Dinner Party 2
1533 Words
"We don't know each other...!" Pei Yun glanced at Yinqi Qing with a peculiar expression as well as Leng Haoyu.
"That's right, we don't know each other..."
"That's right, we don't know each other..."
They spoke in unison again, causing Yinqi Qing to immediately lower her head, feeling as though she could bite off her own tongue for such a response. Wasn't this just the height of irony?!
With a grim expression and a lion-like gaze, Leng Haoyu stared at Pei Yun. Wasn't this rascal making a fool of him?! Alas, what a tangled web we weave...
"Not knowing each other yet so in sync..." Song Zhiqiao murmured softly, but before she could finish, Yinqi Qing was silenced by the sanitary cotton ball Song Zhiqiao had handed her, and in return, she offered Yinqi Qing a cute smile.
"Since you don't know each other, allow me to introduce you. Would you mind?" Pei Yun felt the atmosphere growing awkward and smiled at the two. Yinqi Qing shook her head.
"Yun, please do introduce us. I'm quite curious to know the name of the lady sitting across from me," Leng Haoyu glanced meaningfully at Yinqi Qing, emphasizing the importance of the introduction.
Upon hearing Leng Haoyu's response, Yinqi Qing knew he was harboring resentment from yesterday's incident. She couldn't stand this man even more now!
"Qing'er, this is my childhood friend, Leng Haoyu. To spare you the trouble, just call him Yu. Yu, this is Qiao Qiao's best friend, and also my sister, Yinqi Qing. Qiao Qiao, if you need any help, you can also ask Qing'er! Yu, don't be fooled by Qing'er's delicate appearance; don't underestimate her!" Pei Yun proudly introduced, then glanced at Song Zhiqiao, signaling her. Song Zhiqiao caught his eye and rolled her eyes in response.
"Miss Yinqi, it's a pleasure to meet you!" Leng Haoyu flashed a signature smile, extending his long and fair hand.
Yinqi Qing glanced coldly at Leng Haoyu, but out of politeness, extended her slender hand, saying, "I'm also pleased to meet you, Mr. Leng!" Leng Haoyu held Yinqi Qing's delicate hand, feeling as though he could squeeze water out with just a little force. A fleeting smile appeared on his otherwise stern face. Yinqi Qing nodded.
"Qing'er, Yu, you need not be so formal! It sounds so distant!" Pei Yun smirked mischievously.
"Yes, Yun is right!" Song Zhiqiao chimed in fearlessly, following Pei Yun's lead.
Listening to their conversation, Yinqi Qing's face alternated between pale and green. Her lips twitched, and she thought to herself, "Qiao Qiao, you're quick to adapt. Truly fitting of the saying 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do.' But it seems you haven't married yet!"
Originally beaming, Song Zhiqiao's smile vanished in an instant, replaced by a shy blush. She tugged at Yinqi Qing's sleeve and whispered, "Qing'er!"
Upon hearing Yinqi Qing's remark, Song Zhiqiao gave her an apologetic yet affectionate look, feeling embarrassed. Pei Yun, watching this exchange, felt overjoyed. He chuckled and said, "Qing'er, where were you? I and Qiao Qiao were afraid you two would feel awkward!"
"In that case, Miss Yinqi doesn't mind if I call you Qing'er?" Leng Haoyu's eyes sparkled with mischief, knowing Yinqi Qing didn't want much interaction with him.
"Not at all. Why would I mind?" Yinqi Qing responded icily, though she thought to herself, "With you saying so, what else can I do but accept?"
"Well then, Qing'er, please don't call me Mr. Leng anymore. Just call me Yu, like Yun and the others!" Leng Haoyu carefully observed Yinqi Qing, noting her jet-black, shiny hair, her petite frame of 160cm, and her solitary demeanor. Despite her cold exterior, she exuded an air of elegance. She wasn't a typical beauty, but rather a refined gem. Having encountered countless women, Leng Haoyu knew that this woman, always so icy toward him, disliked dressing up and preferred to remain hidden.
Yinqi Qing nodded reluctantly.
"Come, let's toast to Yu's return and to the beginning of your friendship!" Pei Yun proposed, raising his glass.
The four tall glasses were filled with purple wine, refracting a peculiar radiance in the lamplight.
Yinqi Qing merely sipped her wine, a small gesture that caught Leng Haoyu's attention. He was surprised; another woman who couldn't handle alcohol!
"Qiao Qiao, your favorite sweet and sour ribs. Here!"
"Thank you, Qiao Qiao. You should eat too!"
"Qiao Qiao, you probably didn't know, but Yu also loves sweet and sour ribs. Yu, let me help you!"
After hearing this, Yinqi Qing looked up at Leng Haoyu, then remained silent for the rest of the meal. She wasn't one for small talk in front of strangers.
As Leng Haoyu listened, he raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp as he glanced at Pei Yun. If looks could kill, Pei Yun would have died countless times over! "Qiao Qiao, your cooking is delicious. No wonder Yun talks about eating delicacies every day. I envy him!"
Song Zhiqiao smiled faintly, "Well, actually, Qing'er is even more skilled. I learned from her! Since you enjoy it so much, you should find a girlfriend who can cook it for you!"
"It seems whoever marries Qing'er will be quite fortunate!" Leng Haoyu responded casually. Due to the unexpected turn of events, Leng Haoyu forgot his intention to tease Pei Yun today.
"Yes, yes, exactly! Qing'er, don't you think?" Song Zhiqiao looked at Yinqi Qing, who was too focused on eating to engage in conversation.
"What? Oh, yes, exactly. If Yun marries you, he'd be lucky!" Yinqi Qing responded absentmindedly, not paying attention to their conversation.
"Qiao Qiao... I was just saying... let's focus on eating, shall we?" Song Zhiqiao wanted to continue the conversation but was stopped by Pei Yun's gaze.
Song Zhiqiao lightly tapped her head. How could she forget? Yinqi Qing didn't like talking much in front of strangers.
The dinner ended silently, with Yinqi Qing hardly paying attention. The rest of the time was dominated by Pei Yun and Leng Haoyu discussing business matters, occasionally exchanging glances with Song Zhiqiao.
"Qing'er, let me and Qiao Qiao handle this. You've had a long day. Go and rest.
There's coffee over there; help yourself!"
Yinqi Qing nodded, got up from the table, brewed herself a cup of coffee, and walked to the balcony. Leaning against the glass wall, she gazed up at the moon. "People experience joys and sorrows, partings and reunions, just like the phases of the moon," she recalled the ancient poem. Tonight's moon was so round, yet it couldn't stay that way forever. She sneered inwardly, thinking of her father's love for her mother.
Leng Haoyu watched Yinqi Qing's figure. She had lustrous black hair and stood at 160cm tall. Seeing her solitary silhouette, Leng Haoyu sensed that she was a woman burdened with worries.
"Qiao Qiao, do you think they're a good match? They seem so in sync, even more than us!"
"Yun, I'm sure they must have met before. As for compatibility, I think Leng Haoyu is decent, but from what I've read in the news, he's fickle-hearted and cold..."
"You know the unreliability of the media. But Yu is someone who longs for love, he's just not found the right person to give his heart to. He wasn't always like this. It's a long story, I'll tell you the details another day. Like how meeting you changed me, sometimes life presents us with unique opportunities, and people change. His coldness is just a facade; today, he didn't display it in front of Qing'er, indicating he doesn't see her as an outsider. Trust me, Yu is truly a good man, a pitiable one who has been hurt by love. But once he commits to someone, he won't give up, nor will he do anything to betray her. Believe me, give them a chance, and they might be very happy together!" Pei Yun felt content, even if he were washing dishes now, because she was by his side!
"But they need to make an effort themselves. What help can we offer? Besides, we're not sure if they have any feelings for each other! I even think Qing'er dislikes him! How could two people like that fall for each other?"
"Qiao Qiao, did we have feelings for each other when we first met? Initially, you even disliked me. As for how we can help, it's about creating more opportunities for them to be alone together! Let them get to know each other, my dear wife. I think my idea is brilliant!" Pei Yun said smugly, stealing a kiss from Song Zhiqiao's face, then turning her around to embrace her slender waist.
"Well, it's not a bad idea, but will they end up as happy as us? I hope so!" Song Zhiqiao hesitated, then, seeing Leng Haoyu looking at Yinqi Qing's figure, with a searching and puzzled expression in his eyes, she took a big bite of the apple, her tone turning more assured.
"Honey, they'll be happy. Won't they?" Song Zhiqiao turned around, her eyes filled with confusion and certainty.
"Yes, they will, my dear. There's a perfect opportunity right now!" Pei Yun looked at Leng Haoyu, a mischievous grin on his face.
- Writer
