"It’s true," Yi Xiaorou said. "But this time it's a no-go. Some man wants to treat Qingqing to a private dinner, and she doesn't want to go, so she dragged me along."

"Why should we go play the third wheel? We might as well just go home," I replied.

"That won't do at all. Qingqing is waiting for me to stage a rescue. She’s afraid that man will try to say something meaningful during their one-on-one time. So, we are deliberately going there to be the extra wheels."

I suddenly realized, "So Qingqing doesn't like him? Then she should just refuse him."

"How do you refuse when he hasn't even said anything yet? Are you asking Qingqing to jump the gun and say, 'I don't like you, don't even think about it'?"

I pondered for a moment. "Qingqing isn't exactly young anymore, is she? Who do you think she actually likes?"

Yi Xiaorou laughed slyly. "Don't tell me you're starting to like her?"

"I'm not that conceited. I know Qingqing doesn't go for men like me. It’s just that after knowing her for so long, I naturally started to care about her."

Yi Xiaorou sighed. "That’s true. Qingqing is already twenty-five. Fangfang is only fifteen and already has a husband. She’s truly pitiful."

"Maybe Qingqing thinks you are the pitiful ones, a bunch of women revolving around one man. What kind of spectacle is that?"

Yi Xiaorou pouted playfully. "We just like you, alright? Be careful, or I’ll tell my sisters tonight that you’re not allowed in the room when we get home."

We were so engrossed in talking that I didn't even notice which hotel we ended up in. But the décor told me it was a French restaurant. This man was certainly romantic, though my presence tonight was definitely going to put a damper on his romance.

Hua Qingqing was dressed simply, not like my wives back home who would go all out in dazzling attire the moment they heard about a dinner out. Her style was certainly eye-catching.

However, Hua Qingqing’s understated elegance, paired with the subtle scent of jasmine about her, was genuinely refreshing. Her hair was casually tied back with a simple yellow ribbon over her shoulder. She sat quietly at the long dining table and rose to greet us when she saw us arrive.

I said to Hua Qingqing, "Ms. Hua, it's been a while, and you’ve only grown more beautiful."

Hua Qingqing let out a low sigh. "Or perhaps just older? I'm not like your wives, happy all the time. A woman ages quickly when she’s unhappy."

I glanced up and saw the man—it was him, Qiu Sihai! We were old acquaintances; he had even participated in the Financial War. He was the CEO of Global Communications. So, he was the one pursuing Hua Qingqing. It made sense; I remembered seeing him carrying roses into the Hua Corporation headquarters once, though I'd assumed he was visiting a patient.

Qiu Sihai was clearly displeased to hear that Hua Qingqing had friends joining them for dinner. Of course, he wouldn't show it in front of her, but inwardly he was cursing, certainly planning to make this friend of hers pay later.

Who knew that the moment he looked up, Qiu Sihai was startled stiff? He certainly recognized the person opposite him—the National Economic Advisor of the Great Dragon Country! Even if he had grievances, he dared not show them. Offending this man could jeopardize the very survival of his company. If the US financial sector couldn't withstand his attack, let alone the relatively fragile Global Communications.

"Advisor Zhao, hello. I am truly honored that you would grace my humble dinner party."

I shook Qiu Sihai’s hand. "Mr. Qiu, you are too kind. I apologize for this rather presumptuous intrusion."

"Nonsense, I could never get someone as esteemed as you to attend my events, even if I invited you repeatedly." Qiu Sihai glanced at Yi Xiaorou, who was deep in conversation with Hua Qingqing. "And who is this lovely lady?"

"This is my girlfriend, Yi Xiaorou. She works at the High-End Weapons Research Institute."

Qiu Sihai looked slightly stunned. "Yi Xiaorou? Isn't she... isn't she the daughter-in-law of the Tan family?"

It seemed Qiu Sihai was somewhat aware of these affairs. I confirmed, "She used to be, but not anymore."

After introductions, we were seated. Hua Qingqing was opposite Qiu Sihai, and Yi Xiaorou and I took seats on opposite sides. Qiu Sihai gestured for the waiter to bring the menus over to me. "Advisor Zhao, please order whatever you like."

My English proficiency was actually quite good, especially since I had studied specifically for the university entrance exams. But when I opened the menu, I saw that these people truly belonged to high society; the menus were entirely in French, with no English or Chinese annotations whatsoever. It seemed this place only catered to high-level white-collar professionals; ordinary people wouldn't be entertained here.

I handed the menu to Yi Xiaorou. "Just order whatever you like for yourself, and I'll have the same."

Yi Xiaorou obviously knew I couldn't read French, and Hua Qingqing knew it too. The two women’s eyes were filled with amusement at my awkwardness, but Yi Xiaorou was thoughtful enough to order for me in fluent French. Listening to her rapid stream of syllables made my heart itch—this girl was highly educated. It was truly an honor to have her. My mother was right; I needed to improve my own cultural standing.

After the dishes were served, a waiter approached Qiu Sihai. "Mr. Qiu, may we light the candles and have the violinist come in now?"

Qiu Sihai glanced at those around him. "No need. Let's just talk for a while."

Yi Xiaorou turned to Hua Qingqing and said, "Qingqing, Mr. Qiu is so romantic. Zhao Qian has never taken me to a place like this for dinner."

I glanced down at the utensils before me. "It’s not that I don't take you here; I’m afraid I'd starve if we came."

Qiu Sihai pointed at the plates. "How could we let Advisor Zhao go hungry? Come, everyone, let's eat."

To use my mother's words from earlier—my standards were too low. I had heard of Western dining etiquette, of course, and seen it in movies and on TV, but doing it myself proved a bit troublesome. The piece of beef on my plate was still visibly pink, and worse, I hacked at it with my knife for a good while and couldn't even cut it into manageable pieces.

Annoyed, I put down the knife and fork. "This restaurant is a rip-off! They won't even bother to sharpen their knives."

Yi Xiaorou neatly sliced the beef on her plate and pushed it toward me, then took my plate away. She said with concern, "Eat mine; I've already cut it for you."

Hua Qingqing looked enviously at Yi Xiaorou. "How affectionate. So touching. Xiaorou, you’re so good to him."

Qiu Sihai smiled faintly. "Qingqing, why don’t I cut some for you as well?"

Hua Qingqing gently shielded her plate. "No need, Mr. Qiu. Actually, I can’t stand how sickly sweet they are; I was just saying the opposite to provoke them."

Spearing a piece of barely cooked beef, I looked left and right. I’d heard there was a lot of mad cow disease overseas, and the Great Dragon Country had foot-and-mouth and avian flu viruses. Would eating this cause problems? Even though my physique was incredibly robust, basically impervious to all poisons, the thought alone made it hard to swallow.

I set the beef down. "I think I prefer soup. Meat is too high in fat; perhaps I should skip it. I’m trying to lose weight lately."

The attendant eagerly ladled a bowl of soup for me, flecked with egg blossoms. I scooped some up with a small spoon, finding nothing else underneath. Just as I was about to lift the bowl to finish it, I saw Hua Qingqing gently scoop a spoonful of soup with her own tiny spoon and bring it to her lips, taking a delicate sip.

So that's how you drink this soup. I also scooped a spoonful and brought it to my mouth, but the spoon was too small; I couldn't taste anything at all. Hua Qingqing had been closely observing my actions the whole time, and I clearly saw her stifle a laugh behind her hand.

I put my spoon down. "I think I'll just have some eGG instead. It's nutritious and affordable."

Hearing this, the waiter promptly placed an omelet in front of me. I took a huge bite, figuring I might as well enjoy it—and not owe Hua Qingqing any favors.

First, I truly didn't know how to eat Western food, and second, I was deliberately creating distractions. All pretense of romance had evaporated. Instead, Hua Qingqing kept chuckling at me. I had already scanned and analyzed Qiu Sihai; the man was clutching a diamond ring in his hand but hadn't found a chance to produce it!

"Sister Xiaorou," Hua Qingqing said, her tone almost pleading, "Can I borrow your husband for a few days during the National Day holiday?"

Qiu Sihai looked even more tense than Yi Xiaorou. He asked, "Qingqing, what do you need him for? Advisor Zhao’s time is very precious. If there’s anything I can do to help, I will."

Hua Qingqing replied, "I’m afraid you wouldn’t be capable in this area."

Qiu Sihai’s face flushed. Regardless of what she meant, telling a man he’s incapable is a major taboo. His voice grew louder. "Qingqing, you have to believe me! We're both men; I can certainly do better than Advisor Zhao!"

Hua Qingqing didn't get angry. "I am joining a joint expedition team with M and R into the African rainforest. Are you sure you're up to it?"

Qiu Sihai stood up excitedly. "I am! Qingqing, let me go and protect you. Trust me, I won't let you down."

Yi Xiaorou laughed. "Qingqing, since the prince has appeared, perhaps Mr. Qiu should accompany you. We plan to take the whole family out during the National Day break."

Hua Qingqing said, "This is an open expedition team; anyone can go. However, your Zhao Qian is one of the pre-selected members. If you still consider me a friend and don’t want me dying in the tropical rainforest, you must agree. I know in your big family, you’re the eldest sister, and they all listen to you."

Yi Xiaorou looked troubled. "Why do you have to go to such a distant and dangerous place? Besides, you work in medicine; what are you doing there?"

Hua Qingqing smiled. "Of course, I wouldn't joke with my life out of boredom. We are conducting scientific research. Is that reason enough?"

Yi Xiaorou sighed. "Whether I agree or not, you’ve already made up your mind. I don't have many friends, and I don't want to lose you, too."

Hua Qingqing smiled. "I knew you were good to me. I’ll bring you back souvenirs; Africa has so many interesting things."

I had already promised Hua Qingqing I would accompany her to Africa earlier. Her bringing it up now definitely meant there was new progress regarding the Blood Flower matter. Even if my wives objected back home, I had to honor my commitment, so I chimed in, supporting Hua Qingqing. "Yes, I hear there are quite a few natives there. I’ll bring two back for you to see."

Yi Xiaorou huffed. "I don’t want any! They’re dark; what's so interesting about that?"

Being ignored made Qiu Sihai angry. "Qingqing, don't worry. I will accompany you too. As long as I'm there, I guarantee your safety."

Hua Qingqing said gravely, "Mr. Qiu needs to think very carefully about this. We are not joking. Zhao Qian served in the army for five years; I doubt your experience is enough to handle the dangers hidden in the rainforest."

Qiu Sihai clenched his fists, resolute. "You, a young woman, aren't afraid; how can I, a grown man, fall behind? Lack of experience isn't an issue. I’ll start attending training classes tomorrow, and by the National Day holiday, I promise to show you a completely new me."

The lavish dinner concluded in an atmosphere that was neither romantic nor entirely harmonious. Hua Qingqing politely declined Qiu Sihai’s offer to drive her home and left in her own car. After saying goodbye to Qiu Sihai, I drove home with Yi Xiaorou.

While driving, Yi Xiaorou asked me, "What exactly did Qingqing ask you to go to Africa for?"

There was no need to hide this from Yi Xiaorou, so I explained the entire situation concerning the Blood Flower from start to finish. Yi Xiaorou gasped. "No wonder Qingqing insisted on going. Isn't this kind of Blood Flower even more miraculous than Substance B?"

"It is. That's why I arranged it in advance: any future profits, we split fifty-fifty. Am I taking advantage of you, my husband?"

Yi Xiaorou glanced at me. "Of course not, or why would I like you? But don't take advantage of Qingqing so much. She is both my savior and my matchmaker."

I protested mournfully, "Me taking advantage of her? She still owes me eight billion RMB, and the interest alone is a hefty sum."

Yi Xiaorou leaned over and kissed my cheek. "I’ll compensate you on her behalf, okay? Tonight, I’ll do whatever you ask me to do."

Heh heh, looks like tonight is going to be a treat...