Chapter 10

“I really can’t believe you,” Xanora Hansen sighed helplessly. “If I fall asleep on the way, you’d better be ready to carry me back to the dormitory!”

“No problem! I guarantee I’ll complete the task!” Karen Lowell smiled brightly, taking Shanora Hansen by the hand and heading toward Celebrity Street. She made no mention of her true thoughts. She could easily imagine the clothes in Shanora Hansen’s wardrobe—either cute or elegant styles. If she didn’t dress up nicely, how could she catch any guy’s attention? How could she fulfill her promise to help her find a boyfriend?

So, for the entire afternoon, the two of them spent time in various boutiques along Celebrity Street. They bought everything from clothes and shoes to accessories. It was like they were “spending money like water”. When they finally returned to their dormitory, carrying bags of all sizes, they were too tired to even move a finger.

“I told you not to go,” said Shanora Hansen, slumping listlessly in her chair and rubbing her swollen legs. “I’m completely exhausted. I’ll never go crazy with you again.”

“But we’ve gained so much from this,” Karen Lowell said, picking up a sexy strapless dress and waving it in front of her, smiling triumphantly. “Look at this one. It’s so beautiful. Wearing it will definitely attract lots of handsome guys.”

Shanora Hansen glanced at them and twitched her lips. “A ‘fruitful harvest,’ huh? I’d say you’ve just acquired a bunch of pajamas instead. Dear Karen Lowell, the clothes you bought are way too revealing. I wouldn’t dare wear them anywhere.”

“You have money to spare, so it’s fine to wear it as pajamas,” Karen Lowell said with a smirk. “Oh, I forgot—your family owns a bank anyway. You certainly aren’t short of money!”

“Why are you being so sarcastic with me?” said Shanora Hansen helplessly. “I just think it’s too revealing. I don’t want to wear it outside.”

“Just get used to it, that’s all,” Karen Lowell said, waving her hand and yawning. “I’m too tired to talk anymore. I’m going to lie down and comfort my bed. Ah, dear bed, I’m coming!” As soon as she finished speaking, she collapsed onto the bed, and soon there was no movement from her.

Shanora Hansen looked at her tired appearance, smiled helplessly, shook her head, and got up to start organizing the pile of newly bought items on the table. Meanwhile, on the other side, Qimait was receiving a familiar phone call.

“Matt.” From the other end of the line came Madeline Summer’s cool and steady voice.

Qimait raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on his lips. His tone was teasing: “Oh, Prince Somer, what brings you the time to call me? Shouldn’t you be too busy to even know which direction is east, west, south, or north?”

“Stop talking nonsense to me,” Madeline Summer smiled helplessly. “It’s been so many years since we last saw each other. You just got back from France. Why didn’t you let me know?”

“Don’t you know now?” Qimait said with a smile. “Besides, you’re too busy all the time. Even if I told you, you probably wouldn’t have time to see me. By the way, didn’t you return to your home country at the age of six to handle family affairs? All these years, you’re still just as busy.”

“It’s okay. A few years ago, my father wasn’t in good health, and I was extremely busy taking care of him,” Madeline Summer’s tone softened slightly. “Now that he’s healthier and can handle more things, things are much easier for me. By the way, have you come back with the intention of taking over the Qi family’s business?”

“What else could I do?” Qimait sighed helplessly. “My father went through so much trouble to bring me back from France, just so I could take over the family business. If I don’t obey him, he’ll complain that I’m not focusing on my responsibilities. As for you, you’ve always been so filial over the years.”

“Each to their own,” Madre Summer smiled. “Since you’re back, I’ll treat you to dinner tonight. Nine o’clock, Southwind Bar. Will you come?”

“We have to go!” Qimait immediately became excited. “We haven’t played together in so many years. We absolutely have to go. Alright, I’ll stop talking now. I still have some things to do. See you tonight.”

“Okay, see you tonight.”

After hanging up the phone, the smile on Qimait’s face didn’t fade for a long time. He and Madre Summer had been good friends since childhood, growing up together in France. Their two companies had been cooperating for years, and their friendship was particularly deep. Even after Madre Summer returned to her home country, they never lost touch. Whenever Madre Summer went to France on business, they would take the opportunity to meet up. It had been several years since they last saw each other.

At 9 p.m., the Nanfeng Bar was brightly lit and bustling with activity. Qimait arrived early and found a seat by the window. From afar, he spotted Madre Summer. He waved eagerly and called out, “Hey, Madre Summer! Over here!”

As soon as the two of them entered the bar, they caught everyone’s attention. They were well-dressed and had an elegant demeanor. Unlike the other people in the bar, who were more flamboyant and unconventional, they exuded an innate sense of nobility. Their handsome faces made the girls present unable to help but steal glances at them.

Madre Summer wore a clean, crisp white shirt with the collar slightly open, revealing her sensual collarbones. Her face had sharp features, with no unnecessary expressions on it. Her gaze was cold, yet somehow attractive. Meanwhile, Qimait had a different style: delicate features, golden hair, and two earrings in his left ear. He resembled the charming princes from anime, yet also had a gentle side. But those who knew him well understood that, deep down, he was quite fickle.

Madre Summer walked over to the table and sat down. She said to the waiter, “Two whiskies, please.” Her deep, pleasant voice attracted the attention of several girls in the vicinity.

“You really should have told me when you were coming back,” Madeline Summer picked up the glass of wine brought by the waiter and took a sip. “That way, I could have gone to pick you up.”

“What’s the big deal? There’s no need to go to such lengths,” Qimait waved his hand and said with a smile. “You know, I’ve never liked to bother others. By the way, are you really not busy these days?”

“Hmm, it’s much easier now than before,” Madeline Summer nodded. “A few years ago, my father wasn’t in good health. I had to handle almost all the responsibilities at the company by myself. Now that he can help me out, I have more time to rest.”

“That’s good to hear,” Qimait smiled. Then, changing the subject, he looked at him with a curious expression. “By the way, let me ask you something. Last time you were in France, you told me that you planned to go on a blind date upon returning to your country. How did it go? Did anything happen?”

Madre Summer glanced at him helplessly. “Since when did you become such a gossip? You act like a girl.”

“Aren’t I just worried about you?” Qimait said with a smile. “Come on, tell me what happened.”

“Canceled,” said Madre Summer indifferently, in a tone that suggested she was talking about someone else’s affairs.

“Canceled?” Qimait was shocked. He almost spat the wine in his mouth. “No way! Last time you told me about this, you seemed so serious. I thought for sure you’d go.”

“Nothing’s impossible,” Madeline Summer shrugged. “You must know that girl’s father. He’s the chairman of Hansen Bank, Drake Hansen.”

“Hansen Bank?” Zimmet’s eyes lit up. “I see. She must be the daughter of the Hansen family, right? I heard she’s in college now. I haven’t met her yet.”

“Hmm,” Madeline Summer nodded. “I met her once when I was a child. She seemed quite cute. I’m not sure how she looks now. After all these years, she must have changed a lot.”

“What if she hasn’t changed at all? What if she’s still a beautiful woman?” Qimait said with a smile. “No, I have to get to know her. A girl with such a great background and who might also be beautiful? I can’t miss out on that.”

“Stop it already,” Madre Summer shook her head helplessly. “Mind your own business and stop trying to pick on girls all the time. By the way, since you’ve been back, have you encountered anything interesting? Or… any beautiful girls?”

When mentioned were beautiful women, Qimai’s lips curled into a smile as he said slowly, “Of course. On my first day back, I saved a very pretty girl. She was extremely lovely and had a delicate personality.”

“Oh? It seems you’re in luck with the opposite sex then?” Madeline Summer raised an eyebrow, her tone slightly teasing.

“Not bad, I guess,” Qimait smiled. “But it’s nothing special really. It was just a brief encounter. Oh, never mind that. How about playing pool tonight? Your favorite game, right? Let’s play a few rounds.”

“What time is it?” Madeline Summer glanced at her watch and smiled helplessly.

“What’s there to be afraid of? You’re not busy anyway,” Qimait pulled him by the arm, urging him on. “Come on, let’s go. It’s been so many years since we played pool together. I’ve almost forgotten how good you are at it.”

“Fine,” Madre Summer nodded helplessly. “I’ll play a couple of rounds with you then.”

The two of them stood up, laughing, and headed toward the billiard room. Neither of them could have imagined that this reunion after a long separation would indirectly lead to an unexpected encounter.