Genius Club

Ten minutes earlier, the sharp clicks of high heels echoed through the empty second floor of the restaurant. Lin Xian glanced toward the staircase.

Why is she back? Did she forget something?

He peeked at the table where Su Su had just been. There was nothing left behind. She hadn’t even set down her handbag or removed her coat. Clearly, she didn’t plan to stay.

He wasn’t troubled. It meant he didn’t have to explain anything to Chu Shan He. Having her uninterested was actually a relief.

The sound of high heels grew louder, and Lin Xian looked up at the staircase again.

“Huh?” He blinked in surprise, “Ms. Zhao?”

This was unexpected… Lin Xian thought Su Su was returning, but it was his boss, Zhao Ying Jun.

Today, Zhao Ying Jun looked particularly sharp in a sleek black outfit with a white coat draped over her shoulders. And those must be silver earrings… Lin Xian’s gaze subtly shifted to her earrings. Just as he thought, the anti-counterfeiting label was intact.

Zhao Ying Jun had dressed up formally for dinner. She probably came straight from work. The restaurant was near her house, so stopping by for dinner made sense.

Lin Xian glanced at the large floor-to-ceiling window beside him. The view outside was clear; she must have seen him from downstairs.

While pondering this, Zhao Ying Jun approached him.

“Waiting for someone, Lin Xian?”

“No, just myself.” Lin Xian stood up, smiling.

Zhao Ying Jun raised an eyebrow, “Just you? Booking such a big space?”

“Well…” Lin Xian explained, “Chu Shan He booked this place. He wanted to introduce me to a friend’s daughter. But… it seems she wasn’t interested. She left as soon as she sat down.”

“Hehe,” Zhao Ying Jun chuckled softly. “This girl has no taste, not even giving you a chance.”

“Not really,” Lin Xian shrugged. “Considering she’s from Chu Shan He’s circle, her family must be wealthy. It’s normal for her not to be interested in someone like me. I expected this might happen.”

“So… the blind date is over now?” Zhao Ying Jun gestured toward the chair Su Su had been sitting in. “Mind if I join you? It’s crowded downstairs.”

“Of course,” Lin Xian gestured for Zhao Ying Jun to sit. “Order whatever you like. It’s on Chu Shan He tonight.”

Zhao Ying Jun removed her coat, and the manager promptly took it, hung it on a nearby coat rack, and pulled out a chair for her. He then handed her a menu.

“Ma’am, what would you like to order? I’ll have the kitchen prepare it.”

Zhao Ying Jun didn’t look at the menu and directly ordered a few dishes, then smiled at Lin Xian.

“Since you brought me here last time, I’ve been coming often. I even got a membership card. It’s close to my place, and I really enjoy a few of their dishes. So, when I work late, I come here to eat.”

“No wonder,” Lin Xian nodded. “I was surprised to see you here today. The food is indeed good.”

They chatted for a few minutes, and the appetizers arrived quickly. It was clear the manager was right; they reserved the best ingredients and chefs for the second floor, especially since Chu Shan He had booked it. Special treatment was expected.

In Donghai, Chu Shan He’s name was a golden ticket.

Lin Xian and Zhao Ying Jun were enjoying their meal, chatting and laughing, when suddenly—

Boom, boom, boom, boom!

A blonde woman burst in, slamming her hands on the table.

Bang!

Lin Xian looked up at the unexpected guest. It was Su Su.

“Humph!” Su Su sneered, glaring at Lin Xian. “Are you on a blind date or holding auditions? I just left, and you’ve already got someone else. Isn’t that disrespectful?”

She turned to Zhao Ying Jun, pointing at Lin Xian.

“Watch out! This guy is a player! Believe it or not, he probably has more dates lined up. He’s a total jerk!”

Lin Xian stood up, “It’s not what you think. This is—”

“No need to explain!” Su Su cut him off, annoyed. “No wonder you’re still single! How can you juggle dates like this? At least change locations before your next date! You’re just being gross!”

“I don’t find it gross,” Zhao Ying Jun interjected.

Lin Xian and Su Su both looked at her, puzzled. Zhao Ying Jun calmly sipped her tea, eyeing Su Su.

“Quick dating isn’t a problem. If one doesn’t work out, move on to the next. If I’m not mistaken… your blind date is over, right? If not, please don’t disrupt my meal.”

Lin Xian was stunned. Boss! Why are you playing along? You’re just here for dinner, not a date!

He was utterly speechless. Whether Zhao Ying Jun was trying to support him or simply didn’t want to deal with the rude interruption, she fully played the part. Now that Zhao Ying Jun had “admitted” it, Lin Xian didn’t need to explain further. Even if he wanted to, he couldn’t.

Zhao Ying Jun looked Su Su up and down, noting her trendy outfit—white shorts showing off her legs and a cropped T-shirt revealing her navel. She picked up her teacup again.

“Besides… your outfit is a bit out of season.”

“You!” Su Su glared, frustrated! She came to call out a player, but the woman didn’t appreciate her warning! She turned back to Lin Xian… They were a perfect match. Two peas in a pod.

Embarrassing!

If Lin Xian had changed venues for his date, she might have overlooked it, but using the same spot without even switching tables? That was a slap in her face!

“Who said my date was over?”

Su Su pulled out a chair, sat down with her arms crossed, and crossed her legs.

“I just went downstairs to get something. Our date hasn’t even started!”

Zhao Ying Jun looked out at the distant neon lights, smiling, leaning back in her chair, and crossing her legs too.

“You left, but now you’re back?”

“That’s none of your business! I was here first!”

“Fine,” Zhao Ying Jun folded her arms, watching the two like an amused spectator. “Continue your date. I’ll just sit here and wait.”

“Aren’t you being a nuisance?”

“Just pretend I’m not here.”

Lin Xian felt helpless. What was happening? He had done nothing and said nothing, yet he was caught in this mess. This was ridiculous.

One girl clearly didn’t want the date, treating it as a formality; the other came just for a free meal. Why were they suddenly at odds? This wasn’t supposed to be a “live blind date with three people”! What a bizarre scenario!

But Lin Xian didn’t know what to say. One girl was introduced by Chu Shan He, so he had to show respect. The other was his boss, who was clearly backing him up. He couldn’t expose her lie; that would embarrass her.

Though Lin Xian kept smiling, he sighed inwardly… This situation was too complicated. It was easier dealing with his usual enemies of Ji Lin and Duan Yun.

The nearby manager, doubling as a waiter, had been standing there for a while… He could see the situation was tense! Chu Shan He had specifically instructed him to take good care of Lin Xian, so he felt obligated to act. But now… the atmosphere had grown tense!

This was too much. He had to do something to ease the awkwardness. He approached with a menu, smiling, and handed it to Su Su.

“Miss, would you like to order something?”

“No need for a menu!” Su Su pushed it away, looking at the waiter. “Bring me everything on the menu!”

She huffed. This guy had played her, so she’d make him pay.

“But, but…” The manager was sweating. “Miss, the three of you can’t possibly eat that much. Our country promotes not wasting food… Besides, the table can’t hold that many dishes.”

“Then bring the most expensive items and fill the table!” Su Su glared at the waiter. “Hurry up!”

“Alright, but…” The manager looked at Lin Xian, unsure of what to do.

“Just do as she says,” Lin Xian said, still smiling. It’s not much money… Besides, Chu Shan He was covering the bill tonight.

“Alright, I’ll have the kitchen prepare it!” The manager quickly left. He realized it was better not to get involved. Standing there, he’d only be a tool for the angry girl and make things harder for the guy.

…

Soon, the food was served. Zhao Ying Jun quietly ate her ordered dishes, intending to watch the drama unfold, but the other two remained silent.

Su Su was still fuming, eating in silence, her knife and fork clashing loudly. Lin Xian had given up… If they weren’t talking, neither would he. He focused on his meal.

The whole second floor of the restaurant was silent, except for the sound of clashing cutlery, creating the illusion of a fierce battle. The manager hid in a corner by the stairs, not daring to approach… The intense sound of clashing cutlery made it seem like a fight could break out at any moment!

Please, don’t let them fight… Those knives and forks were sharp!

…

Soon, Zhao Ying Jun finished her meal. She wiped her mouth with a napkin, closed her eyes, and said: “At this rate, it seems I won’t get my turn today, huh?”

Su Su said nothing, her cutlery still clashing loudly.

“I’m full. You two carry on. I won’t interrupt.” Zhao Ying Jun couldn’t hold back her laughter anymore.

“Huh?” Su Su looked up, confused, at Zhao Ying Jun. The latter stood up, speaking softly. “I just joined the table for dinner. I’m not here for a blind date. Lin Xian isn’t the type you think he is. So, no need to be angry. It’s just a blind date. If it works, great. If not, no hard feelings. Part ways amicably.”

“You’re not here for a blind date!?” Su Su was stunned. “Then why are you sitting here? What’s your relationship with him?”

Zhao Ying Jun put on her coat, looking down at Su Su, “I’m his boss.”

“You two played me!” Su Su jumped up.

“Lin Xian,” Zhao Ying Jun ignored Su Su, putting on her coat, grabbing her handbag, and looking at Lin Xian. “You’ve missed many days of work. There’s a lot waiting for you.”

She pointed at Lin Xian with her index finger. “Be in my office tomorrow morning. No taking leave.”

“Okay,” Lin Xian replied.

Satisfied, Zhao Ying Jun hummed lightly, pleased, and walked away in her high heels.