Red House, Violet.
The two sat facing each other. Su Ping Nan smiled, "I've traveled far and wide, but this is my first time having a proper Western meal."
Li Luo Ran playfully smiled back, "My family is ordinary, this is my first time too. What do we do?"
Su Ping Nan's eyes burned with sincerity, "Everything has a first time. It's wonderful. The world is full of wonders. Shall we explore it together?"
Li Luo Ran lowered her head, a faint smile gracing her lips, "This is only our second meeting."
Su Ping Nan looked at the black and white clad waiter in front of him, his demeanor natural, "I'm pursuing a girl, but I don't understand French cuisine. Today, just order according to your taste. Make it elegant."
The waiter had worked at the restaurant for many years, but this was the first time he encountered such a customer. He carefully looked at the young man before him. Su Ping Nan's face was calm, his confidence radiating outwards. He didn't feel any shame about not knowing French food, and was completely at ease.
"Alright, sir. I will make the arrangements. Would you like me to introduce the dishes?"
The waiter vaguely...
"Alright." Su Ping Nan nodded, his eyes fixed on Li Luo Ran, who was blushing.
"Some people spend a lifetime knowing each other but remain wary. Others meet once and it lasts a lifetime. Why do we have to act like those ordinary, childish lovers?"
Su Ping Nan's tone was sincere. He continued, looking at Li Luo Ran, "I'm a man of the world, with ingrained habits. Love is different from other pursuits. We meet unexpectedly, a simple cross and a vertical stroke. Often, I'm lost, truly lost in it all."
Li Luo Ran, her eyes shimmering, met Su Ping Nan's gaze directly. "I'm just an ordinary girl from an ordinary family. Will you regret this?"
Su Ping Nan's voice was firm, "Ping Nan has been through hardship and danger, but he has finally found his footing. If there's anything that brings me joy, it's meeting you."
Li Luo Ran's cheeks flushed red. Her voice was almost inaudible, "Your gift isn't it eight pieces? Where's the last one? I've accepted it."
Su Ping Nan was overjoyed. The final piece of the Harry Winston "Forever" series was the HW engagement ring, a classic that would last for years. If Li Luo Ran accepted it, he'd be a fool not to understand what it meant.
The old waiter, suddenly struck by inspiration, waved to the orchestra, and a melodious, romantic tune began to play.
Looking at the ring, shining brightly on his middle finger, Su Ping Nan felt a surge of pride. A picturesque world, a beautiful woman. It was truly an achievement to have no regrets in life.
......
The old waiter's service was impeccable. Cold dishes, soup, hot dishes, desserts, everything flowed smoothly. He also gently explained and introduced some knowledge, making both of them feel comfortable and enjoying their meal.
Though Li Luo Ran had agreed, she still felt shy under Su Ping Nan's passionate gaze.
"I'm so clumsy, I don't know how to eat French food. You can't laugh at me."
Su Ping Nan smiled, "The world changes too fast. There are so many things we don't understand. Not knowing this doesn't mean it's something extraordinary. So I'm happy to have met you now. We'll adapt to the world together."
The entire dinner was filled with warmth. Watching Li Luo Ran, Su Ping Nan unconsciously drank a few more glasses of wine, feeling a bit tipsy. He was filled with confidence and said to Li Luo Ran, "Love can sustain you, but that kind of love isn't for me. I'll give you a life beyond your imagination. In three years, I'll bring you into this vibrant metropolis with strength and power."
Li Luo Ran looked at the confident Su Ping Nan, her keen eye catching the weariness in his young face. Her heart warmed, and her gaze softened as she looked at him.
After dinner, Su Ping Nan, being thoughtful, walked her back to her dorm. He only embraced Li Luo Ran tightly as they said goodbye.
Li Luo Ran, experiencing a man's embrace for the first time, ran back to the dorm, her face red.
She opened the door quietly, only to be met by ten pairs of sparkling eyes, wide awake, staring at her.
"Oh no, your composure!" Dan Qing Qing saw the ring on Li Luo Ran's middle finger.
Dong Xuan went straight to the point, "Twenty years of being a good girl, and you couldn't resist this bad boy. The boys outside will cry if they knew you were taken in just two meetings."
Only Du Dan Dan hugged the shy Li Luo Ran affectionately, shouting with joy, "Good sister, I'm going back to Wu Cheng. We can go wherever we want, and those bad boys won't dare mess with us, hahaha!"
The rest of the girls had different expressions. They hadn't been hardened by society and reality yet, and didn't know how far their friend would surpass them in the future. They simply thought Li Luo Ran shouldn't choose such a man, that she should find a boy like them, someone who excelled in academics and would be by her side.
Dan Qing Qing suddenly slapped Li Luo Ran's bottom hard, full of envy, "What a fine cabbage, finally found its pig."
"Make him pay, treat us to a feast!" Zhao Xia, with a mix of regret and joy, chimed in.
Li Luo Ran, with a gentle smile, swatted away Dan Qing Qing's hand, "He's busy. I'll treat you all."
The girls booed and started to scold her for prioritizing love over friendship.