Meng Nianchu quietly inched to the left, putting more distance between herself and Zhu Qi.
During the meal, Meng Rong would occasionally chat with Zhu Qi about Meng Nianchu's childhood. Most of the stories were fabricated out of thin air. Meng Nianchu just wanted to finish the meal quickly and leave, so she simply ignored the two of them.
But obviously, Zhu Qi didn't want to ignore Meng Nianchu.
"Let's have a toast, Nianchu." He held up his wine glass and offered it in front of Meng Nianchu.
Meng Nianchu politely declined, "I'm not feeling well."
Just as Zhu Qi was about to put down his glass, Meng Rong filled Meng Nianchu's wine glass on her own. "You were fine when you came. It's only been a short while, and now you're not feeling well. Boss Zhu is showing you respect by offering you a toast. Nianchu, isn't it disrespectful to Boss Zhu like this?"
"Just have a drink," Zhu Qi said, his heart itching. Hearing Meng Rong's persuasion, he couldn't hold back and picked up his glass again.
Meng Nianchu smiled. Not wanting to waste more time on this, she downed the wine in one go. Her action was swift and decisive, which made Zhu Qi stunned for a moment.
"I've finished my drink. Boss Zhu, help yourself."
After saying that, she lowered her head to eat and didn't even glance at Zhu Qi.
Zhu Qi wasn't going to make a fool of himself. He tilted his head back and silently finished his drink.
Halfway through the meal, Ying You'an suddenly left. Only the three of them were left at the table, and it felt extremely uncomfortable.
Previously, because of Ying You'an and Mu Junze's relationship, Zhu Qi didn't dare to act recklessly. Now that Ying You'an was gone, Zhu Qi's desire began to stir and he couldn't hold it back anymore.
His fat body inched closer to Meng Nianchu, narrowing the distance between them.
Out of the corner of her eye, Meng Rong sneered inwardly.
"Drinking more soup is good for your health. Look at how thin you are," Zhu Qi said obsequiously, while his upper body kept getting closer to Meng Nianchu.
Sensing his actions, Meng Nianchu leaned back. "Thank you for your concern."
His rough big hand slowly moved down towards Meng Nianchu's slender waist. Zhu Qi's round features were so lewd that they almost scrunched together. "It'll still be early after dinner. Why don't you go back later? I'll take you to enjoy the night view. You've been busy all day. It'll be nice to take a stroll in the evening breeze."
"No, thanks."
"My husband will come soon."
Zhu Qi's hand stopped. He licked his lips and felt a twinge of fear. Meng Rong said with a smile, "Boss Zhu isn't a bad guy. Nianchu, you've really been working hard today. It'd be great to go out for a walk. Junze has been busy with work these days. You can't always stick to him."
"Yes, yes," Zhu Qi echoed eagerly. Seeing that Meng Rong was always on his side, his eyes towards Meng Rong were filled with admiration.
He couldn't let the duck in his hand fly away. Zhu Qi put on a smile again and kindly invited, "It's still early. There's no hurry."
Meng Nianchu stood up. "I'm sorry, Boss Zhu. I've finished eating. I really need to go home."
"If Boss Zhu wants to enjoy the night view and the breeze, my sister can accompany you. She knows more about the evening activities in Binhai than I do. I have something to do. You two can chat slowly."
She turned around, but Zhu Qi grabbed her wrist. Losing his patience to pretend, he showed his true colors in desperation. "I've said all the nice words. What else do you want, Nianchu? I just want to go out with you. What could be so important for a girl like you that you can't accompany me for a while?"
"Let go of me."
"Not until you agree to me!"
Meng Nianchu frowned.
Suddenly.
A strong hand grabbed her left hand and yanked her. Then, the refreshing smell of tobacco filled her nose. A tall figure blocked in front of her, covering Zhu Qi's disgusting face.
"Mr. Mu, Mr. Mu."
When Zhu Qi saw the person rushing into the private room, the fat on his face visibly trembled. He nervously swallowed his saliva and involuntarily took a step back.
Mu Junze stared directly at him.
Feeling scared, Zhu Qi's thighs trembled slightly. He forced a smile and kept backing away until he reached the table. He nervously put his hands behind his back to support his body before he dared to speak. "Mr. Mu, aren't you busy with company affairs? Why do you have time to come here? Are you here for dinner?"
"Are you done eating?" Mu Junze gave Zhu Qi a deep look, then turned to Meng Nianchu and asked in a low voice.
The moment Meng Nianchu saw him, she felt at ease. She nodded and tightly held his hand. "Let's go home."
Mu Junze cast a sharp look at Zhu Qi over his shoulder, then pulled Meng Nianchu out of the private room. Meng Rong, who originally wanted to say something to Mu Junze, didn't even have a chance to open her mouth before the two of them walked away.
The evening breeze was cool. Meng Nianchu felt that she was walking a bit unsteadily. She followed Mu Junze and sat in the passenger seat. The tense nerves all over her body finally relaxed.
"Stay away from that man."
Meng Nianchu subconsciously thought he was referring to Zhu Qi. "I know."
Mu Junze's face darkened. "Stay away from any place where Ying You'an is."
"Ying You'an?" Meng Nianchu reacted after a moment. For a man like Ying You'an, who was unpredictable and she didn't know whether he was a friend or an enemy, it was indeed better for her to stay away. She murmured an agreement.
Only then did Mu Junze's expression improve.
The warm air - conditioner was on in the car. The warm wind blew on her forehead, making her head feel dizzy. Meng Nianchu shook her head, and the breath she exhaled was hot.
"Did you drink?"
Meng Nianchu tugged at her collar and blew in some cool air, not caring that Mu Junze was sitting beside her. "Just a little."
She felt a bit uncomfortable in the private room just now. Now that her nerves were relaxed, she felt even more uncomfortable. Her thoughts were getting more and more confused, as if everything in her head was jumbled together. Without thinking, she blurted out, "Mu Junze, can't you just talk normally? Why do you act like I owe you money?"
"..." Mu Junze stared straight ahead.
Taking this opportunity to complain, Meng Nianchu persisted. "If you care, just show it. If you like, just admit it. You're so pretentious. It's no fun at all! I used to think you didn't like me, so I was so rude to you."
"Who said I don't like you?" Mu Junze frowned.
Meng Nianchu stared at him. "Your attitude makes anyone think you don't like me! You're so strange. Only I can tolerate you."
She yawned, leaned her head against the backrest, and gradually closed her eyes. But her mouth didn't stop. "Fortunately, I know what you're thinking now, so I won't misunderstand you anymore."
Although her words were full of complaints, Mu Junze still felt a warm current surging in his chest. A smile curved his thin lips. He glanced at her and saw that her face was flushed and she was fast asleep. He slowly parked the car by the roadside, took off his coat, covered her with it, and then started the car.
Worried that driving too fast would disturb Meng Nianchu's rest, Mu Junze drove slowly and carefully all the way. When Meng Nianchu regained some consciousness, it was when Mu Junze gently laid her on the bed.
She opened her eyes and grabbed Mu Junze's tie just as he was about to stand up straight.