Claimed in Public

I rubbed the bridge of my nose. "But… aren’t your conditions even better?"

Leon paused for a rare two seconds, then looked straight into my eyes. "Do you think I’m good?"

I froze and swallowed instinctively. I glanced at the table in front of me. Every single dish was perfectly tailored to my taste, clearly chosen with care.

I’d actually wanted to comment on it earlier. I’d only asked him out late last night, and he had already figured out my food preferences in such detail the next day.

At the very least, as a blind date, he was incredibly sincere. The way he treated people was nothing like the cold, ruthless rumors. On top of that, everything about him, from his background to his capabilities, left no doubt that he was a spectacular catch.

I hesitated for a moment. "You… You’re great."

Leon visibly brightened, lowering his head with a quiet laugh. He pushed the booklet toward me again. "Well, want to give it a try with me?"

I knew he meant marriage.

My first instinct was to retreat. This wasn’t even something that had ever appeared in my life plan, but the sincerity in Leon’s emotions was impossible to ignore. I wanted to be honest, too.

"We can try getting to know each other first. Heading straight into marriage… isn’t that a little too soon?"

At my answer, a flicker of dimness passed through his eyes, but it was gone almost instantly.

He nodded obediently. "Okay. We’ll go at your pace."

After the meal, Leon had his assistant arrange a driver to send me home.

On the way, I overheard part of a conversation between him and his assistant. Only then did I realize that at the exact time I had asked him out, he had originally been scheduled for an important international meeting.

Guilt hit me immediately.

"Did I make you miss your meeting? I’m sorry, I didn’t know…"

Leon waved it off, reassuring me. "It’s nothing. Meetings can happen anytime."

Even though everything about his tone and expression told me it wasn’t a big deal, I still felt bad.

Noticing my somber mood, Leon leaned in unexpectedly. He brought his face close to mine, his eyes blinking softly. "Anyway," he murmured, "no meeting matters more than finding a wife. It isn't every day that you ask me out."

He was so near that I could track the slight flutter of his long eyelashes.

In those stunning eyes, I saw nothing but my own reflection staring back.

My pulse quickened, the sound of my own heart loud in my ears.

"Leon…" I breathed.

Perhaps he sensed my agitation, for a faint crimson flush began to creep across the tips of his ears.

Gently, he retreated, creating a respectful distance between us once more.

"Ahem… I should get back to work."

The goodbye was rushed. When he turned and walked away with his long strides, his steps looked a little… unsteady.

I watched his back as the car window slowly rolled up. Somehow, I felt a quiet kind of happiness, like I actually liked being around Leon.

It wasn’t until evening that Leon finally seemed to be done with work and messaged me. It was a photo of a bright full moon, clearly taken just moments ago.

I replied quickly: "That’s beautiful."

He replied even faster. "Yeah. It made me think of you."

Think of me?

My face warmed.

"You always this smooth?"

He replied like an honest man, "I just said what I thought. Does that count as flirting?"

This guy…

How did he always maintain a serious expression while saying things that made my heart race?

I was still thinking about how to respond when another message popped up.

"Are you free for dinner tomorrow?"

I didn’t hesitate at all.