The proprietor, busy attending to the red wine, approached the cashier's counter with an apologetic smile. “Young Master Ling,” he began, “this is calculated based on the exact dishes you ordered, and we have already applied a thirty percent discount. Please take a look…”

As he spoke, the proprietor extended the bill toward Ling Bin, who refused to take it. Feeling he absolutely could not lose face in front of the two young ladies, Ling Bin flared up. “Damn it, didn’t you see clearly? The dishes ordered today were fewer than yesterday’s, so why has the bill suddenly become this much more expensive?”

“This—” The proprietor knew that money wasn't the real issue; Ling Bin was usually quite generous when settling accounts. However, today, with two young women present, he couldn't afford to look bad. But the establishment was already operating at a loss, and now he couldn't possibly…

Just then, a waiter approached, seeming to grasp the situation. He inquired tentatively, “Um, Young Master Ling, might I ask if that person over there is your friend? He mentioned that the entire bill for his table should be added to yours.”

“What?” Ling Bin exclaimed in surprise. Following the direction the waiter pointed, he froze, his heart sinking. He muttered to himself, “Why is she here? It’s over; she saw me?”

The person Ling Bin saw was not the smiling Yang Yi, but Xia Shiyun, standing there with a cold expression. His first thought was that he was ruined—the woman he was pursuing had seen him acting disgracefully. After a moment of shock, he finally noticed Yang Yi seated across from Xia Shiyun, and his gaze faltered.

Noticing Ling Bin staring, Yang Yi took a slow sip of his red wine, offering a knowing smile. He raised his glass slightly toward Ling Bin and murmured softly, “Thank you for the treat.”

“Who… who is that kid?” Ling Bin had barely finished thinking the question when the waiter interjected, “Young Master Ling, that gentleman just now said he was your friend and asked for his bill to be transferred to you.”

“Damn your mother! Who said he’s my friend? Damn it!” Seeing Yang Yi’s provocative look, Ling Bin erupted in a torrent of curses directed at the waiter.

“Now, Brother Bin, there’s no need to get so angry. Can’t we just let that guy pay his own bill?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, “Smack!” Ling Bin slapped the young lady who spoke, glaring at her with contempt. “Who the hell do you think you are, cutting in here?”

The girl, struck without warning, instantly looked bewildered, tears welling in her eyes. She stared at him pitifully but did not step away, giving the impression of someone who seemed to invite further ill-treatment.

“Hmph!” Ling Bin snorted, then strode purposefully toward Yang Yi’s table. In just a few steps, he stood before them. His previously furious expression suddenly morphed into something startlingly amiable, and he smiled warmly at Xia Shiyun. “Shiyun, what are you doing here?”

“Ling Bin, watch your tone. Are we close enough for you to use my given name? Address me as Xia Shiyun,” came her cold reply, her demeanor radiating utter distance—the true Xia Shiyun revealed.

Yang Yi, seated opposite her, blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected Xia Shiyun to switch moods so rapidly. Good heavens, is she some kind of ice queen tigress? he thought, though his eyes remained filled with mischievous curiosity as he observed Ling Bin’s face, which had now turned completely rigid.

“Heh heh heh!” Ling Bin forced a strained smile. He then glanced at Yang Yi and inquired, “And who might this be…?”

Hearing this, Xia Shiyun inwardly cheered that the opportunity had arrived. She shot a poignant, wronged look at Yang Yi—a look that held considerable potency against a certain rogue. Yang Yi’s heart gave an inexplicable lurch; he instantly understood what she meant. It was obvious: she wanted him to claim to be her boyfriend. Yang Yi smiled, took another sip of wine, and remained silent.

“He… he… he’s my boyfriend!” Xia Shiyun felt a wave of shame and urgency. As a young woman, uttering such words, even if untrue, was inherently embarrassing.

“Boyfriend?” Ling Bin looked at Yang Yi with suspicion, making no effort to hide his disdain.

“Hello, I am Shiyun’s man!” Yang Yi greeted them with a calm smile, making no further gestures.

“Man?” Ling Bin’s eyes widened in unconcealed horror at Yang Yi’s choice of word.

It must be understood that "boyfriend" and "man" conveyed vastly different meanings. A boyfriend might involve kissing or holding hands. But "man"—that implied a serious matter: either a sexual relationship had already occurred, or they were married. Only then would a woman refer to him as her man.

Xia Shiyun’s face was blazing crimson; her hands nervously twisted the hem of her skirt, indicating profound shyness. She understood the implication of "man," yet despite her embarrassment, she mentally cursed Yang Yi: You scoundrel, always taking advantage of me.

“Do you have a problem with that?” Yang Yi asked.

“Heh heh heh,” Ling Bin scoffed mockingly. “You claim to be her man? Are you worthy?”

“Hmm?” Yang Yi paused, then queried, “How do you know I’m not worthy?”

“Hmph! Look at the way you’re dressed; you think you can land a swan?” Ling Bin sneered sarcastically. He then turned back to Xia Shiyun. “Shiyun, tell me this isn’t true. You know how I feel about you. Tell me, Shiyun.”

“Fine, Ling Bin, I will tell you solemnly: he truly is my boy… man. Furthermore, I ask you not to insult him. We are not friends, and I expect you never to bother me again.” With her face flushed with embarrassment, Xia Shiyun stood up and pulled Yang Yi along as they started to leave.

A faint smile touched Yang Yi’s lips. He glanced back at Ling Bin, noting the stunned fury and simmering resentment on his face. Yang Yi chuckled inwardly, You little punk!

“Hmph, kid, you better remember this,” Ling Bin muttered fiercely.

“Fine, I’ll remember. You’re welcome to find me anytime. My name is Yang Yi,” Yang Yi said provocatively, thoroughly enjoying the warmth transmitted from the delicate, soft hand holding his as he spoke.

“Um—Young Master Ling, about this bill—!” Whether the waiter was foolish, or perhaps overly clever before, he now stood there blankly holding the invoice, seeking out Ling Bin.

“Smack!” Without a word, Ling Bin swung his hand again. “Damn your mother! Why aren’t you asking that brat to pay?”

“I’m sorry, Young Master Ling, I’m sorry!” The waiter nodded repeatedly, admitting his fault.

Onlookers regarded the scene with disdain, though perhaps only subtly, given Ling Bin’s family background.

Ling Bin shot a venomous glare in the direction Yang Yi and Xia Shiyun had disappeared. He muttered darkly, “Kid, I’m going to destroy you!”

[Do not forget to bookmark, rise up!]