Yi Zhengwei frowned as he looked down at the traffic and pedestrians from the thirtieth floor. Did Song Qing have a problem with him? He was always late.
"Miss Song."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Yi, something came up and I'm a little late. I'm near your company and I'll come pick you up right away."
The high heels clicked on the quiet garage floor. Yi Zhengwei, through the microphone, already guessed that she was going to the basement to get her car.
"Okay, I'll wait for you downstairs at the bank."
Chapter Sixteen: Critically Ill
This woman is indeed the ideal wife that many men dream of, a good wife who is both a good family man and a good homemaker. More importantly, she not only has a good family background and education, but also the ability to maintain and manage a business.
- Yi Zhengwei
Bamboo Garden is a must-visit place for Yi Zhengwei and Shen Xing's dates; the two of them have a deep affection for this place.
Not long ago, he had considered buying this place as a birthday gift for Shen Xing in the fall. He wanted to surprise her; after all, Yi Mantian's interference had delayed their relationship, and he always felt somewhat guilty.
Shen Xing is gentle and obedient by nature, and she is completely compliant with Yi Zhengwei without the slightest disobedience. She is exactly the type of good wife and virtuous mother, which is also the kind of marriage that Yi Zhengwei hopes for.
Now, things might have changed, and the root of it all might be the woman beside him. Thinking of this, he glanced deeply at Song Qing, who was focused on driving but whose mind seemed to have already wandered far away, and considered this possibility.
She wore a well-fitting suit, a white shirt with a large collar that framed the suit like a lotus flower. Her silky black hair was untouched by any dye. When I first met her, her face had been slightly rounder; now it was thinner, revealing a delicate chin. A faint melancholy always lingered in her eyes, as if she were troubled by something, yet it was always masked by her composure and a hidden tenacity and resilience. Her bright forehead, slightly broader than average, suggested great intelligence.
Perhaps Dad is right. This woman is indeed the ideal wife that many men dream of—a good wife who is both a good family man and a good homemaker. More importantly, she not only has a good family background and education, but also the ability to maintain and manage a business.
It's hard to imagine that such a woman had a history of leaving home for love ten years ago, and that this period lasted for a full decade. If someone falls in love with her, it's probably very difficult to change their mind. Or perhaps, like him, once he sets his mind on someone, he will stubbornly stick to them.
Therefore, it is highly likely that Weisheng Industrial will win this project, and it would be difficult for him to get involved, both publicly and privately.
"Mr. Yi, is this how you usually look at people?" The car suddenly stopped, and Song Qing, already seated, was calmly smiling at him.
Yi Zhengwei looked up and saw that the bamboo garden was right in front of him. It would take about an hour to drive here from Linchuan City. With some delays along the way, Yi Zhengwei looked at his watch and saw that it was already 8:30.
The place is filled with lush bamboo and trees, even the entire two-story restaurant is covered in vines, verdant and verdant. A breeze blows, like in Qinghai, accompanied by the soft rustling of bamboo leaves, instantly bringing them immense coolness in the sweltering heat. Everything they feel and hear is so natural, no wonder so many people are willing to drive an hour to come here to enjoy the food.
"Mr. Yi, it's a real pity if you haven't discovered such a wonderful place after being in Linchuan for so long." In her words, she seemed quite proud that she had discovered such a great place so soon after returning to Linchuan.
Yi Zhengwei smiled and led her inside with practiced ease. A waiter immediately came forward, "Mr. Yi, it's been a while since we've seen you, Miss Shen..."
Yi Zhengwei coughed softly.
"Oh, I'm sorry, please come in." The waiter immediately understood and eagerly welcomed them in, regretting his slip of the tongue.
"Mr. Yi, it turns out you're a regular customer. I've been showing off my limited skills before you."
The two chatted quietly as they walked. Song Qing was so busy looking around the shop's decorations that she didn't pay much attention to the extra expressions on Yi Zhengwei's face.
They sat down in the Gentleman's Pavilion by the window on the second floor. Once the door was closed, the space, just enough for two people, was very quiet, perfect for a couple in love to whisper sweet nothings and be affectionate with each other.
"Miss Song, if you don't mind the cold, you can open the window." Yi Zhengwei sat down, crossed his arms in front of his chest, and leaned back with his legs crossed, gesturing for her to look at the scenery outside the window.
Song Qing nodded, unsure of what else she could do; the situation was far too awkward.
She got up and gently pushed open the window. A breeze carrying the simple, rustic scent of damp leaves wafted in. The cool breeze ruffled her long hair, and she couldn't help but straighten up, stand in the middle, close her eyes, tilt her head back slightly, and relax her body to feel the breath of nature.
The sounds of the wind, the rustling of bamboo leaves, and the soft calls of unknown animals at night were incredibly precious to her, after days of exhaustion. Yi Zhengwei sat there considerately, silent, even deliberately slowing his breathing. He watched her back, and after a while, he caught a faint, sweet fragrance wafting from her hair in the breeze. The scent, mixed with the gentle breeze, was so pleasant.
She was as pure and clean as a fairy dressed entirely in white in the deep mountains and forests.
He quickly composed himself and sat up straight. What was he thinking? He chuckled to himself.
Turning my gaze back, I picked up the barley tea and took a sip.
"Mr. Yi, this place is really nice. Last time I came with my friends, how come we didn't get such a good seat?" Song Qing turned around with satisfaction and easily sat down opposite him.
Yi Zhengwei smiled. He had never brought another woman to this spot before. Normally, the Gentleman's Pavilion didn't receive guests.
Song Qing thought to herself that she must bring her father over next time.
But after the next time, even if the same scenery and objects appear, will Dad still be by my side?
"Miss Song has been very popular in the industry lately, and there must be many people inviting her. Today, I am truly honored."
Just then, the waiter gently knocked on the door and served the dishes.
Another characteristic of this bamboo garden is that the dishes are fixed. Although everyone has the same taste, it saves you the trouble of deciding what to order, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage.
"Mr. Yi, I'm the one who should be saying thank you. Here, let me toast you." She smiled brightly, her glass clinking against Yi Zhengwei's raised glass, poised and graceful, without any affectation.
"Is Miss Song good at drinking?"
Song Qing smiled and shook his head. "I would answer that question to anyone I meet. No, no, I don't drink. I'm really not good at it, but today I'm doing this to thank you for your support of Fuhua, and also as punishment for being late twice because I broke my promise. I can't not drink."
Yi Zhengwei put down his wine glass, put his hands behind his back on the chair, and surprisingly laughed out loud.
"Ms. Song is not only eloquent at work, but also impressive in social situations."
Song Qing smiled gently. Because she had drunk a little wine, her face was flushed, and she looked much gentler than the previous times she had seen her.
Both men were gentlemen, and since they were dining at the Gentlemen's Pavilion, they were living up to the old saying, "One should not speak while eating or sleeping." They silently ate until they were half full. Perhaps neither of them were usually talkative, so their silence did not seem strange.
The dessert after the meal is stewed loofah, which is good for clearing heat and removing dampness, making it an essential summer treat.
Yi Zhengwei, being a gentleman, did not urge her to drink any more, and slowly sipped his aged red wine alone.
"Mr. Yi, you did me a huge favor last time. How can I possibly thank you?" Song Qing put down his spoon and said seriously. In the business world, there's never a genuine need for help, especially since the Yi and Song families have never had any deep dealings. Song Jingmo is always cautious in his actions; he would never have taken out a bank loan if it weren't for the new project.