C17 At Night They Had a Chat

Fu Yunyi had emphasized this point in front of Shen Qingli countless times, always with a tone of utmost sincerity.

The intensity in Shen Qingli's beautiful eyes gradually subsided. "You don't need to remind me," he said coolly.

"Since you're keen on treating me to dinner tonight, I graciously accept," she replied.

"Just remember our wager from last night. I hope you won't end up embarrassing yourself when it's time to settle up."

Last night's wager?

For a moment, Fu Yunyi's mind went blank. After a few seconds of stunned silence, she finally remembered Shen Qingli's words from the evening before.

"Don't worry," she said, her lips curling into a confident smile. "I won't lose."

"In that case, we shall see what happens," he responded, taking her hand and kissing the back of it with a provocative and enticing gaze. "Mrs. Shen."

Fu Yunyi's rare initiative to extend an invitation meant that Shen Qingli would take tonight's dinner seriously.

He was a man who always cared about appearances. For tonight, he had chosen a perfectly tailored black suit and cufflinks made from cat's eye stones, exuding an air of elegance and allure.

Nine o'clock had come and gone, yet Fu Yunyi was nowhere to be seen.

Shen Qingli's brows knitted together in impatience as he pulled out his phone, his tone tinged with annoyance. "Haven't you changed yet?"

"I'm already in the garage. Come on down."

Upon hearing that Fu Yunyi was waiting for him, his furrowed brows relaxed, and he pocketed his phone with a huff.

Fu Yunyi, I'm eagerly anticipating our candlelit dinner tonight.

She was already in the car, her pale, slender legs propped up on the steering wheel. Spotting his tall, lean figure under the dim streetlight, she poked her head out.

"What's taking you so long?" Fu Yunyi asked, her brow furrowed. But upon seeing his attire, her expression stiffened in surprise.

"What's the matter?"

Shen Qingli glanced down at his outfit, finding nothing amiss. "Is something wrong?"

Struggling to hold back a smile, Fu Yunyi looked down at her own simple T-shirt and denim shorts, her eyes brimming with suppressed mirth.

Tonight, she had planned to take Young Master Shen, who was always the center of attention, to sample some street food at the night market. He, on the other hand, had clearly anticipated a different setting, perhaps an upscale French restaurant.

Wasn't it obvious to Young Master Shen?

The dim lighting didn't bother him, and he casually suggested, "You drive tonight."

"Sure."

Fu Yunyi silently curved her lips into a smile. If he had no objections, she saw no reason to point anything out.

It wasn't until Shen Qingli settled into the passenger seat that he noticed Fu Yunyi's T-shirt and denim shorts. He immediately sensed something amiss. "Why are you dressed like that?"

"We're just going to a familiar place. Casual wear will do," she replied, her answer deliberately vague.

With her tall stature and aloof demeanor, Fu Yunyi looked effortlessly chic in the simplest of outfits, her casual style complementing her striking figure.

Shen Qingli's gaze lingered on her exposed legs as he asked nonchalantly, "What's on the menu for tonight?"

Fu Yunyi deepened her smile, "You'll find out when we arrive."

Shen Qingli skeptically arched an eyebrow, his fingertips grazing his lips as a hint of seriousness crossed his handsome face.

He couldn't shake the feeling that this young woman was keeping something from him.

But when Shen Qingli stood beside the somewhat grimy night market stall, the nature of Fu Yunyi's promised "dinner" became crystal clear.

His gaze swept over the yellowed plastic chairs and the skewered dishes under the open sky. Wrapping his arm around her, his smile was more amused than angry.

"Do you realize, Fu Yunyi?" he chuckled, pinching her chin lightly. "You're the first to ever make a fool of me, Shen Qingli."

Ever since he was young, Shen Qingli had been in the spotlight, always drawing countless eyes wherever he went.

The night market was usually frequented by ordinary folks from the lower-middle class, dressed in loose-fitting clothes and flip-flops to enjoy their evening snacks. They had never encountered someone as handsome and well-dressed as this young gentleman.

Aware of the curious stares from the crowd, Fu Yunyi's smile grew even more radiant.

"I never mentioned a fancy restaurant," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "How could you say that I'm the one who caused you embarrassment?"

Even Shen Qingli, accustomed to the company of numerous beauties, found himself captivated by such a radiant and cheerful face. Fu Yunyi, often isolated due to her family's influence, was known for her pride and aloofness, seldom laughing with such abandon. Yet, as Qingli watched her grin unfold, he too couldn't resist the urge to let a smile grace his lips.

"I'll spare you this time," he warned with a stern expression, "but if there's a next time, be wary—I might just stab you in the back myself."

His face was uncomfortably close, her beautiful eyes catching the warmth and the slightly chilling breath that he exhaled, causing a fluttering, tingling sensation.