Madam, Please Behave

Chapter 90: First Encounter

Liu Changqing narrowed his eyes.

It was his first time seeing Li Chongming since arriving in this world.

Dressed in a sharp suit, with an expensive-looking watch on his wrist, his slicked-back hair shining under the light, and sharp, sculpted features, he certainly appeared handsome. But he was disappointingly short—barely taller than Liu Changqing’s son and slightly shorter than Li Wanran, who was wearing heels.

This?

“This place won’t do. Let’s find another spot,” Chen Dafu suggested, seemingly trying to spare Liu Changqing some discomfort. He turned back toward the car, but his hand froze mid-air before opening the door. He turned, stunned, as Liu Changqing grabbed his arm.

“What are you doing? Let’s just leave!” Chen hissed, walking quickly back to Liu Changqing and whispering in his ear.

“Aren’t we here for food? Why leave?” Liu Changqing responded calmly.

“You’re nuts!”

Liu Changqing ignored him, releasing his hold and striding forward.

Stopping in front of the pair, he glanced briefly at Li Wanran before turning his gaze to Li Chongming. A smile crept across his face.

“So, you’re the famous Li Chongming. I’ve heard much about you but never had the pleasure of meeting you in person. Now that I see you, you truly are dashing and distinguished.”

After a pause, Liu Changqing clicked his tongue.

“Though you’re a bit short. What are you, 160 centimeters?”

“Ha ha, you must be Liu Changqing,” Li Chongming chuckled lightly, seemingly unbothered by the jab. He extended a hand toward Liu Changqing.

“I’ve heard about you from Wanran. We were even schoolmates, weren’t we?”

“I do recall that,” Liu Changqing said, glancing at the offered hand but refusing to shake it. Instead, he examined the faint red slap mark on Li Chongming’s cheek, his smile deepening.

“Honeymoon phase over already? It’s only been a little over a month, and you’re already getting slapped?”

Liu Changqing turned to Li Wanran, his tone teasing.

“Wanran, you didn’t hold back, did you? Even with your first love, you went all out. Look at his face—the mark’s still there. How’s he supposed to charm young girls with that?”

“Liu Changqing!” Li Wanran’s face darkened, her voice rising.

“Can’t you stop acting like a child and saying such ridiculous things?”

“I’m just offering heartfelt advice. If this is your version of playful banter, who am I to comment?”

Turning away from Li Wanran, Liu Changqing locked eyes with the unflinching Li Chongming.

Truthfully, Liu Changqing wanted to punch him—not for Li Wanran’s sake, but for An Yuanyao.

That woman sacrificed so much for this guy?

“Well then, I won’t interrupt your meal. Let’s catch up another time.”

Without waiting for a response, Liu Changqing turned and walked into the restaurant.

Chen Dafu stared in disbelief before hurrying to catch up.

Standing still, Li Chongming watched Liu Changqing disappear into the doorway, his expression unreadable.

Feeling a tug on his arm, he turned to see Li Wanran looking concerned.

“Don’t take it personally. He...”

“It’s fine,” Li Chongming said with a smile, shaking his head as if to reassure her. After a brief pause, he added, “That man with him, isn’t he Chen Jianguo’s son? What’s he doing with Liu Changqing?”

“I’m not sure... Maybe they met at some banquet? I’ve heard Chen Dafu’s a troublemaker, so it’s not surprising they get along.”

“I see.”

Li Chongming dismissed the thought, regarding them as mere nobodies.

---

Following a kimono-clad server through the restaurant’s corridors, Liu Changqing and Chen Dafu entered a private room.

Looking at the exotic decor, Liu Changqing let out a sigh.

“You rich people really know how to live.”

“Just this? You must’ve lived miserably when you were married to Li Wanran,” Chen teased, plopping onto the floor.

Liu Changqing sat down and shrugged.

“Ancient history. Let’s just say the old Liu Changqing was an idiot.”

“You’re something else!” Chen said, stunned for a moment before giving him a thumbs-up.

“It’s my first time seeing someone call themselves an idiot!”

“Enough chatter. Let’s order. I’ve barely eaten this kind of stuff before,” Liu Changqing said, gesturing toward the menu.

“Got it,” Chen said, nodding as he began rattling off dishes to the kneeling server.

After finishing his order, he added a word in Japanese that Liu Changqing didn’t understand. The server bowed and left, pulling the door closed behind them.

Watching her leave, Liu Changqing remarked, “Is everyone here Japanese?”

“Of course not. They’re all locals.”

“I thought so. You order in Chinese, and they answer in Japanese. For a second, I thought I was abroad.”

“The boss is Japanese. Want to meet her?”

“Why would I?”

“She’s pretty.”

“Don’t start. That’s not my thing.”

After a moment of silence, Chen said, “You’re ten years older than me, but sometimes I feel like you’re younger. You’re so sharp—I can’t always keep up with what you’re saying.”

Liu Changqing smiled faintly.

“My mental age is 21.”

“Stop spouting nonsense!” Chen laughed, shaking his head.

“You’re more interesting than I thought. If I’d known earlier, I would’ve chatted with you back when you were still married. Would’ve saved me from my current mess.”

Suddenly, Chen burst out laughing.

“You really had the guts to call Li Chongming short! That was bold.”

“What’s wrong with pointing out someone’s height?” Liu Changqing stretched his legs, feigning confusion.

Still chuckling, Chen leaned closer, dropping his voice.

“Didn’t you notice? He’s not even 170. Those heels on his shoes practically stuck out the back!”

“Huh?” Liu Changqing raised an eyebrow.

“Inserts?!”

“More than one!” Chen cackled, forming a stack with his fingers to show the thickness.

For a moment, Liu Changqing was silent. Then he burst out laughing as Chen mimicked Li Chongming’s walk, complete with exaggerated gestures.

Their laughter filled the room, blending into the faint hum of the restaurant’s ambiance.