Chapter 04

It’s not “Miss Lu.” It’s Lu Yi—her name.

“Drive safely.”

There was no reproach in the words; it was a simple friendly reminder. Yet, Lu Yi felt as though she’d been disciplined. Instinctively, she straightened her posture and gripped the steering wheel properly.

“I will. Thank you for your concern, Mr. Lin.” She thought to herself: Let’s not do this again.

Lin Jinshen didn’t say more. After leaving this parting advice, he ended the call.

Before going to bed, Lu Yi accepted Zhong Wenlun’s friend request.

Unlike Lin Jinshen, who used a scenic photo typical of the older generation as his profile picture, Zhong Wenlun had a cartoon character with flamboyant red hair and a cheerful smile, eyes squinting into curved lines. Their styles couldn’t be more different.

It was late, but Zhong Wenlun replied immediately after the request was accepted.

Bert: Ah, you accepted!

I thought I’d have to wait until tomorrow to add you.

I’m Zhong Wenlun. You can call me Xiao Zhong, or my English name, Bert. Whatever you prefer.

“…”

Three messages popped up in quick succession. Lu Yi blinked slowly, already regretting accepting the request at that moment.

She updated his remark to his full name and replied: Hello. Just call me Lu Yi.

Zhong Wenlun: Hold on!

Half a minute later, he sent another message, explaining that he had been playing a game earlier and could now focus entirely on chatting.

Not particularly interested in chatting, Lu Yi responded: It’s fine. We can talk next time.

Zhong Wenlun: Oh no, mentioning games in front of a lady—does that make me lose points? Can I plead my case? I’m not addicted, just unwinding after work. Do you play games, Miss Lu Yi?

Lu Yi: Not really.

…

Zhong Wenlun came across as the sociable, fun-loving type of young man. He was good at keeping the conversation going, skillfully steering topics, and avoiding awkward silences. His speech was lighthearted and engaging—he could discuss her industry’s quirks one moment and gossip about celebrities the next.

He was even overly considerate. On mornings when she hadn’t rested well, he would have coffee delivered—not just for her but for her colleagues too. He had gotten the company address from Mrs. Xu, explaining: Sorry, if this bothers you, I’ll apologize.

Her colleagues teased her, asking if the admirer was the man she met on the blind date.

Lu Yi merely smiled without elaborating.

Back at her desk, she glanced at her phone. Scrolling through her contacts, Lin Jinshen’s glacial avatar was now buried at the bottom of the list. They hadn’t spoken since their meeting.

She put the phone aside and picked up her coffee. It was hot. She sipped it slowly.

Her first in-person meeting with Zhong Wenlun was at her family’s newly opened French restaurant.

By the time Lu Yi arrived, Zhong Wenlun was already there. He was just as she had imagined—youthful and energetic. He greeted her with a smile before she even approached, standing to pull out her chair. “You’re even more beautiful than in the photos.”

“Thank you.”

There wasn’t much to criticize about Zhong Wenlun. From ordering dishes that suited her taste to his detailed attentiveness, he left no stone unturned.

Because they had chatted online beforehand, their conversation flowed smoothly in person without the awkwardness of her previous blind date.

Over the meal, the topic shifted to past relationships.

Zhong Wenlun shared that he’d had three girlfriends, all relationships that ended amicably due to differences in personality or values. He didn’t badmouth his exes, taking most of the responsibility upon himself. He admitted that in his younger years, he hadn’t been ready to commit.

“I’ve talked enough about myself. What about you, Miss Lu Yi?”

“I had one relationship,” Lu Yi replied, “with a university classmate.”

“Why did you break up?” Zhong Wenlun seemed genuinely puzzled that someone would let her go.

The relationship felt like a distant memory from another lifetime, its details blurred by time. She summarized simply: “We had different plans for the future.”

A practical reason.

She couldn’t stay in the UK for him, and he wouldn’t return to China for her.

Perhaps it wasn’t deep enough love. When it ended, whatever regrets lingered faded as her new life unfolded back home. She rarely thought about it.

Zhong Wenlun nodded, then asked, “If it was external reasons like that, can I ask—was there still any lingering affection?”

Lu Yi met his gaze. After a moment, she answered, “We’ve been apart for three years. If there were still feelings, I wouldn’t be sitting here now.”

“Just a casual question. Don’t take it too seriously,” Zhong Wenlun apologized.

“It’s fine.”

Her phone, lying on the table, lit up repeatedly with notifications. The steady frequency suggested it could only be Yu Yin.

Not wanting to be rude during a meal, Lu Yi excused herself to the restroom. She unlocked her phone to find over a dozen messages.

There were texts, voice notes, and stickers—an all-out barrage.

Yu Yin knew she was meeting Zhong Wenlun today.

Ever since hearing his name, she’d been digging into his background. By now, based on her network of friends’ feedback, she deemed him a great match.

A decent family, moderate wealth, a family business not under his management, and personal success in venture capital.

Yu Yin even knew one of his exes, who had nothing but praise for him—a good character, no grievances. A solid candidate for a husband.

Yu Yin: All things considered, you can’t go wrong with Zhong Wenlun.

Lu Yi chuckled, thinking Yu Yin should have been a private investigator—or at least a tabloid reporter. In just a few days, she had pieced together his entire life.

Yu Yin sent a voice message: I’m doing this for you! I’ve been losing sleep, worrying you’ll make a mistake, and pouring my heart into this like a worried mother.

Before she finished listening, a new 60-second voice note arrived.

Yu Yin: One last thing—he’s good in that department. Can Lin Jinshen compare? At his age, never having been in a relationship, who knows if he’s capable? What if you marry him and end up in a loveless marriage? Listen, physical compatibility is important! Without it, feelings suffer. Over time, that leads to divorce. What’s the point of marrying then?

“…”

There were other people in the restroom.

Lu Yi kept her phone volume low and quickly switched the voice note to text format.

Lu Yi: Got it, dear. I’ll keep that in mind!

Yu Yin: Don’t just say that—really take it to heart, okay?

Lu Yi sent a serious-looking emoji in response: Okay.

Yu Yin: Trust me, Zhong Wenlun is leagues ahead of Lin Jinshen!

Lu Yi walked back out.

Seeing her return, Zhong Wenlun half-joked, “I thought I scared you off and you’d left midway. Thanks for sparing me the embarrassment.”

“How could I?”

Once she was seated, Zhong Wenlun asked for her impression of him after this meeting.

Lu Yi paused to think, then answered with two phrases that came to mind: “Amusing and humorous, gentlemanly and thoughtful.”

“At least it doesn’t sound too bad, right?” Zhong Wenlin exhaled as if relieved, placing a hand on his chest. “I find Miss Lu very charming. You’re even more beautiful than in the photos, and your personality is wonderful. This might sound cliché, but at first glance, you reminded me of a flower.”

“What flower?” Lu Yi asked.

“A camellia—gentle and without aggressiveness.”

“Thank you,” Lu Yi replied.

That day, she wore a white suit with sleeveless ruffled edges. Her slender, fair arms and the asymmetrical pleats of the design gave off a cool and gentle vibe. During their conversation, she would lower her gaze and smile softly, like ripples spreading across water. Occasionally, she brushed her fingers through the loose strands near her ear, lightly grazing the small pearl adorning her earlobe.

When listening, her focused gaze gave her companion a sense of undivided attention.

Zhong Wenlun rarely found himself unable to look away.

He was no stranger to relationships, surrounded by girlfriends and never inclined toward marriage. For him, playing around was one thing, but marriage was a family decision. He had resigned himself to the match arranged by his family. Yet unexpectedly, Lu Yi exceeded his expectations.

If their families finalized the union, there was still time for a wedding this year.

Zhong Wenlin subtly probed her preferences, attempting to learn more about her.

But Lu Yi gradually lost interest in the conversation. Out of politeness, she still listened attentively, concealing her indifference. That was until a faint, familiar silhouette entered her peripheral vision. Her heart skipped a beat. She rubbed her thumb across her earlobe and glanced over nonchalantly. Confirming the figure, she quickly looked away.

She hadn’t expected to encounter Lin Jinshen here.

Since their last meeting, there had been no messages, no contact. He was likely busy with work, and she had no intention of reaching out first. It had been, what, a week?

And now, here they were again—meeting while she was on a date with another man.

Though their families hadn’t officially settled on the marriage, she couldn’t shake the silent awkwardness. Crossing her arms, she avoided looking in his direction, silently hoping he hadn’t seen her.

But life often goes against one’s wishes.

Zhong Wenlin recognized Lin Jinshen and naturally greeted him, addressing him respectfully as “Mr. Lin.”

Lu Yi bit her lip, tension creeping up. The subtle scent in the elevator, usually calming, now felt like a stone tossed into a serene lake, disrupting its tranquility.

She lowered her lashes, exhaling lightly before finally lifting her gaze.

When her eyes met Lin Jinshen’s, her first instinct was to look away. Gripping her arm, she ultimately raised her head confidently, meeting his gaze.

She couldn’t deny it—Lin Jinshen’s presence overshadowed others.

Though Zhong Wenlin was flawlessly handsome, the epitome of a refined heir, when they stood side by side, Lin Jinshen was the one who commanded attention. His sharply defined features and the intensity beneath his brow made it impossible to ignore his presence.

“When did we last meet?” Zhong Wenlin asked conversationally. “I didn’t expect to run into you here.”

Lin Jinshen, his gaze briefly shifting from Lu Yi, turned to Zhong Wenlin. “Mr. Zhong,” he replied, his tone composed.

Zhong Wenlin chuckled, about to introduce Lu Yi. “Let me introduce—”

“We’ve met,” Lin Jinshen interrupted, his deep, distinctive voice cutting through.

His eyes once again found Lu Yi’s, taking in her long black lashes and the small pearl dangling from her earlobe.

Lu Yi felt her palms grow damp.

“Miss Lu,” he greeted.

The sound of her name in his voice felt like being called on in class. She stood, her movement slightly stiff, her gaze lingering on his outstretched hand for a moment.

“Mr. Lin,” she responded, shaking his hand out of politeness.

The warmth of his palm seared into her consciousness. His thumb briefly brushed the back of her hand before releasing it after only half a second.

“How have you been, Miss Lu?” he asked.

His tone was formal, devoid of warmth, making it impossible to discern any small talk in his words.

“Quite well. And you, Mr. Lin?”

“Fine.”

One question and one answer. That was it.

Their exchange was reminiscent of a textbook English dialogue.

“You two know each other?” Zhong Wenlin’s smile took on a hint of complexity.

Lin Jinshen withdrew his gaze and replied, “I have some matters to attend to. I won’t intrude on your meal.”

The people accompanying him seemed familiar to Lu Yi, likely from their shared circles, dining to discuss business.

As she sat back down, Zhong Wenlin asked, “How do you know Mr. Lin?”

She looked up but didn’t respond directly.

Realizing his question might have been inappropriate, Zhong Wenlin chuckled. “Just curious—don’t overthink it.”

“No worries.”

And with that, the brief interlude ended.

Zhong Wenlin was a good conversationalist, and their meal extended over an hour. Lu Yi eventually suggested they wrap up, mentioning it was getting late. He agreed, suggesting they try a vegetarian restaurant near Yonghe Temple next time.

Since both had consumed some alcohol, Zhong Wenlin, who had a driver, offered to take her home and retrieve her car the next day.

Lu Yi held up her phone. “No need. I’ve called for a designated driver, and they’re on their way.”

“Alright. Be safe, and let me know once you’re home.”

“Okay. Goodbye.”

As she waited for her driver, Lu Yi replied to a message from her mother, who asked how the meal went and whether they had good conversation. She truthfully answered that the food was good, and the conversation was fine.

After sending the message, she exhaled lightly, only to catch sight of a tall figure out of the corner of her eye. Turning her head, her gaze collided with Lin Jinshen’s dark eyes.

She hadn’t noticed his approach.

Given that he’d seen her, it would be impolite to ignore him. She nodded briefly, hoping he wouldn’t start a conversation. After the social exertion of the day, she wasn’t in the mood for more awkwardness.

And, truthfully, being caught on a date by a previous match made her feel somewhat guilty.

“Still here?” Lin Jinshen asked, keeping his distance.

“Waiting for my driver,” she replied.

“Finished eating so soon?”

“Just stepped out for some air,” he answered coolly.

“Sounds nice.”

She wasn’t sure what was “nice” about it, but her scalp tightened as she silently wished her driver would hurry.

Both stood silently, their gazes fixed straight ahead, maintaining a strained equilibrium.

“Is Zhong Wenlin one of your options?” Lin Jinshen abruptly broke the silence.

His tone made it sound as though he were referring to a potential business partnership rather than a personal relationship.

“…”

So, he’d figured it out.

“Yes,” she admitted after a pause, “but isn’t it normal to weigh one’s options before deciding on something as significant as marriage? Especially with an arranged marriage—it can’t be rushed.”

She reasoned that if he rejected the arrangement because of this, it would be understandable, even preferable. After all, reaching a conclusion sooner would benefit both sides.

A cool night breeze carried a hint of chill.

“I haven’t,” he said.

“Hmm?”

His dark gaze met hers, steady and inscrutable. He calmly added, “After meeting you, I haven’t met anyone else.”

Lu Yi froze for a moment.

Was he telling her that she was his only choice?