Chapter 11: Life Is Unpredictable
In the evening, on the viewing platform of a Michelin restaurant at the Bund.
The river breeze brushed against their faces. The three skyscrapers of [A major financial district in Shanghai known for its iconic skyline and landmark skyscrapers in Pudong.] towered into the clouds, and the skyline of [A district of Shanghai known for its modern development, financial centers, and illuminated skyline.] looked as bright as daytime.
Xiong Yaqian sat gracefully like a lady, her gaze slightly lowered.
On the table were Australian Wagyu filet worth several hundred yuan per serving, large and plump Gillardeau oysters, and French pan-seared foie gras with a hint of lavender fragrance… everything looked exactly like the dating scene she had imagined.
He had taken the initiative to pull out her chair. He had carefully asked about her preferences. He was so considerate and attentive.
Under this filter, Xiong Yaqian only felt that every move of this blind date in front of her perfectly matched her aesthetic and touched exactly the right spot in her heart.
Even after the dishes were served, he found an excuse to leave for a moment so she could take photos freely without feeling restrained.
"Zhang Yang, I have a pretty good impression of you. What about you?" Xiong Yaqian took a small bite of the fragrant foie gras, suppressing the flutter in her heart as she asked calmly.
"I feel pretty good too," Zhang Yang said without hesitation. "But I'm actually a bit slow to warm up. I think we still need more time to get to know each other, right?"
Because of the task, Zhang Yang naturally wanted to leave a good impression on her.
As for whether he wanted to continue developing the relationship after completing the task? Honestly, if it had been the him from a month ago, having a blind date like her, he would definitely have tried his hardest to pursue her.
But life was unpredictable.
A month ago, even if he tried his hardest, she might not have paid him any attention.
And now, she was subtly showing interest, while he was thinking about whether to continue developing the relationship. Even his words deliberately left some room.
"Yes, being slow to warm up is good. After all, we're both looking toward marriage." Xiong Yaqian followed along with Zhang Yang's words.
The two of them chatted casually while eating and enjoying the river breeze.
Time passed minute by minute.
Zhang Yang checked her favorability score. It had already passed seventy and was only one step away from eighty.
"After eating, shall we go take a walk outside?" Zhang Yang suggested after paying the bill.
"Sure. By the way, tonight's meal… you spent quite a lot." Xiong Yaqian had just glanced at the bill. The meal had cost more than a thousand yuan, and this was only their first meeting. She suddenly felt valued.
If it were just the flattery of an ordinary man, she naturally wouldn't care.
But being valued by a boy who suited her tastes so well-she gladly accepted it and even looked forward to more.
"It's only right." Zhang Yang smiled and casually picked up his jacket.
The two left the restaurant famous for its scenic view and slowly walked along the Bund.
Zhang Yang felt that at this rate, completing the task was already a certainty. Even if the goal hadn't been reached yet, it would definitely be done after he sent her home tonight.
After walking for a while, he suddenly froze slightly when he saw someone approaching from not far ahead.
Long flowing hair, and under the night lights her skin looked dazzlingly fair.
"Why is it Bei Wei?" In the huge city of Shanghai with over twenty million residents,
Zhang Yang truly hadn't expected to run into Bei Wei in such a vast sea of people.
Even though they had run into each other, Zhang Yang had no intention of going over to greet her. Right now he was focused on building favorability. If something unexpected interrupted and caused complications, the loss would be huge.
"Let's walk over there instead?" Zhang Yang pointed to the side, preparing to take Xiong Yaqian somewhere else.
"Okay." Xiong Yaqian nodded while carrying her bag.
~~~~~
"Brother Zhang!"
"Brother Zhang!"
Just as they were about to walk aside, Bei Wei suddenly stood on her tiptoes not far away and waved excitedly with a joyful expression.
Zhang Yang stopped, and Xiong Yaqian beside him also looked at him.
Now there was no way to pretend he hadn't seen her. Zhang Yang could only walk over.
"Brother Zhang, it really is you? I thought I was mistaken just now." Bei Wei stopped in front of Zhang Yang. Looking at the greatly changed Zhang Yang up close, a trace of disbelief flashed in her eyes.
"And this is?" Xiong Yaqian stood nearby with a polite smile, but suddenly felt a sense of alertness and crisis.
The girl was slender and fresh-looking, with flawless white skin. Especially the youthful aura she gave off-it was obvious she had just graduated not long ago.
Compared with her, Xiong Yaqian felt completely defeated.
Zhang Yang was about to explain when Bei Wei spoke first.
"Hello, I'm Zhang Yang's friend Bei Wei. Nice to meet you." Bei Wei extended her hand and introduced herself generously.
"Friend?" Xiong Yaqian repeated suspiciously.
Zhang Yang immediately felt something was wrong. She was clearly a colleague, yet she introduced herself ambiguously as a friend. What if Xiong Yaqian had a suspicious personality?
'Miss, please don't ruin my task!'
'Ding!'
A crisp sound suddenly rang in his mind.
Zhang Yang, who had been slightly worried, suddenly listened in shock to the unexpected sound.
[Task (Completed)]
Testing the Waters
[Rewards]
5 experience points; +2 cm height
[Level]
Level 3 (1/25)
[Daily Cashback]
20000
[You have an upgrade gift pack waiting to be claimed.]
'Wait… the task was actually completed?'
And he even leveled up along the way!
Was this what they meant by planting flowers intentionally but they refuse to bloom, while willows grow naturally when you least expect it?
In an instant, the joy of leveling up completely washed away his confusion. He had no time to think about why the favorability had suddenly reached the target. His mind was filled only with the happiness of gaining the rewards.
At that moment, Xiong Yaqian took a deep breath and also extended her hand.
"I'm Xiong Yaqian, Zhang Yang's blind date and also from the same hometown."
The two shook hands. Bei Wei gently withdrew her hand and glanced at Zhang Yang, secretly blinking at him.
"Alright, Brother Zhang, I won't disturb your good moment anymore. See you tomorrow." She waved lightly and disappeared into the crowd along the Bund with a smile in her eyes.
After she left, Zhang Yang looked at Xiong Yaqian with a relaxed expression.
The task was already completed. Only now did he truly feel free. He no longer had to carefully control every action just to leave a good impression on her.
"I'll take you home. It's getting late." Zhang Yang checked the time and said.
"Alright." Xiong Yaqian nodded absentmindedly.
On the way back, the car was somewhat quiet.
Zhang Yang focused on driving and didn't notice that Xiong Yaqian was lost in thought. Or perhaps he did notice but didn't care much.
After some time passed.
"By the way, that girl just now seemed quite familiar with you?" Xiong Yaqian finally couldn't hold it in and asked casually.
"Bei Wei? She's my colleague," Zhang Yang answered frankly.
"So she's a colleague." Hearing this answer, Xiong Yaqian immediately felt relieved. Her intuition told her that this answer was the truth.
"What else did you think she was?" Zhang Yang glanced at her with a smile.
"Nothing… I was just asking casually. Don't overthink it." Xiong Yaqian forced an explanation.
They reached the destination. Zhang Yang parked the car at the entrance of the residential complex where Xiong Yaqian lived.
"Well… send me a message when you get home." Standing outside the car, Xiong Yaqian thought for a moment and reminded him.
"Got it." Zhang Yang waved, rolled up the car window, and soon disappeared into the flow of traffic.