Ke Shaozheng did indeed tell Cheng Yunqi Hu Li's name and phone number that evening, but he didn't dare reveal too much other confidential information. He didn't want to anger Hu Li, who was even more ruthless than him.
Hu Li was having dinner in the living room when Hu Da came and told him that his phone upstairs had been ringing several times. "Bring the phone down."
Seeing that it was an unfamiliar number on his phone, Hu Li hesitated for a moment before picking it up. After a moment, he realized that very few people knew this phone number of his, so he answered it.
"Hello..."
"Your name is Hu Li, right?"
"Yes, who is this?"
"You really found it?" The voice was particularly loud, making Hu Li hold the phone away from his ear. Then, she spoke softly like a shy girl, "I'm Cheng Yunqi. Last time, you lost your watch, and I found it. Also, last time, I had an accident in the United States, and you saved me."
"Why do you have this number?" Hu Li's thick eyebrows rose.
"I want to invite you to dinner to thank you for saving my life last time. Will you give me a chance?" Cheng Yunqi's voice was soft and gentle, and even without standing in front of her, Hu Li could smell her alluring fragrance.
"I don't have time right now, sorry. I'll hang up first." Hu Li politely but distantly ended the call, then turned to Hu Er, who was standing behind him, and said, "Find out who gave my phone number to Cheng Yunqi."
"Yes, Master."
"Did we save a girl covered in blood in the United States?" Hu Li didn't eat his meal, pondering while also asking Hu Da.
Hu Da thought for a moment and suddenly remembered something, saying, "We did indeed take a girl covered in blood to the hospital there. I was sitting next to you when I carried her into the car."
"Oh, so there was such an incident."
Not long after, Hu Er returned. "Master, Cheng Yunqi got your name and phone number from Young Master Biao. He didn't disclose any other information to her."
"So, this is Ke Shaozheng's little trick for me not meeting him. He balanced it well. Any other news?"
"Also, Young Master Biao hasn't made any major moves since he came to the seaside city. Every day, it's just sightseeing and entertainment at the casino. Whenever Cheng Yunqi has time, she takes Young Master Biao around everywhere. Their relationship seems unusual."
"I wonder what Ke Shaozheng wants to gain from Cheng Yunqi?" Hu Li said slowly.
"Master, should I investigate further?" Hu Da asked.
Hu Li frowned, showing displeasure. "Are you free? Go and get me the investment information for the seaside city and other places."
Hu Da took the opportunity to escape upstairs to the study and fetch the documents.
Hu Li glanced at the time and then called Ke Shaozheng. "Seems like you've forgotten the rules in our family!"
Ke Shaozheng awkwardly chuckled twice, speaking like affectionate brothers. "Cousin, you finally called me. It's just a name and a phone number, right? She doesn't know anything else, such as your family being one of the wealthiest in the world except for God. And..."
"Stop. You seem to have some jealousy in there. Let's hold off on dinner for now, and it's better to say less of those things."
"No wonder everyone in the family says you're more like my brother. The way you speak, anyone would think the same. Let's postpone dinner for now, but I'll treat you when I have time."
"Okay." It was strange that Ke Shaozheng wasn't eager to meet him, which was quite unusual.
With the documents in hand, Hu Li asked, "Did the banquet attire arrive?"
"It'll be here tomorrow."
"When it arrives, inform me in advance."
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"Okay."
The next day, the sky was veiled in clouds, and it was gloomy. Despite the weather, Hu Li was in a particularly good mood. He knew that the formal attire had arrived, so he called Huayan. Still half-asleep, Huayan was disturbed by a ringing phone, muttering about bees and promptly putting the phone under her blanket. But the buzzing continued like a bee.
"Hello, why is this bee so noisy..."
"Bee? Huayan, you're not fully awake yet, are you?" Hu Li chuckled.
"Who are you?" Huayan asked, opening one eye.
"You're really not awake. How about you go back to sleep for a while, and I'll call you at noon."
"No need, you've already woken me up. Why are you calling so early, Hu Li?"
Huayan was fully awake now, slowly getting up and seeing that there was no sunlight coming through the curtains. She guessed that the weather wasn't good and lay back down. "Why is the weather so annoying on a rare weekend?"
"I have something that will definitely make you happy."
"What is it?"
"You'll find out when you get here."
"Okay, I'll be there."
When she left the house, Hu Er was already waiting outside. Huayan frowned. "Is it necessary for you to come pick me up?"
Hu Er smiled and said, "Is it necessary for me to take you to this place today?"
Huayan raised an eyebrow, curious about the mysterious location. "Where exactly are we going?"
"Don't worry, I won't abduct you."
Standing in the ancient villa built of top-quality blue bricks, stepping on the soft orchid carpet, Huayan looked into the distance at the Dan Temple shrouded in light mist. Suddenly, she thought of her anxiety when she was reborn, and she shook herself mentally, step by step, second by second. She also thought of the fortune-telling monk at the Dan Temple, who had helped her unknowingly. It seemed she needed to pay him a visit.
As Hu Li entered the room, he saw Huayan gazing into the distance with a mysterious and indistinct melancholy. He felt that this constantly smiling, straightforward girl was sincere and had no ulterior motives. No matter what he thought, she remained unaffected. To her, he was just a friend, and she seemed to have no other thoughts.
"You're here," Huayan smiled as she saw Hu Li enter.
"What are you thinking about? You seem to have something on your mind," Hu Li asked.
"It's nothing, just reminiscing about some things. Why did you summon me here so mysteriously?"
"You sit down first, standing must be tiring."
"I'm seated now, so what's the matter?" Huayan sat on a purple velvet chair, and Hu Li placed a cushion behind her before beginning, "I've ordered the formal attire for the banquet. Would you like to see it?"
"Formal attire? For the banquet?"
"Yes, I had your attire made without your consent..."
"To be honest, I feel uncomfortable wearing your attire. Let's forget about it."
Hu Li paused for a moment and said, "Are you really unwilling?" Huayan smiled and shook her head. Hu Li lowered his head for a moment and then raised it again, saying, "Alright, if you don't want to, we'll leave it. How about I show you around the house? This will be a place I'll be staying in the future."
Despite being rejected, Hu Li didn't seem upset at all. It was impossible not to be touched. He almost said he would wear the attire. "Alright, I'd like to see what your home is like."
"Home..." Hu Li paused and whispered, "It's only home with you."
"What are you mumbling to yourself?"
"Nothing, let's go. I'll cook for you later." Hu Li smiled.
Hu Li, a young master, cooking? It was unbelievable. Huayan stared with eyes as wide as eggs and asked, "You can cook, really?"
"Yes!" Hu Li almost swore by patting his chest.
The villa was exceptionally unique, with blue bricks and some parts exuding an ancient charm while others were modern, with clean, unpainted wooden furniture. Despite autumn having arrived long ago, the garden behind the villa was still in full bloom. Strangely, there was a section with nothing planted. Huayan asked Hu Li about it, but he just smiled and didn't answer.
He didn't tell Huayan that it was prepared for her, just because during their last meal at the teahouse, Huayan mentioned casually that she liked country living and cultivating a small field.
An hour later, Hu Li went to the kitchen and personally began cooking, only allowing Huayan to watch and not help. Even Hu Da and Hu Er were like wooden stakes, not daring to approach. Finally, Huayan really didn't intervene, watching Hu Li make Western dishes and boiled shrimp.
Watching Hu Li bustling around in the large kitchen while wearing an apron, and then looking at his stern, stylish appearance, Huayan felt it was surreal.
"Hu Li, with your attire and that serious face, I feel like I don't even need to eat anymore."
"Why?" Hu Li suddenly stopped his movements, and there was a subtle stiffness in his actions.
"Because just looking at you is enjoyable. There's a saying, 'beauty can be a feast,' right?"
"You... startled me." Suddenly, Hu Li's body softened, and his eyes seemed to blossom into a smile.
"Oh, did I startle you?" Huayan was curious about why Hu Li was so concerned, thinking he was joking. But Hu Da knew Hu Li was serious; how could someone familiar with his expressions and actions not see it? He had just inadvertently made a move.
After bustling for an hour, Hu Li finally served the Western dishes. When Huayan took the first bite, Hu Li and the others were all focused on her expression.
"Mmm... delicious, not bad at all. Why are you all staring? Let's start eating."
"Okay, let's eat. You're really... a glutton!" Huayan gave him a glare and sat down. Hu Da and Hu Er hurriedly left like light bulbs, and Hu Li also dismissed the servants nearby. He personally served tea and water.
After eating for a while, Hu Li put down his chopsticks and began peeling the boiled shrimp one by one. When Huayan snapped out of her food trance and saw Hu Li earnestly battling with the shrimp, her eyes moistened. She quickly lowered her head and continued eating her food.
At eight in the evening, Hu Li personally drove Huayan home and asked, "My cooking was good, right?"
"Yes, it was delicious."
"I hope I can cook for you every day." Hu Li said softly.
This time, Huayan didn't pretend not to hear, but asked, "Do you like children, Hu Li?"
"I haven't thought about it, but if they were yours, I'd love them very much. Love knows no bounds, right?"