Chapter 34

Half an hour later, Lin Shu stood expressionless at the entrance of the French restaurant “Fang Fang,” following behind Xu Shijia and Tao Lei.

The restaurant indeed looked quite upscale, and with its French cuisine theme, the garden outside was designed like a French garden.

The waitstaff, dressed in elegant three-piece suits, quickly came out to greet them. Just as Tao Lei smiled at Xu Shijia and was about to engage the waiter in conversation, the waiter bypassed Tao Lei and walked directly toward Xu Shijia.

“Mr. Xu, we’ve reserved a table for you, in your favorite lakeside private room.”

Xu Shijia said nothing further.

The hierarchy was already clear.

He simply regarded the somewhat awkward Tao Lei with amusement before following the waiter into the restaurant.

Once seated, the French head chef personally came to the private room, and Xu Shijia chatted with him in fluent and authentic French, looking very familiar with him. The waiter naturally handed the menu to Xu Shijia.

Even though it was Tao Lei who claimed he was treating them, in every aspect, Xu Shijia appeared to be the host of this banquet.

“See? Showing off! No one has more experience than I do!”

“Although I’m poor now, I was rich before; I have the experience to outshine him!”

…

Lin Shu kept receiving triumphant messages from Xu Shijia, but unlike his triumphant tone, he remained calm and composed when speaking to Tao Lei, handling everything lightly. The more he acted this way, the more evident the sense of defeat on Tao Lei’s face became.

Just then, Lin Shu had to take a phone call from a client, so she ignored Xu Shijia, excusing herself from the table after greeting Tao Lei.

—

Xu Shijia’s appearance was striking; growing up in privilege had given him good manners and demeanor. Every detail of his movements was carefully considered, making the underlying differences between him and Tao Lei very apparent.

That represented the enormous gap between old money that had been wealthy for three generations and new money that had only recently become affluent.

But Tao Lei was clearly unaware of this.

Tao Lei also grew up in a well-off family, surrounded like a star in his own right, and while his family was a standout in his social class, there was indeed a significant disparity compared to Xu Shijia’s family.

When one encounters someone from a higher social tier, the sense of dissonance can be overwhelming, making it hard to accept that there are always people beyond one’s own circle.

Now, facing Xu Shijia, Tao Lei’s first reaction was to question—

“How did you and Lin Shu meet?”

Lin Shu was about to push the door open, but Xu Shijia had already begun to casually fabricate a story—

“Me and Lin Shu? We’re alumni.”

What a ridiculous way to claim they met! Xu Shijia could have been a bit more creative; couldn’t he have come up with a story about falling in love at a café or a travel destination?

Lin Shu felt relieved that she hadn’t rushed in, as claiming to be alumni could lead to complications if she were present. If Tao Lei began to ask further questions, it would expose the lie.

It was better for her to stay out, so she could stick to Xu Shijia’s version of the story without the two contradicting each other.

The dishes in the French restaurant were served slowly, so inside the slightly ajar private room, Tao Lei and Xu Shijia were still conversing.

Lin Shu heard Tao Lei laughing, “I grew up with Lin Shu. I know most of her friends, but I’ve never seen you before.”

“Oh, really?” Xu Shijia replied lazily, with a tone that made one want to hit him. “Lin Shu was the one who initiated the flirtation with me, so it’s normal that you don’t know.”

Xu Shijia was quite confident; with Lin Shu absent, he could dictate the narrative. He claimed that Lin Shu was the one who flirted with him?

Lin Shu was speechless.

Tao Lei appeared equally baffled and surprised.

“Lin Shu actively pursued you? I find that hard to believe because you’re not her type.”

This statement clearly irritated Xu Shijia. He retracted his lazy tone and replied coldly, “How do you know I’m not her type?”

“Because Lin Shu wouldn’t like a guy with such an outgoing and sharp personality as you.” Tao Lei’s voice remained gentle and calm. “She prefers someone gentle, easygoing, and good-natured. Your personality seems unrefined, as if society hasn’t polished you at all. But Lin Shu needs someone who can stand by her side, not an impulsive type who might hurt himself and then rely on her to clean up the mess. She had a tough youth and knows that navigating life requires patience rather than impulsiveness.”

“Oh, like you?”

Tao Lei chuckled, “To be honest, Lin Shu did pursue me once. I was surprised when she confessed to me because I always saw her as a little sister. I never expected she liked me, and after I rejected her, she was sad for a long time.”

“So, if I had to say, I think she does prefer the gentle and refined type. You know, people’s tastes generally don’t change much. Especially when it comes to unfulfilled first loves, there’s a lingering sense of regret, and many people can’t help but look for traces of their first love in the future.”

Xu Shijia smiled slightly, “Oh really? All I know is that both men and women prefer the young and energetic. Older individuals, to be honest, lack competitiveness. Lin Shu says she likes me for being young and vibrant.”

“Well, regardless, now that I see her with you, you’re not really her type from her teenage years. It seems she’s moved on from that past relationship and is looking ahead. In that respect, I genuinely wish you both happiness in the future.”

A failed first love did make Lin Shu sad for a while, but she had indeed moved on.

Looking back now, Xu Shijia was right; Tao Lei wasn’t as good as she remembered or imagined.

Lin Shu’s adolescence had been so tough that even a poor-quality candy full of artificial flavors and colors could, due to her never having tasted anything better, be cherished in her fantasies.

Now, upon reflection, she finally realized the candy was indeed inferior.

Tao Lei was certainly cultured and refined, but he could hardly be described as gentle.

A gentle person wouldn’t poke at someone’s soft spots to reminisce about their barren youth, nor would they mention awkward and failed first loves, especially not in front of the other person’s “fiancé.” They wouldn’t flaunt these things at the expense of their own ego.

Tao Lei and Lin Shiyao were together precisely because they were fundamentally similar.

Lin Shiyao’s arrogance was evident, while Tao Lei’s selfishness and hypocrisy lay hidden within.

He was not a gentleman; he was merely a hypocrite.

Lin Shu had long stopped harboring feelings for Tao Lei, yet at this moment, she still felt uncomfortable and embarrassed.

Having once liked someone incorrectly felt like an indelible mark on her record.

Now, she couldn’t even achieve a proper farewell.

Tao Lei used her past as his resume and accomplishments, completely ignoring her previous feelings and her current state of mind.

Tao Lei secretly boasted about this, satisfying his need for superiority, but what did it leave Lin Shu?

If Xu Shijia really were her fiancé, who could feel happy hearing such words?

It would likely create a rift between them.

Lin Shu didn’t want to listen any longer; she prepared to push the door open and end these topics.

However, before she could act, Xu Shijia spoke first. His tone was calm and composed, but it was forceful—

“Really? But Lin Shu specifically told me that I am her type. She also shared her past experiences of having childish relationships before her taste had solidified. When she was young and naive, she mistakenly thought she liked someone like you, but as she gained more experience, she realized her previous choices were wrong. I’m what she needs. You know, who doesn’t make mistakes when they’re young?”

“She has endured a lot in her youth and already has a terrible biological father, so she doesn’t need someone to play that role for her again, telling her to endure and keep the peace.”

“What she needs least is a man like you who emphasizes decorum and gentlemanly behavior. What she needs is a man like me who is impulsive and expressive but can always step up to fight for her.”

Xu Shijia’s tone was cold but left no room for rebuttal. Though younger than Tao Lei, when he became serious, he exuded an aura of superiority that was no less than anyone else’s.

As the youngest son of the Xinhe Group, he indeed didn’t need to live his life at the mercy of others. Perhaps the biggest setback he faced in life was being cut off financially by his family at that moment.

He had no obligation to defend himself to someone like Tao Lei, whom he barely knew.

Yet he stepped up.

Even if Lin Shu wasn’t present, likely wouldn’t hear any of this, and wouldn’t appreciate his willingness to stand up, Xu Shijia still said—

“I only regret not reuniting with her sooner, letting her be dulled by life, endure unnecessary suffering, and not being able to do things freely. But it’s fine now that I’ve encountered her, because just as you said, I haven’t been weathered by life’s trials. I will strive to maintain my edges because from now on, I am her edge.”

Xu Shijia’s fabricated story was moving enough, and his tone genuinely resonated with the regret and sincere feelings of a long-lost reunion.

Lin Shu clearly knew that all of this was fake, just Xu Shijia’s impromptu performance. Yet, she couldn’t help but feel her heart racing. Standing behind the door, she felt a mix of nervousness and awkwardness.

But all those feelings of embarrassment and annoyance vanished.

What Tao Lei said no longer mattered.

…

**

“Lin Shu? You’re back.” As Lin Shu pushed the door open and entered the private room, Tao Lei was already wearing his usual gentle smile. “I was just talking about you with Xiao Xu.”

If Lin Shu hadn’t overheard, it would have been unimaginable what he had said just before.

Tao Lei, with his usual demeanor, completely avoided mentioning what had just happened, and Xu Shijia showed no special expression on his face. Despite having just defended Lin Shu, this man seemed indifferent now, as if it was merely a small gesture. He just glanced at her lightly.

Lin Shu had lost her desire to engage in empty pleasantries with Tao Lei. Fortunately, the restaurant had finally started serving food, and the atmosphere began to ease.

But even though Lin Shu wanted to end this meal quickly, Tao Lei clearly had other plans.

Perhaps it was because he hadn’t gained the upper hand in front of Xu Shijia; he was determined to showcase his superiority—

“Waiter, open a bottle of red wine.”

Tao Lei smiled at Lin Shu and Xu Shijia, “How can we have French food without red wine?”

He instructed the waiter, “Open the most expensive bottle.”

“I don’t drink,” Lin Shu replied.

Her words clearly surprised Tao Lei. “Lin Shu, aren’t you supposed to have a good tolerance for alcohol? I remember you drank a lot at Shiyao’s birthday party. Have you forgotten? Why aren’t you drinking now?”

How could Lin Shu forget?

It was at that birthday party where she made the most outrageous mistake of her life while drunk.

“I’ve quit. I don’t drink anymore.” Lin Shu forced a smile, trying to suppress the chaotic and reckless memories of that night. She calmly stated, “I made a serious mistake the last time I drank, so I won’t do it again.”

Tao Lei didn’t press further, but Xu Shijia’s expression darkened visibly as soon as she finished speaking. His gaze towards Lin Shu became somewhat unstable.

What was wrong with this young master?

“So, should we two men drink?”

However, this time, Xu Shijia didn’t even bother to maintain a polite facade towards Tao Lei’s suggestion. He coldly replied, “I don’t drink either.”

Tao Lei was a bit surprised. “Are you allergic to alcohol or something?” He laughed, “A man who can’t drink will find it hard to make friends in social situations…”

“I’m not allergic to alcohol.”

Tao Lei clearly didn’t want to let go of Xu Shijia’s weakness of not being able to drink. He continued to press, “Did you also make mistakes when you were drunk, like Lin Shu?”

“Oh, that’s not the case,” Xu Shijia said expressionlessly. “I’ve been wronged by someone after drinking. So I quit and resolutely refuse to drink.”

Though Xu Shijia didn’t need to drink with Tao Lei, his refusal seemed to merely mimic Lin Shu’s reasoning, which was quite disrespectful.

Not to mention Tao Lei, even Lin Shu was a bit surprised by Xu Shijia’s dismissive response.

Tao Lei maintained a smile on his face, but his expression had turned somewhat strained: “Xiao Xu, you’re quite humorous.”

He then turned to Lin Shu. “It’s one thing for Xiao Xu not to give me face, but Lin Shu, we’ve known each other for so many years. Is this how you treat me?”

To be fair, regardless of the circumstances, Tao Lei had given them a ride and treated them to a meal today. Lin Shu and Xu Shijia’s repeated refusals did somewhat undermine his dignity.

As long as she didn’t drink too much, Lin Shu had a decent tolerance for alcohol. Since Xu Shijia was accompanying her, having a small drink shouldn’t be an issue.

Having known Tao Lei for many years, Lin Shu understood that while he appeared gentle, he could be very stubborn and insistent if something displeased him. If she didn’t at least take a sip of the wine, the meal with Tao Lei wouldn’t easily come to an end.

Lin Shu truly didn’t want to see Tao Lei any longer. “Fine, just one glass. Thank you, Tao Lei, for giving us a ride and treating us to dinner.”

However, as Lin Shu lifted her glass, before she could drink, a long, bony hand reached out from beside her, taking the glass from her hand and downing it in one go.

The same Xu Shijia who had just shown a stern face and insisted he wouldn’t drink had now calmly finished the glass of red wine that Lin Shu had been holding.

“Aren’t you going to make mistakes after drinking? Then what’s the point of drinking?” Xu Shijia had a stern expression, looking quite displeased as he glanced at Lin Shu. “Don’t get drunk and make mistakes again; not all mistakes can be fixed.”

What was going on?

Wasn’t he just supporting her behind the scenes a moment ago?

Lin Shu felt that she had praised him for nothing just now.

Xu Shijia was truly a man with a bad temper and an unpredictable mood.

But rather than berating Xu Shijia, Lin Shu was more concerned for him. After all, she had never seen him drink before.

Xu Shijia had come to this dinner party as a kind of overtime, and as her superior, Lin Shu felt she should check on him.

Taking advantage of Tao Lei stepping away to answer a call, she turned to Xu Shijia, “Is your tolerance for alcohol not that good? Is drinking that little okay for you?”

Xu Shijia appeared perfectly fine, not even a hint of redness on his face. He looked at Lin Shu with a slightly sarcastic tone—

“I’m perfectly fine.”

“Better than Tao Lei.”

It seemed he was fine, even managing to argue logically here.

But while he claimed to be okay, his expression was unmistakably dark.

Lin Shu was puzzled. “Did Tao Lei upset you or make you feel uncomfortable?”

“How could he upset me? I ordered the expensive stuff today; he even opened the most expensive bottle of wine. Just thinking about how he’s indirectly spending money on me makes me forgive all his offenses.”

That was good.

Just as Lin Shu sighed in relief, she heard Xu Shijia continue to speak to the air—

“But I really do feel uncomfortable.”

“The one bothering me is someone else.”

Oh…

Lin Shu didn’t know what to say. Maybe something personal was upsetting Xu Shijia, but since it involved his privacy, Lin Shu didn’t feel comfortable asking more and chose to remain silent.

However, her silence made Xu Shijia jump up: “Why aren’t you asking who bothered me? Aren’t you my boss? How come you don’t care about me at all?”

“…”

Why is this guy so dramatic?!

But remembering how Xu Shijia had passionately defended her earlier, Lin Shu decided to endure it.

She smiled and patiently asked, “So, who upset you? Do you need me to help handle it?”

Once she asked, Xu Shijia surprisingly calmed down. He glanced at Lin Shu, and his tone turned indifferent—

“Forget it.”

“You wouldn’t be able to help anyway.”

Lin Shu: “…”

You told me to ask, and then after I asked, you don’t say anything.

This is just being unreasonable.

Still, after Lin Shu asked, Xu Shijia’s mood seemed to improve a bit.

“I’ll order two more desserts and make Tao Lei spend some money. Although the main courses here are mediocre, their desserts are really something.”

After saying that, Xu Shijia called the waiter and ordered a few more desserts.

It seemed that making Tao Lei pay indeed brought Xu Shijia some satisfaction. After placing the order, his mood visibly improved.

But this improvement abruptly ended when the waiter appeared with the bill.

Xu Shijia’s “second-generation rich kid” aura was too strong, and as a VVIP of the restaurant, the waiter naturally assumed Xu Shijia was the host.

So, despite Tao Lei finishing his phone call and returning to his seat, when it was time to pay, the waiter still handed the bill to Xu Shijia.

Tao Lei, who had previously been competitive, must have gotten tired. This time, surprisingly, he stepped out of the game, smiling gently: “Xiao Xu, I said I would pay, but you went ahead and took care of it. I’ll treat you and Lin Shu next time.”

He checked his watch and continued: “I got a call earlier—there’s something urgent at the company I need to deal with, so I’ll head out now. Thanks for treating me to this meal.”

This was completely unexpected!

Tao Lei must have truly had something urgent, as he didn’t linger. After saying his goodbyes, he left the room in a hurry.

A final word.

Now, only Xu Shijia and Lin Shu remained in the private room, feeling like suckers.

The waiter smiled at Xu Shijia: “Mr. Xu, did you enjoy your meal? Shall I charge the usual card?”

Tao Lei was smiling, the waiter was smiling, but their smiles didn’t belong to Xu Shijia.

His previously composed expression finally showed a crack.

At this moment, Xu Shijia looked at Lin Shu with the same desperate and expectant gaze as a pig swept away by a flood, desperately hoping for rescue from a firefighter.

Although he said nothing, his eyes conveyed everything—

“Save me!”

…

Never act pretentious, or you’ll get struck by lightning—this saying holds true everywhere.

The more expensive the items he ordered earlier, the more awkward things felt now.

But things had reached this point, and Lin Shu could only brace herself. She took the bill from Xu Shijia’s hand and came to his rescue, smiling at the waiter: “Although we’re not married yet, my husband has already handed over all his finances to me. I’ll handle the payment.”

Even though she was mentally prepared, Lin Shu was still shocked when she saw the amount.

How could one meal cost this much?!

Xu Shijia really only orders the priciest things, never the right ones!

You just had to act all grand!

Lin Shu glared at him fiercely, but Xu Shijia, as if anticipating her reaction, averted his gaze and pretended to study the plants in the room.

The waiter, hearing Lin Shu’s words, paused for a moment and then took the bill back: “Please don’t pay just yet. One moment.”

A few moments later, he returned with the French head chef, who entered the room, pointed to Lin Shu, and said something. The Frenchman smiled.

As soon as he walked in, he warmly embraced Xu Shijia and started chatting with him in French.

However, compared to their lively and natural conversation before the meal, Xu Shijia’s French was still flawless, but his face grew more and more awkward and uncomfortable.

“What did he say?” Lin Shu asked.

Xu Shijia pursed his lips and remained silent, but the waiter enthusiastically explained: “Our chef and Mr. Xu are friends. When the chef heard that Mr. Xu was dining with his fiancée, he was delighted and insisted on offering the two of you a complimentary meal.”

A free meal? Fantastic!

Why was Xu Shijia feeling awkward? Shouldn’t he have told her this good news immediately?!

But just as Lin Shu’s excitement began to spread, the waiter continued—

“Strictly speaking, it’s not exactly free; the payment method is just different.”

“?”

The waiter smiled and explained: “The chef says that this meal only requires a kiss as payment. If you kiss Mr. Xu, your beautiful love will be enough to cover the cost.”

“…”

The French chef standing nearby kept giving Lin Shu and Xu Shijia a thumbs-up as the waiter passionately explained: “Our chef has served many wealthy men and is friends with them. Many rich people, due to concerns about family wealth, avoid marriage to prevent their assets from being split. But Mr. Xu has not only decided to marry but is even willing to hand over control of the finances to his future wife. This made our chef believe in pure love again.”

Frenchman, maybe it’s better if you don’t believe in love…