Guanhua Court Restaurant
"Co on, everyone, let's raise a glass and wish Xiaoying and Andrew success in their endeavors in China!"
"Wishing the two of them happiness and harmony!"
"Cheers!"
As Andrew listened to his girlfriend’s translation, he quickly stood up and smiled as he repeatedly said, “Thank you.”
Amid the crisp clinking of glasses, Xie Shuyu downed the remaining bit of red wine in her glass in one go. Then, she joined in the conversation with Andrew and Xie Chunyin, discussing Shanghai and their work, occasionally explaining things to the other relatives.
The main reason her parents had dragged her here today was that, among all the relatives present, she was the only one who could communicate fluently in English. Having previously worked in Shanghai, she was familiar with the environnt. With her around, the atmosphere would naturally be smoother. Otherwise, leaving all the translation to Xie Chunyin alone would inevitably lead to so awkward monts.
Zeng Yan, full of smiles, eagerly added bits of information she knew—ntioning top consulting firms, Fortune 500 foreign enterprises, and client managent roles—before going on to shower praise on her future son-in-law, Andrew.
From ti to ti, she even threw in a few phrases of "Chinglish" while chatting with Andrew, completely unconcerned about whether he actually understood.
Her family had poured so much effort into supporting their daughter, especially during these years of studying abroad. They had scrimped and saved to provide for her education. Now that she had finally made sothing of herself and even brought back such a wonderful boyfriend, Zeng Yan was overwheld with emotions.
As the conversation progressed, she even began planning which nationality their future children should take and specifically sought Xie Shuyu’s opinion on the matter.
Not wanting to get dragged into yet another conversation about "marriage" and "having kids," Xie Shuyu casually brushed off the topic and stood up, heading toward the restroom.
As she walked away, Zeng Yan patted Xie’s mother’s hand and said earnestly, "Sister-in-law, you and my brother should try to persuade Xiaoyu. She really should consider finding soone. Having a partner in life is important; otherwise, she’ll be so lonely in the future."
Xie’s mother glanced at her and shook her head. "Our Xiaoyu has always been firm in her decisions. If you think you can convince her, go ahead and try."
Zeng Yan chuckled awkwardly. "Never mind, I’ll pass."
She had only wanted to use the topic as a way to boast about her daughter. Earlier, when she rely asked if Xie Shuyu had any plans for a relationship, she was t with an icy response. If she had to bring it up in person, she definitely wouldn’t dare.
—
Suddenly, a phone rang, vibrating intensely on the table.
"It’s Xiaoyu’s phone," Xie’s mother noted, glancing at the screen.
Incoming call: [@Tang Song]
She knew her daughter’s habit—anyone important to her had an "@" symbol in front of their na in her contacts, a system she had used since middle school. Typically, only imdiate family and close friends received this special designation.
The fact that this was a man’s na, one she had never heard before, and that he was marked with an "@" imdiately piqued her curiosity.
However, she had never been one to invade her daughter’s privacy, so she simply pressed the volu button to silence the call.
Soon, the phone stopped ringing as the caller hung up.
A few monts later—
"Buzzzz—"
The phone vibrated again.
[@Tang Song]
Zeng Yan, who was chatting, nudged Xie’s mother. "Sister-in-law, Xiaoyu’s phone is ringing again. You should answer it—she’s not at work, but what if it’s sothing urgent?"
"That’s true," Xie’s mother agreed, hesitating slightly before picking up the call.
A deep, magnetic voice ca through the receiver.
"Hello, Shuyu-jie, I’m coming to Quancheng tonight to et so friends. I heard from Sister Yourong that you’re at Guanhua Court Restaurant, and I’m on my way there now. I’ll be there in a few minutes. I really need to see you—I have sothing important to discuss."
Xie’s mother’s heart skipped a beat.
Her daughter… might be seeing soone?!
She had known Jiang Yourong for years—a university professor, mature and reliable. There was no way she would casually share their family dinner’s location with just anyone.
For this young man to have gotten that information from her, and to be marked as an important contact, their relationship couldn’t be simple.
Oh, this was wonderful! Finally, the iron tree was blooming!
Maybe, just maybe, she’d get to hold a grandchild in the near future!
Grinning ear to ear, Xie’s mother cheerfully replied, "You’re looking for Xiaoyu, right? She’s in the restroom right now. I’ll have her call you back when she gets back!"
On the other end of the call, Tang Song paused for a mont before responding, "Oh, alright. Thank you."
"You’re very welco!"
After hanging up, Zeng Yan imdiately asked, "Sister-in-law, whose call was that? You look so happy!"
"It was a friend of Xiaoyu’s," Xie’s mother said with a bright smile. "He said he’s coming over to et her and will be here at Guanhua Court soon."
"Oh?" Zeng Yan raised an eyebrow, imdiately picking up on the key detail. "A guy?"
"Mhmm, yes!"
The mont she confird it, curiosity spread through the table like wildfire.
"Su’e, is Xiaoyu dating soone?"
"What’s going on? Is her boyfriend coming to join us for dinner?"
"No way! My sister has a boyfriend?"
Xie’s mother quickly waved her hands. "Don’t start jumping to conclusions. If Xiaoyu hears this, she’ll be upset!"
—
At the sa ti, the sound of running water filled the restroom.
Xie Shuyu washed her hands, adjusted her outfit and hair in the mirror, then walked toward the banquet area.
As soon as she stepped through the entrance, the chatter at the table instantly died down.
Xie’s mother quickly stood up and said, "Xiaoyu, a young man nad Tang Song called you just now. He said he’s coming to Guanhua Court to see you."
"Uh…" Xie Shuyu froze mid-step, her pace instinctively quickening as she reached for her mother’s phone.
"He called once, but I didn’t answer," Xie’s mother explained. "Then he called again, and I picked up because I thought it might be urgent."
"I see." Xie Shuyu nodded. "I’ll call him back."
She stepped out of the banquet hall once more.
"Beep… Beep…"
The call barely rang twice before it was answered.
"Hello, you’re coming to Guanhua Court? When?"
"Almost there, about three minutes away. Is this a good ti for you? I wanted to talk about the Shimr Coffee financing. If you're busy, we can et tomorrow instead."
Xie Shuyu hesitated for a mont before lowering her voice. "It’s fine. I’ll co down and et you at the east entrance."
"Alright. See you soon."
"Bye-bye."
Hanging up, she caught sight of her reflection in the floor-to-ceiling window. Unexpectedly, a wave of excitent surged through her.
It was sudden, overwhelming, and seemingly without reason.
She had always been confident and resilient, believing she could overco any challenge. Yet, the struggles with Shimr Coffee’s financing had left her feeling defeated and lost.
Coming back ho—to Quancheng, to her parents and friends—was ant to be a ti for healing.
And now, hearing that Tang Song had co specifically to see her, she suddenly felt… alive again.
—
Back at the table, as she t the curious gazes of her relatives, her slight smile faded.
She grabbed her bag and said softly, "A friend is coming. I’ll be stepping out for a bit."
Xie’s mother quickly suggested, "Why don’t you invite your friend up here to join us?"
Zeng Yan chid in, "Yeah, Xiaoyu. If he’s your friend, let’s add a few more dishes and have him eat with us."
"No need," Xie Shuyu replied calmly, shaking her head.
Her relatives all gathered here—bringing Tang Song into this? That would be… inappropriate.
Before leaving, her mother grabbed her hand. "Are you coming back later?"
"I’ve already eaten, so I won’t be back," Xie Shuyu said, handing over her BMW keys. "Mom, you can drive Dad ho later. I’m heading down now. Bye!"
Hearing that it might be her boyfriend, everyone was eager to see for themselves.
As Xie Shuyu strode out of the private dining room, her long legs moving gracefully, the relatives exchanged glances before starting to chatter again.
Xie Chunyin quickly walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, pressing her gaze tightly against it to look downstairs. After a mont, she suddenly exclaid in excitent, “My sister just stepped outside! She’s waiting by the entrance—he should be arriving any minute now!”
Hearing this, Xie’s mother couldn’t sit still anymore. “Let take a look at what he looks like. His voice sounded very young over the phone.”
After all, this was her own daughter—how could she not be curious?
That said, she understood her daughter’s personality well and had always refrained from interfering too much in her personal matters.
Soon, several other relatives got up from their seats and gathered by the window.
“I want to see too! Shuyu is so outstanding—whoever she’s dating must be just as impressive!”
“Maybe he’s a big shot, a billionaire even.”
“Whether he’s rich or not doesn’t matter—what’s important is that he’s a decent person.”
—
The sky was overcast, draped in a heavy gray veil.
A black Rolls-Royce Phantom glided smoothly along the winding road, slipping silently into the night.
Soon, the gentle flow of a nearby river ca into view.
Guanhua Court Restaurant was nestled beside a clear, tranquil river, not far from the Garden Expo Park. Surrounded by lush greenery and wide, well-paved roads, the environnt was pristine.
Tang Song glanced at the navigation app—only a few hundred ters remained to his destination.
He tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, his eyes alight with anticipation and excitent.
This ti, he would completely change Xie Shuyu’s impression of him.
He wasn’t just here as a friend. He was here as an investor, stepping into the future of Shimr Coffee alongside her.
And from this mont on, their relationship would undergo a fundantal shift.
The car made a smooth turn, rolling onto Binhe Road.
Through the front windshield, Tang Song’s gaze fell upon the figure standing on the sidewalk.
Under the soft glow of the streetlights, Xie Shuyu’s silhouette appeared even taller and more elegant.
Her long, jet-black hair had a slight curl, cascading smoothly over her shoulders.
She stood with her head slightly lowered, her left hand resting on her right arm, an LV Gilded Sahara handbag slung over her shoulder.
The hem of her A-line skirt fluttered gently in the evening breeze, accentuating her cool and refined aura.
Beneath the skirt, her long, fair legs were pressed together, exuding an understated elegance and allure.
Looking at her now—this familiar yet breathtaking figure—Tang Song’s heartbeat quickened.
Xie Shuyu… Xie Shuyu…
—
The bright headlights swept across the curb, casting an elongated shadow of her figure onto the ground.
Xie Shuyu narrowed her eyes slightly and shifted her position.
As she lifted her gaze, she saw a Rolls-Royce Phantom slowly approaching.
The tires rolled over the pavent with a faint, crisp sound.
Under the streetlights, the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornant glead with a soft golden luster, as if it were plated with a thin layer of brilliance.
The car’s grand and imposing body, complented by its intricate chro detailing, outlined an aura of absolute luxury.
She was no stranger to the Phantom.
Upon spotting the "Yan A" license plate, a flicker of thought crossed her mind.
She had encountered many wealthy and powerful individuals—so of whom drove Phantoms.
Typically, such individuals had assets in the billions or were the heads of large conglorates, purchasing the vehicle under their company’s na for tax purposes.
Just as she was lost in thought, a subtle braking sound rang out, and the Rolls-Royce ca to a steady halt beside her.
Xie Shuyu instinctively took half a step back, her eyes shifting toward the backseat of the car.
However, due to the privacy glass, she couldn’t make out anything inside.
"Click."
The driver’s door opened.
A tall and poised figure stepped out with fluid, confident movents.
Her steps were light yet steady as she walked around to the rear passenger door, reaching out to grasp the handle before smoothly opening it.
The entire sequence was seamless, her actions carrying an effortless grace.
Her composed and solemn deanor, set against the night, exuded a unique and captivating charm.
As the coach-style rear door swung open, the luxurious interior of the Phantom was gradually revealed.
And then, seated inside, a figure slowly ca into view.
A black silk dress shirt paired with impeccably tailored black trousers, highlighting his tall and athletic build.
Underneath his jet-black, slightly tousled hair, sharp and well-defined facial features flickered under the streetlights.
As his polished leather shoes stepped onto the concrete pavent, a crisp "tap tap" echoed through the air.
With an air of effortless grace, he rose to his full height—standing there in the night, his smile directed at her.
Xie Shuyu froze, her lips parting slightly.
Tang Song…? Tang Song?!
"Thump, thump, thump—"
Her heartbeat pounded in her ears.
Tang Song watched as the elegant CEO beauty stood there, her expression utterly stunned. His lips curled into a smirk.
This mont—this scene—was strikingly similar to the past.
Only this ti, their roles had reversed.
Back then, he had been sitting inside a café, watching as a BMW 7 Series pulled up outside.
Watching as Xie Shuyu stepped out, poised and composed.
Watching as she exuded confidence and beauty, her presence commanding attention.
Watching as she walked up to him, standing right before him.
And at that ti, he had worn the exact sa expression.
For Tang Song, perhaps the true aning of success was to redeem past regrets—to turn unfulfilled desires into reality.
This held true for gaming, for family, and for won.
"Bang!"
The backseat door closed, and Liu Jiayi stepped to the side of the car, her sharp eyes scanning their surroundings.
Xie Shuyu’s eyelashes fluttered. In a soft voice, she said, “Little Song, you…”
At this mont, her shock was indescribable. Yet, due to her usual grace and self-control, she managed to maintain a semblance of composure.
Tang Song’s smile widened. "Shuyu-jie, good evening. You look stunning tonight."
He stepped forward, closer—so close that he could breathe in the deep woody scent and faint jasmine fragrance lingering on her skin.
"Good evening." A faint blush rose on Xie Shuyu’s cheeks. She instinctively avoided his gaze, shifting her focus to the Rolls-Royce beside them. "What’s with the car?"
"That doesn’t matter."
No—it mattered a lot!
Xie Shuyu opened her mouth, but in the end, didn’t voice her thoughts. Sohow, Tang Song felt different now.
There was an undeniable aggressiveness about him.
In truth, she had sensed it the last ti they t—that unexpected hug had left a deep impression on her.
“I heard from Sister Yourong that you’ve been in a terrible mood after the failed financing attempt, so I wanted to check on you. Are you alright?”
Xie Shuyu’s gaze flickered, and she replied softly, “It’s not as bad as she made it sound. I’m fine. But… thanks for your concern.”
"That’s good."
Tang Song’s eyes lowered slightly as he studied the graceful and captivating CEO beauty before him.
Her features were striking, her complexion fair, her hair thick and lustrous.
Mature, elegant, and poised—there was an undeniable intelligence in her presence.
A woman like her…
She awakened an overwhelming desire—to conquer.
Tang Song took a deep breath, unable to suppress the surge of excitent within him. He spread his arms and pulled the tall, elegant CEO beauty into a firm embrace.
A deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishnt washed over him once more.
Feeling the strong, secure hug and catching the faint scent of alcohol on him, Xie Shuyu’s eyes widened in shock, her body gradually softening in his arms.
"H-He hugged her?!" Xie Chunyin blurted out in disbelief. "Is he my sister’s boyfriend? He’s… he’s so handso!"
She wasn’t sure how to describe him exactly, but her first impression was that he had presence—a natural elegance and charisma that set him apart.
Her words snapped the others by the window out of their daze. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs noveⅼfire
The scene that had just unfolded played on repeat in their minds—
The majestic Rolls-Royce, the cool and beautiful female driver, and the tall, striking young man.
"This guy looks really impressive."
"Of course! That’s a Rolls-Royce Phantom! Over ten million yuan! I’ve only ever seen it in short videos!"
"Hiss— That expensive? Xiaoyu is amazing! She found herself such an incredible boyfriend!"
"Su’e, when did Xiaoyu start dating? How co she never ntioned it?"
Hearing the murmurs around her, Xie’s mother took a deep breath, a smile of excitent blooming on her face.
"I’m not sure either. You all know Xiaoyu has always been independent. Her father and I never interfere in these things—not that we could even if we wanted to. But one thing’s for sure—Xiaoyu has a clear vision for her life. She knows exactly what kind of person is best for her. If we ddle too much, it might just backfire."
As she spoke, she cast a aningful glance at Zeng Yan.
Her daughter had always been her greatest pride, never once giving her or her husband a reason to worry.
And now, it seed like when it ca to choosing a partner, Xiaoyu also had her own plans.
A man like that—even if they wanted to introduce soone, they wouldn’t even have the ans to set up a match.
Zeng Yan forced a smile, her gaze filled with envy as she looked at the two figures embracing downstairs, as well as the two luxurious, elegant Rolls-Royces.
Any sense of superiority she had felt earlier was instantly extinguished.
How could she possibly compete with this?
After a mont of awkward silence, Zeng Yan let out a forced chuckle. "Yeah, Xiaoyu has always been capable and ambitious. And here we were, worrying over nothing about her financing situation."
The other relatives quickly chid in, their faces lighting up with excitent and anticipation.
A man who drives a Rolls-Royce Phantom was clearly on a completely different level.
With a boyfriend like this, Xie Shuyu’s future would only grow brighter and better.
And naturally, they would also benefit.
—
After a long, lingering hug, Tang Song slowly released her and took a step back.
"Shuyu-jie, the riverside scenery here is pretty nice. Want to take a walk with ?"
“Mm.” Xie Shuyu nodded gently, her expression returning to its usual calm.
Although she had many questions swirling in her mind, she chose not to voice them just yet.
She knew Tang Song well enough to believe he would explain things soon.
—
The weeping willows along the riverbank swayed gently in the night breeze, their slender branches brushing against the ground.
The two walked in silence for a while, the fresh scent of water and flowers lingering in the air.
Finally, Tang Song stopped at a small resting area and turned to face her.
"Actually, I ca here tonight to talk to you about investing in Shimr Coffee."
Xie Shuyu’s fingers clenched slightly. "What do you an?"
She could understand his words, but ntally, she struggled to believe them.
Tang Song locked eyes with her, his gaze steady. He smiled.
"To put it simply—I’ve invested in Shimr Coffee. I’ve also acquired shares from the other two stakeholders. Soon, I’ll have full ownership of their equity."
Hearing his direct confirmation, Xie Shuyu’s chest rose and fell sharply, her breathing turning slightly uneven.
She took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure. "You’re not joking?"
"Of course not."
Tang Song’s tone was relaxed yet confident. "I’ve been involved in investnt roadshows, so I’m very familiar with the entire project. I’ve also conducted detailed research and analysis. Right now, the coffee industry is highly competitive, with leading brands consolidating their dominance. The expansion of chain stores is accelerating, and major brands are racing to open new locations…"
He spoke smoothly and professionally, referencing market data and reports with ease.
For the next four to five minutes, he eloquently outlined his insights, demonstrating an impressive level of expertise.
Then, with a smile, he reached out and gently held her arm.
"But in the end—all of that is secondary."
"The most important reason is—I believe in you."
"I want to build Shimr Coffee with you—and make it a success together."
—
Looking at his tall, confident, and radiant figure, hearing his firm and decisive words, Xie Shuyu suddenly felt déjà vu.
Her mind flashed back to half a year ago, to that morning inside a Shimr Coffee shop.
Back then—
She and Tang Song had been sitting face-to-face, in the sa posture.
Only this ti, their roles had reversed.
Back then—
She had been the one explaining her technical developnt vision to him.
She had been the one outlining her expectations for part-ti employees.
She had been the one saying, "I believe in you."
She had been the one expressing her trust and confidence in him, hoping they could build sothing great together.
The sa scene—
But now, the roles had flipped.
The reversal of "you and ."
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