Su Nian pressed the elevator button, calming her emotions before stepping out of the apartment. Her eyes immediately fell on the black Maybach parked by the roadside, its body glinting coldly under the streetlights. She quickened her pace towards it. Gu Tingchen seemed to have anticipated her arrival; he opened the car door and stepped out before she could reach him, elegantly walking around the front of the car to open the passenger door for her. "Miss Su," he said with a slight nod, his tone warm.
Su Nian returned the nod, offering a polite smile as she got into the car. "Thank you," she said softly, placing her bag on her lap and lightly tracing its texture with her fingertips. Gu Tingchen closed the door and returned to the driver's seat, starting the engine. The Maybach smoothly merged into traffic, and the glow of streetlights cast dappled shadows inside the car.
"Have you taken care of the exhibition issue?" Gu Tingchen broke the silence during their drive, his gaze fixed ahead, his tone casual. Su Nian glanced at him; his profile was sharply defined, appearing even more profound under the dim light. "Yes, it's been resolved," she replied softly, retracting her gaze. "A statement will be released tomorrow to clarify things." She paused before adding, "I really appreciate your help with this."
"It was just a small matter," Gu Tingchen said dismissively, a barely noticeable smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I'm honored to be able to assist you." He turned to glance at Su Nian, his eyes carrying a hint of gentle warmth. Feeling his gaze upon her, Su Nian's cheeks flushed slightly as she quickly turned her attention to the view outside. The vibrant city lights outside were dazzling but failed to capture her interest.
The car eventually stopped in front of an elegant restaurant. The restaurant's sign was understated yet luxurious, emanating a soft glow. Gu Tingchen exited first, walked around to open Su Nian's door for her. "We're here," he said softly, extending his hand to help her out of the car. Su Nian placed her hand gently on his for support as she stepped down. "Thank you," she expressed again sincerely.
The waiter had been waiting at the entrance and immediately approached them upon seeing their arrival. "Mr. Gu, Miss Su, this way please," he said respectfully, leading them through the dining area to a table by the window with a broad view of the cityscape outside, where sparkling lights resembled scattered stars.
Once seated, Gu Tingchen took the menu from the waiter and handed it to Su Nian. "Take a look and see what you'd like," he said gently. Su Nian flipped through it casually. "Anything is fine," she replied as she returned the menu to him. "You can order; I don't have any particular preferences."
Gu Tingchen took back the menu and ordered several dishes that Su Nian liked along with a bottle of red wine. "That should be all," he told the waiter before handing back the menu. The waiter accepted it and respectfully retreated. Soft music flowed through the restaurant, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere.
While waiting for their food, Gu Tingchen gazed tenderly at Su Nian, his eyes filled with affection. "Su Nian," he said softly in a low yet magnetic tone, "I like you." He paused as if gathering his thoughts before continuing, "From the first moment I saw you, I was drawn to you."
Hearing this made Su Nian's heart feel complicated; she was both touched and anxious. She lowered her gaze, her long eyelashes trembling slightly. She understood Gu Tingchen's kindness towards her and what he meant in her life; however, her past failed marriage left her feeling insecure about love and hesitant to open her heart again.
"Gu Tingchen," she finally lifted her head to look at him, struggling internally as she spoke, "I..." She hesitated, unsure how to express herself. She wanted to share her concerns but feared hurting him.
Gu Tingchen seemed to sense her hesitation; he reached out and gently held her hand. "I know you have your worries," he said softly with sincere eyes, "I won't rush you; I'll give you time to think about it." He paused again before adding, "All I hope is that you can give me a chance to prove my sincerity towards you."
Feeling the warmth of his hand in hers stirred something within Su Nian's heart. She looked up at him with a touch of emotion in her eyes and then smiled sweetly as she softly replied:
"Okay."
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