Cheng Jia's expression shifted slightly. She bit her lip and softly responded with an "Okay" before lowering her head to focus on the menu.
By the time Mo Xiuchen and Wen Ran arrived, Cheng Jia had just finished ordering. Seeing him return, she immediately brightened with a radiant smile, deliberately ignoring Wen Ran beside him as she cheerfully asked, "Young Master Mo, what do you like to eat? I can order for you."
Hearing this, Mo Xiuchen did not answer immediately. Instead, he courteously pulled out a chair for Wen Ran, allowing her to sit first before seating himself.
"Young Master Mo, who is this lady?"
Despite being ignored, Cheng Jia was not discouraged. She curiously studied Wen Ran.
Wen Ran met Cheng Jia's scrutinizing gaze with calm composure. Although Cheng Jia had a friendly smile, Wen Ran keenly sensed that her curiosity was feigned, and her smile was far from sincere.
"She is my wife—Wen Ran!"
Mo Xiuchen looked up, requested another menu from the waiter, and handed it to Wen Ran. He briefly introduced Cheng Jia, "She works at Nanqin Hotel, a subsidiary of MS Group."
A flicker of surprise crossed Wen Ran's gentle eyes. The woman sitting diagonally across from her appeared to be around the same age. Based on her attire, she either came from a well-off family or had a preference for luxury brands.
However, given that she was dining with Mo Xiuchen and Gu Kai, it was unlikely that she was merely an ordinary hotel employee. As soon as Mo Xiuchen finished speaking, Cheng Jia stood up from her chair, reached across the table, and graciously extended her hand toward Wen Ran.
"Miss Wen, nice to meet you!"
Wen Ran's eyes flickered slightly. Instead of standing up, she remained seated and extended her hand for a handshake, maintaining a faint smile as she replied, "Nice to meet you, Miss Cheng."
The reason she didn't stand up was because of how Cheng Jia addressed her—not as "Mrs. Mo," but as "Miss Wen." Furthermore, Cheng Jia's greeting was a simple "Nice to meet you" rather than the more respectful "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Since Cheng Jia worked in the hospitality industry, she should have been more attentive to such nuances. The fact that she chose this form of address was intentional—perhaps even a subtle provocation.
"Order whatever you like," Mo Xiuchen said calmly from beside her.
Wen Ran smiled at him and ordered four dishes—two of her favorites and two of Mo Xiuchen's.
When she casually mentioned the dishes Mo Xiuchen liked, a faint ripple crossed his gaze, though he showed no outward reaction.
"Wen Ran, you've only been married to Xiuchen for a few days, and you already know what he likes to eat. It seems like you two are getting along quite well," Gu Kai teased from across the table, his eyes glinting with amusement as he glanced between the couple.
Wen Ran, caught off guard by his remark, felt a subtle warmth creeping up her cheeks.
Mo Xiuchen, on the other hand, remained unfazed. His lips curved slightly as he replied coolly, "If you're envious, you could also find someone who understands your preferences."
Gu Kai's smile instantly faded. Shaking his head, he said, "I still prefer scalpels and laboratories. Women are troublesome creatures—I have no patience for them."
"Young Master Gu, aren't you afraid of causing public outrage by saying that? After all, Miss Wen and I are both women," Cheng Jia interjected with a playful tone. Then, turning to Wen Ran, she smiled and asked, "Miss Wen, would you like to go to the restroom? Let's go together."
Seeing Cheng Jia stand up, Wen Ran smiled politely and nodded. "Sure." She got up and followed her.
It wasn't until their figures disappeared into the hallway that Gu Kai turned to Mo Xiuchen and asked, "Xiuchen, have you found anything? Is Cheng Jia the little girl from back then?"
Mo Xiuchen withdrew his gaze, meeting Gu Kai's expectant eyes. Instead of answering, he countered, "Has the DNA test result come back yet? Is she really the sister you lost?"