Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Xiaowang looked at Gu Yusheng, saw him nodding approval, and replied to Qin Zhiâai, âSure, Secretary Qin.â
...
Qin Zhiâai was not from Hangzhou but, when sheâd attended the university here, sheâd brought her mother to live near her after her father passed away. It made it much more convenient to take of her mother back then.
Although Qin Zhiâai had not lived in Hangzhou for long, she did know a few good restaurants.
Once theyâd been seated at a hotel restaurant, Qin Zhiâaiâs first instinct was to pass the menu to Gu Yusheng.
Gu Yusheng didnât take it and said in a tired voice, âYou can do the honors.â
Taking on the task, Qin Zhiâai flipped open the menu and ordered a few specialty dishes and a pot of biluochun tea.
After a short while, the waiter served the dishes and three bowls of rice.
The aromatic food looked even more appetizing served on the restaurantâs beautiful vintage china.
Halfway through their meal, Xiaowang looked up at Qin Zhiâai as though he had suddenly thought of something. âSecretary Qin, I just realized how perfect these dishes are that you picked out. All of these are Master Guâs favorites.â
Gu Yusheng had already stopped eating and was leaning into his chair, sipping his tea quietly. Upon hearing this, his eyes widened slightly, and he looked over at the half-eaten food.
He hadnât realized it before but, now that Xiaowang had mentioned it, he noticed, indeed, that she had ordered all his favorite dishes.
He had always been a picky eater, something those who didnât know him well would never be aware of, much less what his tastes and preferences actually were.
In the next instant, Gu Yushengâs gaze landed on Qin Zhiâaiâs face, who tightened her grip on her chopsticks.
She hadnât thought too much about what she had ordered since everything there was good but, now with Xiaowang pointing it out, she realized she had ordered all his favorites.
Giving a tell like this was unusual for her, as sheâd always been careful to separate her identity far away from someone else he knew.
Qin Zhiâai pondered silently for a few seconds before smiling at Xiaowang and feigning surprise. âIs that so? These were all dishes I liked when I ate at Master Guâs house, but I had no idea they were his favorites.â
âItâs definitely a coincidence that you two share such similar tastes,â the unsuspecting Xiaowang replied with his mouth full of rice.
âYes, what a coincidence,â Qin Zhiâai agreed with a smile, while glancing at Gu Yusheng out of the corner of her eye. Gu Yusheng was no longer looking at her but drinking his tea with his eyes looking down.
Perhaps it was her guilty conscience, but Qin Zhiâai felt a change at the table. Biting into her chopsticks, she changed the subject. âAfter dinner, Iâll head over to the hotel next door to book two rooms for the both of you to get some rest, alright?â
Same as before, Xiaowang turned and looked at Gu Yusheng, who didnât give a nod of approval but instead slowly sipped his tea and placed his cup on the table before replying casually, âItâs alright. Later, Xiaowang and I will head for Shanghai.â
After a brief pause, he asked, âWhen will you finish with matters here?â
Although the question was simple, Xiaowang clarified what Gu Yusheng was getting at. âMaster Gu and I drove you here, but we need to drive to Shanghai for business, but if itâs convenient for us we could plan on stopping at Hangzhou to pick you up on our way back.â