Chapter 14: A Night to Remember
The ballroom lights dimmed slowly as the evening party came to a quiet end. Guests began dispersing in pairs and small groups, laughter and chatter drifting into the corridors of the Moon Hotel like the final echoes of a stage play.
Ye Tian stood silently by the grand entrance, his hand resting lightly at the small of Lin Xueyao's back. The crowd had thinned, and the energy of the night, once charged with tension and awe, now gave way to a comfortable calm.
Lin Xueyao glanced up at him. Her expression had softened since the moment he'd saved the elder. Though she hadn't said much since then, her silence wasn't distant—it felt more like reverence. Respect.
"You handled everything well tonight," she said gently, her voice barely above the breeze wafting in from the open lobby doors.
Ye Tian gave a faint smile. "It was just something I had to do."
"No… it wasn't just that," she replied, shaking her head slightly. "You didn't hesitate at all. It was like… you were born for it."
He didn't answer immediately. The system's notifications had long faded, but the impact remained. Ownership of Qinglong Private Hospital, the title of Phantom Healer—it was more than just a reward. It was an identity that would ripple through his future.
As they stepped out into the cool night air, he turned to her. "The night's still young. Would you like to grab something to eat? Something a little more relaxing than champagne and business chatter."
Lin Xueyao blinked, then chuckled softly. "I could go for some real food. All those tiny appetizers barely count as dinner."
"Then let's make it worthwhile," he said.
They slid into his M8, and the luxury vehicle glided through the city streets like a silent shadow. The neon lights of Blue Sea City painted vivid colors on the car windows as they passed shopping centers, quiet plazas, and glowing riverside promenades. Eventually, Ye Tian turned into a narrow street where a cozy restaurant nestled under red lanterns stood—a traditional Sichuan place he used to frequent with his sisters back in high school.
"This place looks charming," Lin Xueyao said as they stepped inside. The scent of stir-fried chili, fresh-cut ginger, and green onions filled the air.
The restaurant wasn't high-end, but it was clean and lively, with a warm atmosphere. They were seated in a quiet corner. Over plates of spicy twice-cooked pork, hand-stretched noodles, and steamed dumplings, the tension of the formal evening melted away.
"You're full of surprises, Mr. Ye," she said as she picked up a piece of tofu. "One moment you're joking with children, the next you're pulling someone back from the brink of death. And now here we are… in a hidden gem of a restaurant."
Ye Tian grinned. "I guess I'm not that predictable."
She looked at him thoughtfully for a moment. "No… you really aren't."
They finished the meal slowly, savoring the quiet, and Ye Tian settled the bill with a nod to the elderly shop owner, who still recognized him. Then, stepping outside once more, he glanced at the time—it was only a little past 9 PM.
"Movie?" he offered.
"Movie," she confirmed with a smile.
The mall wasn't far. The Jiang City Center towered like a monument to modern luxury, its glass walls reflecting the moonlight. Inside, it was bustling but not overwhelming. Families with children, couples holding hands, and groups of friends filled the space with light chatter and soft footsteps on marble floors.
The two chose a late-night romantic comedy, something light-hearted to balance out the intensity of the evening. As they sat side by side in the dim theater, Lin Xueyao relaxed into her seat, laughing softly at the absurd scenes playing on screen. Ye Tian, too, found himself smiling more freely than usual.
There was something comforting about it all—something normal.
After the movie, they wandered through the mall, weaving in and out of shops. At a boutique near the second floor, Ye Tian stopped in front of a display window showcasing silk scarves and perfume sets.
He turned to Lin Xueyao. "Would you mind helping me choose some gifts for my family?"
"Of course," she said, eyes lighting up. "Who are we shopping for?"
He smiled. "My sisters."
For the next half hour, they drifted from store to store. Lin Xueyao proved surprisingly enthusiastic, asking questions, picking out colors and styles. She selected a gentle vanilla-lavender scent for his pregnant third sister, something soothing. For the second sister, a fashionable pink scarf that would go well with her lively personality. A jade pendant for the eldest. Even small, thoughtful trinkets for the kids.
"You really care about them," she said as they stepped out of the final shop, bags in hand.
"They're my world," Ye Tian said simply.
She nodded in quiet agreement, looking at him with something deeper than before.
It was close to midnight when the M8 pulled up in front of Lin Xueyao's apartment complex. The building stood quietly, its front courtyard lit by soft garden lights.
Ye Tian stepped out first and opened the door for her.
"Thank you for tonight," she said as she turned to him, her voice sincere. "It was… more than I expected."
"I should be thanking you," he said. "For trusting me. For letting tonight be something more than just business."
They stood for a moment under the lamplight. Neither rushed. Neither looked away.
Then, with a small, meaningful smile, Lin Xueyao nodded. "Goodnight, Ye Tian."
"Goodnight, Teacher Lin."
He watched her disappear into the building, then turned and walked back to the car.
The drive home was quiet, but not lonely. As he entered the courtyard house, he saw the lights in the living room still on. His mother must've forgotten to turn them off.
He set the shopping bags carefully on the table and walked to his room, loosening his tie. The system greeted him instantly.
> [Mission Update Complete] Favorability Progress Maintained: Lin Xueyao — 80 (Like)
> [Hidden Mission: Begin Medical Legacy] Subtask: Establish credibility and goodwill Progress: 1/5 completed
Ye Tian stretched and lay back on the bed, a soft smile lingering on his face.
Another piece had moved. Another door had opened.
The night might have ended… but the journey had just begun.
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End of Chapter 14