CHAPTER 181: CHAPTER 181: THAT’S ALL

Inside the private room, Gu Ningyue sipped her sake while listening to Chi Xingtong and Ling Tianyou’s conversation.

The atmosphere had unknowingly become increasingly oppressive, only showing a touch of liveliness when Ling Tianyou spoke with Chi Xingtong.

She observed coldly, noting that Ling Tianyou seemed more relaxed with Chi Xingtong compared to Chen Rui.

Could it be a case of near-home nerves? Faced with the person he had been waiting for all along, did Ling Tianyou find himself at a loss for words?

Reflecting on this, Gu Ningyue raised her glass towards Chen Rui: "Last time, we parted hurriedly; today is our first time dining together properly! I toast to Miss Chen with this glass. From now on, we’re acquainted."

Chen Rui seemed a little surprised by Gu Ningyue’s gesture; this woman was more gracious than she imagined.

She lifted her glass and clinked it against Gu Ningyue’s: "Alright!"

For some reason, when the two of them spoke, Ling Tianyou’s gaze often inadvertently fell on Gu Ningyue.

In just a few seconds, Ling Tianyou had glanced at her multiple times while conversing with Chi Xingtong.

In his eyes, there seemed to be a hint of worry.

Gu Ningyue was even more puzzled. Why look at her like that—afraid she might hurt Chen Rui?

If so, she was overthinking; Chen Rui was definitely beyond the ordinary green tea level.

This was a black-hearted lotus, and even if taken seriously, one would need to be cautious at all times to navigate challenges.

But this was quite fascinating. She liked it very much.

After finishing this glass of wine, Gu Ningyue gently rubbed the rim of her wine glass and casually asked, "Does Miss Chen plan to return after coming back to the country this time?"

Chi Xingtong’s gaze was also drawn to Gu Ningyue following this question.

Chen Rui shook her head: "No, I’ve grown older and wish to return to one’s roots."

Chi Xingtong instantly looked disappointed; she wasn’t leaving and planned to stay in Z country permanently?

In the future, wouldn’t she never be able to return as well?

Because coming back would mean facing this very face.

God, the thought is terrifying.

If worse comes to worst, I’ll make my parents move!

Gu Ningyue seemed to have noticed Chi Xingtong’s emotions and gently squeezed her hand under the table: "It’s alright; there are many lifestyle differences between abroad and domestically. Besides, when it comes to finding a boyfriend, I think it’s better to support domestic products."

Chen Rui covered her mouth with a smile, appearing more enchanting than ever: "Support domestic products? Miss Gu is truly humorous."

Gu Ningyue lowered her head and picked up a piece of sushi, placing it into her small cherry lips: "Not really."

Ling Tianyou glanced at Gu Ningyue’s arm. After a few days, it seemed to have fully recovered: "Has your arm felt uncomfortable recently? If so, you should go back to the hospital."

Gu Ningyue shook her head slowly while eating: "No, it’s healed."

"What happened to Miss Gu’s arm? Was it injured?" Chen Rui asked at this moment.

Gu Ningyue nodded: "It was fractured earlier; the cast was removed not long ago."

Chen Rui remarked: "I see, it must have been quite worrying!"

Gu Ningyue smiled naturally: "It wasn’t so bad. Tianyou had a hard time; he didn’t go to the company much and stayed with me at the hospital during that period."

Chen Rui nodded slightly, a barely perceptible emotion flickering in her eyes: "Tianyou rarely treats anyone like this; Miss Gu must be the first. It seems Tianyou has given his whole heart to Miss Gu."

Saying this, Chen Rui slyly glanced at Ling Tianyou.

Ling Tianyou poured Chen Rui a glass of green plum wine and interjected: "Let’s drink!"

Today’s focus was clearly Chi Xingtong, yet no matter the topic, it always circled back to Ling Tianyou.

Chi Xingtong wasn’t talkative; outwardly, she seemed sociable, but truly had not exchanged more than a few words with Chen Rui throughout.

This could be easily overlooked if not observed carefully.

Gu Ningyue secretly thought that their relationship was indeed poor.

It wasn’t hard to see that without Ling Tianyou’s presence, their relationship would surely freeze instantly.

This single meal allowed Gu Ningyue to understand thoroughly why Chi Xingtong had been conflicted with Chen Rui for so many years.

Because Chen Rui never viewed Chi Xingtong as an adversary.

She viewed Chi Xingtong as an amusing child, looking down from above at this crying and noisy child.

And precisely because Chi Xingtong wasn’t particularly scheming, she could never be a match for Chen Rui, hence Ling Tianyou felt no pressure when with her.

In Ling Tianyou’s eyes, Chi Xingtong was just a pure little sister.

Instinctively protecting her, he ensured that she navigated this world under Chen Rui’s nose seemingly ’safe and sound.’

Gu Ningyue felt like laughing; was this the legendary ’the simple-minded have simple fortune’?

"By the way, when do you two plan on getting engaged?" Chen Rui looked at Ling Tianyou: "I’m currently designing a wedding jewelry collection, if you’re interested, I could show you the sketches. Don’t worry, I’ll give you the lowest price."

Listening to this, Gu Ningyue mused that others might believe Chen Rui had no designs on Ling Tianyou.

After all, if truly interested in someone, one wouldn’t use such warm, inviting language to ask about their engagement.

As for her own fiancé, Ling Tianyou seemed slightly awkward: "We haven’t set a date yet. Ning Yue’s hand just healed, and Xiao Xuan had some issues, so we haven’t decided."

"I see!" Chen Rui seemed a little disappointed: "Then you’ll need to come find me when it’s that time. Although my skills aren’t top-notch, I have some confidence in my designs."

Ling Tianyou nodded slightly but said nothing.

After a while, Gu Ningyue stood up and looked at Chi Xingtong: "Xing Tong, come with me to the restroom."

Chi Xingtong nodded: "Sure!"

The atmosphere here was suffocating, and she was finally able to breathe a little outside.

The two of them left the private room, asked the waiter for directions to the restroom, and walked away together.

After freshening up, Gu Ningyue looked at Chi Xingtong by the sink: "Has he contacted you?"

"He" naturally referred to Su Heng; after all this time, Su Heng couldn’t possibly have been completely silent.

Chi Xingtong sighed while washing her hands: "No, he hasn’t reached out since that time."

Gu Ningyue asked: "Didn’t you tell him you were leaving? Going back?"

Chi Xingtong sighed again: "I did tell him, but he just sent me off with a ’stay safe.’ Forget about it! It’s my own feelings, nothing to do with him; I’ve moved on!"

If he doesn’t like her, even if she went to Mars, the most she’d get would be a simple ’stay safe,’ and nothing more!