C3 Do It More Often

"It was quite a coincidence," Qin Yanting began, politely extending his hand first.

Pei Chenglin gave a light handshake, his narrow eyes signaling, "Since we're all here, let's do this together."

Qin Yanting's expression momentarily stiffened, but Nian Qingqing seized the chance to play innocent. "Brother-in-law, you wouldn't be that stingy, would you?"

Brother-in-law?

Nian Wanwan almost let out a cold laugh. What a way to call him brother-in-law. "You say it so naturally, and I haven't even introduced you yet."

She pulled out a chair and sat down gracefully. Even in her business attire, her elegance instantly outshone Nian Qingqing by a mile.

Nian Qingqing's face turned a bit awkward. She glanced sideways at Qin Yanting, who had also taken a seat, clearly displeased but forcing a stiff smile.

"Sister, brother-in-law is quite well-known. I did see him at your wedding!"

"I remember you were studying abroad when I got married. Am I mistaken?" Nian Wanwan raised an eyebrow slightly, smiling sweetly. "Qingqing, you really are attentive."

Two women, one drama—Qin Yanting had seen it all, yet he couldn't hide the hint of amusement curling at his lips. He gentlemanly ordered a hot drink for Nian Wanwan.

"Wanwan, your favorite hot fruit juice."

Qin Yanting's voice was gentle, his gaze fixed on Nian Wanwan, capturing her every move. She gave him a grateful look, and while everything seemed calm, to an outsider, it might appear as if they were a perfect couple sharing a private smile. The atmosphere was filled with deep affection.

Pei Chenglin's dark eyes clouded over, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Mr. Qin and his wife seem to have a wonderful relationship," he remarked, emphasizing the word "wonderful" with a hint of sarcasm.

Nian Wanwan's smile faded instantly. No matter how many years had passed, Pei Chenglin could still effortlessly control her emotions. His gaze swept over her delicate features, cold and piercing, like ice water.

"Thank you for the compliment," Qin Yanting replied, noticing Nian Wanwan's discomfort. He turned to her and asked, "Wanwan, the usual dishes?"

She paused, then turned to him with a bright smile. "Whatever you choose is perfect."

Pei Chenglin's eyes grew even colder as they lingered on her. She was still in her smart work attire from earlier, the V-neck elegantly showcasing her graceful neck. A delicate gold necklace rested above her collarbone, perfectly complementing her style.

Luckily, aside from the necklace, there was nothing else around her neck; otherwise, Pei Chenglin might not have been able to control his actions.

"Well, I won't hold back then," Qin Yanting said enthusiastically, completely unaware of the tension between the two.

Pei Chenglin wasn't interested in ordering, leaving it all to Nian Qingqing. She wanted to please him but felt uneasy under Pei Chenglin's intense gaze, so she quickly ordered a few dishes and then fell silent.

The four of them sat in an awkward silence, the atmosphere at the table undeniably strange.

Nian Wanwan's eyes drifted uneasily toward the window. It wasn't until the food arrived and Qin Yanting placed some on her plate that she snapped back to reality. He frowned slightly, "Not hungry?"

"Just don't want to eat too much for dinner," Nian Wanwan replied, trying to sound casual, though her heart was racing. She could feel Pei Chenglin's piercing gaze but didn't dare to look up.

She was terrified that the strong facade she had maintained all these years would crumble in an instant if she met his eyes.

For so many years, Pei Chenglin had been like a poison she couldn't shake off, whether in her dreams or at this very moment. Nian Wanwan was deeply worried about losing control.

"My sister's just watching her weight," Nian Qingqing chimed in with a sweet smile, seemingly harmless, as she eagerly placed some food onto Qin Yanting's plate. "You should eat more, brother-in-law."

"You really do know me well," Wanwan's slight unease found its way to Qingqing. "Too bad your brother-in-law has a secret skincare routine he won't share."

"What secret?" Chenglin's lips curled into a mischievous smile as he took a sip of tea. "I'm curious too."

Wanwan's heart skipped a beat, but she calmly sipped her juice. "Just regular exercise."

Yan Tine choked, his face turning a bit red.

Qingqing was visibly flustered, rubbing her hands as she tried to suppress her irritation, which made Wanwan feel quite satisfied.

"Regular exercise is essential," Wanwan explained with mock seriousness, clearly in a better mood.

Chenglin's lazy smile deepened, his gaze fixed on her. "That's a great tip."

His piercing gaze made Wanwan uncomfortable, like she was sitting on pins and needles. She forced a smile and stood up. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."

Chenglin watched her pass by, the faint scent of mimosa lingering in the air. It was a fragrance that seemed to naturally emanate from her, always reminding him of the mimosa trees planted in front of her house.

It's been many years now.