“Today’s date is so special.” Watching Xie Heng’s figure walk away, Lu Xi finally sighed softly to Xie Yizhao.
Xie Yizhao raised an eyebrow, deliberately playing dumb. “Really? I think it’s just okay.”
Lu Xi glanced around. Well, at the moment, everything related to Xie Yizhao seemed fine. “I’m talking about Xiao Heng. Don’t you think the arrangements were a bit over the top?”
She handed him the bouquet in her arms and smiled. “Why did you even have him bring me flowers?”
Xie Yizhao admitted generously, “I did ask him to pick you up, but the flowers weren’t my idea.” He paused, then chuckled. “I also didn’t ask you to hold onto him.”
Lu Xi’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. After a few seconds, she burst out laughing.
So, this was actually their son’s own idea?
A bit suspicious, a bit silly, but a child who understands the importance of rituals is still adorable.
Xie Yizhao noticed Lu Xi’s expression softening with affection. He cleared his throat, took the bouquet from her, and hooked his finger around hers. “Forget about him. Let’s go inside.”
Lu Xi suddenly felt a little sorry for Xie Heng.
He was like his Dad’s little tool for dates—used and then promptly discarded.
Even though she felt bad for him as his Mom, she was also more curious about the rest of the date. For now, she had no time to worry about him.
In front of her was a beautiful, fan-shaped archway. Stepping inside felt like entering a mysterious palace.
The restaurant inside was elegant and meticulously designed, with a vintage aesthetic. Everything—from the floor tiles to the curtains, tables, chairs, and floor lamps—was beautifully coordinated.
The double-opening windows with arched accents were stunning. Lu Xi couldn’t resist walking over, pushing one open, and gazing out at the vast night sky, where a few faint stars could be seen.
It was rare to see stars in the city; only in the outskirts like this could you occasionally catch a glimpse.
“This place is gorgeous. Which resort is this?” Lu Xi blinked at him playfully. “Why haven’t you brought me here before?”
Xie Yizhao replied, “It was just built recently. Today is its first day in operation.”
Lu Xi raised an eyebrow, her curiosity growing.
Thinking about the Ferris wheel at the amusement park last time, she asked, “So, is this another one of your friends’ properties that you borrowed for our date?”
Tsk, her husband really had connections.
Xie Yizhao just smiled slightly, walked to the table, pulled out a chair, and looked at her with gentle attentiveness. “Sit down first. Let’s eat, then we’ll talk.”
To be honest, Lu Xi was really hungry. It was already almost seven o’clock.
She happily sat down, waiting for the food.
As the waitstaff served the dishes, she took the opportunity to observe the restaurant. This floor was about 200 square meters, yet there was only one table by the window. If this was a private dining room, it seemed far too large—such a waste of space.
But she didn’t dwell on it.
Xie Yizhao had said the place just opened. He probably borrowed it for their date, which was why there was only one table.
The food was delicious, and Lu Xi enjoyed every dish.
She wasn’t particularly picky about dates.
Isn’t there a saying? It’s not about what you eat, but who you eat with. She loved going on dates with Xie Yizhao because she genuinely liked him. He was considerate, respectful, and attentive without being overbearing. He took her to eat good food, and his face was certainly a pleasure to look at.
Ahem… calling him ‘a feast for the eyes’ wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
His taste in date locations was impeccable.
Enjoying the meal while occasionally glancing at the tranquil nightscape outside the window, it was truly refreshing.
“This place is really beautiful. Thank you for bringing me here.” Lu Xi smiled sweetly as she took a bite of dessert, her almond-shaped eyes curving in delight.
Xie Yizhao sipped his white wine, his tone calm. “As long as you like it. In the future, CEO Lu can bring me here often, too.”
Lu Xi : ?
Was he implying she should treat him next time?
Ha, well, that wasn’t a problem. Since he even called her ‘CEO Lu,’ it would be petty of her to refuse.
So she agreed cheerfully. “No problem! As long as CEO Xie is free, I’ll treat you to good food, drinks, and fun.”
Xie Yizhao looked at her and smiled.
Lu Xi suddenly thought of something and smirked mischievously. “CEO Xie, you’ve gotten so romantic lately. You weren’t like this before. Whose influence is this?”
She gave him a smug look, lifting her chin proudly.
Xie Yizhao chuckled, then said sincerely, “You. It’s all thanks to our CEO Lu’s guidance.”
Lu Xi didn’t bother being modest. “Well said! Mutual growth.”
He wasn’t wrong.
Back when Xie Yizhao was younger, he wasn’t like this.
His mindset back then was simple: if a problem could be solved with money, he wouldn’t waste time on it. After they got married, they occasionally went on dates, but he would have his assistant book expensive restaurants or buy extravagant jewelry. Even when dining with her, he always had a strict schedule, leaving the moment time was up.
He never used to put this much effort into a date.
Now, he arrived before her, wasn’t in a hurry, and took his time dining, chatting, and enjoying the scenery with her.
That was unimaginable before.
So, wasn’t it her influence? Clearly, men need training to behave well.
When she was about seventy percent full, Lu Xi reluctantly set down her dessert and looked at him expectantly. “What’s next?”
She was sure he had more planned.
Xie Yizhao stood up and extended his hand toward her. “Come, let me show you around.”
Lu Xi nodded, placed her hand in his, and let him lead her toward the elevator.
She just realized, this building has an elevator?
Then why did Xie Heng insist on taking the stairs with her earlier?
Was it just for the sake of atmosphere…?
Lu Xi had a vague feeling that something was off.
It was nice that Xie Yizhao had put so much thought into their date, but Xie Heng’s actions today felt more like he was deliberately creating some kind of mood.
Just as she was lost in thought, she suddenly felt a warm touch on her earlobe. It was Xie Yizhao, lightly brushing against her earring.
“Your earrings look beautiful.”
His touch was gentle, as if afraid that the slight roughness of his fingers might scratch her delicate skin. Lu Xi felt ticklish and couldn’t help but smile as she dodged slightly. “Of course. You gave them to me, how could they not look good?”
The elevator doors slowly opened.
Xie Yizhao said softly, “I meant, they look beautiful on you.”
Lu Xi raised an eyebrow and smiled. She couldn’t help but touch the cool ruby of her earring, feeling secretly delighted.
She never liked smooth-talking men, the kind who flattered her endlessly just to please her, treating her like some kind of goddess. Those words, no matter how well-spoken, always felt insincere.
But somehow, when Xie Yizhao said things like that, she found herself enjoying it. Every word he spoke seemed to land precisely on her heart, just like his gentle touch on her ear—soft, sincere, making her both flustered and moved.
Maybe some people just had that kind of charm.
They walked into the courtyard.
Following a quiet and beautiful path, they headed toward the garden.
As they walked, Lu Xi took in her surroundings.
Something felt off.
“Why is it just the two of us here? Isn’t today the opening day? Why aren’t there any other guests or even a single staff member?” she asked curiously.
Xie Yizhao replied, “I didn’t want anyone disturbing us, so they’re not accepting guests today. As for the staff… do you really need anyone else when you have me as your personal guide?”
Lu Xi blinked. “Well, I guess that’s enough. But where exactly are you taking me?”
He glanced at her, momentarily captivated by the light shimmering in her eyes. After a few seconds, he said in a low voice, “There’s a garden maze here. It’s quite unique. Want to check it out?”
The word ‘maze’ instantly made Lu Xi’s eyes light up. She nodded eagerly and even bounced on her toes. “Yes!”
She loved mazes—the thrill of navigating through winding paths to find the exit, the suspense, the anticipation, the surprise.
Besides, well-designed plant mazes made for great photo backdrops. They were perfect for capturing aesthetic shots.
Xie Yizhao chuckled, his deep laughter vibrating through his chest as he watched her excitement, like a lively little deer.
She had expected a long walk, but surprisingly, the maze wasn’t far.
Of course, the journey itself was beautiful. In addition to the romantic lighting, the path was lined with trees—some she recognized, some she didn’t.
Each plant had a small sign next to it, labeling its species. Xie Yizhao even took the time to introduce them to her.
“The osmanthus and apricot trees here were transplanted from elsewhere. Closer to the maze, there are cherry blossoms and crabapples. You should come back when they bloom.”
Lu Xi listened attentively.
She wasn’t very knowledgeable about plants, especially now when the trees were mostly bare, with only branches and leaves. Without flowers, she couldn’t identify them at all.
But… since when did Xie Yizhao know so much about botany?
“Are you one of the investors here?” she asked.
Xie Yizhao only smiled, refusing to answer.
Seeing that he was deliberately keeping secrets, Lu Xi poked his waist. “Fine, if you won’t say, I won’t ask. But can I make a suggestion?”
“Madam, I’m all ears.”
Lu Xi looped her arm through his and mused, “Since there are already so many plants, why not add some fruit-bearing ones? Maybe a strawberry patch?”
Xie Yizhao paused briefly before chuckling. “Are you suggesting we turn this into a countryside farm?”
“Haha! Why not? A blend of elegance and rustic charm, it could work!” Of course, that was assuming he was an investor. Judging by his influence, he likely wasn’t just any investor, perhaps even a partner.
Xie Yizhao didn’t seem opposed to the idea. He even added, “Why stop at strawberries? We could plant some grapes too. I remember you like those.”
Lu Xi laughed and leaned against him.
If they really did that, this place would be a true mix of styles. She didn’t mind, but what about the guests?
A high-end, vintage-style resort with an aesthetic plant maze… and then a fruit farm on the side? Wouldn’t that scare off customers?
Would it be too much of a clash, neither fully elegant nor fully rustic? How would they even market such a concept?
She voiced her concerns to Xie Yizhao.
But he simply smiled and gazed down at her. “Well, well, our Xiao Xi is turning into quite the businesswoman, already thinking about marketing strategies.”
Was he teasing her?
Lu Xi balled up her fists and playfully punched him. “Hey, be serious!”
Xie Yizhao let her soft fists land a few times before he finally stopped smiling and replied earnestly, “It’s fine. If people don’t like it, we just won’t take their money.”
“…”
Wow.
That was bold.
Some people really could afford to turn down business.
They soon arrived at the entrance of the maze, and Lu Xi’s attention instantly shifted.
The hedge walls were over two meters high, lush and dense. Once inside, when she looked up, all she could see was the night sky above.
Though they had only just entered, her heart was already racing with excitement. This was going to be fun.