qi's slender figure, combined with her well-proportioned curves, effortlessly elevated the unassuming dress, making it appear quite expensive.
Song Heqing rose to his feet. "I thought you weren't planning to come tonight."
He courteously pulled out a chair for Su Qi.
Su Qi took her seat gracefully. Since she had come, there was no need for her to be coy or petty; it was better to be open and enjoy the experience.
The irony, however, was that this romantic candlelit dinner wasn't with her husband, but with someone else...
Su Qi curved her lips into a self-mocking smile.
"What would you like to drink?"
Song Heqing handed her the tablet for ordering.
Su Qi took it, glanced at it, and ordered a few light and nutritious dishes.
"One might think I have a pregnant mother sitting across from me."
Song Heqing commented playfully after looking at Su Qi's order.
Su Qi took a sip of water, remaining silent.
Was it that obvious?
Recalling Xu Linchuan's words, her belly would start showing in a few months. If she wasn't pregnant by then, the deception would be revealed...
The divorce from Huo Tingyun had to be put on the agenda.
Song Heqing added a few more dishes and returned the tablet to the server.
The food soon arrived, and Song Heqing opened a bottle of champagne, a pink, low-alcohol variety that resembled a beverage.
Su Qi still hadn't touched her food, only taking a sip of milk.
Song Heqing gazed deeply at Su Qi, a meaningful glint in his eyes. He didn't pressure her to drink and even courteously cut her steak for her, then handed it to her.
"Mr. Huo also likes to frequent this restaurant."
As he spoke, a commotion arose from the other side of the room. The piano began to play, and many diners stood up, taking out their phones to capture photos and videos.
Su Qi also glanced in that direction.
Being seated by the window, they were a bit far from the performance area, and with a crowd gathered, it was impossible to see what was happening.
"Shall we go join the excitement?"
Song Heqing smiled slightly, assuming girls loved a spectacle.
Su Qi shook her head, only glancing from afar. "I don't enjoy crowds."
She had always been accustomed to a quiet, solitary life. While curious, she didn't want to be part of the commotion.
Song Heqing didn't seem surprised. He beckoned a server over. "What's happening over there?"
"Someone is proposing."
As he spoke, "Für Elise" began to play indoors.
This was Su Qi's favorite piano piece.
Her thoughts drifted far away.
That sweltering summer, the cicadas chirped incessantly on the branches, making one restless.
She, who was never one to sit still, found herself unable to contain her restlessness after arriving at the guests' home. She went outside to explore and squeezed through a doggy door in the back garden.
As the view opened up before her, she saw a boy.
The boy sat in a pavilion, staring blankly, his eyes vacant. He looked like a statue.
"Hey..."
She greeted him, startling the boy. He stood up, intending to run, but fell face-first into the dirt.
She burst out laughing, only realizing later that the boy was blind.
Later, she told him the story of The Little Prince.
The two-month summer vacation passed in the blink of an eye.
Her adoptive parents, due to business matters, rarely interacted with that family, and she never visited that place again, nor did she see the boy.
After the college entrance examination, she went to that place once. Both families had long since moved away, the two villas were largely abandoned, and weeds had even grown in the yards. She stood there blankly for a long time.
Where had her little prince drifted off to?
She wondered if she would ever have the fate to meet her little prince again.
She thought this memory would remain buried in her heart forever, but she never expected to hear the familiar "Für Elise" in a restaurant.
Su Qi stood up, walking towards the direction of the music involuntarily. Her hurried steps made her stumble slightly. Concerned, Song Heqing rose and followed, offering her support.
But Su Qi only continued walking towards the sound, towards the end of the piano melody...
It was him.
The man sat before a white grand piano, his long fingers dancing across the black and white keys.
This note...
It was exactly the same as the little boy's.
Even the point where he faltered was identical.
"Mr. Huo plays quite well, though there's a slight imperfection."
Song Heqing said with a low chuckle.
Su Qi swayed slightly. It must be her imagination; she had almost mistaken Huo Tingyun for that little prince.
How could that be possible...
But why was Huo Tingyun's faltering point exactly the same as the little boy's?
Impossible. That boy was blind, while Huo Tingyun could clearly see.
How could it be Huo Tingyun...
Su Qi took a small step back, turning to leave.
Suddenly, the surrounding onlookers let out a gasp.
As Huo Tingyun finished playing, he stood up, his striking appearance astonishing everyone. Someone recognized him and exclaimed, "Master Huo!" Then, they watched as Huo Tingyun took out a ring and approached a girl. He didn't kneel but simply placed the ring on her ring finger.
The two embraced.
Thunderous applause erupted from the crowd.
Song Heqing was momentarily stunned by the scene, a faint smile playing on his lips. He glanced down at Su Qi.
Su Qi pursed her lips, not looking in that direction, and walked out of the restaurant.
The cold wind on her skin seemed to clear her mind a little.
Yes, it definitely couldn't be him.
How could Huo Tingyun be the little prince?