Chapter 16: Old Flame?

Chapter 16: Old Flame?

Lu Qixing seemed carefree, but in reality, he had been quietly watching the reactions of the two people.

Then, he discovered something surprising: Were these two trying to reignite their past romance?

But wasn't Yu Mingze already married?

Lu Qixing knew that Yu Mingze had no feelings for his family-arranged wife. In their circle, it was quite common for men to keep a mistress on the side.

However, for Yu Mingze to bring someone here, wasn't that a bit too bold?

"Boss, there's a call for you."

"I got it. Then, Mingze, An Ran, enjoy your meal, okay? Let me know if you need anything?"

"Sure, go on."

Lu Qixing was called away by a phone call. Before leaving, he told the waiter to take good care of Yu Mingze's table.

Zheng Anran had chosen the dishes and handed them to Yu Mingze to review.

"An Ran, are you really eating so little?"

"Mingze, it's just the two of us here. I think it should be enough, right?"

Yu Mingze, worried that she might be feeling awkward, added a few more expensive dishes from the top of the menu, which happened to match Zheng Anran's true intentions.

Knowing that Yu Mingze had money, if not to appear gentle and considerate, she would have selected the most expensive items to make her friends jealous.

After the waiter left with the order, Zheng Anran picked up her cup and took a sip.

Looking at Yu Mingze sitting across from her, she noticed he seemed distracted, something she had observed ever since they met.

Is something wrong?

Zheng Anran furrowed her brow and asked softly, concerned, "Mingze, is something bothering you?"

Yu Mingze shook his head. "No, nothing."

"Mingze, it's okay. You can tell me if something's bothering you. I'll help you figure it out!"

The way Zheng Anran said this suggested she saw herself as 'Madam Yu,' ready to handle her husband’s crisis.

Yu Mingze didn't say it out loud, but Zheng Anran was still worried. "Really, Mingze? If something's bothering you, don't bottle it up."

"Hmm."

For now, Yu Mingze didn't know how to break this harsh news to her, and there was also Song Qingyu...

He decided to keep it hidden for now and wait until he figured out a suitable solution!

"An Ran, have some tea to moisten your throat. Do you like it? Should I ask them to change it?"

"No need. I quite like this taste."

Zheng Anran could sense that Yu Mingze was hiding something from her, but she couldn't figure out why.

She disliked feeling out of control, as if there was a barrier between her and Yu Mingze. But to maintain the beautiful image, she couldn't push too hard for answers.

I’m so bored!

==========

At Shanhaix Bay Villa, sitting in front of the vanity mirror in her bedroom, Fu Yining sighed once again.

It was already after quitting time, but Fu Yining still hadn’t heard from Yu Mingze’s father about canceling his return. Just moments ago, Wang Yue had informed her, “Sir is already on his way home.”

This doesn’t make sense, does it?

Fu Yining remembered that the man was very busy, so busy that he lived and ate at the company to save time.

So why is he coming home today?

Fu Yining didn’t understand. She propped her chin up and gazed at the vibrant flowers in the vase beside her, freshly picked by Song Qingyu.

They were beautiful, but she had no time to appreciate them now.

Fu Yining switched hands to prop her chin and glanced at the neatly arranged cosmetics in front of her; she had no desire to touch them.

Putting on makeup for an old man? No way, she wasn’t in the mood.

"Knock knock knock——"

"Madam, Sir has returned!"

The ominous knock on the door echoed. Fu Yining replied and got up to leave the room.

Hu Ma stood outside the door, her smile faltering slightly when she saw Fu Yining emerge.

"Madam, you—" You haven’t put on any makeup?

Fu Yining noticed her surprise and asked directly, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, Madam. Please go downstairs quickly; Sir has already arrived."

"I understand."

Feeling like crying but unable to shed a tear, Fu Yining helplessly descended the stairs, with Hu Ma following behind.

As they walked, Hu Ma thought to herself that Madam must be very happy. Look, she’s walking as if in a trance.

Fu Yining: Come on! Try harder! Scare him off!

Before she even reached the ground floor, Fu Yining could already hear voices coming from the first floor—some from Wang Yue, some from Song Qingyu, and a deep male voice that sounded unfamiliar.

That should be Yu Zhili, right?

Fu Yining’s toes finally touched the ground floor, and she silently encouraged herself before breaking into a smile. "Husband, you're finally back—um, huh?"

When Fu Yining saw the man standing in the front hall of the first floor, she was dumbfounded.

The balding, pot-bellied, greasy man she had imagined was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a handsome man with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and striking good looks stood before her.

Fu Yining: "...?! Is this for real?'

There was no doubt. The man standing before her must be the legendary CEO father, Yu Zhili.

Just by his face, Yu Zhili resembled Yu Mingze, but he possessed a mature charm that made him even more handsome and distinguished.

Age aside, Fu Yining definitely likes this type.

That earlier "husband" was said unintentionally, but after seeing the real person, she couldn’t bring herself to say it again.

“……”

Who could call him an old man?

In the foyer, everyone was taken aback by Fu Yining’s "husband." All eyes turned to Yu Zhili’s reaction.

In the past, Madam would appear just as excited, only for Yu Zhili to turn and leave.

But today, Yu Zhili didn’t even frown, showing no sign of displeasure.

Standing nearby, Song Qingyu stifled a giggle and walked over to Fu Yining. "Mom, you’re finally here. Dad has been waiting for you."

Fu Yining laughed awkwardly. "Haha, is that so."

How honored she must feel!

Since she appeared, the crowd fell silent. Yu Zhili didn’t speak, and Fu Yining didn’t know what to say either.

Fu Yining thought: He looks quite pleased?

Yu Zhili thought: She doesn’t look very happy?

Wang Yue, sensing the awkward atmosphere, quickly spoke to break the silence. "Sir, Madam, dinner is prepared."

Yu Zhili nodded.

"Well, let’s go eat!"

Under Yu Zhili’s gaze, which made her skin crawl, Fu Yining’s first reaction was to hide.

So, she pulled Song Qingyu toward the dining room. "Let’s go eat!" using Song Qingyu to shield her from his gaze.

Song Qingyu: "……?"

Mom, did you grab the wrong person?