Duan Yiheng stopped his work and asked Tan Qi, "What would you like to drink?"
Tan Qi crossed his legs, leaned back in his chair, and said, "No, I can't wait to have dinner with you." Duan Yiheng chuckled softly, "You seem quite satisfied with the arrangements at home?" "Satisfied."
Tan Qi stared intently at Duan Yiheng, "To be honest, I might hesitate with others, but if it's you, I'm perfectly fine with it." Duan Yiheng: "Have you heard any gossip about me in the industry? Like about my love life?" Tan Qi shook his head.
"I've heard quite a few rumors about your family, but nothing about your love life." "Then tell me, why don't I, a normal thirty-year-old man, have a partner?" Duan Yiheng scoffed lightly. Tan Qi tried to smooth things over:
"Okay, I admit that successful people generally have a lot of energy, but they're not gods, are they? Your mother passed away when you were very young, and your uncle's family couldn't help you much.
The hardships and sacrifices you've made to gain control of the Duan family and Yin Fan are unimaginable to ordinary people. Do you even have time for romance?" "Not having time is only one reason."
Duan Yiheng lifted his eyelids and glanced at her lightly. "Another reason is that I have someone I like." Tan Qi was taken aback and subconsciously retorted, "Impossible." Duan Yiheng countered, "Why is it impossible?"
"If you have someone you like, it's impossible for there to be no word about it." Tan Qi was still surprised. "But you don't even have a single woman around you." Duan Yiheng: "I'm not..." "I was just kidding." Tan Qi said with some annoyance, "Don't you think we're a match made in heaven?
A perfect match?" Duan Yiheng replied, "If it weren't for that person, I might have obeyed my elders' wishes. But now that I'm here, I'll never compromise myself." Tan Qi frowned.
"But you still obeyed your elders' wishes to see me. I guess the person you like either doesn't like you, or your grandfather doesn't approve." Duan Yiheng's expression turned colder. "That's none of your concern."
"If she doesn't like you, why force it?" Tan Qi was still unwilling to give up. "Our union is a win-win situation. Life is short, why be trapped by feelings?" Duan Yiheng said calmly, "Being unwilling is what's truly trapped."
Tan Qi fell silent, lowering her head and frowning, pondering the meaning of his words. After a long pause, she seemed to give up and asked, "May I ask who you like?" Duan Yiheng's gaze swept past her profile, lingering in the air for a moment before he shook his head:
"No comment." "Fine, then I'll ask something else." Tan Qi simply resorted to being cheeky. "Since I'm here, I can't just leave empty-handed." Duan Yiheng raised his hand, gesturing for her to leave. Tan Qi:
"Speaking of which, we're in the same boat. After I deal with my brother who's always opposing me, I hope Likang and Yinfan can cooperate." Duan Yiheng:
"Cooperation isn't something we can decide in a few words. Once you're in charge, everything will fall into place naturally. However, if Miss Tan needs any help, please don't hesitate to ask." Tan Qi stood up and said:
"That's enough. I'm investigating his funds and evidence of irregularities, and I need technical support." Duan Yiheng straightened his suit, stood up, and saw her to the door. Before leaving, he used the remote control to adjust the smart glass.
Lin Xi seemed to sense something and turned around, just in time to see Duan Yiheng and Tan Qi walking out together. Feeling uncomfortable sitting there, she got up to see them off. However, Duan Yiheng escorted Tan Qi to the elevator but didn't leave himself.
Lin Xi stared blankly as the elevator doors closed, then turned to Duan Yiheng and asked, "Mr. Duan, why weren't you with Miss Tan?" "She had something to do and left first," Duan Yiheng replied, turning to walk towards his office. Lin Xi followed, pressing him for an answer:
"If a reservation is made more than two hours ago, the restaurant will call to cancel it. Do you need me to cancel it for you?" Duan Yiheng paused, blocking Lin Xi at the doorway of the CEO's office. Lin Xi stared blankly at his back, awaiting instructions. "Do you have plans tonight?"
Duan Yiheng turned around and asked Lin Xi. Lin Xi shook her head: "No." Duan Yiheng: "Where's the restaurant?" Lin Xi gave an address, and Duan Yiheng said, "It's on the way, no need to cancel. You're coming with me." "Huh?"
Lin Xi chased after him, "Isn't it inappropriate for the two of us to go together?" Duan Yiheng: "What's inappropriate? It's not like we haven't eaten together before. Come here and turn off my computer, I'll call Sister Mei."
Lin Xi went over and turned off his computer, overhearing him tell Sister Mei that he wouldn't be going back for dinner. She vaguely wondered: Did she agree to his request? After finishing the call, Duan Yiheng said again, "Let's go, I'll ride in your car tonight." Lin Xi stared wide-eyed:
"What if someone sees us?" Duan Yiheng: "I've ridden in Qin Yang's car before. Going out openly, people won't say anything." They'll just assume they're going to do something. Lin Xi half-heartedly agreed, and somehow ended up going downstairs with him.
On the first floor, they brushed past many people. The receptionist bowed slightly to Duan Yiheng as a sign of respect. Sun Wenxin winked at Lin Xi, who waved back. Duan Yiheng glanced at her and asked, "Are you close to her?" Lin Xi replied,
"We met during training." Leaving the building, the two walked towards Lin Xi's parking space. They bumped into many people along the way, and Duan Yiheng only nodded slightly to the employees who greeted him.
Seeing him get into Lin Xi's car, some speculated, some were curious. Chen Jingyi glanced at him a few more times before making a phone call. Lin Xi navigated to the restaurant, and led by a waiter, the two passed through heavy, luxurious doors.
The interior was exquisitely decorated, with crystal chandeliers hanging high and sparkling. The two sat down at their reserved table, soft jazz music playing in the background. Lin Xi's gaze fell on a bouquet of vibrant red roses on the table. Lin Xi cleared her throat awkwardly, looked up at Duan Yiheng, and smiled.
"This place doesn't seem suitable for the two of us." Duan Yiheng showed no embarrassment or reluctance; he was as normal as if this Western meal was meant for Lin Xi. "It's just a Western meal."
Duan Yiheng's voice mingled with the soft sound of red wine being poured, carrying an ambiguous, rich fruity aroma. "There's no such thing as suitable or unsuitable." Lin Xi glanced around; every couple was bathed in the soft, yellowish light.
They were either smiling at each other, or holding hands and chatting quietly. No other couple seemed to be there like them, dressed in work clothes, treating it like a casual meal. She gave Duan Yiheng a soft "Mmm," her gaze falling on the watch on her wrist.
Duan Yiheng noticed her movement and asked, "Are there any shopping malls nearby?" As long as there was something to talk about, Lin Xi wasn't awkward anymore. She indeed shook off her aimless state and looked up to say, "Yes." Duan Yiheng said, "Great, let's go shopping after dinner."
Lin Xi asked, "What do you want to buy?" Logically speaking, he didn't need anything; Sister Mei would prepare everything for him, big and small. Duan Yiheng didn't answer directly, saying, "You'll find out when the time comes."