Zhang Pingfan, seated in the car, felt a pang of regret.
He should have refused to come out earlier. Knowing he was a complete novice, he suspected there was more to this outing.
He realized he was indeed too naive.
Soon, the car arrived at a high-end hotel.
This was Zhang Pingfan's first time in such a luxurious establishment, and he found everything around him quite novel.
Li Yutong clearly noticed that Zhang Pingfan was unfamiliar with such places.
She found it strange. Although Zhang Pingfan wore branded clothing, why did he seem so curious about this setting?
"You've never been here before?"
Zhang Pingfan nodded. "It's my first time in such a high-end place. It's indeed very different from ordinary dining spots!"
Li Yutong chuckled softly.
"It's really nothing, just slightly more lavish decor and more polite staff. I don't find anything particularly special otherwise. I actually think street food tastes better!"
Perhaps Li Yutong said this to ease Zhang Pingfan's awkwardness.
It was evident that Li Yutong was no stranger to such venues.
Auntie Wang led the way.
A greeter escorted them to a private room.
The moment the private room door opened, a romantic scene unfolded before Zhang Pingfan.
His premonition of ill omen was confirmed. Was he here to be a third wheel?
A young man with a smile on his face came forward.
"Auntie Wang, you're finally here! I've been waiting for you."
Auntie Wang replied with a smile, "There was some traffic on the way."
"Yes, yes, traffic jams at this hour are normal. Yutong, you're here too. Come in and have a seat!"
"And who is this?"
The young man frowned as he looked at Zhang Pingfan. He didn't recall inviting him. Who was he, and why was he standing with Li Yutong?
Zhang Pingfan had no idea how to introduce himself. Was he here for a free meal or to witness a drama?
Auntie Wang, however, smiled and said, "This is Yutong's new boyfriend. He's still under my observation period."
Zhang Pingfan felt utterly betrayed.
He was sold out! And they couldn't even give him a heads-up for psychological preparation.
If they had told him this, he would have absolutely refused to come.
The young man's expression clearly changed.
"So, you're also a peer. Brother, when did you meet Yutong?"
Peer? He was tricked into coming. Who is this brother?
However, Zhang Pingfan still gave face to Li Yutong and Auntie Wang.
"We met just two days ago."
The young man's expression turned odd. Just two days? Wasn't that an obvious excuse to fend me off? Don't I know this kind of tactic?
Therefore, he quickly lowered his guard against Zhang Pingfan.
Zhang Pingfan didn't want to lose out. By saying that, everyone understood the implied meaning.
Auntie Wang gave an awkward smile. "He's still under observation, after all. Whether it works out is another matter!"
The young man smiled. "Of course. Dating is a personal freedom. Let's go in and sit. The waitstaff are preparing to serve."
Zhang Pingfan didn't stand on ceremony. Since they were using him as a shield, he saw no reason to be reserved.
Li Yutong sat beside Zhang Pingfan and whispered, "I'm sorry. I don't know why Auntie Wang said that."
Zhang Pingfan said, "So it turns out, I was the only one renting a place, and you guys are relatives!"
"Yes."
Zhang Pingfan finally understood. No wonder Li Yutong didn't object to the surveillance cameras at home. The cameras were installed to monitor Zhang Pingfan!
Thinking of this, Zhang Pingfan felt a bit displeased.
However, Auntie Wang's unilateral decision was indeed irritating, but perhaps it was all for Li Yutong.
"Young Master Zhang, Yutong also plays the game 'Myth'. The golden equipment you want might be quite difficult to obtain."
The young man present was named Zhang Kun, the sole heir of the Zhang Group and the future chairman.
Currently, Auntie Wang's cooperative project was with the Zhang Group, and Zhang Kun was the one handling this case.
Zhang Kun said with surprise, "Yutong, why didn't you tell me? This means you don't trust me!"
Li Yutong replied, "This is my personal matter, and I don't need to tell you. Moreover, we are not of the same kind."
Zhang Kun said, "Don't speak too soon. In the game 'Myth,' I plan to establish a support class guild, intending to buy and sell equipment, items, and so on. Yutong, are you interested in joining me to build this up? Many people are eyeing this new lucrative opportunity."
Li Yutong responded, "I'm not interested, and I have my own guild."
Zhang Kun said, "That's a pity. Then, this brother, what about you? Do you also play the game 'Myth'?"
Zhang Pingfan replied, "Yes, but I'm a newbie. Don't think about using me. I'm still in the新手村 (newbie village)."
So that's how it is. I thought you found some shield, but it turns out to be trash.
Zhang Kun frequently tried to strike up conversations with Li Yutong, but Li Yutong's replies were always indifferent, showing no particular interest.
On the contrary, Zhang Pingfan, seeing so many delicious dishes, felt it would be a waste not to eat.
Thus, the food-lover Zhang Pingfan buried his head in eating.
He also had a general understanding of their conversation.
The golden equipment that Zhang Kun was seeking wasn't for himself but for someone else. Zhang Kun was merely doing a favor.
Li Yutong said, "Young Master Zhang, as you know, obtaining golden attribute equipment is not easy. All current golden attribute equipment already has owners, and as far as I know, they are all wealthy. Acquiring it at a high price from them is impossible!"
Zhang Kun replied, "That's going to be difficult. My client specifically requested a piece of golden equipment above level 10. If I can't get it, then the cooperation between our two companies will be pointless! Unless..."
Li Yutong asked, "Unless what?"
"Unless you become my girlfriend, otherwise, this matter won't be easily resolved!"
Auntie Wang on the side felt awkward.
She had intended to use Zhang Pingfan, this brash young man, as a shield, but it seemed to have no effect.
"Young Master Zhang, there's no rush with this matter. Didn't you say you'd give us a week?"
Zhang Kun responded, "Yes, I did say that, but can you guarantee you can get me a piece of golden equipment within a week?"
This question left Li Yutong somewhat silent.
Among the many members of their Moon Palace guild, only one piece of golden equipment had been obtained so far, and it was on Bing Shan Han Yue.
This showed how low the drop rate for golden equipment was.
Of course, there was another way: acquiring golden equipment from individual players, but the cost would be exorbitant, especially now that golden equipment was already scarce.