Chapter 25

A faint, enigmatic smile curved at the corner of Bu Chen's lips. Ruan Ning knew he must have mistaken her for one of those gold diggers trying to get close to them.

Her heart felt as if an invisible hand were squeezing it, aching with grievance. "Young Master Bu is joking. You must have mistaken me for someone else."

"But you look very familiar to me. Do you really have no memory of me, miss?"

Bu Chen crossed his arms and stared at her, his slender fingers elegantly spread over his elbow. The veins on his fair-skinned hand stood out, and his knuckles were sharply defined.

"What exactly do you want?" Ruan Ning bit her lip.

Bu Chen watched her get angry like a kitten leaping up to scratch, and a trace of amusement crept into his stern brows.

"Nothing. I've spent the whole day preparing this place for you, sparing no effort. It would be too cruel of you to leave without even a glance."

Ruan Ning turned her head away, the bridge of her nose high and proud with stubbornness.

Just then, Jiang Yihao hurried over, circling Ruan Ning with a worried look and lowering his voice a few notches. "What's wrong? I'll call a doctor to take a look at you."

Ruan Ning met Jiang Yihao's bright, clear gaze, a hundred emotions churning inside her. Finally, she begged, "I'm fine. Just let me go home and rest."

Though Jiang Yihao had been looking forward to this date for a long time, he was more concerned about Ruan Ning's health. Especially seeing her sudden pallor and trembling body, two thoughts warred in his mind.

In the end, worry and concern won out over selfish desire. Jiang Yihao let out a sigh. "Fine. I'll have someone escort you back. But before you go, let my doctor check you over first."

Ruan Ning shot him a grateful look.

Bu Chen's voice suddenly drifted over from the side. "Perhaps I know what's troubling Miss Ruan. Let me take a look."

At that moment, Ruan Ning wished she could slit Bu Chen's throat.

There was still one task left, and both of them were inextricably connected to Bai Xingmiao. The more tense the situation, the less she could afford to act rashly. Ruan Ning figured she was caught between a rock and a hard place anyway—might as well let it happen.

Her body deflated like a punctured balloon as she forced a smile. "Since everyone has prepared such a lavish feast for me, I suppose I should have a bite before heading back."

"Great! That's more like it." Jiang Yihao's face instantly lit up with a brilliant smile. He hurried ahead to lead the way, instructing the servants to start the meal. "There's so much good food today—it'd be a shame if you missed out."

Ruan Ning walked into the dining room, weary in body and soul, while Bu Chen strolled in at the very rear, taking his time.

The Jiang residence had seven or eight dining rooms. The luncheon was held in the one with the best view. Situated by the Woyi River, the floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panorama of skyscrapers and the tranquil, flowing river.

Ruan Ning marveled at the breathtaking scenery she'd have to book a high-end restaurant to enjoy—while the rich could take it in every day from home.

The dining table was beautifully set, laid out with exquisite silverware to upscale restaurant standards. Fresh, understated flowers were interspersed among the opulent utensils, tempering the grandeur and lending the scene a relaxed, playful air suited to a gathering of friends.

Because Jiang Yihao had strict dietary restrictions, they opted for DIY barbecue. Everyone could choose whatever they liked, from lavish to simple.

Servants carried out trays of washed and chopped vegetables, fruits, meats, and seasonings from the kitchen, arranging them in categories on the dining table like a sumptuous buffet at a grand banquet. Even from a distance, the fresh fragrance of produce filled the air.

Ruan Ning had no appetite at all. She casually pulled out a chair and sat down. Jiang Yihao immediately beamed and pulled the chair out for her. "Please—"

Ruan Ning murmured a soft thanks and glanced at an exquisite glass carousel on the table. "What's this?" she asked, puzzled.

The carousel was the size of a vase, its inner sections hollow and interconnected. It was crafted with masterful glass-cutting and etching techniques, so lifelike it seemed almost alive. In the sunlight, the transparent glass sparkled like diamonds. It wasn't quite a decoration, not quite a toy, but clearly something only the wealthy could afford.

Jiang Yihao looked rather pleased with himself. "Take a guess."

This was part of his plan.

Following Bu Chen's instructions, Jiang Yihao had meticulously designed the dining room layout, the menu, and the wine selection, and had even specially placed a glass carousel.

Bu Chen had told him that the key to dining with a female lead was atmosphere. Good food alone wasn't enough—you needed something interesting to leave a lasting impression and make them smile.

Judging by Ruan Ning's intrigued expression, the strategy was working.

Jiang Yihao smiled and revealed the answer. "Actually, this is—"

"This is a decanter." Bu Chen cut in with an air of nonchalance. Ruan Ning turned at the sound. Bu Chen took out a bottle of red wine and poured it into the carousel, the crimson liquid instantly staining the transparent glass walls.

Jiang Yihao straightened his brows and fell silent for a long moment. Bu Chen, unperturbed, took Ruan Ning's hand and pressed it onto a shallow groove at the base of the carousel.

The back of her hand met the icy touch. Just as she tried to pull away, the carousel, filled with the deep red vintage, spun rapidly. The flying wine swirled like the flaring hem of a dancer's skirt, flamboyant and swaying—a truly exquisite toy.

Ruan Ning's eyes widened. "That's amazing. I've seen self-spinning decanters before, but never one so exquisite and beautiful."

Before Jiang Yihao could respond, Bu Chen said, "I'll have one sent to you sometime."

Ruan Ning hastily said there was no need to go to the trouble, yet her obsidian-like eyes remained riveted on the carousel, utterly entranced.

Jiang Yihao pulled Bu Chen aside and demanded through gritted teeth, "What were you doing just now? Aren't you supposed to be helping me?"

Bu Chen glanced at him. "Don't you want to make her happy?"

Not wanting to disturb Ruan Ning, who was in high spirits, Jiang Yihao let go of Bu Chen and angrily placed a piece of steak on the grill. "Let's just eat."

The beef was top-grade premium marbled steak—thick and firm, with white-and-red marbling that was mouthwatering. The moment it hit the grill, the meat sizzled and popped, releasing a rich, milky aroma.

Catching the scent, Ruan Ning looked up. "What's this now? It smells wonderful."

Jiang Yihao turned the steak over with one hand on his hip. "This is beef from our own farm. The cattle listen to music and drink beer every day. They've gotten more massages in their lives than I have."

Ruan Ning was amazed. "Really? That's impressive. This is clearly excellent beef."

Jiang Yihao smiled faintly. "You've got good taste."

Bu Chen frowned. "The menu originally said to grill seafood first."

Hearing this, Ruan Ning turned to see Bu Chen push a platter of plump, firm giant blue-lobster over to her.

"I caught this lobster early this morning in Tourmaline Bay and flew it over by private jet. Authentic cold-water seafood, its meat is sweet. It went from sea to table in less than three hours. Try it."

Ruan Ning looked in disbelief at the lobster arranged in a fierce, claw-waving pose and asked, "The whole journey took less than three hours?"

Seeing Ruan Ning drawn in, Jiang Yihao immediately raised his voice. "Beef takes a while to cook, so of course it should go on the grill first."

Bu Chen said, "Funny you mention it—my lobster is sashimi-grade. Slice it open and it's ready to eat."

Ruan Ning looked at the two delicacies before her, not knowing where to rest her eyes. She vaguely sensed the two young masters were competing over something, each hoping she'd eat their food first. But she was just a prisoner at this meal—what say did she have?

Suddenly, both of their gazes turned to her at once.

"Ruan Ning, which one do you want to eat first?"

"Miss Ruan, which one would you like to try first?"