Li Qiao took a sip from her crystal glass, her gaze skimming over the rim to subtly observe the faint, almost imperceptible smile at the corner of Shang Yu's lips.
Soon, she averted her eyes, swept a glance around the Western restaurant, then looked back at him and countered, "I do want to make it up to you — will Yan Master give me the chance?"
There was a bright confidence in her brows and eyes as she spoke, completely unlike her usual lazy indifference.
Shang Yu raised a dark brow slightly, leaning back into the chair with ease. He picked up the lemon water and gestured toward her with it. "I'll give it. If you want it — I'll give it."
Li Qiao chuckled softly. Hearing those words from him brought with it an oddly comforting illusion — like being especially favored.
Right on cue, she snapped her fingers at the waiter, signaling to begin serving the dishes.
Two premium deluxe steaks were brought to the table, accompanied by an assortment of Michelin three-star-level soups and sides — enough to whet anyone's appetite.
During the meal, Shang Yu moved with elegant ease as he sliced through his steak. The medium-rare beef still retained a hint of red at its center. His gaze, full of meaning, landed on Li Qiao across the table. "Did you do your homework on what I like?"
Li Qiao paused mid-cut, fork and knife in hand, then met his eyes with open candor. "Of course. It's not every day I get to treat Yan Master to a meal — naturally I had to cater to your tastes."
A faint, unreadable smile played on Shang Yu's lips. His eyes glinted with amusement.
…
After the main course, the server brought out dessert — a deadly rich brownie.
Li Qiao poked at the cake with her fork, the dark, sweet brownie somehow mirroring the man across from her — both looked equally dangerous.
"How long are you planning to stay in Yancheng?"
Shang Yu broke the silence then, his deep black eyes catching the warm glow of the lights, softening the usual chill in his demeanor.
Li Qiao shook her head, thoughtful. "Not much to do here. Probably heading back tomorrow or the day after."
Shang Yu casually pulled out a cigar case and took a slim brown cigar. "When's your next thesis defense scheduled?"
"They haven't informed me yet," Li Qiao replied, her eyes drifting to his well-proportioned, slender fingers. "Probably sometime this week."
As he lit the cigar and exhaled a thin stream of smoke, Shang Yu said, "Then come back to Nanyang with me tomorrow afternoon. Long-distance driving isn't safe for girls."
Li Qiao raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised. "You're heading back too? Not staying for the rest of the summit?"
"I'll show up for the closing ceremony next week — that's enough."
After dinner, the two walked out of the Western restaurant side by side.
Outside, Liu Yun stood faithfully waiting. Upon seeing them, he stepped forward quickly and leaned in to whisper something in Shang Yu's ear.
Li Qiao didn't catch what was said, but she clearly sensed the sudden shift in Shang Yu's aura — sharp, cold, and deadly. Even the look in his eyes turned dark and dangerous.
A moment later, his brow smoothed out. Looking toward Li Qiao, who stood a few steps away, he said, "Go back to your room. Get some rest."
Li Qiao didn't pry. She lazily waved her hand. "Good night!"
…
The next morning, before eight, Li Qiao slowly woke up.
A few slivers of sunlight slipped through the gap in the curtains, dancing lightly before her eyes. Li Qiao kept her eyes closed as she took a deep breath, then reached under her pillow to retrieve her phone.
The screen was blank — no new messages.
She had sent Shang Yu a WeChat message at 11:30 p.m. the night before, but even now, there was still no reply.
Propping herself up against the headboard, she narrowed her still-sleepy eyes. Her gaze caught sight of the shopping bag on the floor.
Without hesitating any further, she changed into casual clothes, quickly freshened up, and headed out the door.
In the hallway, just as she stepped out, she lifted her eyes — and immediately noticed two tall, imposing bodyguards standing outside the room a few meters down, right across from hers.