Some people suspected that Zhao Han might like Qin Chuan, a reaction that was indeed puzzling. If so, it meant Zhao Han had fallen for Qin Chuan at first sight.
While a bit melodramatic, it wasn't impossible, as Qin Chuan was very handsome, a rare find among men, and incredibly capable.
These two qualities alone would be enough to attract a girl, provided Zhao Han was a girl—a point they weren't considering now.
The problem was that Qin Chuan didn't seem to reciprocate, which surprised many, who felt he was playing hard to get.
However, Zhao Han saw the indifference in Qin Chuan's eyes; he didn't seem to care about her at all, even knowing she was a woman.
Sometimes, even women themselves can't understand their own strangeness, let alone men. Many men boast about understanding women better than women understand themselves.
That's nonsense. Women don't even understand themselves, how can you understand them? At
this moment, Zhao Han told herself that she didn't like him, so why bother? Why did his indifference make her uncomfortable?
Qin Chuan hesitated for a long time before slowly nodding: "Okay! Since you're treating, remember to pay the bill."
Qin Chuan spoke earnestly.
*Thump!
* Countless people around them knelt down upon hearing Qin Chuan's words.
For a moment, they were speechless, only their actions conveying their feelings.
They knelt!
Zhao Han stared blankly at Qin Chuan, his serious expression making her wonder if she had misheard.
She couldn't tell if he was joking, but his expression clearly indicated it wasn't.
"Of course, since I'm treating you to dinner, I'll pay. Don't worry, I won't make you pay," Zhao Han said through gritted teeth. Qin Chuan
nodded: "Let's go!"
Amidst the astonished stares of those around him, and their bewildered expressions, he calmly left.
Zhao Han was a little flustered; she kept trying to calm herself down.
A high-end restaurant.
Qin Chuan and Zhao Han sat in a private room. It was spacious, bright, and clean—a very pleasant environment overall.
There was a large window offering a view of the street below.
It was on the fifth floor, neither too high nor too low, and looking down at the diverse crowd below was quite an experience.
Zhao Han poured the wine, and the dishes were already served—exquisite small dishes, exceptionally clean, and overall very tidy.
"My name is Zhao Han. I know you must have some misunderstanding about our Zhao family. Zhao Hao doesn't represent the Zhao family. The Zhao family's success today isn't as bad as you think."
Qin Chuan shook his head and smiled. "What the Zhao family is like has nothing to do with me, and I don't care. I wonder what brings you here?"
Qin Chuan's words were rather blunt, indicating he had no desire to waste time with Zhao Han.
Zhao Han felt uncomfortable again. Was she really that bad? Was she really that annoying?
"Do you have a problem with me? Or with the Zhao family? Don't tell me you treat everyone like this? I admit it was wrong of me to attack you before." Zhao Han looked at Qin Chuan.
Qin Chuan simply disliked the way large families operated—whenever someone in their own family had a problem, they attacked without considering the reason.
If he hadn't been stronger, it probably wouldn't have been just a matter of spitting out blood; that blow, if it had been someone weaker, would likely have been fatal.
While Yuan Su was in greater danger back then, there were reasons for it, and Qin Chuan felt he was at fault, so he didn't take it to heart.
But today is different. Even if Qin Chuan doesn't hold grudges, he doesn't intend to so easily try to win someone over; there's no need.
They're from two different worlds, so why force himself? Besides, he doesn't gain anything from it. Since that's the case, it's better to draw a clear line early.
"I'll say it again, I don't know you, and I have no opinion about your Zhao family. This place is just a passing phase in my life; it means nothing to me, and I don't want to waste too much of my life here," Qin Chuan said softly.
This sentence completely expressed Qin Chuan's attitude. This is just a place he's traveling through, and he'll leave soon. Everything here is just scenery to him, a fleeting scene. When he leaves, he won't take anything with him.
Zhao Han now understands why Qin Chuan treats her this way—because he hasn't integrated into this place, nor has he ever thought of integrating.
Zhao Han looks at Qin Chuan: "I haven't thought about staying here either, and I won't have any designs on you. I'm a lonely person; you should be able to tell."
Qin Chuan doesn't speak, but listens quietly.
"I don't have anything important to say to you. Please don't tell anyone about my identity; I don't like trouble. Also, I just wanted to try to be friends with you. Like I said, I have no ulterior motives towards you."
"Then why do you want to be friends with me? Just because I ran into you?" Qin Chuan asked seriously.
He needed to get to the bottom of this, and he had to bring it up, even though it would be awkward for both of them. Qin Chuan wasn't afraid; at most, this would be the end of it.
Zhao Han lowered her head slightly, gritting her teeth, but still nodded: "Yes!"
"You're not open-minded?" Qin Chuan hadn't expected her to admit it so readily.
"It's not that I'm open-minded; I don't like you, not at all. I'm just lonely and want to find someone to talk to and drink with," Zhao Han said.
Qin Chuan frowned slightly: "I'm sorry, you're just looking for someone to talk to and drink with. I'm not the person you're looking for."
Zhao Han frowned slightly. She quickly realized that her words had been too forceful, or rather, made people uncomfortable, but she still felt wronged.
After all, he knew she was a girl, and she hadn't asked him to do anything excessive. Although she had said that, it should have been an honor for him, but he…
sighed slightly, "I understand, I'm sorry."
The atmosphere became awkward; they couldn't exchange a single word. They were completely at odds.
Meanwhile, Qin Chuan was still eating and drinking, seemingly quite at ease. Zhao Han had actually wanted to leave, but seeing Qin Chuan so relaxed made her curious.
What kind of person was this guy? Talking to her like that, yet eating so comfortably and freely.
She couldn't eat, so she simply watched Qin Chuan eat. It was the first time she had ever looked at a man like this, so closely.
She found him truly beautiful, the kind of beauty that grows on you—natural, sincere, serene, and with a subtle, ethereal quality and carefree spirit.
Perhaps it was this quality that made her give way several steps. Did he really think she liked him?
He shook his head.