Chapter 53: The Girl Taken as a Scapegoat

The owner of the NS restaurant wiped the cold sweat from his brow, apologizing repeatedly. He had really boasted too much this time—just a few days ago, he had confidently declared that he would invite the most popular star of the moment, the pure-hearted little angel. But after all this time, he still hadn't even managed to find a way to contact her. This was an embarrassment on a grand scale.

What puzzled him even more was that, as the hottest star right now, she hadn't left any contact information behind. Well, not none at all—her Penguin email could still be found on Stardust Platform—but unfortunately, she hadn’t replied to any emails, and he had no idea if she’d even received the private messages he’d sent.

“Are we just going to have come here today for nothing?”

“Why didn’t you tell us in advance?”

“Exactly, we deserve an explanation.”

Luo Chen glanced a bit awkwardly at the embarrassed owner standing in the middle of the hall. He figured the guy had simply failed to get in touch, which led to this mess. Luo Chen was just about to step forward and say a few words to help when he realized it might not be necessary after all.

“Everyone, please! I’m deeply sorry that I couldn’t bring her here today, but—” The young owner wasn’t completely unprepared, or he wouldn’t have let things get this far without even sending a notice.

Seeing the crowd’s anger ease just a little, their eyes fixed on him, he paused, but under the barrage of murderous stares, he quickly caved.

“But I’ve invited another equally mysterious star—”

He hadn’t even finished before the fans erupted in protest. What was the point of inviting someone else? This group was here for the little angel.

“No, we want to see the little angel!”

“Yeah, how can you just bring someone else instead?”

“Exactly, do you think we’re that easy to fool?”

Such a vague excuse could hardly satisfy these fans. Many of them had been preparing for this day, eager for a chance to meet their favorite star—only to find out at the last minute that someone else would be taking her place?

Luo Chen, observing from the side, also felt that the owner had made a poor decision. If he had just explained things properly and maybe offered a free meal, perhaps the situation could have been salvaged. But swapping in a substitute would only further inflame the crowd.

“Calm down, please! The guest I’ve invited is Qiu Shuihan!” Sensing that things were about to spiral out of control, the owner raised his voice, shouting out the name before his restaurant was torn apart by the furious fans.

“What? Qiu Shuihan is coming?”

“Are you serious? I thought Qiu Shuihan never appeared in public?”

“True, but rumor has it she’s quite beautiful.”

“Well, that’s just a rumor, isn’t it?”

“You never know. Apparently an insider leaked some photos.”

“Do you believe that? Qiu Shuihan herself never confirmed it.”

The anger that had been boiling just moments before subsided somewhat. Aside from a few still visibly upset, most of the crowd calmed down.

Seeing the situation begin to ease, the young owner finally breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, he had made some preparations—otherwise, if word got out, he might never be able to run his restaurant again.

Luo Chen curled his lips. Had these fans already forgotten about him?

He knew he hadn’t been a star for long, had never managed a fan club, let alone met with fans, and didn’t even have any contact info available. Honestly, he was already surprised to have amassed so many fans.

“It’s true. She personally agreed to come—she should definitely be here.” The owner had wanted to give a full guarantee, but on second thought, he decided not to overpromise. It would be best to give her a call to confirm.

“Sorry I’m a little late—hope that’s alright?” Just as the owner was beginning to panic, the restaurant door finally opened, and Zhang Shuihan entered, looking slightly apologetic.

Although no one had ever seen Zhang Shuihan’s true face, the moment she walked in, every eye in the room turned to her. At this moment, with her appearance and her beauty, there was no mistaking her for anyone else.

Her features were like those of a painting, long black hair cascading over her shoulders, lips curved in a gentle smile, her exquisite face tinged with a hint of apology. Even in simple, casual clothing, she shone.

“Goddess Shuihan!”

“Goddess!”

“Goddess!”

“I love you, mwah!”

“At last, you’re here! Thank you so much!” Seeing his savior arrive, the young owner finally relaxed, expressing his gratitude in a rush.

After shooting the owner a fierce glare, Zhang Shuihan turned to chat with the surrounding fans. If he hadn’t shamelessly begged for her help—and hadn’t helped her out before—she would never have come so easily.

After exchanging pleasantries with the enthusiastic fans for a while, Zhang Shuihan finally managed to extricate herself, intending to find somewhere to sit.

Surveying the restaurant, now packed to the brim, she couldn’t help but marvel at how many loyal fans the infamous King of Mischief had managed to attract—not a single table was free.

Would she have to share a table?

She frowned slightly, glancing around—then spotted Luo Chen waving to her.

Luo Chen, for his part, hadn’t expected the owner to have so much pull—he’d actually managed to invite the rarely seen Zhang Shuihan to take over the event.

But then, if any star knew of a place whose owner constantly promoted them out of pure goodwill, they’d feel obliged to return the favor. After today, if the NS restaurant owner ever invited him again, Luo Chen would have to give it serious consideration.

Watching Zhang Shuihan frown as she searched for a seat, Luo Chen glanced at the slightly flustered Dai Xinhua beside him, then waved, inviting her over.

Zhang Shuihan shot Luo Chen and the clueless owner a bemused look, then, after a moment’s thought, glared at Luo Chen in exasperation.

Judging by the situation, the owner had no idea that the real guest of honor had been in his restaurant the whole time.

What a farce.

After giving the owner a look of pity, Zhang Shuihan, both embarrassed and annoyed, hurried toward Luo Chen. He clearly knew what was going on, yet refused to step forward, leaving her to take the heat—so infuriating.

Many fans, secretly hoping to share a table with Zhang Shuihan, could only watch in disappointment as she walked past them, all eyes finally settling on Luo Chen, their burning gazes nearly incinerating him on the spot.

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