Mysteries:Lord Of The Dream Realm

Chapter 5:Peng Deng

"At the intersection of Linping Road and Chong'an Street, opposite the Jinxiu Nianhua community..." Meng Xian murmured to herself as she got off the bus, her eyes scanning her surroundings. The bustling streets and the early morning sunlight painted a vibrant picture, blending seamlessly with the mental map she had formed earlier. She compared the landmarks and buildings with the details in her memory, crafting a navigation route to her destination.

After confirming the route, she began walking with purpose, her steps light yet steady. The cool morning breeze brushed against her face, bringing with it the scents of nearby food stalls and the distant hum of traffic. It didn't take long for her to spot the restaurant. "The first floor of No. 770 Chong'an Street," she read out quietly, matching it with the address Zhou Mingrui had given her. Her gaze lifted to the sign above the entrance, "Wang Er Hotpot Grilled Fish."

Meng Xian nodded to herself, satisfied that she had arrived at the right place. She pulled out her phone, checking the time on the screen saver. It was 10:47 in the morning on the 12th, a full thirteen minutes ahead of her 11 o'clock meeting with Zhou Mingrui. Punctuality was one of her habits, a trait she prided herself on. It allowed her a buffer for any unforeseen circumstances, ensuring she never had to rush or panic.

She was dressed in a simple white blouse and a grey loose skirt that flowed just below her knees, a sling bag hanging casually over her shoulder, and white sneakers completing her look. Her long hair, usually tied in a practical ponytail for work, cascaded freely down her back today, adding a touch of casual elegance to her appearance.

Taking a deep breath, Meng Xian pushed open the door and stepped into the restaurant. The interior was alive with activity—clattering dishes, bubbling hot pots, and the chatter of patrons filled the air. The warm, inviting aromas of grilled fish and spicy broth mingled, creating a homely and welcoming atmosphere.

As she navigated through the bustling crowd, searching for Zhou Mingrui, she heard a familiar voice calling out, "Meng Xian, this way!"

Meng Xian turned her head and saw Zhou Mingrui sitting at a window seat not far away. He was waving energetically and standing up, his friendly demeanor unmistakable even from a distance. As Meng Xian approached, she noticed that Zhou Mingrui wasn't alone. Across from him sat a young man who appeared to be around the same age. He had a strikingly handsome face and was engrossed in his phone. When their eyes met, he looked up, offering a polite and slightly curious smile.

Meng Xian took a moment to study the young man, her gaze lingering as she processed the new encounter. Just then, Zhou Mingrui, having spotted her approach, made his way over to her. He placed a friendly hand on her shoulder, guiding her towards the table.

"Meng Xian, go ahead and sit down. I'll let the waiter know we're ready for our order," Zhou Mingrui said, his voice cheerful despite the slight flush on his cheeks.

Meng Xian nodded, her curiosity piqued as she walked towards the young man. As she approached, the young man stood up, putting his phone aside with a practiced ease. He extended his hand in greeting, a warm and confident smile gracing his features.

"Hello, I'm Peng Deng, Zhou Mingrui's childhood friend," he said, his tone friendly and sincere.
"Although this is our first meeting, I've heard quite a bit about you from Mingrui."
Peng Deng grinned. "It's good to finally meet you."

Peng Deng's grin widened, and for a moment, Meng Xian felt a strange undercurrent in his words. There was something almost teasing in the way he spoke.

Before she could ponder further, Zhou Mingrui's sudden coughing fit drew her attention. She turned to see him with a slight flush on his face, clearly trying to regain his composure.