It was interesting to note that Nan Chen had selected the restaurant where Ning Ran, Feng Minsheng and the kids would dine in. It was the only condition he set for them to see the kids. He must be the one to decide on the restaurant where they would dine in. It was the only way for him to ensure the kids’ safety.
For the kids’ benefit, the restaurant he had selected was the best in the Flower City, which was meant specially for children.
After dropping off Ning Ran and the kids near the restaurant, Cheng Xiangyun drove off immediately. She had no wish to run into Feng Minsheng. Despite knowing that the dinner date was only meant for Ning Ran to clear up the matter with Feng Minsheng, Cheng Xiangyun was still reluctant to let Ning Ran meet that man.
Feng Minsheng was at the restaurant entrance waiting. Upon seeing the children, he was momentarily stunned. It was apparent that they belonged to the Nan family judging by their looks.
“This is Uncle Feng.”
The kids did not greet nor bother to be friendly with him.
Ning Ran did not force them to greet him either.
“The kids are shy to strangers. Sorry about that.”
Feng Minsheng smiled. “It’s okay. Let’s go in.”
There were not many customers in the restaurant as it was way too expensive, given its numerous amenities. An ordinary middle-income family would not be able to afford a meal in the place.
“The staff here said that you’ve ordered the A1 set meal?” Feng Minsheng asked Ning Ran.
“Ah?” Ning Ran was caught off guard but recovered instantly. Nan Chen has ordered the set meal.
“Yes.” Ning Ran nodded hurriedly.
“Then we only need to ask them to serve the food since you’ve already ordered. What do you like to drink?”
“The drink is included in the set meal.”
“Do you come here often?”
“Not often. Only once in a while.”
An awkward silence ensued.
“Darling, what’s your name?” Feng Minsheng looked at Erbao.
Pretending not to hear him, Erbao turned her head and looked away.
“My sister’s name is Ning Sihan. I’m Ning Sirui,” said Dabao to defuse the awkward situation.
There would be an important segment later in which Dabao needed to borrow Feng Minsheng’s phone to play with. So Dabao was trying hard to keep the atmosphere light during the dinner.
“Your surname is Ning?” Feng Minsheng was delighted. Maybe they aren’t the Nan family’s children?
But he understood a second later. They are using Ning Ran’s surname. They should be from the Nan family. Otherwise, they wouldn’t bear such a strong resemblance to the Nan family members.
“Is there a problem if they share the same surname as I?”
“Of course there’s no problem at all.”
The food was then served.
All the dishes looked exquisite. The restaurant had paid meticulous attention to them, ranging from the colors and plating, ensuring that all children would love them.
Of course, being a restaurant that targeted children as their main clientele, it did not serve alcohol, only fruit juice and soda.
“Regarding the incident last time, I’m very sorry to cause you a lot of trouble. It’s all my fault.” Feng Minsheng brought up the incident about the photograph.
Ning Ran did not wish to talk about that incident as she was still bothered by it.
“Forget it. It’s over, so let us not mention it again,” said Ning Ran indifferently.
“I will pay attention next time to ensure that you won’t be hurt again.”
Ning Ran remained silent.
Feng Minsheng continued reminiscing about their past, while Ning Ran mostly kept quiet during the entire conversation.
Dabao finished his food first and sat patiently, waiting for the others to finish.
“Go and play with the other children. I want to chat with your mommy for a while longer.”
“I want to play games on the phone. Mommy, can you lend me your phone for a while?”
“My phone is going flat soon, so you can’t play with it.” Ning Ran rejected his request outright.
“Just a little while.”
“Why don’t you listen? My phone is going flat soon!” Ning Ran berated him.
Dabao put on a look of utter aggrievement.
“I have a lot of games on my phone. You can play them,” said Feng Minsheng, offering his phone to Dabao.
Dabao looked at Ning Ran inquiringly before he took the phone.
“Fine, fine. You can play for a while but not for too long. It’s not good for your eyes.” Ning Ran waved her hands resignedly.
Dabao took the phone and went to one side.
Erbao was restless and went to join the other children to play. Due to her good looks and friendly nature, it did not take her long to blend in with the other children.
“Ran, what’s your situation with that side now?”
“Which side?” Ning Ran asked, pretending not to understand his question.
“The Nan family’s side. You seem to have a lot of interactions with them.”
“Nothing, it’s still the same. Which side are you referring to?” Ning Ran continued to feign ignorance.
“Did they bully you?”
“Why would they bully me? Even if they did, will you stand up for me?” Ning Ran joked.
“Of course. I will always protect you. I’ve made that promise to you before.”
Smiling, Ning Ran replied, “The person we ran into that day in front of the restaurant was Nan Chen. You must have recognized him. Why didn’t you stand up for me then?”
“We didn’t run into any disagreements at that time. Why did I need to stand up for you then?”
“Forget it. I’m only joking. Thank you for your kind intentions. Oh yes, why are you so reluctant in bringing me to see your friends and family?”
“We need to find an opportune timing for that. We just got together. I feel that we need to take things slowly.”
“So when will be an opportune timing? Why is it so difficult? Is it because I have two kids?”
“Of course it isn’t because of the kids. They won’t cause me any trouble. I like children.”
“That’s good.”
Ning Ran sneered to herself. My kids are not ordinary kids. I’m afraid they may cause you trouble in the future.
Dabao waded in on them in the midst of their chat.
He thanked Feng Minsheng after returning his phone.
Ning Ran exchanged a meaningful glance with Dabao, and knew that he had accomplished his task.
“Let’s go.” Ning Ran stood up.
“Let’s sit a while longer. Is there a hurry? The kids are still playing.” Feng Minsheng was reluctant to leave.
“The kids still have to go to school tomorrow morning.”
“Okay. Then let me send you home.”
“No, it’s alright. Someone will send us home,” rejected Ning Ran.
“Let me send you home,” insisted Feng Minsheng.
“There really is no need. You rest early.”
After they came out of the restaurant, the bodyguard who was sent by Qiao Zhan, stepped forward. “Young Mistress, please wait a while. The car is coming now.”
“Ran, are you returning to the Nan family house?” Feng Minsheng asked, looking displeased.
“I have no choice. After the incident, the Nan family has snatched my children’s custody. Do you want to help me to get the custody back?”
“This…”
“Forget it. I know you aren’t capable of it. It is nothing but a lie when you say you want to protect me. You cower at the mention of the Nan family,” scowled Ning Ran, feigning anger.
“I am not. I will think of a plan.”
“Sure. Then I will wait for you to save me.”
At this moment, the car arrived. The chauffeur alighted and opened the car door for Ning Ran.
Ning Ran placed the kids onto the child seats and secured their safety belts before boarding the car herself. She rolled down the window and waved goodbye to Feng Minsheng, who was standing at the roadside. “I will wait for your good news.”
