Qiao Hua had not expected Chen Xingjian to show up at her door.
"How did you know where I live?" she asked in surprise.
Chen Xingjian smiled faintly. "Anyone could tell me where President Gu lives. All I had to do was ask."
No matter how Qiao Hua looked at him, Chen Xingjian hardly seemed like someone who needed a free meal. She could not help saying, "Surely you don't need me to buy you dinner, President Chen?"
Chen Xingjian was straightforward. "I don't, but it gives me a reason to have dinner with you."
Even someone as oblivious as Qiao Hua could tell that Chen Xingjian was interested in her. She had sensed it the last time they ate together, but had not let herself think along those lines.
Remembering what Gu Wenze had said in the hospital room, she wondered what kind of fit he would throw if he found out she was going to dinner with Chen Xingjian.
Seeing her troubled expression, Chen Xingjian raised an eyebrow. "You're not thinking of going back on your word, are you, Miss Qiao?"
Qiao Hua gave an awkward smile. "President Chen, could I thank you some other way?"
Chen Xingjian seemed intrigued. "What did you have in mind?"
Qiao Hua thought for a moment, then said with complete sincerity, "How about you pick out a gift, and I pay for it?"
Chen Xingjian curved his lips. "Do I look like someone who needs gifts?"
Qiao Hua glanced at the designer labels he wore from head to toe. They were worth enough for a down payment on an apartment in the capital. He certainly did not look short of money. If anything, he looked like he had more than he knew how to spend.
But if Chen Xingjian did not need