Love of CEO

19.

The lively chatter at the table filled the café as everyone immersed themselves in their conversations. Nie Huaisang and Jiang Cheng were bickering over some random topic, their voices playful but loud enough to draw amused glances from nearby patrons.

On the other side, Xui Ching and Lan Xichen were engrossed in a discussion about departmental lesson plans for the upcoming week, in that Xichen was also observing Ching with admiration.

Meanwhile, Lan Wangji had his own agenda. His piercing eyes rarely left Wei Ying, and he was subtly teasing him with low whispers, playful remarks, and occasional brushes of his hand under the table—careful to avoid anyone’s notice. Wei Ying, however, was struggling. His face was a mix of emotions: pouting from irritation yet tinged with a faint blush that betrayed his flustered state.

Why is he affecting me like this? Wei Ying thought, biting his lip. Wangji's words had an uncanny ability to fluster him, even when he tried to shrug them off. The calm yet mischievous aura of the man beside him was proving difficult to ignore.

Suddenly, a new voice interrupted the moment. "Hello everyone! Glad to see all of you," a boy greeted with a polite bow.

Everyone turned to see who it was, and Wangji’s brows furrowed slightly in confusion. The boy looked young, his appearance suggesting he was still in high school. He wore a neatly pressed high school uniform and had a bright, earnest smile on his face.

“Oh! Wen Ning, you’re here!” Wei Ying exclaimed, his pout vanishing as a wide grin took over his face. The others, including Nie Huaisang and Jiang Cheng, greeted the boy warmly, clearly familiar with him.

“Good to see you, Wen Ning,” Jiang Cheng said, his usual stern tone softening slightly, something that didn’t escape Wangji’s notice.

Lan Wangji, however, observed the boy silently, his gaze calm but curious. 'Who is this?' he thought. It was evident from everyone’s reactions that this boy was well-liked by the group.

Wen Ning nodded politely, his shy smile barely visible as he greeted everyone. Before anyone could speak further, a voice called out from the counter.

“A’Ning!”

A girl approached the group, dressed in a café apron and a red cap. “Oh, thank goodness you’re here! It’s so busy today, and I need your help immediately,” she said, her tone exasperated.

“Wen Qing, calm down,” Nie Huaisang chimed in, shaking his head with a teasing grin. “The boy just came from school, and you’re already putting him to work? Poor Wen Ning.”

Wen Qing shot him a playful glare before turning to greet the rest of the group. “Hello, everyone—” She suddenly froze mid-sentence, her eyes wide as she stared at Lan Wangji.

“Oh. My. God!” she shrieked, making everyone jump.

Startled, Wei Ying nearly fell out of his seat, and Lan Wangji instinctively reached out to steady him. However, Wei Ying quickly brushed his hand off, muttering a low, “Thanks,” while avoiding Wangji’s gaze. As for Xui Ching, he too got startled, and hold the hand beside him. It was Xichen, and he just give polite squeeze to his hand, for giving him comfort.

“What the hell, Wen Qing?” Jiang Cheng asked, standing up abruptly. “Why are you shouting like that?”

But Wen Qing didn’t answer. She pointed at Lan Wangji, her voice trembling with excitement. “L-Lan Wangji… The great Lan Wangji is in my café! Oh my god, oh my god!” She started bouncing on her feet, her face lit up like she had just seen a celebrity in her small café.

Nie Huaisang burst into laughter but stopped when he looked at Wangji.

Xichen chuckled, “Looks like someone’s a fan, huh? , you’ve got admirers everywhere, Wangji."