I'm competing with the male lead for the supporting character. [GL]

Chapter 9: World One

The next afternoon, Mu Bai watched as Fu Xing left the CEO's office, and she found an excuse to cut her work short, just like last time. She followed him in her car.

In an effort to make up for the previous missed appointment, Fu Xing chose the same private restaurant, arriving five minutes early.

However, unlike the last time, Sheng Qingyin didn't arrive ahead of time. Instead, she arrived right on time, in the last minute as agreed, and stepped out of her car.

"Brother Fu Xing," Sheng Qingyin greeted him. Her smile was still present, but it was less enthusiastic than last time.

"Sure, let's go inside," Fu Xing replied, seemingly oblivious to any change in her demeanor. He extended his arm, and as Sheng Qingyin took it, they walked inside together.

Mu Bai closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and set an alarm for herself. She then reclined her seat and closed her eyes to rest.

-

Upon seeing the identical private room and dishes, Sheng Qingyin couldn't help but think of Mu Bai. The lingering scent of the osmanthus sachet even brought a smile to her face.

"Qingyin, this is a token of apology from me. I won't break my promise this time," Fu Xing said after noticing her smile. He felt relieved to see her respond positively and mentally eased up on his guard.

It seemed that Sheng Qingyin still had a soft spot for him, and as long as he made a little effort, she would forget the previous unhappiness and continue to stick with him.

Sheng Qingyin retrieved her thoughts and set her gaze on the gift box that Fu Xing had pushed over. The packaging was exquisite, and it was evident that the box contained something valuable.

Was it a bracelet, a necklace, or perhaps a pair of earrings?

Various scenarios flashed through Sheng Qingyin's mind. Fu Xing hadn't given her many gifts, but they usually revolved around these three options.

"Thank you," Sheng Qingyin said as she picked up the gift box and placed it into her bag without immediately opening it.

Fu Xing's hand paused, and he asked, "Aren't you going to open it? I'd like to know if you like this gift."

Sheng Qingyin blinked, then took the gift box out once more. Under Fu Xing's attentive gaze, she untied the decorative colorful string and then lifted the lid.

"Is this a pink diamond?" Sheng Qingyin was momentarily surprised. It was the first time Fu Xing had given her a pink diamond.

"Yes, you've always liked pink diamonds, haven't you? I bought this one for you at an auction," Fu Xing said with a smile. "Many people were interested in bidding on it, and I had to spend one million to secure it."

As soon as he mentioned the auction and one million, the pieces fell into place for Sheng Qingyin. The pink diamond Fu Xing had given her was the same 2.3-carat pink diamond she had seen on the official website.

"Thank you, I love it," Sheng Qingyin expressed her gratitude with a smile, though her emotions ran deeper than her words.

"It's lovely," Sheng Qingyin said with appreciation. But in the back of her mind, she couldn't help but compare this pink diamond with the 2.9-carat pink diamond she received from Mu Bai, which was larger and more impressive. Despite transferring one and a half million to Mu Bai afterward, she still saw that pink diamond as a gift from Mu Bai.

"It's good that you like it," Fu Xing nodded in satisfaction. He didn't engage in much conversation during the meal, other than occasionally commenting on the dishes. After the dinner, they hadn't exchanged more than twenty sentences.