Guided by the waiter, they settled at a table in the center of the restaurant. Although it was Cen Jin who invited, Yun Qi, ever the gentleman, let her order. Cen Jin, seeing his insistence, didn’t decline further and ordered a few signature dishes of the restaurant.
"How have you been lately?" After the waiter left with their menu, Yun Qi’s gentle gaze lightly studied her as he softly inquired.
"Mm, quite well." Cen Jin sipped from her glass of water, smiling as she replied.
Seeing her smile, her graceful demeanor tinged with an air of vitality, a trace of amusement and a hint of profound sentiment passed through Yun Qi’s eyes.
It was already seven-thirty by the time they finished eating. Yun Qi instinctively reached for the bill, but Cen Jin stopped him, saying she’d feel more burdened if he paid again and it’d make her too embarrassed to see him next time. Yun Qi smiled helplessly and conceded to her wishes.
As they left the restaurant, dusk had fallen, and the street was bathed in the dazzling colors of neon lights. The sky, a serene expanse, was shrouded by thin clouds that veiled the light of the silvery crescent moon.
"You really went to some expense. As it happens, it’s our first time having a proper meal together, and having you pay is really..." Yun Qi turned slightly, his words carrying a tinge of apology.
"You’re being too polite. You refused to take money for the fabric today. Treating you to a meal is the least I could do. If anything, it’s I who should be thanking you." Hearing his words, Cen Jin quickly waved her hands in a fluster, rushing to respond.
Seeing her become flustered and a little embarrassed, Yun Qi smiled and chose not to dwell on the topic, then said with a smile, "Are you heading back now?"
"Let me take you home then!"
"No need, I’ll just grab a cab back."
"It’s no trouble, come on!"
Cen Jin hesitated slightly, but when she met Yun Qi’s gentle eyes, she suddenly smiled and nodded, "Alright, I’ll trouble you then."
Yun Qi chuckled, made a gesture of ’please,’ and only then did he follow her as she walked ahead.
The summer night brought a cool breeze that sent her hair, tucked behind her ear, fluttering free. The vibrant night scene flashed one by one through her bright, crystal-clear eyes.
All along the way, Yun Qi only occasionally asked a few questions, to which Cen Jin replied with a smile. Then they fell silent, and Yun Qi didn’t particularly try to break the tranquility. Until the car arrived at the entrance of Cen Jin’s villa, Yun Qi turned off the engine, tilted his head slightly, and said with a smile, "We’re here."
"Mm." Cen Jin had already unbuckled her seatbelt when the car stopped and was getting ready to get off: "Thank you, Yun... Yun Qi."
She was still a bit unfamiliar and not quite used to addressing him by name.
"You’re welcome. See you next time."
Cen Jin opened the car door and got out. As she was about to reach her villa, Yun Qi’s voice called out from behind her again, "Cen Jin, wait."
Cen Jin heard his words, stopped, and turned around to look. Yun Qi had caught up to her, holding a sleek blue phone in his long fingers. She was momentarily surprised, but then it dawned on her. She extended her hand to take it, showing a serene smile: "Thank you."
"You seem to have said thank you quite a few times today."
The two exchanged another smile, though Cen Jin’s face carried a slight embarrassment. Suddenly, a familiar, deep yet gentle voice drifted into her ears with the evening breeze: "Nie Cenjin."