Chapter 62: Such an Old Joke

Carson motioned for the waiter to leave, then walked over to Meng Yier, pulling out a chair for her with gentlemanly grace and inviting her to sit.

He sat elegantly across from her, his voice low and alluring. “I wasn’t sure what you liked to eat, so I ordered a bit of everything. Please, choose whatever you fancy.”

Meng Yier nodded, offering him a radiant, sweet smile.

The two ate quietly, but Meng Yier found it hard to savor the food. Facing Carson, she couldn’t help but recall his marriage proposal the previous night—the more she thought about it, the more her head ached.

When they finished, Carson set down his knife and fork and looked at the distracted Meng Yier, asking gently, “Miss Meng, is the food not to your taste?”

She raised her head, put down her cutlery, and smiled. “No, it’s very good.”

Carson gazed at her tenderly, his eyes brimming with unspoken affection. His voice was deep and seductive. “May I… call you Yi like your friends do?”

“Of course,” Meng Yier replied, nodding slightly.

“Yi…” Carson murmured her name softly. “It’s a lovely name.”

“Then please, call me Carson as well,” he invited.

Feeling a bit shy, Meng Yier nodded again.

“Yi, I’d like to take you somewhere,” Carson said.

Before she could respond, he was already beside her, gently taking her hand and leading her outside.

Meng Yier stared at his hand in a daze. It was several steps before she snapped out of it, glancing at his profile in confusion. “Mr. Carson…”

Realizing she’d reflexively used “Mr. Carson” again, Meng Yier quickly corrected herself. “Carson, where are we going?”

He turned his head slightly, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. “You’ll know when we get there…”

—

Empire State Building Rooftop

From the rooftop, the entire city’s nightscape unfolded beneath them—endless lights, a panoramic view.

In the darkness, a cool breeze drifted by, making their clothes flutter softly. There was a tranquil comfort that words could scarcely describe.

“This is…”

“Yi, over here—” Carson called.

Meng Yier looked over and saw a telescope standing to their left. Carson approached, leaned in, and peered through it.

Stargazing?

Such an old trick…

She glanced up at the star-studded night sky. The stars shimmered, faint and distant, emitting a gentle glow as they flickered on and off.

Moments later, Carson straightened and beckoned her over. “Come—”

Meng Yier pressed her eye to the telescope. In her view, the stars blazed bright, dazzling like diamonds in sunlight—so much more vivid than what the naked eye could see.

“Wow, it’s beautiful…”

Meng Yier straightened, a gentle smile lifting her lips. She looked at Carson, her eyes shining as brightly as the stars overhead.

She leaned in again, her face alight with excitement as if discovering a new world.

Carson gazed at her in quiet astonishment, his once-calm heart now rippling with emotion.

Beneath the night sky, Meng Yier’s thick, wavy hair tumbled over her shoulders like seaweed. Her skin was ivory pale, the soft starlight casting a delicate glow over her slender figure, making her appear fragile and languid, with an effortless grace. The slight curve of her lips added a gentle softness to her bright features.

Her fair face, light brows, elegant nose, and softly tinted lips—all of it framed by lively eyes that seemed to hold the unfathomable depths of an ocean.

A tremor passed through Carson’s heart. For a fleeting moment, he saw a familiar face, those bright, lively eyes, a radiant smile that once looked at him with the same warmth. Carson’s eyes grew hot, and without realizing it, he reached for that familiar silhouette, desperate to hold on.

“Carson?”

Meng Yier looked at him in confusion, eyes drifting to his outstretched hand and the dazed expression on his face. “Carson? Are you alright?”

The familiar image vanished, replaced by the equally lovely face before him. Flustered, Carson turned away, trying to hide his lapse.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Meng Yier’s concern grew as she watched his tense back.

After a moment, Carson turned back, his composure restored, gentle and calm as ever. “I’m fine. Forgive me, I lost myself for a moment.”

Meng Yier smiled, shaking her head softly.