9 Chapter 9 : The Confrontation (1/2)

Hongqi was definitely surprised by Xiulan's sudden dinner invitation. He just got back from K city when his secretary reported to him that Xiulan booked his 7 pm slot to have dinner with him. He still has 45 minutes until 7 pm.

He finds it cute that she has to talk to Secretary Yang Bo just to have dinner with him. Usually, women will directly invite him to have a date but his future wife has to book a schedule like it was a business meeting.

Hongqi pouted. If only Xiulan asked him directly, he could have enjoyed teasing her.

He went to his personal room and took a bath. He changed to a more flamboyant suit from Thom Browne's new collection. He wanted to look handsome for Xiulan so that woman will not think of cancelling this marriage.

He already has a feeling that Xiulan was wavering, especially how she treats his messages and flirtations. That was not a normal reaction from women he flirted with.

He knew that his relationship with Gong Yuming was the root of it all. He hasn't ended directly his relationship with Yuming but his cold treatment was already an answer that he's not interested with her anymore.

When he arrived at the restaurant that XIulan booked, everyone was shocked that he suddenly appeared. It was a rare sight to see Hongqi in that district.

The restaurant was still in the vicinity of district Y, which is a place for middle class people. Though the restaurant was a five star, it was still a miracle for a prominent person like Hongqi to appear there.

He majestically walked towards the private room and the people can't help but admire him. He was only walking but people felt that they saw a top model or an actor.

When he stepped inside the room, he immediately saw the petite woman wearing an emerald fitted short dress. Her skin was glowing under the chandelier. Her face was scrunch up while reading something on her phone. Though her expression was like that, she was still very attractive.

”The future Mrs. Xing…” he called and went towards her.

Xiulan glanced at the door when she heard that familiar voice. She didn't have any time to react when he suddenly hugged her while she was sitting and kissed the top of her head.

”Your face had a sour expression, care to share why?” Hongqi teased then sat at the chair beside Xiulan. He didn't sit on the chair parallel to Xiulan since he wanted this dinner to be intimate. He wanted to get closer and get a hold of her waist if there was a chance.

”Good evening, Young Master Hongqi.” Xiulan stiffly greeted Hongqi. Xiulan became stiff due to the narrow space between them. She thought that he can hear her breathe and that would be awkward.

”Relax.” Hongqi said and he squeezed her shoulders to playfully relieve her tension. Hongqi was just trying to score some points in skin-ship that's why he did that.

”Hehe…” Xiulan gave an awkward trembling laugh then cleared her throat to remove the awkward atmosphere.

”Uhm… I ordered some seafood and pasta. Please tell me if you are allergic to the food I ordered. And also I asked for some wine. I will not drink but I think you will.” Xiulan said and tried to smile at Hongqi. Her sudden head turn almost cause her to bump Hongqi's nose with her nose. She immediately faced her front.

”Uh… I think our seats are kind of close?” Xiulan implied and tried to move her chair.

Hongqi stopped her and said ”Isn't this better? I wanted this night to be intimate.”

Something suddenly triggered inside Xiulan's heart. It was not the fluttering of the heart or butterflies in the stomach rather it was an annoyed feeling and anger. She got ticked off by Hongqi's informal behavior. She lightly pushed him away from her and coldly glared at him.

”Young Master Hongqi, I would like to be honest here. I would like you to refrain from acting so casually with me. We are not yet married and I would like you to respect my personal space whenever we meet each other.” Xiulan coldly informed Hongqi. She moved away more from him to have a proper distance between them.

Hongqi had an amused look on Xiulan's daring honesty towards him. He didn't expect that. He thought that she would submit to him easily since her reactions this past few days were really bland and she would nonchalantly agree to whatever he says. This was a first for a woman to bluntly tell him something like this. Hongqi mischievously grinned.

”Ah… I apologize for my rudeness. I'm just really used to being friendly with everyone especially to beautiful women like you.” Hongqi cheekily smiled at Xiulan.

Xiulan gave off the expression of 'I'm not buying that bullshit' face. She wanted to roll her eyes at him but that would be rude. She's not rude like him so she must maintain her composure.

”Young Master Hongqi… can I be direct to you?” Xiulan suddenly asked.

”Yes, that would be better.” He immediately replied and deeply stared at Xiulan. His gaze were really intimidating since he was extraordinary handsome. He's the type that makes women sexually unconformable on their seats.