Su Xiaoxi awkwardly explained, "It's my best friend—she happened to be nearby..."
Lin Yi nodded, his expression still as calm as still water.
In less than five minutes, a ponytailed girl in a bright yellow dress burst into the restaurant like a whirlwind, making a beeline for their table.
"Surprise!" Li Meng threw her arms around Su Xiaoxi before eyeing Lin Yi with open curiosity. "So this is the new colleague?"
"Lin Yi, this is Li Meng, my college roommate," Su Xiaoxi introduced.
Li Meng thrust out her hand. "Hey there, handsome!"
Lin Yi shook it politely and immediately withdrew. Unfazed by his aloofness, Li Meng plopped down beside Su Xiaoxi, her sparkling eyes darting between the two.
"So... you two were *discussing work*?" she asked, her tone dripping with implication.
"Yeah, I was briefing Lin Yi on the project," Su Xiaoxi said, nodding.
"Ohhh~" Li Meng drew out the syllable. "Then why did he *just happen* to order your favorite braised beef rice? Seems like Mr. Lin here knows your tastes pretty well."
Su Xiaoxi nearly choked on her water. "It was a coincidence!"
Li Meng leaned in, whispering—loudly enough for the whole table to hear—"He *totally* likes you! His eyes haven't left you since we got here."
Su Xiaoxi wished the ground would swallow her. As for Lin Yi—she stole a glance—his face remained impassive, though the tips of his ears seemed faintly pink.
"I'll get another dish," Lin Yi announced abruptly, standing and striding toward the counter.
Li Meng pinched Su Xiaoxi's arm excitedly. "Oh my god! He's *so* dreamy! That icy demeanor—it's like he walked straight out of a spy movie!"
"Stop it..." Su Xiaoxi swatted her hand away but couldn't help looking at Lin Yi again. He stood at the counter, his posture straight as a pine tree, an island of quiet intensity amid the noisy crowd.
Lin Yi soon returned with a plate of stir-fried greens and a bowl of soup. He slid the vegetables between the two girls and placed the soup in front of Li Meng.
"Wow, thanks!" Li Meng blinked in surprise. "How'd you know I love seaweed egg drop soup?"
Lin Yi didn't answer, merely inclining his head slightly. The lunch continued in an awkward but lively rhythm—Li Meng chattered about her interview adventures, Su Xiaoxi chimed in occasionally, and Lin Yi remained a silent statue.
"Gotta run—got another interview this afternoon," Li Meng said finally, draining her soup and wiping her mouth. "Mr. Lin, take good care of our Xiaoxi, okay?"