Su Yue's roommates all expressed their desire to tag along upon learning that Su Yue had managed to invite Chen Ziming.
Su Yue felt helpless, but thought it would be for the best. She could tell that Chen Ziming was someone who wouldn't be easily swayed. If that was the case, then perhaps their first meeting shouldn't be so overtly purposeful. A group outing seemed like a suitable beginning.
Upon hearing this, Chen Cheng promptly invited two of his good friends, and by past six in the afternoon, a group of people arrived at the music restaurant for their gathering.
The restaurant had live singers. They took a large table by the railing on the second floor. From this vantage point, they could see the stage and also enjoy some quiet.
When everyone was seated, Su Yue had not yet arrived, nor had Chen Ziming.
"What's Su Yue up to?" Da Cheng grumbled. He had flattered her profusely the previous day and even promised to help his uncle with an internship at their police station during the summer, just to get this esteemed individual to agree to come. It was normal for her to be late, but how could the instigator dare to be late too?
His friends and Su Yue's roommates didn't seem to mind and were already chatting.
"She was called by the head teacher to arrange her to host their department's singing competition. Su Yue didn't want to go, but the head teacher was persuading her," Li Niannian explained.
A tall man in casual wear entered the restaurant. Chen Cheng saw him, hurried downstairs, and brought Chen Ziming up to the second floor.
They had deliberately saved an empty seat next to Chen Ziming.
The previously chattering table suddenly fell silent. The students who were meeting Chen Ziming for the first time introduced themselves politely. Chen Ziming, however, was very amiable and responded courteously to everyone.
Chen Cheng's two friends were from the People's Public Security University. They were aware of the capabilities of this outstanding graduate and senior from their current school.
He had started interning at various police stations from the summer of his sophomore year, working with both patrol officers and criminal investigators, and had helped crack several cases. Later, he was recommended for postgraduate studies. Upon graduation, he was admitted into the Public Security Administration of the Ministry of Public Security. Although he was currently interning at a police station, they all knew that Chen Ziming was no ordinary person.
Zhang Lu, Liang Xiaoxiao, and Zhang Feiran explained the reason for Su Yue's lateness. At the end, Zhang Feiran added, "But she'll be here soon. With Officer Chen here, she probably wishes she could fly here."
As soon as she finished speaking, Chen Ziming saw a girl wearing a white shirt and a black midi skirt enter the restaurant from the first floor. She had a slender figure and hair as black as ink. Upon entering, she looked up towards the second floor, her gaze meeting Chen Ziming's. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
Su Yue's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly regained her composure and offered him a naive and radiant smile.
She tiptoed up the stairs and sat down directly next to Chen Ziming.
"I wanted to come earlier, but the head teacher was so naggy. I'm sorry," she apologized politely to everyone present. If one didn't know her, they might think this girl was incredibly endearing.
Li Niannian narrowed her eyes and glanced at her roommates, who returned a knowing look. Then, they all quietly watched Su Yue's performance.
"Officer Chen, right? Hello, I'm Su Yue, 'Su' from Suzhou, 'Yue' from excellent." Su Yue turned to Chen Ziming and extended her hand, her words filled with sincerity.
Chen Ziming's expression didn't change much, nor did he respond to her outstretched hand. He simply nodded slightly and then turned to one of Chen Cheng's friends, saying, "Regarding the question you asked me earlier about your undergraduate thesis, I think you can consider it from this angle."
He began to earnestly analyze his thoughts for the other person.
Su Yue was a bit surprised. Had she just been rejected?
No, she hadn't expressed any desire for something more, just a greeting, a handshake to express friendliness. Yet, he had only nodded.
In fact, at this moment, she wasn't even sure if he had nodded.
Li Niannian suppressed a laugh, sighing that Su Yue had finally experienced something like this. At the same time, she began to wonder if Da Cheng's guess was correct. Otherwise, why would he even reject a handshake?