At this moment, the restaurant was almost full, and there were people at tables not far from theirs. Clearly, they couldn’t continue their earlier game, and they needed to talk more quietly. If anyone overheard... it’d be too ’vulgar’.

"Can’t be bothered with you! I think you’re a bit of a pervert like Ximen Qing..." Wen Qianyi teased softly.

Li Yan shrugged, "Actually, what I said wasn’t meant as a compliment. In situations like before, although there are physical reasons, it’s mainly a mental stimulus. Firstly, of course, it’s because you’re a breathtaking beauty, and secondly, it’s because we’re quite close..."

Wen Qianyi pouted and shook her head with a smile, "Li Yan, you flatter me too much. I’m not such a beauty, and we’re not that close, right?"

"I’m telling the truth. If it was an unknown, overweight ’dinosaur’ approaching, I wouldn’t have any romantic feelings, only feel horrified."

"Save your compliments for your girlfriend, Xiao Di! But... it’s my birthday today, and I’m happy when you’re flattering and cheering me up." Wen Qianyi said with a smile, adding, "Look! Notice that it’s not your flattery making me happy, but your attitude."

Hearing her mention Yu Xiaodi still without any news, Li Yan sighed inwardly and forced a smile, "The place is thriving with business, let’s settle the bill and make space for others."

...

When they stepped out, it was peak lunchtime, and being a Sunday, the place was teeming with people. It wasn’t convenient to find another place to sit. Normally, the man should speak up. After lunch, a stroll would be nice, perhaps visiting an art exhibit or catching a movie, then having dinner afterward, and naturally, sending the lady home...

Wen Qianyi followed him into the car without mentioning the need to rush home. Her father had already gone back to the hotel to rest, agreeing to meet for dinner, implying she was free in the afternoon.

She waited for Li Yan to suggest something. Normally, Li Yan wouldn’t miss such a good opportunity, but today, he had no time. Under the pretense of coming out to tidy up things, he was supposed to make it back for lunch. Having spent lunch with her, he couldn’t continue in the afternoon and had to return.

"Shall I... give you a ride home? It’s rare for your dad to visit; you should spend more time with him." Li Yan looked at Wen Qianyi and made a suggestion that left them both a bit regretful.

Though Wen Qianyi felt a hint of disappointment, she didn’t show it on her face; instead, she asked with a smile, "Why? In a hurry to leave? Have a date with Xiao Di? Are you just squeezing in time to celebrate my birthday?"

Li Yan shook his head and said quietly, "Xiao Di isn’t around lately..."

"Then... ah!" Wen Qianyi suddenly gasped, covering her mouth.

"What’s wrong?" Li Yan, distracted by her mention of Xiao Di, didn’t know what happened and quickly leaned over, concerned.

They were both in the car, a small compact one, so space was tight. As he leaned over, he was already close to Wen Qianyi.

Wen Qianyi shrank back toward the door, her eyes carrying a hint of mischief and teasing, "You’re so sensitive earlier, and now you’re rushing to send me home. Are you planning to find a place to vent? Tsk tsk... You say your girlfriend isn’t around lately. Is that why you’re so sensitive? Where are you planning to go? To see one of those professionals, or back to, you know..."

Li Yan felt a bit dizzy. What was she saying?!

However, since he had just mentioned that Yu Xiaodi wasn’t around recently and it was a rest day, claiming work or a set visit would be seen through by Wen Qianyi immediately. Things with Zhang Yurong weren’t convenient to mention either. The reason she mentioned... actually made for a good excuse!

But... admitting in front of someone he admired, a beauty, that he wanted to go home for that purpose required a lot of courage and could easily ruin his image.

Seeing Wen Qianyi by his side, savvy as she was, it wasn’t wise to lie to her. If the conversation continued, he might slip up, and she’d catch the slightest hint. Helpless, Li Yan retracted his body and reluctantly said, "Alright, Qianyi, after all, you’re an adult and we’re such familiar friends. Today, your... foot is partly to blame, so I’m not afraid of confessing. I actually do want to quickly... do that, so I’m sending you home, then I’ll..."

Having broached such a topic made Wen Qianyi’s heart race, inwardly sighing at its explicitness, wondering if it was going too far.

When she heard his response, her face warmed up. But seeing Li Yan’s embarrassed expression, she couldn’t help but find joy in it. Even though she understood what he meant, she pretended not to, asking, "What ’do that’, ’do that’? Nonsense!"

Li Yan rolled his eyes at her and said, exasperated, "It’s... self-abuse."

Seeing him admit it confidently, Wen Qianyi quickly interrupted, "Alright, alright, I get it... you’re just a pervy guy!"

"How is that pervy? There’s a movie that, although it didn’t win an Oscar back in the day, later ranked number one on IMDb and is also number one on Douban. It’s called ’Shawshank’s Self-abuse’. Why don’t the world’s movie fans find it pervy?"