Chapter 1553: Chapter 1553: We Fell in Love

“Jian Jian, where are your eyes wandering off to?” Chu Liyuan pulled Jian Dan into his arms, sounding a little displeased.

“Uncle, why are you jealous again? I just glanced over briefly, and it was purely an admiration

kind of look–just a normal reaction to spotting a handsome guy.” Jian Dan hugged Chu Liyuan back, placing her chin against his chest and looking up into his eyes as she spoke.

“That’s still not okay. Jian Jian’s eyes should only be on me,” Chu Liyuan said, gently pinching her cheek.

“Even though I don’t mind your public displays of affection, can we save something for the dinner later? You should keep some appetite,” Qiu Zimo said with a slightly helpless tone, curling his mouth.

“Then let’s get to the table quickly. If we take any longer, we might actually get full from all this flirting,” Si Chengze smiled while pulling Qiu Zimo’s hand and heading towards the dining area.

The two followed behind them.

“Uncle, how come you didn’t seem even a little surprised when you saw them together? When I first saw them, I was completely shocked,” Jian Dan asked in a low voice.

“Why would I be surprised?” Chu Liyuan replied indifferently.

“Huh?

Wait, don’t tell me you knew all along!” Jian Dan suddenly recalled what he had said when he pulled her away the last time.

“Not exactly ‘knew,’ just anticipated.”

“You can even predict things like this?” Jian Dan asked, looking at Chu Liyuan with curiosity, her eyes carrying a touch of admiration.

“Because I’ve been through it myself,” Chu Liyuan smirked, lowering his gaze to look at the young woman beside him.

Jian Dan blinked, staring at Chu Liyuan, her face showing utter confusion.

“Because the way Si Chengze looks at Qiu Zimo is exactly how I look at you. When a person loves someone deeply enough, there’s no way to part from them–not even in death. Their fate can only have two outcomes: either being together, or being parted by death.”

“Oh!” Jian Dan nodded, half understanding.

“Alright, your little brain isn’t going to work this one out,” Chu Liyuan chuckled, placing his large hand on her head and ruffling her hair.

“Uncle, you’ve messed up my hairstyle! Besides, I’m super smart, so of course I can understand it!” Jian Dan blinked her innocent and unassuming big eyes at him, flashing a playful look.

Chu Liyuan’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly as he quickly covered Jian Dan’s eyes with his palm, turning his gaze away.

They arrived at the restaurant.

“Wow, look at all this delicious food!” Jian Dan’s eyes sparkled as she stared at the spread of dishes, almost drooling.

“Have a seat. Si Chengze prepared all of this. Give it a taste and see how it is,” Qiu Zimo invited everyone to sit down.

“What? You made all this by yourself?” Jian Dan looked at Si Chengze with admiration.

Si Chengze picked up a wine glass from the table. “Jian Dan, Chu Liyuan, I want to propose a toast to you both. Without you, I might not even be with Zimo right now. So, really, thank you.”

“I didn’t really do much,” Jian Dan said, raising her glass. But just as she was about to drink, Chu Liyuan took the glass from her hand.

“My child’s still too young to drink. I’ll take this one for her,” he said, smoothly taking the glass from Jian Dan.

“Uncle, you’ve been using this excuse since years ago! It’s been so long; I’ve grown up. Why are you still sticking to that?”

“To me, you’ll always be a child,” he said, finishing the wine in Jian Dan’s glass in one gulp, then doing the same with his own.

“Si Chengze, give me your glass. I can’t let Chu Liyuan out-drink me!” Qiu Zimo reached out for Si Chengze’s glass, but Si Chengze deflected him.

“Zimo, our roles have changed now. You’re my woman, so things like drinking on someone’s behalf should fall to me.”

He said this, taking Qiu Zimo’s glass and downing its contents in one go…