Back when he was about to go abroad, he had bought many dresses in the same brand but different colors for someone, only that person was too proud and said, 'Once you leave, don't come back.'
He frowned, his thoughts drifting a bit.
The waiter approached to take their order. Second Young Master Yang directly asked for an iced Americano, saying 'Americano.' Typical of someone who had studied abroad. Cheng Buxi noted it. Not that she thought he was putting on airs; it was just a habit.
Unlike him, Cheng Buxi always took ordering seriously. She carefully read the entire menu, then said, "Excuse me, I'll have this one: 'Berry No Worries.'"
Second Young Master Yang raised an eyebrow slightly.
In his memory, the person he was thinking of hated strawberries the most.
After ordering, the two fell silent for a while.
After some time, Second Young Master Yang tapped the table. "Miss Lu."
Startled by the tapping, Cheng Buxi looked up to see a slightly displeased face.
His chin was raised at a forty-five-degree angle.
There was a saying: three generations for wealth, five for aristocracy, nine or ten for hereditary nobility. The young masters raised in such noble families even had 'nobility' written on their fingernails.
Though she had seen many such young masters growing up, there were levels to nobility, and he was undoubtedly at the top.
Sensing his attitude, she felt sorry for neglecting him and apologized.
Although Second Young Master Yang had a cold temperament, he was fundamentally polite and well-mannered. In his suit and tie, exuding fragrance, he inadvertently showed the Richard Mille on his wrist worth over ten million. Handsome, charming, his time was as precious as the watch on his wrist.
Actually, from the moment he entered and saw the girl across from him, he knew neither of them had any interest in each other. They were just forced together by the elders, tacitly agreeing to go through the motions to satisfy their families. Since that was the case, he didn't need to pretend to be enthusiastic.
However, the counterpart playing opposite him, this girl, was a terrible actress. Since they were both on stage, she should at least finish the act.
He hadn't intended to remind her, but she clearly didn't understand the purpose of today's meeting. Her constant distraction would seem inappropriate, especially with two watchful mothers closely observing their every move. If the silence continued, it would be hard to justify.
So, under his subtle, slightly disdainful scrutiny, Cheng Buxi realized she was being too dry and boring. Did she look anything like someone here for an arranged meeting? She smiled apologetically at him—a smile to smooth things over, nothing more.
Then she picked up the silver spoon and stirred her 'Berry No Worries.'
"..."
The atmosphere froze, as if a crow flew by.
Upstairs on the second floor, Lu Tingzhou set down his moon-white teacup. His expressionless face finally showed a hint of relief, as if the frost and snow had cleared.
Seems it's not that special after all.
Beside him, Young Master Ji was also watching with great interest. It dawned on him that this childhood friend of his, the eldest son of the Lu family, was an extreme neat freak who couldn't tolerate even a speck of dust. Yet now, he was willingly sitting in such a dirty, dusty place for his little sister... He couldn't help but feel respect. Truly, live long enough, and you'll see everything.
If they didn't say something soon, the atmosphere would be colder than the iced Americano. Second Young Master Yang spoke: "If I may ask, Miss Lu, you've been staring out the window. Is there something attracting your attention?"
Miss Lu.
Miss Lu.
He kept calling her Miss Lu.
Cheng Buxi paused, set down her spoon, her dark eyes clear and watery, meeting his gaze directly. "Hello, I'm fostered by Uncle Lu. My surname is Cheng."
Her tone was steady, without any shame.
Second Young Master Yang: "."
He froze.
So it should be Miss Cheng.
He belatedly realized how big a mistake he had made. It seemed his mother had mentioned this to him.
Although she wasn't biologically related, she was treated as one of the family. Madam Lu had made it clear everywhere that she was the legitimate daughter of the Lu family.
In stark contrast to her calm expression was his embarrassment at his verbal slip.
Getting someone's name right was basic politeness; a mistake was a major taboo.
Asked what was so captivating outside that she seemed almost mesmerized, Cheng Buxi didn't hide it. "There's a cat—a calico. It looks a lot like the one I have at the hospital."
Clearly trying to lighten the mood.
Yes, at this time, she should have been at the welfare home with Ning Ci visiting the injured kitten, but instead she was dragged here for an arranged meeting.
Sincere people always carry a deadly charm. Second Young Master Yang completely changed his view of her.
After a long pause, "This outfit suits you very well," he said, his first genuine remark of the day.
"Is that so? Thank you..." Cheng Buxi didn't know why she chose this outfit today. Perhaps it was like the white moonlight—both white?
She relaxed and chatted openly. "It's been in my closet for ages. I never wore it. Originally, I was going to..."
Realizing she had said too much, she stopped abruptly.
"What a coincidence. I had other plans today too," Second Young Master Yang shrugged, looking like they shared a regret of not meeting sooner.
Hearing this, Cheng Buxi probed, "Your 'worries'—are they the same as mine?"
After all, she remembered a little girl who used to cling to him. He had just returned from abroad, and with such a tight schedule, maybe they hadn't even met yet.
Second Young Master Yang gave a helpless yet confirming expression.
Seems like it.