Chapter 22: A Confrontation

This restaurant was a Chinese cuisine establishment with an elegant atmosphere, and the costs were similar to the previous one they had visited.

When Xie Yujun made the reservation, she had already ordered dishes based on everyone’s preferences, but she hadn’t anticipated that Ji Xue Li would also show up.

“Miss Ji, if you want anything else, feel free to take a look,” Xie Yujun offered, handing her the menu.

“No need, I’m fine with what I have,” Ji Xue Li waved her hand. They were here for business, and the meal was just a secondary concern.

Ji Yan Zhou glanced at the dishes on the table and then said, “A bowl of lotus seed and lily porridge, hot.”

“Is your stomach uncomfortable again?” Xie Yujun asked, unable to hide her concern.

Ji Yan Zhou shook his head, glancing at Ji Xue Li, who was focused on drinking red wine.

“Should I go get some stomach medicine from the car?” Xie Yujun still seemed a little worried.

Ji Yan Zhou grabbed her wrist. “It’s fine, let’s eat.”

Duan Qingyu observed their interaction, amused, and couldn’t help but watch Ji Xue Li’s reaction. She, however, seemed oblivious, engrossed in her wine.

“This wine is great, you should try it,” Ji Xue Li recommended to Duan Qingyu.

Duan Qingyu looked at her. “I’ve had some, but who’s driving?”

“Good point. Then you can give me a ride home later,” Ji Xue Li responded casually.

She said it so directly that Duan Qingyu couldn’t help but admire her boldness. “That’s quite the detour.”

“I’m asking you as a favor,” Ji Xue Li smiled. To spend more time with him, she was ready to throw aside her embarrassment.

“Then I’ll have some wine, since you recommended it,” Duan Qingyu lazily picked up his glass.

This man, what harm would it be to just give her a ride?

“Drink it, it’s good,” Ji Xue Li fake-smiled, but inside, she was wishing he’d choke on the wine.

Duan Qingyu could easily see through her fake smile. He smirked and took a sip of wine, finding it was indeed top-notch.

“Sir, your lotus seed and lily porridge,” the waiter said, respectfully placing the bowl in front of Ji Yan Zhou.

Ji Yan Zhou glanced at it and motioned for the waiter to place it in front of Ji Xue Li.

Xie Yujun looked over and saw Ji Xue Li was the one getting the porridge. She tightened her grip slightly—was the porridge ordered for Ji Xue Li because she was drinking wine?

“Ma’am, your porridge,” the waiter then walked over to Ji Xue Li.

“Thank you,” Ji Xue Li put down her wine glass and smiled at the porridge, thinking it was ordered by Xie Yujun. She gave her a friendly smile.

The assistant of Ji Yan Zhou wasn’t bad, but why did her mother still want her to be more cautious?

Ji Xue Li took a bite of the porridge. It was mildly sweet, soft, and fragrant—quite good.

Ji Yan Zhou watched her smile with satisfaction and couldn’t help but think of how many times they had come here, just for the lotus seed and lily porridge…

“When are you leaving for overseas?” Ji Yan Zhou pulled his thoughts back and spoke.

“In a few days,” Duan Qingyu replied.

Ji Xue Li looked up. “What are you going overseas for?”

“On business,” Duan Qingyu answered.

“Oh,” she nodded. That meant she wouldn’t see him for a few days…

Never mind, distance might make the feelings grow fonder. Maybe by the time he came back, the relationship would have improved.

“How long have you been with Secretary Xie, Ji Yan Zhou?” Duan Qingyu asked casually.

“More than two years,” Xie Yujun responded. She hadn’t expected him to ask her. She’d been socializing with him for a while, but this young master’s attention had never really been on her.

Duan Qingyu raised an eyebrow and continued, “I heard that when Ji Yan Zhou had alcohol poisoning, you saved him.”

Alcohol poisoning? So she was his lifesaver. No wonder he liked her. Ji Xue Li looked up, realizing that this was probably the setup for the second male and female lead in a novel.

Ji Yan Zhou’s fist clenched, his gaze moving to Xie Yujun. She seemed calm, though there was a hint of realization on her face…

“It was just a coincidence,” Xie Yujun answered casually.

“That makes sense,” Ji Xue Li couldn’t help but comment.

“What makes sense?” Ji Yan Zhou’s voice grew cold, and he looked at her.

Ji Xue Li said, “No wonder she’s your secretary. Why else would she be so tough…”

Did she strike a nerve? Why was he glaring at her?

“Looks like this is something President Ji doesn’t want to discuss in front of others,” Duan Qingyu added with a slight smile, clearly enjoying the drama.

Ji Yan Zhou’s expression turned even colder, clearly not happy.

It was like a needle against a sharp edge… and somehow, Ji Xue Li found herself caught in the middle. She silently drank more of the porridge.

Hearing Duan Qingyu’s words, Xie Yujun’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, as if deep in thought.

Duan Qingyu lazily leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying the tension. Everyone had their own motives, all connected with each other.

He glanced at Ji Xue Li, who was busy texting on her phone, unaware that she was at the center of it all.

“Mr. Duan, let’s focus on discussing the Haibang Bay development project,” Xie Yujun stood up to break the silence.

Time to get to business. Ji Xue Li grabbed her phone and stood up with a hint of tact. “I’ll head out first, I have things to do this afternoon.”

Duan Qingyu nodded in acknowledgment.

“I’ll wait outside and give you a ride,” Ji Yan Zhou spoke in a low voice.

“No need, Chengdu is on the way,” Ji Xue Li waved her hand. She really couldn’t understand this person. He had just been harsh with her, and now he was offering her a ride…

Did he think she was a soft target?

Ji Xue Li walked out, only to come back again, leaning against the door. “Remember to get a designated driver, or let Zhen Zhang pick you up. Don’t drive yourself.”

“I know,” Duan Qingyu’s voice was indifferent, almost lazy.

Ji Yan Zhou furrowed his brow, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. Very well, Ji Xue Li.