"Shu Fan, remember not to drink later." Madam Hong truly favored Su Ying and wanted her as a daughter-in-law, so she cast a meaningful glance at her son at the next table.
He Shu Fan didn't understand.
Were his brothers going to gather together and not drink, but sip plain water instead?
He would be ridiculed!
Seeing that he still hadn't reacted, Madam Hong glared at him with disappointment, as if he were not living up to her expectations. "If you drink, how will you drive?"
"I'll call a designated driver," He Shu Fan, being a straightforward man, said something that nearly drove Madam Hong to death.
Su Ying glanced at He Shu Fan's table, trying her best to suppress her laughter.
This kid is really a straight shooter!
"Mom, please stop trying to force things." He Shu Yi, He Shu Fan's sister, knew her brother's thoughts and whispered into their mother's ear.
"What, he's involved with someone?" Madam Hong asked in surprise.
He Shu Yi hummed. "However, it seems he hasn't won her over yet."
Madam Hong: ...
This is awkward.
She had already spoken. It was too late to backtrack now.
Fortunately, Su Ying stood up at this moment, saying there was an urgent matter at the studio and she needed to go over. "Excuse me, I have to leave. Please enjoy your meal."
Su Ying politely excused herself.
Unexpectedly, Su Lin also stood up and said, "As it happens, I also have something to do, I'll go with you."
Su Ying looked at him in surprise. "What could you possibly have to do?"
"I'm going back to practice dancing. I have a tour starting next month," Su Lin said, raising his head proudly. His last album, entirely produced by him, sold five million copies, breaking his previous record. His fans clamored for a concert, and after some consideration, he agreed. This time, ten major cities in China were scheduled for performances, and he would be traveling abroad for half of next year.
"Su Lin, drive carefully and prioritize safety," Tang Jiaojiao said, although she felt regretful, she still reminded him.
"Got it." Su Lin spun the key chain on his hand and walked out of the private room, following closely behind Su Ying.
Not long after, Su Chen received a phone call and also left.
Several seats at Su He's table became vacant.
"What's wrong with them?" Su He had only managed to gnaw on a crab when half the seats were already empty.
Lu Yanbei calmly peeled a lobster for her. "Work matters, they had to leave."
"Ah, what a shame, with such a good spread of dishes," Su He said with regret, licking the sauce from her fingers.
"Do you like it? I'll have the kitchen pack some for you later." Lu Yanbei's attention was always on his beloved wife. He remembered clearly which dishes she ate more of and which ones she didn't touch.
Whatever she liked, he would quietly remember and have Aunt Li cook it for her from time to time.
"Mhm, mhm," Su He nodded repeatedly.
After finishing the food in her bowl, Su He suddenly felt a bit puzzled. "Judging by your tone, are you very familiar with the owner here?"
Lu Yanbei's hand paused as he peeled the shrimp. He said calmly, "It's nothing, I just bought thirty percent of the shares."
"You have a stake in this restaurant too?" Su He almost choked. She suddenly recalled eating here with her adoptive parents last time, and she didn't know who paid the bill in the end.
Could it have been his doing again?
"It was me," Lu Yanbei answered her question with a smile.
Su He's mouth opened. "So it really was you..."
"Yes. For a very long time, I've had my eyes on you!" Lu Yanbei admitted without reservation. At that time, Su He hadn't regained her lost memories, and they were merely nominal former uncle and sister-in-law. He didn't know how to approach her, so he came up with this roundabout method.
Knowing the truth, Su He felt her heart filled with sweetness.
So, he had secretly done so much for her!
The two exchanged meaningful glances, and Tang Jiaojiao couldn't stand it any longer.
She nudged Su He's leg under the table and said, "You've married a good man. Your brothers and sisters are all still single. Shouldn't you help them find someone?"
"I can't help with matters of the heart!" Su He replied honestly. "Mom, don't worry about it!"
"How is that worrying needlessly? The eldest is already over thirty and still doesn't have a girlfriend!"
"Do you think the Qi family would allow us to interfere in his marriage?" Su He asked pointedly.
This actually stumped Tang Jiaojiao.
Yes, she had forgotten. Su Chen's family had already appeared, the Qi family that had caused a stir in Nancheng.
Alright, let's bypass Su Chen directly.
"Then Su Ying..."
"You don't need to worry about my sister at all! Knowing her, she might just elope and get married any day now!" Su He said casually. Little did she know, her casual remark would come true.
Three months later, Su Ying indeed got her marriage certificate as she predicted. By mid-next year, she had already given birth to a child.
That speed made Su He extremely envious.
She had been trying to conceive for a whole year without success, yet Su Ying got pregnant after just one night of intimacy!
Su He couldn't help but fall into self-doubt.
Of course, this is all in the future and shall not be mentioned for now.
As for Su Lin, Tang Jiaojiao hadn't considered him. Firstly, he was the youngest, only in his early twenties, so there was no need to rush him into marriage. Secondly, he was a public figure with female fans all over the world; marriage would mean a depreciation of his value, which was not cost-effective.
She would consider it when he was over thirty and tired of the entertainment industry.
*
The meal concluded with everyone in high spirits.
Su He, feeling happy, even had a couple of drinks. By the time they left, she was already slightly tipsy.
Leaning in Lu Yanbei's arms, she looked at the SMS notifications from the bank, beaming. "Husband, when I make big money in the future, I'll support you!"
"Okay!" Lu Yanbei replied with a smile.
"What kind of car do you like?"
"Bugatti, right? I can't afford that yet, so I'll owe you that..."
"Husband, why isn't the air conditioning on in the car? It's so hot..."
Lu Yanbei chuckled helplessly. "You're drunk, you can't be exposed to the wind."
"Mmm... I'm not drunk..." People who are drunk generally don't admit they are drunk, and Su He was no exception. "My mind is clear! Believe me, I can recite the Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng for you!"
"What was the first line again?" Su He paused for a long time, still unable to recall.
"The old prefecture of Yuzhang, the new prefecture of Hongdu." Lu Yanbei helped her get started.
"Ah, right! The old prefecture of Yuzhang, the new prefecture of Hongdu... Stars align in Yi and Zhen, bordering Heng and Lu..." Su He leaned on his shoulder and began reciting. Her pronunciation was clear, and her intonation was varied, making it sound quite convincing. However, after three lines, she fell silent.
Lu Yanbei turned his head to look. Well, she had fallen asleep with her eyes closed.
Lu Yanbei couldn't help but chuckle.
He carefully cupped her head, moved her to his lap, then took off his suit jacket and covered her with it, wanting her to sleep more soundly.
Su He seemed to be having a sweet dream, her lips curved upwards, and she occasionally let out sweet murmurs, utterly adorable.
Lu Yanbei looked down at her delicate face, and a feeling called happiness slowly overflowed in a corner of his heart. He smiled, his face filled with contentment.