Gu Lina Zha could also feel Lu Mingyu’s gaze.
That gaze didn’t make her feel offended.
Instead, it was like a warm beam of light, quietly falling upon her.
She didn’t speak, only occasionally, when waiting at a red light, would she turn her head to glance at him.
He always sat upright, like a pine tree.
Even in such a confined space, he maintained the posture characteristic of a soldier.
His profile was distinct, with a high nose bridge and a taut jawline, exuding an unyielding resolve that brooked no intrusion.
This kind of silence, instead, allowed a wonderful tacit understanding to flow between the two of them.
No need for excessive words.
A glance, a subtle movement, seemed enough to understand each other’s thoughts.
About half an hour later, the car drove off the bustling main road.
It turned into a secluded alley.
At the end of the alley was a courtyard house that looked very old.
With green bricks, grey tiles, and a vermilion gate.
Two antique red lanterns hung at the entrance, emitting a soft glow.
There was no sign here.
Only an old, lush locust tree at the entrance, rustling in the night wind.
Gu Lina Zha parked the car in a parking spot outside the courtyard and turned off the engine.
“We’re here.”
She unbuckled her seatbelt and said to him.
Just as she pushed open the car door and prepared to get out.
A middle-aged woman, dressed in an elegant cheongsam with a plump figure, had already come out of the courtyard with a smile on her face to greet them.
“My big star, you finally deigned to come and see me!”
The woman’s voice was loud and enthusiastic, carrying a hint of familiar reproach.
“If I didn’t come, you’d probably forget about me.”
Gu Lina Zha got out of the car with a smile, walked quickly forward, and affectionately linked arms with the woman.
“How could I, Sister Liu.”
“Look, I just got off the plane.”
“I didn’t even go home, and I brought a friend directly to report to you, didn’t I?”
She playfully shook Sister Liu’s arm.
Sister Liu burst into laughter, amused by her, and dotingly tapped her forehead.
“You’re so sweet-talked.”
“At least you still have a conscience.”
Sister Liu’s gaze then fell upon Lu Mingyu, who had gotten out of the passenger seat and was a step behind Gu Lina Zha.
The moment she clearly saw Lu Mingyu.
The smile on Sister Liu’s face subtly froze, and a hint of astonishment flashed in her eyes.
The man in front of her was tall and imposing.
Dressed in a simple black T-shirt and work pants, yet it couldn’t hide his compelling aura and extraordinarily handsome appearance.
He simply stood there quietly.
Like a drawn sword, its sharp edge fully revealed, making people dare not look directly at him.
Sister Liu had been through a lot in society for many years and could be considered a judge of character.
Yet, she had never seen anyone with such a powerful aura.
She immediately put away the playful expression on her face.
She gently nudged Gu Lina Zha with her elbow, pulled her closer, and lowered her voice.
Her gaze darted back and forth between Lu Mingyu and Gu Lina Zha, full of gossip.
“You’re something, Naza.”
“When did you secretly snatch such a handsome man behind my back?”
“Quick, tell your sister the truth, is this your boyfriend?”
“He looks unfamiliar, is he a new artist signed by your company?”
Hearing Sister Liu’s undisguised gossip and teasing.
Gu Lina Zha’s fair and delicate little face instantly flushed red.
She was both shy and anxious, and quickly reached out to lightly punch Sister Liu’s arm.
“Sister Liu, what nonsense are you talking about!”
Her voice was a bit coquettish , sounding more like she was acting spoiled.
She quickly glanced at Lu Mingyu beside her.
Seeing that his expression was normal and he didn't seem to take Sister Liu's joke to heart, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Gu Lina Zha quickly pulled Sister Liu further away from Lu Mingyu.
She leaned into her ear and explained hurriedly in a voice only the two of them could hear.
“He’s not an artist, don’t guess wildly.”
“He’s a friend of mine, a very important friend.”
She deliberately emphasized the words “very important,” and her eyes were full of seriousness.
“Look at his physique, his demeanor, he’s a real soldier boy.”
Sister Liu listened to her words.
But her gaze remained on Gu Lina Zha’s flushed cheeks and slightly evasive eyes.
As someone who had been through life, how could she not understand that this young woman had fallen in love?
This was truly a rare occurrence, like an iron tree blooming for the first time.
The smile on Sister Liu’s face became more meaningful, and she understood perfectly in her heart.
But she still went along with Gu Lina Zha’s words.
“Alright, alright, whatever you say it is, it is.”
“Soldier boy is good, soldier boy is reliable.”
Gu Lina Zha saw that she finally stopped pressing, and her tense nerves relaxed.
She quickly added another sentence, her voice even lower.
“Also, Sister Liu, he… he doesn’t know my identity yet.”
“You absolutely, absolutely, must not let it slip!”
She was afraid that her loud-mouthed best friend would get carried away.
And reveal all her secrets.
Sister Liu paused, then smiled knowingly.
She winked at Gu Lina Zha and made an “I understand” expression.
“Don’t worry, my lips are sealed.”
“I promise to handle it perfectly for you.”
Gu Lina Zha finally felt completely at ease.
She straightened up, resumed her graceful and composed demeanor, and said with a smile to Sister Liu.
“That’s good, quick, hurry and bring out all your best dishes for my friend.”
“This is his first time here, you mustn’t neglect my distinguished guest.”
“Alright!”
Sister Liu responded cheerfully and enthusiastically waved to Lu Mingyu and Gu Lina Zha.
“Quick, don’t just stand at the door, it’s windy outside.”
“Come in with me.”
As she spoke, she turned sideways and led the two deeper into the courtyard.
“I’ve already reserved a spot for you.”
“The best view VIP private room here, Guanhe Xuan.”
“I guarantee you’ll be satisfied.”
Sister Liu led the way, with Lu Mingyu and Gu Lina Zha following behind.
They passed through the lantern-hung corridor, and the bluestone path beneath their feet was smooth and warm from years of wear.
There were no other guests in the courtyard.
It was so quiet that only the rustling of the wind through the locust leaves and the faint footsteps of the few people could be heard.
Soon, the three arrived in front of a rustic wooden door.
A small wooden plaque hung on the door, with the three characters “Guanhe Xuan” written in elegant seal script.
Sister Liu pushed open the door, and a faint scent of sandalwood mixed with the fresh fragrance of lotus leaves wafted out.
She smiled and said to the two.
“This is it, please come in.”
The private room was exquisitely decorated, facing a large floor-to-ceiling window.
Outside the window was a small lotus pond, with a few koi leisurely swimming in the water.
A round table made of red sandalwood and several matching chairs were placed in the room.
Several ink paintings hung on the wall, and incense sticks were burning in an incense burner in the corner, with smoke curling upwards.
“You two sit first, have some tea to warm yourselves, I’ll go hurry the dishes, they’ll be ready soon.”
Sister Liu deftly poured them two cups of hot tea and greeted them warmly.
Gu Lina Zha nodded, “Thank you, Sister Liu.”
“Why are you being so polite with me?”
Sister Liu waved her hand with a smile.
After she finished speaking, she turned and exited the private room, thoughtfully closing the door gently behind her.
Lu Mingyu had just picked up his teacup when he heard a soft “beep” sound from outside the door.
It was the sound of an electronic lock engaging.
He raised his eyes and looked at Gu Lina Zha, his gaze a little questioning.
Gu Lina Zha seemed to know what he was thinking.
Her face flushed slightly, and she explained.
“All the VIP private rooms at Sister Liu’s place are like this.”
“To ensure the guests’ privacy and prevent them from being disturbed.”
In fact, she knew in her heart that Sister Liu was creating an opportunity for her.
This was the first time she had brought a man to Sister Liu’s restaurant for a meal.
Sister Liu’s action.
Undoubtedly, she was expressing her importance and support for this matter in her own way.
She didn’t want any insensitive person to come in and spoil their mood.
Outside the door, Sister Liu locked the door and clapped her hands, satisfied.
She leaned against the wall by the door.
In her mind, the image of Lu Mingyu and Gu Lina Zha standing together just now reappeared.
One was heroic and tall, with a compelling aura.
The other was charming and radiant, glowing with beauty.
They truly looked perfectly matched no matter how she looked at them.
The combination of a handsome man and a beautiful woman was simply a match made in heaven.