His tone brooked no argument. Before Su Xiaoxi could react, the man was already striding toward the door. Flustered, she scrambled to gather her files and trotted after him.
The restaurant downstairs was packed. Just as Su Xiaoxi hesitated to suggest going elsewhere, Lin Yi headed straight for a newly vacated corner table.
*"Sit."* The single word hung in the air as he turned toward the ordering counter.
She stood frozen, unsure whether to obey. Five minutes later, Lin Yi returned with two trays, sliding one toward her—braised beef rice with a side of her favorite spicy-and-sour shredded potatoes.
*"How did you know I like this?"* Her eyes widened.
An almost imperceptible pause. *"Lucky guess."*
Su Xiaoxi studied him suspiciously, but hunger soon overrode curiosity. She devoured the meal, failing to notice how little he touched his own food—or how his gaze lingered on her with clinical focus.
*"Do you always eat this fast?"* Lin Yi's question caught her mid-bite.
She nearly choked on a grain of rice. *"Huh? Oh... force of habit. Busy schedule."*
*"Bad for your stomach."* He nudged a glass of warm water toward her. *"Slow down."*
Those two words inexplicably warmed her chest. She adjusted her pace, stealing glances across the table. Sunlight carved his profile in sharp relief, his lashes casting delicate shadows. Every movement was precise, silent.
*"So... Mr. Lin—"*
*"Lin Yi."*
*"Right, Lin Yi..."* She ventured, *"Where did you work before?"*
*"Abroad."*
*"Which country?"*
*"Several."* His answers were maddeningly concise.
She nibbled her lower lip. *"What brought you back to China?"*
*"Family."*
Each question met an immovable wall. Su Xiaoxi surrendered and focused on her meal—until her phone rang.
*"Mengmeng?"*
*"Xiaoxi! Guess where I am?"* Li Meng's bubbly voice crackled through the receiver. *"Right by your office! Had an interview nearby. Lunch?"*
*"Oh, now? I'm already—"* Her eyes flicked to Lin Yi. *"Eating with someone..."*
*"Ooooh, a *boyfriend*?"* Li Meng drew out the word.
*"Don't be ridiculous! A new colleague."* Her cheeks flamed. *"We're at Haoweilai across the street."*
*"Five minutes!"* The line went dead.