Chapter 96 - Ending the Night

Ying Yue wrapped her arms around the food tightly and gave Xi Long a defiant look as if to say 'try and take my food, I dare you.' She knew he wouldn't fight her for a simple dish but she could also not take any chances with food. Hearing him call her a glutton she gave him a light glare. To enjoy food was a basic human need, to be called glutton for adding a dish was an exaggeration to her. 'He just doesn't know how to appreciate food, hmph.' She didn't take his comment to heart and just enjoyed the fragrant smell of the dish in her hands. It wasn't often she could eat such good quality crab so she took the chance to take some home with her. Just the thought of having the crab for a late night snack or lunch tomorrow made her mouth water. 

Xi Long watched as Ying Yue wrapped her arms tightly around the food as if protecting gold and held in his laughter. With a small smile slipping out he shook his head and took out his credit card. Placing it onto the bill he handed the book back to the Old Zhu. "You can add any of the extra expenses onto the card as well if you find anything damaged. Can you also do me a small favour and erase the last hour on the CCTVs?" 

Old Zhu nodded his head and left with the credit card to process it. Turning to Zhuang Wei he saw him sitting silently with a bored expression on his face. "I'll deduct today's meal from your bonus." 

Zhuang Wei immediately shot up with his eyes wide. "WHY???" 

"Cause I felt like it..." He didn't have any intention to let him pay but he felt like teasing him. The sight of his relaxed and bored posture annoyed him. 

"Why doesn't she have to pay then??" Zhuang Wei pointed his finger at Ying Yue with a look of greivance. 

"We discussed this....its because I'm hotter than you...." Ying Yue jumped in to add her two cents and rile him up further.

Hearing her taunt Zhuang Wei's face turned red as he couldn't figure out what to say in response. Mumbling random words Zhuang Wei glared at the both of them before giving up. "I'm never going out with you guys again...bloody shameless the both of you." 

Interrupting their 'bullying' session Old Zhu walked back in to hand over Xi Long's credit card. Xi Long took it back from him and slipped it back into his wallet while thanking him. Getting up, Xi Long picked up his car keys before making his way out of the restaurant. Ying Yue and Zhuang Wei followed behind him quietly after making sure they didn't leave anything behind. 

Slipping into the front seat Ying Yue put her seatbelt on and held onto the food on her lap. She could have placed it on the floor but it could easily fall over with a wrong turn. It was silent as Xi Long slowly turned out of the parking lot and started driving away. Only a quiet instrumental song was playing in the background as accompaniment. Taking in the direction of where they were going she could tell that it wasn't heading to her house. 

"Where are we going?" 

"I'm dropping off Wei first." She held back a smile as she took in his answer. He had made things easier for her by dropping him off first even though it would make the ride longer. She didn't know if he had anticipated her decision or it was coincidental but she appreciated it nonetheless. He earned one brownie point from her by keeping her location secret from Zhuang Wei. Regardless if it was his bestfriend, ZW was not her best friend and she didn't trust him with any personal information yet.  Hence the name change to Valentina, she had initially thought she could be dropped off at a random location and then would go home by herself after. 

There was a warm feeling in her stomach as she thought about his caring actions. She wasn't used to someone taking care of her to such an extent. Jewels, expensive gifts, flashy words weren't her style. Small actions like this were more significant to her. It was constantly a surprise to her that a good man like him had stayed single so long. Even if she had not known him for long it was obvious that he was a catch. It was understandable that many women wanted to be Mrs. Han, though the demand was high now if they knew that he could be so caring..

...'that would be a storm for sure.'  Shaking her head she leaned against the window and cleared her mind. Thinking about these things did her no good. Focusing on the music she relaxed into her seat and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. 

The car moved in peaceful atmosphere. 

It took approximately twenty-two minutes to arrive at Zhuang Wei's house. The house was located inside a gated community for the upper class. For a very down to earth guy his house was on the flashier end but still matched his vibe. 

"I'd offer for you to come in for a drink but it is late tonight. Another time then." Zhuang Wei extended this offer on his way out the car. 

Ying Yue just nodded and said a lazy "sure" in response. With that they waited for him to enter his house before they pulled out of the driveway.

The car was still silent after Zhuang Wei left. She debated for a couple of seconds before opening her mouth. "Thanks."  

There was a slight pause before she heard him speak. "For what?" His voice was low but calm as he answered her. 

"You know what..." 

A warm chuckle entered her ears as a flood of heat pooled through her. There was something about his laugh and rough voice that felt like honey to her.

"I have no idea what you're talking about Kitten." 

"....dork." Hiding her smile again, she pressed her palm against her mouth and turned her head to look out the car window.