Xu Luoning chose a dress that was simple yet elegant; its pale blue base, accented with delicate embroidery, gave her an exceptionally fresh and refined appearance. Xiao Mi wore a casual, comfortable outfit—a white T-shirt paired with jeans—that radiated youthful energy.
When the time came, Shen Yanzhi called right on schedule to say he was waiting downstairs at the hotel. Xu Luoning and Xiao Mi hurried down to find him standing beside a black sedan, his posture upright and his demeanor composed. Seeing them, he offered a gentle smile and opened the car door to usher them in.
The car pulled away, weaving through the bustling streets of Beijing. High-rise buildings lined the roads, neon lights flickered, and traffic flowed like a tapestry; the entire city was filled with the prosperity and vitality of a modern metropolis. As he drove, Shen Yanzhi described the old restaurant in a hidden hutong where he was taking them that evening, claiming its food perfectly captured the authentic flavors of Beijing. He spoke with such enthusiasm that it was clear he held this place in high regard.
Chapter 59