Hailey Tang smiled, teasing lightly, "You come here often? How do you know these dishes are the most popular?"
Jo Ning smiled faintly, her gaze distant. "I came here a long time ago."
Back then, her big brother was always kind to her—whenever he found something delicious, he'd bring her along to try it.
But things had changed since then…
She quickly pushed those thoughts away and turned the conversation to something lighter, something that didn't tug at old wounds.
Their food arrived not long after. The two of them chatted over steaming plates, enjoying the comfort of good food and easy company.
Hailey mentioned she was planning to go back to school, and Jo Ning's eyes lit up. "Why not apply to my university? Who knows, we might even end up as classmates."
"Really? What's your major?" Hailey asked curiously.
"I'm studying film and television. My dream is to become a director someday."
Hailey's eyes widened in admiration. "Wow, that's amazing!"
Jo Ning blushed. "It's been my dream for a long time. But I want to make films that are a little different from the usual…"
"What kind of different?"
Talking about her passion made Jo Ning glow with energy. "I want to make warm, comforting films. No heartbreak, no endless struggles—just sunshine and joy. Stories that make people feel safe and happy."
Hailey stared at her in awe, completely enchanted.
How beautiful, she thought. Why does Jo Ning's dream sound so bright, so pure? Why don't I have something like that?
It was a bitter realization. She didn't have a dream—she hadn't thought far enough ahead to even imagine one.
"Hailey, do you like movies? Maybe you could study film with me," Jo Ning suggested, her voice hopeful.
Hailey gave an awkward laugh. "I'm not sure what I want yet… I'll have to think about it."
The truth was, she didn't have a clue. She couldn't understand the fire Jo Ning felt, that longing to chase after something meaningful.
Jo Ning smiled. "Then just promise me, pick a major you like. You'll only stay motivated if you're doing something you enjoy."
"…Yeah." Hailey nodded slowly. If only I knew what I liked.
Jo Ning laughed, "Of course, if we ended up as classmates, that would be the best!"
But the brightness in her face vanished the moment she said it.
Her expression froze, eyes going wide as she stared blankly across the restaurant, like someone had just stolen her soul.
Hailey noticed the shift immediately and turned to follow her gaze.
A few tables away, two people were sitting together—Chi Xiyang and Lin Xin'er.
They looked perfectly at ease, chatting and laughing like old friends. The atmosphere between them was relaxed and intimate.
Hailey's eyes narrowed slightly. "Jo Ning? Are you okay? Do you… know them?"
Jo Ning pulled herself out of the daze, forcing a stiff smile. "That man… he's my older brother."
Hailey feigned surprise. "Chi Xiyang is your brother?"
Jo Ning looked equally stunned. "You know my brother?"
"Yeah! And the woman sitting with him—I know her too."
Jo Ning tensed, her hands clenching slightly under the table. "Who is she?"
Her voice trembled, just barely.
She didn't want to hear anything… that would break her.
Hailey, of course, wouldn't say anything that cruel. "Her name's Lin Xin'er. She's a designer at Dongfang Group. Pretty capable, from what I've heard."
Jo Ning let out a shaky breath, visibly relieved. "My brother and the CEO of Dongfang are really close. He visits their office often. Maybe Miss Lin is just one of his work contacts…"
"Probably. If there was something more between them, I'd definitely know," Hailey said casually.
Jo Ning blinked in surprise. "Why would you know?"
Hailey gave a sheepish smile. "Because I'm married to your brother's best friend."
Jo Ning's mouth dropped open. "You mean… Ethan Dong?!"
Her voice came out way too loud.
So loud, in fact, that it caught the attention of both Chi Xiyang and Lin Xin'er.
The two turned toward them in unison, startled expressions on their faces.
Chi Xiyang looked genuinely surprised to see Jo Ning sitting with Hailey. Clearly, this was not a coincidence he had anticipated.
Jo Ning had already locked eyes with him. She squirmed slightly in her seat, clearly uncomfortable.
Then, to Hailey's surprise, Chi Xiyang stood up and began walking toward them.
Lin Xin'er followed close behind.