Chapter 1741 Failed Attempt to Show Off
Chapter 1741 Failed Attempt to Show Off
An Zihao spoke up, "Xiao Mei..."
"Hmm, what's wrong?" Xiaomei replied.
An Zihao held the steering wheel with one hand and quickly swiped his phone screen with the other, tapping the black and gold app icon.
"What would you like to eat? Chinese or Western food?"
Before the passenger in the front seat could answer, his finger was already hovering over the "Confirm Order" button.
Xiao Mei turned her head to the side.
The man beside her had a well-defined profile and a high nose bridge.
The image of him arguing with her on WeChat and explaining himself is still vivid in my mind.
Such a handsome and gentlemanly person was actually schemed against by his own sister until he was penniless and might even end up in jail.
That older sister is so cruel; how could she do this to her own brother?
She pinched the hem of her shirt and looked down at her faded jeans.
Genting Restaurant.
I heard that a glass of water there costs three digits.
Given An Zihao's current situation, he can't afford such extravagance.
Even if it's just for the sake of saving face, we can't let him spend so much money.
"Zihao, um... actually, I don't care about being late, I'll just eat whatever I want."
Xiao Mei's voice was very soft, with a hint of caution, "There's a pretty good noodle shop at the intersection ahead, how about..."
An Zihao paused as he swiped the screen.
Noodle shop?
Is that the kind of place he should be going to, with its oil stains and noisy atmosphere?
If people in their circle saw him sitting on the roadside slurping noodles, he'd be on the front page tomorrow and could never work in the design industry again. Although he's been affected, he didn't participate in the competition, and many people don't know that he stole Nan Weiwei's draft for his sister.
Now that the tower defense is over, it's his sister who's ruined her reputation.
"No." He refused decisively, lightly pressing the accelerator, and the car accelerated smoothly.
Xiao Mei bit her lower lip.
He's definitely just putting on a brave face.
Having just gone through something like that, my bank cards might be frozen.
I can't let him borrow money or max out his credit cards just to treat me to a meal.
"Actually... I just got paid." Xiao Mei mustered her courage and reached out to grab An Zihao's sleeve. "I'll pay for this meal, as a celebration of our first meeting."
squeak--
The sound of the tires rubbing against the ground was somewhat harsh.
An Zihao suddenly turned his head and his gaze fell on Xiao Mei's hand that was gripping his sleeve.
The hand was somewhat rough, with short, unmanicured nails.
Pay the bill?
Should a woman pay the bill?
This is worse than killing him.
A surge of heat rushed to my head, and my cheeks instantly felt hot.
That was the feeling of being humiliated.
Even if An Zihao fell on hard times, he didn't stoop so low as to need a woman's help.
"You don't need to worry about my financial situation."
An Zihao calmly withdrew his arm and gripped the steering wheel again, his knuckles turning slightly blue from the force.
"Xiaomei, this is our first meeting! How can I let a lady pay the bill? If word gets out, I'll lose all face! How will I ever be able to work in this industry again? I have to pay this bill today!"
He pulled a wallet from the storage compartment, casually opened it, and waved a black card in front of him.
“I have a membership card for Genting Restaurant. My sister used to top it up, so I don’t have to pay cash. I might as well eat here.”
Even though Anya is now disgraced, she probably still has money here.
As long as it's useless, he's a VIP in Genting Highlands.
This meal must be eaten in a respectable manner.
Xiao Mei was stunned.
It turned out to be the case.
That's true; even a starved camel is bigger than a horse. After all, he used to be considered a rich young master.
Since it doesn't cost any money, there's no financial pressure.
The weight lifted from my heart, replaced by a strange sense of reverence.
Even when in trouble, they maintained this composure and confidence.
This is what a true gentleman is.
The carriage was quiet for a few seconds.
An Zihao appeared to be focused on the road ahead, but his eyes kept glancing at the passenger seat.
The groundwork has been laid.
It's time to get to the point.
"By the way... Xiaomei." His voice was very soft, as if he were just saying it casually, but it seemed to hide some deeper meaning.
His gaze drifted into the distance, making one wonder what he was thinking at that moment.
"Um... I remember you were originally paired with Nan Weiwei in this competition, but then you separated and each of you voted separately, right?"
Xiao Mei was startled by his sudden question. She looked up at him in surprise, wondering to herself, "Why would this person suddenly ask this?" But since he had already spoken, she couldn't pretend she hadn't heard him, so she nodded and said, "Yes, Lu Feng said he'd give me, a newcomer, a chance."
"Oh, by the way, Weiwei and I also share an apartment. We discuss everything together, like the manuscript from last time..."
"Actually, I do bear some responsibility for this whole thing! I..."
Xiao Mei sighed heavily, then slowly turned her head, her gaze falling on An Zihao, her eyes filled with sincerity and earnestness.
She gently bit her lip and continued, "Zihao, to be honest, Weiwei is a really good person! It's just that she can be a little impatient sometimes, but that doesn't mean anything! After all, everyone has their own little flaws."
"Yes, I understand."
"So, I think... after we finish eating, could you go and apologize to her? That way we can make up! Or I can ask her out."
"As long as you say a few kind words, she will definitely forgive you. If the Nan family doesn't pursue the matter, you won't have any major problems. As for your sister, blood is thicker than water. Her saying that you should pay back the money is probably just an angry outburst. She'll be fine after a while."
Apologize?
An Zihao tightened his grip on the steering wheel.
Xiang Nan apologized slightly...hehe.
Are you kidding me? But...
That woman is said to be extremely vicious; she might smash a bottle over his head if they met.
If I go and apologize now, I might get humiliated.
Moreover, he is An Zihao, a well-known figure in the design industry. How could he possibly humble himself and beg a woman for her favors?
But not apologizing... the Nan family is indeed a problem.
We have to find a way to resolve this without losing face.
First, keep Xiaomei calm.
Since she's Nan Weiwei's best friend, she might be a potential breakthrough point.
If we can win over Xiaomei and get her to whisper sweet nothings in his ear... no, I mean whisper sweet nothings in his best friend's ear, Nan Weiwei might just give in.
As for an apology... haha... impossible... if all else fails, he'll...
"Yes, you're right."
An Zihao forced a smile and softened his voice.
"I'm a man, I shouldn't argue with a girl. I definitely need to apologize."
He paused, then changed the subject.
"But not now. Everyone's still angry today, and going over there rashly will only add fuel to the fire. I'll find a suitable opportunity later and sincerely apologize in person."
Let's put it off for now.
Anyway, you have to eat first, and you have to put on a show first.
A light shone in Xiao Mei's eyes.
Sure enough, he was a reasonable person.
They are flexible and resilient, and have a sense of responsibility.
“Okay, then I’ll try to find out what Weiwei thinks later.” Xiaomei nodded vigorously, feeling that she had the important task of mediating the feud between the two powerful families.
The car gradually slowed down.
Ahead, a magnificent golden building came into view.
Huge Roman columns support the dome, and the entrance is filled with all kinds of luxury cars.
The valet, dressed in a crisp uniform and wearing white gloves, was respectfully opening the door of a Bentley.
We've arrived at the Genting Restaurant.
An Zihao's chest heaved slightly as he adjusted his posture.
Now, it's time to witness their strength.
Hopefully, that card can still be used.
If it doesn't load...
No, it's impossible.
Anya is only disgraced; her card... shouldn't be frozen yet.
Besides, the order was successfully placed on the app, which means the membership benefits are still valid.
He unbuckled his seatbelt, pushed open the door, and got out of the car.
His movements were graceful and fluid, as if he wasn't the one who had just been plotting how to renege on his debt.
He walked around the front of the car and gentlemanly opened the car door for Xiaomei, gently placing his palm on the top frame of the door.
"We've arrived, please."
Xiao Mei was flattered and surprised as she crawled out of the carriage.
Looking at the imposing gate in front of her, and then at the elegant man beside her, she felt as if she had stepped into the set of an idol drama.
People passing by cast curious glances at him.
Those gazes that fell on An Zihao were full of admiration, while those that fell on her were full of envy.
The pleasure of satisfying her vanity made her feel somewhat elated.
An Zihao casually tossed the car keys to the valet who came to greet him.
"Same spot, park properly."
The valet took the keys, glanced at the not-so-expensive car, then at An Zihao's arrogant demeanor, paused for a moment, and then professionally bowed: "Yes, sir."
An Zihao straightened his suit collar and stepped onto the stairs.
Each step was taken with extra force.
This is his home turf.
The revolving door slowly turned.
The lobby manager was standing at the door, holding a walkie-talkie, his sharp eyes scanning the guests coming and going.
An Zihao walked straight over with his head held high, the black card in his hand nimbly flipping between his fingers.
"Welcome to Genting Highlands..."
The manager's voice stopped abruptly the moment he saw An Zihao.
That professional smile froze on his face, then quickly vanished, replaced by a strange seriousness.
His gaze fell on the black card in An Zihao's fingertip, then moved to his face.
An Zihao did not notice the change in the manager's expression.
He was only concerned with maintaining his composure in front of Xiaomei.
"It's the same private room. No need to lead the way, I'll go up myself."
As he spoke, he lifted his foot to walk towards the elevator.
A hand was placed in front of him.
Those were the security guard's hands.
Thick and powerful, carrying an undeniable sense of obstruction.
An Zihao paused, his brows furrowing instantly.
"What are you doing? Don't you recognize me?"
The voice rose a few decibels, drawing the attention of several customers waiting in the lobby.
The manager stepped forward and stood in front of the security guard.
Gone was the usual fawning; his tone was cold and businesslike, making one uneasy.
"I'm sorry, Mr. An."
The manager glanced at the black card, then at Xiao Mei, who stood behind An Zihao looking somewhat lost.
"Your membership was frozen an hour ago."
The air in the lobby seemed to freeze.
An Zihao's hand, holding the card, froze in mid-air.
freeze?
An hour ago?
"How is this possible?" An Zihao's voice trembled slightly, not from fear, but from exasperation. "I'm An Ya's brother. An Ya has deposited millions here. Who dares to freeze my card? Swipe it now!"
He shoved the card at the manager.
The manager took a half step back, avoiding the card, a mocking look on his face.
"This is an order personally given by the chairman. Not only the membership card, but the chairman also instructed that An Zihao and his dog are not allowed to enter. By the way, your sister... Anya, you don't know yet, have already been arrested."
A low chuckle came from the surrounding area.
Xiao Mei's face instantly turned bright red, and she wished she could disappear into a crack in the ground.
An Zihao felt a buzzing sound in his head.
All the blood rushed to my head.
Anya? How could that be? Who is the chairman of Genting?!
He's trying to drive me to my death!
To humiliate him like this in front of a woman, in front of everyone!
"What did you say?"
An Zihao stepped forward and grabbed the manager's tie, his eyes reddening. "Say that again?"
The manager showed no panic, not even a struggle.
He simply raised his hand and snapped his fingers lightly.
Four burly security guards surrounded him from behind.
The dark shadows instantly enveloped An Zihao and Xiao Mei.
The manager slowly pulled his tie out of An Zihao's hand and straightened it.
Then she raised her head and looked at An Zihao with the same look she gave him as if he were trash.
"I said, please get out."
Phi-Fic