He Jitang was admiring an antique.
Hearing her, he looked up at her: "If you want to listen to the opera, I can accompany you."
After their unpleasant encounter, He Jitang had not seen her for several days, and his gaze was somewhat intense.
Su Ruanruan needed a favor from him, so she softened her stance.
She spoke gently: "I thought listening to the opera was for ladies only; I didn’t realize Third Brother also enjoyed it."
He Jitang continued to watch her.
After a moment, he smiled faintly: "There’s much you haven’t realized! For example, my gunshot and knife wounds have not healed yet!"
Su Ruanruan fell silent.
The atmosphere turned somewhat cold.
He Jitang spoke in a softer tone: "I’m not saying I won’t let you go out, but there is one condition!"
Su Ruanruan was very polite: "Please go on, Third Brother."
He Jitang stared at her and said: "Dance with me!"
The last time they danced was when she acknowledged her relatives at the He family’s place. He danced the opening dance with her, but at that time, he did not feel as he did now; He Jitang wanted to make up for that regret!
Although Su Ruanruan wanted to meet Boss Yan, she could not agree to He Jitang’s condition.
If she danced with him today, he might make even more excessive demands tomorrow.
Su Ruanruan stood up: "Let’s pretend I never mentioned it!"
She gracefully left, not asking anything more from him.
He Jitang waited until she reached the door before calling out to her: "Wait a moment."
Su Ruanruan turned around.
He Jitang slowly walked over, speaking with a light smile: "Being so young, staying at home every day will make you gloomy!"
His voice suddenly turned hoarse: "Go out with Young Master Huo’s Grand Young Madam to clear your mind!"
Su Ruanruan was surprised.
He Jitang was willing to let her out for half a day, but it came with many conditions.
Su Ruanruan agreed.
Having been confined for so long, the rare opportunity to go out and meet an old friend truly pleased her.
She asked Xiao Jing to call the Huo family and discussed the matter with Young Master Huo’s Grand Young Madam.
Inside the study.
He Jitang opened a drawer and took out a private box ticket.
Shen Ci entered through the hidden door.
He had overheard the previous conversation and lightly asked: "Why didn’t Young Master He take out the ticket just now? Perhaps Miss Su would have had a change of heart."
He Jitang laughed self-deprecatingly: "Didn’t you hear her? She doesn’t want to accompany me."
He thought: If it weren’t for Ci’an, she would show even less regard for him!
Shen Ci still wanted to say something, but He Jitang raised his hand to stop him.
...
On the day of the opera, Su Ruanruan changed into her clothes early.
The opera was at six, but Young Master Huo’s Grand Young Madam arrived at four-thirty.
The car was a black Mercedes.
The Grand Young Madam wore a Chanel dress and expensive jewelry, looking very beautiful.
Su Ruanruan, however, was surprised she had arrived so early.
Holding her handbag, Young Master Huo’s Grand Young Madam smiled subtly: "Can’t I invite you for a cup of coffee?"
Su Ruanruan guessed she had other intentions and happily agreed.
She told Xiao Jing: "Inform Young Master He that I am going out and will definitely return before nine o’clock tonight!"
Xiao Jing mumbled: "Young Master He does not have a curfew."
Su Ruanruan smiled lightly: Just take those words as they are.
She got into the car with Young Master Huo’s Grand Young Madam.
Young Master Huo’s Grand Young Madam treated her with courtesy and warmth, but both were cautious as they had just met, sticking to safe topics in their conversation.
After a short while, as Su Ruanruan looked out the car window, she spoke softly: "This direction doesn’t seem to be heading to the theater!"
She turned her head and smiled: "Grand Young Madam arrived early to pick me up; where are you taking me?"
Young Master Huo’s Grand Young Madam clapped her hands in admiration: "I’ve long heard of Miss Su’s reputation, and seeing truly is better than hearing!"
She added: "Miss Su will find out soon."
Su Ruanruan was not in a hurry: "Grand Young Madam has status, I’m not worried!"
Then, she stopped talking.
The black Mercedes drove for another half hour and turned into a remote area surrounded by mountains.
The car stopped.
People immediately surrounded them.
A dense crowd.
These people were dressed in dark, worn clothes, most of them disabled.