159: Thoughtful

"I will definitely arrive on time, Mr. Makarov."

Xu Ning quickly replied, but after speaking, he suddenly felt something was off, and couldn't help but feel puzzled.

"If there's still time then... what does that mean?"

What could be more important than this?

Just as he was wondering, a voice called out from behind him: "Mr. Xu, I finally found you."

The voice sounded familiar, and Xu Ning immediately turned around, but couldn't help but freeze.

Standing before him was Talia, wearing a light yellow long dress, looking at him playfully, "Ta, Miss Talia, why are you here?"

Xu Ning was so surprised he could barely speak.

Since she hadn't replied to him the next day, he had imagined all sorts of possibilities, but in the end, he had temporarily put this worry aside.

Her sudden appearance at this moment left him flustered.

Talia furrowed her brow slightly and said coquettishly, "What? Not happy to see me?"

Xu Ning quickly explained, "No, of course not.

I'm just surprised by your arrival, just like when you suddenly disappeared before."

Talia's cheeks flushed slightly, realizing Xu Ning was hinting at her previous disappearance.

"I, I just ran into a little trouble... but look, aren't I back now?"

Xu Ning revealed his signature smile, "That's right, it seems Miss Talia had an unforgettable journey."

At this point, Makarov interjected, "It seems I shouldn't interrupt you two."

He gave a meaningful glance, which made Talia's face even redder, almost wanting to hide in the ground, and then he walked away laughing.

Perhaps because of the long-awaited reunion, Xu Ning also seemed a bit awkward at the moment, unsure of what to say.

"Mr., would you like a drink?"

A voice sounded in his ear.

He turned his head and was startled again.

"It's you?"

The person in front of him was the waitress he had helped last time.

Xu Ning was secretly surprised by the strange encounters of this evening; it seemed everyone he had met at the ball had reappeared by chance.

He even started to look forward to the appearance of Mr. Harvey, thinking that if he could meet him, perhaps he could settle their old scores, but such a thought was clearly unrealistic.

Jelina, holding a tray with three glasses of red wine, looked at him with a light laugh covering her mouth, "It's rare for Mr. Xu to still remember an insignificant server like me."

Talia came to their side at some point, affectionately linking arms with Jelina, her eyes full of smiles, "Sister Jelina, stop teasing Mr. Xu.

He didn't know who you were back then."

"Sister? Identity?"

Xu Ning looked bewildered, feeling his head was about to explode.

This was the first time he felt so confused.

"Can you tell me what's going on with you two?" he asked.

Jelina smiled and extended her hand, "Let's get to know each other properly.

I'm Jelina."

"Xu Ning."

Although completely confused, he still politely shook her hand.

Over the next hour, through Talia's explanation and Jelina's additions, Xu Ning finally understood their relationship.

However, they did not mention a word about going to the Black Sea villa, only saying they had taken a tour.

Xu Ning also didn't plan to delve deeper.

He knew that when it came to women's affairs, it was best to ask less, otherwise he might get caught up in endless gossip.

Xu Ning couldn't help but sigh.

Fate's arrangements were truly both coincidental and interesting.

Just that one night, he had actually met the daughter of Utopia's leader and the daughter of Bear Country's leader.

As his mood gradually relaxed, Xu Ning was no longer so nervous.

He told a few modern jokes to liven the atmosphere, and then chatted happily with the two ladies.

Amidst laughter and joy, time flew by.

Seeing that the banquet was about to end, Tanya walked towards them after drinking a glass of vodka.

"Mr. Xu, you haven't forgotten about your other arrangements tonight, have you?" she reminded him.

Xu Ning followed the sound and suddenly remembered Makarov's reminder before leaving, only then realizing the banquet was nearing its end.

Before he could speak, Talia quickly said, "Tonight? Is there something?"

Tanya pushed up her glasses and calmly said, "I don't think I need to explain to Miss Talia."

"You."

Talia was momentarily stunned.

Xu Ning quickly eased the tension, "Actually, it's nothing big.

This is just something between me and Makarov."

"I have already arranged to go to Nikolaev Shipyard with Mr. Makarov tonight."

Xu Ning suddenly felt the atmosphere around him become tense.

He knew that if he didn't quickly clarify, the situation might get worse.

Talia covered her mouth in surprise and looked at Xu Ning, "You're going to Nikolaev Shipyard?"

Jelina continued, "I don't know why you want to go there, but I suggest you think twice."

Xu Ning was a bit confused, "Is there something special about it?"

Talia replied, "The problem isn't with you two, but with the person in charge of that shipyard.

That person is an old man with a strange temper."

"I heard he gets physical when he's angry, and there are even rumors that he once beat someone to death."

When Xu Ning heard this, his expression became a little strange.

Jelina explained, "Mr. Skorlov's personality is indeed eccentric, but what Talia said about hitting people isn't like what you imagine."

"He is a famous Professor of Mechanical Design, teaching at the Dzerzhinsky Military Academy.

Because of his hot temper, there are often rumors about him physically punishing students."

Xu Ning quietly repeated "Professor of Mechanical Design", deep in thought.

The two ladies didn't continue the discussion about this matter because they noticed the banquet was about to end, and Xu Ning also had to leave.

Although they still had a lot they wanted to say to Xu Ning, Talia understood Xu Ning's determination from his firm gaze.

"I will take sister home and then go to Malyshev to find you.

Definitely."

Xu Ning smiled and said, "You are welcome anytime."

Talia had a unique charm that blended Eastern and Western qualities, which left a deep impression on Xu Ning.

"Mr. Xu, we need to leave, otherwise Mr. Makarov will leave first," Tanya said calmly.

"Okay."

Thinking of Makarov's invitation and that nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Xu Ning still followed Tanya away.

Before leaving, he turned back and waved goodbye to Talia and the others.

After walking out of the banquet hall, Tanya saw Xu Ning's absent-minded look and asked, "Are you interested in Miss Talia?"

"Huh? I'm sorry, Miss Tanya, I didn't hear clearly.

Could you say it again?"

"Nothing."

Tanya adjusted her glasses and replied indifferently.

Although he felt a little strange, Xu Ning didn't ask any more questions.

Tanya didn't take him directly to the shipyard, but drove a considerable distance, eventually stopping in front of a Chinese restaurant run by the Rabbit ethnic group.

"Sichuan restaurant? Is Mr. Makarov inside?"