Chapter 291 - 291: What Are You Afraid of?
“No,” You Luan immediately averted his gaze, refraining from further conversation.
He’d grown accustomed to and grasped Xiao Yichen’s ways in the past five years. No one could alter his decisions, not even Sir Xiao or Madam Xiao. “Anything else?” Xiao Yichen pressed on.
“No,” You Luan promptly responded. “I’ll get to it now.”
With that, You Luan pivoted and exited the CEO’s office.
Xiao Yichen observed the closing door, a complex emotion fleeting through his eyes.
Yet, it swiftly vanished. He retrieved his phone and dialed a number.
After several rings, a delicate voice answered, “Hello, Yichen.”
“Are you busy?” Xiao Yichen’s tone lacked the chill present in his interaction with You Luan, bearing a touch of indifference.
“I’m free. Nothing much on my plate at the company today, and no shoots till tomorrow afternoon,” the woman’s sweet voice resounded from the other end.
“Shall I pick you up for dinner now?” Xiao Yichen’s voice remained composed.
“Sure.” The voice on the line brimmed with delight. “I’ll wait for you in the office. Call me when you’re close. I’ll come downstairs.”
“Okay…”
Xiao Yichen ended the call. He stood up, took his coat and keys, and exited his office.
Thirty minutes later, Xiao Yichen’s sleek sports car halted at Sheng Yi Media, where a woman in a white dress stepped out.
As Xiao Yichen spotted Bai Lu, he opened the car door and greeted her. He moved to the other side to usher her into the car.
“Yichen.” Bai Lu exchanged a smile before getting in.
After Xiao Yichen closed the door, he returned to the driver’s seat, ignited the engine, and departed.
As the eye-catching car left, chatter sparked among onlookers.
“The news yesterday was accurate. This A-list celebrity, Bai Lu, is soon-to-be Mrs. Xiao!”
“Who knows? Bai Lu is Sheng Yi Media’s star. Maybe Mr. Xiao is just toying around?”
“He’s picked her up personally several times. That’s no game, right?”
“Bai Lu has indeed associated herself with Mr. Xiao. Director Zhang’s leading lady role is confirmed to be Bai Lu.”
Xiao Yichen had reserved the whole place for lunch in an upscale Western restaurant. Only two occupied seats, Xiao Yichen and Bai Lu.
“Yichen, next time, let’s not be so extravagant. We can book a private room,” Bai Lu suggested in a soft tone, adding with a hint of flirtation, “I’m not worried about exposure anyway.”
“Alright,” Xiao Yichen replied softly. He glanced at Bai Lu, questioning, “Aren’t you concerned about being exposed?”
“Yes.” Bai Lu nodded, smiling. Unaware of Xiao Yichen’s intent behind the question.
Xiao Yichen didn’t immediately respond. Instead, he took a white napkin and gently dabbed the corners of Bai Lu’s mouth. Then, he calmly asked, “So, what truly worries you?”
“I…” Bai Lu faltered, unable to reply swiftly. She suddenly realized Xiao Yichen seemed perturbed. Swiftly changing tack, she murmured, “Yichen, I apologize. I misunderstood.”
She’d misconstrued his intentions. He hadn’t booked the place out of fear of exposure.
Xiao Yichen paid no heed to Bai Lu’s apology. He took a bite of steak, then remarked, “After all these years by my side, you ought to comprehend that I dislike presumptuousness in women!”
Despite his composed tone, it seemed like a cautionary message to Bai Lu.
“Yes, yes. I understand,” Bai Lu hurriedly agreed, trembling with fear..