The two sat in the car, driving down the winding, rugged mountain road.
Shen Xi's eyes were fixed on the road ahead, her concentration unwavering as she drove. She didn't notice the man beside her stealing glances at her from time to time.
Finally reaching the foot of the mountain, Shen Xi let out a soft sigh of relief. It was then that she realized a pair of eyes had been constantly on her, and she couldn't help but feel a prickle of unease.
"Is there something on my face?" Shen Xi glanced at him and asked deliberately.
Qin Si Ye's lips curved into a slight smile. He really wanted to say, "Yes, a mask that's hard to distinguish from the real thing."
However, he knew those words could absolutely not be spoken.
Ever since he learned the truth, whenever he looked at her, he saw Yin Xi's true appearance.
This feeling was both wondrous and painful.
"Nothing. I'm just curious, how can you drive with such seriousness and focus?"
As Qin Si Ye spoke, a thought suddenly occurred to him.
If this situation could become the norm, wouldn't he be able to sit by her side and look at her openly?
"Mainly because the road isn't very good. Plus, with a big CEO like you in my car, I was afraid that one wrong move might send us into a ditch, and that would be troublesome," Shen Xi said, half-jokingly.
"Even if you did send me into a ditch, I would be willing," Qin Si Ye muttered softly.
As long as he could be with her, he would face any danger without regret or complaint.
"What did you say?" Shen Xi hadn't heard him clearly and turned her head to ask.
"Nothing," Qin Si Ye replied, looking at her with a smile. "Actually, you don't need to be so tense. Your driving skills are very good."
"Thank you." Shen Xi's eyes flickered, and she suddenly made a sharp turn, steering the car onto another road.
Qin Si Ye was startled and instinctively reached for the grab handle above.
Knowing full well she was doing it on purpose, his gaze towards her was still filled with amusement.
The car finally pulled onto a smooth road. Qin Si Ye glanced down at his watch; it was past eleven.
"Shall we go for lunch first?"
Shen Xi had intended to refuse, but thinking of the help he had given her these past two days, she immediately changed her mind and replied, "Okay."
Following Qin Si Ye's suggestion, they went to the place where they had first dined, "Fragrant Lotus Garden," and even specifically requested the "Magnolia Room."
Stepping into that private room once again, Shen Xi was filled with emotion. The decor was the same, but their state of mind had changed drastically.
Back then, in this very room, they had been at each other's throats. Qin Si Ye had pressured her to reveal the children's identities, and under his relentless questioning, she had fabricated stories about Yin Xi's death and her being Yin Xi's cousin.
A little over two months later, Qin Si Ye had fallen for her, and she had also learned that the man she had been with five years ago was him.
This should have been a place of unpleasant memories for them. Shen Xi wondered why Qin Si Ye had specifically chosen this restaurant and this particular private room.
After they were seated, following their usual custom, Shen Xi handed the menu to Qin Si Ye.
"Mr. Qin, please order."
Today, he had taken the initiative to suggest dinner, so there was no doubt that he intended to exercise his prerogative and have her pay.
To her surprise, Qin Si Ye did not take it but pushed the menu back.
"You order. I'll treat you to this meal today."
Shen Xi was taken aback. "That wouldn't be right. You've helped me so much these past two days; it's only proper that I treat you. Besides, I still owe you a lot for meals."
Qin Si Ye raised an eyebrow. "How much do you still owe?"
"Five thousand four hundred," Shen Xi replied instantly, without even thinking.
Alas, she had treated him to a few meals recently, and he had always chosen less expensive restaurants, so the debt hadn't been reduced much.
"You answered that so quickly. Have you been keeping a record?" Qin Si Ye took a sip of tea, his lips curving slightly as he asked unhurriedly.
"Of course. Debts must be repaid. I'm someone who fears owing others; it weighs on my mind, and I'm uneasy until it's settled," Shen Xi said.
Shen Xi looked up at him earnestly, her gaze shifting slightly. She continued, "Mr. Qin, the prices here are probably not low. How about you order a lot today, and we can use up all the remaining debt? What do you think?"
Qin Si Ye's expression turned grim. "The prices here are indeed quite high. I suspect the money you owe might not be enough for one meal."