Chen Ziming took a deep breath. With Su Yue present, he didn't want to disrespect Meng Ziqing.
He silently stepped in front of Su Yue, looked at Meng Ziqing, and gestured with his eyes for him to stop causing trouble.
Su Yue was bewildered.
How was it that she had just met his mother yesterday, and today his cousin appeared out of nowhere?
Her curiosity about his family background had already diminished significantly, but precisely at this moment, his family members were appearing one after another.
Furthermore, this cousin appeared to be extraordinary, clearly not someone who would remain in obscurity. Recalling Meng Hualan…
Could he also possess a shocking identity?
"Oh, I have matters to attend to as well. This is for Yueyue to eat."
Meng Ziqing understood that his presence would only displease Chen Ziming. Thus, he picked up the cake box, leaned forward, and handed it to Su Yue.
"Mm... Thank you..." She still looked dazed as she accepted the cake.
"You're welcome. When Officer Chen agrees in the future, I'll treat you to a meal," he replied with a steady, elegant smile. Then, he stood straight, his expression becoming somewhat stern as he looked at his cousin.
Chen Ziming narrowed his eyes at him, knowing he had more to say.
As expected, he paused for a moment and then slowly spoke:
"There's a gathering tomorrow evening. Those attending are big shots from various circles. Accompany me, alright?"
Then, before Chen Ziming could reply, he leaned in again to look at Su Yue:
"Does sister Yueyue approve?"
This address snapped Su Yue back to attention. Realizing she had been impolite, she quickly stepped out from behind Chen Ziming.
"I apologize. I didn't mean to not greet you properly."
She looked at Meng Ziqing, her eyes filled with apology and sincerity, and continued with a smile:
"It's fine with me. You don't need to ask for my opinion."
Both men were slightly surprised, but then, Meng Ziqing smiled, while Chen Ziming frowned.
His precious one truly knew how to care for outsiders.
"You should listen to sister's words. Then it's settled. I'll contact you in advance tomorrow."
With that, Meng Ziqing waved goodbye to them in good spirits and, accompanied by his secretary and driver, turned and left.
...
Chen Ziming first called his precinct. Then, seeing the girl still standing by the door, looking somewhat lost, his heart softened. He no longer cared about what had just happened.
But he still wanted to tease her.
"Baby," he said, leaning down to look into her eyes.
"Mm?" Startled, Su Yue took a small step back, a look of confusion on her face.
"Why do you always side with outsiders? Don't you care about me?" he feigned displeasure, his voice low.
Her heart skipped a beat. Was he perhaps upset that she hadn't refused on his behalf when Meng Ziqing asked?
But doing so would make her seem unthinking.
Su Yue suddenly realized that everyone around him was adept at using her to control him.
She had always considered herself quite perceptive, but compared to these people, she was utterly lacking.
It was truly like a mute person eating bitter herbs – unable to speak of their suffering.
Overwhelmed by a sudden sense of grievance, she drooped her eyebrows and lips, lowered her eyes, and replied softly: httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
"I didn't... If you don't want to go, you can say so yourself. Don't ask me."
Seeing that her eyes were starting to redden, the man was taken aback. He quickly stood up, pulled her into his arms, and lowered his head, coaxing her gently with a smile, "Why are you so easily flustered? How could I possibly be angry with you?"
The more he said, the more her nose tingled.
Su Yue scolded herself internally. Why was she being so sentimental and awkward now?
She simply didn't answer, burying her head in his chest to calm herself down.
"Oh, you two might as well just get lovey-dovey forever."
Jin Yan's voice suddenly rang out. Su Yue started and withdrew from Chen Ziming's embrace, lowering her head shyly, unable to meet his gaze.
The man was clearly displeased by the departure of the soft, delicate girl from his arms. He glanced at Jin Yan, his eyes filled with evident displeasure.
"Sister Yueyue, you're too easily embarrassed," Jin Yan laughed heartily, then said without thinking, looking at Chen Ziming, "I just heard the boss say Mr. Meng was here. Why didn't you tell me? I've been wanting to discuss opening a new restaurant in the Lanyu Commercial Building in the CBD with him recently."
Mr. Meng...
Lanyu Commercial Building in the CBD...
Su Yue suddenly realized something and looked at the man beside her with shock and bewilderment.
A hint of unnatural anger clearly flashed across his face.