Chapter 2676 It’s raining in Nancheng tonight 37

At the dinner, all the attendees were longtime partners who knew each other well and chatted freely without any restraint.

Ning Xuming hadn't met with everyone for a while because he was working on a separate project. During the meeting, they inevitably talked about many industry topics and work details that only insiders would understand.

Logically, adult dinner parties usually take into account the feelings of everyone present, and this situation should not occur.

Jin Chen could easily see through Ning Xuming's thoughts, but she didn't mind and didn't insist on joining the conversation. She sat quietly next to Xie Linzhou.

Ning Xuming then recounted some amusing anecdotes from their time working in Milan, and Jin Chen's fingertips gently touched Xie Linzhou's hand under the table.

Xie Linzhou glanced to the side and saw his hand being grasped by Jin Chen, who gently stroked his knuckles under the table where no one else could see.

Jin Chen's palms were always a little warmer than Xie Linzhou's, pressing against his skin. His fingers twitched slightly but didn't pull back.

"Are you getting a little bored?" Xie Linzhou asked Jin Chen, turning his head to the side.

Jin Chen lazily propped her chin up with her hand, turned to look at him, her eyes filled with a nonchalant weariness.

"Yes, a little. Let's slip away and go on a date."

He was always aloof to outsiders, but his current lazy and casual demeanor had a unique appeal, making Xie Linzhou want to get closer and kiss him.

Xie Linzhou chuckled, picked up a piece of candied potato coated in sugar threads, and held it to Jin Chen's lips. "It's so late, where do you want to go on a date?"

Fang Ming, who was sitting nearby, had sharp ears and switched his attention from the team's chat to gossip mode.

"What? We're having a nice meal here, and you two are secretly plotting to go on a date?"

This led the conversation to the two of them.

After all, gossiping about the boss is obviously more exciting than reminiscing about the hard work on the project.

Xiang Wenqing also became interested, "There are quite a few places to go on a date in the south of the city at night."

Jin Chen pretended to listen attentively and looked at Xiang Wenqing: "Explain in detail."

Ning Xuming lowered his eyes, silently scooped up a spoonful of soup and put it in his mouth, his gaze sweeping thoughtfully over Jin Chen.

Thinking to himself that this person seemed cold and indifferent, but was actually quite perceptive, Ning Xuming didn't intend to continue the topic he had just started. Instead, he turned to Xie Linzhou and asked in a normal tone, "Speaking of which, didn't you always say you wanted to visit Pingshan again? You haven't had time to do so since you returned to Nancheng this time, have you?"

A hint of nostalgia appeared on Xie Linzhou's face. "Well, I haven't found the right time yet."

Locals prefer to call it Ping An Mountain. The mountain range stretches across the border between Nancheng and the neighboring city. There are always things to do at the office, making it difficult to make a trip due to hesitation.

Ning Xuming smiled and said, "Compared to staying in a bustling city, you really do prefer to go to the mountains and the sea. This habit... is not easy for others to notice."

He changed the subject slightly, his gaze sweeping over Jin Chen almost imperceptibly, "It's not surprising that Mr. Jin might not be aware of this."

Hearing this, An Yu, who was sitting next to him, subconsciously looked at Xie Linzhou, then glanced at Jin Chen, and gently nudged Ning Xuming with her elbow, "Why are you saying this? It's so strange."

Jin Chen's lips curled slightly. He gripped Xie Linzhou's hand, tightening his grip a little, and asked in a low voice, "Want to go to Ping'an Mountain?"

Xie Linzhou's eyes lit up with anticipation. "Hmm, I used to go there often when I was looking for inspiration. Shall we go together sometime?"

"No need to specifically find a time." Jin Chen glanced at his phone screen, which showed 7:12 PM.

"Are you full?" he asked.

Xie Linzhou vaguely realized something, and his heart beat faster.

Jin Chen: "It takes about five hours to drive from here to the top of Ping An Mountain. If we set off now, we will arrive in the early morning and be able to see the starry sky and sunrise at the top of the mountain at the same time."

Fang Ming exclaimed, "Holy crap, they're just leaving like that?"

Ning Xuming was somewhat taken aback and subconsciously reminded him, "Aren't you going to make any arrangements? There might be more tomorrow..."

"Go." Xie Linzhou smiled and interrupted Ning Xuming before he could finish speaking, agreeing readily.

He then stood up and said to the team members present, "You can continue eating, I've already paid the bill."

Xiang Wenqing smiled and waved, "Long live the boss! Wishing you a super romantic night!"

As Jin Chen left the private room, he briefly brushed past Ning Xuming, who was sitting there, and patted his shoulder, saying, "Thank you."

Ning Xuming: "..."

He froze, watching Xie Linzhou's joyful figure disappear around the corner of the corridor, and the inexplicable anticipation in his heart dissipated.

Ning Xuming leaned back in his chair, somewhat dejected, and understood the deeper meaning behind Jin Chen's "thank you"—it was a warning to stop short of saying too much.

Oh well, he thought. At least Jin Chen showed some leniency by not exposing him to his face, so that he and Xie Linzhou wouldn't even be able to remain friends in the future.

This man is really... Ning Xuming shook his head with a wry smile. He is deep in thought and his methods are also very clever.