Gu Anxi was a little irritated by He Lao’s sudden frivolity, while Bo Xichen merely curved the corners of his mouth into a slight smile.
As the three stepped into Imperial Colour, they instantly became the center of attention, as if spotlights had been turned on them.
Bo Xichen was handsome! Gu Anxi was beautiful! He Lao emanated an aura of immortality! What a heavenly combination they made!
Of course, among the many gazes, most were directed at Gu Anxi. After all, at Imperial Colour, male guests were predominant. As Gu Anxi sat down, Bo Xichen rested his hand on her shoulder.
A small gesture, but it effectively blocked any inappropriate thoughts from others. Gu Anxi didn’t notice it, but He Lao, being a man himself, understood and chuckled. Dating had really improved Xichen’s emotional intelligence.
Bo Xichen called the manager over. The manager, used to dealing with all sorts, immediately recognized the importance of Bo Xichen and He Lao. But the sight of Gu Anxi beside them made his knees go weak. This little girl! She even dared to hit Young Master Gu!
The manager took their order and left. Bo Xichen handed He Lao a cigarette and asked casually, "Why was that manager looking at you like that earlier?" As he spoke, his gaze fell on Gu Anxi’s face.
Gu Anxi, playing with a glass in her hand, looked up. "I punched their boss last time. It was the day I quit."
He Lao laughed. "See? I told you you were the kind of trouble even dogs would shy away from!"
This damn kid is beautiful, but her temper is truly terrible, He Lao thought. Still, it was quite strange. Little Wang, who usually wore such a sour scowl, was as docile as a kitten in front of Xichen. Unusual, truly unusual.
Bo Xichen took the iced water from Gu Anxi’s hand. "I told you not to get into fights so carelessly."
Just as Gu Anxi was about to snatch the water back, she heard an annoying voice. "We meet again, cutie."
A man as handsome as a human-sized figurine, with ridiculously perfect features, was leaning against a nearby wall. Although she didn’t recognize his face, she recognized his voice.
"It’s you!" Gu Anxi’s expression cooled.
Gu Changqing sighed regretfully. "So cold!" But then his demeanor became somewhat respectful as he greeted, "He Lao."
He Lao was highly esteemed and an elder, so Gu Changqing couldn’t afford to be rude. Otherwise, people would say their Gu family of Beicheng lacked manners.
He Lao felt a bit displeased at Gu Changqing’s appearance. Although Gu Changqing was the eldest son of the Gu family and held a significant status, his personality didn’t quite appeal to He Lao. Besides, his little apprentice seemed to have some sort of conflict with this young man. He Lao was always protective of his own, so naturally, he wouldn’t align himself with Gu Changqing.
Xichen was different, He Lao mused. Though usually a bit stiff, he was very respectful of an old man’s eccentric hobbies. Look, I just wanted a little drink, and wasn’t he a wonderful host?
While He Lao was quietly muttering to himself, Gu Changqing’s gaze fell upon Bo Xichen. A flicker of inexplicable hostility flashed in his eyes, but it was only for an instant before he quickly composed himself.
Even though it was just a fleeting moment, it didn’t escape Bo Xichen’s notice. He looked at Gu Anxi and said, "Don’t drink iced water."
Then, he summoned a waitress to bring her a glass of juice before he turned to converse with Gu Changqing.
The two men faced off, their exchange subtle yet filled with an electrifying tension.
Gu Anxi remained, as usual, oblivious to it all.
He Lao listened from the side, intrigued. Could Gu Changqing be interested in my apprentice? Otherwise, why all this hostility towards Xichen?
To He Lao’s surprise, Gu Changqing actually sat down. What followed was an epic clash among the three men!
In the end, all of them ended up drunk.
He Lao, being an eminent figure, was concerned about maintaining his decorum. Feeling tipsy, he decided it was time to return to his hotel, playfully demanding that his beloved little apprentice escort him.