Chapter 55: Encountering Corson Once More

After lunch, Meng Yier and Yu Mingxin rested for a while before heading out together for a shopping spree, which lasted until six or seven in the evening.

Shopping is truly a superpower unique to women! While shopping, they're always energetic and lively. But as soon as it's over, they feel utterly drained, like a puddle of exhausted mud.

By the time the two stepped out of the mall, they were both famished and weary, stars dancing before their eyes. Spotting an elegant Western restaurant nearby, they decided to go inside.

The restaurant was decorated with a refined, classical Western style—stepping through its doors felt refreshingly novel. Such ambiance is quite common overseas, yet rare here.

A waiter at the entrance noticed Meng Yier and Yu Mingxin approaching and greeted them warmly, leading them to a secluded spot at the back of the restaurant.

With a polite smile, the waiter handed them two menus. "Ladies, what would you like to eat? Here are the menus."

They ordered their food and chatted as they ate. After their meal, Meng Yier called the waiter over to settle the bill.

The waiter bowed respectfully, smiling. "Ladies, your bill has already been paid."

"It's been paid?"

"It's been paid?"

Both Meng Yier and Yu Mingxin exclaimed in unison, staring at the waiter in surprise.

The waiter nodded, still smiling. "That's correct, ladies. Your bill has indeed been settled."

Meng Yier and Yu Mingxin exchanged glances, confirming neither of them had paid. Meng Yier turned to the waiter again.

"May I ask, who paid the bill?"

The waiter gestured toward their left. "The gentleman in the black suit over there took care of it."

Both women looked in that direction and met a pair of deep, azure eyes. The man was smiling at them, his blue gaze filled with warmth.

Meng Yier's heart gave a tremor, and for a moment, she was lost in thought. After hesitating, she forced a smile, though it was hardly natural.

Yu Mingxin snapped out of it first, tugging excitedly at Meng Yier's arm. "Yier, that's Carson!"

Meng Yier nodded to Yu Mingxin, then looked up again, realizing Carson's gaze was fixed on her. Suddenly nervous, she fidgeted with the edge of her clothes.

She felt she ought to express her gratitude, but Carson was engaged in lively conversation with two men and a woman at his table. It seemed inappropriate to interrupt.

Just as Meng Yier was at a loss, Carson murmured a few words to his companions, then stood up and walked over with elegant composure.

"Miss Meng, we meet again," Carson's alluring voice reached her.

"Mr. Carson, hello," Meng Yier replied softly.

Yu Mingxin stepped forward, sizing him up. "Mr. Carson, was it you who paid our bill?"

Carson smiled at Meng Yier. "I was dining here with friends and happened to see two beautiful ladies enjoying their meal. Not wanting to disturb you, I decided to pay your bill as a gesture."

Meng Yier smiled shyly. "Thank you, Mr. Carson."

Carson inclined his head slightly. "It's my pleasure."

Yu Mingxin glanced meaningfully at Meng Yier and Carson, her smile bright. "Mr. Carson, our Yier is one of your most devoted fans. She's admired you for years—she absolutely idolizes you. Who would have thought you'd cross paths again, especially after the last banquet—"

"Mingxin—"

Meng Yier's pretty face was already flushed crimson. Embarrassed and angry, she glared at Yu Mingxin and tugged at her sleeve, trying to stop her from saying anything more.

Carson's gaze grew intense as he looked at Meng Yier, the smile on his chiseled features deepening. "Is that so?"

Meng Yier laughed awkwardly. "Mr. Carson, Mingxin tends to exaggerate. Please don't take her seriously."

"I wasn't exaggerating," Yu Mingxin protested innocently, grinning.

Just then, Yu Mingxin's phone rang in her purse, interrupting their conversation. She glanced apologetically at Meng Yier and Carson, then took out her phone. Seeing the caller ID, Meng Yier's expression revealed a hint of impatience.

"Yier, you two keep chatting. I'll take this call."