Upon entering Yu Lu, they were surprised to find it unusually empty. Rongrong was sitting in the front hall, her chin propped on her hand, staring blankly at a large jadeite cabbage on the counter. Seeing her, Xu Ke felt an inexplicable sense of guilt. Shen Mu tapped on the table, “Rongrong, what are you daydreaming about?” Rongrong jumped, looked up at Shen Mu, then at Xu Ke, and gave a faint smile. “A friend is coming for dinner today, so I’ve turned away other customers.” Shen Mu turned to Xu Ke, “Shall we go somewhere else? Where do you want to go?” Rongrong suddenly interjected, “You know this friend too, why don’t you stay?” Shen Mu was taken aback, “Who?” “He Ming.” “He Ming! How do you know him?” Rongrong lowered her eyes, “You’ll know soon.”
Shen Mu was puzzled and exchanged a look with Xu Ke. At that moment, Xu Ke was certain that Shen Mu really didn’t know Rongrong was Dou Yuan. Indeed, her transformation was so significant that even Xu Ke hadn’t recognized her at all. Rongrong led them into the same private room as last time and then left. Shen Mu frowned, “Strange, I saw He Ming last month, and he never mentioned knowing Rongrong.” Xu Ke was torn, wondering whether to tell Shen Mu that Rongrong was Dou Yuan, or if Rongrong would reveal it herself later. She had a premonition that today’s meeting with He Ming and Shen Mu’s coincidental encounter would lead Rongrong to resolve her feelings of the past decade. She felt a bit anxious, subconsciously wanting to avoid the scene.
“Shen Mu, if a woman really likes you and is very good to you, would you be moved and accept her?” Shen Mu furrowed his brows then relaxed them, giving a half-smile, “If that woman were you, then I would.” Xu Ke blushed, unable to continue the conversation. Suddenly, footsteps approached from outside. Moments later, the door opened, and He Ming and Rongrong entered one after the other. He Ming was as dashing as ever, in a white casual shirt and dark green trousers, more charming than he had been years ago. His personality hadn’t changed; he dramatically exclaimed upon entering, “Shen Mu, you’re here too!” Shen Mu stood up, patting his shoulder with a smile. He Ming’s eyes widened upon seeing Xu Ke, then he laughed with exaggerated excitement. “Isn’t this Xu Ke? It’s been years, let’s see, five or six? Wow, what a coincidence today, meeting here.” “Shen Mu, you’re not being fair, reuniting with Xu Ke and not telling your buddy. I was thinking of introducing you to some nice ladies.” Shen Mu smiled back at Xu Ke, “Well, it’s just my one-sided affection; she hasn’t agreed yet.” He Ming exclaimed in mock shock, “Really?” Xu Ke’s face grew hot.
