4

Although it's great to be able to enjoy a free meal, when I actually saw how much effort Yuwen Ye put into preparing for this dinner, I couldn't help but feel speechless.

Is this how complicated it is for superstars to have a meal? It's just a simple dinner; why does he have to dress up like he's about to go blow up a car?

Look at those oversized sunglasses that could practically be used as swimming goggles. I seriously suspect they were custom-made. And that huge mask—can anyone even breathe with it on? Sure, the HN virus is rampant right now, but dressing like this seems even more likely to attract attention!

As I walked through the bustling streets in the evening, I felt embarrassed looking at the person in front of me. I really didn't know if he was intentionally trying to draw attention. The strange looks from passersby made me want to lower my head, wishing I could attach a sign to my back that said, "Sorry, I don't know that person in front of me." I couldn't believe how brave he was to endure all those curious gazes.

"We've arrived." Gongben suddenly spoke up beside me.

At his words, I looked up and saw a building that resembled an ancient French castle. I never expected to find such a place in this city. From the outside, it appeared to be two or three stories tall. The deep blue structure paired with the pure white roof made one think of the phrase "Castle in the Sky."

Following Gongben Han and Yuwen Ye, we approached the castle's grand entrance. Just as we stood before the door, the large, deep blue wooden door slowly opened.

On either side of the entrance stood waitstaff in tuxedos, respectfully waiting as if to welcome a prince's return. As we walked into the castle, the attendants positioned themselves with their right hands on their left shoulders, slightly bowing in a gesture of respect.

"Welcome to the Danube River Restaurant," they said in unison. From deep within the castle, the elegant sound of a violin accompanied by the faint sound of water drifted towards us.

The Danube River Restaurant? What a romantic name! I perked up my ears to listen to the sound of splashing water while taking in the restaurant's luxurious decor and elegant atmosphere. I couldn't help but wonder if the owner had actually installed a river inside. So, as I entered the restaurant, I couldn't resist looking around in search of the river. Finally, in one corner, I spotted a carefully crafted little pond with a miniature fountain, which I assumed was the source of the water sounds. Even if it wasn't a real river, it was clear how exquisite the decor was.

However, my behavior seemed to attract disdain from those around me.

After all, who would walk around a high-end restaurant looking around like that? If someone did, they'd probably be seen as an unsophisticated bumpkin!

We were led by a waiter into a room called "Volga."

With a creaking sound, the wooden door opened.

The first thing that caught my eye was a long rectangular oak dining table. A long, intricately patterned runner extended down the center of the table, adorned with a bouquet of flowers whose name I couldn't quite recall. There was a faint fragrance in the air, presumably coming from that flower arrangement. Surrounding the table were four sets of metallic cutlery, glinting under the dazzling light of the enormous crystal chandelier.

This room is so luxurious, but when you step inside, the first thing you notice isn't the opulence of the surroundings. It's... a person within this room who shines even brighter than all this grandeur.

Yes, that person, like a diamond sparkling in the light. Is she a fairy descended from heaven? She seems like a goddess. Her doll-like golden hair cascades gracefully to her shoulders. Her large eyes shine with a beautiful blue, reminiscent of crystal-clear water. A delicate nose adorned with a pale pink diamond sparkles under the light. Her rosy, petite lips naturally pucker in a way that exudes an inherent cuteness. Such exquisite features, combined with her fair skin that looks as pure as snow, leave me marveling at why the world can have such perfection. It's almost unbelievable how beautiful she is.

However, as I gaze at this stunning figure, I can't shake off this strange sense of familiarity.

Could it be that she is my long-lost half-sister?

...

Such a cliché scenario couldn't possibly happen to an ordinary person like me, right? So where could I have seen this person before?

I activated my mental search system for familiar faces; if I truly knew someone this attractive, I should have some vivid memories of her! Yet, looking at her, my mind draws a blank—only this nagging feeling of recognition persists… Finally, I managed to dig up a memory linked to this breathtaking beauty. I recalled that I once helped with a promotional event for a major cosmetics brand, and the woman on the advertisement for that brand looked exactly like her! Back then, I thought she was just a painted image, not realizing she was real.

"An An." Just as I stood there in shock, trying to process the sight before me, the person beside me, Gongben Han, called my name, prompting me to look up at him.

Inadvertently, I met his concerned gaze.

"I… um, I'm hungry." I should have said something more substantial, but in the face of his caring expression, I could only use this silly excuse to explain my daze.

"And this is…?" Just as Gongben Han showed a hint of surprise at my words, the stunning girl spoke up.

I glanced at her, clearly noting that her attention was directed at me. Even more apparent was the lack of friendliness in her gaze.

"I'm her assistant!" Yuwen Ye interjected impatiently, pulling out a chair for the beautiful girl.

If my memory serves me right, this should be our first meeting, right? Why does she seem to harbor such animosity towards me? Could it be the age-old saying that women are rivals?

Feeling confused, I made my way to one side of the dining table. I watched as Yuwen Ye settled comfortably into her seat, while Gongben Han thoughtfully pulled out a chair for me, his graceful movements reminiscent of a gentleman from a television drama.

"Thank you." I probably won't find myself in a place like this often in my life, so I might as well enjoy it!

I sat down elegantly. However, just as I took my seat, I could feel the fierce gaze of the beautiful girl cutting through me once more.

Is it just my imagination? Why do I feel like she's directing a strong hostility toward me? If looks could kill, I might have already been "murdered" by her multiple times over!

"I'm not sure if an assistant is allowed to join us for dinner?" Just as I settled into my seat, I heard the girl across from me speak with a sneer.

Was she deliberately provoking me? We have the Labor Law now, for goodness' sake, and even if I am an assistant, I still have the right to eat, right?

I shot an angry glare at the smug young lady. What had initially seemed like a delicate face became utterly distasteful in that moment of disdainful expression. I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of aversion.

"She's not just an assistant; she has another identity!" Suddenly, the guy sitting next to her, Yuwen Ye, piped up, clearly excited by his own words.

"What?" The girl asked, her eyes still fixed on me. It was obvious what she was thinking—what special identity could someone like me possibly have?

Her contemptuous gaze made my blood boil. Had I done something to her? Why the attitude? As if that wasn't enough, she seemed to want to sharpen her stare even more—"She's actually Gongben's girlfriend! In other words, the future Mrs. Gongben!" Yuwen Ye exclaimed, flailing his arms around.

What on earth was he so excited about? Honestly, I felt an urge to punch him for his antics!

As for the title "Mrs. Gongben," I didn't even know how to react. First of all, I had no real relationship with Gongben Han; secondly, even if there were some connection, calling me "Mrs. Gongben" was way over the top!

"Is that true, Sir?" Upon hearing Yuwen Ye's words, the girl who had been sneering at me suddenly became animated, practically leaping up in excitement.

Honestly, I couldn't understand it. I hadn't even commented on my relationship with Gongben Han, yet she seemed so dissatisfied! Seeing her so animated made me briefly think that the person called "Mrs. Gongben" was her!

Compared to my confusion, Gongben Han, sitting beside me, looked even less pleased. His handsome brows were furrowed, and his lips were tightly pressed, showing no intention of responding to the beautiful girl's question.

Was he implying "not denying" or "not admitting" with this expression?

Today's dinner gathering was truly strange—an overly excited Yuwen Ye, an agitated pretty girl, and a visibly displeased Gongben Han. What exactly was going on? I felt utterly lost.

"Dear guest, your order has arrived." Just as the atmosphere became increasingly awkward, a waiter wheeled over a cart adorned with white lace.

On the cart sat an expensive-looking red wine, its bottle encased in ice. Beside it, on a white plate, was a dish of fresh asparagus paired with some unidentifiable meat, making my mouth water.

The waiter expertly placed the white plate before me, setting it down my utensils, carefully separating the knife and fork.

This was my first time dining in such a restaurant. Though I had worked in a Western restaurant before, it was only washing dishes in the back. I never imagined I'd find myself here one day. I was beyond excited!

Excited as I was, seeing such an exquisite dish made me think… how on earth am I supposed to eat this? People say you don't know what you're missing until you try it, but I had never even seen such high-end Western cuisine before.

For instance, I had read about how to use the cutlery, but without any practical experience… well, let's just say I felt a bit out of my depth.

I glanced at the pretty girl across from me, hoping to mimic how she might eat. Unfortunately, she seemed completely uninterested in eating, still immersed in the earlier topic of whether I was indeed Mrs. Gongben. What a persistent person!

But if she cared so much about my relationship with Gongben Han, did that mean she had feelings for him? The thought made me involuntarily turn to look at Gongben Han, who was focused on cutting his food.

Based on my years of experience, this girl must like Gongben Han, which was why she was so concerned about our relationship. If that was the case, should I clarify my relationship with her?

I looked atGongben Han's profile, pondering why he appeared so indifferent. Compared to the way we used to interact, he seemed to have developed a sense of distance between us. Not exactly a gap, but it felt like many of his thoughts were beyond my understanding. For instance, his calm expression—did it mean he wasn't interested in the beautiful girl? Was that why he didn't refute Yuwen Ye calling me "Gongben's sister"?

But if he was using me as a shield, then why didn't he deny Yuwen Ye saying we were in a romantic relationship when we were at Yuwen's house?

Ah, this is so complicated! I supported my forehead with my hand, trying to divert my gaze. I couldn't think about this anymore; my head was about to explode. Just as I was about to look away from Gongben Han, he suddenly turned his gaze from the food to me. By accident, our eyes met, and I became flustered.

Out of nowhere, a smile appeared on Gongben Han's usually expressionless face.

I stared blankly at his smile, feeling like everything I had seen moments ago was just an illusion. This person I grew up with should always be warm and kind, right? That distant expression must have been my imagination… While I pondered these vague thoughts about Gongben Han, he raised his hand and moved the food in front of him to my side, placing the dish he had before right in front of himself.

Surprised, I looked down, and when my gaze returned to the plate, I noticed that the large chunks of meat had been carefully cut into small squares, just the right size for a single bite.

Gongben Han actually prepared the meat for me! All I had to do was use my fork to eat.

"Thank you." My face felt a little hot as I whispered my gratitude, unsure if he heard me. However, I believed he could sense my appreciative gaze because I noticed his smile broadening as he looked at me.

I wasn't quite sure what his smile meant, but I clearly understood that my own smile was due to finally being able to dig into the delicious food.

And just as I picked up my fork, ready to feast on my meal… "Bang!" A loud metallic clash echoed throughout the room.

I lifted my head, searching for the source of the noise, and saw the beautiful girl slamming her knife and fork onto her plate, causing the loud sound.

She was agitated again. So, who said that beautiful girls always look elegant even when they're angry? Why did this girl, who was like a fairy, look so fierce when she was upset?

"Disgusting! Are you two putting on a show? Yuwen Ye, did you invite me here just to watch this?" Her voice, tone, and dramatic gestures expressed her anger to the fullest extent.

"Ruoruo, please calm down. I invited you here to talk!" Yuwen Ye said with a pitiful expression beside her.

Why does that pitiful face look so familiar? It reminded me of this morning, but somehow different—though I couldn't pinpoint how. I just knew that looking at him made me want to reach out and pat his head. Why was I having such thoughts? I had no idea, but Yuwen Ye really looked like a neglected puppy right now.

"Enough! I'm not eating anymore; I'm leaving." But the situation didn't improve despite Yuwen Ye's sad demeanor. After her cold words, the girl tossed her napkin aside and strode out.

Watching her retreating figure, I couldn't help but compare it to those melodramatic movies where the female lead gets abandoned by the male lead or vice versa.

Suddenly, I saw Yuwen Ye, who had been sitting there looking silly, stand up sharply and chase after the figure that had just disappeared through the door. In that brief moment, I clearly saw the worried expression on his face. It seemed like it was the first time I had ever seen such a serious look on this guy's face since I met him!

This serious expression made me unable to help but glance more at the figure that had run out. However, when that figure reached the restaurant entrance, it suddenly stopped.

"Bro, you should go," he turned around abruptly, forcing a smile that looked very forced.

That smile was so strained that it almost broke my heart to see it.

"I..."Gongben Han clearly felt a bit frustrated. It was obvious from Yuwen Ye's expression that he didn't want him to go. If it were me, I probably wouldn't know what to do either.

"Please, there are too many paparazzi outside; I can't chase him," Yuwen Ye's voice seemed to tremble slightly.

Because of Yuwen Ye's trembling and his pale face, I nearly forgot to breathe for a moment.

Gongben Han, who had been sitting beside me, stood up and walked toward the door.

As he passed by Yuwen Ye, his body seemed to pause for a moment. He seemed afraid that Yuwen Ye might change his mind, and I thought that if Yuwen Ye did have second thoughts and decided to chase after him,Gongben Han would definitely choose to stay put.

But Yuwen Ye just lowered his head, concealing his expression from everyone, until Gongben Han walked out.

"Are you okay?" I asked Yuwen Ye, who looked so sad, in the almost silent room where we could hear each other's breathing.

From the look on his face, it was clear he was anything but "okay."

"I..." He seemed like he wanted to say he was fine, but perhaps he realized that saying that with such an expression was utterly unconvincing, so he fell silent.

At that moment, in this strange situation, I genuinely didn't know what to say.

Because, truth be told, I had no experience in these matters. After all, I had poured all my time into working, and in my past life, nothing related to "love" had ever appeared. It's somewhat sad to admit, but my romantic life was as pristine as a brand-new A4 sheet of paper. Moreover, I really couldn't understand what was so good about love. Even though artists portray love as beautiful and noble, at its core, love is just a behavior triggered by hormones in humans during specific periods for the purpose of reproduction. I've heard that even the longest-lasting relationships in the world last no more than a year and two months, and couples continue their relationship mainly out of habit. So, for me, getting involved in romance seemed like a terrible deal—wasting both money and energy. Holding onto this mindset, I wasn't particularly interested in anyone else's love life.

But…

"I've tried really hard, but she still doesn't seem to like me. What should I do?" He kept his head down, making it hard for me to see his expression, but the deep disappointment in his voice allowed me, someone who had always held a negative view on romance, to deeply empathize with his sadness, leading to an inexplicable heartache for me.

He really likes that pretty girl, doesn't he? Suddenly, I understood why he seemed so excited when he mentioned my relationship with Gongben Han today. He probably thinks that if I end up with Gongben Han, the girl who originally liked him would then like him instead, right? But how can matters of the heart be that simple? I really don't know whether to call him foolish or something else.

"Well... what can you do about feelings? Even if there is a way, asking me, a total novice in love, how could I possibly know?" I was curious about what he liked about that pretty girl. After all, aside from her looks, it seemed like there wasn't much about her worth liking.

"She's my goddess!" As soon as I asked my question, the guy who was previously downcast suddenly became spirited and excited.

What? A goddess? I'm still waiting for Venus! This is just nonsense! My skin crawled at the thought. From that girl's behavior earlier, it was clear how terrible her personality was, and yet Yuwen Ye could still call her a "goddess"? Could it be that he's blind to her true nature just because she's pretty? It seems that attractive girls really have an advantage in this regard. Thinking of this, the sympathy I had for him vanished in an instant.

Once my sympathy disappeared, some ideas flashed into my mind.

Someone like Yuwen Ye, a big star, once he has a girlfriend, that topic would definitely be the ultimate resource for major entertainment magazines. If I sold this scoop to a magazine, who knows what could happen… Hehehe…

Just as I was getting excited over this brilliant idea that popped into my head, Yuwen Ye suddenly leaned his incredibly handsome face close to mine.

I was taken aback by the sudden close-up of his gorgeous face. Did he notice my wicked thoughts? Why was he staring at me like that?

"You must know, right?" His crystal-clear eyes were looking straight at me, and they were so close that I could clearly see my own flustered expression reflected in his pupils.

"W-what do you mean?" Staring into his clear eyes made me nervous, and in my anxiety, I couldn't help but stutter.

"Like, how to pursue someone! You must have been the one to chase after Gongben, right? Someone as cold as Gongben wouldn't initiate a pursuit, so it must have been you who took the lead for you two to end up together!" On his face, there was no trace of sadness at all anymore.

I was instantly speechless.

"We…" I really wanted to tell him that I actually didn't have anything going on with Gongben. But since I hadn't denied it the last couple of times, wouldn't it be a bit strange to deny it now?

"Please teach me! Teach me how to pursue someone. If you could turn that iceberg Gongben into your boyfriend, you must have some expertise in this area!" Before I could respond, he shook me excitedly, his mouth never stopping.

What's wrong with this guy? Can't he say anything properly? Being shaken like this was making me feel like I'd fall apart. However, even while being jostled around, my money-hungry brain kept working.

Instead of selling today's incident to an entertainment magazine, I thought of an even more lucrative plan.

"Cough cough... I can help, but I have a condition." A mysterious smile played on my lips as I spoke to him in a deliberately profound tone.

"What condition?" His expression showed that he was taken aback. It was clear he hadn't expected me to propose any conditions at all. Was this guy really that naive? Nothing in this world comes without a price, right?

"Well..." I elongated my voice, intentionally keeping him in suspense.

"Come on, just tell me already!" I couldn't help but feel amused as I watched him anxiously bouncing around, clearly flustered after trying to pull the wool over my eyes earlier that morning.

"If I help you win over that girl, it'll cost you 300,000." I stated my demand plainly and directly.

After hearing this, he let out a long sigh of relief—he seemed to be reassured. Was he really that tense just now? Did he think I would ask for something outrageous?

"OK! It's a deal." He said seriously as he extended his pinky finger towards me.

Seeing his earnest expression, I felt like there must be a ton of black lines on my forehead at that moment. What planet did this guy come from? It's the modern age, and he's still playing that old pinky swear game? I was annoyed as I looked at him, suppressing the urge to laugh, and reluctantly hooked my pinky with his.

Alright, while the pinky swear seemed incredibly childish—so much so that I found it hard to take seriously—I couldn't help but smile when our fingers touched. In that moment, I saw countless bills raining down from the sky, paving the golden road to my dream of attending the prestigious Blue Ribbon Pastry Academy.