C8 Let Us Meet at the Treasure House
He cleared his throat subtly and, with his newly purchased folding fan in hand, adopted what he considered a suave and debonair pose as he strolled towards the two girls.
When it came to charming the ladies, he knew he had to be proactive.
"Ladies, I couldn't help but notice your joyful laughter. May I join in on your conversation?" he asked.
Truth be told, Bai Piao wasn't exactly a Casanova, which explained his perpetual singlehood. However, he wasn't one to be easily embarrassed.
Lee Yanran and Wang Shiqi were deep in discussion about their afternoon plans when Bai Piao's sudden interjection jolted Lee Yanran from her thoughts. Before she could respond, Wang Shiqi retorted sharply.
"You've already made a fool of yourself once; now here you are again, utterly shameless!" she said, casting a disdainful glance at Bai Piao.
Bai Piao was taken aback. Despite her pretty appearance, this girl's blunt words were unexpected. Nevertheless, he wasn't interested in engaging with her; Lee Yanran was his focus.
He remained silent, simply offering Lee Yanran a warm, friendly smile. Up close, she was even more beautiful than he had first observed from a distance.
As the sole heiress of the City Lord's Mansion, Lee Yanran led a life of privilege, which contributed to her quirky personality—a fact Bai Piao had learned the hard way that morning.
But Bai Piao was different now from the baffled man he had been earlier, a change that intrigued her. He held his folding fan with a certain vitality and poise that caught her attention.
Lee Yanran's eyes twinkled with amusement, and she smiled.
"Young Master Bai, since you share our refined interests, I'd be delighted to have you join us," she said graciously.
"However, I've heard there's an auction at the Treasure House this afternoon that I'm keen to attend. Would you care to join me?"
Bai Piao was overjoyed at her invitation. He had never been to such an event, but the prospect of accompanying a beautiful woman was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.
"Your wish is my command. I'd be pleased to accompany you," he replied with a smile.
Bai Piao took a seat opposite Lee Yanran, maintaining a composed demeanor. He was careful to regard her with the same casual interest he would anyone else, ensuring not to betray any improper intentions.
"Doggie, have the shopkeeper bring our dishes over to Miss Lee's table," Bai Piao instructed.
Lee Yanran didn't object, though her mind was already racing with quirky schemes.
It was common knowledge that Bai Piao was considered worthless, yet his affection for her was undeniable. To win her over, he would endure public embarrassment without ever holding her responsible.
But even if Lee Yanran wasn't the instigator, her odd musings were never far from the chaos that ensued.
She wasn't malicious, simply mischievous, always eager to stir the pot for her own amusement.
Bai Piao, lacking the wit to match his peers, often found himself the butt of jokes during confrontations.
As Bai Piao boldly took his seat, Wang Shiqi bristled, ready to explode, but Lee Yanran swiftly calmed her.
The feast arrived promptly, a spread of sumptuous dishes that filled the table.
They made short work of the meal.
Bai Piao patted his plump stomach, thoroughly contented.
The cuisine at this grand establishment was leagues beyond anything he'd eaten before.
This place would definitely see more of him.
"Doggie, time to settle up!" Bai Piao declared, embracing the spendthrift lifestyle befitting his status as a rich second-generation heir.
As the eldest son of one of the city's most prominent families, he reasoned that if he was penniless, then who could claim to be wealthy?
Having fortuitously found himself in the shoes of a wealthy heir, Bai Piao would feel remiss if he didn't indulge in a bit of extravagance.
"Miss Lee, you go on ahead. Doggie and I will follow shortly," Bai Piao said with a smile, waving to Lee Yanran.
"Young Master Bai, we'll be waiting for you at the Treasure House!"