Chapter 18 – You are Entitled to Swipe my Card
Mo Suqing was trying very hard to make herself as small as possible in a corner of the elevator, her whole face bright red.
She didn’t even dare to hold her head high. She could not help it. Somehow, the air in the elevator felt stifling.
Finally, they reached the basement. Mo Suqing quickly walked out.
However, she didn’t continue her way to the car. Instead, she waited for Ye Zhongjue to come out the elevator and then walked behind him, her neck disappearing into the shirt like a snail in a shell.
They didn’t say anything during the ride until they were far away from the building and Mo Suqing could not help but break the silence by asking, “Where are we going? It’s almost eight.”
Ye Zhongjue gave her a sidelong glance and replied, “To a place where we can have dinner.”
Mo Suqing didn’t know what to say. She watched the night view flying past the window and thought, We are going to have dinner at a place where we can have dinner. Ha!
When they finally arrived at the?location, Mo Suqing was quite surprised. What a place it is!
Tranquil and elegant, an isolated paradise that didn’t belong to the hustle and bustle of a big city.
She looked up and saw two words in huge letters: Peaceful Raindrops. Ye Zhongjue, unprompted, answered her unsaid question, “This is a rather secluded hotel here in A----, so few people know about it. The atmosphere is quite graceful and?proper.?The chef?only?cooks for ten groups?per?day. I made a reservation earlier today and wanted to take you here, to celebrate our?marriage.”
Then, he fell silent again.
Mo Suqing looked at him with a bland expression, then marched inside. She had never known there was such a peaceful place in A----. What a wonderful place to unwind.
They walked deeper into the establishment. A row of bamboos materialized. A network of pavilions with screens on four sides floated on the artificial lake. It was supremely elegant.
Ye Zhongjue glimpsed at Mo Suqing, who was looking around curiously, then chuckled softly. It was a low and appealing sound that reminded one of the wind murmuring in the forest.
He patted Mo Suqing on the arm and held her hand in his before saying, “Our pavilion is over there.”
Mo Suqing was quite startled by his gesture. As if receiving an electric shock, she tried to withdraw her hand, but Ye Zhongjue did not let go.
She turned toward him in confusion, only to find that he was still facing resolutely in the direction of the pavilion. She considered for a moment and thought better of it, letting him hold her hand. Then, she looked at the pavilion for the first time.
A sign that read “Moonlight Pavilion” was hung on the eaves. Mo Suqing stared in wonder. Wow, even the names for the pavilions are?poetic!
Not long after they were seated, a beaming middle-aged man brought in their rice and dishes. He seemed to know Ye Zhongjue because he exclaimed happily, “Ah Jue, you’re here!”
Ye Zhongjue’s poker face slacked a little. He nodded and said, “Yeah. Go wait on other customers. We don’t need you to watch over us.”
The man nodded smilingly, put down the dishes and left. Throughout dinner, Mo Suqing focused on her plate so intently that it was as if she feared the dishes would suddenly disappear. The corner of Ye Zhongjue’s mouth turned up in a slight smile. She is as cute as ever!
When dinner was finished, Ye Zhongjue led her all the way outside.
Mo Suqing could not remain silent anymore. She tugged at his sleeves and said, “We haven’t paid yet!”
Ye Zhongjue gave her an impassive expression. “I’ve already done that.”
“When? How come I didn’t notice that you’ve paid?” Mo Suqing frowned.
Although she was married to Ye Zhongjue, she hoped they could draw a boundary between “you” and “me.” Otherwise, she feared things would get too complicated.
After all,?a man?as remarkable as Ye Zhongjue was definitely popular with the ladies. She did not want to owe him anything or to fall for him.
Ye Zhongjue didn’t know how to respond. He couldn’t understand why she must trouble herself with it. So he assured her again, “Let’s go. I’ve already paid for it before we came.”
Mo Suqing screwed up her pretty face. “But it must have cost a lot!”
She had had a great time in the restaurant and she knew from the delicate dishes and their extraordinary taste that this was an expensive dinner.
As an assistant, there was no way Ye Zhongjue could easily afford a meal like this.
Hearing this, Ye Zhongjue finally realized why it bothered her so much.
When they reached the car, Ye Zhongjue gave her a look and said, “Let’s get on the car first.”
Mo Suqing hesitated a little before opening the door of the front seat.
Ye Zhongjue got?in?the car himself, but he didn’t start the engine immediately. Instead, he took out a golden card from his wallet. Mo Suqing watched him, bewildered.
Then, he handed the card to Mo Suqing. “Here. This is my payroll card.”
Mo Suqing’s expression changed dramatically. She pushed the card back to him hurriedly and exclaimed, “What are you doing? Put it away!”
“Take it! You are entitled to swipe my card!” Ye Zhongjue’s tone indicated there was no room for dispute.