Amnesiac Fiancé Married Another, So I Married His Brother - Chapter 81

Chi Qingche sat in the reception room as the secretary brought in fruits, snacks, desserts, and drinks.

Secretary: “Miss Chi, if you need anything, just let me know. I’ll be right in the secretary’s office next door.”

“Thank you.”

So thoughtful.

Chi Qingche snapped a photo and sent a message to Li Su.

[Qingqing: I’m here! Brother Chen is in a meeting, so I haven’t seen him yet. He said he’d treat me to lunch at noon!]

[Susu: Congrats.]

[Qingqing: It’s my first time having a meal alone with him. I’m so nervous!!]

[Susu: Don’t worry, it might not just be the two of you.]

Chi Qingche: “…”

No way!

She still wanted to have lunch alone with Li Chen.

If it was a business lunch and she was brought along, wouldn’t that be weird?

[Susu: Don’t stress. Just act like you always do. My brother won’t bite.]

[Qingqing: Aren’t you afraid I’ll bite your brother?]

[Susu: Not even a little. I’d be thrilled if he found a wife soon.]

[Qingqing: I don’t dare!!!]

She was too timid.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been too scared to confess her crush.

Alone in the reception room, Chi Qingche slumped in despair.

She didn’t even feel like playing on her phone anymore.

Lazily reclining on the spacious leather sofa, she turned her head to gaze out the floor-to-ceiling window.

It was nearly noon, and the early spring sun cast a gentle glow over the entire city.

Honestly, the view from up high was truly spectacular.

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice the steady, firm footsteps approaching from outside the heavy solid wood door.

The sound was rhythmic and authoritative, echoing against the polished marble floor.

The door opened silently.

Li Chen walked in. “Have you been waiting long? What would you like for lunch?”

Fresh from a lengthy meeting, he wore an impeccably tailored dark suit that hugged his tall, well-proportioned frame. His broad shoulders and powerful silhouette were accentuated by the unbuttoned jacket, revealing a crisp white shirt and a deep-hued, perfectly knotted tie, not a single wrinkle in sight.

“Chinese food,” Chi Qingche replied softly, her gaze fixed dazedly on Li Chen’s face.

His features were sharply defined, with a high nose bridge and a few stray strands of hair falling casually over his forehead, adding a touch of soft charm.

Even the sunlight outside seemed to brighten suddenly, enveloping him in a radiant glow that highlighted his tall figure, deep eyes, and the effortless grace of his movements, all gilded with a breathtaking golden halo.

Just as she remembered, he was refined and elegant, like polished jade, exuding an air of quiet sophistication.

Li Chen leaned down to meet her eye level, a warm smile flickering in his gaze. “Are you hot? Your face is so red…”

His voice was deep and pleasant, like fine velvet brushing against her eardrums.

Such a beautiful voice.

Chi Qingche shyly covered her face with both hands and leaned back. “N-no, I’m not hot…”

She was blushing because of him.

They were so close that she could faintly catch the scent of sandalwood on him. She hadn’t even had a drink, yet she already felt a little intoxicated.

And Li Chen hadn’t even done anything.

“You look really good when you smile,” Chi Qingche blurted out.

Her brain hadn’t caught up before the words left her mouth.

“Thank you for the compliment. You do too.”

Li Chen straightened up, his gaze briefly sweeping over the table, she hadn’t eaten much.

“Do I look good too?” Chi Qingche grinned, her cheeks flushing even redder.

“Beautiful.”

Help me!

Susu!

Come save me!

I’m so excited I can barely breathe.

She felt like her face was as red as a steamed shrimp right now.

Completely flushed!

“Let’s go. Do you have a favorite restaurant?”

Chi Qingche picked up her bag and hurried after him. “I’m fine with anything. I’m not picky.”

This was their first meeting since Li Chen had discovered her crush on him.

They stepped into the elevator, and as it descended rapidly, her heart started racing.

Her right hand shot up, grabbing Li Chen’s arm.

Li Chen felt the sudden grip and turned to see her looking uneasy.

“Scared?”

Chi Qingche lowered her head. “A little nervous.”

The feeling was like riding a rollercoaster, her body was hurtling forward while her soul lagged behind.

Luckily, the elevator reached the first floor quickly.

At the sound of the ding, Chi Qingche immediately let go of Li Chen’s arm. “Sorry, sorry, sorry! I didn’t mean to overstep.”

Li Chen glanced at her flustered, beet-red face and murmured, “It’s fine.”

She really hated flying and rollercoasters, any high-speed, adrenaline-pumping activities.

Thankfully, high-speed trains were fast enough now. She’d take the train over a plane any day.

There were restaurants near the company, so Li Chen and Chi Qingche strolled over for lunch.

Chi Qingche stole glances at Li Chen.

So handsome, so handsome!!

This feels like a date~

But then…

They ran into some colleagues on the way.

They kept greeting Li Chen enthusiastically.

“Hello, President Li!”

“President Li, good afternoon!”

After the greetings, they scurried off.

But their voices still carried.

“Is President Li dating someone?”

“No way, isn’t he a sis-con?”

“His sister’s married!! Being a sis-con doesn’t mean he can’t date!”

“I know that girl, she’s a beauty blogger.”

“Ohhh, I’ve seen her too. So it’s not a date, she’s just the sister’s best friend!”

They’re so gossipy, it stings!

Chi Qingche sighed inwardly.

If anyone asked why she didn’t dare confess, the truth was she was afraid of rejection.

Afraid that if Li Chen turned her down, she wouldn’t even be able to stay friends with Susu.

And besides…

She thought Li Chen was way out of her league.

But then again…

Zhou Motang, a thief and a liar, managed to marry someone as outstanding as Huo Zhenzhou. Why shouldn’t she dare to pursue Li Chen?

Aaaahhh~~~

Too many people like Li Chen.

They entered a Chinese restaurant.

“Are there any employees from the company here?” Chi Qingche glanced around.

Li Chen replied, “They usually don’t come here.”

Chi Qingche blinked. “Why?”

“Expensive.”

Such a simple, straightforward reason.

If the employees can’t afford it, President Li, maybe you’re not paying them enough~

Li Chen added, “The company has a free cafeteria. They usually eat there.”

“But we just ran into a few who weren’t eating at the cafeteria.”

“Probably tired of the food.”

Makes sense.

Truly a domineering CEO.

Quick-witted, sharp, and perceptive.

Chi Qingche had initially thought Li Chen’s “expensive” remark was a joke.

But when she saw the menu, she realized he wasn’t kidding.

It was really expensive!!

Since when does a plate of greens cost 888???

Is the plating really worth that much?

Chi Qingche ordered two dishes, while Li Chen picked three.

“Something to drink?”

“Orange juice.”

She wasn’t much of a drinker.

And besides…

Li Chen probably had work in the afternoon.

How could she get drunk and cling to him like that?

No, no, absolutely not.

She had her own pace when it came to secret crushes.

The first rule was not to make Li Chen dislike her.

The waiter took the menu and placed a cute hourglass on the table.

Waiter: “If your dishes aren’t all served before the hourglass runs out, this meal is on the house.”