Chapter 1237: A HAPPY DISCOVERY

YU JIAO looked around the restaurant interior. The space was small but carefully designed, with polished wooden tables and soft lighting that created a warm atmosphere. The ceramic dishes had an understated elegance to them, clearly expensive but not flashy. Everything from the table settings to the decor showed this was a high-end place, yet it still managed to feel comfortable and welcoming.

She never would have guessed a place like this existed right in the middle of the city. But it didn't feel like they were downtown at all, not after driving through what looked like a small park to get here. When Luo Ren parked out front, she'd honestly thought they were at some kind of art gallery. The building's whimsical design, with its curved walls and vine-covered facade, looked more like something from a fairy tale than an actual restaurant. Walking inside had been a genuine surprise.

She suddenly realized there were no other customers in the restaurant. For a place this nice, she would have expected it to be packed. But aside from the obvious staff moving quietly around, the place was completely empty.

Luo Ren must have seen the question on her face because he suddenly said, "Dad booked the whole place. So, it will only be us for the rest of the afternoon."

"Oh."

That was all Yu Jiao could think to say. Being so close to the Luo family, she sometimes forgot just how wealthy they really were. At first, their money had made her uncomfortable. But after spending so much time with Luo Yan, she'd stopped noticing it. To her, they were just a normal, loving family, not one of the richest people in S City. She thought she'd gotten used to it by now. So why did she suddenly feel uncomfortable?

Her eyes flicked to Luo Ren. Was it because they were alone together?

But what did that even have to do with anything?

Before she could analyze her own feelings, a woman approached them. She wore a crisp white blouse with the top buttons undone and a tight pencil skirt that hugged her curves. The way she leaned forward as she spoke put her cleavage on full display.

"Young Master Luo," she said, fluttering her eyelashes, "shall we serve the food now?"

Yu Jiao felt that strange discomfort again, but this time it was worse. Her chest tightened like an invisible hand was squeezing her heart and lungs, making it hard to breathe. She didn't understand why. All she knew was she suddenly wanted to shove that woman aside, or at least make her button up that damn blouse.

She blinked rapidly, confused by her own reaction. Before she could do something embarrassing, she quickly moved to a table by the window and sat down. Luo Ren shot her a concerned look, but she turned her face away before he could say anything. That didn't stop her from eavesdropping on his conversation with the woman, though.

"No. Wait until everyone arrives," Luo Ren said, his voice colder than usual.

"Of course," the woman replied. "If young master needs anything, you can call for me."

Yu Jiao bit her lower lip. She didn't like how sweet her voice sounded. She couldn't even turn her head to look at the two because she didn't want to see Luo Ren smiling at the woman. Seriously, what was going on with her?

"There would be no need for that," Luo Ren said dismissively.

Then the chair across from Yu Jiao scraped back as Luo Ren took a seat opposite her.

"Are you alright?" Luo Ren asked, worry clear in his voice.

Yu Jiao turned to face the other. That uncomfortable feeling was still there, though it had lessened slightly when she heard how cold Luo Ren spoke to the woman. She looked down, suddenly embarrassed by her own thoughts.

"Y-yes. I'm fine."

Luo Ren studied Yu Jiao carefully. Something was clearly bothering her, but he couldn't figure out what. She'd been fine during the car ride over, even smiling during their conversation. But ever since they arrived at the restaurant... Wait, now that he thought about it, Yu Jiao's mood had shifted right after that manager approached them. Could it be because of that woman?

But what could possibly... His eyes widened. Was it because that woman had been flirting with him? That was the only explanation he could come up with.

Could he dare hope? Could he actually believe Yu Jiao might be jealous? If that were true, then maybe, just maybe, his feelings weren't completely one-sided after all.

Luo Ren desperately wanted to test his theory. But pushing Yu Jiao when she was already uncomfortable was the last thing he wanted to do. Still, there might be another way to get his answer without making things worse.

"I should probably speak to the owner about that manager," he began, watching Yu Jiao's face carefully. "Acting like that is completely unprofessional."

Yu Jiao hesitated before asking, "Y-you didn't think she was pretty?"

"Not even a little," Luo Ren answered immediately. "To be honest, I barely notice other women when I'm with you."

"W-why?"

Luo Ren gave her what he hoped was a charming smile. "How could I when you're so much prettier than any of them?"

Yu Jiao's face flushed a deep red all the way to her ears. Then an unexpected hiccup escaped her. "I-I need to use the restroom," she stammered.

She practically jumped up from her seat, stopping in front of a staff member to ask where the bathroom was located.

Luo Ren watched her hurry away, unable to suppress the wide grin spreading across his face. That reaction said it all. While he'd suspected Yu Jiao might see him as more than just a friend, he hadn't wanted to get his hopes up. But her response to that woman's advances, followed by how she reacted to his words, confirmed it wasn't just wishful thinking on his part.

Yu Jiao genuinely felt something for him beyond friendship.

Her feelings might not be as deep as his yet, but the simple fact she saw him as a man, not just a friend, was enough for now.

Luo Ren could work with that.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.