Staying Alive Cautiously in the Celestial Realm and Becoming the Strongest-Chapter 1171: True Proof (47)

The restaurant where Wang Chen and Xie Yunyao met was located on the top floor of the second tallest building in Huhai. It was a Michelin three-star Western restaurant.

This upscale establishment was one Wang Chen had only seen in photos and online introductions in his previous life. He had once marveled at its thousands-per-person dining expense and entertained the idea of splurging to experience it—but the thought quickly faded.

Now, he had finally fulfilled a small wish from the past.

Xie Yunyao and her close friends were seated by the window, where a seat was conveniently left open for him at the four-person table.

Upon seeing Wang Chen, Xie Yunyao stood up with a smile and introduced him, "Wang Chen, this is my cousin An Ruyi, and this is my good friend Zhang Wen."

"This is my classmate Wang Chen," she added.

Wang Chen politely nodded to the others. "Hello to both of you."

An Ruyi, in her twenties, wore a fashionable office-lady outfit, complete with black stockings, glasses, and her hair tied up. Her mature and slightly serious appearance gave off the air of a professional elite—perhaps a lawyer or someone similar—and her gaze toward Wang Chen held a hint of scrutiny.

Her beauty was undeniable. Although she couldn’t quite compare to Xie Yunyao, she possessed a unique charm that the latter lacked.

As for Zhang Wen, she appeared even younger than Xie Yunyao, with a sweet and adorable face. Her large eyes radiated mischief as she regarded Wang Chen with curiosity.

"Hi!"

After the introductions, Wang Chen took the seat next to Xie Yunyao.

Xie Yunyao handed him the menu, saying, "We’ve already ordered. Pick something you like—don’t hold back."

Wang Chen briefly glanced at the menu and then told the waiter, "I’d like the filet steak, medium rare, and a serving of seafood soup."

Interjecting, Xie Yunyao said, "The black truffle foie gras fried rice here is really good. Want to try a serving, too?"

Western portions were small; she was worried Wang Chen wouldn’t eat enough.

"Okay."

Wang Chen readily agreed, nodding toward Xie Yunyao. "I’ll go with your suggestion—add the fried rice."

His gaze was remarkably clear, and under his unintentional attention, Xie Yunyao’s heart suddenly skipped a beat. Involuntarily, she lowered her head, her face showing a faint blush.

The entire scene was clearly noticed by her cousin An Ruyi, who was seated across from them.

Xie Yunyao’s cousin frowned slightly and stared at Wang Chen once again, her eyes now carrying a sharp edge.

It was as if she intended to pierce through his soul.

Wang Chen, unfazed, handed the menu back to the waiter. "That’ll be all, thank you."

After the waiter left, he leaned back leisurely in his chair and smiled at An Ruyi, saying, "Miss An, is there something you’d like to point out?"

When their eyes met, An Ruyi—usually proud of her strong resolve—felt a sudden shock in her heart, as if she had collided with a towering fortress or a majestic mountain, with the looming threat of being utterly crushed.

She consciously held herself together and forced a smile, saying, "I’m just curious. Yaoyao has never proactively invited a boy to join her for a meal before. What makes you different?"

Before Wang Chen could respond, Xie Yunyao was already flushed with embarrassment and protested, "Sister, what are you talking about?!"

Just as she finished her sentence, Zhang Wen giggled and said, "Yunyao, just admit it—are you in a relationship with Wang Chen here? If so, maybe Ruyi and I should leave and give you two your alone time."

"Zhang Wenwen!"

Grinding her teeth, Xie Yunyao grabbed the table knife beside her, looking as if she was ready to slice Zhang Wen into pieces.

Even in anger, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

Zhang Wen immediately stuck out her tongue and made a surrender gesture.

Her playful interruption successfully dissipated the subtle tension between Wang Chen and An Ruyi.

Wang Chen glanced meaningfully at her cousin before picking up the champagne glass on the table and taking a sip.

An Ruyi appeared visibly more restrained.

Nonetheless, the dinner was quite enjoyable, largely thanks to Zhang Wen’s lively personality and ability to ease the atmosphere.

Her cheerful attitude also allowed her to quickly hit it off with Wang Chen, even though it was their first meeting.

Through her chatter, Wang Chen learned many amusing anecdotes about Xie Yunyao.

They weren’t particularly useful, but they were entertaining to hear.

At one point, Zhang Wen asked, "Wang Chen, it’s Yaoyao’s birthday the day after tomorrow. You’ll definitely come, right?"

"Of course."

Wang Chen smiled lightly and said, "I wasn’t aware before, but now that I know, I definitely won’t miss it."

"That’s good."

Zhang Wen turned to An Ruyi and said, "Sis Ruyi, yesterday I saw several new dresses at Chanel that just came in—they’re stunning. Your taste is the best; could you come with me to check them out again?"

An Ruyi hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright."

"Thank you, sis!"

Zhang Wen beamed, then winked at Xie Yunyao. "We’ll head out first, Yaoyao—you pick up the check!"

Her remark made Xie Yunyao blush again.

After Zhang Wen and An Ruyi left, Wang Chen said to Xie Yunyao, "Let’s head out as well."

Xie Yunyao nodded lightly. "Okay."

Wang Chen summoned the waiter and handed over the black card that Chang Qian had given him. "Settle the bill."

Xie Yunyao had just opened her bag and was about to take out her credit card, only to find Wang Chen had already paid. She became slightly flustered. "I thought I was treating today."

"It’s all the same."

Wang Chen chuckled and said, "This card was a gift from your mother, so it’s her money I’m spending."

Xie Yunyao: "..."

She bit her lip and couldn’t help but ask the question that had been troubling her most. "You and my mother... what’s the deal between you two?"

She wanted to inquire about his relationship with her mother, but felt it sounded odd. However, she couldn’t come up with better phrasing on the spot. Her ears turned red from the frustration.

Wang Chen found it amusing. "If you want the answer, we’ll talk as we walk."

The two left the restaurant, took the elevator to the ground floor, and strolled side by side along the pedestrian pathway until they reached the riverside.

Wang Chen did not hide the truth from Xie Yunyao and explained the collaboration plan between himself and Chang Qian.

After hearing the explanation, Xie Yunyao was astonished. She hadn’t expected her mother to be partnering with Wang Chen’s father to develop a tourism business, with a significant investment involved.

Still, as someone uninterested in business affairs, she refrained from digging too deep despite lingering questions.

At that moment, Wang Chen glanced back.

Since they had left the restaurant, a middle-aged woman had been trailing them, maintaining a cautious distance, all the way to their current spot.

Wang Chen recognized her as Xie Yunyao’s driver, who likely also served as her bodyguard.

Their conversation then shifted to university-related topics.

Xie Yunyao had previously told Wang Chen about her plans to study abroad in England next year for university.

However, the young woman seemed to have second thoughts about this decision.

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First Chapter delivered.