The Only Choice - 11

Guan Yuanbai was dining with several business partners today. After their meeting concluded, he brought them directly to Senruo.

It was indeed one of his favorite restaurants, and he had recommended it sincerely when he told Zhou Fanfan about it a couple of days prior. He just hadn't expected her to be treating her friends there on the very same day, leading to this coincidental encounter.

The table of four young women all looked quite youthful. Judging by their appearance and attire, they were likely all students.

'Student' was almost an understatement. What student brought a... doll out for a meal?

A faint smile touched Guan Yuanbai's lips as his gaze shifted from the chibi-style doll on the table. He greeted Zhou Fanfan.

It was meant as a polite gesture, but after his greeting, the expressions around the table turned somewhat peculiar.

Zhou Fanfan also noticed the hint of confusion in Guan Yuanbai's eyes. After safely storing the doll, she shot Ren Hui and the others a ‘stay calm’ look. Then she quickly stood up, positioning herself to intercept Guan Yuanbai.

"Yes, I'm treating my friends to dinner tonight. Mr. Guan, what a coincidence, are you...?"

Guan Yuanbai said, "I'm also here for a meal."

"Ah... I see." Zhou Fanfan swallowed, her back breaking out in a cold sweat, terrified that the clueless Qi Qi and Liu Liu might do something strange. She hurriedly said, "Then please, don't let us keep you."

Guan Yuanbai gave a slight nod but turned back after taking only two steps.

Zhou Fanfan immediately stiffened. "W-what is it?"

Guan Yuanbai said, "The dessert here, the Lotus Pond Oolong Jelly, is quite delicious."

Zhou Fanfan was taken aback. "Really? I didn't order that."

Guan Yuanbai offered a faint smile. "You should try it."

With that, he gave a slight nod towards the girls seated behind her and then followed his companions into a private room down the corridor.

Everything proceeded normally, without any incident.

Zhou Fanfan let out a huge sigh of relief. But when she turned back, she was met with two pairs of stunned eyes and one knowing, amused expression.

The latter belonged to Xu Xiaoqian, who was aware of her situation with Guan Yuanbai but hadn't realized they had made some 'progress.' The former, of course, were Ren Hui and Xue Min'er.

"I can explain... but you have to swear not to make a sound," Zhou Fanfan whispered as she sat back down.

Ren Hui and Xue Min'er exchanged a glance and nodded vigorously.

Zhou Fanfan cleared her throat softly. "Well, the thing is... Guan Yuanbai and I... we went on a blind date a while ago."

A collective sharp intake of breath followed. Ren Hui and Xue Min'er covered their mouths, their eyes wide as saucers.

Zhou Fanfan rubbed her nose, feeling both awkward and embarrassed. "It was arranged by our families. I only found out it was Guan Yuanbai right before the date. Liu Liu, Qi Qi, I didn't mention it later because I thought, since it wasn't going to work out anyway... well, it's not something to be broadcasted."

It took Ren Hui a moment to find her words. "Broadcasted?! If people in our main fan group knew they were in the same chat as Guan Yuanbai's future wife, they'd lose their minds!"

"No, no, don't say that! What future wife? Our blind date already failed."

Xue Min'er's face was flushed with excitement. "That's not the important part! The important part is you actually went on a blind date with darling daughter's brother! Oh my god, this is the closest I've ever been to darling daughter! Fanfan, you're absolutely legendary!"

Ren Hui added, "And he actually came over to say hi just now! The date might not have worked out, but at least he knows you now. Wow... seeing him up close, he's so handsome. As expected of darling daughter's brother."

On this point, Xu Xiaoqian nodded in agreement. "He really is handsome. I just looked at his skin, flawless. That tall nose, those deep-set eyes... perfection!"

"And the suit he's wearing! Our 'son' looks devastatingly handsome in a suit. What a great figure."

"Yeah, yeah, gives off that restrained, sophisticated vibe. Hehehe."

The three of them whispered among themselves, discussing Guan Yuanbai's appearance. After a good while, they finally moved on and began asking Zhou Fanfan what it felt like to go on a blind date with him.

Zhou Fanfan told them truthfully, saying that seeing him made her feel a strange sense of tenderness and a desire to take care of him.

The three nodded in understanding. That was their idol's biological brother! Biological brother! How could they not feel tender and protective towards him?!

Later, when they learned that Zhou Fanfan had given him her own paintings and received a book signed by Guan Zhiyi from him in return, they squealed with envy.

"Hello, your Lotus Pond Oolong Jelly." A short while later, a server arrived with four servings of dessert.

The pale green dessert was adorned with two miniature lotus leaves, exquisitely crafted.

Zhou Fanfan said, "I haven't ordered this yet."

"It was ordered by Mr. Guan for you to enjoy," the server replied with a smile before leaving.

The three friends let out a chorus of suggestive, low exclamations, their eyes fixed on Zhou Fanfan.

Zhou Fanfan glanced at the dessert, then at her friends, and said helplessly, "He was just politely ordering us a specialty dish. Look at you all..."

Xu Xiaoqian gently nudged her arm. "Hey, you don't think... there might be a chance?"

"What chance?" Zhou Fanfan said, recalling how he had taken her to try desserts at his home. She added seriously, "But it's true that our 'son' is genuinely kind to people."

After the meal, Zhou Fanfan went to settle the bill, only to be told it had already been paid.

As they were leaving, she glanced towards the private room where Guan Yuanbai was. The door was tightly shut, revealing nothing. She had no choice but to first take Ren Hui and Xue Min'er to their hotel.

Afterward, she dropped Xu Xiaoqian safely back at school before finally returning home.

She didn't know if Guan Yuanbai had finished his dinner at this hour. Lying in bed, Zhou Fanfan thought about it and decided to send him a thank-you text, also telling him that the Lotus Pond Oolong Jelly was truly delicious.

Guan Yuanbai received the message while still in the private room at Senruo. After a few rounds of drinks, his clear thinking was slightly eroded. The shimmering reflections outside the window, the moonlight blending into the water—staring at it for too long made things a bit blurry.

His phone vibrated. He saw Zhou Fanfan's thank-you text, expressing her gratitude for him paying the bill and insisting she must treat him to a meal next time.

Guan Yuanbai looked at the screen and smiled faintly.

Honestly, he had no intention of making her pay him back.

Navigating social and business circles, it was just a habit. Sometimes, running into acquaintances at the same restaurant and picking up the tab was all part of social etiquette.

But perhaps because he had no vested interests with Zhou Fanfan, seeing her sincere thanks and her comment about the dessert being delicious felt genuinely appreciative.

She's quite a well-behaved kid.

"President Guan, I've been thinking this project is rushing into overseas markets a bit too hastily. Don't you agree, President Guan? President Guan?"

Guan Yuanbai's gaze paused. He looked up from his phone screen, turned it off, placed it aside, and slowly raised his eyes. "This matter does require more time for investigation."

"Right? I said Lin Tai was being too impulsive."

...

Zhou Fanfan didn't receive a reply for a long time. Assuming he was still busy, she got up and sat at her computer to work on a birthday video for Guan Zhiyi, staying up very late to finish it.

The next day, she and Xu Xiaoqian went to the Nanjue Hotel to meet Ren Hui and Xue Min'er.

The two were staying there for a few days. According to them, how could they visit the capital without staying at their darling daughter's family's business?!

After registering at the lobby, Zhou Fanfan and Xu Xiaoqian went to Ren Hui and Xue Min'er's room to chat for a while. When it was time for lunch, they headed together to one of the hotel's restaurants.

The restaurant was on the top floor, a famous check-in spot in the capital, surrounded by fully transparent glass offering a panoramic view of the vast cityscape.

They had reserved a table earlier. The four of them sat down and ordered.

"I'm treating today," Ren Hui declared.

Xu Xiaoqian said, "But it's expensive. Let's just split the bill."

Ren Hui insisted, "Don't worry, I saved up enough for this trip. Otherwise, I wouldn't dare stay in Nanjue."

Xue Min'er chimed in, "Yeah, yeah, we both started saving a long time ago. But let me tell you, the money is totally worth it! Nanjue lives up to its reputation. The rooms are so comfortable; I'm in love with this place!"

Since Ren Hui was adamant about treating them, no one argued further. They sat together, taking photos.

Just then, someone suddenly tapped Zhou Fanfan on the shoulder.

Zhou Fanfan turned around to see a beaming face.

"I knew I wasn't mistaken! Fanfan, here for a meal? Where's Yuanbai?"

Guan Ziyu was wearing a floral print shirt today, giving off a Southeast Asian vibe.

Zhou Fanfan was somewhat surprised. "Mr. Guan? Uh... I'm here with my friends today. I... I don't know about him. What brings you here?"

Guan Ziyu joked, "I'm a regular here, mooching food and drinks. Just woke up alone and came looking for a bite."

"I see..."

Guan Ziyu, with his easy-going familiarity, gestured to an empty chair nearby. "Mind if I join you ladies for the meal?"

Zhou Fanfan wouldn't agree on her own and looked to the others for their opinion. To her surprise, the other three had stars in their eyes. "Of course! Please, have a seat! There's room!"

Guan Ziyu chuckled and pulled out the chair. "Excellent! At least I won't be eating lunch alone today."

A phone vibrated. Zhou Fanfan glanced at it and saw a message from Xue Min'er in the group chat: [He has the surname Guan too! Which brother is he?!] 

Zhou Fanfan secretly typed back: [The Guan family's second son, Guan Ziyu.] 

While the fans were quite familiar with Guan Zhiyi's family background, they didn't necessarily know what every sibling looked like, especially since Guan Ziyu had never appeared in public.

Guan Ziyu was a great conversationalist and quickly hit it off with everyone at the table. As the dishes gradually arrived, he said, "Yuanbai had a meeting at the hotel today. He should be done for lunch by now. How about I call him over?"

Zhou Fanfan was taken aback. "If he's busy, let's not bother him."

"It's just a meal, how is it a bother? Fanfan, don't be too considerate of him," Guan Ziyu said, already making the call before anyone could stop him. "Yuanbai, finished up? Come for lunch. On the top floor... Fanfan's here too. Yes, yes, she asked for you to come. Hurry up."

Yiyi's Wild Stepmom Squad —

Liu Liu: [OMG OMG! Our 'son' is coming?!]

Qi Qi: [This is too! We met him yesterday, and now we're having a meal together today? Isn't this too intense! Mom can't handle it!]

Xiaoqian: [The cousin coming is one thing, but the full brother too... I'm nervous]

Zhou Fanfan: [Everyone, stay calm. Whatever you do, do not say anything weird.]

Qi Qi: [Don't worry! Poised! Dignified! We get it! We won't embarrass you, future sis-in-law!]

Zhou Fanfan: [...]

You're all insane!!!

Before long, Guan Yuanbai actually appeared in the restaurant.

The restaurant manager immediately approached upon seeing him. Guan Yuanbai gestured towards Zhou Fanfan's direction, and the manager retreated.

He walked over to them, greeted everyone after reaching the table, and then said to Guan Ziyu, "Why are you sitting here?"

Guan Ziyu replied, "We're having a meal together, of course I'm sitting here. Come on, sit down quickly."

Guan Yuanbai shot him a glance and then looked at Zhou Fanfan. "I hope I'm not interrupting?"

Before Zhou Fanfan could speak, Ren Hui and the others immediately said, "Not at all, not at all! Please join us, Mr. Guan!"

Zhou Fanfan choked back her words and offered a polite smile. "The more, the merrier."

"Exactly," Guan Ziyu said, pulling out the chair next to Zhou Fanfan. "Yuanbai, sit here."

Guan Yuanbai didn't say anything more and sat down. A server brought over a new set of tableware.

Ren Hui and the others were clearly more nervous about Guan Yuanbai's presence. Because of their nerves, they didn't dare speak to him directly, but they could chat freely with Guan Ziyu.

Upon learning that two of them were visiting the capital, Guan Ziyu began recommending some lesser-known but interesting places. Ren Hui and Xue Min'er listened with great interest.

Taking advantage of the ongoing conversation, Zhou Fanfan reached out under the table and very lightly tugged on Guan Yuanbai's sleeve.

Sensing the touch, Guan Yuanbai leaned slightly towards her to hear what she had to say.

"It wasn't me who insisted on calling you up to eat just now. I didn't mean to impose," she whispered, her voice barely audible, glancing at him with a look that was both nervous and apologetic, as if afraid of disturbing him.

Guan Yuanbai lowered his gaze to look at her fingers clutching his sleeve. Her fingertips were round and clean, her nails shining with a pearly pink hue.

"I know. It's fine. I needed to eat anyway," Guan Yuanbai said.

"Oh."

The grip on his sleeve loosened. Guan Yuanbai saw her visibly relax and smiled silently to himself.

After the meal, Guan Ziyu and Guan Yuanbai left first.

Ren Hui called for the bill, only to be told it was complimentary. Not only that, when they returned to their room, the phone rang. The guest relations manager politely informed them that their room was being upgraded free of charge and asked if they were willing.

Ren Hui and Xue Min'er were utterly overwhelmed, feeling both embarrassed and wildly excited, exclaiming about having such a good ‘son’!

Zhou Fanfan reflected that even though the hotel belonged to Guan Yuanbai, he had essentially treated them again.

Another meal added to the tab.

Sitting on the sofa, Zhou Fanfan sent Guan Yuanbai a text.

[Mr. Guan, thank you so much again for today. Next time you're free, you absolutely must let me treat you to a meal. Make that two meals.]

After sending it, she thought for a moment and added another line:

[However many meals it takes.]

—

For the next two days, Zhou Fanfan and Xu Xiaoqian accompanied Ren Hui and Xue Min'er around the capital, visiting major tourist spots.

After a few days of fun, the two concluded their trip and returned to their respective cities.

Emerging from the hustle and bustle, Zhou Fanfan remembered the bill Guan Yuanbai had covered last time and sent him a message asking if he was free.

Guan Yuanbai replied, saying he was busy with company matters lately and that treating him was unnecessary.

Zhou Fanfan had to abandon the idea of a meal but still felt she should do something to thank him.

After some thought, recalling Guan Yuanbai's fondness for sweets, she decided to make some desserts herself, offering her thanks with full sincerity.

This way, it wouldn't matter if he was busy; she could just deliver them to his office.

So that day, she bought many ingredients from the supermarket and returned to her home kitchen to start baking.

Cooking and baking weren't difficult for her. She loved good food and often enjoyed making her own during holidays, with results even the family cook praised.

Zhou Fanfan spent the entire afternoon making small cakes and cookies. Cherry Oatmeal Cookies were her specialty. After packing a full box, she set off for Nanheng Group headquarters.

Arriving at the main building, she first inquired at the front desk. Upon hearing that Guan Yuanbai was in a meeting and wouldn't be down for a while, she decided to wait in the lobby.

She didn't text him, afraid of disturbing his meeting.

As she waited, she thought that if he hadn't appeared after an hour, she would just leave the package at the front desk. Fortunately, her luck held. After waiting half an hour, she saw Guan Yuanbai emerge from the elevator with a group of people.

"Mr. Guan." Zhou Fanfan waved at him.

Guan Yuanbai was momentarily surprised to see her. He then said something to the person beside him and walked over. "What are you doing here?"

The people accompanying Guan Yuanbai waited where they were, but their gazes held a subtle curiosity, focused on her.

Zhou Fanfan explained, "It's nothing major. It's just... you paid for our meal when my friends were here, and they all said I should thank you properly. Well... I noticed you often have irregular meeting times and might not have time to eat properly, so I brought you some pastries. I made them all myself. And don't worry, they taste pretty good."

Guan Yuanbai looked down at the gift bag. For a moment, he felt an uncharacteristic indecision about whether he should accept it.

"It was a small thing. You didn't need to go to this trouble," he said.

"It's no trouble. I quite enjoy baking," Zhou Fanfan replied, worried he might refuse. She simply hung the bag on his hand. "Alright, I won't keep you. Goodbye."

"Wait—"

But Zhou Fanfan gave him no chance to stop her, walking away unusually fast and disappearing around the corner in an instant.

Guan Yuanbai stood there for a moment, his gaze lingering on the spot where she had vanished.

He looked down at the gift bag again. It was pink and cute... with a small bear trinket attached to the side.

A faint smile touched the corner of Guan Yuanbai's mouth.

Flashy. Just like a kid.

---

Author's Note:

The identity reveal is coming soon~

---

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