It was only then she noticed that the car used a very feminine freesia fragrance, a stark contrast to his usual deep, cold woody scent—both were incredibly luxurious and pleasant.
The topic ended there; Lu Tingzhou didn't press further. Although Cheng Buxi was curious why her brother would use such a feminine and niche fragrance, she behaved herself and didn't overstep, because the lessons from the past had been too harsh.
Once bitten, twice shy. She was afraid of pain.
...
But the truth was, more than two hours ago, Lu Tingzhou had earnestly consulted Xin Ji and Wan Yi about what kind of fragrance young girls nowadays liked in cars.
Xin Ji, a straightforward man, blurted out Bvlgari, Chanel, and other big-name perfumes. Wan Yi was much more thoughtful and said freesia was very popular lately, and the fragrance shop downstairs had it. Did President Lu want to buy it for Miss Cheng?
Although Lu Tingzhou didn't give a direct answer, when he passed that fragrance shop, he couldn't resist trying and went in to buy a bottle, hoping to please her, and used it in the car.
Cheng Buxi was completely unaware.
Later, when he heard from his little sister that she really liked the scent, Lu Tingzhou, though showing no surprise on the surface, went back the next day to buy a VIP card—an annual card with lifelong after-sales service.
Rong Garden was a high-end restaurant under the Lu Group. Two years ago, it gained popularity because a director of an art film chose it as a filming location. The lead actress of that art film was surnamed Luo.
The restaurant's overall decor was in a Chinese garden style. Since it was a garden, rockeries and pavilions were a must. On both sides were covered walkways, and in the middle was a passageway. Surrounding it all were turquoise waters, with water pavilions and a bright moon hanging in the sky, like a fairyland.
Cheng Buxi hadn't been here many times. Every time she passed through the winding corridors, she was reminded of the first appearance of young Lin Daiyu in the TV drama "Dream of the Red Chamber."
Green bricks, black tiles, painted beams, and soaring eaves—clearly built with real gold and silver.
Because the film won many awards, countless diners came here every day, and many celebrities visited to take photos.
As the top shareholder, Lu Tingzhou's arrival caused quite a stir among management. He stood in the lobby; the store, which had already closed for the night, lit up again. The hall was filled with brilliant light, full of ingenuity and Zen atmosphere.
The store manager almost ran out, bowing apologetically. "President Lu, I didn't know you were coming on short notice. Today only the second-team chef is on duty... What do you think?"
Lu Tingzhou didn't reply. He glanced at Cheng Buxi, who was also lowering her head in silence. His little sister seemed much more interested in the view outside the window than in him, who hadn't slept for twenty-four hours.
He silently called her ungrateful, then looked up and ordered calmly, "It's fine. One serving of tea-soaked rice, warm; blanched choy sum; half a serving of steamed milk custard; and for dessert, braised bird's nest with rock sugar."
The female store manager didn't hesitate. "Yes, President Lu! Please wait a moment."
Before leaving, she couldn't help but take a few more glances at Cheng Buxi. As the new deputy manager, she knew that although Lu Tingzhou hadn't been in North City for the past few years, he always visited here when he returned. She had never heard of him having any female companion, and she was curious about Cheng Buxi's identity.
Tap-tap-tap, footsteps approached and then faded.
Cheng Buxi sat nervously, not knowing where to look. It felt like a banquet with ulterior motives.
She took a sip of the freshly brewed tea. Even as an amateur, she could tell the tea leaves were top-notch—smooth on the palate, first bitter then sweet. Others would likely notice even more.
Just as she was playing dead and relaxing, Lu Tingzhou lifted his gaze from the dense contract reports on his iPad. "Don't be late for Sunday's fitting."
The sudden reminder startled her, because she was a habitual latecomer. He had already experienced it today, and Shen Xiushi was in cahoots with him, so he must have known about her earlier tardiness.
Cheng Buxi was so surprised she almost knocked over her teacup. Amid a fit of coughing, she repeatedly told him she understood.
What did she understand? Big Brother frowned.
Lu Tingzhou thought to himself, the older she gets, the more fidgety she becomes. She was more nimble as a child. He teased her, "Grown up but not as good as when you were little."
Cheng Buxi: "..." She stared at her nose, then her mouth, then her heart, not knowing what she had done to offend him again.
Seeing her shrink her shoulders, Lu Tingzhou asked, "Are you cold?"
Cheng Buxi shook her head hesitantly. "N-no, not cold."