Chu Fengyi was no longer the same as before.

After leaving the hotel, they crossed the street and walked a few steps before Xu Lin noticed a restaurant with a particularly distinctive facade.

“This is the place.”

But upon entering, Xu Lin had only one thought: what wealthy people consider a “little restaurant” was not at all what he had imagined. After all, he had never seen a small restaurant with sofas costing tens of thousands; the way a big star described things was certainly different.

Still, he didn’t feel the least bit out of place. If it had been before, he would surely have been nervous. Perhaps he had grown more mature, or maybe it was the changes brought about by the system?

Often, he found it curious in novels how protagonists, having just transmigrated or been reborn, would act so brazenly. As if a second chance at life made them fearless—what exactly did they rely on? Being transmigrated or reborn didn’t guarantee one could achieve certain things or avoid certain dangers. Perhaps they knew in advance they were the main character and thought they could act with impunity?

Maybe I’m just timid, Xu Lin thought, giving himself a mental pat on the back.

Inside the restaurant, Chu Qingchan had reserved a private room. There weren’t many people outside, but the private room was much quieter, and, besides, it was easier for Chu Qingchan to be recognized in the city.

“What do you want to eat?”

“I want this…” The little girl pointed at the menu, and Chu Qingchan asked the waiter to take note. Chu Fengyi casually ordered a couple of dishes as well.

In the end, three adults and one child ordered seven or eight dishes, and that was only because Xu Lin refrained from ordering anything himself.

Halfway through the meal, Xu Lin’s phone rang. He answered, and a cool but pleasant voice came through.

“Mr. Xu, is Jiangli dining out with you all?”

“Yes, we’re eating right now.”

“Good. I’ll come find you; I’ll be near the hotel in a few minutes.”

“We’re at the restaurant opposite the hotel, with a black sign—you should see it. We’re in private room 303 on the second floor.”

“All right.”

“Is Mom coming?”

“Yes.”

“She’ll take me back to the hotel room again…”

“Your mother is just worried about your safety. You’re still so little. There are good people out there, but there are also bad ones—what if someone took you away?”

“I know. Mom’s told me that.”

“Still want some shrimp?”

“Yes, can you peel it for me?”

Sitting beside them, Chu Qingchan watched as Xu Lin peeled shrimp for the little girl, feeling a pang of envy. Why didn’t this guy ever peel shrimp for her?

Two or three minutes later, there was a knock at the door, and a beautiful woman entered. Chu Qingchan glanced over, her eyes widening.

So this was the woman her sister had described as having an extraordinary figure. Extraordinary, my foot—she’s just jealous, isn’t she? Even I’m a little jealous. How did this woman develop like that?

“Hello, sorry to interrupt your lunch.”

“Hello.”

After Chu Qingchan spoke, the air fell briefly silent, but Xu Lin immediately said, “Ms. Ye, please sit down. Let’s order a few more dishes.”

“No, no. I just had a small engagement and already ate a bit.”

She sat beside Xu Lin. The daughter sitting on his lap ignored her, clutching her bowl and sipping her porridge.

Xu Lin was peeling shrimp, building a small pile, then handing them to his daughter in his lap, gently rolling up her sleeves and wiping her mouth.

She felt that Xu Lin was not much different from the nanny at home. As her mother, these were things she ought to have done, but she never seemed to have the time. Or maybe she cared too much about her career and neglected their already small family.

“Thank you, Mr. Xu, for taking care of her.”

“She’s very well-behaved and never makes trouble.”

As Xu Lin spoke, he patted the little girl’s head. She looked up and gave him a silly grin.

“Big brother, I want some fish.”

“This fish doesn’t have small bones, but chew slowly before you swallow.”

“Okay!”

Seeing her daughter's smile, Ye Qinleng felt some of her exhaustion fade, then glanced at Xu Lin, whose face was full of fondness.

She thought, if only I had a husband, perhaps Jiangli would receive more care and warmth in her life.

“Ms. Ye, did you harvest any gains during your trip to Jinling?” At this moment, Chu Fengyi, sitting on the opposite sofa, suddenly spoke. Ye Qinleng was slightly startled and looked over at her, realizing she didn’t know this woman.

“Miss, have we met?”

“My name is Chu Fengyi. Don’t you know my sister? Chu Qingchan, the queen of B-movies.”

“Chu Fengyi!”

Chu Qingchan looked up and glared at her, but since there were others present, she said nothing more and lowered her head to continue eating.

“Chu… Fengyi, so you’re the daughters of the Chu family. Is Fengyi Investments yours?”

“Yes, I’m a shareholder, so isn’t it natural for me to ask about your situation?”

“Of course. You helped Feidu through its most difficult period, so let me thank you first. I never expected such a coincidence.”

Ye Qinleng smiled slightly and extended her hand.

“I didn’t expect it either.”

Chu Fengyi shook her hand formally, sighing inwardly. Everything about her was perfect, and her waist was so slender too… I thought it was just a corset, but her hand was thin as well.

“I didn’t expect the famous Miss Chu Fengyi to be so beautiful. And your sister is a stunning beauty as well—truly unexpected.”

“No, you’re the beautiful one. I thought your photos were edited, honestly. If you joined the entertainment industry, a pack of old dogs would be falling over themselves to chase you.”

“I’m just an old woman now. Let’s not talk about that. As the company boss, let me update you on recent events.”

“It’s been so busy lately, I haven’t had the chance to discuss things with Fengyi Investments.”

“All right.”

After that, Xu Lin listened in on a highly professional executive conversation, where the sums discussed casually began in the hundreds of millions.

Xu Lin also witnessed a different side of Chu Fengyi—not the smiling, sweet girl she was with strangers, nor the fierce, bossy sister she was with him and Chu Qingchan.

In her serious mode, despite wearing youthful clothes, she exuded remarkable maturity and composure.

“I told you, everyone in my family is impressive. My sister has always been the best—not just in martial arts. She got into college at sixteen, graduated at nineteen.”

“Then she started an investment and finance company, and within a year, she was thriving. She says I’m just a B-movie actress, and she’s not wrong.”

“You shouldn’t belittle yourself. That voice of yours has been certified by the pop diva herself—your future is bright.”

“‘A bright future’—I like that phrase. So, what are we doing this afternoon?”

“Let’s go out and play!” the little girl shouted, raising her arm.

Chu Fengyi and Ye Qinleng’s conversation was interrupted. She glanced at her mother, then turned her head away.

“Mom, I want to go out and play. If you won’t take me, then let big brother and the sisters take me.”

“All right, I’ll take you out to play.”

Peony thought her mother would pinch her cheeks again, but this time she actually agreed, much to her disbelief.

“Really?”

“Let Mommy give you a hug and I’ll take you out.”

“Okay!”

She immediately reached out from Xu Lin’s lap, and Ye Qinleng leaned over, but suddenly realized she was sitting too close to Mr. Xu.

Her body trembled slightly—this awkwardness still hadn’t been resolved… Seriously!

Xu Lin caught a whiff of her fragrance, feeling slightly entranced, but quickly snapped out of it. She’s a mother now—what am I thinking!

Luckily, the little girl shifted closer to her mother, who took her into her arms.

Nestled in her mother’s warm embrace, the girl suddenly thought, Mom’s arms aren’t so bad after all. She’s just very concerned about me.

Ye Qinleng didn’t realize her daughter had grown more understanding, but held her tightly, resolving to spend more time with her in the future.

“By the way, you three should come along too.”

“You’re taking the child out to play—no need for us to tag along.”

“No, no. A friend of mine owns a sports center, with all kinds of athletic facilities and a special lounge area.”

“Shall we go?” Chu Qingchan glanced at Xu Lin, and Chu Fengyi also shot him a look.

Sitting nearby, Ye Qinleng noticed this and grew curious. These were the daughters of the Chu family, yet they deferred to this young man’s opinion.

Who exactly is he? I don’t recall any notable Xu family… She couldn’t help but feel a little curious.

“Are you coming, big brother?”

Peony tugged at his sleeve with her small hand. Xu Lin looked into the little girl’s big, watery eyes, and saw that neither Chu Qingchan nor Chu Fengyi seemed to object.

“Let’s go, then. We were planning to go out anyway. Thank you, Ms. Ye.”