C84 A Good Show Is about to Begin!

After placing their orders, the waiter turned and departed. Zhang Chen and Lin Zhiqing sat facing each other, an awkward tension hanging between them. Lin Zhiqing was at a loss for words.

Eventually, Zhang Chen cut through the silence, "What do you think of this hotel?" It was a casual attempt to make conversation, but also an opportunity for some informal research.

Caught off guard, Lin Zhiqing replied with a hint of confusion, "It's fine, but I find it overly traditional."

Curious, Zhang Chen probed further, "What would you prefer, then?"

Gazing downward, Lin Zhiqing spoke softly, "Even though it's a luxury hotel, the traditional vibe doesn't really appeal to the younger crowd. Introducing some unique themes might be a good idea."

Her suggestion sparked an idea in Zhang Chen's mind. A luxury hotel with themed experiences? He wondered if luxury could indeed be seamlessly integrated with thematic elements. Mulling it over, he concluded that it was a concept worth exploring.

He was about to delve deeper into the conversation when a voice of surprise echoed from a distance, "Zhiqing? What are you doing here?"

Both Zhang Chen and Lin Zhiqing were taken aback.

They turned to see several figures approaching briskly at the hotel entrance. Leading the group was none other than Yee Qingsong!

Lin Zhiqing's brows knit together, her expression turning icy in an instant.

Zhang Chen, however, couldn't help but smile.

Following Yee Qingsong were several young men, each dressed in lavish attire, clearly from wealthy or noble backgrounds.

Yee Qingsong quickly made his way to Lin Zhiqing's side, exclaiming, "Zhiqing, I truly didn't expect to bump into you here."

The previous incident had left Yee Qingsong feeling quite humiliated. He had been searching for a way to mend things with Lin Zhiqing and was surprised to encounter her now.

With a frosty tone, Lin Zhiqing asked, "Young Master Yee, what is it that you want?"

Her demeanor caught Yee Qingsong off guard, his eyes flickering with bewilderment.

He managed an awkward smile and said, "Zhiqing, I realize you're still upset about last time. It was all just a big misunderstanding."

"I only found out my father hadn't been able to reach the Godly Doctor after I got back," he added.

Lin Zhiqing's lips curled into a cold smirk as she responded indifferently, "Oh, I see."

After speaking, she bowed her head and silently played with her fingers.

The air grew thick with awkwardness.

"I..."

Yee Qingsong was filled with anxiety.

Yet, he was acutely aware of his friends watching him.

A cold smirk played on Zhang Chen's lips.

Things were getting interesting.

That smirk, however, did not escape Yee Qingsong's notice.

His eyes narrowed, fury mounting swiftly within him.

Without delay, Yee Qingsong retorted with a sneer, "Ah, Mr. Zhang Chen, you're here as well."

Zhang Chen's eyebrows lifted; he sensed that Yee Qingsong was baiting him.

"Indeed, it's been a while. Young Master Yee, have you been home lately?" Zhang Chen inquired with a grin.

His question caught everyone off guard.

Yee Qingsong, puzzled, responded, "I've been home all along, haven't I?"

Zhang Chen feigned surprise, "Then why are you so dry? Isn't your home the Pacific Ocean?"

...

Lin Zhiqing couldn't help but smile, recalling their last exchange at the Lin family home.

Yee Qingsong!

But Yee Qingsong looked utterly lost, clueless about Zhang Chen's insinuation.

Lin Zhiqing's amusement was surely not a harbinger of good tidings.

Yee Qingsong clenched his jaw and demanded icily, "Zhang Chen, are you ridiculing me?"

Zhang Chen shook his head, feigning ignorance, "Not at all."

Lin Zhiqing struggled to hold back her laughter, her body starting to shake.

Zhang Chen was taken aback.

It had been ages since he'd seen Lin Zhiqing in such a state.

A sharp glint flashed in Yee Qingsong's eyes.

He inhaled deeply, gradually extinguishing the flames of his rage.

With a mocking sneer, he probed, "Mr. Zhang Chen, did you come to take Zhiqing out for a meal today?"

His expression turned sly as he spoke.

Everyone knew Zhang Chen was strapped for cash; his presence here surely meant Lin Zhiqing was footing the bill.

His question was a deliberate jab to embarrass Zhang Chen.

Zhang Chen simply flashed a grin and replied, "Not exactly."

But before he could elaborate, Lin Zhiqing cut in urgently, "Yes, Zhang Chen is here to treat me to a meal today. Is there an issue?"

Zhang Chen paused, momentarily at a loss.

He pondered for a moment before realizing Lin Zhiqing was trying to safeguard his reputation.

Despite knowing he was playing into Yee Qingsong's hands, a warm feeling still blossomed in his heart.

Yee Qingsong's sneer deepened.

He had gotten the response he was after.

Quickly, Yee Qingsong kept up his charade, "What a coincidence we've run into each other today. How about treating us to a meal?"

"It's been a while. I'd love to catch up."

Lin Zhiqing's eyebrows knit together as she replied icily, "Young Master Yee, we're not well-acquainted. We're in the middle of our meal, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't interrupt us."

Her tone was cutting, her voice frosty, leaving no room for Yee Qingsong to argue.

Yee Qingsong's mouth twitched as anger surged within him.

But he quickly composed himself, grinning as he asked, "Come on, Mr. Zhang Chen, we're all guys here. You're not going to be that petty, are you?"

His gaze locked onto Zhang Chen.

If Zhang Chen really had no shame, then he was out of options.

But Zhang Chen just smiled slightly and said, "It's only a meal. If you're eager to join, please, have a seat. Young Master Yee, it's not often you're in the mood to mooch."

With that, he stood and took his place beside Lin Zhiqing.

Yee Qingsong's expression stiffened at Zhang Chen's words.

Thankfully, Zhang Chen had acquiesced. Yee Qingsong quickly gestured with his arm, ushering his companions to sit opposite them.

Lin Zhiqing's frown deepened, her gaze questioning as she looked at Zhang Chen.

Zhang Chen simply offered a light chuckle, not bothering to explain.

Yee Qingsong casually grabbed the menu, still smiling. "I'll just order a few things. That's alright with you, isn't it?"

Zhang Chen flashed a grin. "Why would I mind?"

Yee Qingsong's smirk grew more pronounced as he passed the menu to his friends.

The young men's eyebrows shot up; they caught on to Yee Qingsong's intent immediately.

They signaled the waiter and began ordering without hesitation.

Zhang Chen casually crossed his legs and leaned back in his chair, watching the scene unfold.

Worry flickered in Lin Zhiqing's eyes, accompanied by a tinge of regret in her heart.

Had she known what would transpire, she would never have allowed Yee Qingsong the opportunity to sit down in the first place.

But now, her regret was pointless.

The group of young men ordered dishes with ease. Just by hearing the names, she could tell the dishes were pricey.

And they didn't just order a few—they ordered a multitude!

It dawned on Lin Zhiqing that Yee Qingsong's intention was to put Zhang Chen in a position where he couldn't afford the bill, aiming to humiliate him.