Chapter 20: The Imperial Grand Hotel

“Let’s go!” She must walk all the way through to reach her destination. No matter if the future holds storms or sunshine, she fears nothing—and must not allow herself to. Her clear eyes shine with unwavering determination, radiant and bright.

The car slowly pulled up in front of the Imperial Grand Hotel. The doorman hurried forward to open the door, and the moment she appeared, he was momentarily stunned. What kind of day was this, that everyone she encountered was so extraordinary?

“Miss, I’ll wait for you downstairs!” Uncle Hai rolled down the window, informing her of his whereabouts. Deep down, he worried for her safety, but he understood the urgency and gravity of the situation.

Chu Yitong nodded and turned towards the hotel entrance. Upon stepping into the grand lobby, she cast a calm, cursory glance around. The space was resplendent, opulent in decoration—yet all she could think was: nouveau riche.

She lowered her gaze to her phone and frowned. He told her to call, but she refused. Since his reputation was so well known, if he were in the hotel, someone must know. Approaching the front desk, she inquired, “May I ask where Xie Chenjing is?”

The person attending to her was none other than the lobby manager from before. He looked up, mouth agape. Such unmatched elegance, this one so exquisitely picturesque—no wonder, no wonder. Even heroes falter before beauties. Tsk tsk, he mused, he had the makings of a great paparazzo. Returning to business, he said, “Are you looking for Mr. Xie?”

“How many people named Xie are there?” Her eyes sparkled with slight confusion, staring so intently as if tears might fall if she didn’t get an answer.

“No, none!” The lobby manager hastily waved his hands. Good heavens, such a presence—even she, a woman, found the gaze overwhelming. He smiled awkwardly and said, “It’s a routine inquiry, please forgive me, Miss. Please follow me; Mr. Xie has already given instructions.”

“Already given instructions?” As she walked toward the elevator, she wondered what that meant. He guessed she wouldn’t call him. Surely not?

“Yes, Mr. Xie specifically instructed that if anyone came looking, to bring them to him.” She wondered if Mr. Xie would reward her with a red envelope for helping in this way—heh heh.

“Oh.” Her previously good mood was mercilessly extinguished; the atmosphere dropped several degrees, leaving the lobby manager puzzled. Had she inadvertently made things worse? Or was Mr. Xie harboring unrequited feelings? If she guessed right, then—well then—

Exiting the elevator, she encountered the same scene again. “Tell me your table number; I’ll find my own way!” Chu Yitong stopped and turned to look at her. Having someone follow her felt uncomfortable.

The woman hesitated for a moment, then earnestly replied, “Table eight, by the window on the right.”

“Alright, thank you!” With a gentle nod, she walked inside. The person behind watched her departing figure and sighed once more, “If I were a man, I’d be utterly enchanted—such a beauty paired with such a cool, distant temperament, truly…”

The sixth-floor restaurant was clearly more refined than the lobby below—luxurious, yet understated. At its center was an exquisitely designed fountain, with a platform of just the right size in the middle, bearing a pristine white grand piano. The pianist played a soothing melody. Around the fountain, seats were scattered sparsely, each with its own unique character.

Her eyes immediately found the seat by the window—on the right side, there was only one. Two men sat there, and facing her was none other than him. She lowered her gaze; that night’s dim lighting, his deep intoxication—she wondered if he even remembered. After a moment’s thought, a smile curved her lips. This was the perfect opportunity.