Chapter 117: A Swift Blade to Cut the Gordian Knot

At eight o’clock in the evening, Meng Yi’er was meeting Kesen.

By seven twenty, she had already arrived at the designated restaurant—forty full minutes early.

On her way, the clear sky had darkened, turning gray and overcast, with a fine, persistent drizzle beginning to fall.

In the summer of the coastal city, rain often came as suddenly as it pleased.

The rain was like silk—light and delicate—without the usual pitter-patter sound; it resembled a veil of mist, enveloping the grand city in a hazy embrace.

She ordered a cup of coffee and chose a seat by the window, gazing out at the misty, rain-shrouded scene in silent patience, as tranquil as a painting.

Yet, inside, her heart was restless, stirred by waves of emotion.

She repeatedly pondered how best to phrase her refusal of Kesen’s proposal from a few days prior, hoping to spare him any hurt.

The reason she had delayed her answer was because her feelings were uncertain—she wasn’t even sure if she had unknowingly come to care for someone else already.

But now was different; after today, she had finally seen her true heart clearly and knew exactly whom she loved.

Therefore, she resolved to cut through the confusion decisively.

At seven forty, Kesen’s car pulled up to the restaurant. He had arrived early as well.

Raindrops fell softly on the sleek, smoothly contoured black vehicle, which appeared dignified and noble in the misty haze.

The driver stepped out first, opening the door with an umbrella for Kesen, who gracefully slipped out of the car and took the umbrella.

Kesen wore an exquisite, custom-tailored suit, perfectly pressed without a single crease; every movement exuded refinement and elegance.

Watching his tall, poised figure holding the umbrella amid the mist and rain, a deep sense of guilt welled up inside her.

Kesen walked slowly to the entrance, handed the umbrella to a waiter, and the driver quietly drove away.

Seeing Meng Yi’er waiting already, a flicker of surprise crossed Kesen’s gentle, handsome face. He had come early but hadn’t expected her to be even earlier. The morning’s news flashes on the internet flashed through his mind, stirring a faint, almost imperceptible unease within him.

“Sorry I’m late.”

His low, seductive voice suddenly sounded beside her.

Meng Yi’er turned slightly, seeing Kesen’s warm and elegant face smiling softly as he stood before her. She returned his smile politely.

“No, I just arrived a little early. Please, have a seat.”

Kesen sat down calmly and gracefully across from her, his deep gaze fixed intently and fervently on her eyes, lost in thought.

Feeling his unexpected scrutiny, Meng Yi’er grew uneasy, unsure how to begin the words she had carefully prepared.

Kesen called the waiter over, and after ordering, a heavy silence fell between them once more.

Noticing her distracted demeanor, Kesen broke the silence first.

“Xiao Yi, you asked me here for a reason, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

Meng Yi’er nodded, twisting the hem of her clothes nervously, her posture slightly stiff.

Kesen naturally sensed her unrest, and even his usually composed heart felt a ripple of unease.

After a moment, he raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly, the perfect curve of his lips betraying no hint of the complex thoughts beneath.

“Let me guess what you want to say to me.”

Meng Yi’er was slightly taken aback, surprised by his words and the curious, astonished look in his eyes.

Could it be that Kesen already knew she intended to refuse him?