Qin Mingyuan stared at her silently, not understanding why she was so interested in Yun Pei. He reminded her, “This is your first time meeting him. Isn’t it a bit abrupt to invite him to your house for a meal?”

Zeng Lianyi, unwilling to give up, replied, “It’s my first time, but not yours. You two must be quite close, considering you’re even borrowing his bathroom.”

Qin Mingyuan lowered his eyes, pondering something for a moment before quickly raising them again. “No, we’ve only met a few times. Today was an accident.”

Zeng Lianyi’s face showed disbelief as she said outright, “Aren’t you pursuing him? How could you not be familiar?”

Qin Mingyuan’s brow twitched. “When did I ever pursue him?”

“Zhou Yang said so! He said you’re chasing the Young Master of the Yun family. Didn’t you mention it on the phone before? Darling, why are you still trying to deny it in front of me?” Zeng Lianyi looked at him with disapproval.

Qin Mingyuan pressed his temple. It seemed that, despite his capable work performance, he should still fire this assistant of his.

Even the former him wasn’t pursuing Yun Pei but Yun Yuexian. Although Zeng Lianyi had gotten it wrong, he didn’t bother explaining much, simply stating, “No, he misunderstood. We’re just ordinary friends.”

Friends… He repeated the word silently in his mind, feeling it as unfamiliar as the word “parents.”

Just moments ago, they barely knew each other, and now they were friends… Zeng Lianyi gave him a mysterious look but decided not to expose him.

She wanted to invite Yun Pei for dinner because it was rare for her son to show interest in someone, and she liked Yun Pei as well. She thought of creating more opportunities for them to spend time together.

She herself was always traveling for work throughout the year, and her child’s father often followed her. They didn’t have much time to accompany him. Seeing her son alone, not even in a relationship, made her feel a bit sorry for him.

If he could find someone he liked to be with, he might be happier and not just become a workaholic. He should learn to enjoy life a little.

As for whether he liked men or women, it didn’t matter as long as it was a good person. Nowadays, same-sex marriage wasn’t such a rare thing anymore.

Although the Qin family was big and powerful, it wasn’t like they had an imperial throne to inherit, so it didn’t matter if there were children or not. Besides, there were still other brothers in the family.

But if her son felt it wasn’t appropriate to bring someone home for dinner right now, Zeng Lianyi wouldn’t force him. He was a mature adult who could handle things well on his own.

Moreover, Yun Pei seemed like a reserved person, and considering the awkward situation just now, it might indeed feel uncomfortable for him. This wasn’t the right time.

“Alright, since you think it’s not suitable, we’ll leave it for another time.” Zeng Lianyi waved her hand nonchalantly.

Yun Pei, having changed his clothes, didn’t forget to go to the bathroom to pack his dirty clothes into a bag, placing it on his lap as he headed to the living room.

The driver had messaged him earlier, saying he was waiting at the front gate, asking if he had gotten his clothes. Yun Pei replied that he would be down shortly, and when asked if he needed the driver to come up, he declined.

Nowadays, the household staff and drivers were all managed by Huo Lijuan. He wasn’t sure if they would report his movements to her, so he remained cautious most of the time.

This time, he had only told them that his clothes got stained by a spilled drink and that he was freshening up at a friend’s house, without mentioning Qin Mingyuan.

The driver had no idea that Yun Pei had been out with Qin Mingyuan today.

It was one thing to bump into each other and exchange greetings, but planning a day out together was different, implying a closer relationship.

Yun Pei didn’t want the Yun family to know about this. Huo Lijuan and Yun Yuexian were already troublesome, and his father would be another headache. His father wouldn’t care whether or not he had a close relationship with Qin Mingyuan; he’d just use it to benefit the Yun Corporation.

He didn’t want to deal with his father’s endless greed, nor did he want to drag Qin Mingyuan into this mess. The best way was to keep today’s events under wraps.

“Xiao Pei, you’re done changing,” Zeng Lianyi looked up and saw him, beckoning him over. “I heard from Mingyuan that you’re quite good at painting. In that case, we’re kind of in the same field.”

Qin Mingyuan glanced at her. Just because she needed to draw for her fashion designs, they were considered in the same field?

Yun Pei was genuinely curious. “Auntie, do you also do something related to painting?”

“I’m a fashion designer, so drawing is part of my daily routine.” As she spoke, Zeng Lianyi stood up and spun around, showing off the outfit she was wearing. “This is my work. Does it look good?”

Although surprised by her answer, Yun Pei still examined her seriously. While he wasn’t knowledgeable about fashion design, he had a basic sense of aesthetics. He felt that the outfit really complemented her figure, highlighting her best features.

Perhaps influenced by her lively behavior, Yun Pei subconsciously smiled. “It looks great.”

“Oh my,” Zeng Lianyi couldn’t help but step forward and gently pinch his cheek. “Our Xiao Pei looks so handsome when he smiles.”

Qin Mingyuan sat calmly to the side, thinking, Hmm, it’s not just me who thinks so.

Startled by her affectionate gesture, Yun Pei touched his face, his expression dazed. When he was younger, his mother used to say the same thing.

Snapping out of his thoughts, he lowered his hand and said, “Auntie, the driver is waiting for me outside. I’ll need to head back now. Sorry for the trouble.”

Since she had already discussed with her son not to keep him, Zeng Lianyi didn’t press him and replied, “Don’t mention it. Next time, let Mingyuan take you to the Qin family’s villa. The chef there can cook anything. Don’t be shy!”

Yun Pei nodded politely, though he wasn’t sure if he’d actually go. “Mingyuan, take Xiao Pei downstairs and make sure he gets in the car before you come back,” Zeng Lianyi said. Today’s dinner was clearly not going to happen, but she still wanted her somewhat clueless son to be a little more attentive.

Yun Pei was about to decline but, seeing how insistent she was, kept quiet, deciding that he’d just make sure the man didn’t walk him all the way to the car.

Qin Mingyuan had no objections, standing up to lead him out. Zeng Lianyi followed them to the door, giving Yun Pei a quick hug.

Once inside the elevator, the sudden silence made them realize how lively Zeng Lianyi had made the atmosphere.

As the elevator descended, Yun Pei broke the silence, “You can just take me to the lobby. I can go out on my own.”

Qin Mingyuan turned to him. “Ms. Zeng asked me to make sure you get into the car.”

Yun Pei wasn’t surprised that he referred to his mother as “Ms. Zeng.” It seemed to reflect their unique way of communicating. After all, Zeng Lianyi did come across as somewhat eccentric, often talking like a young girl.

“I don’t really want the driver to know we met,” Yun Pei admitted. He figured it was better to be upfront, knowing that Qin Mingyuan was smart enough to catch his meaning.

Qin Mingyuan immediately understood. After holding his gaze for a few seconds, he looked away. “I’ll take you to a spot where the driver won’t see you.”

Since he was the one who had brought him here, and knowing his leg wasn’t fully recovered, Qin Mingyuan felt responsible for ensuring he got back safely.

Though the security in the complex was top-notch and there wasn’t any real danger, he wasn’t about to take any chances.

Since Qin Mingyuan had compromised, Yun Pei said nothing more. The elevator was quiet once again.

Luckily, they reached the first floor soon enough.

They had entered through the underground parking lot earlier, so now Yun Pei could finally see the neighborhood. The landscaping was well done, with a variety of flowers and plants that bloomed year-round, each carefully labeled.

Right now, the gardenias were in full bloom, the bright sunlight casting a golden glow over the delicate white flowers. The fragrance was so strong that it filled the air from afar.

Yun Pei couldn’t resist taking a deep breath, feeling the sweetness of the gardenias seep into his lungs, relaxing his mood.

He turned to look at the flowers, thinking that maybe he could paint a gardenia next time.

Qin Mingyuan noticed his reaction and followed his gaze. A light breeze made the snow-white flowers sway gently, creating a beautiful sight.

Turning his gaze back, Qin Mingyuan asked, “You like them?”

“Hmm?” Pulled back from his thoughts by the question, Yun Pei glanced at him and replied, “I just think they look nice.”

His mother had also liked tending to flowers in the garden, and many of her paintings featured flowers. She was someone who loved beautiful things.

In fact, his mother loved so many beautiful things that she would often say that just looking at them made her feel like the world itself was beautiful.

And after saying that, she would always hold him close and say that Xiao Pei was the most beautiful thing in her eyes, nothing could compare.

Yun Pei stopped his wheelchair and looked up at the man standing beside him. “Can I take a few pictures?”

He didn’t want to waste too much of Qin Mingyuan’s time, so he politely asked for his approval.

Qin Mingyuan didn’t mind at all, nodding, “Go ahead.”

After thanking him, Yun Pei moved closer to the flowers, pulling out his phone. He wanted to capture some details to use as references for his future drawings.

Qin Mingyuan stood still, watching the young man stop by the flowers, sunlight bathing him in a soft glow, his hair catching a golden tint, and his eyes reflecting the light.

He bent slightly forward, bringing his phone closer, and the movement caused his sleeve to pull up, revealing his slender, pale wrist as it brushed against a gardenia.

Perhaps satisfied with the photos, his expression softened noticeably. Sitting amid the flowers, he looked down at his phone, his long lashes casting a shadow over his cheeks, creating a gentle glow in the sunlight.

For a moment, Qin Mingyuan also had the urge to take a photo, to capture such a beautiful moment.

But by the time Yun Pei returned, Qin Mingyuan was still standing in the same position, unmoving. He looked down at the approaching figure and asked in his low voice, “All done?”

“Mm.” Yun Pei nodded. Perhaps feeling in a good mood, he added, “Maybe you’ll see a gardenia painting in one of my future videos.”

Hearing his rare playful tone, Qin Mingyuan’s eyes flickered with a hint of amusement as he looked away. “I’ll look forward to it.”

As promised, he didn’t walk Yun Pei all the way to the gate, stopping at a distance where the driver couldn’t see them.

“I’ll be going now, Qin Mingyuan.” It still felt a bit strange for Yun Pei to call him by name, so his voice was softer.

Qin Mingyuan nodded in acknowledgment, pausing briefly before recalling something from their previous conversation. “Be careful on the way.”

The two fell into a brief silence again. Yun Pei nodded, maneuvering his wheelchair and heading off. After going a few meters, he suddenly stopped.

Qin Mingyuan, unsure of what he was about to do, remained where he was.

It seemed like Yun Pei was gathering his courage. After a long moment, he turned back and said, “Thank you for taking care of me today.”

He didn’t wait for Qin Mingyuan’s response, quickly turning to leave. Just before he wheeled away, his hair shifted, revealing the faint redness of his ears.

Qin Mingyuan watched him go, his gaze following him as the driver met him at the gate and helped him into the car. Suddenly, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, breaking his focus. He pulled it out and saw Zeng Lianyi’s name on the caller ID. Answering the call, he asked, “What’s up?”

On the other end, Zeng Lianyi told him he didn’t need to come back upstairs. She would bring the car keys down and meet him at the underground garage.

Qin Mingyuan was about to agree but suddenly remembered he wasn’t sure where the Qin family villa was located.

Blinking slowly, he maintained a straight face and replied, “I had some wine with lunch, so I shouldn’t drive. Have the driver pick me up.”