Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
The whole group was silent. It was Qiao Weimin who reacted first and got Cheng Wu to enter the restaurant.
Throughout the meal, Wei Ling, Shen Qiongzhi, and Qiao Chen had a hard time eating. They put their chopsticks down every few mouthfuls and grew distracted.
Qiao Chen’s face was pale throughout the whole process, and her head was lowered. From the time Qiao Nian and Nie Mi left until the end of the meal, she didn’t say a word.
Nie Mi booked a spot by the window rather than a private room. He specially reserved a relatively quiet corner in the restaurant, where they could open the windows for some fresh air.
Qiao Nian sat on one side. As for Nie Mi and Principal Liang, one of them sat on her left while the other sat opposite her. Nie Mi ordered a lot of dishes, and a whole table was filled with a dazzling array of dishes.
Qiao Nian didn’t eat much. She ate a bit more of the fish, but barely touched the rest of the dishes. With one arm resting on the edge of the chair, she was practically curled up in her seat. Her dark and clear eyes looked up, and she said to both of them, “I’m full, please enjoy.”
“So fast?” Seeing her put down her chopsticks, Nie Mi raised his head in surprise, then wrinkled his brows. He asked worriedly, “Are the dishes I ordered not to your liking? How about you order two more.”
He handed her the menu.
Qiao Nian took the menu from him but didn’t look through it. She put it on the table, shook her head, and said, “No.”
She spoke slowly and sounded rather casual. “I was a bit too hungry just now, and it’s past the time. I’m full after just having a little, it’s nothing to do with the dishes.”
Actually, there was something to do with the dishes.
Nie Mi and Principal Liang both preferred sweeter food, so the dishes ordered were suitable for that palate. The vegetable dishes they had called for usually had sugar or honey added.
Qiao Nian happened to dislike sweet food.
Same for the rest of the dishes.
She preferred something a bit more spicy, savory, and oily. These dishes were more delicate and unlike the smoky hot food she usually liked.
But she didn’t want to embarrass Nie Mi nor make things difficult for him. She said politely, “Please eat. You don’t have to bother about me. I’ll be on my phone and listening to the both of you talk.”
In other words, she wasn’t in a rush to leave.
Nie Mi felt his heart go warm and smiled. He didn’t force her to continue eating with him, either. After glancing at her, he continued his conversation with Principal Liang about school matters.
Since Qiao Nian was attending Qing University the next year, he had decided to return to Qing University to teach as well.
Although he said he was going to only mentor Qiao Nian, his title of Honorary Professor meant that he had to give a couple of lectures as well.
He was now discussing with the principal the frequency of his lectures.
Qiao Nian listened to negotiation as she scrolled through her cell phone.
The first notification she saw was from Ye Wangchuan.
[Have you reached? Why didn’t you call?]
[You haven’t reached?]
The newest message was sent five minutes ago.
[Remember to let me know when you’ve reached, so I won’t worry.]
Qiao Nian rubbed her temple. She remembered agreeing to inform him once she met Nie Mi at the hotel.
But she ended up forgetting about it.
She pursed her lips and looked through the three messages again.
She couldn’t be blamed, actually. She never had to report to anyone in the past and never had the habit to do that.
Qiao Nian was about to reply to him.
All of a sudden, a call from the City Hospital came in—