Jiang Nan Fang's childhood family was shattered by a third party's interference, which is why she particularly disliked the scenario of a mistress being officially recognized.
Zhan Bei Jue expressed his understanding and didn't force her to go.
However, he was good friends with Lu Ming Zhe, and no matter what, he had to give him this face.
So the next day, before heading to the restaurant, he called Jiang Nan Fang again.
He asked if her shoulder felt better today, if it still hurt, and if the child had been fussy.
"She's only over 40 days old. The morning sickness has just begun. If this counts as fussing, then so be it."
"Do you want to come out and get some fresh air?"
Zhan Bei Jue, mindful that she had been bored at home all day, coaxed her with his pleasant voice.
"If you lie down all the time, you'll have trouble sleeping again tonight. Just pretend you're not seeing her, come out and keep me company, have something new to eat, what do you say?"
Unable to resist Zhan Bei Jue's tenderness, Jiang Nan Fang reconsidered.
There was no need to make herself too miserable.
She wasn't going to see that woman, just to breathe some fresh air and exercise. What was the point of hiding from someone she didn't care about?
"Alright then, you come pick me up."
The distance from the city to the Zhan family's residence was quite far. It would be too troublesome to drive back and then go out again.
But Zhan Bei Jue was extremely happy to do so.
He drove back himself, pacified the children, and then took her out.
By the time the two arrived at the restaurant, Lu Ming Zhe was already impatiently waiting.
"She's so hard to invite, you're the busiest person in the world. If I'd known she'd be so unaccommodating, I wouldn't have asked you to come!"
Lu Ming Zhe met them at the restaurant entrance, launching into a string of complaints as soon as they met.
Zhan Bei Jue said with a hint of teasing.
"Is it that serious? She's carrying your child, she's not going anywhere, and you're still so afraid of offending her? You have moments of insecurity too?"
"She's different! She's very sensible, good at reading people, and very sensitive!"
Lu Ming Zhe said with a serious expression.
"I'm warning you, put on a proper attitude when you go up. If you can talk, say a few more words. If you can't, just keep quiet. If you upset her today, I'll cut ties with you."
Zhan Bei Jue stopped, pulling Jiang Nan Fang along.
"Then I'd rather not go, she sounds too difficult to please."
"Hey!"
Lu Ming Zhe was so angry he wanted to kick him.
"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?"
Zhan Bei Jue chuckled.
"Look how scared you are. I wasn't interested at first, but now I'm suddenly curious. Who is this divine being who has you so wrapped around her finger?"
They all went upstairs, chatting and laughing.
Unexpectedly, Xiang Wan hadn't arrived yet, and only Lu Qing Xu was sitting in the private room.
Upon seeing them, he offered a perfunctory greeting. Zhan Bei Jue pulled out a chair to help Jiang Nan Fang sit down and then kicked Lu Ming Zhe's shin.
"You're so nervous, acting like Empress Dowager Cixi has arrived. I thought you were so anxious, but she's not even here yet? Am I the one with more clout, or is she?"
Lu Ming Zhe sat down without arguing.
"Oh, be understanding. She's still starting her business, and she's a bit tied up. She's not like us."
"She'll be here soon, please be patient."
Seeing how solicitous he was, Jiang Nan Fang also became curious.
"What does she do?"
In her usual impression, such women who live in the shadows are generally parasites.
They rely on their beauty and methods to make men submit, having everything except the ability to earn money.
She hadn't expected this woman to be a career-oriented one.
When Lu Ming Zhe spoke of Xiang Wan's profession, he was full of pride.
"She's a streamer, with over a million followers on Douyin. Her career is on the rise. Plus, Double Eleven is coming soon, so she's very busy. Please be understanding."
"Oh, so she's an internet celebrity." Lu Qing Xu concluded.
"No wonder she's got you so smitten. How did you meet?"
Lu Ming Zhe shot him a sideways glance.
"This is your future sister-in-law, watch your words. She's not just any internet celebrity, she's different from those people."
"Alright, alright, love is blind. She's perfect in every way. So, how did you two meet?"
Lu Qing Xu interrupted his praise and joked.
"Don't tell me you went to her live stream and became the top big spender, and that's how..."
When it came to this, Lu Ming Zhe became even more proud.
"Get lost. I've never spent much money on her. She's not someone who cares about money."
"It was a chance encounter. We've known each other for several years..."
"Known each other for several years? Then why did you keep mentioning Chen Jiao Jiao..."
"I hadn't really gotten involved with her back when I knew Chen Jiao Jiao. Things developed later... In short, our relationship isn't what you imagine. It's love."
"Love that transcends worldly matters and material possessions. Don't overthink it."
Everyone else wore expressions that seemed to say, "We're just watching you brag."
It felt like the more he tried to explain, the worse it got.
Because as soon as the term "internet celebrity" was mentioned, people tended to fix a certain image in their minds, regardless of the specifics.
Lu Ming Zhe decided not to say any more.
"Anyway, you'll know when she gets here."
Meanwhile, Xiang Wan had been nervous since receiving Lu Ming Zhe's call that afternoon, asking her to have dinner with his friends.
To be honest, she didn't know much about Lu Ming Zhe.
She only knew about his personality, his family background, and she had seen some of his friends in that large group photo.
She knew that his friends and he himself were of similar status, far beyond what someone like her could aspire to.
Her humble origins and lack of higher education made her somewhat self-conscious in front of traditional wealthy families.
Lu Ming Zhe had first proposed, and now he was introducing her to his friends, clearly intending to bring her into his circle.
Today was a crucial step.
Xiang Wan was afraid of not performing well, embarrassing him, and embarrassing herself.
Before leaving, she changed into another outfit and sought everyone's opinion in her studio.
"How's my hairstyle today? Is my makeup okay? Is this outfit suitable for meeting friends?"
Everyone unanimously praised her, saying she was incredibly beautiful. The outfit was as appropriate as it could be.
Even so, her palms couldn't stop sweating as she drove.
As she neared the restaurant, she messaged Lu Ming Zhe. Lu Ming Zhe was waiting for her at the entrance.
When they met, Lu Ming Zhe was so captivated by her beauty that he couldn't look away.
"You're so beautiful, how can you look like you're thirty? You'd even look young at eighteen. You make me look like an old cow grazing on tender grass."
"Why are you wearing high heels? Quickly, quickly, let me help you."
Xiang Wan linked her arm through his and confided her nervousness.
Lu Ming Zhe said.
"Don't be nervous. They're all just talkers, scatterbrained idiots. They're not as intimidating as you think."
"It's just a simple dinner, an introduction. No one is nobler than anyone else, don't be afraid."
They went upstairs, chatting and laughing. Xiang Wan opened the door to the private room, surveyed the three people inside, and offered a polite smile.
She stepped forward and extended her hand to Jiang Nan Fang.
"I apologize for keeping you waiting. I was slightly delayed. My name is Xiang Wan, it's a pleasure to meet you."
To be honest, she was very beautiful.
She appeared to be at least 1.7 meters tall, with a well-proportioned figure, a prominent bust and derrière, and an excellent physique. She was the typical beauty who could captivate a crowd of men at first glance.
However, having seen many beautiful women and knowing of Chen Jiao Jiao's existence, Jiang Nan Fang's admiration could only go so far.