Although Pei Ran is opinionated, she is not someone who doesn't listen to others' opinions. The two complement each other perfectly, and the previous awkwardness and doubts about each other's abilities disappeared completely after this conversation.
Pei Ran was even a little glad that she had chosen Tangtang.
Tang Tang was no longer the confident woman she had been during the conversation; her face was flushed red, and she clutched her stomach, looking extremely embarrassed.
Pei Ran considerately pretended not to hear and said with a smile, "It's just the right time to eat. You just arrived today and aren't familiar with the area. Let me take you to try some of the local specialties."
Tangtang nodded repeatedly, then excused herself to go to the restroom. It took her a while to calm herself down before she came out.
Pei Ran had already paid the bill and was standing at the door waiting for her, one hand in his pocket and the other holding a small cake. When Tang Tang came over, he smiled and handed her the cake: "It's a bit far from where we eat, have something to tide you over first."
Tang Tang covered her face, feeling like she was about to blush again. She could only keep reminding herself of Pei Ran's age and pouring cold water on her feelings to prevent herself from overthinking.
In truth, Pei Ran's actions weren't ambiguous at all; it was simply that his upbringing had instilled in him such a gentlemanly nature. In Hong Kong of the last century, this would have simply earned him praise for his good upbringing and manners. But at this moment, his behavior, coupled with his handsome face, amplified his charm, which explains why Tang Tang was somewhat unable to resist.
Pei Ran hailed a car and drove towards the restaurant.
This restaurant is quite famous, and it was packed during lunchtime. All the private rooms were booked long ago, so the two of them had to eat in the main hall.
Pei Ran's appearance would be outstanding even among celebrities, let alone among a group of ordinary people.
Many people secretly watched them while eating, some even took photos without their consent, and many others looked at Tangtang with envy, jealousy, and hatred.
Having prepared herself mentally for the journey, Tang Tang felt a little awkward as Pei Ran helped her pull out a chair and poured her water. However, she no longer blushed or felt her heart race as before.
Pei Ran was clearly used to being stared at; he kept his eyes straight ahead and remained completely calm. Tang Tang also unconsciously puffed out her chest, mimicking his behavior and ignoring the stares from those around her.
Although she couldn't see, her ears still cleverly picked up the conversation at the next table.
That table was full of girls, quite young, probably college students.
"That guy is so handsome! It's a pity he already has a girlfriend..."
"How do you know it's definitely your girlfriend? Maybe it's your older sister?"
"But the two are not even in the same league in terms of looks. That woman is too ugly."
"It's a genetic mutation..."
"Hahahaha..."
Tang Tang was furious, but since the other party hadn't named anyone, she could only swallow her anger.
Unexpectedly, Pei Ran suddenly stood up and beckoned a waiter over: "Hello, could you please change our seats?"
The waiter paused for a moment, then said with some difficulty, "I'm sorry, most of the tables are full right now, so we probably can't change them. -- Um, is there anything we haven't done well enough? Please let me know, and I'll fix it for you right away."
Pei Ran smiled slightly and said lightly, "It's nothing, it's just a bit noisy."
As soon as he finished speaking, the laughter at the next table stopped abruptly, as if someone had grabbed his throat.
After the waiter left, Tangtang covered her mouth tightly to prevent her laughter from showing. Although she couldn't see the expressions on the faces of the people at the next table, she could imagine that, although it was a bit unethical, she really felt incredibly good.
She never expected that Pei Ran would actually help her get revenge.
Tang Tang and the others' smiles faded, and they finally put their hands down, whispering to Pei Ran, "Thank you."
Pei Ran blinked and whispered, "It really is a bit noisy."
They both laughed, and this little incident made their relationship even more harmonious and natural.
However, halfway through the meal, a waiter came over, bowed his head and said to Pei Ran, "Hello sir, your bill has been settled. You are a guest from the upstairs viewing room."
Pei Ran put down his chopsticks and asked, "Who is he?"
The waiter shook his head: "He said, you can guess."
The waiter relayed the message and then left.
Pei Ran guessed it after a moment's thought, so he stood up and said, "Let's go see this generous friend."
Tangtang was still confused: "Who is it? Your friend?"
Pei Ran smiled and said, "I guess it's Director Xie and Teacher Yang."
Tang Tang was startled, but then she realized that according to Pei Ran, this restaurant was very famous, so it was normal for Director Xie to bring Yang Yizhou here to eat. Moreover, this mysterious behavior was very much like the personality of her martial uncle.
The two went upstairs to a private room with a view of the mountains and water, knocked on the door, and a voice came from inside: "Come in." It was Director Xie's voice.
Pei Ran pushed open the door without any surprise and saw Director Xie and Yang Yizhou sitting together, with a table of untouched dishes in front of them.
Seeing Pei Ran's calm attitude, Director Xie realized that he had already guessed it, and couldn't help but clap his hands and laugh: "I told you, he would definitely guess it, but you still insisted on betting with me! Let me tell you, I recorded everything you said, so don't try to deny it."
Yang Yizhou clicked his tongue: "You're such an unlovable kid!"
Pei Ran laughed and said, "If I said I didn't guess, you'd probably think I wasn't being sincere enough."
Yang Yizhou was taken aback for a moment, then laughed: "Hahaha, I like your personality!"
Pei Ran's attitude was natural, neither humble nor arrogant; such demeanor was truly unlike that of a young man his age. Yang Yizhou couldn't help but wonder what kind of family could raise someone like him.
Compared to Pei Ran's composure, Tang Tang was clearly much more uneasy. The two people in front of her were both powerful figures who were unattainable to her, not to mention that one of them had previously tried to compete with her for Pei Ran.
Director Xie noticed Tang Tang's discomfort and said, "Alright, everyone, stop standing and sit down."
Pei Ran and Tang Tang had already eaten, so Pei Ran joined them for some drinks and snacks.
Halfway through the meal, Yang Yizhou wiped his mouth with a tissue before speaking, "Xiao Pei, I've been thinking about it, and we should stick to fair competition. Since everyone's here, let's talk it over and see which one you think is suitable to cooperate with, how about that?"