She had been waiting for this meeting for a long time!
If it weren't for the excuse of discussing business, she probably wouldn't have been able to see He Yining.
Shen Qi was well aware of how much of a third wheel she was. From the moment she entered, after exchanging greetings, she kept a low profile, standing to the side and trying to minimize her presence.
Unfortunately, He Yining didn't follow the script at all. Seeing Shen Qi still standing by the door like a pillar, he flashed a devilish smile. "Why aren't you coming over? How long are you going to make Miss Feng wait?"
"I..." Shen Qi glanced awkwardly at Feng Kexin, hesitating.
It was clear she wasn't welcome—why force herself?
Feng Kexin was a local socialite!
Countless high-society types lined up to curry favor with her. If Shen Qi offended her, who would ever hire her for styling in the future?
If no one hired her, how would she earn money to pay for her brother's treatment?
Hearing He Yining's words, Feng Kexin turned to Shen Qi. "Miss Shen, please, have a seat. Don't be shy."
Her smile was radiant, but Shen Qi could clearly hear the gritted teeth behind it.
Since Feng Kexin had said so, Shen Qi had no choice but to steel herself and carefully choose a seat far from He Yining.
Before she could sit down, He Yining frowned. "Why sit so far? Come over here, sit here."
He gestured with a glance at the seat beside him.
Shen Qi was instantly alarmed and instinctively looked at Feng Kexin.
Oh, little princess, please don't take this out on me! I have nothing to do with him!
No, wait—I'm his sister-in-law. We're perfectly innocent!
Feng Kexin's face turned ugly for a moment, but years of refined upbringing helped her control her emotions. She stared stiffly at Shen Qi. "Yes, Miss Shen, why sit so far? Come closer, it'll be easier to talk."
"Ah... yes..." Hearing this, Shen Qi felt her whole body stiffen. She mechanically sat down near He Yining. To prove her innocence, she deliberately took the outermost seat, firmly keeping her distance from this public enemy of men.
Seeing that Shen Qi wasn't clinging to He Yining like other women, Feng Kexin's expression softened slightly.
The food arrived quickly.
Staring at the exquisite dishes before her, Shen Qi chewed mechanically, completely unaware of what she was eating.
Finally, when He Yining excused himself to the restroom, Shen Qi quickly put down her knife and fork and explained to Feng Kexin, "Miss Feng, please don't misunderstand! I have absolutely nothing to do with Mr. He! No, wait—I'm just his stylist. Someone as outstanding as Mr. He is not something ordinary people like us could ever dream of. Besides, I... I... I'm already married!"
Remembering that today was actually her wedding day, Shen Qi felt a pang of heartache.
But to ease Feng Kexin's concerns, the status of being married seemed more convincing.
As long as it didn't ruin her career, being married was fine!
Hearing Shen Qi's frantic explanation, Feng Kexin's gaze indeed softened, especially at the last part. She finally smiled in satisfaction.
"Alright, I didn't say anything," Feng Kexin said, glancing at Shen Qi. "Don't worry, I won't stand in the way of your livelihood."
With Feng Kexin's words, Shen Qi was completely relieved!