The chess match between the two men had reached its conclusion. The crisp ring of clinking glasses still lingered in the air, and the atmosphere in the private dining room seemed to relax a little with it.
With business settled, the rest of the meal should have been nothing more than a business dinner.
However, Lu Xiaoxiao, who had seemed unobtrusive all this time while secretly plotting away, decided it was her turn to take the stage.
She gently set down her dessert spoon and elegantly dabbed the corners of her mouth with a napkin (although her "don't mess with me" makeup lent even that gesture a slightly provocative air). Then she cleared her throat, successfully drawing Ji Yunhuai's and Gu Sipei's attention.
"Ahem! So, you two are done talking, right? Then let me say a few things."
Ji Yunhuai raised an eyebrow at her, an indulgent, knowing smile in his eyes, as though he had anticipated this little performance all along.
Gu Sipei remained as calm and unreadable as ever, merely turning an inquiring gaze toward her.
Lu Xiaoxiao lifted her chin slightly, maintaining the imposing air of someone representing her sister's family-even if she knew there was no way she could intimidate Gu Sipei, she refused to lose on presence alone.
"Mr. Gu," she began, deliberately speaking in a measured tone, "there are a few things I need to make clear about you and Jiaoyue."
Gu Sipei gave a slight nod, signaling for her to continue.
"First of all, I've never really intended to interfere much in your relationship. At the very least, I've never planned to break you two up. That was how I felt before, and it hasn't changed! A relationship is ultimately between two people. Everyone understands that!"
Then her tone shifted, taking on a