So cunning...

"Hey~"

Seeing someone had come to meet her, Gao Tang took off his sunglasses and hung them from his collar. He raised his hand in greeting toward Chen Ruowen, flashing a smile that could make anyone swoon.

Chen Ruowen could feel the little hand clutching her arm suddenly grip more tightly. Geng Jiaojiao summoned all her self-control to keep herself from shrieking like a fangirl, managing only to hop in place as she waved enthusiastically at Gao Tang.

"So handsome!!!"

Though she didn't say it aloud, Geng Jiaojiao couldn't help but whisper to Chen Ruowen, nearly dashing over to greet Gao Tang herself.

Gao Tang strode over to the group, nodding first at his matchmaker Geng Jiaojiao, and then introduced himself with a courteous smile.

"Wanguo Group, Gao Tang."

"So it's Young Master Gao," everyone responded knowingly.

The headquarters of Wanguo Group had relocated to Nancheng more than a year ago, yet their young master had never appeared at any official occasions. Today’s gathering was a perfect small-scale opportunity to break into Nancheng’s social circle, so no one was surprised to see Gao Tang here.

Except for Bai Jinyan.

Man Hao, who was standing at the edge, was the first to react, stepping forward to shake hands and introduce himself. Gao Tang responded politely, exchanging a few practiced pleasantries that quickly won him a favorable first impression.

"No need to introduce this one," Gao Tang said with a familiar smile when it was Bai Jinyan’s turn. "We were schoolmates at No.1 High, had quite a few run-ins."

Run-ins?

Bai Jinyan narrowed his eyes. In truth, he and Gao Tang had only met once—and it hadn’t been pleasant. Afterward, Chen Ruowen had blocked Gao Tang, and they’d had no further contact.

Now Gao Tang was at their private gathering, brought by the most naive of their group, Geng Jiaojiao. Bai Jinyan couldn't shake the feeling that Gao Tang’s intentions were anything but friendly.

"You went to No.1 High too?" Geng Jiaojiao was surprised, shaking Chen Ruowen’s arm excitedly. "Then you must know my Ruowen!"

Gao Tang finally turned his gaze to Chen Ruowen.

"Of course," he nodded, reaching out his hand to her as he had before. "You look beautiful today."

"You have great taste, Young Master Gao!" Geng Jiaojiao was even happier at this compliment than if it had been aimed at herself, her eyes practically sparkling at him.

Chen Ruowen had no idea what exactly Geng Jiaojiao was so thrilled about, but since there was no bad blood between her and Gao Tang, she didn’t snub him and gave his palm a polite tap in greeting.

Gao Tang was a master at setting the mood. By the time they’d walked from the front door to the backyard, he’d already blended seamlessly into the group, his social skills truly impressive.

Today’s gathering was attended by some of the more driven young heirs of Nancheng, so the activities were simple—none of the wild antics found in other circles. The kitchen sent up drinks and snacks, and they started a board game in the main hall.

After a few rounds, everyone had loosened up.

At first, Gao Tang was seated between Man Hao and Kang Wenbo, but somehow he ended up beside Geng Jiaojiao, with himself and Bai Jinyan flanking Chen Ruowen.

"This villa’s location is quite impressive. Is it Wanguo Group property too?" Chen Ruowen, not wanting to talk to Bai Jinyan, turned to Gao Tang instead.

She was genuinely interested in the villa. Property within Nancheng’s second ring was worth its weight in gold. Most villas were built beyond the third ring; this place was already an exception, and as a standalone property surrounded by landscaped grounds, it was a rare oasis in the bustling city.

Gao Tang nodded with a smile. "It’s a special house my family prepared for me—not for sale."

"No wonder..." Chen Ruowen sounded a bit regretful.

Gao Tang’s tone shifted. "Though it’s... a wedding house, if you want it, that could be arranged."

Chen Ruowen nearly choked on her drink. Bai Jinyan tried to pat her back, but she brushed him off. Gao Tang glanced at them, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

Who wants your wedding house! Chen Ruowen glared at him, but he only smiled and handed her a tissue, instructing a servant to bring her a fresh glass of juice, which he personally offered her.

"This wine has a strong kick; juice might suit your taste better. Want to try?"

Chen Ruowen eyed him warily but took a sip. Her eyes lit up, and she quickly drank more.

"See? I wasn’t lying."

"Mmm. What fruits are in this? I can’t tell," she asked.

"Secret recipe," Gao Tang winked. "If you like it, you’re welcome here anytime."

Chen Ruowen downed the whole glass and set the empty cup before him. "More."

"Of course."

Without hesitation, Gao Tang called over a servant and spoke quietly. Soon, a jug of juice and small plates of snacks were set before Chen Ruowen.

"Too much juice can be cloying. Try these snacks—they pair well," he suggested.

With her trust won by the juice, Chen Ruowen accepted the snacks too, and Gao Tang’s recommendations perfectly matched her tastes, each one delighting her further.

Bai Jinyan’s expression grew darker, while Geng Jiaojiao was so excited she nearly left bruises on Kang Wenbo’s arm.

"Do you like them?" Gao Tang asked.

"Mmm!"

"I’ll send you the recipes," he offered gently.

"But you said they were your secret recipes, not to be shared," Chen Ruowen replied, puzzled.

Gao Tang laughed. "I was only teasing. It’s just some snacks—why would I be stingy?"

With that, he opened his phone, found a prepared file, tapped on Chen Ruowen’s profile, and sent it.

As expected, the system responded: Sorry, you are not friends with this user. Please send a request to add them.

"Huh? Why does it say we’re not friends?" Gao Tang seemed surprised.

Oh no!

Chen Ruowen froze.

She’d completely forgotten she’d deleted him.

Now she’d been caught in the act—how awkward.

Gao Tang raised his phone for her to see, still smiling as if it were nothing.

"Maybe it’s a system glitch. Let me try again."

Please don’t try again...

Chen Ruowen suddenly felt guilty, covering half her face and avoiding his gaze, while Gao Tang’s second attempt was met with the same response.

Sorry, you are not friends with this user. Please send a request to add them.

Gao Tang finally looked up, set his phone down before her, and raised an eyebrow.

"Care to explain?"