Shen Qi followed Feng Manlun into the private room.
The food was indeed delivered quickly.
As the heir of H Province's top family, his influence was unmistakable.
The restaurant manager respectfully ushered them into the room.
Shen Qi couldn't help asking, "Where did you find so many race cars? Are you a driver yourself?"
Feng Manlun waved his hand. "No, I'm just the financial backer behind the drivers."
Shen Qi's mouth fell open in surprise.
"The business I've built overseas over the years revolves around racing and competitions. Since you enjoy watching races, you should know that drivers and cars all have financial groups backing them, right?" Feng Manlun looked at Shen Qi, his eyes brightening.
Shen Qi nodded. "I understand. You're impressive too!"
"Hearing you say that makes me feel honored," Feng Manlun said seriously.
Seeing his earnestness, Shen Qi smiled. "Thank you so much for today. You've fulfilled a long-held dream of mine."
"Then are we even?" Feng Manlun teased.
Shen Qi nodded with a smile. "Yes, even. Oh, by the way, are you really going to use these race cars for the next European leg?"
"Hmm? Do you have any suggestions?" Feng Manlun raised an eyebrow at Shen Qi. "Share your gut feelings. Even though you're an outsider, sometimes an outsider's intuition matters."
Shen Qi waved her hands. "What suggestions could I have? I just think that while the cars' performance has improved, safety should also be considered. After all, a good driver is harder to come by than a good car."
"What a kind-hearted girl." Feng Manlun chuckled softly. "Come, try this herbal tea. It's made from snow lotuses picked from snowy mountains—perfect for this season."
Shen Qi took a sip and raised her thumb. "It's really good."
Next door, the room was indeed arranged for He Yining and Lin Xi.
At home, He Yining had pressed Lin Xi with a few questions.
But too much time had passed, and they were too young back then to remember many details.
Since Lin Xi's answers were flawless, He Yining found no inconsistencies.
Lin Xi pestered him to try the private kitchen cuisine, so He Yining had no choice but to bring her out to eat.
But He Yining never expected to run into Shen Qi and Feng Manlun here.
Seeing them together, looking so harmonious, made him deeply uncomfortable.
What made it worse was that his room was right next to theirs.
The rooms here were semi-enclosed, so voices from next door could be heard if they were a bit loud.
Listening to Shen Qi and Feng Manlun chatting and laughing, the fire in He Yining's heart burned hotter and hotter.
Midway through the meal, Shen Qi accidentally stained her clothes and stood up. "Sorry, I need to use the restroom."
Lin Xi, hearing this next door, immediately stood up. "I need to go to the restroom."
They say restrooms are hotspots for confrontations.
Shen Qi had been cornered in restrooms before, but never like this.
Seeing Shen Qi, Lin Xi grabbed her wrist and shoved her into the restroom, closing the door behind them.
Shen Qi was stunned. She hadn't expected Lin Xi to be here.
If Lin Xi was here, then He Yining must be too, right?
"Auntie," Lin Xi said, staring straight at Shen Qi, sizing her up. "You need to have some shame."
"What do you mean?" Shen Qi asked, exasperated.
What had she done to deserve this from a girl she barely knew?
"I heard your marriage to Yining Gege was a complete mistake. So I want to remind Auntie that if it's a mistake, it should be corrected early," Lin Xi said arrogantly.
Feng Kexin was arrogant too, but she carried it with some style.
Lin Xi's arrogance was entirely different—like a little thug.
"What?" Shen Qi looked at Lin Xi in disbelief.
"You probably don't know who I am, do you?" Lin Xi crossed her arms. "Let me tell you then. Without you, I would be the real Second Young Madam of the He family. Before I showed up, you were just squatting in my place. That's fine. But now that I'm back, shouldn't you step aside?"
Shen Qi's lips trembled. "Did He Yining tell you to say this?"
"It doesn't matter who said it. What matters is that a long time ago, Yining Gege's heart only had me. Even if you're slow or foolish, you must have heard how he searched for me like crazy. He found so many women who looked like me, but none of them were me, so he sent them all away. Now that the original is back, shouldn't the fake leave?"
Shen Qi's face turned pale.
Lin Xi stepped closer, lifting Shen Qi's chin, her gaze landing on her neck.
The birthmark between her collarbones was vivid and striking.
"Look, you're just a substitute. You don't think that coincidentally having this birthmark makes you my replacement, do you?" Lin Xi sneered. "I've already talked to Yining Gege. I don't mind that he married you. After all, you're going to divorce sooner or later. He found a stand-in because he loves me. I'll forgive him! But Auntie—"
Lin Xi let go and leaned in closer. "Yining Gege doesn't want to be the one to break it off because he doesn't want things to get ugly. But you need to have some self-awareness! You've occupied my place long enough. It's time to give it back!"
Shen Qi closed her eyes briefly. "Does he know you're here to see me?"
"Of course he does. Why else would I be waiting for you here?" Lin Xi said with a grin. "Auntie, don't be shameless! I'll be waiting for your answer!"
With that, Lin Xi turned and left.
Shen Qi leaned against the wall, her whole body weak.
He Yining—was he hinting that she should be the one to suggest separation?
If that was the case, what reason did she have to stay?
Those sweet moments and touches were just her wishful thinking after all.
Shen Qi returned to the room.
Seeing her pale face, Feng Manlun asked with concern, "What's wrong? Not feeling well?"
Shen Qi shook her head. "Nothing. I'm sorry, but I suddenly feel unwell. I'd like to head back early."
Feng Manlun looked at the table full of food and said regretfully, "Is that so? What a shame. I guess I didn't do well enough. I hope next time I can meet your expectations."
Shen Qi couldn't explain and just mumbled, "I'll go first."
"I'll drive you," Feng Manlun said gallantly. "If you're not feeling well, don't drive."
As Shen Qi and Feng Manlun stepped out of the room, they happened to see He Yining leading Lin Xi out as well.
The four of them met at the entrance.
Shen Qi and He Yining's eyes locked instantly.
Shen Qi's gaze was clear and calm.
If this was what he wanted, she would do as he wished.
Their marriage had indeed been a mistake from the start.
Lin Xi was right—she had just borrowed her identity. It was time to give it back.
He Yining's phoenix eyes narrowed sharply, anger flickering in them as he looked at Shen Qi.
Was she running out to meet Feng Manlun just because he allowed Lin Xi into Jinghua Manor?
Was she already looking for a backup?
In all of H Province, besides him, there was only Feng Manlun.
Good-looking, well-born, wealthy.
And clean—no women around him.
Was she so eager to find an escape route?
Shen Qi, don't even think about it.
You'll never escape from me!
Feng Manlun spoke up irresponsibly, "Oh, what a coincidence! Yining is here too!"
He Yining's eyes narrowed, a murderous glint flashing. "Manlun Ge is here too. What a coincidence. Thanks for taking care of Xiao Qi."
"No trouble at all. I'd be happy to," Feng Manlun chuckled. "This meal was meant to thank Miss Shen. If she hadn't saved me back then, I'd still be bedridden. And who's this lovely lady with you, Yining?"
Feng Manlun really knew how to stir the pot.
His words made everyone's faces sour.
Lin Xi immediately grabbed He Yining's arm and shot a defiant look at Shen Qi. "I'm out to eat with Yining Gege. Auntie, are you out with Young Master Feng?"
Hearing Lin Xi call her "Auntie" over and over, Shen Qi shook her head helplessly and said to Feng Manlun, "Let's go."
Feng Manlun gave He Yining a meaningful glance and turned to leave with Shen Qi.
But just as Shen Qi turned, her wrist was suddenly grabbed.
The next second, her back slammed into a solid chest.
He Yining's voice came from above. "No need to trouble Manlun Ge. I'll take my wife home myself."
Feng Manlun smoothly replied, "Oh? That works too. You're both heading the same way."
He then turned to Shen Qi. "Miss Shen, how about another meal another time?"
"Sure." Shen Qi struggled but couldn't break free from He Yining's grip. She said to Feng Manlun, "Thanks for today."
Feng Manlun nodded at the three of them and left gracefully.
Once Feng Manlun was gone, He Yining said to Lin Xi, "Wait outside."
Lin Xi pouted, about to whine, but when she looked up and saw He Yining's terrifying expression, she shuddered, let go of his arm, bit her lip, glared at Shen Qi, and left.
Shen Qi looked at He Yining, her eyes calm and unreadable.
He Yining shoved her against the wall, one hand bracing beside her, leaning in close. "Shen Qi, what are you trying to do?"
Shen Qi met his gaze quietly and replied evenly, "What you want me to do."