Font Size:
“Fancy, huh, Sister Li? You need at least a hundred grand on your card to reserve this private room, right?”
Chengdu looked around at the dining place and couldn’t help but sigh. In the luxurious and extravagant Shangjing District, there was certainly no shortage of places to indulge or show off wealth.
This place was called Peony Terrace, one of the most top-tier restaurants in Shangjing. It was modeled after Republican-era architecture, with a central stage for live opera performances, often featuring famous performers.
“It’s my mom’s card. She loves coming here,” Ji Xueli said casually.
Her mother had given her the card because she wanted her to invite Ji Yanzhou. But since it was in her hands now, she’d use it her own way.
“But I remember… I think this place belongs to Qingyu’s grandmother’s estate,” Chengdu said, recalling something. They had even come here together as kids.
Duan Qingyu glanced at the surroundings and took a sip of tea. The rich aroma soothed the irritability brewing in his chest.
After speaking, Chengdu cautiously looked at Duan Qingyu’s expression. Seeing that he looked indifferent, he wisely fell silent.
“I see,” Ji Xueli didn’t say much more. She didn’t want to expose the fact that she knew nothing about this…
“What, you want to put it on my tab, Sister Li?” Duan Qingyu tilted his head toward her, imitating Chengdu’s tone, his voice lazy and slightly hoarse.
“No need, I’ll take care of you,” Ji Xueli replied.
Duan Qingyu smiled. Their eyes met.
Chengdu munched on a piece of fruit and said seriously, “The Crown Prince is the last person who needs money. If you’re gonna support him, better prepare to go bankrupt.”
“Do I look like I’m short on cash?” Ji Xueli glared at him. This guy really knew how to kill the vibe.
“I’m broke. How about you two support me instead?” Chengdu blinked innocently.
“What am I, your mom? Why should I support you?” Ji Xueli scoffed.
“Why are you treating us differently? Why don’t you say that to the Crown Prince too?” Chengdu snorted.
“What, you got the guts to say it?” Ji Xueli snorted right back.
Always bickering, just like when they were kids… Duan Qingyu paused as he reached for a dish. Lately, he kept recalling things from their childhood. Why was that?
He pursed his lips. “Cut it out.”
“I’m not even interested in arguing with her. She could never beat me when we were kids,” Chengdu pouted.
Ji Xueli looked at Duan Qingyu in disbelief. “I couldn’t beat him?”
Duan Qingyu didn’t want to talk about the past. Just as she opened her mouth to retort, he stuffed a piece of food into her mouth. “Eat.”
Truth was, she couldn’t win — she always went straight for the punches…
Childhood felt so distant, yet sometimes so vivid. Duan Qingyu’s eyes darkened with deep thoughts.
“Hey, wasn’t the male lead in your drama a fan of yours?” Chengdu suddenly remembered and changed the subject.
Ji Xueli looked at him. “You even know that?”
“I’m not in showbiz, but I still know all the big and small gossip.” Chengdu said proudly.
“No wonder — you’ve probably slept with every female celebrity in the industry.” Ji Xueli saluted mockingly.
“Too kind, too kind.”
“His name’s Fu Yunfan. He’s pretty decent,” Ji Xueli commented based on her impression so far.
“Why would a movie king like him like you?” Chengdu asked, puzzled.
“If you can’t speak properly, then shut up,” Ji Xueli rolled her eyes, then turned to look at Duan Qingyu.
She noticed he hadn’t touched any of the dishes that had scallions, and said, “You don’t seem to eat scallions. I’ll get those changed for you.”
First rule of chasing a guy: the little things matter most.
“Oh right, Qingyu doesn’t eat scallions,” Chengdu suddenly remembered and echoed her.
Duan Qingyu watched as she asked the staff to remove all the scallion dishes and replace them with new ones. A ripple stirred in his heart.
“You’re so thoughtful, Lili,” he said, raising his tone.
The way he called her “Lili” was different from how others did — familiar but slightly cold, like someone teasing a stray cat or dog on the street.
“For you, of course I am,” Ji Xueli replied, and for a moment it felt like their roles had reversed — she was the caretaker now.
“I knew it! Lili would never forget our childhood bond!” Chengdu dramatically pretended to wipe away tears.
“How could we forget?” Ji Xueli smiled, but inside, she was beginning to think.
From Chengdu’s repeated comments, it was clear the three of them had been really close as kids…
But she remembered Ji Yanzhou once told her that the original her and Chengdu only had a so-so relationship…
So what really happened between them? Did they fall out at some point?
Ji Xueli set down her water glass. When it came to her relationship with Duan Qingyu, she had to get to the bottom of it.
But at that moment, she also realized one thing…
Having a reliable system is crucial.