Chapter 8: You Take Me Home

Ji Yanzhou glanced at the address. It was a century-old hotel, known for its privacy and comfort, with a menu that continued the royal tradition, making it very expensive. Ordinary people wouldn’t dare to try it.

He didn’t know why Duan Qingyu had invited him to this place, especially when another restaurant had already been booked according to his preferences.

However, as soon as he opened the private room door and saw the scene inside, Ji Yanzhou felt like his blood stopped flowing, his feet feeling as if they were weighed down by heavy iron, unable to move.

He had imagined how it would feel to meet the person, but this situation was completely out of his control…

Ji Xueli heard the noise and looked toward the door. The man standing there looked as handsome as Duan Qingyu, though lacking his dazzling cold charm. His jawline was sharp like clear snow, cold and distant, hard to approach.

She glanced at him briefly before leaving. He was probably of high status, considering his looks, but she was utterly confused right now…

Ji Yanzhou noticed her indifferent gaze and assumed she was pretending not to know him. His anger was rising inside…

He forced himself to calm down, walked in, and his tone turned cold. “Why meet here?”

“I ran into Xueli, so we decided to join.” Duan Qingyu casually took out a lighter and held it in his hand. His black shirt’s crisp cuffs matched his silver watch, and his pale, long fingers gave off a cold, distant air.

“Xueli…” Ji Yanzhou’s eyes turned even colder at the sound of his address.

Duan Qingyu met his gaze, a faint smile playing on his lips.

They knew each other, and it was possible they were familiar with each other as well. Ji Xueli looked up at him, raising a measured smile. “You don’t mind, do you?”

Ji Yanzhou didn’t expect them to be familiar with each other, and he had no idea when they had met. He clenched his hand and then relaxed, sitting down in front of them without replying.

This person has no manners… Ji Xueli silently complained when he didn’t respond.

Duan Qingyu calmly observed their expressions. Compared to Ji Yanzhou, Ji Xueli was much calmer.

“Would you like some tea?” Duan Qingyu picked up the teapot and addressed Ji Xueli.

Ji Xueli accepted eagerly. “Thank you.”

“Duan Qingyu, are we discussing business? Can outsiders listen in?” Ji Yanzhou said, suppressing his irritation at their interaction.

Ji Xueli took a sip of tea, reminding herself not to be angry, she didn’t know their identities…

“How could Xueli be considered an outsider?” Duan Qingyu’s words were meaningful.

Ji Yanzhou understood immediately, his expression unfazed, but Ji Xueli didn’t catch on.

She could tell from the exchange that she and this man were indeed acquainted, possibly from some noble family in the city.

“If you’re discussing business, I’ll leave you to it.” Ji Xueli spoke up.

“Sit down, when can’t we discuss things? Isn’t that right?” Duan Qingyu’s voice was calm and deep.

Ji Xueli looked at Ji Yanzhou. His eyes were deep and unreadable.

This man gave her the impression that he really disliked her, which bothered her, but she didn’t know his background. It felt like a bitter situation with no way to express her feelings.

Ji Xueli thought for a moment before deciding to treat him like air and asked Duan Qingyu, “Ren Tang, she’s one of your artists, right?”

She had just searched online and found that the Duan family ran an entertainment agency, with Duan Qingyu managing it. He had a wide range of interests, including finance and entertainment, which explained why so many female celebrities at the ball were fawning over him.

“I don’t remember.” Duan Qingyu lightly tapped the table with his fingertips, his posture relaxed.

“You saw her earlier, so I just wanted to let you know in case you were unaware when things escalated.” Ji Xueli said.

Ren Tang, she would definitely deal with her.

Ji Yanzhou then raised his eyes to look at her.

“Oh? Is Xueli planning to take revenge?” Duan Qingyu asked, as if intrigued.

“It’s not revenge, just making a friend.” Ji Xueli felt that his words were a bit harsh and quickly corrected herself.

Duan Qingyu understood the underlying meaning in her words, finding her even more interesting. He finished his tea in one go.

“What happened to Ren Tang?” After a long silence, Ji Yanzhou spoke up.

Ji Xueli glanced at him. “Nothing, she just took something of mine.”

He furrowed his brow. Before she went to Germany, he had heard that their relationship had always been bad. At that time, Ji Xueli wanted to focus on acting and had just endured it on her own.

Because of Ji Yanzhou’s arrival, Ji Xueli’s appetite had decreased, and she finished eating quickly.

“I didn’t drive. Can you take me home?” Ji Xueli said to Duan Qingyu.

Duan Qingyu glanced at the BMW behind her. “You didn’t drive?”

“Yes.” Ji Xueli remained calm, thinking that if it became necessary, she could have someone drive the car back tomorrow, but the opportunity to spend time with Duan Qingyu was fleeting.

Ji Yanzhou coldly interjected, “I’ll take you.”

Ji Xueli didn’t want to go with the cold-faced man. She opened the passenger door of Duan Qingyu’s car without hesitation. “No need, I’ll ride with him.”

Ji Yanzhou’s mood darkened.

“We’ll talk tomorrow.” Duan Qingyu raised an ironic smile at the corner of his mouth, and under his gaze, he got into the car.

Ji Yanzhou stood motionless, watching the Maybach drive off with a cold expression, his thin lips pressed into a straight line.

She really didn’t want to meet him, not even bothering to say a word… Ji Xueli, your heart is as cruel as ever.

He couldn’t help but remember their last argument, when she had said the final words, “When we meet again, let’s just treat each other as strangers.”

So true… she really meant it.

Ji Yanzhou sneered. Since she wanted to treat him as a stranger, then he would grant her wish.