Pei Ting put down his knife and fork, gazing intently at the person across from him with sincere eyes. "You've always called me 'senior,' and I've often wondered if our relationship could become something closer."
"Jiang Mo, I like you. I was planning to confess earlier, but work got in the way."
Actually, Pei Ting had wanted to confess in a well-cultivated, romantic atmosphere. But after returning and speaking with Wu Xia on the phone, he found out the two had already met.
The mother and son had even argued a bit during that call.
Pei Ting had a feeling he couldn't delay any longer, so he decisively asked her out.
Jiang Mo was stunned. So much for her being a jinx.
She really shouldn't have thought that earlier.
They say when people are embarrassed, they tend to keep themselves busy.
Jiang Mo first picked up her water glass for a drink, then grabbed a napkin to wipe her mouth and hands.
After calming her nerves a little, she spoke up. "I'm sorry, Senior Pei. You're a great person, but I don't have those kinds of feelings."
In her eyes, Pei Ting was somewhat serious, with a strong presence, very much the image of a legal elite. She'd never considered him in any other light.
Was he just being given a 'nice guy' card?
Pei Ting paused. Adults, upon receiving a certain answer, should tacitly understand not to press further.
He gave a self-deprecating smile. "Thanks for the 'nice guy' card. So, there's no chance for me at all going forward?"
Jiang Mo scratched her head. "Senior Pei, I actually already have a boyfriend. We've been together for a while, it's just not public yet."
Hearing this, Pei Ting was somewhat surprised and also curious. "When did that start? Do I know him?"
"Right after the vacation. You probably know him... it's just his status is a bit special."
Mentioning this, one person immediately popped into Pei Ting's mind: Gu Ye.
So it was after the vacation. That really wasn't too long ago.
A touch of bitterness. It seemed being just a little late meant missing out entirely.
"Can't afford to hesitate, I guess. Hesitation really does lead to defeat," Pei Ting said, trying to lighten the mood with a joke, not wanting the atmosphere to turn sour.
"Senior, you're handsome, talented, and capable. You'll definitely meet a wonderful girl who's right for you," Jiang Mo could only offer this kind of comfort.
Sigh, if she'd known it would be like this, she wouldn't have come for this awkwardly nice dinner.
Even though things were cleared up, a faint trace of awkwardness remained.
Pei Ting took a sip of water. "Given his status, from what I understand, it's not very easy for him to be in a relationship, is it?"
"There are some complications," Jiang Mo nodded.
"If he hadn't confessed first, would I have had a chance?" Pei Ting asked lightly.
Jiang Mo thought seriously for a moment, slowly shaking her head. "I don't know."
After all, before something happens, who can really say for sure?
Maybe this is just regret, Pei Ting thought, shaking his head with a sigh. He was always cool and collected in his cases, decisive when he needed to be.
But when it came to realizing his own feelings, he hadn't been nearly as resolute.
The two still finished their meal as usual, but the atmosphere was subtly different, something both of them could feel.
"Thanks for dinner, senior," Jiang Mo said as they stepped out, holding the bouquet of roses.
"I should be thanking you for taking care of my cat," Pei Ting replied. "Can I give you a ride home?"
Jiang Mo declined: "No need, I drove here myself."
Pei Ting nodded, then after a moment's thought added, "I hope what I said tonight doesn't make things awkward. We're in the same industry. If you ever need my help with anything, you can still come to me."
"Okay, thank you for your kindness, senior," Jiang Mo waved. "I'll head off then."
After she left, Pei Ting felt a bit unsettled. He sat in his car for a while before finally driving away.
The car sped down the street, stopping at a red light. He glanced out the window and saw Gu Ye's face on a billboard right there.
Meanwhile, Jiang Mo returned to Riverside Bay with the roses and hurried to prepare food for Maomao.
The moment Maomao saw her, it came running over with little mews.
"Just a second, sweetie. Let the kibble soften up a bit for you."
Once the little one was happily eating, Jiang Mo went to use the bathroom.
When she came back, she received a video call from Gu Ye.
"Why are you video calling again?" Jiang Mo asked.
"Missed you. Reporting my whereabouts," Gu Ye said, panning his phone around. "See, I'm in the hotel, didn't go anywhere else."
Jiang Mo pouted. "Fine, noted."
Gu Ye could tell from the background that Jiang Mo was at his place. As she moved, the camera swung past, and he noticed something—were those flowers on the coffee table?
Something was off.
"Jiang Xiao Mo, point the camera at the living room."
Jiang Mo was confused but did as he asked.
Gu Ye took a closer look. He wasn't mistaken. Well, well... roses.
"Who sent you roses?"
"Your eyes are sharp," Jiang Mo mumbled.
Gu Ye snorted. "Of course. Now hurry up and confess."
"I had dinner with Senior Pei tonight. He gave them to me to thank me for helping take care of his cat."
"Then just dinner would have been enough. What's with the flowers for no reason?" Gu Ye transformed into Detective Di Renjie. "Don't tell me that senior of yours confessed to you?"
Jiang Mo was utterly shocked, her eyes wide. "Did you plant a bug on me or something?"
