Chapter 123: What Do You Call Me?

"Hmm?" Ruan Mianmian blinked innocently.

A smile touched Jiang Ce’s eyes, his deep gaze hiding a subtle suggestion. "Hmm? Call me what?"

"...Husband?"

The smile on Jiang Ce’s lips instantly widened. Content, he took Ruan Mianmian’s hand and led her forward. His car was parked by the curb; Ruan Mianmian climbed in, but the engine didn't start right away. Glancing over, she saw Jiang Ce doing something he rarely ever did: chatting on WeChat. Curious, she stretched her neck to peek and saw a string of text on the chat record.

"Fangzhong Road and Jianhua Avenue intersection... Lilac Garden?" Ruan Mianmian repeated, then asked, "Are others joining us for dinner?"

"Mm." Jiang Ce replied nonchalantly, tossed his phone aside, and started the car.

"Who are you chatting with?" Ruan Mianmian was genuinely curious. Jiang Ce had very few contacts; aside from her own constant chatter, he never spoke to anyone else.

Jiang Ce shot her a playful look and countered, "What kind of tone is that?"

Ruan Mianmian wrinkled her nose. "I don't have a tone."

Jiang Ce licked his lips and said slowly, "Why not see for yourself?"

Ruan Mianmian pursed her lips, picked up his phone, and typed in the password with practiced ease before opening WeChat. Her own chat was, naturally, pinned to the top.

*Human Cutie-Ghost?*

What a strange nickname... it was a bit embarrassing. Ruan Mianmian stole a glance at Jiang Ce, then quickly looked away, feeling like a thief, yet secretly sweet inside.

"If you want to look, just look openly. Why are you being so sneaky?"

"Oh!" Ruan Mianmian ignored his teasing and kept exploring. Aside from her, Jiang Ce was chatting with someone named "ZY." She clicked into ZY’s profile and found it completely empty, save for an avatar of a fluffy, grumpy-looking Ragdoll cat.

"Who is this?" she asked.

Jiang Ce didn't even turn his head. "Zhong Yu. Don't you know him?"

ZY was Zhong Yu? Right, the initials of his name. But that wasn't what concerned Ruan Mianmian. "How do you have his WeChat? I don't even have it!"

Her focus was on the fact that when they met Zhong Yu at the Little Sunflower Bar, it had been a first meeting for Jiang Ce as well, yet they had exchanged contact info quietly. Now, they were even arranging a private dinner. Since when had they become so close?

Jiang Ce, however, focused on the latter half of her sentence. He cast a resentful look at her. "What? You don't have it, and you're feeling regretful?"

Ruan Mianmian bit her tongue; that wasn't what she meant at all!

Half an hour later, they arrived at Lilac Garden. According to Jiang Ce, it was a well-known Chinese restaurant in Jiang City, famous for regional specialties and excellent reviews, largely because all the chefs were handpicked from across the country.

Holding hands, they entered the lobby, and an usher led them to the second floor.

"Why are you two meeting for dinner, anyway?" she asked.

"Watch your step," Jiang Ce said, letting go of her hand to place it protectively on her waist as they walked. He then countered, "Wasn't this something you arranged earlier?"

His words were heavy with implication.

"Us? Me and Zhong Yu?" Ruan Mianmian was startled. Suddenly, she remembered the conversation she’d had with Zhong Yu at the Wanbaoli banquet hall last night. They had indeed made a plan. She had forgotten all about it, too preoccupied with Jiang Ce. But their behavior still seemed suspicious.

Pouting, she replied, "I forgot. I had no idea it was like this."

Jiang Ce smiled without a word, leading her to the innermost private room. Outside the door, the muffled sound of a lively atmosphere could be heard.

"You go in first; I need to use the washroom," Ruan Mianmian said, stopping in her tracks.

"Do you need me to accompany you?" Jiang Ce asked.

"I'm not a child! Besides, I'm going to the ladies' room." She blushed, let go of his hand, and headed toward the restroom.

Jiang Ce watched her disappear before pushing the door open and stepping inside.

"Oh! Young Master Jiang is here! Sit, sit." Chen Ci greeted him warmly, then looked behind him. "Hey, where’s Mianmian? Why isn't she with you?"

"She went to the washroom; she’ll be here shortly," Jiang Ce explained, then looked at Zhong Yu, who was already seated. The two mature, reserved men exchanged a silent, knowing nod—no words were necessary.

Chen Ci bustled about pouring tea like a devoted host entertaining guests in his own home. Xiang Kui glanced at Chen Ci, then leaned toward Jiang Ce. "Handsome, want to add me on WeChat?"

As soon as she said it, the expressions of the three men in the room became quite fascinating. Jiang Ce remained cold and unmoved. Zhong Yu sat with a faint smile, watching the show. Only Chen Ci looked exasperated, his eyes full of helplessness. He patted Jiang Ce’s shoulder, pinning his hopes on him. "If we're friends, tell her you don't use WeChat!"

Jiang Ce followed suit, saying bluntly, "Mm, I don't use WeChat."

Xiang Kui glared at Chen Ci in frustration and turned back to Jiang Ce. "A phone number works, too."

Before Chen Ci could speak, Jiang Ce added, "I don't use a phone, either."

"Hahahaha!" Chen Ci burst into loud laughter, giving Jiang Ce a thumbs-up and calling him "brother" repeatedly. Xiang Kui didn't look particularly embarrassed—she was clearly used to this—but the look she gave Chen Ci was far from friendly.

"Chen Ci! You just wait!"

Chen Ci laughed, "I'll pay for all the durian this year!"

"Hahahaha!" The room filled with laughter.

In the corner, a beautiful woman who had been silent the whole time kept her eyes fixed on Jiang Ce, as if she couldn't tear her gaze away. Xiang Kui stood up and pulled Jiang Yao over, interrupting the laughter. "Oh right, I haven't introduced her yet. This is my friend, Jiang Yao. Everyone, get to know each other!"

"Who doesn't know the beautiful Jiang? We see you on TV every day, right?" Chen Ci seized the chance to tease, then winked at Zhong Yu. "Jiang is still single, you know. What do you think, Young Master Zhong? Any interest?"