Chapter 16

The deep blue Rolls-Royce Dawn cruised through the bustling streets. It was Xu Zhiyi’s first time riding in a four-seat convertible sports car, with a driver and bodyguard in front. She swallowed her words of thanks.

She met his deep gaze and said, “My salary has been deposited. I’m treating you to dinner tonight.”

Jiang Sixun smiled, “I almost forgot you owe me two dinners.”

Xu Zhiyi thought to herself, Three dinners would be fine.

The sports car had already passed two intersections. The driver had not been given instructions on where to go and couldn’t just keep driving forward.

So, he asked where they should go for dinner.

“Shall we have Sichuan cuisine?”

“Mr. Jiang, how about lobster noodles?”

The two of them looked at each other and asked in unison.

The last time she was in London, Jiang Sixun ordered lobster noodles. It seemed strange; out of a large spread of seafood, she only remembered that dish.

Sichuan cuisine was her favorite. Xu Zhiyi insisted, “Let’s go for Western food.” She added, “I also want to try it.”

Jiang Sixun agreed, “Alright.”

In fact, he wasn’t really interested in lobster at all. The last time he had dinner with Ning Yun, the menu was all seafood. He had to order the lobster noodles, as at least this dish had some noodles in it compared to the other purely seafood options.

The driver slowed down and waited for instructions on where to go.

Jiang Sixun dialed Ning Yun’s number. He was quite familiar with London, sometimes visiting two or three times a month, but he wasn’t sure which restaurant had the best lobster pasta. He asked her to recommend a couple of places.

Ning Yun’s side was very noisy; she was throwing a party at her estate, inviting thirty or forty friends to join the festivities. She usually celebrated her birthday for at least two or three days, and this year’s party started tonight and would end on Sunday.

Once she found a quiet spot upstairs, she asked him, “What did you just say?”

Jiang Sixun repeated, “Recommend two restaurants that serve good lobster pasta.”

“Are you treating, or are you going there to eat yourself?”

“Take Zhiyi there.”

When she heard it was Xu Zhiyi, someone close to him, Ning Yun recommended a small, somewhat obscure restaurant.

This restaurant was a hidden gem she had discovered by chance. She even tried to convince her grandfather to hire the restaurant’s owner as their private chef, but the owner showed no interest.

“How about you bring Zhiyi to my place? We have all kinds of delicious food, and I guarantee Zhiyi will have a great time.” The ingredients were air-freighted from around the world, and several Michelin-star chefs were busy.

Jiang Sixun declined, “We’ll talk about it another time.”

Ning Yun didn’t insist but casually asked, “What about you? What time will you come over?” Her birthday parties were always all-night affairs, but he usually stayed for only an hour or two and probably would do the same this time.

Jiang Sixun replied, “I’ll come over later.”

“Alright, I’ll wait for you.” Her friends were calling her from downstairs. She gave Jiang Sixun the address of the restaurant and quickly ended the call.

Xu Zhiyi guessed that the person on the other end was Ning Yun. Considering Jiang Sixun’s statement about coming over later, it was likely her that had delayed his original plans.

She apologized, “Mr. Jiang, I’m sorry for delaying your meeting with Ning Yun.”

Jiang Sixun provided the restaurant address to the driver and then replied, “I never meet Ning Yun privately. She’s having a birthday party tonight. I’m just making an appearance; it doesn’t matter what time I go.”

He reflected on her earlier comment and asked with a half-smile, “You can call Ning Yun ‘sister’ even though you’re not familiar with her, but why do you always call me Mr. Jiang?”

Xu Zhiyi pondered his implication, “…Should I call you ‘brother-in-law’ instead?”

“…” Jiang Sixun chuckled, “Are you trying to tease me on purpose?”

“I’m not teasing you.” Xu Zhiyi’s gaze shifted from his face to the driver’s steering wheel.

Jiang Sixun noticed her unease and stopped joking. She was the only person in the company who called him Mr. Jiang, even after work hours. He had told her that after work, she didn’t have to treat him as her boss, but she still couldn’t change it.

“Just call me by my first name if you’re not comfortable.”

Xu Zhiyi considered it, “Jiang Sixun?”

The moment she spoke, both of them felt something was off.

Xu Zhiyi felt her heart skip a few beats inappropriately and joked, “I don’t dare to call you by your full name; I’m afraid you won’t pay my salary next month.”

Jiang Sixun looked at her, “If you don’t know how to address me, just call me the way you call Qi Zhengchen.”

Xu Zhiyi was unwilling to call him ‘brother,’ “I’ll still call you Mr. Jiang.”

Jiang Sixun conceded, “Fine, call me whatever you like.”

The restaurant was far and, with the traffic jam, it took over an hour to arrive.

The restaurant’s exterior was unremarkable, and Xu Zhiyi had to follow Jiang Sixun for a while before finding it.

The restaurant was small, with only five or six tables.

Warm yellow light bathed each arriving guest, giving them a soft glow.

Reservations were usually required on weekends, but they were lucky today; there were still available seats.

Jiang Sixun handed her the menu and let her decide what to order.

Xu Zhiyi ordered two servings of lobster pasta along with a few signature dishes.

While waiting for the food, Xu Zhiyi tried to find a topic for conversation. She could only think of work, but discussing work during a meal seemed too dull, so she let it go.

Jiang Sixun initiated a topic, “Do you usually follow any popular investment fields?”

Talking about work, Xu Zhiyi spoke passionately, “I’ve always been interested, especially in the field of AI medical technology. I’m quite interested in 3D-printed hearts and bones.” She added, “It’s influenced by my adoptive father.”

Jiang Sixun didn’t know much about Shang Tongxu, “Professor Shang’s research topics?”

“Yeah. If I get the chance, I’ll definitely invest in such startups.”

Jiang Sixun was also paying attention to AI medical technology. In recent years, he had invested in several AI companies. This was a future trend that no one could reverse.

He said, “You don’t have to wait. You can start preparing now.”

Xu Zhiyi was surprised, “…Mr. Jiang, please reconsider. Don’t make a hasty decision just because of my preferences.”

“It’s not hasty; it’s already been my intention,” he said. “Some fields, like research directions, are exactly what we focus on in venture capital.”

Immediately, Jiang Sixun sent a message to Cohen, asking him to help select a few medical technology companies specializing in 3D printing.

Xu Zhiyi drank half a glass of water to calm down, not expecting her long-held wish to come true in just a few minutes.

Amid her excitement, she began to worry, “I don’t have any project experience.”

Jiang Sixun, while replying to Cohen’s message, said gently, “That’s why you need to accumulate experience.” He looked up, “If we find a suitable company, Luna will be in charge of the project, and you can be her assistant.”

“Okay. What about my rotation?”

“Doesn’t affect anything.”

Xu Zhiyi understood she still needed to continue with the rotations and become familiar with all the departments. Once a suitable 3D printing project was found, she would be involved in it.

When the lobster pasta arrived, Xu Zhiyi tasted it and praised it repeatedly. She mentioned, “There’s a small restaurant in Boston that does lobster pasta really well.”

“Really?”

“Yes. My roommate and I always go there whenever we’re in Boston. It’s a bit far from the city center, located in a small town by the sea.”

Jiang Sixun politely replied, “I’ll have to try it if I get the chance.”

Xu Zhiyi took it seriously, “I still owe you a meal. I’ll treat you when we’re on a business trip there.”

Jiang Sixun smiled, realizing he was bringing trouble upon himself but still agreed, “Alright.”

He had just finished eating the lobster meat on his plate, while Xu Zhiyi still seemed unsatisfied. She could have eaten another half serving of lobster meat.

After finishing their meal and leaving the restaurant, the evening was still young. Jiang Sixun turned to her and asked if she wanted to go to a bar.

Xu Zhiyi reminded him, “You still need to go to Ning Yun’s birthday party.”

“No rush. Her parties last all night. I’ll head over later.” Jiang Sixun asked her again if she wanted to go to the bar.

Xu Zhiyi thought he was looking to kill time at the bar and didn’t want to spoil the mood, so she agreed, “Sure.”

Once in the car, she suddenly glanced at his suit.

Going to a bar to relax while wearing such formal attire seemed a bit odd.

Jiang Sixun noticed her look and explained, “It doesn’t matter; no one cares what you wear.”

That said, he loosened his tie, took it off, and removed his gem cufflinks, placing them in the central armrest. He then rolled up his shirt sleeves over the suit cuffs.

Not wanting to intrude, Xu Zhiyi averted her gaze and looked out at the road on her side.

The suit Jiang Sixun wore was exquisitely tailored. Not only did it look out of place in a bar, but it also seemed mismatched in the flashy sports car. His many vibrant shirts, like midnight purple or burgundy, would suit the sports car better.

What Xu Zhiyi didn’t know was that Jiang Sixun’s clients typically used black business sedans. When he received Xu Xiangyi’s call, he was still at the client’s company. Xu Xiangyi never treated him as an outsider and explained the situation honestly.

His biological parents had traveled a long distance to have dinner with his adopted daughter. Even if it was for a reason, it was hard not to feel disappointed. After finishing the discussion, he went straight to the hotel where she was staying. The sports car was convenient for sightseeing, so he had the driver bring it, not having had time to change clothes at home.

The sports car drove through quiet areas to bustling ones.

Jiang Sixun took her to a jazz bar located in a narrow alley, so they had to get out of the car and walk. After a few steps, he suddenly turned around and instructed the bodyguard to bring an umbrella from the car.

Rain in London could appear suddenly. He didn’t mind, but Xu Zhiyi wasn’t dressed for the weather and didn’t have a hat.

Xu Zhiyi looked up, noting that it didn’t seem like it was going to rain.

She glanced sideways at him, noting that his expensive suit shouldn’t get wet. Having an umbrella would be prudent.

As soon as they opened the door to the bar, they were immediately enveloped by the melodious and lively jazz music.

It was Friday, and there was a live band performance.

The bar was dimly lit, with only a few empty tables in the corner.

Jiang Sixun sat down in the chair next to her and handed her the drink menu. His deep features were partly hidden in the shadows, making him subtly enticing.

Xu Zhiyi handed the menu back to him, “I don’t know what to order; please recommend something.”

The music was loud, and Jiang Sixun couldn’t hear clearly. He leaned in and asked, “What did you say?”

Xu Zhiyi also leaned in, “My adoptive parents didn’t allow me to go to bars before graduation. This is my first time, and I don’t know which drink is good.”

Jiang Sixun looked at the menu and asked, “How’s your tolerance for alcohol?”

Her nostrils were filled with the cool, woody scent from him. Xu Zhiyi sat up straight and raised her voice, “I’m not sure. I usually only drink a bit with Western meals, and I never drink during holidays.”

Jiang Sixun recommended two drinks for her to choose from.

The names of the drinks sounded appealing, and their colors were quite tempting. Xu Zhiyi decided to try both and looked at him, “Is that okay?”

“Sure.” Jiang Sixun also ordered a snack and his usual cocktail.

She asked Jiang Sixun, “Do you come here often?” She glanced at him politely.

“Hmm.”

He used to come alone, didn’t need to talk to anyone, enjoyed the jazz music, drank quietly, and relaxed for a couple of hours before heading back to work.

When the cocktails arrived, Xu Zhiyi was silent, completely relaxed by the melodious music. The troubles she couldn’t figure out were temporarily pushed out of her mind.

She took a sip of the cocktail, enjoying it like a child sneaking ice cream in the winter.

Though she couldn’t distinguish much of the taste, she felt satisfied.

Jiang Sixun turned his head casually and noticed she had almost finished both drinks. “Drink them slowly. These have a strong aftereffect.”

Xu Zhiyi rested her chin on her hand, finally relaxing her previously tense body. She finished the last sip of her drink, “It doesn’t feel like alcohol.” It tasted like sweet soda.

Maybe her tolerance was good; she felt nothing from drinking.

She turned to him and asked, “I heard Long Island Iced Tea has a strong aftereffect?”

“Yeah, it’s easy to lose track of things after drinking it.” Jiang Sixun advised her to dismiss the idea, “Even if you wanted to, I wouldn’t let you have it.”

Xu Zhiyi said, “I was just asking.”

She lightly pushed the empty glass towards him, her eyes asking if she could have another.

Jiang Sixun had already been about to refuse, but her expectant gaze made him hesitate. She usually never, and didn’t dare to, look at him like that for so long.

Unable to refuse, he made an exception and ordered another drink for her.

“Last one.”

Xu Zhiyi wasn’t the type to push her luck. She agreed to the last drink, finished it happily, and then quietly enjoyed the band’s performance.

The soothing music was like a lullaby. Having had a poor night’s sleep on the plane, her eyelids started to droop. She propped her head up with her hand, and as her strength waned, she eventually rested her chin on her hands, which were stacked under her chin.

Jiang Sixun glanced at her, seeing her eyes on the stage, and left her alone.

Taking advantage of the moment, he sent a message to Xu Xiangyi: [Taking Zhiyi to the bar for a performance. I’ll send her back later.]

Xu Xiangyi was at the airport with his wife, set to fly to Hong Kong Island in an hour.

He had received a call earlier from the hospital where Zhiyi was born, noting some anomalies which might be a lead. They were asked to visit the hospital.

Seeing the message, he replied to Jiang Sixun: [You’re at the bar? No wonder Zhiyi didn’t answer her mother’s call.]

Jiang Sixun: [She’s been with me. The bar is too loud, she didn’t hear. Is there something wrong with Aunt Xu?]

Xu Xiangyi: [Nothing serious, just asking if Zhiyi has arrived at the hotel.] He then asked Jiang Sixun: [Find a reason to give Zhiyi a few more days off. After such a major incident of being swapped at birth, she hasn’t had time to adjust.]

[Got it. I’m not busy right now, so I’ll stay in London a few more days with her.]

When Jiang Sixun looked over again, Xu Zhiyi’s eyelids were drooping.

“Tired?”

Xu Zhiyi shook her head stubbornly, “Not tired.”

“…” Her eyes were almost closed, yet she insisted she wasn’t tired. “Then call or message Aunt Xu.”

The drowsiness was hard to describe. Xu Zhiyi struggled to send a message to He Yian, updating her that she was at the bar.

Jiang Sixun asked, “Is the alcohol affecting you?”

Xu Zhiyi could distinguish between being tipsy and simply being tired, “No, I didn’t sleep well last night.”

“Let’s head back. I’ll bring you next time.” Jiang Sixun stood up. The night was chilly, and she was only wearing a sleeveless shirt. He pointed to the suit jacket draped over his chair, “Put this on. It’s raining, and the wind is strong. The car can’t get close.” The bar had no parking, so the sports car was parked a hundred meters away.