Guo Longzhi was just about to ask, "What happened to Liu Yutong?" when he saw his younger sister abruptly stand up.
Following his sister's gaze, he turned his head and saw a girl walking through the door.
She wore a knee-length black coat, her tall and slender figure accentuated by the straight, jet-black hair cascading over her shoulders. Her face, especially, was exquisitely crafted like a work of art, stealing one's breath away in an instant.
Though her eyes were clear and bright, there was a hint of drowsiness in them, as if she hadn’t fully woken up. Yet, they carried an unmistakable air of aloofness, warning others to keep their distance.
As she approached, a faint, cool, and expensive fragrance drifted over, lingering at the tip of the nose and teasing the senses.
Guo Yani reacted swiftly, stepping forward to greet her. "Yu... Yutong, what brings you here?"
Liu Yutong smiled. "I was nearby and realized it’s been a while since we last met, so I thought I’d treat you to a meal."
Guo Longzhi quickly stood up as well. "You... you’re Liu Yutong?"
Truth be told, though she had looked somewhat familiar at first glance, he hadn’t dared to recognize her.
He knew the saying that girls change dramatically as they grow up, especially once they start dressing well.
But he never expected Liu Yutong’s transformation to be this drastic—she was practically unrecognizable from the shy, introverted girl he remembered.
Her demeanor, in particular, was completely different from the reserved and timid Liu Yutong in his memories.
This was no village girl. If someone told him she was a young lady from a wealthy family, he’d believe it without hesitation.
Liu Yutong nodded with a smile. "It’s me, Brother Longzhi. Long time no see."
Guo Longzhi was two grades above her, so addressing him as "Brother" was customary in their village.
Once confirming her identity, Guo Longzhi felt a sudden surge of indignation, wishing he could rush home, grab a knife, and challenge Wang Ergou to a duel.
Letting such a beautiful and elegant girl marry a guy like Wang Ergou wasn’t just a case of "a flower stuck in cow dung"—it was an outright travesty!
He didn’t deserve her!!!
Both Guo Longzhi and his sister silently agreed not to mention the family matters to Liu Yutong. It was an awkward topic, and they didn’t know how to bring it up.
Just then, Guo Longzhi noticed a man in a deep black suit standing beside Liu Yutong.
His posture was as straight as a pine tree, his sharp facial features accentuated by deep-set, unfathomable dark eyes. His thin lips pressed together slightly, exuding an icy, restrained aura—a perfect blend of striking handsomeness and chilling detachment.
His expression was utterly impassive, yet his mere presence radiated an overwhelming pressure.
"And this is...?"
Liu Yutong introduced, "This is my friend, Yun Cheng."
Guo Longzhi immediately put on a friendly smile and extended a hand. "Brother Yun Cheng, nice to meet you."
Yun Cheng shook his hand briefly, his expression still cool. "Likewise."
Unfazed, Guo Longzhi said warmly, "Running into each other like this is fate. Since it’s mealtime, let me treat you both."
"There’s no need for Brother Longzhi to pay. I’ve been studying here, so I’m practically the host. I should be the one treating you."
"Hey, forget about who’s the host. A man shouldn’t let a woman pay. I’m treating—money’s no issue for me!"
As he said this, Guo Longzhi subtly glanced at his sister, afraid she might expose him or object.
After all, he wasn’t exactly rolling in cash—he might even need to borrow money from her for the meal.
But to his surprise, Guo Yani was even more enthusiastic. "My brother’s right. He should pay."
As she spoke, she discreetly slipped a bank card into his hand.
Guo Longzhi was instantly moved. See? This was what a real sister was like—she had his back!
Little did he know, Guo Yani was helping him precisely because she knew Liu Yutong’s status.
No matter what, having the chance to treat someone like Liu Yutong to a meal was an honor. Spending a little extra was worth it.
Liu Yutong didn’t insist further. "Alright then. Next time, it’s my treat, okay? No arguing next time."
Guo Longzhi opened his mouth to protest, "Next time, you still shouldn’t—"
Guo Yani quickly cut him off. "Deal!"
She was slightly exasperated with her brother. If he didn’t agree now, there might not be a next time. So when the other party offered to return the favor, it was best to accept immediately—no harm in that.
Soon, the four of them took a taxi to the University Town branch of Yu Yue Fang.
As for why they took a taxi—Liu Yutong wanted to keep a low profile, and Guo Yani, sharp as she was, seemed to have caught on. She didn’t mention it to her brother, playing along as if it were the natural choice.
Before long, they arrived at the restaurant.
However, without a reservation, they couldn’t get a private room and had to settle for a table by the window in the main hall.
Aside from the restaurant’s popularity—private rooms were booked solid—Liu Yutong also had another reason: she was setting the stage for Yu Xin’s grand entrance.
Later, when Yu Xin, the glamorous socialite, arrived in her sports car, she would undoubtedly catch Guo Longzhi’s attention. Then, with effortless grace, she’d upgrade them to a private room—solidifying her persona in one smooth move and paving the way for what came next.
During this time, Liu Yutong and the other two were chatting, while Yun Cheng remained silent the entire time. This was his usual habit.
Guo Longzhi was about to ask Yun Cheng why he wasn’t speaking when Yun Cheng shut him down with a single sentence: "I'm mute."
"..."
Guo Longzhi didn’t press further, though he couldn’t help but wonder in his mind what kind of relationship this guy had with Liu Yutong. Could it really be that kind of relationship?
He had to admit, this guy was better-looking than him, and there was an unspoken sense that he seemed to be protecting Liu Yutong. That’s why their dynamic felt off to him.
If that were really the case, then that Wang Ergou guy truly had it coming—his fiancée hadn’t even entered the household, and he was already living a "green and healthy" life.
Unaware of his thoughts, Liu Yutong changed the subject and asked, "Longzhi-ge, can I ask what you do for a living now?"
Guo Longzhi put on a mysterious air and said, "Me? You know what a legal representative is, right?"
Liu Yutong nodded. "Of course. Aren’t the bosses of companies usually the legal representatives?"
She then feigned surprise. "Longzhi-ge, are you a big boss now? That’s so impressive!"
At this, Guo Yani, who had been sipping tea, nearly choked and coughed a few times.
She had no idea what Liu Yutong was playing at. Compared to her, her brother was nothing—what "big boss"?
Flattered by Liu Yutong’s praise, Guo Longzhi got carried away. "That’s right. I’m the legal representative of Dahai Investment Company."
Outside, reputation was something you built yourself. Even if he got exposed later, he could just say the company went bankrupt.
No matter what, he couldn’t lose face in front of a beauty.
Liu Yutong perfectly played along, her eyes shining with admiration. "Wow, then Longzhi-ge must know a lot of investors, right?"
Guo Longzhi thumped his chest confidently. "Of course! What I lack in other things, I make up for in connections."
"Let me tell you, I’m not exaggerating when I say that in Bright Pearl City..."
He went on and on, boasting about how wealthy his company was and how many powerful people he knew. Even when his sister kicked him under the table, he ignored her.
Guo Yani was both exasperated and embarrassed, but there was nothing she could do but watch her brother act like a clown in front of Liu Yutong—a literal billionaire.
When the conversation finally wound down, Liu Yutong steered it toward the main topic.
"Longzhi-ge, I have a friend who’s starting a business but lacks funding. Would your company be interested in investing?"
Guo Longzhi waved his hand grandly. "Your friend is my friend. Just have her come."
At that moment, a commotion broke out at the restaurant entrance.
A bright red Ferrari executed a sharp drift and parked by the curb.
The door opened, and out stepped a stylish young woman wearing sunglasses.
She casually tossed the car keys to a waiter at the door before striding into the dining area. Under the awed gazes of the crowd, she walked straight to Liu Yutong’s table.
"Sorry I’m late."
Yu Xin removed her sunglasses, revealing a flawless face, and glanced at Guo Longzhi. "Yutong, is this the Mr. Guo you mentioned?"
She extended her hand, her sheer presence leaving Guo Longzhi stunned.
He scrambled to his feet to shake her hand, his palm slightly sweaty.
Wait, was this for real?
Everything he’d just said about knowing big-shot investors and tycoons was pure fabrication!
He was flat broke—he couldn’t even scrape together two hundred bucks. How was he supposed to invest in anything?
And this woman? She was clearly a rich heiress. Since when did people like her need investors?
