This was the first time Qin Yi had ever called Yang Chen.
After a brief moment of thought, Yang Chen replied, "I have time!"
"Let's have lunch today. Noon, at Beiyuanchun Restaurant."
Before Yang Chen could respond, Qin Yi hung up.
Yang Chen sighed helplessly. "Nowadays, people don't even ask if you agree before making plans?"
Of course, he knew why Qin Yi was inviting him to lunch. That day at No. 1 Mansion, if it hadn't been for him, Qin Yi's innocence would have been ruined—and she had even slapped him.
Qin Xi would definitely explain the truth, so Qin Yi's invitation could only be to thank him. But this woman was just as proud as her sister and would never actually say the words "thank you."
Beiyuanchun Restaurant was Jiangzhou's top-tier dining establishment. Here, you could find anything you wanted to eat—as long as you could imagine it.
At exactly noon, Yang Chen arrived at Beiyuanchun Restaurant. Just as he parked, Qin Yi pulled up as well.
"Why did you suddenly decide to invite me to lunch?" Yang Chen asked, pretending not to know.
Qin Yi glared at him irritably. "When I invite you to a meal, it's an honor for you. Just eat and stop asking unnecessary questions!"
Yang Chen was speechless, but he wasn't angry. Instead, he felt a bit of fondness for this sister-in-law. If he could build a good relationship with her, it might speed up the process of reuniting with his wife and daughter.
"Qin Yi?" Just as they entered the restaurant, a man's voice called out from behind them.
Qin Yi visibly stiffened at the sound.
Soon, a young couple came into Yang Chen's view. The man was quite handsome, with sharp features, gold-rimmed glasses, and a light blue casual suit. The top two buttons of his white shirt were undone, giving off a carefree vibe.
Before Yang Chen could react, Qin Yi had already looped her arm through his, her hand warm against his skin.
"Wang Yanjun, long time no see!" Qin Yi's face transformed into a bright, happy smile.
Wang Yanjun's eyes flickered imperceptibly toward Yang Chen before he smiled at Qin Yi and introduced the woman beside him. "This is my wife, Yang Liu."
Then, gesturing to Qin Yi, he said, "This is my college... classmate, Qin Yi." When introducing Qin Yi, he hesitated slightly but ultimately settled on "classmate."
"So you're Qin Yi!" Yang Liu said warmly, extending a hand. "Yanjun often mentions you. He said there was a girl in college who kept chasing after him. I never thought we'd meet like this."
Qin Yi's expression darkened slightly, but she forced a smile and shook Yang Liu's hand. "Nice to meet you."
"You're here to eat too, right? Perfect—I've already reserved a private room. Let's dine together," Wang Yanjun offered.
"This is Jiangzhou's top restaurant. It's hard for ordinary people to get a private room here. Since you're already here, why not join us?" Yang Liu chimed in.
Qin Yi glanced at Yang Chen, her eyes silently pleading for him to refuse.
"Sure!"
Yang Chen, as if completely missing her hint, agreed cheerfully.
Qin Yi pinched his arm hard in response.
The four of them were soon led by the hostess to a private room.
"Qin Yi, it's been years since we last saw each other, hasn't it?" Wang Yanjun said with a smile. "I remember you pursued me so relentlessly back then—you brought me breakfast for a whole month. Thinking about it now, I'm still touched."
Though he was smiling, his tone carried a hint of superiority.
Qin Yi's face tightened, but she said nothing.
"Luckily, you've found a boyfriend now. I wish you both happiness!" Wang Yanjun raised his glass in a toast.
"I'll join my husband in toasting you!" Yang Liu also raised her glass.
Qin Yi's eyes reddened, but she maintained her composure. "Thank you," she said with a strained smile.
"Thank goodness Yanjun didn't accept your advances back then. Otherwise, I wouldn't have such a wonderful husband," Yang Liu remarked smugly, nuzzling against Wang Yanjun's shoulder affectionately.
"Oh no!"
Yang Liu suddenly exclaimed. "Honey, the authentic LV bag you bought me from France for 100,000 yuan fell on the floor and got dirty! What do we do?"
"Don't worry, it's just 100,000 yuan. If it's dirty, we'll throw it away. I'll call my friend in France later and have him send over an even better one," Wang Yanjun replied tenderly.
"You're the best, hubby! Love you, mwah!" Yang Liu kissed him on the cheek.
The two acted as if no one else was in the room, completely absorbed in their affection.
Qin Yi clenched her fists, her eyes reddening as tears threatened to spill.
"Qin Yi, where are you working now?" Yang Liu asked sweetly after their display of affection.
"I just started at Yanchen Group," Qin Yi replied flatly.
"What a coincidence!"
Wang Yanjun smiled. "I'm actually here in Jiangzhou to discuss a collaboration with Yanchen Group's President Luo. We're quite close privately. If you need any help, I can put in a good word for you to get a promotion."
"That's right! My Yanjun and President Luo are like brothers. He could help you with just one word. Of course, while connections matter, you still need the skills to back it up. Otherwise, even if Yanchen Group were Yanjun's company, they couldn't promote an incompetent employee. Don't you agree?" Yang Liu added with a smirk.
Qin Yi's expression finally turned cold. She bit her lip and shook her head. "I'll earn my promotions through my own abilities. No need for your concern."
"What a shame. But if you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask my Yanjun!" Yang Liu feigned regret.
"By the way, may I ask where you work, Brother Yang?" Wang Yanjun suddenly turned to Yang Chen.
Yang Chen, who had been eating heartily, wiped his mouth and replied calmly, "I just retired from the military. Currently unemployed."
Qin Yi's face darkened with anger and embarrassment.
"Oh, so you're just a soldier," Yang Liu said dismissively.
Wang Yanjun leaned back slightly, eyeing Yang Chen with condescension. "Brother Yang, that's not right. After retiring, you should be working hard to reintegrate into society. How can you just laze around? Don't tell me you plan to be a live-in son-in-law?"
"How did you know?" Yang Chen widened his eyes in exaggerated surprise.
Wang Yanjun and Yang Liu were both stunned, rendered speechless by his response.
Though Yang Chen had embarrassed her, Qin Yi couldn't help feeling a little amused seeing the two of them flustered.
Just then, someone knocked on the private room door.
"Ladies and gentlemen, my apologies, but Beiyuanchun Restaurant needs to clear out. Your meal today will be complimentary," said a middle-aged man with a manager's badge.
"Do you know who I am? How dare you ask us to leave?" Wang Yanjun snapped.
"Sir, I truly apologize. But even if you were a dragon crossing the river, I'd have to ask you to leave. Chairman Su is hosting an esteemed guest here today," the manager replied politely but firmly.
"Chairman Su? Jiangzhou's richest man, Su Chengwu?" Wang Yanjun's expression shifted slightly.
"Exactly. Now, may I ask you to leave?" the manager said.
"Su Chengwu sure has a high opinion of himself, clearing out an entire restaurant just for a meal," Yang Chen remarked coldly.
The manager's face darkened. "Sir, how dare you address Chairman Su so disrespectfully?"
"Even if Su Chengwu were standing right in front of me, I'd say the same. Do you believe me?" Yang Chen smirked.
"Yang Chen, are you an idiot? Do you even know who Chairman Su is? He's Jiangzhou's richest man! If you want to die, don't drag us down with you!" Yang Liu screeched.
Wang Yanjun also shot Yang Chen a cold look. "I suggest you leave now."
"Whether we leave or not is none of your business!" Qin Yi finally snapped, her patience worn thin.
"Hmph! Suit yourselves. If you want to offend Chairman Su, that's your problem. Let's go!" Wang Yanjun sneered and turned to leave.
"What's going on over there?"
At that moment, Su Chengwu happened to enter the restaurant with his entourage and heard the commotion coming from the private room.
As soon as he asked, he caught sight of a familiar figure and paled. He hurried over to the private room.
"Chairman Su!"
Wang Yanjun, who had just stepped out, was startled to see Su Chengwu and quickly approached. "Chairman Su, it's an honor to meet you. I'm—"
"Get out of my way!" Su Chengwu shoved Wang Yanjun aside and rushed into the private room.
"President Luo!" Wang Yanjun, having just been pushed away, spotted another familiar face and eagerly approached.
Luo Bin frowned. "Who are you?"
"I—I'm Wang Yanjun from Chenhe Group's marketing department. I'm here in Jiangzhou to discuss a collaboration with your company," Wang Yanjun stammered nervously.
"We'll talk business later!" Luo Bin brushed him off and hurried into the private room.
"Young—Mr. Yang, you're here! Why didn't you let me know in advance? I could've arranged a proper welcome," Su Chengwu began, catching himself before revealing Yang Chen's identity. His face was all smiles, dripping with sycophancy.
"Mr. Yang!" Luo Bin also greeted him cautiously.
Seeing Su Chengwu and Luo Bin personally appear, Qin Yi was stunned. She quickly stood. "Chairman Su! President Luo!"
Yet Yang Chen remained seated, his smile icy. "Chairman Su, you sure know how to make an entrance, clearing out an entire restaurant for yourself."
"What?"
Su Chengwu's face drained of color. He immediately summoned the manager and roared, "Who told you to clear the place? How dare you kick out my friends?"
The manager was horrified, realizing the young man sitting there must be someone immensely important.
"Chairman, I—I didn't know this gentleman was your friend," the manager stammered, on the verge of tears.
"Go collect your paycheck and get out!" Su Chengwu bellowed.
Wang Yanjun and Yang Liu, who had just left the private room, stood frozen in shock, their faces a picture of disbelief.