Gently bite the jasmine

Chapter 157 There are so many people in the world with the surname Duan, don't generalize.

"How do you know I'm looking at you if you're not looking at me?" Under the elaborate and beautiful crystal chandelier, Duan Yiheng sat somewhat lazily, as did his tone.

Lin Xi: "...It's not like I didn't feel anything."

“I’m just curious,” Duan Yiheng leaned forward, elbow on the table, “you must have thought about marrying Duan Mingxuan before, but then you didn’t like him anymore. Did you ever think about marrying someone else?”

His gaze was so intense that Lin Xi lowered her eyes and said, "No."

Duan Yiheng said "Oh": "I just wanted to say that there are so many people in the world with the surname Duan, so don't condemn them all, otherwise others will be wronged."

The implication was too clear; Lin Xi pretended to be mute and foolish.

The waiter came to her rescue just in time, reminding her that the food was served.

Lin Xi took out his phone, turned on the screen, and pretended to swipe a couple of times.

Once the dishes were all served, the waiter suddenly brought over a screen embroidered with lotus flowers.

Lin Xi called out to the person, "Why are you moving this over here?"

With most of their view blocked, the reduced space made it easier for her and Duan Yiheng to recall other things.

Their relationship was once ambiguous, and everything was confined to a space where only the two of them existed.

The waiter said, "Most couples or married couples have this request. There was a screen in the middle of this aisle, but it was removed because a child bumped into it. Other customers were not satisfied, so we can only do what you need. If you don't like it, I will move it for you."

The waiter talked a lot in one breath and was very polite, giving Lin Xi the feeling that she was being unreasonable.

Duan Yiheng nodded slightly: "Thank you, no need to move it."

The waiter bowed slightly and said, "I hope you two enjoy your meal."

After the waiter left, Duan Yiheng said to Lin Xi, "I don't know if it was pleasant or not, but it was definitely quiet."

Lin Xi smiled and lowered her head to eat.

When they had nothing else to do, the two of them would slow down their eating pace.

Ever since Lin Xi moved out, we have to find many excuses to get together for meals.

Lin Xi wanted to talk to him about Duan Zheng's matter, but when she looked up and their eyes met, she silently swallowed her words.

The restaurants at Tiandu Yuxi all have nice environments, located on high floors with windows offering clear views of the bustling city lights.

Not wanting to linger in the warm atmosphere for too long, Lin Xi broke the silence when the two looked out the window simultaneously after their meal: "Let's go, we have to go to work tomorrow."

Duan Yiheng got up and went to the 23rd floor.

Once inside, Lin Xi handed the folded clothes from the dressing room to Duan Yiheng.

Duan Yiheng reached out and took the water, saying, "You just came in and there's not even a glass of water? You're already kicking me out?"

This way of treating guests is really inadequate. Lin Xi looked up and asked, "What would you like to drink?"

Duan Yiheng replied without hesitation: "Pure water."

Lin Xi went to the refrigerator and got him a bottle.

Duan Yiheng sat down on the sofa in the living room and said, "From the wedding announcement scandal to the secret planning, to the public opinion counterattack, and even the change of power, I didn't realize you had such a big heart."

Lin Xi sat down next to him: "I just think this is an opportunity. Even if you're suspended, you'll have enough time to work things out during that period."

Duan Yiheng nodded: "It's quite difficult, but there's room for maneuver. It's just that time is very tight. If we add Likang's contract, the chances of winning are very high."

“Time is not a problem,” Lin Xi said. “I can pretend for a while and make Uncle Duan think that I have no way to fight back. When he lowers his guard, it will be even better.”

Their behavior is no different from proposing in public; without knowing the other person's feelings, it's all a form of moral blackmail and a scoundrel's act.

Duan Zheng took advantage of the fact that Lin Xi would not disregard the Duan family's reputation, and acted recklessly, thinking that he could force her to comply by acting first and informing her later.

She might turn a blind eye to other things, but when it comes to the rest of her life, she can't be soft-hearted, much less grant her wish.

She said it wasn't for Duan Yiheng, and that's actually true.

She did it for herself!

She would have done the same even without Duan Yiheng.

“No way.” Duan Yiheng refused directly. “The longer it drags on, the worse it will be. I’ve already asked Uncle Deng to remove all the related news, but he definitely won’t remove it all. Your identity may be exposed within the company.”

Lin Xi frowned: "It's alright. Things have come to this point, and I didn't intend to keep it a secret forever."

"Do you know what it means to have your identity exposed?" Duan Yiheng asked.

Lin Xi said, "I know. It's nothing more than my colleagues treating me differently. I used to feel uneasy about minor conflicts, and I have to fawn over those I don't respect... I can handle it."

Duan Yiheng curled his lips into a smile.

Lin Xi: "...Why are you looking at me like that again?"

“Since you joined the company, some things have subtly changed,” Duan Yiheng said. “At the very least, you’ve become a bit more decisive.”

"Really?" Lin Xi was completely unaware.

Duan Yiheng didn't reply, and the air suddenly fell silent again.

Lin Xi glanced at her watch and said tactfully, "Aren't you leaving yet?"

"Let's go." Duan Yiheng stood up. "If we don't leave now, we might get kicked out."

“…Exaggeration.” Lin Xi muttered to himself.

After leaving the Imperial Seal of Heaven, Duan Yiheng made a phone call to Qin Yang: "Help me arrange a meeting with Zhao Hongbo, at the time he prefers."

Qin Yang replied, "Do you need me to accompany you?"

Duan Yiheng refused: "No need, I'll take Lin Xi with me."

Since this concerns Lin Xi, having the person involved in the case makes it more convincing.

The next morning, Qin Yang brought Zhao Hongbo's reply, saying, "Chairman Zhao has arranged to meet you at the Tianlu Golf Club in the eastern suburbs on Saturday. He has stated that he will be bringing his family."

Duan Yiheng raised an eyebrow. "With your family?"

As far as he knew, Zhao Hongbo lost his wife early in life and never remarried. He only had one daughter who was studying art abroad. Where would he get any family?

Could it be... a second spring?

Duan Yiheng pondered for a moment. If he were to have Lin Xi as his future wife, it would be quite nice. She could play ball and chat with him.

Before leaving get off work that evening, Duan Yiheng informed Lin Xi of the news.

Lin Xi nodded: "Understood."

They didn't know the lady's personality or preferences yet, so they could only discuss it after meeting her.

—

On Saturday, Duan Yiheng's black Bentley pulled up right on time downstairs at Tiandu Yuxi.

As soon as Lin Xi appeared, Duan Yiheng's eyes lit up.

The golf lady wore a fall/winter knit sweater with a matching skirt. Instead of a visor, she wore a warm knit hat with a fluffy pom-pom on top.

Dressed in pure white, it seemed ready to bloom in the wind.

Duan Yiheng's Adam's apple bobbed, and he silently looked away.

Lin Xi got into the car and greeted him. Duan Yiheng responded, but didn't say anything after that.

On the way, Lin Xi asked Duan Yiheng a few questions about Chairman Zhao's new wife, but Duan Yiheng knew nothing about it.

Lin Xi blinked. In the two days that had passed, he hadn't even asked Qin Yang to investigate.

Upon arriving at the club, Lin Xi was relieved that she hadn't let Qin Yang investigate.

Because the woman Chairman Zhao brought wasn't a new wife, but clearly his precious daughter—Zhao Yuxin.