We Barely Know Each Other, but I'm Living with a Stone-Faced Mechanic! - Chapter 39

That evening, Tao Ying and Qin Zheng followed the crowd along a bustling road on Xitang’s eastern shore, one that seemed to stretch without end.

On one side stood shops linked by strings of colored lights. On the other lay a broad, tranquil lake behind a wooden railing.

The evening breeze carried the heat of early summer, warm and damp against their faces.

Tao Ying looked up from the navigation app. “We’re almost there. Three hundred meters.”

Qin Zheng murmured acknowledgment. “Did your classmate say how many people are coming?”

“Eight, including us.”

He chuckled. “You’re the only person I know, Ms. Tao. I’ll be counting on you to look after me.”

“All right.” Tao Ying knew he was teasing. Qin Zheng could fit in anywhere, but she agreed anyway.

The restaurant occupied a detached two-story building hidden at the far end of the shopping street, like a hermitage concealed within the city.

Once they entered the courtyard, most of the noise fell away.

Banana plants and green bamboo grew in the corners. Ground lights lay hidden beneath them, scattering wavering shadows over the stone path.

Tao Ying looked back with a smile. “It has a lovely atmosphere.”

It was the perfect setting for one quiet drink.

But tonight was a reunion of old friends. Quiet was unlikely.

Upstairs, laughter filled a private room. From two seats away, Yu Fan asked Xia Fei, “Is Tao Ying really coming?”

“Why wouldn’t she?” Xia Fei did not know whether to laugh. “You’ll see her when she arrives.”

“I heard she stayed at the university to teach.” Tian Zhao glanced over. “She isn’t waiting for Shen Cinan, is she?”

Xia Fei shook her head. “Surely not. Strictly speaking, Tao Ying and Shen Cinan were never even together.”

“That’s exactly the kind that lingers,” Yu Fan said. “A regret from your youth can haunt you for life if you never get what you wanted.”

Outside the door, Tao Ying and Qin Zheng stood in silence.

Embarrassed, Tao Ying gestured for the server to open it.

At the knock, the noise inside stopped abruptly. The door swung open, and every gaze turned toward them.

Tao Ying was slender and graceful, her manner cool but her features vivid. During university, no one had wanted to stand beside her in photographs; beside her, everyone else simply faded into the background.

The man beside her was tall and at ease, his posture confident and his features deep-set, handsome with a sharp, unapologetic force.

Their auras complemented each other, making them an unexpectedly harmonious pair.

After staring for three seconds, Xia Fei recovered and came to greet them. “Finally. Let me introduce everyone. The man beside Tian Zhao is her husband, and the other two are my colleagues.”

Tian Zhao was married?

Tao Ying suppressed her surprise and exchanged greetings.

For her sake, Qin Zheng also inclined his head, though his expression carried a hint of arrogance.

He might not have noticed it himself, but Tian Zhao’s husband and the other man both did.

Xia Fei pulled Tao Ying toward a seat. Tao Ying did not forget Qin Zheng; she reached one hand behind her and beckoned to him.

The tiny gesture made him smile. Thoroughly pleased, he sat beside her.

Once everyone had arrived, the servers began bringing the food.

It was typical Jiangnan fusion cuisine, fresh and lightly sweet, designed to please a broad range of tastes and well suited to a group meal.

Tao Ying was usually quiet, but tonight every conversation seemed to center on her.

One moment they asked about work, the next about daily life, and then about romance.

After several rounds of drinks, the bespectacled man across the table studied her and suddenly asked, “Are you seeing anyone, Ms. Tao?”

Tao Ying and Qin Zheng both froze. In perfect accord, they turned halfway and met each other’s eyes.

“What’s this, Xu?” Xia Fei laughed. “Have you taken a liking to my friend?”

The man smiled mildly. “Forgive my boldness, but I couldn’t help myself.”

Qin Zheng put down his chopsticks with a mocking curve to his mouth.

He knew Tao Ying was beautiful, but some men possessed far too much confidence. Before making bold advances, they might at least look in a mirror.

Standing, the man would probably be no taller than Tao Ying. Could he shield her from wind or rain?

Qin Zheng was about to speak when Tao Ying pressed down on his hand and smiled across the table. “I am.”

“Didn’t you say you two were friends?” Xia Fei stared at her. Tao Ying had told her so herself, and that was how Xia Fei had described the situation while arranging seats—a male friend would be joining them.

“I knew it.” Yu Fan slapped her thigh. “Tao Ying would never bring a male friend to dinner unless he was her boyfriend.”

Tao Ying had no response.

Xia Fei looked between them. “He really is your boyfriend?”

Tao Ying gave an awkward smile. “We only just got together. I was too embarrassed to tell you.”

Qin Zheng took an inch and reached for a mile. He slid his hand free, then turned it over and clasped hers.

“She’s shy. Please excuse her.”

Tao Ying turned and glared, trying to pull away, but his grip did not loosen.

Qin Zheng smiled without warmth. His eyes said clearly: *If you want my help, behave.*

She stopped struggling.

Xu’s expression darkened, but he had no grounds to object and could only swallow his displeasure.

Everyone was already happy to reunite. To celebrate Tao Ying’s new relationship, Xia Fei ordered more alcohol.

Tao Ying could hardly spoil the mood. She had created the problem herself and accepted Xia Fei’s celebratory toast.

“Her throat can’t handle much alcohol. I’ll drink for her.” Qin Zheng took the glass away.

“It’s fine.” Tao Ying reached after it, but he moved his hand out of range.

“You’ve already had enough,” he said. “I’ll take the rest.”

She had just used him as a shield and felt guilty making him shield her from drinks as well. While she hesitated, Qin Zheng leaned close.

“Alcohol goes straight to your face, Ms. Tao. You’re already red.”

She nodded. “A little.”

The color looked like rouge. Qin Zheng pulled his gaze away, raised the glass toward the others, and drained it.

As they talked, the eight of them emptied another two bottles.

Yu Fan began to gossip. “How did you two meet?”

“He repaired my car,” Tao Ying answered honestly.

“Let me tell you something.” Yu Fan turned to Qin Zheng. “Tao Ying was famous for her looks at university. She had crowds of admirers, but no one ever won her over. You really are… quite skilled.”

“What do you mean, skilled?” Xia Fei scolded lightly. “Are you drunk? Sincerity is what earns a sincere heart.”

“Right, right. I put that badly. I’ll punish myself with a drink.”

Tao Ying frowned and looked toward Xia Fei, who stopped Yu Fan. “That’s enough. It’s late. Let’s talk a little longer and call it a night.”

Tian Zhao suddenly stood and went to the restroom, glancing at Tao Ying before she left.

Tao Ying followed a moment later. She had drunk quite a bit, and Qin Zheng instinctively steadied her. “Where are you going?”

“The restroom.”

He released her. “Go ahead. Be careful.”

Tao Ying answered and left the private room. Tian Zhao was waiting near the restroom entrance.

She looked at Tao Ying. “Is Shen Cinan truly coming back?”

“You’re married.” Tao Ying frowned. “You can’t still be holding on to him.”

Tian Zhao laughed softly. “I’m only thinking how unpredictable life is. At university, I competed with you over Shen Cinan. Now I’m married, and you have a boyfriend.”

Tao Ying lowered her eyes, a faint curve touching her lips. There was little point discussing it now.

Only after growing older did people realize how foolish some of their youthful actions had been.

Tian Zhao looked at her solemnly. “I’m sorry. Shen Cinan tried to confess to you several times back then. I interfered every time.”

Tao Ying truly had not known. Surprise crossed her face.

Concerned about her, Qin Zheng had followed as far as the corner. Hearing the conversation left him with complicated feelings.

“I’m curious about something,” Tian Zhao continued, visibly lighter after her confession. “Your boyfriend and Shen Cinan are completely different types. You always liked gentle, talented men. How did you end up with him?”

Around the corner, Qin Zheng quietly pricked up his ears.