C228 – This’s My House
“Do I come across as clever? It’s merely a stratagem!”
A sweet smile graced Ye Ling’s face.
Su Ming found himself momentarily at a loss for words.
“So, does this make me your partner now?”
Over a mouthful of rice noodles, Su Ming posed the question to her.
“Absolutely.”
“So, does that mean we are...?”
A chuckle escaped Su Ming.
“Definitely not!”
Ye Ling reacted as though she was a startled bunny.
Su Ming, puzzled, clarified, “I was suggesting that as your boyfriend, I should pay for our meal. What did you think I meant?”
Ye Ling felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her.
“That’s not for you to worry about!”
Ye Ling’s embarrassment turned to irritation upon catching Su Ming’s insinuating look.
She stamped her feet in vexation.
Though ensnared by Ye Ling’s scheme, he remained committed to his masculine role.
Having made a commitment, he intended to honor it.
Upon finishing their meal, Su Ming settled the bill and they departed.
Night had fallen.
The cityscape was alive with neon illumination, teeming with vibrancy and life.
The streets were crowded with people.
Amid the throng, Su Ming and Ye Ling made their way slowly in a single direction.
“Which way are we headed?”
Surveying her surroundings, Ye Ling inquired.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com
“Back home,” Su Ming responded.
“To your place?”
Ye Ling, puzzled, pressed, “But isn’t this the way to downtown? If your home is in the western part of the city, there are buses available. Alternatively, if it’s alright with you, I can drive you.”
“No need. My residence is just a short distance from here,” Su Ming assured with a smile.
“Do you reside under a bridge?” Ye Ling exclaimed in astonishment.
Again, Su Ming found no words to respond.
“Come, my home is actually in the downtown area.”
“Do you live here by yourself?”
As Ye Ling sampled an apple, she found it exceptionally tasty.
“Yes,” Su Ming confirmed, explaining his preference for his parents to join him, yet they favored rural life, prompting him to build them a villa in the countryside.
Su Ming’s demeanor and tone conveyed humility, indicating no boastfulness.
Ye Ling recognized Su Ming’s filial nature, deducing the villa for his parents was certainly well-appointed.
She marveled at how effortlessly he seemed to undertake such projects.
Ye Ling was momentarily taken aback.
She then recalled that Su Ming owned this prime city center land, making villa construction trivial for him.
She reminded herself to remain composed.
“Rest assured, having agreed to the blind date, I’ll certainly show up. When is it scheduled?”
Su Ming, noticing Ye Ling’s preoccupied look, assumed she was anxious about the date.
Catching her off guard, Ye Ling specified, “I’ll pick you up at seven tomorrow evening.”
“Okay.”
Su Ming agreed amiably, suggesting he should bring a gift for her parents on their first meeting.
The idea of gifting hadn’t occurred to Ye Ling, leaving her surprised.
“Are your parents fond of wine?”
“Yes.”
Su Ming proposed they move elsewhere, leading the way.
They traversed a short hallway to a small room housing an elevator.
Ye Ling was momentarily startled by the presence of an elevator within the villa.
Despite her curiosity, she chose not to inquire and awaited silently.
Su Ming activated the elevator, opting for the basement level.
She became apprehensive.
Given the late hour, she questioned his motive for heading to the basement.
She pondered if his intentions were romantic.
Internally debating, she resolved to decline, prioritizing modesty.
Contemplating how to politely refuse became her next dilemma.
She worried a casual refusal might tarnish her image.
Conversely, a stern rejection could potentially upset him.
Ye Ling questioned if her feelings were deeper, speculating on her fondness for him.
Considering their recent reacquaintance post-graduation, she doubted the rapid development of such feelings.
The situation left her feeling conflicted.