Daisy Ginger and Ian Linton were chatting and laughing as the four of them went to the hot pot restaurant together.
"Edward, I’m not really good with spicy food, shall we order a mildly spicy one?" Daisy Ginger held the menu and started picking the broth base.
Edward Stephens leaned back in his chair, fiddling with his phone. He remained quiet the whole time, only responding with a simple "As you wish" when Daisy spoke to him. After all, he wasn’t eating.
Ian Linton smiled from across the table, "Emily isn’t very good with spicy food either, let’s get a clear broth and a mildly spicy one."
Emily Ginger sat beside Ian, looking visibly downcast. When Ian handed her the menu, she absentmindedly picked a few items and then pushed the menu back.
Daisy, on the other hand, was in high spirits. After choosing the broth base, she and Ian picked the restaurant’s signature dishes, soon filling the table with their selections.
Edward knew that despite her enthusiasm, Daisy had a big appetite but ate very little. Noticing her eager interest in everything, he glanced at her.
When it came to food, Daisy was like a child. She clearly couldn’t eat much, yet everything seemed novel to her, and she wanted to taste it all.
No adult self-control at all.
Daisy caught Edward’s gaze, handed the menu to the waiter, and turned to Edward, "Are you about to say I ordered too much again?"
Edward sneered, ignoring her, "Can’t be bothered with you."
Ian Linton chuckled elegantly from across the table, "Director Ginger and young Mr. Stephens really get along well."
Edward was taken aback, looking at Ian with a hint of disbelief—Are you blind?
Daisy, however, shamelessly agreed, smiling, "Indeed."
Emily’s face grew paler, and she looked as if she might faint as she sat in her chair.
The hot pot was soon served. Daisy and Ian chatted enthusiastically while enjoying the meal, talking about everything from business matters to global topics, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Edward had little appetite, his expression indifferent. He only spoke up when Ian sought his advice, though he never joined their conversation. Ian, however, found Edward’s views on various professional issues quite unique and incisive, making him look at Edward with increasing admiration.
Edward didn’t think much of it. He was groomed to be the Stephens family heir from birth, learning business management. To him, Ian’s questions were child’s play.
If it weren’t for his sudden illness, he might never have come to Banyan City.
Daisy was quite proud, gazing at him with admiration, which made Edward tap her forehead in warning, "Eat properly."
After over an hour of eating, Ian got up to pay the bill, and the four of them left the hot pot restaurant.
At the entrance, Ian handed over a business card with a smile, "I’ve long heard of young Mr. Stephens’ reputation. Today’s meeting proves it true."
Though the Stephens don’t have businesses in Banyan City, as a family immersed in commerce for generations, they’re unavoidable in the business world. Edward, being the heir, offered valuable guidance.
Edward accepted the business card, giving Ian a slight nod without saying anything or glancing at Emily beside him, and turned to leave.
Emily remained standing there, watching his retreating figure. The thought that she had once been the one standing by his side brought tears to her eyes.