Zhou Jingren only nodded in response. He then gestured towards the attendant so they could start serving dinner.
“We have ordered seafood and steak in advance.” Zhou Jingren uttered as he served Lily’s tea. This gesture only made his grandfather’s face uglier by the minute.
“I —”Demi’s stuttered. “Is it possible that we have some vegetables? I don’t eat red meat.”
Zhou Jingren only shrugged in response. He then gestured at the attendant so she could accommodate the woman’s request. After seeing this, a smile blossomed on the old man’s face as he nodded at Zhou Jingren’s actions. “As expected of my grandson. He is such a gentleman, isn’t he?”
“Indeed,” Ron added. “He is so much like you.”
“So…” Zhou Jingren started speaking, interrupting Ron and Isaac’s chuckles. “Are we going to pretend that we are having a happy dinner?” He rested his elbows on the table as Lily did the same. She propped her chin in her palm as she watched Isaac’s uncomfortable face.
“Jingren… can’t we have dinner first? We can always discuss things after we eat.” Thomas blurted when he saw Isaac’s reaction.
“Are we going to have dinner without a proper apology? Or did you think… your public apology was enough?”
“Zhou Jingren… our grandfather is sick.”
“Your grandfather.” He corrected. His gaze lingered towards Adrian for a few minutes before he looked at the old man. “Did you think… I came here to celebrate?”
Silence descended as everyone started to get uncomfortable. They stared at the old man before shifting their gaze to Zhou Jingren’s stern expression, then towards Lily’s smiling face. Who would have thought that Zhou Jingren would go straight to the point and would not even give them time for small talk?
“I… I was not expecting that you would be this direct.” The old man muttered. If he wanted to earn his grandson’s trust, he needed to show him that he is sincere. “I apologize.” He met Zhou Jingren’s eyes as he balled his hands into a fist under the table.
The old man believes that if he continues his act, he will soon convince Zhou Jingren that he is a changed man. “I owe you an apology for doing that conference. I owe you an apology for involving the media. In my defense, I am desperate. I am… sick and I would like to spend the rest of my days with you and your mother. I would like to leave this world knowing that you are happy and well taken cared of.”
“I see.” Zhou Jingren nodded as he watched the attendant and a couple more waiters serving the food. “Involving that media was indeed wrong.” He said. “I will accept that apology.”
The old man’s countenance brightened at Zhou Jingren’s words. However, not everyone on the table was happy to see such arrogance from Zhou Jingren. Thomas was not able to stop his frown as his son sneered. Of course, everyone seemed to ignore the two.
“Thank you.” The old man said. His eyes reddened as he lowered his gaze. His assistant immediately patted his back, noticeable trying to support his old friend. Isaac let out a sigh of relief before he suddenly stood from his seat and held his wineglass. “Here’s to new beginnings.”
Everyone including Zhou Jingren and Lily followed his gesture. The clinking of their champagne glasses soon followed. It echoed inside the room, completely changing the atmosphere.
Then the conversation started to become more relaxed, more casual. But, this was short-lived as the topic changes back to business.
But who can blame them? Considering that everyone inside the room was involved in the business world, this topic is expected to become a part of the conversation.
“Oh… so you decided to take a break?” Thomas asked Lily, interest shone in his eyes. “Why?”
“Well… I want to focus on my marriage. Jingren and I have been through a lot and we decided that it is best for me to stop working for a few months.”
“Is that so?” Thomas laughed. “I always thought it was because of what happened in Yunnan.”
“I can see that you are very well informed.” It was Zhou Jingren. He dabbed the napkin on his mouth as he started peeling the shrimp for Lily.
“Well… We have a lot of sources who called us and informed us about the matter after father announced that you are his long lost grandson.”
“Hmmm…” Zhou Jingren turned his attention towards the shrimp before looking at his wife. Upon noticing that a small sauce was on Lily’s lips, he quickly used the napkin to remove it. This earned everyone’s attention as Lily beamed at her husband’s actions.
“You guys seemed to be so in love,” Adrian commented. He held his wineglass and did not hide the contempt in his eyes. “This makes me curious.” He looked at Lily. “After my wedding with Samantha in a few months from now, she is planning to stay at home and quit show business so she could stay with our kids. Are you going to do the same?”
“No,” Lily answered nonchalantly. She opened her mouth as Zhou Jingren fed her a shrimp. “Or maybe. Who knows?” She shrugged.
“I expected as much.” Isaac chimed in as he eyed the attendant bringing in another bottle of wine. “Demi… why don’t you serve my grandson some of those aged wine.” He said. In response, Demi nodded and rose from his seat. “I personally ordered the most expensive wine that they have. Do not worry about the bill. I will take care of it.” His lips lifted into a gentle smile as his eyes wrinkled. “I don’t get to have dinners like this with everyone because of our schedule. I hope you don’t mind my kind gestures.”
“No problem.” Lily held her hand up, attracting the attendant’s attention. “Hey… can you please give the bill to Mr. Lee?”
Everyone turned their heads towards Lily as if they were waiting for her to say that she was joking.
“Mr. Lee?” the attendant asked. Again, the rule that she was given was only to listen to Lily’s words. She gave Lily a hesitant smile as she wondered if she had heard the right words.
“Yes, Mr. Lee will take care of it.” She shifted her gaze towards the old man. “The VIP room and the dinner is a part of Mr. Lee’s kind gesture. Isn’t that right? Grandfather?”
