Chapter 70 Howard Hughes
When he put the phone back, he intentionally glanced at me, seeming a bit nervous. I returned a faint smile, not understanding why.
Louis and I were currently just classmates. Whoever he messaged had nothing to do with me, and I had no right to ask. Naturally, he didn't need to be nervous.
When we got there, I realized it wasn't a formal restaurant like at noon but an entertainment club.
It was my first time in such a place. The atmosphere and decor were fundamentally different from a restaurant, but it was very upscale and beautiful.
Especially the flower bed deep in the lobby on the first floor, with tall and short precious plants standing in a row, like a small botanical garden.
The men and women coming and going were all dressed elegantly, with a faint fragrance, completely out of place with the environment I grew up in.
My simple dress looked very shabby here, and I regretted coming with Louis. I was used to my own life and didn't care how others saw me. But Louis was different; he was from the Anderson family. Bringing a companion like me to the club would be a disgrace to him.
"What are you thinking?" Louis walked beside me, very gentlemanly keeping a fist's distance between us, and he sensitively noticed the change in my mood.
"Louis, I want to go back. I don't really like it here." I replied.
"There are a few very good friends inside. We'll just hang out for a bit and then bounce." He patted my shoulder.
Pushing open the intricately carved wooden door of the private room, the previously noisy room immediately quieted down, and everyone looked at me, who was following Louis.
In the center of the room was a large round dining table, with what seemed to be a mahjong table on the inside, and a pool table in the distance, with its green color. A large projection screen on the wall was playing a music video.
"Louis is here. Where's Mindy? Didn't you say you were bringing her along?"
The speaker was a young man about eighteen or nineteen, with red lips and white teeth. Ignoring the obvious hostility on his face, he should be a rare handsome guy.
It was my first time meeting everyone in the room. So I couldn't understand that why he wa hostile towards me.
"Mindy messaged me on Facebook. She'll come by herself later." Louis gently guided me to a seat by the window and sat down beside me.
"Are you okay?" He bent down and whispered close to me.
I nodded, "The view here is open, and turning around, I can see the night sky. It's nice."
"Louis, this beautiful lady looks unfamiliar. Who is she? Won't you introduce us?" It was still that young man, coldly staring at me, his raised eyebrows hinting at his displeasure.
Someone so sharp at such a young age was definitely not a good person.
Louis's originally gentle eyes paused, and his aura turned cold. He looked at the young man, "Howard, are you questioning me?"
Howard Hughes's pale face turned red instantly. He choked for a moment, then laughed awkwardly, "Look at what Louis said. How dare I? I just haven't seen such a beautiful lady before, feeling a bit jealous. Louis, don't take it to heart."
The others at the table quickly chimed in, changing the subject to business and stocks.
I had never been exposed to these things, so I only understood bits and pieces, feeling bored and taking out my phone to play.
Despite I tried to minimize my presence, everyone at the table was still secretly observing me. I guessed they were all speculating about my relationship with Louis.
The dishes were soon served, and the waiter poured red wine for everyone. When it came to my glass, Louis reached out to stop him, "She doesn't drink. Just some freshly squeezed juice, please."
"Oh, Louis can be considerate of girls too."
"With Louis protecting her, this lady is very lucky."
"Louis, this beautiful lady is not only pretty but also has a great temperament. Have you thought about making her your girlfriend?"
Louis ignored all the previous comments, but the last one seemed to please him. He showed his first smile since entering, "I really want to, and I'm working hard to make it happen."
Everyone cheered, urging Louis to work harder to win me over.
I had never experienced such a scene and didn't expect anyone to openly discuss relationships at the table. It felt like I was a clown on the stage for everyone to watch, very uncomfortable.
Facing everyone's teasing, I responded with a faint smile.
With the help of alcohol, the atmosphere at the table gradually heated up, with people toasting each other.
The food was good, but I had no appetite, feeling like I couldn't fit into this atmosphere, sitting awkwardly.
"Hey, why hasn't Mindy arrived yet? If she doesn't come soon, we'll finish eating." A girl in a red short dress said.
Louis glanced at his phone, "She said something came up and she won't be coming."
Howard's eyes flickered upon hearing this, seemingly wanting to say something but hesitating because of Louis's cold face. He pursed his lips and turned away, not looking at me anymore.
They continued discussing some professional topics, and I was the only one who couldn't understand, feeling isolated.
Suddenly, it felt so boring.
"Louis, I want to go back."
"You haven't eaten much. Eat a bit more, and then we'll leave."
I shook my head, "I don't want to eat. If you have something to discuss with them, I can go back by myself."
"No, I'll go with you." Louis said a few words to the others, picked up the coat casually draped over the chair, and led me out of the private room.
Leaving the club, stepping onto the bluestone path in front of the door, and breathing in the scent of night-blooming jasmine in the air, I felt a sense of being in a different world.
One foot in heaven, one foot on earth.
"Not happy?" Louis asked while driving, observing me, "You didn't say much all night. Was it too noisy?"
I turned my head to look at the passing streetlights and pedestrians outside, suddenly feeling that Louis and I might not have a future together.
After all, people from two different worlds, with different growing environments, different worldviews, and different preferences, how could they build a beautiful future together?
"No, just not quite used to it."
Louis chuckled softly, reaching out his right hand as if to hold mine, but then pulled it back halfway, "Those brats were indeed too rude. We should meet them less often. I prefer to stay with you. Jane, how much longer do you need to consider? I really want to hold your hand."
The topic changed too quickly and with too much purpose, making my face blush again.
Louis laughed heartily, "Jane, you look super pretty with a red face."
I returned to the apartment holding the bouquet of roses, with Louis staying at the door, watching me get on the elevator.
It was late, and I thought Mindy was already asleep, so I was extra careful when opening the door.
I inserted the key into the lock and pushed the door open, finding the room brightly lit.
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