Meng Ruozhao didn't feel much about her sudden popularity. But hearing them discuss the explosion of orders, she couldn't help but feel happy too.
She had been running the store for a long time, and her business had always been just so - so. But who didn't want to make more money when running a business? So she also reposted the photographer's content using the account of "Floating Cloud Pavilion" and thanked the other person on WeChat.
Pei Jiangmu stood beside, watching Meng Ruozhao playing around with her friends. His eyes were filled with gentle smiles.
Was this the life she had wanted before? Was it really that simple?
He couldn't figure it out, so he just silently asked Qi Yu to send over afternoon tea. Then he pretended it was take - out he ordered. He went to the door to pick it up in person and then placed them on the table one by one.
When he was doing these things, he casually put his phone on the table. Just then, a message came in.
The sharp - eyed Yi Mo accidentally glanced at his phone screen. She immediately felt like she had discovered a new continent and exaggeratedly let out an "Oh—" with a drawn - out tone.
"Little Brother Pei—"
Yi Mo playfully got closer, pointed at his phone screen, and her eyes darted back and forth between him and Meng Ruozhao.
"What's going on? Why did you set our Ruozhao's photo as your screensaver? You've got something going on here!"
Pei Jiangmu was caught red - handed. His ears turned slightly red. But in the face of Yi Mo's teasing gaze, instead of dodging, he lifted his chin. His eyes passed over Yi Mo and looked straight at Meng Ruozhao.
His eyes were filled with undisguised love and a kind of almost childish show - off. His tone was proud and smug as he clearly announced,
"Yes. I'm her boyfriend."
"Wow—"
Yi Mo and Ai Gao simultaneously let out loud exclamations. Even Xu Lin covered her mouth in surprise.
"Really, Ruozhao? Are you really together?!"
Yi Mo excitedly grabbed Meng Ruozhao's arm and shook it.
Meng Ruozhao didn't expect Pei Jiangmu to announce it so directly. She originally thought that as a student, he would be embarrassed to tell outsiders that he was dating an older, working girlfriend. So she hadn't told anyone about their relationship, fearing it would burden him.
But now, not only did he announce it, but he also seemed so proud?
A strange sweetness welled up in Meng Ruozhao's heart. Facing the burning gazes of her friends, she couldn't help but blush, but she still nodded and softly said "Yes".
"Great!"
Yi Mo excitedly clapped her hands.
"I knew you two would make it. You must treat us. You two are paying for dinner today!"
"We want to have a big meal to celebrate our Ruozhao getting out of being single. And by the way... Hehe, bleed this 'boyfriend' who stole our wonderful Ruozhao dry."
Pei Jiangmu was overjoyed to be publicly acknowledged by Meng Ruozhao in front of outsiders for the first time. This was a treatment he had never enjoyed before Meng Ruozhao lost her memory.
"No problem. You can pick any place. I'll treat."
In his excitement, he almost forgot his current persona. After the words were out, he suddenly remembered that he was now Pei Jiangmu the student, not Pei Jiangmu of the Pei Group. So he added,
"Just in time. I got the payment for that cameo the day before yesterday."
Yi Mo said with a smile, "It's a deal then! But..."
She changed the subject, "We know it's not easy for you to earn that little bit of cameo money. Let's not go to those over - priced places."
Xu Lin timely said, "How about that new 'Jianghu Cuisine' restaurant on the street behind 'Floating Cloud Pavilion'? The food is good and cheap, with large portions and great taste."
Although they were joking about bleeding Pei Jiangmu dry, they all knew that as a student, his financial situation was limited. That little cameo payment might not be a small amount for an ordinary student, but in a place like Haicheng, it wouldn't last for a single extravagant meal in a high - end place.
Choosing an affordable restaurant not only fulfilled the intention of celebration but also wouldn't burden Pei Jiangmu too much.
Pei Jiangmu was stunned for a moment and immediately understood their thoughtfulness. A strange feeling welled up in his heart.
Actually, he didn't have many really good friends. The one or two he had were very busy, and they rarely got together to have fun. This lively atmosphere of friends seemed really nice.
So he readily agreed, "Okay. I'll listen to you sisters."
The group walked lively to the restaurant named "Jianghu Cuisine". The store wasn't very big, but the decoration was full of a sense of life. At this time, there were already quite a few diners, and the place was bustling with noise.
Sure enough, as Yi Mo said, the dishes were in large portions, and the taste was spicy and delicious. Everyone ate to their hearts' content, and the atmosphere was lively.
Halfway through the meal, the commotion at a table near the door caught their attention.
There were several men sitting at that table, dressed in a gaudy and rowdy way, exuding a social - hooligan aura. They were surrounding a tall, young girl in a fashionable short skirt.
The girl seemed to have drunk too much. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were blurred. She was impatiently trying to push away a man who kept getting closer and trying to force her to drink.
"Get away... Don't touch me!"
The girl's voice was slurred with drunkenness, but the disgust in her tone was obvious.
"Sister, don't be so ungrateful. Have one more drink, and big brother will take you home..."
The man persisted, and his hand even tried to put around the girl's shoulder.
Meng Ruozhao frowned. She recognized the girl - Yan Sisi, Yan Qiubai's younger sister. Although they had only met a few times on some occasions and hardly talked to each other.
Yan Sisi always looked arrogant and ignored her, this former "prospective sister - in - law". But seeing her being harassed by a group of obviously ill - intentioned men at this moment, Meng Ruozhao couldn't just turn a blind eye.
"What are you doing?"
Meng Ruozhao stood up and walked over. Her voice was cold.
The men were interrupted and looked at Meng Ruozhao unhappily. When they found out she was a more beautiful and better - looking woman, their eyes immediately became lecherous.
"Yo, another beauty? What, do you also want to have a drink with us big brothers?"
Pei Jiangmu immediately followed and stood beside Meng Ruozhao. His eyes coldly swept over the men. Although he didn't say a word, the imposing pressure made them restrain their arrogant aura a bit.
"She's my friend. Please leave."
Meng Ruozhao didn't want to cause trouble. She just wanted to take Yan Sisi away.
"Friend? We're also her friends!"
One of the yellow - haired men said with a cheesy smile, "We're having a good time. Don't meddle in other people's business!"
Seeing that the other side was being unreasonable, Ai Gao also stood up, took out her phone, and said sternly, "You guys leave right away! If you don't, we'll call the police!"
Hearing the word "police", the men's faces changed. Then they exchanged glances with each other, cursed a few harsh words, and finally left grudgingly.
"Wait a minute."
Meng Ruozhao spoke up again.
"Pay the bill before you leave."
She originally thought there would be more entanglement. But unexpectedly, the men didn't struggle anymore and honestly paid the bill and left.
The trouble was solved. Meng Ruozhao let out a sigh of relief and brought the drunk Yan Sisi back to their table.
What was wrong with this girl? She used to seem so cold. And the Yan family was very particular about food, clothing, and daily necessities. Why did she come to such an affordable place and eat with such a group of people?