CHAPTER 538: CHAPTER 536: TRAFFIC TOOLS

He thought, if one day, she no longer needed him, or found someone she thought was better than him, as long as she was happy, he wouldn’t mind not being the one by her side in the end.

He was so introverted, focused solely on work before getting engaged to Wen Qiao, and not really good at cheering people up or small talk.

Fu Qiang often said about him, either he kept silent, or once he opened his mouth, he could choke someone with his words.

Perhaps even without the incident at that dinner, without him bringing it up, Wen Qiao might have felt stifled one day.

If she met someone with whom she shared common aspirations, she might have been happier than by his side.

-

Director Li was very reliable this time, even making a special effort to scout out an authentic and upscale restaurant serving West City cuisine before their arrival.

The restaurant was divided into front and back courtyards, with the front housing the main dining area and the back featuring private dining rooms.

With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, the main dining hall was bustling and nearly all seats were occupied.

Director Li had reserved a private room that could accommodate their entire show’s staff and guests, aptly named "Reunion."

The entire variety show, from guests to crew, totaled twenty-one people. They were divided between two large round tables in the private room.

Wen Qiao, Qi Ming, Lin Luang, Ning Li, Director Li, and the assistant director sat at one table, while everyone else sat at the other.

When it was time to order, Director Li pushed the menu towards Wen Qiao, "Go ahead, order."

Wen Qiao looked at the menu that had been turned to her, then up at Director Li, who was smiling kindly, and didn’t move, "You’re not going to make me pay the bill later if you’re asking me to order now, are you?"

"..."

Director Li’s friendly expression cracked for a moment, then he waved his hand grandly, "No, I’m paying for all expenses tonight, you can order whatever you like."

Seeing Director Li’s domineering CEO demeanor, Wen Qiao was even more wary to move, fearful it was a trick.

The assistant director explained with a smile, "He’s doing it because you’ve been driving the show’s popularity and buzz since it started, as a reward. Plus, you took such good care of Xiao Lin today. It’s not surprising he’s letting you order, go ahead without worries."

"Oh, you should have said so earlier."

Wen Qiao took the menu, thought about everyone’s tastes, and ordered a few dishes. Then she nudged Lin Luang sitting to her left, stirring her elbow slightly, "See if there’s anything you’d like to eat."

Lin Luang shook his head, "Whatever you order is fine, I’m easy."

The assistant director looked at the interaction between the two across from him and said with a beaming smile, "Wen Qiao was the youngest in this group, but now there’s someone even younger. She really looks a bit like a senior. When Director Li asked you to take extra care of Xiao Lin, I didn’t think it was very reliable."

Wen Qiao looked up from the menu, "Assistant director, that’s where you’re wrong, how can you underestimate people?"

After saying that, she sighed and shook her head, "Who would’ve thought that the person who ended up trusting me the most would be Director Li. I always thought he just saw me as a tool for gaining viewership. It seems I have wronged him."

Director Li had just brought his teacup to his lips when he heard her words, raised his eyebrows, and made a "stop" gesture, "You didn’t wrong me, and don’t try to flatter me. I have always seen you as a tool for gaining viewership. If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t have asked you to take care of the new guest today."

The sentimental scene that was about to unfold was prematurely ended, and the emotions Wen Qiao had been nurturing were shattered by Director Li’s starkly realistic words. She looked at Director Li with a sense of grievance and pouted.