CHAPTER 183: CHAPTER 183: THE REAL SHOW BEGINS

Chen Rui was at a loss, and naturally, Ling Tianyou couldn’t just ignore it.

He smoothed things over, and the atmosphere calmed down. The four of them resumed their seemingly aimless chatting.

Gu Ningyue quietly lowered her head, eating from her bowl while listening to Chen Rui’s retort to Chi Xingtong, a smile involuntarily spreading on her lips: "I thought Miss Chen and Xing Tong grew up together and kept in constant touch!"

Chen Rui seemed surprised that Gu Ningyue would suddenly attack, her expression momentarily startled before she regained her composure: "Xing Tong and I are in different countries, so there are many things I don’t quite understand. Especially since Xing Tong loves novelty and often changes jobs, that’s why I asked more questions."

Gu Ningyue raised her head; the Japanese tofu was too soft and slippery for her liking.

"Likes novelty?" Gu Ningyue glanced at Chi Xingtong, "That part is indeed true."

"However, for things Xing Tong truly likes, she always insists. She’s been in her current job for a long time, which means not everything is about novelty for her."

What liking novelty, was just a way to subtly say Chi Xingtong has a fleeting passion, to make herself seem more steadfast? Such a dull mind game.

Chi Xingtong squeezed her palm slightly under the table, unsure if she was thanking her for speaking up or telling her not to argue with Chen Rui over such trivial matters.

Gu Ningyue paid no attention, she just quietly stared at Chen Rui.

Chen Rui smiled indifferently, responding calmly: "Yes! Xing Tong has grown up, no longer the little girl who always followed us around in school."

One sentence brought the topic back to childhood, completely diluting her current crisis.

A hint of displeasure flashed in Chi Xingtong’s eyes, here it comes, playing the emotional card and feigning ignorance again!

"I can’t help it, I’ve gotten used to sticking with Brother Tianyou." Chi Xingtong ate her sushi, trying hard to suppress the resentment in her heart: "Originally, I was a bit unhappy returning home this time since it’s no longer me beside Brother Tianyou. But fortunately, Ning Yue is a beauty, so I’ll reluctantly forgive her!"

As she spoke, Chi Xingtong looked up at Ling Tianyou: "Brother Tianyou, you better not bully Ning Yue. I hope that next time I come back, I’ll be attending your wedding!"

Ling Tianyou’s expression froze for a moment, then he nodded slightly: "Okay!"

As expected, Chi Xingtong unknowingly sided with Gu Ningyue.

That’s good; Gu Ningyue will have two allies for any matters in the future.

Gu Ningyue didn’t focus on Ling Tianyou; her gaze was fixed on Chen Rui’s face.

Tsk tsk, if it was Gu Wanwan, she would have already changed her expression by now!

Compared to her own ego, the wedding with Ling Tianyou hardly seems worth mentioning!

Indeed, beauties always care more about their image.

Half an hour later, this dinner for four finally came to an end.

Chi Xingtong drove home alone, while Ling Tianyou and Gu Ningyue left together.

As they passed the cashier, Gu Ningyue intentionally glanced at Chen Rui and Ling Tianyou.

Neither of them mentioned settling the bill; they just walked out on their own.

So, did both of them know that someone had already paid?

"Shall we give you a ride home?" Ling Tianyou glanced at his watch: "It’s eleven o’clock."

Chen Rui shook her head: "No need, I don’t like being a third wheel. You guys go ahead! I need to go back to the office, still haven’t figured out the design draft yet, might as well work overtime."

So late, going back to the office to work overtime? Is Chen Rui a workaholic?

The two cars went their separate ways, and Gu Ningyue voiced her doubts.

Ling Tianyou said: "Chen Rui was very diligent in school, winning scholarships every year, and after graduation, she was directly recommended abroad. She’s always pursued perfection."

Gu Ningyue asked: "Does she look for perfection in a boyfriend too? No wonder she still doesn’t have one."

Extremes lead to the opposite result; too much pursuit of perfection only hurts oneself.

Chen Rui is so smart, she surely knows this truth.

But why is she still hung up on Ling Tianyou?

"I wouldn’t know about that." Ling Tianyou turned his head to glance at Gu Ningyue: "In the future, it’s better not to go against Chen Rui."

"What? Feeling sorry for her?" Gu Ningyue asked: "If you feel sorry for her, you might consider breaking off the engagement and being with her."

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Ling Tianyou retorted angrily: "Chen Rui and I grew up together, we were always in the same class at school, and our parents often interacted. I don’t want my future wife and my good friend to have any conflicts, that’s all. Don’t overthink it."

Gu Ningyue scrutinized Ling Tianyou, only feeling that no matter when she looked at him, his face was always equally charming.

His perfect appearance makes it hard not to be liked.

Only, why does what he says just rub her the wrong way?

"Then if she targets me first, can I not fight back?"

Ling Tianyou said flatly: "I will protect you. Besides, Chen Rui is not a petty person; she won’t really harm you. Some things can be tolerated and they’ll pass."

Gu Ningyue pursed her lips, thinking that all he talked about was persuading her to tolerate it.

Ridiculous, would she, the top killer in Z Country, survive by looking at others’ expressions?

If anyone could, only her master could.

Unfortunately, she still doesn’t know where her master is now.

More importantly, tomorrow’s outing with Lin Ruixian may not go smoothly.

She can only hope that everything goes her way!

Otherwise, who knows how many more twists and turns there will be.

"Alright! I’ll see how it goes." Gu Ningyue thought for a while and said: "I’ll warn you in advance, if she harms me, I won’t show any mercy, so don’t blame me by then."

Chen Rui has some tricks, and after today’s encounter, it seems there will be more in the future.

It’s only been two meetings, and Chen Rui has silently set two traps for her.

By the next time, it will be her turn to retaliate.

Constant passive defense isn’t her style.

The real good show is finally starting, and Gu Ningyue was getting more and more excited by the prospect.

Ling Tianyou, standing beside her, didn’t say a word. It was a long while before he turned to her and gently said: "I don’t know what you’ll do, but don’t forget what you promised me, whatever you plan to do, you must inform me first."

Gu Ningyue nodded carelessly, "Alright, I know."

After dropping Gu Ningyue home, as she turned to enter the villa, Ling Tianyou remained in the car without restarting it.

Today at the Japanese restaurant, though Chen Rui appeared calm as ever, Ling Tianyou, having known her for so many years, could easily tell what she was thinking.

It seems Chen Rui hasn’t given up yet?

After all these years, Chen Rui still likes him?

A breeze blew, and Ling Tianyou inexplicably shivered.