The black car moved smoothly through the glowing streets of Shanghai. Neon lights reflected against the windows while the city buzzed with evening life.
Lian Hua sat quietly beside Zhen Wei, her hands resting gently on her lap.
She had never ridden in such a luxurious car before.
"You're very quiet," Zhen Wei said after a moment.
"I'm just… observing," she replied honestly.
He glanced at her, amused. "And what have you observed?"
"That your world is very different from mine."
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"That depends on how you define 'different.'"
Soon the car slowed to a stop in front of an elegant restaurant overlooking the river. The building shimmered with golden lights, and well-dressed guests walked through the entrance.
Lian Hua blinked.
"This place looks expensive."
"It is," Zhen Wei replied simply.
"You didn't have to bring me somewhere like this."
"I wanted to."
He stepped out of the car first and offered his hand to help her.
For a moment she hesitated, then placed her hand in his.
His hand was warm and steady.
Inside the restaurant, a host immediately greeted him with respect.
"Good evening, Mr. Zhen."
Lian Hua noticed the way the staff straightened when they saw him.
They were clearly used to important people—but Zhen Wei still stood out.
The host led them to a quiet table by the window overlooking the glowing river.
"This view is beautiful," Lian Hua whispered.
"I thought you would like it," he said.
As they sat down, she studied him more carefully.
"You're not just a businessman, are you?"
His eyebrow lifted slightly.
"What makes you say that?"
"Everyone here seems to know you."
Zhen Wei leaned back calmly.
"I run a company."
"That sounds like a very big company."
He didn't deny it.
"Zhen Corporation," he said simply.
Her eyes widened slightly.
Even she had heard of that name.
"You're the CEO?"
"Yes."
Lian Hua laughed softly in disbelief.
"And you spend your time visiting a small flower shop on Jade Street?"
His dark eyes met hers again.
"Yes."
The answer was calm… but the intensity behind it made her heart beat faster.
Before she could respond, a woman passing by their table suddenly stopped.
She stared at Lian Hua with clear surprise.
Then she looked at Zhen Wei.
"Zhen Wei?" she said.
The atmosphere at the table shifted instantly.
Zhen Wei's expression hardened slightly.
"Good evening, Mei Lin," he said coolly.
The woman's eyes moved back to Lian Hua again.
And the curiosity in her gaze was unmistakable.
"Well," she said slowly, "this is… interesting."
Lian Hua suddenly felt like she had stepped into a world she didn't fully understand.
And something told her this dinner was about to become far more complicated than she expected.