C9 A Princess Chasing a Carriage

Muh Chen glanced up at Qin Lang with a detached expression and inquired, "Amusing, is it?"

He then resumed his meal with poise and elegance.

"Forget it, no use asking Chen. I'm genuinely curious who in the world has the talent to coax a smile out of Chen!" Su Qi declared, chuckling.

Everyone agreed with a nod; they couldn't recall ever seeing Muh Chen smile.

For reasons unknown, hearing Mr. Chen's voice caused a pang in Zhao Sitong's heart, and tears threatened to spill from her eyes. She fought back the tears, refusing to let them fall. The Mr. Chen of the past would never allow her to endure such humiliation. He would always come to her aid, no matter the circumstance. But now, Mr. Chen seemed indifferent to her being ridiculed. This only strengthened Zhao Sitong's resolve to help Muh Chen "recover his memory."

"Perhaps this young lady has never had a steak before; she simply doesn't know, so let's not tease her anymore. We wouldn't want to make her cry," Lin Yanran said, barely suppressing her laughter as she graciously attempted to give Zhao Sitong an out.

"Yanran's got a point. The poor girl is already embarrassed," Qin Lang observed as Zhao Sitong ate her spaghetti quietly, head bowed. Her movements were peculiar, yet her demeanor remained refined. A glint appeared in his eyes, and his lips curved into a slight smile.

"Come on, Qin Lang, since when have you been so compassionate?" Su Qi teased, sipping his wine with finesse before eagerly adding, "Xiaoyi, what's the plan for tonight? Let's include her in our fun."

"We've got karaoke at Imperial Garden tonight, and Wenn Tao and the others will join us," Rong Xiaoyi informed them.

"Hey, young lady, why don't you come along with us..."

"I've had enough to eat, and I need to get back to the office to handle some business. I won't be able to make it tonight," Muh Chen interjected, standing up and cutting off Qin Lang. He grabbed his notebook and headed for the door.

"Hey, Chen..."

"Mr. Chen! Where are you going?" Zhao Sitong asked hastily, rising to her feet as she heard Muh Chen was leaving.

Muh Chen continued on his way, seemingly oblivious to her. As Zhao Sitong moved to follow him, Xiyan caught her arm, "Didn't you hear Mr. Chen has to return to the company to work on something? Besides, Mr. Chen doesn't recognize you anymore. What's the point in chasing after him like this?"

"Release my hand! What I do is none of your business!" Zhao Sitong glared at Gu Xiyan furiously as she forcefully pulled her arm away from Lin Yanran's grasp and then hurriedly chased out of the villa.

"You, you—this is just absurd!" Gu Xiyan was left red-faced and humiliated by Zhao Sitong's biting remarks, stamping her foot in frustration.

Lin Yanran, already feeling uneasy about Zhao Sitong's behavior towards Muh Chen, had been holding back due to the crowd. Seeing Gu Xiyan snubbed, she went over to offer some comfort.

"Xiyan, don't stoop to her level; she's acting like a lunatic," Wang Yuqian chimed in.

"Do you think she'll catch up to Chen? Will he let her in the car? Let's make a bet!" Qin Lang suggested with a gleam in his eye.

"Oh, please—it's pretty clear, isn't it?" The others gave Qin Lang a look that said he was stating the obvious, and continued with their meals, well aware of Muh Chen's character.

"It's kind of dull without that girl around, don't you think? Will she come running back, do you suppose?" Su Qi mused, propping his chin in his hand.

"I'm going to check it out!" Qin Lang declared, heading out of the villa with enthusiasm.

At the villa's entrance, Zhao Sitong saw Muh Chen climb into a black "iron box" on wheels.

"Mr. Chen, Mr. Chen!" she called out.

With a roar, the car sped off.

"Mr. Chen, Mr. Chen!" Zhao Sitong chased after him, lifting her skirt and running barefoot.

Muh Chen glanced in the rearview mirror, his face the picture of indifference, as he floored the accelerator.

"Mr. Chen, Mr. Chen!" Zhao Sitong put all her energy into the chase.

"Hey, girl, come back! You can't catch up!" Qin Lang's voice trailed after her. But Zhao Sitong paid him no heed and kept up her pursuit.

Muh Chen's car sped away, quickly vanishing from view.