"Lin Jing, I recall you prefer your steak medium-rare. Why is yours cooked to medium?"
Mu Bai's words made Mu Lin Jing blink in confusion. She had always preferred her steak cooked medium, and Zhan Yichen had never gotten it wrong. Why was Mu Bai so brazenly lying?
She realized Mu Bai might genuinely be provoking Zhan Yichen and knew her attitude was crucial at this moment. She quickly explained, "You must be mistaken. I've always liked my steak medium. Yichen remembers my preferences better than I do. If I make a mistake, he never does."
Hearing this, Mu Bai offered an apologetic smile. "Is that so? Perhaps I am mistaken. My apologies."
Zhan Yichen's expression remained grim. It was difficult for anyone to remain cheerful when provoked. He stated directly, "Mr. Mu, lacking a girlfriend, naturally cannot understand how a girlfriend's preferences are paramount. Lin Jing and I have been together for quite some time; I never get her preferences wrong."
As if not hearing his declaration of possession, Mu Bai asked, "How long have you been together?"
"A year."
Just as Mu Lin Jing felt time had flown by, Mu Bai uttered a highly inappropriate remark, "Is that so? Then Lin Jing and I are also destined. In this past year, we spent half of that time together."
If his earlier words could be dismissed as a misunderstanding, this statement was unequivocally a provocation.
As Wei Yu Meng had said, they were all adults and should understand the need for discretion. However, Mu Bai not only failed to exercise discretion but seemed to actively encourage misunderstandings about his relationship with Mu Lin Jing.
This led Mu Lin Jing to believe he was doing it intentionally.
Seeing Zhan Yichen's displeased expression, she said, "Being together isn't solely about the length of time. Although Yichen and I have only been together for a little over a year, the experiences we've shared are enough for us to confirm that we are each other's destined partners."
She knew her attitude was extremely important at this juncture. As long as she sided with Zhan Yichen in everything, at least he wouldn't misunderstand.
Before Mu Bai could speak, she preempted him, "Thank you sincerely for saving me previously. You must attend my engagement party; perhaps you'll meet some single colleagues there who I can introduce you to."
Mu Bai was not oblivious to her meaning. He understood that if he continued with provocative remarks at this point, he would appear tactless. Thus, he simply smiled and nodded, "Then I'll count on your good fortune."
Zhan Yichen observed Mu Lin Jing's reactions throughout. He knew she had done her best to defuse Mu Bai's provocations to prevent him from misunderstanding. Despite his anger, he knew precisely who to hold accountable.
With Mu Bai present, Mu Lin Jing felt incredibly uncomfortable throughout the meal. She claimed to be full after only a few bites.
She yawned dramatically. "Yichen, I'm so tired. I want to rest in your office for a bit. Shall we go?"
Zhan Yichen stood up, drawing the swaying, sleepy woman into his embrace. He playfully flicked her nose. "Of course. I'll take you back now."
"Mr. Mu, we'll be leaving now. Please enjoy your meal. You must attend our engagement party; I'll be sure to toast you properly."
His words carried a subtle hint of hostility, which Mu Bai clearly perceived. However, he pretended not to notice and readily accepted the invitation.
Emerging from the restaurant, Mu Lin Jing dropped her pretense. She touched her stomach, still hungry. She had made a great sacrifice today to prevent conflict between the two men.
Zhan Yichen, who had seen through her act, said as they got into the car, "I know you didn't eat enough. I've already instructed the restaurant to send lunch directly to the office. Let's head back."
The worried expression on Mu Lin Jing's face vanished instantly. As expected, Zhan Yichen understood her best.
Although Zhan Yichen remained silent on the drive back, Mu Lin Jing could feel his unhappiness over Mu Bai's actions. It was understandable; even she was beginning to suspect something was amiss with Mu Bai.
However, with their engagement approaching, it was best not to cause any friction at this critical juncture.
She realized today that her own attitude was key. Zhan Yichen was mature enough; as long as she maintained the right demeanor, they wouldn't have any direct confrontations.
She observed that Mu Bai's provocations were currently limited to words. As long as she consistently refused him, he would eventually understand and retreat. After all, Mu Bai had always been polite to her during their six months together; he shouldn't be doing anything too excessive now.
Upon returning to the company, the food from the restaurant had just arrived. While they were being served, Mu Lin Jing brought up her parents.
"Yichen, in a couple of days, let's take my parents to get some custom-made clothes. They should dress appropriately for the engagement ceremony."
Zhan Yichen readily agreed and promised to make arrangements.
He also needed to go over the day's schedule again. Since Uncle Mu and Auntie Mu had agreed to entrust their daughter to him, the ceremony should be as perfect as possible.
This would show the Mu family and everyone else that the Zhan family did not take Mu Lin Jing lightly in any way.
Soon, they chose a Sunday and took Uncle Mu and Auntie Mu to order clothes. Upon learning that the attire was for their daughter's engagement, Auntie Mu was mentally prepared, knowing the price would not be low. Otherwise, it would not only embarrass their daughter but also the Zhan family.
However, when the salesperson informed them that a set of clothes would cost at least five figures, Auntie Mu was shocked, her expression changing. "A single outfit costs this much? This one set of clothes is worth many of the outfits I usually wear."
As she muttered this, Uncle Mu immediately shot her a warning glance. Realizing her slip of the tongue, Auntie Mu appeared embarrassed.
She assumed the Zhan family wasn't particularly concerned about the cost of these clothes, and her unsophisticated demeanor was quite humiliating.
Seeing this, Zhan Yichen quickly tried to smooth things over. "Auntie, since Lin Jing's promotion, her salary has doubled. Buying these two outfits for you won't cost her much. Besides, I'm here. We will honor you both together. Just focus on eating well and living comfortably; this is our duty to honor you."
He made a point of appearing humble in front of the Mu family. Seeing Auntie Mu's expression improve, he was about to breathe a sigh of relief when the clothes in Auntie Mu's hands were suddenly taken.
"Auntie, if you like this outfit, I'll gift it to you."