That evening, Hán Chǔfēng personally drove to pick up Ruì Xiǎodān. The car made its way to the embassy district, stopping at a high-end restaurant called "Paris at Night Grand Hotel." Though named a hotel, it resembled a noble palace. As they entered, two doormen dressed as Roman knights stood on either side, bowing respectfully. A middle-aged man in a white hotel uniform greeted them with a smile, leading them to their table.
The waitstaff, unlike those in other restaurants, were all middle-aged men. Most of the patrons were foreigners, each carrying themselves with elegance and distinction. Despite the number of guests, the atmosphere remained quiet and serene, with no one raising their voice.
After ordering from the menu, Hán Chǔfēng spoke conversationally, "Miss Ruì, this place is the second trading floor for international trade. Many come here for business, not just for a meal. But today, there's no ulterior motive—just ensuring you have a good meal. As a guest in Beijing, it's my duty to be a gracious host."
"Mr. Hán, I came to Beijing to learn more about Dīng Yuányīng from you," Ruì Xiǎodān said.
In a calm tone, Hán Chǔfēng replied, "Miss Ruì, you are a guest, and I am the host. Making sure you live well and eat well is no problem. But if you wish to discuss Dīng Yuányīng with me, on what grounds?"
Ruì Xiǎodān was silent for a moment, then calmly said, "I thought the first person Dīng Yuányīng would consider borrowing money from would be a man of noble character, but it seems he's merely another climber. My imagination was too rich. Since I am here, I must respect your nobility. However, without grounds, I shall take my leave." With that, she stood up to leave.
"Wait!" Hán Chǔfēng called out, nodding. "Your lack of grounds is precisely a ground. Please, sit."
After a moment's thought, Ruì Xiǎodān returned to her seat.
Softening his tone, Hán Chǔfēng said, "Yuányīng is not easy to explain. Without some foundation, he remains a growing question mark. I am not intentionally making it difficult for you."
Ruì Xiǎodān responded coolly, "Hotel stays, clothing, meals here... I haven't even stripped for Dīng Yuányīng, and you've already thrown me a bone, showing your upper-class demeanor. Saying this, I feel like a mere vase, at most a wine bottle for you men to bond over."
Hán Chǔfēng remained silent, his gaze and demeanor gradually changing.
At this moment, the drinks and dishes arrived, but neither touched their utensils.
After a long silence, Hán Chǔfēng finally spoke, "Whether you are a vase or a confidante depends on your weight. I apologize for any rudeness. Return the clothes, pay the hotel bill, and I'll cover this meal. How does that sound? And please revert to using 'you' instead of '您'."
"Thank you. If there is another chance, please understand our poor folks' difficulties. I can't afford this kind of hotel or these restaurants," Ruì Xiǎodān replied.
"My fault, I apologize." Hán Chǔfēng laughed, and the tension dissipated. Picking up his knife and fork, he said, "Last year, Director Mǎ and Xiǎo Zhào took Yuányīng to the ancient city. They mentioned seeing a beautiful female police officer. Seeing you today, I understand. Let's eat and chat."
Ruì Xiǎodān sampled a few dishes and took a sip of her drink, then waited for Hán Chǔfēng to get to the point.
After wiping his mouth with a napkin and lighting a cigarette, Hán Chǔfēng asked, "What's the story behind Yuányīng borrowing money?"
Ruì Xiǎodān recounted the entire incident of Dīng Yuányīng calling to borrow money.
Hán Chǔfēng pondered for a moment, then said, "I have a favor to ask. On your way back, could you drive Yuányīng's car back for me? It's between us and doesn't concern anyone else. Driving back would require two cars and round trips. You driving it back is a one-way trip."
"Over 300 kilometers on the highway. I can manage," Ruì Xiǎodān replied.
Hán Chǔfēng nodded, expressing both confirmation and gratitude, then said, "Miss Ruì, I'm sure you'll be disappointed. Yuányīng is inherently afraid of women—so much so that paying for sex is more straightforward for him. As for evaluating him, I think one phrase suffices: Yuányīng is a man who understands."
Ruì Xiǎodān felt a subtle tremor in her heart, unable to identify the feeling.