He really didn't try to stop her. He really did care more about Cui Yuelan. The person he cared about most truly wasn't her.
Feng Manlun opened the car door for Shen Qi and glanced back at He Yining, a hint of a triumphant smile curling at his lips. He had finally found his chance.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Feng Manlun asked as he drove, heading toward H City with Shen Qi. The convoy of cars behind them followed slowly.
Shen Qi shook her head. "I'm fine."
"It's already noon. Want to grab something to eat? I remember I still owe you a meal." Feng Manlun slowed the car down.
"Sure." Shen Qi checked the time; it was indeed noon. She wasn't hungry, but he might be. She couldn't be that selfish, could she?
Feng Manlun found a restaurant on the map that was relatively secluded but had an absolutely serene atmosphere.
They found a seat by the window. Feng Manlun said, "Actually, bringing you out wasn't just to help you. I do have something to tell you."
"Hmm?" Shen Qi responded listlessly. "What is it?"
"In a few days, there's a fashion show in H City. This runway event has invited international supermodels to support it, all for the winter collection launch of a brand collaborating with the Feng family. My mentor will be attending as a guest. Are you interested in checking it out?" Feng Manlun said slowly.
Shen Qi's attention was immediately piqued. "My mentor will be there too?"
For Mr. Charles to attend a runway show, aside from his own works, it would have to be an event by a few other top-tier international designers. That meant the upcoming show was a major one.
Of course, Shen Qi was very interested in such a runway event. For a designer, the most important things are learning and observing. But every designer's sketches and drafts are their ultimate secrets; unless it's their own mentor, no one would reveal their true skills to others. However, watching a show is an excellent way to learn.
Shen Qi admitted she was tempted. It would greatly help her grow quickly. Whether as a stylist or a designer, the runway is always at the forefront of fashion.
Seeing Shen Qi's eyes light up, Feng Manlun knew he had succeeded. He slid an invitation over to her. "This is your invitation. I just wonder if my junior师妹 still needs a male companion? Coincidentally, I'm also missing a female companion."
Shen Qi couldn't help but laugh.
Feng Manlun continued with a smile, "Lately, I've been tangled in rumors, and the last thing I want is for someone to keep using my identity against me. Clearly, you're the safest and most reliable choice. So, will you do me this favor?"
Shen Qi nodded with a smile. "Alright. I'll gladly accept your kind offer."
With Shen Qi's clear answer, Feng Manlun finally broke into a happy grin.
From then on, their conversation revolved around the runway show, discussing the brand's strengths along the way. Although Feng Manlun's later designs had shifted toward automobiles, aesthetics are universal—master one, and you master them all.
Shen Qi also shared some of her academic struggles with Feng Manlun, who generously imparted his knowledge without holding back. The two grew more engrossed in their conversation, completely unaware of He Yining and Cui Yuelan approaching them.
He Yining hadn't expected to run into them here. When he saw Shen Qi laughing brightly and chatting animatedly with Feng Manlun, his heart grew even more stifled.
Cui Yuelan spotted Shen Qi and Feng Manlun and remarked, "Huh, didn't they leave? Why are they still here? Could it be they're pretending to leave but secretly meeting up here?"
He Yining shot her a displeased look. His Xiao Qi wasn't that kind of woman!
Seeing that He Yining didn't pick up on her comment, Cui Yuelan grew a bit annoyed. "Yining gege, let's not eat here. Let's go somewhere else."
But He Yining ignored her and walked straight toward Shen Qi and Feng Manlun.
Cui Yuelan's gaze fell on Shen Qi, her eyes filled with deep displeasure. Before this woman appeared, Yining gege belonged only to her! But ever since she showed up, the Yining gege who always doted on her had actually disregarded her words! That had never happened before! This woman was so annoying!
No, she absolutely couldn't let her stay by Yining gege's side—she had to be driven away!
"Xiao Qi, Manlun, you're eating here too?" He Yining pulled out the chair next to Shen Qi and sat down directly.
Shen Qi hadn't expected He Yining to show up. She quickly glanced at Cui Yuelan before replying, "Yeah. Got a bit hungry. Heard the food here is good, so I came to try it."
Before Feng Manlun could speak, Cui Yuelan's slightly sharp voice cut in. "People from small places just don't have much taste. This restaurant's standard is only so-so—nowhere near real top-tier cuisine."
Feng Manlun smiled faintly. "So Miss Cui is from a big place. My apologies."
He Yining frowned. "Lanlan, don't be rude."
Cui Yuelan stomped her foot in displeasure. "Yining gege, why are you taking their side?"
Feng Manlun laughed heartily. "Yeah, I'm an outsider after all. We're just about done eating anyway, so we won't disturb you. Xiao Qi, let's go."
Shen Qi nodded and stood up, turning to leave. But as she took a step, her wrist was suddenly grabbed by He Yining.
"I haven't eaten yet. Stay and eat with me," He Yining said softly.
Shen Qi looked up at Cui Yuelan, who shot her a subtle, provocative glare.
Shen Qi let out a bitter laugh. He Yining already had his sister to keep him company—why would he need hers? Besides, if she stayed, she'd probably end up with indigestion. Why bother? Why make herself miserable?
"No, let Miss Cui accompany you instead." Shen Qi's voice was light and indifferent. "The seats here are small. If I stay, it'll be too cramped."
He Yining's fingers tightened instantly. "What if I say I want you to stay?"
Shen Qi was momentarily speechless.
Cui Yuelan grew even more upset. She didn't want this woman getting so close to Yining gege! She hated it!
Cui Yuelan rushed over and yanked He Yining and Shen Qi apart. "If she wants to leave, let her go! It's not like you didn't ask her to stay—blame me?"
Shen Qi lowered her eyes. "Enjoy your meal." With that, she fled in embarrassment.
Was it always like this? Whenever Cui Yuelan insisted on something, He Yining would give in? Whenever Cui Yuelan disliked something, He Yining would abandon his own resolve? If that was the case, what was she?
Feng Manlun didn't waste any more words. He quickly turned and left with Shen Qi.
He Yining watched Shen Qi's retreating figure, knowing she was upset. But now wasn't the time to explain. He would go back and talk to her slowly.
Cui Yuelan sat down in Shen Qi's vacated seat and pouted at He Yining. "Yining gege, do you really like her?"
"She's your second sister-in-law," He Yining explained patiently.
"But I heard you only married her to help big brother," Cui Yuelan said, displeased. "She was supposed to marry big brother! Since he didn't want her, why did you bring her home? Since you don't like her either, just divorce her!"
"Lanlan! I promised Grandma I'd have the next generation before she'd let Mom and Dad come home!" He Yining explained patiently. "Besides, it's not that I don't like—"
"Then I can do it too! I can give Grandma the next generation!" Cui Yuelan blurted out.
He Yining's face darkened. "What nonsense are you talking about! You're my sister! Enough, stop causing trouble. Weren't you clamoring for Italian food? Now that you're here, you're not hungry? Eat up quickly, and we'll head back after."
Cui Yuelan looked at He Yining, wanting to say more. She wanted to tell him she wasn't joking! But then she thought again—He Yining still had Shen Qi by his side. Before she drove Shen Qi away, she couldn't let He Yining know her true intentions.
Finally back in H City, Shen Qi didn't know where to go.
Feng Manlun handed her a box.
"What's this?" Shen Qi asked curiously.
"Open it and see." Feng Manlun smiled lightly.
Puzzled, Shen Qi opened the box. Inside lay a property deed, a land deed, and some tax payment certificates. A key was taped to the lid.
"What does this mean?" Shen Qi was still confused.
"Every time I see you driving so far to visit our mentor, it reminds me that not far from his place, I have a small apartment. It's on the top floor of the New Era Building—not huge, about three hundred square meters, but the view is nice. There's also a small rooftop pool, perfect for sunbathing and such." Feng Manlun explained.
"I still don't get it." Shen Qi looked completely bewildered.
Feng Manlun chuckled softly and gently tapped her nose with his finger. "This apartment is yours now."
Shen Qi's expression shifted slightly. "I can't accept it. The gift is too generous!"
The New Era Building, as opposed to the old one, was located in the city center with an excellent view. Property prices there were sky-high—every inch of land was worth its weight in gold. At over thirty thousand per square meter, a three-hundred-square-meter apartment would cost ten million. This gift was indeed too much.
"Don't overthink it. I just thought that if you're unhappy tonight and want to stay at a hotel, you might as well have a more comfortable and private place." Feng Manlun explained softly.
"How did you know I was thinking of staying at a hotel?" Shen Qi was stunned. She had indeed considered that just now. If she wasn't mistaken, He Yining had already taken Cui Yuelan back to Jinghua Manor. She wasn't being dramatic—she just didn't want to torture her own heart. If they truly had feelings for each other, she was willing to let them be.
"My people just reported that He Yining has taken Cui Yuelan back to Jinghua Manor. She seems to really like your study." Feng Manlun didn't hide it from Shen Qi and answered directly.