Zhao Mingfeng leaned back in his chair, swirling the last of his wine. "You'll see, Weiwei — Saturday will be perfect. Everyone will know we're the couple to watch."
She rested her chin lightly on her hand. "It will be lovely," she agreed, then let a flicker of hesitation crease her brow. "Though…"
His eyes sharpened. "Though what?"
"Oh, nothing serious." She set her chopsticks down with a delicate click. "It's just that my father mentioned there have been… other offers. Some from rather influential families. I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it."
Mingfeng's smile tightened, just enough for her to notice. "Other offers?"
"Mmm." She took a slow sip of tea. "Business alliances are like… silk. Best woven carefully. Don't you think?"
For a moment, his gaze held hers, something colder slipping beneath the warmth. Then he laughed lightly, as if she'd said nothing at all. "Your father's a shrewd man. But he knows what's best for you."
Before she could respond, a shadow fell across the table.
"Your tea, sir, miss," Lin Xinya said, setting down a fresh pot with careful precision. Her uniform was spotless, her hands steady — but Weiwei saw the slight flush at the base of her throat.
"Thank you," Weiwei said warmly, her voice as smooth as honey. She let her eyes rest on Lin Xinya for a heartbeat longer than politeness required, a silent acknowledgment of exactly where she stood.
Xia gave the smallest of nods and stepped back, but Weiwei caught the stiffness in her shoulders as she walked away.
Zhao Mingfeng barely glanced at the waitress, already returning his focus to her. "Now — about your dress…"
Weiwei smiled, the corners of her lips curving with something he couldn't read. The seed was planted — in both of them. All she had to do now was wait.