The secretary had seen the text message, but since the president hadn't given any further instructions, he, having no right to make decisions, could only pretend he hadn't seen it.
Waiting in vain for a response, the organizer had no choice but to summon up the nerve to make several phone calls.
The first three or four calls were hung up directly after ringing for five seconds. With no other option, the organizer made a fifth call in the faint hope that it would succeed.
Whether it was because God had heard his prayer or his perseverance had touched the secretary, this call finally got through.
"Secretary sir, I..."
"I'm not the secretary."
Ling Qianchen's voice was cold and detached, but when his gaze shifted to Yuan Meng, it softened with tenderness.
The organizer immediately noticed the difference in the voice. As if he had guessed something, he immediately put on an obsequious smile, even though he knew the other person couldn't see it.
"Mr. Ling, great! I've finally managed to get in touch with you!"
"Cut to the chase," Ling Qianchen interrupted.
He would rather spend more time strolling around the streets with Yuan Meng than listen to the organizer's business flattery.
Being interrupted repeatedly, the organizer's face darkened. However, since the other person was a big shot he had to invite and couldn't afford to offend, he had to swallow his resentment.
In the next two minutes, the organizer apologized as quickly as possible and promised to bring the staff member who had made the mistake to the scene to apologize to Yuan Meng in person until she forgave them.
Although Ling Qianchen thought the proposal was a good one, he didn't respond immediately. Instead, he looked at Yuan Meng, waiting for her reply.
They stared at each other for a moment, and then Yuan Meng nodded.
To others, their interaction might seem extremely harmonious, but in Yuan Meng's opinion, they just knew what was going to happen in advance.
The organizer must have said something to Ling Qianchen on the phone. After hanging up, Ling Qianchen, who had been frowning, looked much happier.
"Yueyue, the organizer said they'll bring someone here to apologize soon."
Yuan Meng had already guessed it, but she still pretended to be surprised.
"I see."
"Yeah. It'll take them some time to get here. Let's find a place to sit and rest for a while, okay?"
The more patient and gentle Ling Qianchen was, the more uncomfortable Yuan Meng felt.
Several times, she almost blurted out the truth, but at the last moment, she managed to hold back.
Because she had another idea.
"Okay. I'll leave it to you."
Yuan Meng not only didn't refuse but also gave him the power to make arrangements. How could he not be delighted?
However, in order to make a good impression on her, Ling Qianchen tried his best to suppress his excitement and started to make a plan.
He first asked about her taste preferences and food taboos, then racked his brains to find a restaurant nearby that was suitable for her status and had a warm atmosphere.
There were plenty of restaurants in foreign countries, especially on this street they were on. Almost every two or three shops was a restaurant.
Seeing that he seemed to be struggling, Yuan Meng pointed to a restaurant not far away.
"Let's go there."
Ling Qianchen looked in the direction she was pointing and nodded.
"Okay."
Ling Qianchen had paid for almost everything during this trip, which made Yuan Meng feel a little pressured.
Although it was the suitor's gesture of goodwill, she didn't want to owe Ling Qianchen too much, so she wanted to settle the bills. But he was very insistent.
When they were at a stalemate, she decided to treat him to this meal.
At first, Ling Qianchen refused firmly. In his opinion, since he was pursuing her and he was a man, it was unreasonable for a woman to pay for the meal, even just one.
However, when Yuan Meng casually said a sentence, he gave in.
"Aren't we friends?"
Friends didn't need to be so particular about who paid. You could treat me, and I could treat you. It was a normal thing.
Although they were just friends, the fact that she was willing to admit him as a friend was enough to make him happy.
"Okay. I'll listen to you."
It was about half an hour later when they finally decided on this.
When ordering food, Ling Qianchen's eyes always involuntarily drifted towards her because he noticed something.
"Yueyue, do you like this dish too?"
"Yeah. I ate it once before. Although it wasn't from the same restaurant, I want to try if the taste is the same."
Ling Qianchen pursed his lips and said nothing.
Although he knew this thought was a bit ridiculous, when he saw her order another dish, a figure flashed through his mind.
That figure was Yuan Meng.
Why did he think of her? The reason was that Ai Yue and Yuan Meng had exactly the same taste.
Yuan Meng didn't like spicy food but preferred sour food, and the dishes Ai Yue ordered were exactly of this taste.
Was it a coincidence? It seemed too much of a coincidence!
Noticing his distraction, Yuan Meng frowned.
Did he notice something? Had she accidentally revealed something?
"Yueyue, what's wrong?"
Ling Qianchen collected his thoughts and showed a gentle smile on his handsome face again.
A seed of doubt had been planted in his heart, but it didn't mean he had to expose it directly.
After all, there were other ways to solve the problem.
"Nothing."
His expression was so natural that it seemed as if it was just her illusion. But only she knew that the feeling wasn't an illusion!
While they were sizing each other up, the waiter started to serve the dishes.
When all the dishes were served, they didn't say much and started to eat.
When they were halfway through the meal, two people entered the restaurant. They were the organizer and a staff member who had been forced to come and apologize.
The organizer didn't reveal Yuan Meng's identity. Instead, he demanded that the staff member come and apologize, or he would leave right away.
Not wanting to lose this good job, the staff member had no choice but to swallow his pride and follow.
The staff member had a naive thought. He thought this was just a formality, so when he saw Yuan Meng, his eyes were still filled with jealousy and disdain.
When the organizer approached and was about to greet them, he was glared at warningly by Ling Qianchen. The words on his lips turned into...
"Hurry up and apologize to Miss Ai!"
Being tugged, the staff member became even more reluctant. So when he "apologized", his expression was perfunctory.
"Sorry. I didn't know you were a distinguished guest. Please forgive my ignorance."
Yuan Meng looked at the staff member coldly, and the staff member stared back fearlessly. Yuan Meng sneered.
"Oh, you've made quite a show, but this apology doesn't seem very sincere."
Did he think she would forgive him just because he mumbled a few perfunctory words?
There was no such easy thing in the world!
Realizing her implication, the staff member was furious and almost lost control.
Noticing this, the organizer glared at the staff member fiercely and then apologized with a smile, "Sorry. It's my fault for not managing well and letting my subordinate make a mistake."
He thought Yuan Meng would at least follow his lead and forgive them, but unexpectedly, she just nodded and replied,
"Your judgment of people really leaves much to be desired."
The meaning was obvious.
She didn't accept this apology!
The organizer was sweating profusely. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ling Qianchen's cold glare, so he could only keep bowing and apologizing.