Perhaps because Qin Xian's action was too bewildering, the bustling restaurant suddenly fell so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Two familiar yet somehow strange figures stood at the entrance.
Today was the class reunion, and out of courtesy, Ji Fei had made an effort to dress up before going out.
She wore a sky-blue dress with a white silk scarf around her neck. Even in such simple attire, her perfect proportions made her look like she was walking on a fashion runway.
Her black, voluminous hair seemed to catch the light, with each strand appearing to reflect a lustrous sheen.
Her lightly made-up face beautifully highlighted her natural features, with ruby lips and pearly white teeth, all flowing in graceful lines.
Her almond-shaped eyes were clear and bright, with distinct black and white contrast. Now widened from being pinched, they appeared rather adorably coquettish.
Her red lips were slightly pursed, showing both surprise and anger at Qin Xian's action.
This was different from their meeting two years ago when Ji Fei's gloomy expression had masked her beauty, making her rather unpleasant to look at.
Now, everyone could finally understand why she could make it as an entertainer - with that face and figure alone, she could certainly succeed in the industry.
At that table, those who didn't hold strong prejudices against Ji Fei made an unbiased comparison.
In terms of appearance, Ji Fei completely surpassed their memory of Yu Zhi.
And... how to put it? Was it because they were standing so close to each other? Why did these two seem even more compatible than he and Yu Zhi had been back then?
Looking at Qin Xian, his eyes were still as bright as black gems, extraordinarily handsome, wearing a perfectly tailored suit that wrapped his perfect figure as if he were a model.
Even knowing he was taken, many female classmates still blushed at the sight of their former campus idol, their eyes showing girlish shyness.
One could say that Qin Xian had been somewhat immature back then, but now, with his added aura of business world decisiveness, his entire charm had reached another level.
Powerful men are always desirable - if such a man were to hold and gaze at you, your knees would probably go weak.
What made the women even more unable to look away was how different Qin Xian appeared now.
During university, although everyone knew the campus idol and beauty were a couple, and had witnessed them together.
But it was completely different from now.
How to describe it...
When Qin Xian stood with Yu Zhi, he was still Qin Xian, his behavior and expressions like a perfect sculpture, unchanging regardless of who stood beside him.
But Qin Xian standing with Ji Fei... he wasn't the flawless, impeccable Qin Xian anymore.
And this version of Qin Xian made the hearts of those who had secretly admired him flutter even more. It was as if a worshipped deity had descended to earth, stirring desires to compete for his attention.
Undeniably, Ji Fei's appearance and their single interaction had planted seeds of doubt in most people's minds.
Everyone had just heard from that table about today's excitement - Yu Zhi was coming too.
Yu Zhi was the one who had plucked the high-hanging flower, becoming Qin Xian's first love and cherished memory.
Moreover, their breakup had come without warning - the campus idol was dumped, and the campus beauty went abroad.
Such a breakup should logically be filled with lingering feelings and regret, like an unfinished movie waiting for its sequel.
Not to mention the constant rumors about problems with Qin Xian's marriage, and how the wedding ceremony still hadn't been held.
So everyone thought that if Yu Zhi came back, willing to apologize and make amends, there would definitely be a chance to rekindle their relationship.
But now... no, no, no, Qin Xian and Yu Zhi had several years of history together, and they matched in appearance... at least in family background and abilities. Ji Fei surely couldn't compare.
Everyone's minds were buzzing.
Ji Fei's mind was buzzing too - what was the meaning of this? Not only did he pinch her, but she felt those long black eyes glaring at her too. As if he had some grudge against her.
"Why did you pinch me?"
Seeing that Ji Fei's inner monologue had finally calmed down, Qin Xian's head finally stopped buzzing with anger.
He released his grip, noticed her fair cheek had turned slightly red from his pinch, and his eyes flickered.
Seems he'd used too much force. He couldn't help but softly brush it with his thumb, feeling a twinge of tenderness.
Seeing Ji Fei's disgruntled look at him.
"...There was something on it," Qin Xian made up an excuse.
Ji Fei gave him a suspicious glance.
[Well, I didn't do anything, so he had no reason to suddenly pinch me. He probably wanted to help wipe something off but couldn't control his strength. Thanks a lot - you nearly gave me dimples. Don't you know to be gentler with girls?]
Hearing Ji Fei's sarcastic internal complaints, Qin Xian's mood inexplicably improved.
Just as he was about to loosen his arm, he heard Ji Fei think: [Wait, could this be his moment of weakness? Because he heard news about his ex-girlfriend, he's lost his composure in everything he does, even his strength... Ah!]
Before Ji Fei could continue her wild thoughts, Qin Xian had already tightened his hold on her again and led her toward that table.
Ji Fei felt like she was being pushed onto the stage. She quickly reined in her thoughts, and by the time she'd restored her polite smile, Qin Xian had already brought her before everyone.
"Sorry we're late," Qin Xian said in his deep voice.
Facing these gossip-providers who would surely bring her endless entertainment, Ji Fei was being friendly and accommodating. Just as she was about to greet them, she looked up to find a group of dumbfounded expressions.
Ji Fei: ?
[Were they... struck by lightning? What kind of expressions are these?]
Qin Xian was also puzzled by everyone's reactions and was about to speak.
Luo Fei, who had followed behind them, quickly coughed to remind everyone.
But everyone still hadn't recovered from their shock when a woman in a pink and white knit dress, who had been sitting with her back to them, suddenly stood up and turned to face them.
Her long curled hair was tied to one side below her ear, falling softly on her shoulder. With downcast eyes and a pitiful look that instantly aroused protective instincts.
However, her demeanor was somewhat timid, and her current expression showed anxious vulnerability. One hand held her bag while the other instinctively rested on her stomach.
Without acknowledging the newly arrived Qin Xian and Ji Fei, she immediately spoke to Luo Fei: "Brother Fei, just now... Qing contacted me, there might be a problem with our work from earlier today. I'm worried about her handling it alone, so I need to go back. I won't be able to stay for the reunion."
This sudden situation caught Luo Fei off guard, especially since he had brought her today to formally announce their early wedding plans due to her pregnancy and to invite everyone.
Such news would naturally be better announced by both of them together.
But leaving for sudden work... although Luo Fei respected her, he felt somewhat uncomfortable at this moment.
However, seeing her urgent expression, he couldn't bear to make her unhappy and immediately said, "Alright, I'll take you there."
A flash of joy crossed the woman's face, but she quickly lowered her eyes again, "No need, it's rare for you to have a class reunion, don't let me interrupt. I can just take a taxi."
After saying this, she hurriedly bid goodbye to everyone, nodded apologetically as she passed Qin Xian and Ji Fei, and quickly left.
Although she refused Luo Fei's offer to send her, he still worried and accompanied her out to get a taxi.
Because of this small incident, everyone finally recovered from their earlier shock and gradually began greeting Qin Xian and Ji Fei.
Qin Xian pulled Ji Fei to sit down.
Everyone's eyes never left the two of them, looking at Ji Fei with curious gazes.
Naturally, Ji Fei was also carefully observing this field of melons (gossip) before her.
