Chapter 93: Are You Shy?

In front of a certain window of the dessert shop.

Zhou Zhi held his phone to his ear with both hands; despite being on a call, his back was slightly curved, and he spoke softly and respectfully toward the other end, as if seeking instructions.

The bar server brought a small plate of cake, gently placed it before Shu Shu's table, and smiled, saying, 'Please enjoy.'

Shu Shu asked, 'Around what time will you finish clearing the shop before admitting other customers?'

She thought, since she had come, she might as well bring some pastries home for her two kids when she left.

The server, however, shook her head: 'I'm not sure about that; it depends on the new owner's decision.'

New owner?

'Yes.' The server glanced at Zhou Zhi by the window: 'This shop was bought by the new owner two hours ago; that gentleman is the new owner's assistant.'

So it wasn't just a buyout of the venue; they actually bought the whole shop?

At that moment, Zhou Zhi returned after finishing his call, coming back to the table of four:

'Shu Shu classmate, please follow me.'

…

It wasn't far; it was the five-star hotel opposite this dessert shop.

The gold-colored elevator went straight up to the presidential suite on the top floor.

Shu Shu followed behind Zhou Zhi; underfoot was a thick retro-patterned carpet, and the air held a comfortable, light floral scent.

This place was not unfamiliar to her.

At that time, 1600 was not yet renovated; she lived in this hotel's presidential suite.

Zhou Zhi swiped open the main door.

Presidential suites like this usually have a business nature, with a dedicated office area.

Zhou Zhi brought Shu Shu to a stop outside the office, first tapped twice with his fingers, waited about five seconds, then pressed the door handle.

He turned sideways, slightly nodded his head toward Shu Shu, indicating she should go in first.

Shu Shu passed him without much hesitation.

The hotel designed the suite's office area to be grand and understated, with large semi‑floor‑to‑ceiling windows that were bright and translucent; the sunset's afterglow streamed through the glass, spilling onto the sofa where a cold‑looking man sat.

The indoor air‑conditioning was on full blast; he didn't need to go to formal occasions, wearing only a gray thin sweater and dark trousers, calm and clean, his skin still that pale, giving off a sickly feel.

Actually, that night at the Xu Family Manor, when Shu Shu saw him she had a momentary blank stare, almost thinking he too had time‑traveled to the future.

Because his appearance was the same as when they first met.

But now, under sufficient lighting where details can be seen, it's clear that he is not.

This superior‑contoured face had become sharp, losing all juvenile roughness; his pupils were jet‑black and aloof, and on the wrist where faint veins showed, he wore a luxury mechanical watch whose face reflected a cold gleam.

His whole person exuded a deep, cold aura unique to adult men.

As Shu Shu looked at Pei Du, Pei Du likewise gazed at her without changing expression.

The computer on his desk behind him was still on; just moments ago, they had made eye contact through the screen.

In the picture.

The girl lifted her head, her beautiful peach‑blossom eyes slightly narrowed, looking straight at him without avoidance.

On the coffee table before Pei Du sat a piece of dessert, a strawberry mousse cake.

But it wasn't meant for him to eat.

Through his deliberate investigation, he learned the whole story: his daughter and this girl before him had become acquainted over strawberry mousse, so he had Zhou Zhi bring over a piece as an afterthought.

Pei Du quietly regarded Shu Shu, his jet‑black pupils hiding an unknown curiosity.

It seemed he wondered what magical power she possessed.

It could make his daughter like her so much that she would, for the first time, ask him to transfer schools contrary to her usual quiet, obedient nature, and also turn in a blank paper as a 'rebellious' act to be in the same class as her.

He even moved into her home.

She lived together with his daughter, ate together, went out together, and came home together.

Pei Du's eyelids didn't move, but the original curiosity in his pupils had unknowingly mixed with a few strands that weren't quite jealousy… envy.

In the eyes of the real‑world person Zhou Zhi, their mutual gaze lasted only a few seconds; he said to Shu Shu:

'Shu Shu classmate, please have a seat.'

Shu Shu withdrew her gaze and sat down openly on the sofa opposite Pei Du.

Zhou Zhi, beside her, added: 'This is our Eldest Young Lady's father, Mr. Pei Du.'

Shu Shu raised an eyebrow, curious: 'Is he shy and embarrassed, or just unable to speak? Thanks for having someone else speak for him—even his self‑introduction needs a proxy?'

?!

Zhou Zhi nearly choked on his saliva.

This, this girl really speaks boldly!

Composed and utterly un intimidated, having followed Director Pei for many years—likely because his status is too high and his aura too cold—he had never seen anyone dare to speak to Director Pei in this tone; usually they are all timid and fearful.

Oh, but now he has witnessed it; truly embarrassing.

Um…

As an outstanding and professional special assistant, Zhou Zhi rarely stumbled; he was about to choose his words to smooth things over—

'I am Pei Muyin's father, Pei Du.'

A low, calm male voice cut in.

Pei Du lifted his cold‑white eyelids, his gaze turning to Shu Shu, then opened his mouth and said: 'We've met before, in Gang Cheng, at the Xu Family.'

He was referring to the incident where Shu Shu opened the wrong car door.

He stated: 'The Xu Family's 90th birthday banquet was the one you accompanied Muyin to.'

Shu Shu remained silent, acquiescing, and waited quietly for his next words.

"Mu Yin, I really like you." Pei Du continued: "She rarely makes a friend; thank you for being willing to be friends with Mu Yin and look after her."

Shu Shu asked: "Mr. Pei Du, do you care about whether Mu Yin can make a friend?"

Naturally.

Do you care about her a lot?

Pei Du said: "Hmm, she is my daughter."

Her daughter, he naturally cares.

Shu Shu suddenly asked: "What does Mu Yin like to eat the most?"

Pei Du: "All kinds of sweets; she especially likes to run to various cities to eat the foods mentioned in the stickers she brushes."

Shu Shu also asked: "What can she not eat?"

Pei Du: "Peanuts; she's allergic."

Shu Shu: "What are her hobbies?"

Pei Du: "Playing the violin."

Shu Shu: "Her favorite stuffed animal, the kind she must hug even while sleeping?"

Pei Du: "A plush teddy bear."

……

Zhou Zhi beside followed Shu Shu and Pei Du's Q&A, turning his head left, then right.

He was a bit dazed.

This conversation actually seems fine, but the questioner and responder seem... mismatched.

Director Pei is the Eldest Young Lady's father, and Shu Shu is the Eldest Young Lady's friend.

How did the initiative seem to be in Shu Shu's hands?

Pei Du answered all questions fluently, almost without pause.

Shu Shu nodded, got up, walked to Pei Du's front, smiled beautifully, and asked: "Mr. Pei Du, could you please stand up for a moment?"