With much difficulty, Cheng Xiran managed to wait until just before lunch. Glancing at the time, she packed up and prepared to go downstairs. To her surprise, Gu Yuanqing and Cheng Zhiyue were already waiting for her below.
After all, they were out in public. Although Cheng Zhiyue was used to being domineering in the Cheng Mansion, she still had to put on a show outside. Seeing Cheng Xiran coming down, she affectionately called out, "Sister."
Cheng Xiran responded with a matching smile and then went with them to the Drunken Immortal Restaurant. On the way, she was a bit worried about running into Helian Duo and him leaving. Fortunately, there was no sign of him all the way, which made Cheng Xiran breathe a sigh of relief.
Upon entering the Drunken Immortal Restaurant, Gu Yuanqing went straight to a private room on the second floor. Cheng Xiran told them to go up first on the pretext of suddenly seeing an old acquaintance. Then she instructed the waiter, "If the prince comes later, lead him directly to our private room."
After saying that, she took out some loose silver from the purse embroidered with crabapple flowers on her waist and handed it to him, urging him to remember it.
The waiter happily patted his chest and took on the task. Then he invited Cheng Xiran up.
"I wonder what dishes you like?"
While ordering dishes, Gu Yuanqing asked Cheng Xiran. She wasn't really interested and casually replied, "I'm fine with anything. I'm not picky."
Actually, her attention was all on the outside, wondering why Helian Duo hadn't come yet.
Just as she was thinking about it, there came a knock on the door of the private room. Then the door was gently pushed open, and it was Helian Duo who came.
Today, he was dressed in a bright canary - yellow silk robe, which fully displayed his tall and straight figure and his face as fair as a jade plate. His slender eyes and eyebrows couldn't hide the amorous charm. His black hair was tied up with a jade hairpin, and the jade pendant that she had liked so much that day was still hanging on his waist. On closer inspection, she found that it was only different from hers in the color of the tassel.
If it weren't for the cold aura and his stature, Cheng Xiran would have mistaken him for a woman.
She was completely stunned, not to mention Cheng Zhiyue sitting opposite.
Helian Duo was also taken aback. After reacting, he turned around and walked out. Frightened, Cheng Xiran quickly got up and rushed out to stop him.
"You promised me to come for lunch. Why are you running away now?"
Seeing that he was determined to leave, Cheng Xiran grabbed his sleeve as if pleading, "Come on, don't go. It's just a meal."
Helian Duo didn't look at her, but there was a hint of complaint in his tone, "I promised you, but not them. What's your motive in summoning me?"
Cheng Xiran could sense that he was angry, but the good show was about to start. She couldn't let the protagonist of this show slip away no matter what.
Just as her mind was racing, Gu Yuanqing also ran out. Cheng Xiran subconsciously let go of Helian Duo and tidied up her clothes slightly.
Gu Yuanqing stepped forward seriously and bowed deeply to him, "Your humble official pays respects to the prince."
Helian Duo didn't even bother to look at him directly and just gave him a cursory glance, "Get up."
Then Gu Yuanqing continued, "Is the prince here to look for Miss Cheng? If you don't mind, please come in and have lunch with us. I wonder if I, Gu, have the honor?"
His words were so nice that if Helian Duo refused, it would seem that the regent was being inhumane. Moreover, because of the current situation, there were gradually a few onlookers around.
Cheng Xiran could only smile faintly at Helian Duo, hoping that he would agree. Fortunately, he finally took his seat.