Chapter 417 Li Xiran And Xi Qian (3)

"A date, huh?" The woman who was accompanying Mr. Fang gave Xi Qian a head to toe look. "Well, this is indeed new. When did this happen?"

Xi Qian wanted to sneer and tell the other woman that it wasn't any of her business, but she was forced to bite her inner cheek in an attempt to stop her remark. She didn't fail to see the flash of arrogance and mockery in the other woman's eyes.

"Just recently." Li Xiran answered, sensing Xi Qian's uneasiness with the other woman's question.

He was also irritated by the other woman's high pitched voice with a hint of ridicule, plus the way she was looking down on Xi Qian. It made sense to him why Xi Qian disliked attending occasions like this and he couldn't blame her for it.

"Now, now. You don't have to pressure the poor girl, Mari." Mr. Fang gently chastised his partner, his head turning to his right when he recognized someone.

"Anyway, we must be off. We should talk later, Mr. Li. I would like to get more acquainted with you and your beautiful partner."

Li Xiran released Xi Qian and gave Mr. Fang a quick hand shake, hoping inwardly that they would leave him and Xi Qian alone. It was obvious that Xi Qian wasn't comfortable with their presence, and he would rather not make it harder for her than it already was.

"You handled it well. I'm surprised you didn't snap at her earlier." He told Xi Qian, once the two were out of their earshot.

"Hmm... I was close to snapping back. Thank goodness you are here with me."

"But he was right, you know. Not many women could handle themselves in public like you. You have the attitude and an elegance of a lady. You have a grace that not many women have."

"Thank you, Xiran. It's good to have you back after so many years." Uncle Mao nodded, his eyes turning from Li Xiran to Xi Qian. "I don't normally believe in rumors, but the more I look around, the more I hear about you bringing a lady tonight. I couldn't believe it at first, you see. The Li Xiran that everyone knows has never been spotted with a woman, and yet here you are, with a beautiful one next to you."

Xi Qian's face turned red, but she willed herself to calm down. She couldn't believe that Li Xiran had never bought a woman with him before. So why did he agree to attend with her tonight? What changed?

"Ah, forgive my rudeness, my dear." Uncle Mao told Xi Qian. "You see, this boy here is a son of a dear friend of mine. I have known Xiran since he was much younger and I assure you that he wasn't involved with another woman before."

"Uncle Mao shouldn't say such words. Miss Xi and I are very good friends." Li Xiran interjected, but the older man only gave him and Xi Qian an amused look and shook his head as if he knew something that they didn't.

Xi Qian chose to hold her tongue, not knowing if she should say something in return to address the old man's comment.

"Happy birthday, Sir. Thank you for having us here."

Suddenly, a woman in her late fifties approached Uncle Mao. Despite her age, she looked expensive and refined. She cast Li Xiran and Xi Qian a smile before touching Uncle Mao's arm to get his attention.

"Dear, the meeting is about to start. You can't leave others waiting for too long." She told the man.

"Ah, Xiran. You should join us!" Uncle Mao lifted a hand and gestured for Li Xiran to join them. "I knew that you didn't come here just to celebrate with me. Allow this old man to extend an olive branch to you."

Li Xiran glanced at Xi Qian worriedly. If he leaves now, he wasn't sure how long it would take for him to return to her side.

As if sensing his hesitation, Xi Qian nodded her head and smiled at him.

"Go. I'll be here when you're done."