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Jin Shiya took several deep breaths to suppress the small fire bubbling inside her.

Since receiving the call that morning, she had been rushing around non-stop. She hadn’t had a single sip of water, let alone a proper meal. She had finally gotten the chance to sit down, share some light conversation, and enjoy good food—only to be rudely interrupted by this man’s unexpected demand.

Did this man even understand the concept of "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"? 

Does he have any idea what it means to be a guest? Some sense of business etiquette? Why would he ask for something the hosts didn't prepare on such a short notice at a networking event?

But Jin Shiya couldn't show even a hint of her annoyance. She forced a smile and said, "Please wait a moment. I'll check on that for you." Then, keeping her composure while moving quickly, she walked towards the restaurant manager.

After a lengthy discussion, she learned that the restaurant didn’t offer Chinese cuisine. It operated on a reservation-only basis, and all the chefs specializing in Chinese dishes were already fully booked.

Jin Shiya's smile was about to freeze over as countless ideas flashed through her mind. She thought about calling her regular Chinese restaurant to ask for delivery.

But before she could make the call, she sensed someone approaching from behind. Turning around, she saw the same infuriating man.

He was much taller than Jin Shiya, looking down at her from above. They were so close that his cool blue-gray eyes, slightly lowered and backlit by the sun, caught Jin Shiya off guard. Realizing how close they were standing, she took a step back and said, "Please wait a moment. The Chinese food should arrive shortly."

(TN: hmmm… white blonde hair, grey eyes. Penchant for irritating the FL… is this a Dramione fanfic? lol)

“Let’s go. I’ve already made a reservation,” he replied.

"Huh?" Jin Shiya couldn't hold her expression anymore, and her shock showed plainly on her face.

The man smiled faintly, seemingly amused by her reaction. “Aren’t you responsible for hosting me? If that’s the case, then accompany me. There’s still much about Chinese cuisine I don’t fully understand. I’d rather not embarrass myself in front of a crowd by fumbling with chopsticks.”

This was the longest sentence Jin Shiya had ever heard him say, leaving her feeling a bit dazed.

Sherman approached from Chen Zichen’s direction, and the phone Jin Shiya was holding received a text message from Liu Hong: It read: It’s all up to you!

Before she knew it, her role had shifted from arranging for takeout to being the one taken out.

Even as she found herself seated in the back of a car beside the man, it took her a moment to regain her composure.

She discreetly observed him: he sat with his hands folded on his lap, head tilted slightly as he gazed out at the scenery passing by. Sherman, seated in the front passenger seat, was focused on his tablet. The car was quiet, the ride smooth, with barely a sound or jolt to remind her they were moving.

Exhausted from the morning’s chaos, Jin Shiya felt herself beginning to relax.

The car left the city, heading into the countryside. The view outside changed from concrete buildings to lush green fields. After driving for another half-hour, the speed gradually slowed.

Even Jin Shiya was surprised to find such a restaurant in the small hill outside Shangcheng. Nestled against the slope, it was shaded by tall trees. A large pond sparkled outside, with fish occasionally leaping out of the water.The idyllic scenery exuded a tranquil, pastoral charm.

The restaurant’s design featured the classic Jiangnan architectural style: white walls and black-tiled roofs, with a few pale yellow osmanthus trees under the eaves, their sweet fragrance wafting through the air.

The car pulled up to the restaurant’s entrance, Sherman exited first and opened Jin Shiya’s door. She murmured a soft “Thank you” as she stepped out, only to glance over and see the man already out of the car. He had pulled out his phone and was taking a picture of the fish pond in front of the restaurant.

—So even someone like him takes photos to remember a place. I guess some things are universal, she thought with a small sigh.