Lucky Golden Dragon in the 80s: My Dad? I Switched Him for a Better One novel Chapter 193

Chapter 193: Chapter 193: Putting on a Show

He finished speaking and pointedly watched Shanshan’s face for any signs of anger.

Shanshan stared at him, her suspicious gaze raking him up and down.

Her eyes went from his head to his feet and back to his face, as if trying to gauge how much of what he said she could believe.

But Cao Daqiang’s expression was calm. He stood there, stock-still, refusing to flinch no matter how hard she stared.

His hands hung naturally at his sides, and his expression was open. He truly didn’t look like he was lying.

"So? What do you say? If you’re okay with it, I’ll set it for the afternoon two days from now. We can eat at the restaurant by your school?"

He asked tentatively, his voice a little lower than before, as if he were trying to tread carefully.

"Fine. There it is. See you then."

Shanshan’s reply was crisp, her tone flat—neither enthusiastic nor resistant.

The moment she finished speaking, Shanshan turned and walked away.

Her pace was brisk, and she didn’t look back once as she headed straight for the school gate.

Cao Daqiang had wanted to suggest a fancier place, but he never even got the chance to open his mouth.

He opened his mouth and managed only a single syllable before she vanished from sight.

The truth was, Shanshan had no intention of actually going on a blind date. She was planning to stage a little drama—an "accidental meeting" between Cao Daqiang and Yuan Zhihe.

She had devised this plan long ago and had run through the details several times.

Yuan Zhihe showed up at that restaurant every day, without fail.

She had a habit of arriving at the same time, sitting by the window, and ordering a steak and a fruit tea, which she ate while scrolling through her phone.

She found the school cafeteria too shabby and beneath her, so she had adopted this stylishly decorated restaurant next to campus as her personal dining hall.

The waitstaff all knew her. They would greet her as soon as she walked in and even save her favorite spot.

Today, Shanshan arrived early, every step of her plan already mapped out in her mind.

She chose a corner table with her back to the entrance, but from where she sat, she had a clear view of Yuan Zhihe’s usual spot.

Sure enough, right on schedule, Yuan Zhihe appeared.

She walked in, the crisp sound of her high heels causing a few diners to look up.

She had clearly dressed up for the occasion. A tight dress clung to her figure, and she swayed her hips as she walked in her high heels, like a willow branch in the breeze.

Her slightly curled hair fell over her shoulders, her earrings dangled, and her fingertips were painted a bright, fiery red.

The door opened, and Cao Daqiang walked in with a young man. His eyes swept the room and were immediately drawn to Yuan Zhihe.

His gaze lingered for a few seconds before he reluctantly looked away.

Shanshan felt a wave of disgust and had to fight the urge to roll her eyes. She managed to hold it in, giving Cao Daqiang a stiff nod.

Under the table, she clenched her hands into fists, her nails digging into her palms to remind herself to stay calm.

"This is my daughter, Shanshan. You’ve probably heard of her; she’s been on TV quite a bit these last few years."

As Cao Daqiang made the introduction, his tone held an unconcealable pride, as if her fame reflected on him.

He even puffed out his chest a little as he spoke, as if showing off a personal possession.

"Shanshan, this is Qin Haijun. He’s been working for two years, and he’s with our city’s..."

He turned to the young man, about to continue the introduction.

"That’s enough. I’ll ask him for the details myself. You can go now."

Shanshan waved her hand impatiently, dismissing him on the spot.

She didn’t even look up as she spoke, her eyes fixed on the rim of her water glass.

Cao Daqiang’s face froze. He hadn’t expected her to be so blunt.

He had been waiting nearby for an opportunity to approach, and the moment he saw Yuan Zhihe stumble, he rushed over.

His arm shot out just in time, wrapping around her waist and pulling her firmly against him.

They were suddenly very close. Yuan Zhihe’s face flushed crimson, her lips parted, but no words came out.

Cao Daqiang asked in a low voice if she was alright, his tone dripping with concern.

He didn’t let go immediately. He waited until she had regained her footing, holding her for a few extra seconds before slowly pulling his arm away.

Mission accomplished. Shanshan immediately ceased her covert actions. Her eyes snapped back to the still-babbling Qin Haijun as she stood up, her face cold.

She placed her hands primly on the tabletop, her expression turning serious and stern.

The faint, ghost of a smile she’d worn was gone, replaced by an icy indifference that pushed everyone away.

She shoved her chair back with a loud scrape, finally cutting Qin Haijun off mid-sentence.

"I’m a minor. You dare try anything funny, and I’ll call the cops and have you thrown in jail."

She spoke slowly, enunciating every single word.

With that, she grabbed her backpack, looped the strap around her hand, and turned toward the exit.

"You! But Cao Daqiang said you..."

Qin Haijun was stunned for a moment. He scrambled to his feet, trying to defend himself, his voice a mixture of panic and indignation.

He opened his mouth, as if about to use Cao Daqiang’s name as a shield to absolve himself.

"So if someone farts, you just have to go smell it? Can’t you use your own brain?"

Shanshan cut him off with a roll of her eyes and stormed out.

She didn’t even pause, striding steadily through the crowd.