This surprise was twofold. The first layer was, naturally, the news of Shen Su and Ji Tong’s breakup. After all, the two had been inseparable; Shen Su had personally gone to appease her just a few days prior. The split was too sudden.
The second layer was Ji Tong’s indifferent attitude. Feng Feng remembered this was Ji Tong’s first relationship, and in Feng Feng’s impression, she was someone who valued her emotions deeply, especially her devotion to Shen Su. She hadn't expected such nonchalance during the breakup.
Of course, it was possible Ji Tong was suppressing her negative emotions. Mature people wouldn't display their breakdown in front of others.
Feng Feng remained silent for a long time. Ji Tong sensed her surprise and asked with a smile, "Did I shock you?"
"A little surprised," Feng Feng replied, regaining her composure and her usual tone. "Have you found a new job?"
Ji Tong: "Yes, the new company's headquarters are in Kyoto. I might be transferred there next week."
Feng Feng: "That's good."
Ji Tong: "So, before I leave, I wanted to treat you to a meal. Are you free tonight?"
Feng Feng: "Yes."
Ji Tong: "Then let's leave together after work."
Feng Feng: "Okay."
Feng Feng could understand Ji Tong treating her to a meal. She was a grateful person, and objectively speaking, she had helped Ji Tong quite a bit at work.
After returning to her office from the conference room, Feng Feng still couldn't quite process the news of Ji Tong and Shen Su's breakup. It was too unexpected.
It would be a lie to say she wasn't curious, but she knew it had little to do with her. Even with her curiosity, she couldn't bring herself to ask Ji Tong, fearing she might touch a raw nerve.
Feng Feng was originally supposed to have dinner with Li Yue that evening, but having promised Ji Tong, she had to inform Li Yue first.
Upon hearing this, Li Yue fell into a contemplative silence. Feng Feng, sensitive to his emotions, asked, "Are you unhappy?"
"How could I be unhappy?" Li Yue replied. "I'll find somewhere to eat. Call me when you're finishing, and I'll pick you up."
Feng Feng: "Okay."
Li Yue wasn't worried about Ji Tong doing anything to Feng Feng. He had interacted with Ji Tong before and trusted her character.
Ji Tong didn't have a car, so she got into Feng Feng's car with her.
Feng Feng asked, "Where are we going?"
Ji Tong: "Let's go to Lubson. I'll treat you to a big meal."
She grinned as she said this, her smile bright and infectious, making Feng Feng unable to resist smiling along.
A little past seven, Feng Feng parked her car in front of the restaurant. Although it was a Friday, the restaurant wasn't crowded due to its high prices.
The two women were smoothly seated in a booth. After ordering, Ji Tong solemnly expressed her gratitude to Feng Feng.
"Ms. Feng, thank you so much for these past two years. After I graduated, I didn't have many friends in Nanjiang, but you are definitely one of them," Ji Tong said earnestly. "If you ever come to Kyoto on business, remember to visit me. I'll treat you to another meal then."
No one could heartlessly refuse a sincere person. Feng Feng nodded at Ji Tong, "Okay, I definitely will."
"I also hope your work and life there go smoothly," Feng Feng told Ji Tong. "I have friends there. If you need any help, I can introduce you."
"It will definitely go smoothly," Ji Tong sighed with relief. "I feel very relaxed now, a sense of being unburdened."
Feng Feng: "Was the work pressure at Jinhe very high?"
Ji Tong: "It wasn't because of work, but because of the relationship."
Feng Feng's hand, which had been reaching for her cup, froze. Judging by Ji Tong's words, it seemed she was about to discuss her relationship.
Feng Feng didn't ask. Ji Tong spoke vaguely, "Separating from someone unsuitable brings more relief than sadness."
From Ji Tong's words, it seemed she wasn't too heartbroken about the breakup, but rather felt relieved?
Had Shen Su put some kind of pressure on her?
Probably not. He had always been good at coaxing women, and Ji Tong had always been well-coaxed by him.
Ji Tong didn't elaborate, so Feng Feng didn't pry further. After the food was served, their conversation focused on work. Ji Tong was an ambitious person, and Feng Feng was happy to chat with her, sharing her experiences generously. The two chatted and laughed, their conversation flowing easily.
However, the atmosphere was later broken—halfway through the meal, they ran into Gu Song.
Gu Song wasn't with Shen Su. He was accompanied by a sexy and beautiful woman, likely there for a date.
The moment Gu Song entered the restaurant, he saw Feng Feng and Ji Tong chatting happily. He whispered something to the woman beside him, settled her down, and then headed towards Feng Feng and Ji Tong's table.
Ji Tong had just broken up, and encountering a friend of her ex-boyfriend was unfamiliar territory for her. She didn't know how to handle it, so after a brief greeting to Gu Song, she found an excuse to go to the restroom.
Gu Song watched Ji Tong leave, chuckled softly, and then looked at Feng Feng. "You're quite good to Ji Tong."
When Gu Song was being sarcastic, he was very much like Shen Su. Feng Feng, being so perceptive, understood the hidden meaning as soon as he spoke.
Feng Feng: "Yes, I quite like Ji Tong."
Gu Song was momentarily taken aback by Feng Feng's response. She was truly adept at delivering unexpected remarks that left people speechless.
Gu Song hadn't forgotten the purpose of his approach. After adjusting himself, he asked, "Are you free this weekend? I'd like to treat you to a meal."
Feng Feng didn't believe Gu Song would ask her for anything good. "I'm not free."
Gu Song seemed to have anticipated this outcome and asked playfully, "Is your little boyfriend clinging to you so tightly that you can't be apart for a moment?"
Feng Feng: "It has nothing to do with him. I simply don't want to eat with you."
Since she was quite familiar with Gu Song, Feng Feng saw no need to beat around the bush and stated her thoughts directly.
Gu Song: "...Ms. Feng, you really don't give anyone face."
Feng Feng responded calmly, "It's not like you're meeting me for the first time."
She had always been this way. While she might be accommodating in work situations out of necessity, in her private life, she wouldn't force herself to attend gatherings she didn't want to.
Gu Song: "You're quite strange. You're happy to dine with a rival, but you so readily refuse an invitation from an old friend like me."
Feng Feng: "Who is a rival?"
Gu Song: "Alright, I misspoke. You and Ji Tong aren't rivals; you're former rivals."
Feng Feng felt uncomfortable with Gu Song's words. "Not every woman will fight tooth and nail over a man."
Gu Song chuckled. "A潇洒 (xiāosǎ - carefree/uninhibited) person like you naturally wouldn't, but you don't represent all women."
Feng Feng: "Can you represent them?"
Gu Song was once again left speechless and seemed a bit impatient. "You do like Ji Tong quite a bit, but are you sure Ji Tong will still treat you the same way if she knows about your relationship with Shen Su?"
Feng Feng was also getting impatient with Gu Song. She moved her lips, about to retort, when she suddenly spotted Ji Tong standing opposite them.
She didn't know when she had arrived or how much she had heard, but judging by her pale face, she had definitely heard Gu Song's last sentence.
Gu Song followed Feng Feng's gaze and saw Ji Tong's expression. His right eyelid twitched.