Chapter 108: Life is a Play, All About Acting

On the phone, Chen Wei spoke sincerely.

He said he genuinely wanted to trade quietly and didn't wish to have conflicts with Luo Chen and Yuan Tong. However, due to past grievances between them, he found it awkward to speak directly to them. Thus, he hoped to meet Xu Lin first to clear the air.

Chen Wei also subtly hinted that he was very grateful for Xu Lin's understanding and would express his appreciation in a small way.

Xu Lin, in her view, didn't have any direct conflict with Chen Wei. At least, she believed so. Therefore, although she was somewhat surprised by Chen Wei's request, it wasn't entirely unexpected. She agreed to meet him.

Of course, this didn't mean she completely trusted Chen Wei. Mainly, she was tempted by his hint of showing appreciation, and she prided herself on being clever enough to handle whatever Chen Wei might be planning.

Chen Wei chose a high-end restaurant, booking a table on the second floor by the window.

The appointment was for 6 PM, but Xu Lin arrived close to 7 PM. Chen Wei didn't show any annoyance. Seeing her arrive, he immediately stood up to offer her a seat.

Xu Lin seemed to have dressed up for the occasion. Her half-curled hair fell gracefully over her shoulders, she wore large earrings, and her lips were painted a vibrant red. She indeed looked very attractive.

After sitting down, Xu Lin, with a hint of pride, said, "What do you want to talk about? Get to the point."

"No rush, let's eat first!" Chen Wei smiled, signaling the waiter to hand the menu to Xu Lin. He added, "Order whatever you like, don't hold back. I have a favor to ask of you today. If you're reserved, I'll be too embarrassed to ask."

Xu Lin smiled faintly and replied, "Alright, I won't hold back then! After all, you make millions a month, a few expensive dishes won't hurt you, right?"

She ordered a few dishes, each more expensive than the last, and also asked for two bottles of high-end red wine, each costing over ten thousand yuan.

Chen Wei pretended to look pained, which secretly pleased Xu Lin.

"Why, feeling the pinch already? If so, I can order less," Xu Lin said deliberately.

"Not at all, order as you please. This is nothing," Chen Wei responded quickly.

The more generous Chen Wei appeared, the more pleased Xu Lin felt. Once the waiter left, Xu Lin said calmly, "You can talk now."

"Actually, there's not much to say. Xu Lin, we don't have any personal grudges, right?" Chen Wei chose his words carefully.

Xu Lin nodded nonchalantly, "Indeed, no grudges."

"It's just that there was some misunderstanding due to the incident with Zhou Yi. To be honest, the things Zhou Yi said to Yuan Tong weren't from me. Zhou Yi..."

Chen Wei was about to explain further but Xu Lin interrupted, "Forget it, that's in the past. I didn't take it to heart."

From Xu Lin's response, Chen Wei sensed something. It seemed there were issues between Xu Lin and Yuan Tong. She still minded their previous argument. However, that had nothing to do with him.

Chen Wei continued, "I knew you were not a petty person! Let's have a toast."

At that moment, the waiter brought the appetizers and wine. Chen Wei poured a glass for Xu Lin and himself. They clinked glasses and Chen Wei downed his drink, while Xu Lin took a small sip.

"To be honest, I'm not much of a drinker. During our group gatherings, I usually just eat and then slip away," Chen Wei said self-deprecatingly.

Xu Lin sneered, "Really? A man who doesn't drink?"

She was, however, starting to let her guard down.

"No choice, one glass and I'm done," Chen Wei laughed.

"Then today...?" Xu Lin glanced at the two bottles of wine, half-smiling.

"Today is an exception. I'll drink for you. Even if I pass out, it's worth it!" Chen Wei said boldly, pouring himself another glass.

"Alright, but if you pass out, don't expect me to take you home," Xu Lin laughed.

"Wouldn't dare trouble you. I'll just sleep here if it comes to that!" Chen Wei laughed.

They ate a bit, then Chen Wei spoke again, "Xu Lin, I asked you here to tell you that I just want to make money peacefully. In today's world, what's more reliable than money? Whether it's Yuan Tong or Luo Chen, they might have some misunderstandings or grudges against me, but I can overlook these as long as they stop bothering me. Do you understand what I mean?"

Xu Lin looked at Chen Wei, half-smiling, "You want me to speak on your behalf?"

"Exactly! You're very perceptive. This is my small request. Of course, I won't let you do this for nothing. Here's a little something for your trouble," Chen Wei said, handing her an envelope.

Xu Lin instinctively took it, feeling its weight. It was around twenty thousand yuan. She placed it in her bag, smiling, "You certainly know how to handle things. Fine, I'll speak for you."

"Thank you so much!" Chen Wei smiled broadly.

Across the street, in a similarly upscale hotpot restaurant, Zhou Yi sat with a girl named Xue Jiaqi at a window seat on the second floor.

Xue Jiaqi, looking like she had discovered something amazing, snapped photos of Chen Wei and Xu Lin across the street, exclaiming, "Big news! Xu Lin secretly meeting Chen Wei! I wonder how she'll stay so arrogant now!"

"Kiki, maybe this isn't right. Shouldn't we go say hi to Chen Wei and Xu Lin?" Zhou Yi suggested, feigning concern, but inwardly he was very pleased.