21: Chapter 21 Dating

Her phone vibrated on the table. Liu Yanran, still in her office, pulled her gaze away from the computer screen.

She glanced at it; it was a message from Qiao Yichen.

The timing was precise, right as she finished her last email and was about to shut down for the day.

“I’ll go home and change first. Seven o’clock, Yunjian Restaurant, I’ve booked a table. I heard their new seasonal set menu has good reviews. After dinner, we can go to that bar you mentioned; it’s just a short walk.”

Liu Yanran looked at the lines of text, her fingertips gently caressing the cool side of her phone.

A slight smile touched her lips. When she replied, her thumb typed out the response without hesitation.

“Okay. See you later.”

After replying, she leaned back in her chair, staring blankly at the city lights gradually illuminating outside the window for a while.

Then she snapped back to reality.

She had finished her work. She then shut down her computer, picked up her handbag and coat, and left the office.

Qiao Yichen looked at her reply, a flicker of joy passing through his heart. He suppressed his surging emotions and hurried back to his rented apartment.

...

At 6:50 PM, Qiao Yichen arrived at Yunjian Restaurant ten minutes early.

After showing his reservation information to the restaurant’s front desk,

a waiter led him to a window booth. Looking out, the city at night was like flowing neon lights.

He ordered a soda water and waited quietly.

At 6:58 PM, a crisp “clack-clack” sound came from the restaurant entrance.

Qiao Yichen looked up.

Liu Yanran walked in.

She had indeed not worn her usual work professional attire. Instead, she had changed into a cream-white silk blouse with a uniquely designed neckline that revealed her delicate collarbone.

She paired it with a pair of flowing charcoal grey wide-leg trousers. As she walked, her steps were as brisk as usual, but with an added touch of languor and gentleness. Her jacket was draped lightly over her arm, and in her hand was the familiar LV bag.

She followed the waiter’s guidance, her gaze naturally falling on him.

Their eyes met. A faint smile curved her lips, and she gestured to the waiter that he didn't need to lead the way, walking straight towards Qiao Yichen.

Qiao Yichen stood up and pulled out her chair for her.

“Have you been waiting long?” She sat down opposite him, placing her bag and jacket on the empty seat beside her.

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“I just arrived myself.” Qiao Yichen sat down and gently pushed the menu towards her. “What would you like to eat? I booked the seasonal set menu, but you can also order à la carte.”

Liu Yanran took the menu but didn’t immediately open it, her gaze lingering on his face for a moment.

“...You look very handsome.” Her voice was soft, yet it was like a small stone dropped into a calm lake.

Qiao Yichen’s heart stirred. For this “date,” he had immediately washed up and changed into a new outfit as soon as he got home. Inside was a dark cashmere blend shirt, its fabric gleaming with a subtle luster under the restaurant’s soft lighting. For his outer layer, he chose a well-tailored navy casual suit, which looked neither overly formal nor lacking in a sense of occasion.

He maintained his outward composure. “Thank you. You look lovely today too.” His gaze swept over the neckline of her blouse and her loosely tied bun. “That color suits you very well.”

Liu Yanran’s smile deepened. She lowered her eyes, neither avoiding his gaze nor showing any displeasure.

She finally opened the menu, her fingertips tracing the exquisite food pictures as she quickly browsed. “I’ll just have the set menu you ordered. I’m too lazy to choose.”

“Alright.”

After ordering, a brief silence descended.

Liu Yanran broke the silence first. “How have things been these past few days? You seem quite busy.”

Qiao Yichen knew what she was hinting at, but he also had no intention of hiding it from her.

So he got straight to the point: “Do you remember me asking for leave last Wednesday to meet Wang Xiao?”

Liu Yanran nodded, listening.

“Wang Xiao and I reached an agreement privately.” He looked at her, propped on the table, intently watching him, and was momentarily distracted.

“What’s wrong?” she asked with some curiosity.

“Nothing.” Qiao Yichen paused, then continued, “Wang Xiao has some short, fragmented traffic windows that he’s giving me at a premium.”

She took a sip of lemon water. “You took it?”

“Yes, he gave me three windows. I found two clients last week.” After saying that, he looked at her. “The one on Tuesday finished running, and another one is running this Friday morning.”

“Sounds pretty good.” Just then, dishes were brought out one by one. Liu Yanran picked up a green vegetable and said.

“It’s alright, one order.” After saying that, he gestured one, two to her.

Liu Yanran understood, then naturally picked up a shrimp and placed it in his bowl. “This is quite tasty.”

Qiao Yichen was not to be outdone, picking up a spring bamboo shoot and placing it in her bowl. “This is very fresh.”

His gesture made her laugh, and a smile appeared on her face that he hadn't seen before.

Afterward, the two focused on the delicious food: tender meat, rich sauce, and refreshing seasonal vegetables. They tacitly slowed their pace, enjoying the pleasure that food itself brought.

Their conversation then continued on and off, sometimes discussing the scenery, sometimes talking about jewelry and handbags.

Until dessert was served—an exquisitely crafted Matcha Mousse, garnished with gold leaf and fresh berries.

Liu Yanran scooped a small corner with a tiny silver spoon and put it in her mouth, her eyes narrowing in satisfaction. “Mm, this is delicious.”

“As long as you like it.” Qiao Yichen looked at her childlike expression, his heart melting completely.

He also tasted his own portion; it was indeed delicious.

“Are we still going to the bar?” he asked.

Liu Yanran looked at the deepening night outside the window, then at the almost empty dessert cup on the table. “Let’s go. We already said we would, and… I really do want a drink.”

Her words carried a sense of ease.

“Alright.” Qiao Yichen waved to signal for the check.

After leaving the restaurant, the evening breeze blew coolly against their faces.

Liu Yanran stood there, shivering slightly. Without hesitation, Qiao Yichen draped his jacket over her, and she naturally linked her arm through his.

Yunjian Restaurant was not far from the wine bar Liu Yanran mentioned, separated by two quiet streets lined with plane trees.

The two walked in sync, step by step, towards the bar.

...

The wine bar’s sign glowed softly in the distance, and warm light seeped from its wooden door.

Their steps halted at the entrance.

Liu Yanran then gently released his hand, taking off the suit jacket draped over her and handing it back to him. “We’re here.”

“Mm.” Qiao Yichen took it, his fingertips brushing hers unintentionally, and both paused.

He stepped forward and pushed open the heavy wooden door for her.

A warm current, a blend of rich wine aroma, roasted coffee beans, and a faint cedar scent, wafted out, instantly isolating the cool street air.

The lighting was perfectly dim, the dark walnut bar counter reflected a warm yellow glow, and soft jazz music flowed in the background, its volume kept low, as if only to emphasize the intimacy and tranquility of the place.

There weren't many people, scattered in twos and threes at booths or by the bar, conversing in low tones; no one spoke loudly.

A bartender in a well-fitted vest looked up, offering them a professional and restrained smile, nodding in greeting.