A Chance Encounter

Although the restaurant was bustling with customers, the dishes were served quickly. Plate after plate of delicious and fragrant food arrived at the table.

Su Yuan helped Shu Pan serve the soup and pick the dishes.

With everything going on lately, Shu Pan hadn't had a relaxed meal like this in a long time. She savored the soup, feeling a sense of warmth in her heart.

Meanwhile, Gu Shaoting happened to be at Gathered Dragon discussing a business partnership. He was in one of the VIP rooms, which was spacious, luxurious, and had excellent soundproofing. It was perfect for conducting business.

"Mr. Gu, you are truly remarkable. To achieve such success in your thirties and expand the prospects of the Gu Group is truly impressive." The middle-aged man at the same table complimented. It was true, not only was he successful in business, but he also had a thriving personal life. There were even rumors about him and a famous female model in magazines recently.

"I am flattered by your kind words, Mr. Li," Gu Shaoting replied with a charming smile, his eyes sparkling.

"After finalizing the contract, let's have a drink to celebrate our successful collaboration," Mr. Li suggested, holding the contract in his hand. The opportunity to partner with the city's top enterprise was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for their company.

"Sure, let's drink to that!" Gu Shaoting cheerfully raised his glass and finished it in one gulp.

With the business matters settled, the dinner was coming to an end. One by one, the colleagues and business partners started leaving. Since He Ming had something to discuss with Gu Shaoting, he decided to stay in the private room and wait for him instead of finding another place.

"Brother Ting, Shu Pan is also dining outside. Did you two plan to meet here?" He Ming's voice could be heard before he entered the room. When he opened the door and came in, he looked puzzled.

"Who? Shu Pan? With whom?" Gu Shaoting furrowed his brows.

It seemed he was unaware, and seeing Gu Shaoting sitting in his chair with a perplexed expression, He Ming shrugged and raised his hands, saying, "I don't know him, but judging by his extraordinary temperament, I guess he's an admirer of Shu Pan."

Gu Shaoting's gaze shot at him like a sharp sword. If looks could kill, He Ming would have died several times over.

"What nonsense! She's married, so how can she have an admirer?" Gu Shaoting's brows furrowed even tighter.

"She's probably still here. You can go outside and check," He Ming suggested. Although they were as close as brothers, and they had grown up together, He Ming couldn't understand Gu Shaoting. Normally, he didn't seem too concerned about Shu Pan, but the mention of an admirer suddenly seemed to bother him. The hearts of men were truly unfathomable.

As Su Yuan finished eating, Shu Pan noticed that she was full as well. She put down her chopsticks and since they were sitting close to each other, she could observe him more closely. His face hadn't changed much, still handsome and charming, but his aura had transformed. The youthful and sunny young man she once knew now exuded maturity, stability, and a hint of profoundness in his eyes that she couldn't quite comprehend.

Su Yuan also gazed back at her, his lips slightly pursed. She had changed, he couldn't quite put his finger on what exactly had changed, but she was different now. The Shu Pan of today was no longer the same Shu Pan who used to lean against him and laugh happily.

"Pan, I'm sorry," he finally spoke softly after a long pause. This apology was six years late, and he had been indebted for six years.

Shu Pan's heart ached, but she shook her head, "It's all in the past. We should both look forward."

She now had a family, a loved one. Although her relationship with Gu Shaoting seemed to go nowhere, she had a baby, her secret. So, she could find solace and let go of the past.