The restaurant Lin Xi had booked operated strictly by reservation.
Duan Yiheng's sudden decision to host dinner left her no choice but to call the manager personally. The negotiation didn't go smoothly. In the end, she even asked the driver to look into the owner's background.
Once the owner learned that Duan Yiheng himself would be bringing guests, he called the manager directly.
That was how they secured the mountaintop seating.
Lu Tong and Chen Li had no dietary restrictions, so the dishes were easy to arrange. The wine, however, was harder to judge.
Lin Xi leaned closer to Duan Yiheng, carrying a faint scent of jasmine.
"The restaurant has a wine cellar with an impressive collection," she murmured. "But I'm not sure about President Lu and Mrs. Lu's preferences."
Lu Tong preferred baijiu—but tonight he had brought his wife, and this wasn't a business negotiation. There was no need for that.
Duan Yiheng considered for a moment.
"Find the manager. Have him pair the wine according to the courses. Make it higher-end. For dessert, select a noble rot sweet wine from Sauternes. Go down to the cellar yourself and confirm the vintage and stock."
Lin Xi stood immediately and went to carry it out.
After she left, Lu Tong chuckled meaningfully.
"You really know how to play the game. Keeping her by your side as your secretary—adds a bit of flavor, doesn't it?"
Chen Li smacked him lightly. "What nonsense are you talking about? I think Secretary Lin is quite good. Young, but steady."
Duan Yiheng replied calmly, "Her parents founded Guangxi Technology the year she was born. After the plane crash, her father entrusted her to my grandfather. Guangxi later merged into Yinfan, which became today's Yinfan Technology. That's why she works by my side."
"Sorry." Lu Tong raised his brows, surprised. "My mouth runs wild sometimes. Didn't mean it."
Duan Yiheng countered lightly, "Haven't you suffered enough? Or are you hoping that mouth of yours leads to a second divorce?"
Lu Tong instinctively glanced at Chen Li and immediately surrendered. "My fault, my fault. President Duan is magnanimous."
Chen Li rolled her eyes but changed the subject.
"How did her father know Old Master Duan well enough to entrust her to him? There must've been a thirty-year age gap."
"An old-young friendship," Duan Yiheng said. "They met at a tech event. My grandfather's own son was disappointing, so he envied other people's sons."
Chen Li laughed. "I see. So Secretary Lin grew up in the Duan household… then your relationship—?"
Duan Yiheng did not elaborate. "Her legal guardian's surname is Meng."
"Your uncle's family?" Lu Tong asked.
Duan Yiheng nodded.
Lu Tong paused. "Legally speaking… you still couldn't marry."
"If that day ever comes," Duan Yiheng said evenly, "the adoption can be dissolved."
When she was first adopted, the old man had intended for her to marry Duan Mingxuan. But none of the close families were willing.
When he was twelve, Duan Yiheng had gone to his uncle's house.
—
On her way back from the wine cellar, Lin Xi ran into Yu Lang—clearly waiting.
She smiled in greeting, though her heart sank.
"Did you tell Duan Mingxuan I'm here?" she asked directly.
Yu Lang shook his head. "No."
She let out a quiet breath of relief.
"But I did invite Mingxuan and Momo tonight. They'll be here soon."
Lin Xi: "…"
She really wanted to curse.
"What about the girl who was with you?" she asked casually.
"My new crush. An influencer," Yu Lang grinned. "Still pursuing her."
"Wish you success," Lin Xi said dryly.
The world was far too small.
"A natural face untouched by surgery," Yu Lang added. "Worth investing some time and money."
He tilted his head. "Enough about me. Why are you here with Brother Heng? He's always swamped. Since when does he have time for scenic dinners?"
"We have a partner visiting B City," Lin Xi replied. "Just playing host."
Satisfied, Yu Lang left.
Back at the table, Duan Yiheng and Lu Tong were discussing Assistant Tian's transfer to S City.
Lin Xi caught fragments of the conversation. Yinfan Technology's new trading system for Heitian Investment was already 70% complete. All S City operations had been handed to Tian Han.
Lu Tong praised Duan Yiheng's eye for talent—then openly shifted his attention to Lin Xi.
"Secretary Lin, I quite like you. My wife does too. If you ever want to develop in S City, you're always welcome."
Duan Yiheng gave a faint scoff. "Why would she go to S City?"
"There are plenty of reasons," Lu Tong said. "B City's weather is terrible—freezing winters, scorching summers, sandstorms for fun. S City has mild seasons. Perfect for beauties."
"No need," Duan Yiheng said, refusing for her. "A single typhoon would knock her over."
Lu Tong laughed. "Then I won't steal what someone else treasures."
Lin Xi nearly choked.
Steal what someone treasures?
The tone was odd.
Then she remembered Chen Li's earlier teasing—"Little Sister Lin." It had clearly referred to her. But she had never met Lu Tong or Chen Li before.
Unless Duan Yiheng had mentioned her.
But before September this year, she and Duan Yiheng had barely been on familiar terms.
Why would he mention someone so insignificant?
The thought unsettled her.
Her phone rang.
"Excuse me," she said, rising.
Duan Yiheng tipped his head back and took a sip of wine, his gaze following her.
In the corridor, she answered. "Mingxuan."
"You're at Cuiyuntai?" His voice came through sharp and dark.
Yu Lang's big mouth. Mingxuan hadn't even arrived yet, and already he knew.
"Yes."
"He actually made you accompany drinks?" Anger roared over the line.
Lin Xi froze. "What exactly did Yu Lang tell you? How could I possibly be drinking companion?"
The roar of a sports car engine echoed faintly through the receiver—matching his temper.
"Isn't Duan Yiheng there too? With clients? You think business dinners close deals without alcohol?"
"Oh please," she said helplessly. "It's President Lu from Heitian Investment in S City and his wife. I've had half a glass of champagne."
He still wasn't reassured.
"Wait for me. I'll be there in ten minutes. Come to me. You're not leaving with Duan Yiheng."
He had never trusted Duan Yiheng.
"Don't be ridiculous," she frowned. "This is a normal dinner. If you offend them and affect cooperation, your brother won't spare you."
He snorted. "Just wait."
The line went dead.
She stared at her phone, anxious that he might cause trouble.
Hurrying back, she leaned toward Duan Yiheng and whispered near his ear, "Mingxuan is here. He misunderstood the dinner. I'm afraid he'll cause a scene. I'll go downstairs to stop him."
Duan Yiheng turned slightly. "I'll go with you."
"No," she said quickly. "They can't be left alone. I can handle it."
He studied her for a moment, then nodded.
"If anything happens, call me."
"Okay."
After excusing herself to Lu Tong and Chen Li, Lin Xi took the elevator down to meet Duan Mingxuan.