Dinner Troubles

On the way home from the company, Shen Tong kept thinking about the issue. How could she find the perfect dress she had in mind? While she was feeling frustrated, Liang Xiaoyuan called.

"Are you free tonight? Last time I wanted to take you out to dinner, but you were too busy. You can't be busy again, can you?" Liang Xiaoyuan's deep, gentle voice echoed in Shen Tong's ears.

Shen Tong wasn't really in the mood for dinner, but she knew that stressing out alone wouldn't solve anything. Since Liang Xiaoyuan called, she might as well ask for his advice. After all, he was well-connected and knowledgeable.

"Alright, let's have dinner tonight. But you're treating!" Shen Tong replied with a laugh, her voice like silver bells, making Liang Xiaoyuan's heart race.

They set a time and place. When the time came, Shen Tong arrived at the restaurant Liang Xiaoyuan had mentioned. As soon as she entered, she was enveloped by a rich, foreign atmosphere, the romantic and mysterious ambiance reminding her of her days in England.

Those days seemed so long ago. Despite the hardships, they were filled with unique memories. But before she could dwell on it, she heard Liang Xiaoyuan's voice. He had arrived early and was waiting for her.

Shen Tong walked over and sat across from Liang Xiaoyuan.

"Why are you here so early?" she asked, seeing his joyful expression.

Seeing Liang Xiaoyuan so happy, Shen Tong couldn't resist teasing him. "Wow hungry huh, I came early so I could get more to eat out of you. But why are you here before me? What's your excuse?"

Liang Xiaoyuan nodded. "I was hungry. Since we're both starving, let's order. Waiter!"

In truth, Liang Xiaoyuan had arrived early because he was eager to see Shen Tong. Since she went to Korea, they hadn't seen each other for a while. Now that they finally had a chance to dine together, it felt sweeter than honey to him.

But of course, he couldn't tell Shen Tong this. Calling the waiter quickly helped him hide his inner embarrassment, though his red ears still gave him away.

After ordering, Shen Tong used the waiting time to tell Liang Xiaoyuan about Chen Xiaoyong's upcoming red carpet event.

"I already know about that. Walking the red carpet is great; it should help her popularity," Liang Xiaoyuan said, nodding.

"I know, but I have a serious problem!" Shen Tong said, looking at him with a pitiful expression, as if a disaster was looming over her.

"Problem? It's not you walking the red carpet, so what's your problem?" Liang Xiaoyuan was puzzled.

"It's about the dress. You know how important it is to make an impression on the red carpet. If Chen Xiaoyong can raise her profile, it will be crucial for her future. But I can't find a beautiful and exquisite dress," Shen Tong confided in Liang Xiaoyuan.

"If you want a unique dress, why not have one custom-made by a designer? That way, it'll be one of a kind," Liang Xiaoyuan suggested.

This was a good idea, and Shen Tong had considered it. But the problem was time. With less than a week before the event, there wasn't enough time to have a dress made by a top designer in Paris and shipped to China. And domestic designers didn't match up to the quality needed for the red carpet. That's why she had dismissed the idea.

Shen Tong shared her concerns with Liang Xiaoyuan, who just smiled and asked innocently, "Who says we don't have designers in China that can rival those in Paris? Our country is vast and resourceful; surely we have talented designers too."

Shen Tong was surprised. Could it be that she was too inexperienced? Which Chinese designer could match the skills of a Parisian one?

Seeing Shen Tong's skeptical expression, Liang Xiaoyuan found it both amusing and exasperating. Did this girl think so little of his credibility? He was Liang Xiaoyuan, after all. Only Shen Tong would treat him like an ordinary person.

"After dinner, I'll take you there. It's not a place just anyone can find, and not everyone can persuade her to take on a project," Liang Xiaoyuan said.

Shen Tong's curiosity was piqued by Liang Xiaoyuan's mysterious air, though she kept it to herself to avoid boosting his ego. Unknowingly, she began eating faster.

Watching this, Liang Xiaoyuan found her adorable. Despite her flaws, her occasional cuteness was even more precious and made him want to hold her and comfort her.

They finished their meal quickly, and on the car ride, Shen Tong couldn't contain her curiosity. "What's so secretive about this place? I've lived here for so long and never heard of it."

Seeing Shen Tong's curiosity, Liang Xiaoyuan couldn't help but feel amused and charmed. This girl's antics made his heart itch.

"Alright, no more suspense. I'm taking you to meet Auntie Li. We're on our way to her house now," Liang Xiaoyuan said gently.

"Auntie Li? But if she's retired, why are we going to her house? Was she a designer before?" Shen Tong voiced her thoughts.

"Looks like you're getting smarter. Yes, she used to be in this line of work," Liang Xiaoyuan replied with a smile.