"Say whatever you need to. There's no need to be formal between us."
Meng Jingwei picked up a piece of grilled meat, dipped it in sauce, and put it in her mouth, chewing slowly as she waited for him to speak.
Qiao Ziqian's fingers tightened around his beer mug, his fingertips gently rubbing against the glass. He frowned, feeling a dark cloud hanging over him, suffocating him.
Just then, a waiter approached. "Two customers, our establishment randomly selects one table each day for a complimentary beer. Congratulations, you are our lucky customers. Here is a dozen beers on the house."
The waiter placed a dozen beers on the table, a broad smile on his face. "Beer is on the house today, drink as much as you like."
"That's very kind, thank you," Meng Jingwei said with a smile.
"You're most welcome. Enjoy your meal," the waiter bowed slightly and turned to leave.
Meng Jingwei rested her hand on the dozen cans of beer and looked at Qiao Ziqian. "See? Life isn't always terrible. There are always little surprises. We should live life to the fullest while also enjoying it. Life is only a few decades long; you must treat yourself well."
Meng Jingwei had always maintained an optimistic outlook on life.
Otherwise, given everything she had been through, she likely wouldn't have made it this far.
Qiao Ziqian listened to Meng Jingwei talk, but his gaze drifted to the dozen beers the waiter had just brought, his mind miles away.
"I'm talking to you."
Seeing he hadn't responded, Meng Jingwei tilted her head and looked at him.
Sensing his mood wasn't right, she patiently tried to comfort him. "You haven't been in good spirits lately. Would you like to take a long leave from Li Shang and get away for a while? I can help find a reliable temporary assistant for Li Shang."
His current mental state wasn't suitable for continuing work. Even forcing himself to work might lead to mistakes.
"Uh, uh..." Qiao Ziqian snapped back to reality and immediately shook his head. "It's okay, I can manage."
He raised the beer on the table and clinked glasses with Meng Jingwei. They continued drinking.
At the dinner table, the two of them 'opened their hearts' and talked a great deal.
Since the death of Qiao Ziqian's 'girlfriend,' Nan Shuang, had plunged him into near depression, Meng Jingwei was reluctant to bring up the past, lest it cause him further sadness.
While they drank, chatted, and ate, Tang Wanxing on the other side was restless.
It was her turn for a scene with Li Shang, but she couldn't get into character and kept messing up takes, enraging the director.
Tang Wanxing lied to the director, "Sorry Director Li, I'm not feeling well."
"Alright, you can go rest," Director Li waved his hand and rubbed his temples.
What was with all this happening day after day!
Tang Wanxing thanked the director and went to the lounge with her assistant. After quickly removing her makeup, she immediately drove away from the film set and headed towards the vicinity of Han Yiguan Korean Barbecue.
Coincidentally, Meng Jingwei and Qiao Ziqian were seated by the window. Tang Wanxing parked in a nearby spot, from where she could clearly see everything inside.
Despite her burning anxiety, she could only restrain herself and wait anxiously in her car.
Seeing them chatting happily, Tang Wanxing couldn't help but curse, "What a slut, flirting with every man she sees."
She had apparently forgotten the events that had transpired between her and Qiao Ziqian the previous night.
Inside the barbecue restaurant, as Meng Jingwei and Qiao Ziqian were eating, Qiao Ziqian suddenly put down his chopsticks. "I'm tired. I want to go back and sleep."
Meng Jingwei noticed the dark circles under his eyes, knowing he likely hadn't slept all night. She nodded. "Okay, get some good rest."