Although Zhao Linlin felt annoyed by Jian Dan, she wouldn’t foolishly approach someone even Hai En was wary of.
If anything went wrong, it wouldn’t just be her own issue; her family could also be affected. She wasn’t a fool—why offer such a chance to others?
Thinking this way, she calmed down and followed Hai En to take a seat. She didn’t pick many decent dishes on her plate. Hai En glanced at her plate, "Is this what you’re eating?"
Zhao Linlin wanted to say something but dropped her gaze to her plate and felt a bit embarrassed. She stood up with her plate, "I’m going to get a bit more; I was distracted thinking about something."
There were just a few carrot slices on Zhao Linlin’s plate. The ladies from prominent families, who had been with her earlier, must have seen the state of her plate, but they all pretended not to notice, waiting to see her make a fool of herself.
Just then, she ran into Jian Dan coming back to get some ice cream. Jian Dan nodded at her lightly, "The pastries in front of you are nice; they’re really tasty."
Jian Dan’s voice was soft and cute, making her impossible to dislike.
Yet, thinking of Hai En having an interest in her, Zhao Linlin tensed up immensely.
Jian Dan, noticing that she was ignoring him, didn’t mind and happily walked off with two scoops of ice cream towards Wen Xue.
Wen Xue was busily arranging plates from afar, showing how meticulous the girl usually was.
Zhao Linlin withdrew her gaze, looked at the pastries in front of her, thought for a moment, and still took one. "Forget it; give her some face."
When she returned to her seat, no one had eaten much. Her previous spot had been taken as if deliberately. Zhao Linlin wasn’t upset, scanned around, and found no empty seats.
Jian Dan, not far from their table, noticed Zhao Linlin’s awkward situation.
Jian Dan thought for a moment and softly said, "Miss Zhao, why don’t you come and sit with us?"
She clearly didn’t take Zhao Linlin’s previous attitude to heart—it was just her nature not to hold grudges.
Everyone at the table looked at Jian Dan, seeing the genuine invitation in her eyes, and suddenly felt themselves rather petty. Several of the girls blushed with shame.
Previously, everyone knew that Zhao Linlin might be Hai En’s fiancée, so they flattered her. But today, the way Hai En behaved didn’t seem very considerate toward Zhao Linlin, so everyone’s thoughts became subtly complex.
After all, Zhao Linlin generally wouldn’t make a scene.
Zhao Linlin turned, about to go over, when Hai En stood up, "I’m done eating, should I leave the seat for you?"
This was an order, not an invitation.
Zhao Linlin smiled, "No need; I’ll go sit with Miss Jian Dan and the others."
Having said that, she walked swiftly over to Jian Dan’s table. Jian Dan made room for her, and seeing the pastry she had recommended on her plate, was delighted, "You took one too, trust me, it’s really tasty."
Wen Xue looked at Zhao Linlin with a complex expression, but with Jian Dan’s invitation, she couldn’t very well insult Jian Dan. It was just sharing a table for a meal, no big deal.
But whatever happened here, she would report faithfully to Boss Bo.
Thinking this, Wen Xue felt slightly more at ease.
Zhao Linlin, seeing the genuinely enthusiastic Jian Dan vigorously recommending, really couldn’t refuse and took a bite of the pastry. Jian Dan watched her, eyes bright, "How is it? Is it tasty?"
Even though it wasn’t very aesthetically pleasing, it indeed tasted good.
Zhao Linlin nodded, "It’s really good."
Jian Dan laughed, her smile radiant and innocent. "I told you! I’ve had three and still want more. Later, I’m thinking of packing two for Uncle Qin as a late-night snack."
Wen Xue couldn’t help but laugh, "Little Miss, if you want to eat, I can arrange with the hotel, no need for such trouble."
Jian Dan then gave up, "Alright, then prepare a portion for me tonight as well."
Wen Xue really didn’t know who wanted the late-night snack.
The relaxed atmosphere here was healing for Zhao Linlin; she felt more and more at ease and casually asked Jian Dan a few personal questions, not really thinking it over much. Wen Xue realized but didn’t stop her.
Jian Dan replied, "I’m just here for two days. I’ll leave tomorrow afternoon. My uncle came here on business, and I came along to clear my mind.
Recently I haven’t been really well. My Uncle Qin was probably worried about me getting depressed, so he brought me out."
Zhao Linlin couldn’t help but laugh; who talks about being depressed ? "Your uncle is really good to you."
Jian Dan nodded happily, "Yes, my Uncle Qin is my only relative. My parents have already passed away."
Zhao Linlin was taken aback, then quickly apologized, "I’m sorry, I didn’t know. My apologies."