Xia Yuhan never thought that Shen Yi’s wife could be persuasive when she was eager about something. Lu Xinyi didn’t look like someone who liked managerial stuff and being in charge, but when she proposed an idea that she could invest a part of her inheritance from the Lu family, Xia Yuhan thought she was going crazy.

“Look, I appreciate your concern, but you really don’t have to do this.” Xia Yuhan tidied up her desk and watched Lu Xinyi grumble coherent words to herself. There were some words she didn’t dare to say to the Shen’s family’s young mistress, but the fact that Lu Xinyi was willing to support Flair Apparel sounded wrong.

“You don’t understand, Miss Xia—!”

“Yes, I do.” Xia Yuhan cut Lu Xinyi’s words. “You were saying you wanted to invest the hard-earned money you saved for years in my Flair Apparel. Look, Miss Lu, the runway and the fashion industry aren’t all about money. It wasn’t a place where you can survive with money or talent alone.”

“But you are talented! You didn’t deserve to be treated like this! If money is the problem, then I’m sure there are people are willing to invest or buy your business.”

“My Flair Apparel is NOT for Sale!”

It was already apparent that Flair Apparel would be closing soon with the low amount of customers they’re having right now. Lu Xinyi was displeased with Xia Yuhan’s rejection. “Why are they persecuting you for the crime you did not commit? Did you even know that your clothes are being sold at Starlight as we speak?”

Xia Yuhan opened her mouth, but no words came out. What else she could say? The moment Starlight released their collection last season, it only gave her three days to change everything on their catalog and put the prototype designs that couldn’t even compare to the final entries she made. Fortunately, she still had loyal customers like Yuan Jin who still take her services on his photo shoots and had known the truth about the stolen designs of her collection.

“Let me think about it. Give me time to consider your proposal.”

—

Lu Xinyi left Flair Apparel with a sour mood. At least the kids didn’t see her throwing a fit today as Xiao Lan volunteered to take home the twins with her so she could talk with Xia Yuhan without worry.

She felt conflicted. She heard Xia Yuhan’s desperate tone as she left her shop. Lu Xinyi was half-tempted to go at Yuan Jin’s place to tell him a piece of her mind about the issue, but it was already late; her husband was probably waiting for her to come home. Shrugging off her afternoon irritation, she made her way towards the train station but not without visiting the local cafe she was a regular before. She smiled as she walked in to greet the old shop owner.

“Hello, how have the last few weeks been?” Lu Xinyi asked the old man who looked up from the counter and smiled back at her.

“Xinxin! I thought you had moved or something. How are you, dear?” the old man said.

Lu Xinyi nodded her head. “I did move, Gramps. There was a lot of things that happened in the past months. I’m sorry, I couldn’t visit you. Did you miss me?” She moved to the other side of the counter to let the other customers order before her.

The old man waved a hand and dismissed her apology. He then took the order of the young woman after Lu Xinyi and served the hot buns that were newly baked by his wife.

“We missed you so much, Xinxin, but we understand that you’re also busy with your life. After all, we want you to succeed in whatever path you choose.”

“Thanks, Gramps. I appreciate your concerns, but I should let you know I’m taking Silver Leaf’s examination this year.” Lu Xinyi beamed. This old man and his wife had briefly—at one point of her life—helped her when her Lu grandmother passed away from old age. They had been the one who supported her until she was able to feed herself.

“Really? That’s good! Good! We were worried when we heard that Amusing Plate had closed and was wondering where you had been. I’m glad to know that you’re well.”

A melodious series of ringing sounds was produced when the chime on the front door stuck open.

“Welcome to Midnight Drop Cafe!” The old man’s wife greeted whoever arrived.

Two men in military uniform stepped inside, catching the attention of the diners inside the cafe. They looked around and found an empty table.

“Yuren, it isn’t really the time to have a snack. Colonel Zhang is expecting our arrival tonight.” Long Feng complained, but the aroma of the freshly baked bread that permeated in the air made his stomach grumble.

When Long Feng didn’t receive a reply from his commander, he followed where Li Yuren was looking at and smirked. Hey, wasn’t that Lu Xinyi, his commander’s fiancee?

“Well, well, well.” He propped an elbow on his commander’s shoulder and grinned. “I see why you’re so interested to check out this cafe.”

Instead of answering Long Feng, Li Yuren ignored him and made way towards the counter to order. His face was impassive and had given an aura of someone not to be messed with.

“Can I get your order?” the old woman asked while Li Yuren checked the available pastries and bread on display. He could hear Lu Xinyi and the old man’s conversation from his place.

“The final exams for Silver Leaf will be held in two days…”

“I should go. My family is waiting for me.” Lu Xinyi bid goodbye.

“Same order?” The old man chuckled and joined his wife at the counter to prepare Lu Xinyi’s order.

“Blueberry Cheesecake, please.” Both Lu Xinyi and Li Yuren said at the same time.