CHAPTER 11

Li Qi knew who Su Xi was, but she probably hadn't interacted with him before. Additionally, she was angry about being blocked, so her reaction was half a beat slow.

The evidence is that although she asked who the other person was, she immediately showed fear. If she didn't know who Su Xi was, Li Qi would not have been so afraid of him.

In fact, there's another clue: I may be the only one at school who just met Su Xi, while everyone else already knows him.

Su Xi let go of Li Qi's wrist after stopping her. Then, he stood up straight and walked past her, positioning himself between us as if to protect me.

Su Xi stood in front of me protectively. He looked at me to make sure I was okay, then focused on Li Qi.

"Miss Li Qi, you should pay the reservation fee for Carlos Restaurant yourself. The restaurant doesn't want to host you," he said calmly but firmly.

Hearing this, she gritted her teeth and said. "As far as I know, Carlos Restaurant is not owned by the Su family, right? Why do you care about me?"

Although Li Qi's family background is far different from Su Xi's, the two families have no business dealings, let alone any shared interests. So, while Li Qi was initially a little scared due to Su Xi's commanding presence, she recovered quickly.

Su Xi suddenly smiled, but even his smile made people feel a little chilled inside."What a coincidence, I just bought Carlos Restaurant yesterday."

Li Qi looked worried.

With the capital of the Su family, buying Carlos Restaurant is just a trivial matter, but the Su family probably won't take it seriously if it can't support the investment. What could be the purpose of the acquisition? But considering Su Xi's personality, there should be no joking in his words.

At this moment, I suddenly remembered that Su Xi said yesterday that he would treat guests to a French restaurant. I was shocked but couldn't believe it was for me. I thought maybe Su Xi had other reasons, or perhaps this Carlos Restaurant was another place entirely.

I don't care why Su Xi bought the restaurant or what kind of restaurant Carlos is. As long as Su Xi doesn't mention buying it for me in front of everyone, I'm okay with it.

After I finished thinking, Su Xi ignored Li Qi and turned to me. He said, "It's the perfect time. Let's go to Carlos for dinner. Let's not waste the restaurant we worked hard to get for you."

I suddenly felt a rush of blood to my head.

Before I could do anything, Su Xi handled it on his own.

"Does your family pay for the guests at the restaurant." I said, trying to hide my annoyance.

Su Xi looked at me innocently, looking confused. "Do I need to wait in line at the restaurant?" He asked, genuinely puzzled. "You don't have to wait, and that restaurant is really affordable."

I think Li Qi already knows what's going on, but he just can't believe it yet.

In Chen Li's book "Basic Science Popularization," it was well known that at our university, the most popular boys were Hua Zhe and Su Xi. They were both admired, but for very different reasons. Hua Zhe's friendly charm made him loved by many, while Su Xi's distant attitude nade him mystery and unapproachability that only made him more attractive. Even though they were equally popular, those who liked Su Xi often admired him from afar, too scared to approach him.

It wasn't surprising that Li Qi was surprised that Su Xi would go to such lengths for me. Even I found it hard to understand.

Su Xi's comment about the restaurant being inexpensive was probably only true from his privileged point of view.

Suddenly, Su Xi grabbed my wrist. It surprised me, and I pulled back instinctively. "Why are you suddenly grabbing me?" I asked, trying to move away.

He held me tightly, saying. "I need to keep hold of you, or you'll leave, right?"

I felt like anyone smart would try to get away from this.

It felt like Su Xi could understand what I was thinking. Being near him was getting more and more awkward, like being too close to a fire. Even my tomboy label didn't make a difference; I was much weaker than him. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't escape. In under thirty seconds, I was forcefully pushed into his car.

With the automatic locking function of this luxury business car, I couldn't get out on my own once I was inside.

As I was forced into the car, I cried out for help, my voice filled with desperation. "Help! Someone, help me! He's taking me away!" But no one came to my rescue.

Now stuck in Su Xi's fancy car, my heart raced as I considered my limited choices. The truth of my vulnerability sank in quickly.

Most people are scared of Su Xi's power. Even those who value fairness are careful, knowing how influential he is. Who is watching us doesn't know that Su Xi has been waiting outside the dormitory for hours? Just his presence alone can stop anyone from trying to be a hero. And why would a rich family like his even bother about my little money or my unimportant life?

After I got in the car, I heard Su Xi explain that he had been parked outside the girls' dormitory since noon, right after classes. He only came out of his car when he saw Li Qi and me arguing at the entrance. Anyone with a sense of fairness probably understood that Su Xi wasn't there to harm me. Him stepping in to protect me only confirmed that belief.

Su Xi said he invited me to dinner, but in reality, he completely forced me to accompany him, which was almost the same as kidnapping.

By the time we arrived at Carlos Restaurant, it was packed with people as expected. Su Xi's acquisition did not seem to affect its normal business.

However, because it operates on a reservation system, no matter how many people there are, there will always be seats available, and there will be no waiting or queuing.

Su Xi effortlessly arranged a private room for us with his presence alone, without needing to say much. The staff quickly guided us to the room as we entered. He casually mentioned that this private room would be his usual spot from now on. He kindly invited me to visit anytime, as he owned the restaurant and there would be no charge for me.

Our table was full of fancy and expensive dishes like lobster, caviar, foie gras, puffer fish, and oysters. It was clear that this meal was very pricey, way beyond what an average student could afford.

I couldn't help but express my worry. "Are you going to make me pay for this lavish meal on top of my debt?"

Su Xi leaned back in his chair, a slight, mocking smile on his face. "I did think about it." He confessed. "But as I mentioned, I own this place now. This meal doesn't cost me anything, so don't worry, your debt won't increase because of it."

I felt relieved. When I went to grab the chopsticks, I realized there weren't any. Instead, there were shiny, unfamiliar utensils in front of me. I had forgotten we were having French cuisine, so we needed a knife and fork.

Just as I was about to figure out the utensils, Su Xi spoke up. "If you need help." he said softly. "I can show you."

Before I could say anything, he got up from his seat. He came over to me, held my hands, and helped me with the knife and fork. His touch was gentle yet reassuring, and he showed me how to use them properly.

His unexpected kindness left me speechless for a moment. It was difficult to understand this caring side of him with his usual cold and powerful aura. His closeness to me was intense, but I couldn't ignore the genuine sincerity in his gestures.

As Su Xi led the way, he spoke softly, saying. "Don't stress about anything tonight. Simply enjoy the meal."