"So that's how it is."
Shi Ran suddenly understood.
Just as she was about to accept Huo Xiaohua's apology, she remembered Zhao Wuyan...
Then she heard Huo Xiaohua explain, "After you left yesterday, Xiao Yan told me about the matter between you and Tang Si. I don't interfere in matters between young people like you. Of course, I still need to apologize to you on behalf of Xiao Yan for hitting you that time. I also reprimanded her yesterday, but my sister is pampered and doesn't listen to me."
He shook his head and smiled elegantly, his smile tinged with helplessness.
"You might have misunderstood. Actually, nothing happened between Tang Si and me." Shi Ran immediately clarified the situation between her and Tang Si. "Tang Si and I..."
"I said, this is something between you young people, and I won't get involved."
Before Shi Ran could finish speaking, Huo Xiaohua interrupted her and handed her a gift, saying, "To show my apology, this is a small token of my appreciation. You must accept it."
"No need, I didn't take it to heart."
Looking at the rectangular blue velvet box in front of her, Shi Ran felt the item must be very expensive, so she returned it. "It's enough that the misunderstanding is cleared up. I'm still willing to believe in Mr. Huo's character."
Her previous casual address of 'President Huo' had now changed to 'Mr. Huo', which was enough to show that Shi Ran believed him.
"Don't you plan to open it and take a look?" he asked gently, pointing to the box.
Shi Ran returned a smile and shook her head.
"Heh heh."
Seeing her like this, Huo Xiaohua laughed heartily, his laughter exceptionally soothing. "I've seen many girls, but you're the first one to refuse my gift."
Huo Xiaohua picked up the box and opened it. Inside was a necklace.
He pointed to the tag on the necklace. "This is a very inexpensive necklace, costing three thousand eight hundred and thirty-two yuan. I know you won't accept anything too valuable, so I bought an affordable necklace as a small token of my sincerity. Please don't refuse it again."
Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.
Huo Xiaohua had discreetly inquired about Shi Ran and knew that she was upright, simple, self-reliant, and not materialistic.
For such a girl, giving her expensive gifts would only make her suspect his intentions or even reject him.
"Ah? This..."
Shi Ran never expected Huo Xiaohua to be so meticulous in his actions.
She looked at the gold necklace. Its style was very ordinary, and it clearly wasn't carefully chosen.
However, for a CEO worth hundreds of millions to be willing to buy an affordable necklace showed he had put thought into it. If she refused... it really wouldn't be appropriate.
If she accepted, she would feel guilty.
"Really, it's not necessary, President Huo. How about you treat me to a meal today as your apology, alright?"
"Hahaha, alright. As you wish."
Huo Xiaohua readily agreed to Shi Ran's suggestion.
It was already ten-thirty in the morning, and there was still an hour before lunch, which made Shi Ran feel a bit anxious.
Helplessly, she could only find a few topics to chat with Huo Xiaohua about.
Ring ring ring—
Suddenly, Huo Xiaohua's phone on the table rang. He picked up his phone and said to Shi Ran, "Excuse me, I need to take a call."
"Mhm."
Shi Ran nodded and looked down, playing with her phone.
"Yes, that's right."
"I'm at a coffee shop talking to a friend."
"Huaxi North Road."
"I won't be back for lunch. Goodbye."
Huo Xiaohua said a few words and hung up the phone.
The two sat together and chatted about Shi Ran's company for a while, and it was quite harmonious.
"Hi, brother?"
Just as they were chatting, a loud voice suddenly broke their conversation.
They both looked over and saw Zhao Wuyan, dressed in a stylish and sexy navel-baring crop top, walking towards them.
And beside her, there was actually... Tang Si.