Shen Heping saw people arrive and, ignoring Song Xi, went to meet them.
"Mr. Lou, you're finally here. I thought you'd stand me up."
"I was delayed on the road." Lou Yuming paced forward, brushing past Song Xi, his peripheral vision catching the wine stains on her, then quickly retracting.
Shen Heping poured Lou Yuming a glass of wine, his tone somewhat fawning. "You speak as if I arranged this too hastily. Thanks to Elder Sun's influence, I'm already immensely grateful you've graced us with your presence."
He certainly knew how to speak prettily.
Lou Yuming took a sip of the red wine. Perhaps the taste wasn't to his liking, as he didn't touch it again after putting it down. Looking at Shen Heping and Song Xi, he said with a hint of amusement, "Mr. Shen certainly knows how to enjoy himself, even bringing someone to liven things up."
Shen Heping only then reacted and quickly called Song Xi forward. "Come here, Xi'er, quickly greet Mr. Lou."
What a nightmare! How could she run into this big shot Lou Yuming everywhere she went!
Song Xi pursed her lips, saying nothing.
"Xi'er?" Shen Heping was displeased at her lack of reaction. "She's just a young girl who hasn't seen much of the world. Mr. Lou, please don't mind her. Go change your clothes quickly, lest you spoil Mr. Lou's mood."
Song Xi seemed to have grasped a lifeline and turned to leave.
"Wait."
Lou Yuming watched her flustered back, smiling understandingly. "I'm not picky. This is fine, it's quite good."
Shen Heping felt a bit uneasy. "If that's the case, Xi'er, come back."
Song Xi instantly fell from heaven to hell.
The two men chatted idly, mostly Shen Heping talking, with Lou Yuming occasionally offering a word or two, which was enough to satisfy him.
Later, Shen Heping noticed Lou Yuming seemed quite interested in Song Xi, glancing at her several times. He even proactively asked, "I wonder how the two of you met?"
Shen Heping held nothing back. "Naturally, it was here. Xi'er is well-behaved and sensible, just a bit timid. I met her for the first time today, and I found her quite special."
"Is that so?" Lou Yuming's gaze was meaningful. "I find her quite bold. Perhaps, if one isn't careful, she might just climb onto the roof."
Shen Heping was taken aback. "Mr. Lou is truly fond of joking. Xi'er isn't a cat."
"That's true. Even with sharp claws, a cat can't become a tiger."
While saying these words, he stared intently at Song Xi the entire time, making her hide behind Shen Heping before he slightly restrained himself.
Song Xi felt a prickling sensation on her back, always feeling that Lou Yuming's words were directed at her.
She was nervous, yet also afraid that he would stop beating around the bush at any moment and expose her directly. If that were the case, it would be better to get it over with quickly, rather than tormenting her like this, on and off.
"Oh, right. I've always heard that Mr. Lou enjoys listening to music. Xi'er is an accomplished musician. Why not let her perform something for you to entertain yourself?" Shen Heping suggested.
He had even inquired about such things. Lou Yuming's eyes flashed with coldness. He raised an eyebrow. "Xi—'er—"
He paused deliberately and asked, "What tunes do you know?"
Shen Heping took the opportunity to push Song Xi forward.
Song Xi stumbled a couple of steps before regaining her balance, her lips slightly pale. "Any, any will do."
Lou Yuming reached out. Song Xi instinctively took a step back, only to find him lightly smoothing her skirt with his fingertips.
"Then how about 'The Ballad of the Pipa'?"
He looked up at her, his gaze intense and dark. Song Xi's heart skipped a beat, and she was flustered and at a loss.
Shen Heping also noticed Lou Yuming's action, his expression filled with delight.