Ye Chen gave a helpless smile. "That's exactly the problem. Girls go overboard when they see my real face."
Before he could explain more, the door opened. A young female server entered with a cart full of food. The moment she saw Ye Chen's face, her eyes sparkled. She served the dishes, but her gaze never left Ye Chen. She even swayed her hips a little extra as she walked.
Zhao Yanyan noticed immediately.
As soon as the server was done, Zhao Yanyan snapped, "You can go now," and practically shoved her out of the room.
Ye Chen chuckled. "Why are you so worked up over something so small?"
"I just don't like how she was looking at you," Zhao Yanyan pouted.
"Alright, alright. Let's eat before it gets cold." Ye Chen lifted the lid from one of the dishes.
As they ate, Zhao Yanyan kept stealing glances at Ye Chen. Her heart was full. She had a boyfriend now a handsome one, strong and kind. She truly felt like the luckiest girl in the world.
After school, Ye Chen and Zhao Yanyan walked side by side toward the school gate. The afternoon sun cast golden rays on their backs, elongating their shadows on the pavement.
"Hey, Zhao Yanyan," Ye Chen suddenly turned to her with a curious smile, "Why did you help me back there?"
Zhao Yanyan glanced at him sideways. "I just didn't like the way that guy was treating you," she replied simply, but her voice carried a hint of something deeper.
Ye Chen let out a hearty laugh. "Hahahaha."
Zhao Yanyan frowned slightly. "Why are you laughing?"
"I just didn't expect someone like you to care about me," Ye Chen admitted honestly.
At those words, a faint blush spread across Zhao Yanyan's cheeks. She looked away. "That's because… you're the one who saved me. I owe you, and I'm just returning the favor."
Ye Chen grinned. "Even though I ordered food earlier?"
"Forget that!" Zhao Yanyan said quickly, grabbing his arm. "Come on. I'll take you to a seafood restaurant. My treat."
Surprised but amused, Ye Chen allowed her to pull him along. They walked a short distance only about three minutes before arriving at an elegant restaurant with polished glass windows and a glowing sign.
"We're here," Zhao Yanyan said proudly.
Ye Chen gazed up at the building and felt a wave of disbelief.
The place looked far too fancy for a casual meal. Once inside, a well-dressed waiter greeted them with a polite bow.
"Would you like a regular table or a private room, young master and young lady?" the waiter asked.
"Private room, please," Zhao Yanyan replied, handing over a golden membership card.
The waiter's demeanor immediately became more respectful.
He led them through the lavish interior into a private room adorned with tasteful decorations, ambient lighting, and plush seating.
Once they were seated, he handed them the menu and politely excused himself.
Ye Chen opened the menu—and nearly dropped it in shock. The prices were outrageous.
Most dishes ranged from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and the most expensive ones went well into the tens of thousands.
This girl must come from a wealthy family… otherwise, how could she afford to dine in a place like this? Ye Chen thought.
Even though he had made a hundred thousand dollars from selling the Zillao Bracelet, he suddenly realized how small that amount was in the world of the rich.
He'd never even been to a Starbucks before learning cultivation, and now he was in a place that made even luxury cafés look cheap.
If he wanted to stand toe-to-toe with Yu Ting's current boyfriend or protect people like Zhao Yanyan he would need much more money and power.
As Ye Chen continued to stare at the menu without making a decision, Zhao Yanyan tilted her head. "What's wrong? Not sure what to pick?"
"I'm not too familiar with these kinds of dishes," Ye Chen replied sheepishly. "Why don't you order for both of us?"
With a chuckle, Zhao Yanyan nodded and placed the order. "Please wait a moment," the waiter said before leaving them alone in the private room.
A comfortable silence settled between them for a moment.
"Ye Chen… can I ask you something?" Zhao Yanyan broke the silence. "Why did you try to save me earlier when the piano almost hit me?"
Ye Chen smirked. "Isn't it obvious? It's a hero's job to save a beauty."
Zhao Yanyan blushed again. "Is that your only reason?"
Ye Chen leaned back. "You ask such strange questions. Should I need a reason to help someone? If it had been anyone else, I'd have done the same. But you well, you're a top-tier beauty. Of course I couldn't just stand there."
"Hmph, sweet-talker. I bet you've had lots of girlfriends before," she muttered, though she smiled.
"To be honest… I've only had one. But she betrayed me," Ye Chen said, his expression turning distant. "In the end, love lost to money."
Zhao Yanyan's expression softened. "Not every woman is like that. Some of us… are still searching for true love."
Ye Chen looked at her closely. Zhao Yanyan wasn't just beautiful she was kind, understanding, and had stood by him more than once. He felt lucky just sitting here with her.
Maybe… maybe it's time I stop holding back.
"Yanyan," Ye Chen said suddenly, his voice serious, "I have something to say."
Zhao Yanyan blinked. "What is it?"
Ye Chen gently took her hand. "Would you… would you be my girlfriend?"
Zhao Yanyan's eyes widened. Her face turned red like a ripe cherry. She had liked Ye Chen from the moment they first touched hands
but as a girl, how could she be the first to confess?
Now that Ye Chen had spoken first, her heart overflowed with joy.
"Yes," she whispered happily, "I want to be your girlfriend."
Ye Chen's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"