Just as they left the restaurant, Zhao Xie grumbled, "How could your classmate choose such a boyfriend? It's like a rose planted in cow dung."
"Why not introduce her to Master Ouyang tonight?" Xu Yaying suggested mischievously. She knew exactly what kind of person Ouyang was—no stranger to leading astray numerous decent women. Her motive for wanting to introduce Lin Rourou to him was merely to relish the spectacle of Rourou being discarded by Ouyang later.
Understanding Xu Yaying's implication, Zhao Xie smirked, pinched her cheek gently, and said, "You're wicked, but I like it. If we could really get your classmate into Ouyang's bed, it would be very beneficial for us."
The pair exchanged a knowing smile, truly a match made in not-so-heavenly circumstances.
Watching Xu Yaying and Zhao Xie depart, Ye Qian remarked casually, "It seems your classmate doesn't like you very much."
Lin Rourou replied with a sly smile, "I know, she just wants to see me fail. But she's going to be disappointed. Who I choose to befriend is my choice, and what does it matter if her boyfriend is powerful and influential?"
Ye Qian was taken aback for a moment, then laughed heartily, realizing he had underestimated Lin Rourou's cleverness.
After finishing their dinner and preparing to pay and leave, a woman approached them. Coming up to Ye Qian, she looked at him intently, her voice trembling with excitement, "My benefactor, is it really you?" It was none other than Ji Mengqing, the owner of the Romantic restaurant, who had been observing Ye Qian from her office. Seeing that he was about to leave, she couldn't wait any longer and approached him directly, fearing she might lose this chance to meet him again.
Lin Rourou looked curiously between Ji Mengqing and Ye Qian, puzzled by Ji Mengqing's sudden reference to Ye Qian as her "benefactor." Could it be that Ye Qian had once saved her?
Ye Qian was equally astonished, looking at the woman in front of him and asking, "Do I know you?"
"My benefactor, don't you remember? In country F, I would have died a foreigner's death if not for you. I will never forget your kindness for as long as I live," Ji Mengqing earnestly stated.
Ye Qian scrutinized Ji Mengqing, trying hard to recall, and felt she looked somewhat familiar. Ah, he had indeed gone to country F on a request to rescue a businessman's daughter from arms dealers. When Ye Qian and his Wolftooth team decisively eliminated the arms dealers, they rescued several hostages, including Ji Mengqing. Seeing that she was also from Huaxia, he didn't ask her family to pay a ransom unlike with other hostages but instead gave her some money to return home.
Ye Qian wasn't one to make a losing deal; rescuing so many hostages warranted compensation from their families. When the families learned their loved ones were safe, they happily deposited money into his account without hesitation.
Regarding Ji Mengqing, he initially considered asking her family for ransom, but upon learning she had only a young daughter, Ye Qian softened and not only didn't take her money but also gave her some, enabling her to return home and start the restaurant. With her efforts, the restaurant had begun to flourish, yet she vividly remembered who facilitated her new life. Without Ye Qian, she wouldn't be leading this life; she could have died abroad, leaving her young daughter an orphan.
"Oh, I remember now. You don't have to call me benefactor; it sounds too formal. Just call me Ye Qian," he chuckled.
"Mr. Ye, ever since I returned, I've been trying to find a way to repay you, but I couldn't find any information about you. If I hadn't met you here today, I don't know when I would have had the chance," Ji Mengqing expressed.
Ye Qian thought to himself that it was no wonder she couldn't find him—many national leaders couldn't reach him easily, let alone her. Smiling lightly, he responded, "No need to be so formal; it was merely a coincidence."
"Even if it was a coincidence, you definitely saved my life. Mr. Ye, if possible, I'd like to treat you to a meal to repay you for saving my life that day. Please accept, or I'll never be at peace," Ji Mengqing insisted.
Ye Qian replied, "Alright, I'll come when I have the time."
"How can I contact you?" Ji Mengqing asked eagerly.
Ye Qian paused for a moment, then said, "I'll give you my mobile number; just call me when the time comes." After giving her his number, Ji Mengqing carefully noted it down. Ye Qian then added, "I have another engagement tonight, but we'll talk another time. Waiter!" he called out as he waved for the server.
"Mr. Ye, no need to worry about the bill; this meal is on me," Ji Mengqing quickly intervened.
"Hmm?" Ye Qian hesitated, saying, "Are you sure? I feel a bit uneasy accepting this."
Ji Mengqing smiled slightly, "This restaurant is mine, so it's no trouble at all to cover your meal. Please don't refuse."
Ye Qian, a bit taken aback, then laughed softly, "Well then, I won't be polite." Not being one to make a fuss, Ye Qian gladly accepted her offer, especially since Ji Mengqing was now financially capable.
After bidding farewell to Ji Mengqing, Ye Qian took Lin Rourou by the hand and they left. Watching Ye Qian's departing figure, Ji Mengqing stood frozen in place. Although she didn't understand why Ye Qian dressed so plainly and drove just an ordinary Honda, she assumed it was because of his down-to-earth and humble nature. After all, could a man who casually handed out half a million to a stranger be poor?