CHAPTER 17: CHAPTER 17: MIX-UP

Time always flies when you’re taking a break.

When Ruan Xingwen opened his eyes again, it was already 5:10. He breathed a sigh of relief—luckily, the meeting spot wasn’t far; either way, being late would be his fault.

He quickly got ready, then paused before leaving the house. He decided to bring a bag, which contained his ID and an umbrella.

The agreed location wasn’t far, but time was a bit tight, so Ruan Xingwen reluctantly took a taxi. Yesterday’s expenses had already gone over budget, leading to a difficult rest of the month, and now he still had to pay the "huge" cab fare. His hand trembled a bit as he paid, heart aching...

The gathering was arranged by Sister Li, at a restaurant called Xing Yue known for its top-notch service and cuisine.

The moment the taxi stopped in front of the restaurant, a doorman approached to open the door and smoothly ushered him inside. Before he could take in the décor, a man wearing traditional innkeeper clothing with a badge reading ’Reception Manager’ came up to him.

"Good evening, sir. Do you have a reservation?"

Ruan Xingwen gave Li Li’s name.

"Please wait a moment while I check your reservation information," said the man respectfully before turning to the front desk to inquire.

As he waited, Ruan Xingwen thought about the restaurant’s introduction.

Calling Xing Yue just a restaurant wouldn’t be accurate. It occupied six floors; the first and second were halls, with partitions between each table.

The third through fifth floors were all private rooms, with the higher floors offering better rooms, and correspondingly higher prices.

The private rooms offered privacy, suitable for business meetings or for celebrities dining in secrecy, making the place very popular among stars of all levels.

For a time, online influencers hoping to gain fame flocked to dine here, turning Xing Yue into a hotspot, forcing the owner to implement a rule: influencers must have over ten million followers to dine in.

The sixth floor housed bars and entertainment facilities, ideal for post-dinner relaxation.

Overall, Xing Yue catered to both dining and entertainment.

It’s imaginable that the prices matched such service and environment—astronomically high.

If he were dining with friends, he would never choose this place; one, because of the cost, and two, because dining in such an environment felt somewhat restrictive.

The front desk was efficient; it only took a few seconds to check.

The manager returned to his side, gesturing as if to lead the way, "Sir, Miss Li Li reserved the Star-picking Pavilion on the fifth floor, our restaurant’s second-best room. The best one isn’t open to the public; it’s reserved for the owner’s family and friends."

Sister Li is so generous today? The second-best room isn’t cheap!

The manager continued to introduce it.

"The Star-picking Pavilion is very quiet, decorated with elegant Chinese wood. Being on the fifth floor, it offers a great view, perfect for dining at night with a view of the lakeside scenery, beloved by diners. Therefore, it’s hard to book. Miss Li reserved it six months ago, just in time for today."

Did Sister Li really book it six months ago? Did he misjudge her? If so, he should really make an effort at today’s gathering!

They reached the fifth floor while talking, and as they passed the restroom, he paused.

"You go ahead, I want to visit the restroom first, thank you for your help."

The manager replied respectfully, "Not at all, it’s my duty. Just walk straight and turn right, you’ll see the room." The restaurant was busy, and he indeed had a lot to do, so when Ruan Xingwen entered the restroom, he turned and left.

Anyway, there were only two rooms on the fifth floor, and the reserved room was unused, nothing to worry about. He turned back downstairs.

In the restroom, Ruan Xingwen took off his hat and put it in his bag. Looking at his handsome reflection, he encouraged himself.

"You’re so good-looking, anyone will like you! You’ll definitely succeed this time, go for it, Ruan Xingwen!"

He laughed at himself, then felt a bit shy about his earlier behavior, "Good thing no one’s here; you’re such a silly one."

He bent down to wash his hands and tidied up his slightly messy hair. He left the restroom without noticing someone walking out from the partitioned area.

The person was about to come over to wash hands but paused when hearing his self-talk. Then, a rare hint of a smile appeared in their usually calm eyes, their step stalled upon hearing his shy tone.

After Ruan Xingwen left, they stepped to the sink, washing their hands, eyes on their palms, lost in thoughts of thoughts previously deemed trivial.

"Ruan Xingwen? An interesting person, seems like this cooperation won’t be so boring."

They dried their hands, adjusted their tie in the mirror, and stepped out of the restroom.

Ruan Xingwen indeed went to the wrong room...

After leaving the restroom, he followed the manager’s directions, walked straight and turned right, then knocked on the first room he passed by.

Inside, he found a young man he’d never met before, with Sister Li nowhere in sight; he assumed she hadn’t arrived yet.

The young man must be the producer, then. Unexpectedly young and promising!

"Is it too early for me to be here? Am I disturbing you?"

The young man inside the room clearly recognized who he was and got up to make space on the sofa beside the bed.

The phone rang, it was Sister Li.

"Xing Wen, why aren’t you here yet? The director is getting uncomfortable. Are you stuck in traffic?"

Ruan Xingwen looked shocked, suddenly realizing he might have entered the wrong room!

He abruptly stood up, feeling a bit embarrassed, and apologized to the young man on the sofa.

"Sorry, I entered the wrong room. I truly apologize!" He bowed, then swiftly turned and ran out.

He accidentally bumped into someone on his way out. Whatever they were made of, their chest was rock-solid, making his nose sting, almost bringing tears to his eyes!

Without a second thought, he quickly looked up and muttered "Sorry," and then dashed away.

The person saw his teary eyes, startled for a moment, and in that moment, watched him run into another room.

Normally sharp-witted, they were now filled with confusion.

The young man from the room also came out, stopped upon seeing someone at the door.

"Brother, why are you standing at the door instead of going in?"

Recalling the incident, they said, "Oh, did you see Ruan Xingwen? He got a call, told me he was in the wrong room, then ran off. What happened here?"

The man at the door thoughtfully pulled out a phone.

"Ah Kai, help me check who went to the Star-picking Pavilion today."

Whatever was said on the other end made the man’s lips curl into a sly smile, eyes turning cold.

"Interesting."