030 Eating... Is It Really Just Eating?
Si Qingchen answered in a measured and methodical manner, his expression exceptionally serious, which only fueled Mu Qingcheng's irritation. Her already cold and indifferent face became even more devoid of emotion. She frowned at Si Qingchen, then glanced at the dining table hidden behind him inside the room.
“So, Young Master Si, aside from the work invitation, you also plan to treat me to a meal?”
“Yes. Is that all right?”
Si Qingchen could certainly sense her displeasure, but he couldn’t quite discern its cause. Meanwhile, Si Nan, standing a little ways off, watched his boss with anxious impatience, as if he wished he could knock some sense into him.
Once the two entered the room, Si Bei bumped Si Nan’s shoulder and asked, “What were you daydreaming about just now? Be careful, or the boss will see and punish you.”
“Tsk, our boss—his emotional intelligence is lacking.” Si Nan shook his head, as if it were a dire matter, and followed them in to serve.
Si Bei was left behind, utterly bewildered, unable to grasp what Si Nan was talking about.
Inside the house, Mu Qingcheng sat across from Si Qingchen. Contrary to her expectations, the eldest son of the Si family dined entirely on his own, never needing anyone to wait on him. Moreover, he didn’t seem picky about his food. His table manners weren’t exactly refined, but he ate quietly and quickly.
Most crucial of all, his invitation to Mu Qingcheng really was—just for dinner.
At the table, the young girl, pale and timid, held a bowl of steamed rice. She absentmindedly picked at the dishes in front of her, occasionally glancing at the man opposite, who was entirely focused on his meal, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions—
Confusion, doubt, and even a hint of surprise. Annoyance, all of it completely ignored by the other party.
Not far away, Si Nan and Si Bei stood side by side, watching their boss so absorbed in eating. Si Nan sighed almost imperceptibly, turned his head slightly, and murmured, “Brother, do you understand now?”
“Ah…” Si Bei frowned, helplessness written all over his face.
***
Elsewhere, in the stable’s restaurant, after Mu Qingcheng departed, the scene quickly dissolved into a flurry of deliberately hushed whispers. Students who had previously dismissed or even looked down on her now found themselves reconsidering their opinions. If nothing else, her horsemanship alone warranted their respect.
Just then, someone whispered from a corner, “Do you know whose horse that was?”
“…”
“It belonged to Si Qingchen, the eldest son of the Si family.”
“Really?”
“No way!”
A wave of astonishment swept through the crowd.
The same person, adopting a mysterious air, continued, “Of course. Let me tell you another secret—do you know who that burly man was?”
“…”
“He’s Si Qingchen’s personal bodyguard.”
“…”
With these two explosive revelations, the students all gathered together, gossiping with curiosity and nervous excitement.
At that moment, a tall figure approached the group, his expression unfriendly, his tone impatient as he urged, “Why are you all crowding together? Finished your meals already? Hurry up and get ready—there’s more competition ahead. Are you familiar with your horses yet?”
“…”
The group turned at the sound to see Qin Beichu standing there. The expression on his face…
A whole crowd dared not say more, scattering like startled birds. Yet, in their hearts, their reactions to this campus heartthrob had subtly begun to change.
In a corner, two girls who had been live-streaming throughout plugged their earphones in, speaking into their phones, “Sis, you’re really not coming? You have no idea, Mu Qingcheng’s stealing all the spotlight—even Qin Beichu is following her around.”
On the other end, after a two or three second silence, came a harsh, clenched reply, “Hmph—just wait, I’ll be there soon.”