Chapter Sixty: I Like Smart People Like You

"Make amends for your mistakes yourself!" Luo Youcong impatiently rolled his eyes at Mo Shaoxing. In this moment, Luo Youcong was a stark contrast to the composed, inscrutable figure he always presented in the business world.

"Yes," Mo Shaoxing replied, head bowed, nodding in acknowledgment. He stood up and walked out directly.

The music in the café was gentle and languid, but Luo Youcong’s heart felt as bleak as though the end of days were approaching.

Now, he had almost no room to turn things around. If Shen Yanlie had been a moment later, he might still have had a chance, but Shen’s tactics far exceeded his expectations, and thus, he found himself in this predicament.

Even so, even if he truly lost, he refused to lose in front of Shen Yanlie. Throughout his life, he never wanted to bow his head before Shen Yanlie, especially with Xie Yunting present!

Luo Youcong sat there in silence, but the hostility radiating from him was hard for anyone to bear. His gaze was cold and fierce, his brow abrupt, his eye sockets deeply set, long lashes veiling his dark eyes with a hint of aloof arrogance and shadowy gloom.

Luo Youcong was not entirely a typical Chinese man. His mother was Eurasian, his grandfather German, so certain features in his appearance stood out: a high bridge of the nose, eye sockets hollow like those of Westerners, ink-black pupils, and long lashes, all lending him a touch of sinister charm. His expression was indifferent, as though a single smile would tug at dozens of facial muscles—he was stingy with his emotions.

He drew out his phone, quickly scrolled through it, and made a call.

Mai Xijun glanced at the number on her phone screen, her heart tangled with uncertainty, but after a moment’s hesitation, she answered.

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Still in the café, Mai Xijun entered and swept her gaze across the room, smiling and nodding cordially at the approaching waiter.

Today, she wore a tailored black suit, seven-centimeter heels accentuating her slender, tall figure. Though not quite model-height, her shape was elegant and refined. The gemstone butterfly scarf around her neck made her look especially capable.

If a woman is not particularly beautiful, she must have a good figure and, above all, good poise. But if a woman possesses both beauty and grace, it is truly a match made in heaven. Mai Xijun was already among the best.

"Sit," Luo Youcong gestured slightly to Mai Xijun, his face unchanged, unmoved.

Classical music played in the café, winding softly through the air. The waiter, unhurried and deft, placed the coffee before Mai Xijun’s seat, then quietly turned away.

During this time, Luo Youcong kept stirring his spoon, but Mai Xijun could tell he had been sitting here for quite some time—his coffee had long since cooled, though he had asked for it to be replaced before she arrived.

"The day after tomorrow, you’ll be off to Paris. Before you leave, is there anything you especially want to do but haven’t managed yet? ...I can help you," Luo Youcong set down his spoon and focused on the woman before him. Her refined face, lightly made up, was stunningly beautiful; he wondered how he had failed to notice her elegance and fresh allure before.

With a gentle smile, Mai Xijun stirred her coffee. The rich aroma wafted to her nose as the coffee swirled in the cup, the ripples pleasing to the eye. "My dream is to study in Paris and become an outstanding, qualified designer. Beyond that, I suppose there’s nothing else."

She spoke softly. Whether or not Luo Youcong was still her boss or supervisor, he had once helped her out of difficulty and embarrassment. Whatever others said about him, she remained grateful—though he neither needed nor wanted her gratitude.

She raised a hand to lightly scratch her brow, as if weighing something, but Luo Youcong spoke up, "Haven’t you always wanted to find your mother? I can help you..."

Mai Xijun was clearly startled for a moment, but quickly realized what Luo Youcong had just said. She lowered her head, so from Luo Youcong’s angle, he could only see her long lashes and the smile at her lips.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Luo," Mai Xijun replied with a reserved smile, though only she knew how much he understood her—it could hardly be mere happenstance, especially for men like Luo Youcong and Shen Yanlie.

"Perhaps, I can help you find her," Luo Youcong responded calmly, lifting his cold coffee and taking a sip. The aroma outweighed the bitterness. He continued to gaze earnestly at Mai Xijun.

As she expected. "What can I do for you in return, Mr. Luo?"

Luo Youcong’s icy demeanor melted instantly; he laughed heartily, robust and clear, "I like smart people like you!"

Hearing this, Mai Xijun pressed her lips together, her smile radiant.