The Four Seasons Restaurant was the kind of establishment that screamed luxury, with its gleaming glass facade, marble steps, and a gold-plated name sign.
Yang Qinru stepped out of the car alongside Wang Ye, her gaze scanning the familiar setting.
"This place hasn't changed a bit," she murmured.
Wang Ye adjusted his blonde bangs, grinning. "Lin Yu's mom isn't one to skimp on anything. This place is practically a landmark for the elite."
As Yang Qinru and Wang Ye walked inside, the scent of freshly baked bread and high-quality dishes filled the air.
Wang Ye, ever the flamboyant troublemaker, whistled low. "Lin Yu's family sure knows how to live it up," he said, adjusting his blond hair in the mirrored wall as they entered.
Yang Qinru didn't respond, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.
She wasn't here to admire the restaurant.
Inside, the restaurant was all polished wood and soft golden lighting, with crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings.
Lin Yu had reserved a private room, but as they entered, Yang Qinru immediately noticed the two girls already seated at the table
One wore the same uniform as theirs, her short hair styled in a sharp bob that framed her haughty expression. She leaned back in her chair with a designer bag perched casually on her lap, clearly unimpressed by the company.
The other girl had soft features, a petite frame, and wore a different school uniform. Her shy demeanor was amplified by the way she fiddled nervously with the edge of her pleated skirt. She looked entirely out of place.
"Well, this is unexpected," Yang Qinru muttered under her breath, shooting Wang Ye a questioning look.
"They're friends of Lin Yu's," Wang Ye explained with a shrug. "The haughty one is Jiang Mian, the third place on the exam rankings. The cute one? No idea."
"Figures," Yang Qinru said, her voice laced with sarcasm.
"Qinru!" the haughty girl greeted, though her tone lacked warmth. She glanced at Wang Ye and gave a faint nod. "I see you've brought him along."
"Jiang Mian," Yang Qinru replied coolly, pulling out a chair and sitting across from her. She didn't bother greeting the other girl, who shrank slightly under her gaze.
Wang Ye, on the other hand, was his usual carefree self.
He flopped into the seat beside Yang Qinru, flashing a grin at the shy girl. "Hey there, you new to our little gathering?"
The tension was palpable, but the smaller girl quickly intervened, standing up and bowing slightly. "Hello, I'm Lin Fei," she said softly. "I'm Lin Yu's cousin. It's nice to meet you."
Yang Qinru's sharp demeanor softened slightly at the girl's politeness. "Yang Qinru," she said simply, taking a seat across from Jiang Mian.
Wang Ye raised an eyebrow but didn't press further.
Yang Qinru leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers on the table. "Where's Lin Yu? If he doesn't show up soon, I'm leaving."
As if on cue, the low rumble of a powerful engine echoed through the air. The group turned toward the large windows overlooking the parking lot just as a sleek red sports car pulled in, its tires coming to a smooth stop.
The car's polished exterior gleamed under the evening lights, drawing the attention of nearby diners.
"Speak of the devil," Wang Ye muttered, a grin playing on his lips.
Lin Yu stepped out of the car, exuding confidence.
Within moments, he was at their table, pulling out a chair with a flourish.
His tailored blazer and casual smirk made it clear that he was used to being the center of attention.
"Always making an entrance," Yang Qinru said dryly as he entered the room.
"Of course," Lin Yu replied smoothly, his gaze sweeping over the group. "I wouldn't want to disappoint."
"Hope I didn't keep you all waiting too long," he said, his tone light.
"Just long enough," Yang Qinru replied, crossing her arms.
Lin Yu chuckled, unbothered by her sharpness. "Well, aren't we feisty tonight?" His gaze shifted to Jiang Mian and Lin Fei. "I see you've met my lovely guests."
"Guests, huh?" Wang Ye teased. "You mean your entourage."
"Call it what you want," Lin Yu said, shrugging
He took the seat at the head of the table, casually tossing his keys onto the surface. "I hope you all ordered something good. This meal's on me, after all."
"We haven't ordered yet." Wang Ye said.
He motioned to a waiter standing by. "Let's order. I'm starving."
"You're late," Jiang Mian said, her voice carrying a slight edge.
"And yet, I'm still the one paying," Lin Yu retorted with a wink, making Jiang Mian scowl.
The tension in the room was palpable as the group settled into conversation.
Yang Qinru stayed quiet, observing the dynamics between the others.
Wang Ye, as usual, broke the ice. "So, Lin Yu, what's the occasion? You're not exactly known for your generosity."
Lin Yu smirked. "Do I need a reason to treat my friends?"
"Yes," Yang Qinru and Jiang Mian said simultaneously, making Wang Ye burst into laughter.
Lin Yu's smirk widened. "Fine. Consider it a celebration. I'm back from two years overseas, and it's about time I reminded you all why I'm the best."
The group exchanged skeptical glances, but the lighthearted banter continued.
As the dishes began arriving, the atmosphere gradually relaxed. Plates of perfectly cooked steak, delicate seafood dishes, and an array of sides were placed on the table, their tantalizing aromas filling the air.
Yang Qinru picked at her food, half-listening to the conversation.
Lin Yu's charm had Jiang Mian smiling, though her haughty air remained intact, while Lin Fei quietly joined in, her soft voice barely audible over the clinking of cutlery.
"Enjoying the meal, Qinru?" Lin Yu asked, breaking her train of thought.
She met his gaze, her lips curving into a faint smile. "It's tolerable," she said, her tone teasing.
Lin Yu chuckled. "I missed this. Things were boring without you around."
Yang Qinru's smile didn't reach her eyes.
'Boring?'
If only he knew what she had
endured in his absence.
"So, Qinru," Lin Yu said suddenly, turning his attention to her. "I hear you've been making waves again. Perfect score on the exam? Impressive."
She looked up, her expression unreadable. "I'm just doing what I've always done."
"And stealing my spotlight while you're at it," Wang Ye added with a laugh.
"Didn't know you had a spotlight to begin with," she quipped, earning a round of laughter from the table
Lin Yu leaned back in his chair, his smirk widening. "This should be fun. With all of us back in the mix, things are bound to get interesting."
Yang Qinru raised her glass of water in a mock toast. "To 'interesting,' then."
But as the glasses clinked and laughter filled the room.