"Haha … Director Qi, do you still take me as some small girl. I am all grown up now. Don't worry, I can manage on my own. I have got my car here and have long learnt driving so it will be all fine", Feng Yi Lan said with a chuckle of surprise. Her face was all nonchalant, just opposite to the expression of the man.
Qi Shuai's jaws clenched when heard her words. His mouth got opened to say something but Yi Lan again added her words stopping him, "Furthermore, I think Director Qi is already occupied with a guest". She said as she gestured to him to look behind himself.
By the time she finished her words, a woman came from behind and wrapped her arms around Qi Shuai with a smile. "I think we should leave now. I am getting bored here. Can you please drop me off at my place?" The woman asked. She had a slight German accent in her tone while she looked good beauty in her attire.
Freeing his hands off from her hold and pushing her a little distant from himself, Qi Shuai looked at Yi Lan and introduced.
"This is Ms Ambrei Woods. One of our clients from San Francisco. We had a casual meeting here but it was all about work-related stuff". He said. His voice showed this calmness but his eyes held some anxiousness as if he was trying to prove something … trying to explain something that was not even asked to him, but he felt being accused of it.
Feng Yi Lan looked at him and then at the woman, who was clearly giving her looks. Giving a soft, gentle smile, that was definitely not in her nature, she said, "Hello, Ms Woods! It's nice to meet you. By the way this dress seems to fit you the best. I think my designers did a very good job on it as it is achieving its peak of perfection on you".
The lady was a little confused at her words. When realized the meaning of her words, she asked with a surprise. "This dress is from Aurora. Does that mean that you are the person behind that brand?" her eyes were glittering as the words rolled out her lips.
Yi Lan nodded in confirmation. "Yes, it's me. I am Feng Yi Lan. And don't mind, I am just a mere acquaintance of Director Qi. He is just looking after me for my brother. Knowing him, you must have already found out that he is my brother's best friend"
"Oh yes, yes. I have heard a lot about that. But let me tell you something. Because of my love and interest in the fashion industry, I follow a few brands and Aurora has been one of them. I am really in love with Aurora's fashion sense and the way it reaches the people's heart. I have followed it for two years now, and I am compelled to appreciate it. I would love to check if we can work with something together"
The woman proposed as she looked a little expectantly towards her.
Feng Yi Lan's eyes went to gaze at the man, who was holding a straight face at the front but was clearly irked from inside. She can feel it, seeing how tight his jaws were clenched. But who cares?
Deepening a professional smile on her face she said, "Ahh! Ms Woods, don't take me rude but I think this is not a good place to talk about all this. You have come here with Director Qi and I also have a friend to keep company. I don't want him to get bored with my work. You know how things go with men sometimes".
She said looking at Su Fai with a smile that can easily be mistaken by the audience. And then suddenly jerked adding her words back for Ms Woods, "And I think you too won't want to ruin your time with Director Qi. About business, we can talk some other day. For now, let's enjoy our time with the man we have for the night".
Finishing her words, she winked to the woman in understanding and Ms Woods broke into a peal of soft laughter, nodding her head in acceptance. "Yes, yes, I can understand you!"
"Yi Lan, you have become really naughty. I really need to teach you a lesson now. Just you wait and see!" Su Fai said. His words were simple and it didn't mean anything wrong. But with the effect of Yi Lan's ambiguous words from before it was making it sound more like …
"Aww … you two are really sweet? Isn't it Director Qi?" Ambrei said, again getting a little close to the man.
"Haha … thank you we have been like this always. It's been really nice meeting you" Feng Yi Lan said. Her intentions are quite clear about sending them off as fast as possible.
Qi Shuai looked at her one last time before nodding and then turning on the heels he left, without glancing back even for once.
Feng Yi Lan looked at their leaving silhouette for one last time and then turning back to her friend she said, "Ahhh, finally they left. Now, we can go back to our food and discussion". Saying her words as nothing affected her, she went back to take her seat.
Su Fai gazed at her with squinted eyes as he asked, "Really? Why were you being so sweetly evil there then? I felt like you were sending daggers to the man as he offended you with something severe. Like he cheated you behind your back?"
"Huh?" Yi Lan showed her pretence of confusion at his words.
"What 'huh'? Tell me honestly, did you have any scene with that old guy? I never knew you will be a woman to go after the older guys. Sigh! I just realized I lost my chance with you. My bad!" he said, pulling his hands upon his chest, showing how hurt he was from the revelation.
"Hey! You better not talk any rubbish or I will make you pay every table here. What scene could I have with him? He is best friends with my brother and was looking after me. Nothing else!" Yi Lan retorted, and Su Fai could feel her tone getting vague at the end but he didn't question her any further.
Nodding his head, he only said. "Fine, being your friend I can only choose to believe you. Now let's finish the food we ordered. Your oldie guy has already ruined it's fun".
"Who are you calling old. He is in the prime of his age, 31 years. That's definitely not old, rather the best age for men to show their charms. My brother is also the same. All handsome and charming in his early 30s. What do you know?" She said, and then spooned a scoop into her mouth.
Su Fai chuckled and raised his hands in surrender, "Fine, fine … no offence!".
Soon their dinner came to an end and Yi Lan made her way towards her car's parking area, after bidding goodbye to Su Fai. But the moment she spotted the car and was about to take her steps towards it, she was pulled back in a dark alley. Her breath got hitched in fear.