Chapter 5, An Unexpected Encounter

Hearing this made Mei Shi feel nauseous again. With his face that was so purely rustic, he still had the audacity to say such an outsider phrase like "Chinese people" in a pretentious tone. This repulsive attitude reminded her of who he was—the so-called "old classmate" she had run into at the airport.

Xue Qin ... ... how could she possibly forget who he is

Upon exiting the restaurant, Mei Guohua and Zhao Shuyuan both appeared very displeased, showing little interest in continuing the conversation. The atmosphere in the car on the way back was also quite heavy. Mei Shi sat quietly, feeling quite satisfied; it seemed her parents also found this General Ruan to be quite unreliable, or rather, his attitude led them to believe that the ideal of a "heaven-sent marriage" was indeed a mere dream.

The meal was quite dull, and Mei Shi speculated that He Jiayun was being considerate of her presence, refraining from launching a fierce attack. Everyone merely exchanged a few trivial remarks, and Ruan Tingjian spoke little. The He and Mei families, in front of each other, did not even reveal the original intention of the matchmaking, all fearing that it would become a subject of ridicule for the other party

Mei Shi really had no way to deal with him, so she had to ask where he was. She changed into suitable yet unobtrusive clothing to find him, as only by seeing him could she feel at ease

Father He, with an air of elegance and the demeanor of an elder, held onto Ruan Tingjian's hand without letting go, and said in a tone of affirmation: "I hope you don't mind, General Ruan? We are intruding on your meal gathering out of necessity, as I will be going to France tomorrow and time is pressing"

Huang Yue nodded repeatedly, "Let's go out and have fun together another day." His gaze had already drifted away, following the beautiful woman who passed by, and then he too drifted away.

"Shall we have a drink together?" A man sat down next to her with an unforgivable look of smugness. Mei Shi did not even glance at him, feeling disgusted by his frivolous demeanor. Before she could coldly refuse, the man himself was taken aback, clapping his hands and exclaiming, "How is it you again?"

Mei Yi furrowed her brows, her lips moved slightly, and she finally nodded.

Ruan Tingjian suddenly shifted his gaze, and that cool, calm, and unruffled look instantly captured Mei Shi's gaze, which she had not yet retracted. She immediately felt a layer of cold sweat break out on her back. She remembered that he was the counterfeit Dao Ming Si who had caused trouble at the airport. Mei Shi hurriedly continued to lower her head, feeling anxious. He wouldn't recall anything, would he? And then erupt on the spot? He Jia Yun would interpret this incident in a way that would bring her lifelong shame. Mei Shi hurriedly continued to lower her head, feeling anxious. He wouldn't recall anything, would he? And then erupt on the spot? He Jia Yun would interpret this incident in a way that would bring her lifelong shame.

Ruan Tingjian's tone remained so indifferent; only after sitting down in the main seat did he slowly say, "I feel the same way."

Ruan Tingjian squinted and thought for a moment, while Mei Shi couldn't help but feel anxious for him, urging him to quickly say he didn't remember, to hurry up! Ruan Tingjian then turned his gaze to Mei Shi. Although Mei Shi was looking down, she could still sense that everyone at the table was looking in her direction. "On the contrary, I find Miss Mei quite familiar. Have we met before? I can't recall."

Can't remember? That's great

Mei felt regret, what was wrong with her, how could she suddenly say such a thing? Rebellious teenagers cannot bear to hear words like this. "Alright, Xiao Yi," she quickly grabbed her brother's arm, "let's go home, I must be too tired."

Mei Shixin, distracted and somewhat irritated, scoffed, "You, a mere child, can appreciate women?"

Mei Shi calmly said: "I have never seen it before." Tomorrow she plans to buy two more pairs of glasses from that brand to express her gratitude to the manufacturer

Ruan Tingjian stood at the door, turning back to look at them. Mei Shi couldn't help but praise inwardly, this half-turning posture indeed exuded a regal aura, arrogantly deserving of a beating! "I will have my secretary record your contact information. I apologize for the rudeness today; let us gather again next time."

"Mr. Ruan," He Jiayun took the initiative to speak, smiling brightly as she said, "We met at the dinner hosted by Uncle Li last time, do you remember?"

Mei Guohua finally seized the opportunity to shake hands, engaging in simple pleasantries while introducing his wife and daughter to Ruan Tingjian. When he raised his hand and said, "This is my daughter Mei Shi," for some reason, Mei Shi felt an overwhelming urge to laugh. As Ruan Tingjian politely shook her hand, she did not look up, fearing that seeing Ruan Tingjian's ET-like appearance would provoke uncontrollable laughter. Like a young bride receiving New Year's money from her father-in-law, she lightly touched that long, smooth hand before quickly retracting it. After placing her hand into the folds of her skirt, she rubbed her fingers together, savoring the sensation; it seemed that ET's hand felt quite nice.

The manager stepped out, and during the wait for the dishes to be served, several people found it difficult to find a topic of conversation, resulting in a somewhat dull atmosphere

Upon returning home, each went to their own room, and the Mei couple even showed no interest in inquiring about their son who was not at home

Mei Shi's impression of this person immediately plummeted. His arrogant demeanor in this world is enough to make anyone uncomfortable. He speaks little, is indifferent, and is petty, pretending to be polite while being quite malicious. When Wu Xin accidentally spilled milk tea on him, he did not accept her sincere apology, indicating that he is a mean-spirited person who does not allow others to make mistakes. In any case, such a man is her least favorite type! He even had his secretary register contact information; does one need to investigate his ancestry to interact with him? Is it necessary to have a secretary schedule a date? How wonderful, He Jiayun likes him. If she could marry such a man, it would truly settle all grievances.

Mei Shi stared straight at him, as if the deafening music around them suddenly came from a distant place. "Tell me, to whom did you give my phone number?"

Mei Guohua was very pleased with his daughter's performance and pretended to complain, saying: "Mr. Ruan, please do not take offense; girls like my daughter from our country are just this refined and introverted."

Even if he only invited our family today, he still intends to go on blind dates with several young ladies one after another. Does he think of himself as an emperor? Selecting a harem? He is straddling multiple boats and is not afraid of drowning

Huang Yue displayed an exaggerated look of surprise, "You haven't forgotten Xue Qin, have you? We were in the neighboring dormitory back then..."

Mei Shi shot him a glance and wiped the sweat from his forehead with a wet wipe, "What could possibly be wrong with me? It's just too noisy here!"

Marriage is a significant matter; even when buying things, one should compare prices at three different stores, let alone when choosing a wife. Mei Guohua, an expert on men's attitudes towards women, said this with a sense of indifference.

Ruan Tingjian's expression was very flat, showing no signs of joy or anger. He withdrew his hand that had been held by Father He and said in a tone devoid of any inflection: "It's fine. I was just too busy with work today and arrived late"

"It's done, it's all like this, let's find another opportunity next time." Zhao Shuyuan pinched the bridge of his nose and said wearily

Mei Shi unconsciously took out her phone from her pocket. In such a noisy place, if he called, she wouldn't be able to hear it... No missed calls? She chuckled self-deprecatingly, how could she forget that someone as detail-oriented as Xue Qin would never call her at such a late hour... Would he still call her?

Mei Shi was somewhat worried, fearing that Mei Yi had gone to some undesirable place and attracted troublesome individuals. While changing clothes, she called her brother. It was indeed noisy on Mei Yi's end; he had gone to a nightclub again. Mei Shi sternly told him to come home, but Mei Yi nonchalantly replied that it wasn't even ten o'clock yet and that it would be boring to go home.

I just gave your phone number to Xue Qin this morning, and I saw you again in the evening

Mei Shi smiled as she looked at her fingers, wondering what had happened to He Jiayun, who was usually quite clever. If Ruan Tingjian said he didn't remember, then fine. She would tease Miss He countless times.

Mei Shi's mouth twitched uncontrollably again, and he wondered what he felt? Everyone took their seats, and the atmosphere was quite pleasant. The manager was introducing today's special dishes to Ruan Tingjian. Seizing this opportunity, Mei Shi looked up, intending to see what kind of person this was... This man... I have to admit, her father, who had raised her for over twenty years, finally spoke the truth when describing Ruan Tingjian's appearance; he was indeed very handsome. The problem is... he looked extremely familiar! I have to admit, her father, who had raised her for over twenty years, finally spoke the truth when describing Ruan Tingjian's appearance; he was indeed very handsome. The problem is... he looked extremely familiar!

With his handsome features, Mei Yi was surrounded by several girls on the dance floor. His older sister sat at the bar, watching from a distance, feeling an indescribable mix of comfort and worry. Mei Shi understood that her younger brother could not rely on just his looks; once the holiday was over, he would have to return to the United States, likely engaging in even wilder antics than this. ... All she hoped for was that he would not fall into drug addiction, not contract strange diseases, and not become a teenage father ... . ... If she continued to think so broadly, she would truly be unable to eat or sleep peacefully. All she hoped for was that he would not fall into drug addiction, not contract strange diseases, and not become a teenage father ... . ... If she continued to think so broadly, she would truly be unable to eat or sleep peacefully

Mei Yiteng stood up abruptly, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, its fur bristling, "You should go back first!"

Mei Yi set her mind at ease, revealing her white teeth when she smiled. This bright smile also lifted Mei Shi's spirits. "Sister, look at that girl leading the dance." Mei Yi pointed to the slender girl energetically dancing on the small stage. "Is she beautiful?"

"Shishi, you shouldn't have any objections to President Ruan. He has invited our family today, but it's Old He and the others who are being shameless and meddling. Didn't you see that President Ruan is also quite unhappy today?" Mei Guohua said with a frown, trying to persuade her. Mei Shi couldn't help but want to laugh upon hearing this. This isn't even her son-in-law yet, and he's already starting to defend him. The allure of money has a tremendous influence on her father.

"Sister, are you alright?" Mei Yi walked back to her side with a puzzled expression, having noticed from a distance that something was off with her sister's demeanor

"It really is..." the familiar-looking man exclaimed, "No wonder the Chinese believe in fate; it is truly remarkable"

This time, Mei Shi did not rely on her mother to intervene; she took the initiative to stand up and see him off. Unexpectedly, unlike the warm welcome for Ruan Tingjian, the others at the table showed displeasure at his early departure, rising very slowly, which made Mei Shi appear quite impatient for him to leave. Ruan Tingjian's thin lips pressed together slightly, the corners of his mouth pulling down ever so slightly, his expression clearly displeased. As he walked past Mei Shi, she felt a vague chill, as if there were a hint of murderous intent.

Mei Shi finds some comfort, thinking that if this matter fails in the future, she can blame her father for the misleading advertisement at the beginning, which caused people to be unable to accept this huge contrast and leave in tears.

Mei Shi wanted to say a few more words, but Zhao Shuyuan clicked his tongue in annoyance and said, "Alright, let's talk about it later." The car also drove into the community, and everyone fell silent again.

"How is it that he has returned to the country as well?" Mei Shi rearranged her expression and let out a cold, indifferent laugh.

Although Mei Shi's eating manner is refined, she has not missed any delicious dishes. After all, she is "shy" and not good at conversation, so it is better for her to focus on eating. Ruan Tingjian also did not deliberately prompt her to speak, and it is likely that she enjoyed this meal the most.

What do Lao He and the others mean? Mei Guohua suddenly exploded like a firecracker, without any process at all

Mei Yi frowned and disdainfully said, "Women just do not appreciate other women"

Please enjoy your meal, I will take my leave first, as I have an important meeting this evening. Ruan Tingjian only hastily ate a little; although it was an extremely polite excuse, his cold and indifferent tone made one feel inexplicably that he seemed quite unhappy

Mei Shi only noticed the hot pants under her ultra-short puffy skirt. When Mei Yi asked, she looked at the girl's face again and candidly said: "The makeup is too heavy, it all smudged when dancing, looking like a ghost"

Mei Shi was somewhat interested and glanced at him twice, feeling that he looked familiar, yet she could not recall where she had seen him before. For some reason, she suddenly thought that perhaps Ruan Tingjian felt the same way about her, which left her feeling quite uncomfortable. Among the women Ruan Tingjian had encountered, had she also fallen to the status of a mere maid? It was too damaging to her self-esteem

Mei Shi was not really listening to what they were saying; it was nothing more than trivial pleasantries. Due to the angle, Ruan Tingjian's face was blocked by the tall figure of He Baba. Mei Shi couldn't help but stretch her neck to look around, only to be pinched by her mother beside her, which made her endure the pain and elegantly lower her head, appearing quite shy.

When Mei Guohua uttered this astonishing lie, everyone except Ruan Tingjian was left dumbfounded. Even He Jiayun stared at Mei Guohua in shock, forgetting to mock him, and secretly admired his audacity.

Mei Shi only heard this sentence from their conversation, which completely aligned with her speculation about this extraterrestrial being, and she almost burst out laughing, quickly lowering her head even further, her lips uncontrollably twitching several times.

Everyone in the room stood up, and Mei Shi did not expect that several senior members would also stand to greet "General Ruan". She was slow to react and was urged by her mother, who pulled her arm down, leaving her unsure if it was intentional, as the twist caused her flesh to hurt. Mei Guohua left his seat to shake hands with "General Ruan", but was preempted by He Jiayun's father, who was closer to the door. Mei Shi noticed that her father's displeasure was expressed very strongly, which contradicted the nickname "Old Mei Oil", known for being cunning.