Chapter Twelve: The Matchmaking Gathering

"Xuanxuan, how come you're here?" A man's voice rang out, filled with delight and excitement. A young man in his twenties ran up to Murong Xuan and spoke eagerly.

"I thought I was seeing things just now. I can't believe it's actually you."

"Lin Hongwen, please don't call me that. It would be better if you just called me Murong Xuan." Murong Xuan had wanted to greet him, but as soon as she heard the way he addressed her, her expression faltered. She looked uneasy as she spoke.

"Sorry, I got too excited and just blurted it out." Lin Hongwen smiled apologetically and asked, "Am I making you uncomfortable?"

"I'm glad you understand. Let's just be friends," Murong Xuan replied.

"Xuanxuan, I really..." Lin Hongwen sighed, a hint of frustration in his voice.

"Enough. If you keep talking like this, I'll have to leave." Murong Xuan's face darkened and she cut him off.

Seeing Lin Hongwen again gave Murong Xuan a headache. His warmth and familiarity only made her more uneasy. She wished she could turn and walk away that instant.

Truth be told, Lin Hongwen was a man of many merits. Handsome and tall, a graduate of Yale University, now an executive at a publicly listed company, he was considered a rising star with a bright future.

But no matter how outstanding Lin Hongwen was, no matter how ardently he pursued her, Murong Xuan had already sentenced their relationship to death. She would never date him.

The reason was simple: Lin Hongwen was her best friend's ex-boyfriend. Murong Xuan had met him through her friend, and not long after, they broke up. Then Lin Hongwen began pursuing Murong Xuan instead.

Murong Xuan had inquired and learned that Lin Hongwen was not some shameless flirt, but the fact remained: she could not accept her best friend's former lover. Otherwise, she would be ostracized by her circle of friends, perhaps even branded as "the other woman," which was something Murong Xuan could never tolerate.

Murong Xuan thought Lin Hongwen's pursuit was just a passing fancy and that if she ignored him, he would eventually move on. But to her dismay, his pursuit only grew more fervent, becoming a source of endless annoyance. Her move to the capital was partly to escape him.

Yet Murong Xuan had never imagined that, after escaping to the capital, she would run into Lin Hongwen again. If word got out, people would assume they were sightseeing together, or even say they had begun secretly dating. At that point, she could never clear her name.

"Murong Xuan, I heard you left Hong Kong, but I had no idea you'd come to the capital as well. Meeting here in the same restaurant—what are the odds? It's fate, isn't it?" Lin Hongwen blinked and spoke.

"I'm dining with friends right now. Would you like to join us? I can introduce you." Seeing Murong Xuan purse her lips and remain silent, Lin Hongwen pressed on undeterred.

"No need. I'm here with friends as well. Let's each enjoy our own meal," Murong Xuan refused.

"Alright, they're just some work colleagues anyway. If you don't want to meet them, it's fine," Lin Hongwen replied, his eyes shifting slightly as he suggested, "By the way, who are you having dinner with? Mind if I come over and say hello?"

"Um... wouldn't that be a bit abrupt? I’m afraid he might not be pleased. Perhaps it’s better not to," Murong Xuan demurred.

"You're right—going over directly might be too forward. How about you go first, talk to him, and then I’ll come over later for a toast and introductions?" Lin Hongwen compromised, worried she would refuse again, so he quickly walked away, not giving Murong Xuan a chance to object. He called back as he walked, "That's settled then. I'll head over first. See you in a bit."

Murong Xuan let out a sigh. "Just my luck. It was supposed to be a good day, yet I run into him." She stood there, troubled. She realized things couldn't continue this way. If Lin Hongwen clung to her as he had in Hong Kong, her friends would surely hear about it. The fact that both were in the capital was hardly a secret, and if a misunderstanding arose, no explanation would convince anyone otherwise.

Murong Xuan thought of Zhang Wei in the private room, and suddenly a plan stirred in her mind. Though the idea was a bit absurd, between two evils, she chose the lesser. As long as it would rid her of Lin Hongwen’s entanglement, it was worth a try.

After a moment, Murong Xuan returned to the private room, where Zhang Wei was still eating at the table. When she entered, he simply nodded and resumed his meal, showing no intention of making conversation. Murong Xuan thought to herself, "This guy only cares about eating once the food is served, not even trying to chat me up. He probably has no ulterior motives towards me. If I promise him a little benefit, he likely won't refuse."

"Mr. Zhang, when the restaurant opens, I hope you’ll look after us," Murong Xuan raised her teacup, took a sip, and spoke.

"You’re too kind. If there’s anything I can help with, just let me know," Zhang Wei replied, setting down his chopsticks when he heard Murong Xuan address him.

"Actually, I do have something to ask of you. After the restaurant opens, I plan to live nearby, but I haven’t found a suitable place yet. I’d like you to help me find a quiet apartment," Murong Xuan said.

"Rest assured, I’ll find an apartment to your satisfaction." Seeing Murong Xuan in need of a residence, Zhang Wei readily agreed, his face lighting up. This was his line of work, so there was no reason to refuse.

"Thank you," Murong Xuan’s eyes sparkled, and she bit her lip shyly, hesitating before saying, "There’s... something else I’d like to trouble you with, but I’m not sure if I should mention it."

"It’s an honor to assist a lady like you. Please, just tell me," Zhang Wei smiled, noticing Murong Xuan’s hesitation.

Murong Xuan’s sudden change in demeanor, her polite request for help finding an apartment, made Zhang Wei feel flattered. But seeing that she had more to say, and that her manner was somewhat unnatural, he suddenly realized that the real request was yet to come—the earlier matter was merely a promised benefit.

"Oh, I have a friend coming over soon. He’s been pursuing me. I hope you could..." Murong Xuan blushed, unable to finish her sentence.

"I understand!" Hearing Murong Xuan stumble over her words, Zhang Wei assumed she wanted to be alone with her suitor, so he quickly stood up.

"Our manager went to a district meeting, and we’re short-handed at the restaurant. I’ll head back now. Excuse me."

"Wait, you misunderstood me. I didn’t mean for you to leave." Murong Xuan quickly stopped him when she saw he had misinterpreted her words.

Zhang Wei paused, uncertain whether to stay or go. He wondered why Murong Xuan, usually so composed and poised, was now behaving with such shyness and unease. He wanted to fathom her thoughts.

He looked at Murong Xuan, his pupils contracting as a glint flashed in his eyes. He saw a row of golden letters appear in her beautiful eyes: "I don't want that suitor to pester me. I hope you can pretend to be my blind date, so he’ll give up and leave me alone!"

Zhang Wei was taken aback to glimpse Murong Xuan’s true intention. He stroked his chin and thought to himself, "These days, the strangest things happen. What was supposed to be an ordinary meal is now turning into a matchmaking session."