Chapter Twenty-Four — The Public Banquet

"You finally decided to confess," Yan Lu glanced at her, visibly displeased. "I thought you intended to keep your secret romance hidden forever."

Yi Shu's eyes widened, clearly startled by Yan Lu's words.

How did she know? They had barely seen each other lately. Even back then, her relationship with Xu Shixi had been vague, both maintaining a careful distance, never daring to think too much about it.

It was truly baffling.

"Are you wondering how I found out?" Yan Lu smiled with a touch of pride.

Yi Shu's face twisted awkwardly.

"I suspected it from your demeanor during that period," Yan Lu raised her brows. "The look on your face when we bumped into each other at Huafeng Square that night told me everything."

Yi Shu lowered her head in embarrassment, gazing at the gravel on the ground, scuffing it with her shoe.

"Now that I know and you've admitted it, shouldn't you tell me about you and him?" Yan Lu's tone became natural, her posture suddenly relaxed.

Pretending not to know what you clearly do is as challenging as hiding a secret you wish never to reveal.

How should she say it? All those whispered words and tender moments belonged only to them.

Yi Shu was lost in confusion; she'd only meant to make their relationship public, nothing more.

"I..." She opened her mouth, but her throat felt blocked; the words wouldn’t come.

"Let me treat you to dinner," Yi Shu leaned forward. "Last time you and Lu Xugao treated me, today it's my turn for both of you."

Yan Lu grinned mischievously.

After a few rounds of drinks, every secret would cease to be one.

She turned, smiling with relief. At last, Yi Shu too had found her home. Though she disapproved of Qiao Siming's character and doubted Xu Shixi's integrity by association, she trusted Yi Shu's judgment. After all, anyone who carefully hides and protects another must, unless truly wicked, be a person of fine character.

A gentle breeze swept the sun toward the southeast. Yi Shu shielded her eyes, peeking through her fingers at the dazzling light—so much like the gleam in his eyes. Turning, she saw Yan Lu skipping into the administrative building.

How fortunate! Her life had gained him, yet lost nothing of her.

She handed last month's ledger to the company accountant, then reported May's sales to Liu Hanzhang.

June was already a third of the way through.

On the office blackboard, bold letters still proclaimed "Three consecutive months of zero complaints, reward: three thousand yuan," as if carved deep and impossible to erase.

Her and Guo Yamei's seats had been taken by two new employees—delicate, timid girls, about the same age as Yihui.

Yan Lu's computer screen glowed, but she was absent, likely in the break room or perhaps in the workshop with Lu Xugao.

Yi Shu thought about their happiness. Xu Shixi crept into her mind, occupying every thought.

Love truly is a fatal poison; once infected, there is no cure.

Approaching the shop, Yi Shu saw Guo Yamei standing at the door, conversing with someone. From their expressions, they seemed to be negotiating business. When their eyes met, Guo Yamei silently indicated Yi Shu behind her to the client.

"You've finally returned," the customer turned and said, "I've waited half an hour. I was tempted to let this lovely lady handle my order, but she insisted on waiting for you, saying you were the one who’d been in contact before and didn't want to steal your business."

Yi Shu looked at Guo Yamei, puzzled.

Guo Yamei turned away, expressionless, saying nothing. She opened the drawer under her desk, took her wallet, and left.

After work, Yi Shu headed straight to Huafeng Square. Xu Shixi called to say urgent matters had delayed him and he'd be late.

She arrived a bit early; Yan Lu and the others were still on their way. Yi Shu stood in the square, watching the last rays of sunlight sink below the horizon. Then, as the lights brightened, the city became a tapestry of brilliance.

The breeze, aired all day, still held warmth, gently blowing and soothing her.

When Yan Lu arrived, she couldn't wait to go up and order. Yi Shu noticed Lu Xugao’s conflicted expression and said, "Let's head up first; I'll message him."

Inside Huafeng Square, Yan Lu strongly suggested they dine at the Isar Restaurant.

"Why?" Yi Shu and Lu Xugao asked in unison.

Had she forgotten the unpleasant memories from her last visit with Qiao Siming, or had she moved past them? Yi Shu glanced at Lu Xugao and swallowed her questions.

"Actually, my cousin's café would be great," Lu Xugao looked at Yi Shu. "The food's delicious and affordable."

"It's not your money," Yan Lu hooked her arm around Yi Shu's. "She's treating us—rare enough—so I won't be shy."

Few guests were in the restaurant, spread out among the tables. For groups of four or more... only the table by the wall remained—the very seat from that mistaken blind date.

"There’s a spot," Lu Xugao pointed excitedly.

Yi Shu looked at Yan Lu, waiting for her decision.

"Let's go," Yan Lu lifted her chin. "We really are lucky."

Seated, she took up the menu. "Let me tell you, the honey-snow fried ribs and jade pearl here are unforgettable. I still remember them from last time."

"When did you come? I never heard about it," Lu Xugao pressed the menu Yan Lu was flipping through.

"We haven't been together long," Yan Lu snatched the menu back. "I came before I met you."

Yi Shu sat by the window, her gaze unfocused, afraid to say the wrong thing, so she stayed silent.

She checked the time—half past seven. Why hadn’t Shixi arrived? It was only a few kilometers from Xunyuan to Huafeng; even walking, he should be here by now. The phone line was always busy. Could something have happened on the way?

Her anxious thoughts made her restless.

Yi Shu stood up, preparing to check outside, hoping to ease her nerves.

"Yi Shu."

She turned at the entrance, hearing her name called from behind.

The familiar, deep male voice.

She couldn't help but smile, but it faded instantly as she turned.

Qiao Siming! He stood beside Shixi, a cigarette nearly spent in his hand. He was undeniably handsome, but always exuded an air of danger.

Yi Shu’s face was full of questions. To spare his feelings, she simply said, "Let's go inside."

As expected, Yan Lu could not hide her anger upon seeing Qiao Siming among them. "What are you doing here? Come to spoil our appetite?"

Qiao Siming flashed a wicked smile, brushed past the others, and said, "It's been a while, but you're still...," he clicked his tongue, "still impossible to describe. No wonder I never fancied you."

Yan Lu slammed her hands on the table, ready to fight. But after standing, she sat down softly.

Because beside her, a pair of eyes blazed like torches, sparking with fire. "Watch your words. I won’t allow anyone to insult my girlfriend. Otherwise, I won’t let you off!"

Qiao Siming feigned surrender, shrugging. "Who would dare insult her? I want to live a few more years, after all." He took a cigarette from his pocket, placed it between his lips, then removed it. "I wish you a hundred years—no, a long, long life."

Xu Shixi stopped him, lowering his voice, "Didn't we agree on a peaceful dinner? Can't you control your mouth?"

Qiao Siming turned, smacking Shixi’s shoulder hard. "Enjoy your meal."

The four left behind: one bewildered, one guilty, one frustrated, one furious.

Yi Shu was forced to reevaluate Qiao Siming. Why did his presence always throw their peaceful world into chaos? Why was Shixi so close to him? Perhaps, before them, he wasn’t so neurotic, only changed when with them. Was there something about themselves that triggered his hostility?

After his disruption, everyone lost their mood. The carefully chosen occasion for announcing their relationship had collided with the worst timing.

Was it a sign of bad beginnings?

Xu Shixi and Lu Xugao, the two men, sat chatting about family matters, surprisingly hitting it off. Perhaps men truly had broader hearts.

Yan Lu kept cutting the leftover fried ribs into pieces as tiny as grains of rice, then pushed them aside and sipped her juice intermittently.

Yi Shu’s own frustration built as she watched Yan Lu’s gloom.

She squeezed Yan Lu’s hand and offered an apologetic smile.

Yan Lu shook her head, signaling not to let it bother her. After a deep sip of pear juice, she pushed the plate of shredded ribs to Lu Xugao, "Eat this, don’t waste it."

Lu Xugao’s mouth twisted in distress. "How am I supposed to eat that?"

"Why not? Are you disgusted because I’ve eaten it?" Yan Lu’s tone was a bit spoiled.

"Of course not," Lu Xugao surrendered with a smile. "I like eating what you've eaten."

Xu Shixi noticed and chuckled, "Yi Shu, you should eat a bit more. You hardly touched your food. Work is exhausting; you must mind your nutrition."

"I'm fine," Yi Shu smiled modestly. "It's getting late. I think I’ll head home. Yihui is waiting for me."

"Right, why didn’t your brother come? So much good food, he missed out like I did," Yan Lu’s anger lingered.

"He doesn’t like crowds," Yi Shu said quietly, her whole body tensing.

"I’ll take you home," Shixi stood.

"We should head back too," Lu Xugao followed.

It was still early, only a quarter past nine. In small villages, this was the end of the day, but for the bustling city, night was just awakening—life only beginning.

Leaning over the third-floor railing, she looked down. On the first and second floors, crowds bustled to and fro.

The Ferris wheel in the square spun its lights.

Growing dimmer, growing smaller. Yi Shu turned, watching the traffic ahead, but more often stealing glances at Xu Shixi beside her.

Today had been a disaster. Thankfully, he had always remained by her side.