In an elegant private room, Deanna and Landon sat facing each other.
The table was filled with dishes that Deanna liked.
Landon attentively encouraged Deanna to eat. "Go ahead, eat. You used to love coming to this restaurant."
As he spoke, he placed a piece of fish on Deanna's plate. "I remember you used to love their fish. Try it and see if the taste has changed."
"Thank you," Deanna replied politely, then declined, "You eat your food, don't worry about me."
Landon smiled, "How could I not care about you?"
Hearing this, Deanna understood Landon's intentions and decided to be honest with him. The private room had been checked by Nightingale, ensuring there were no surveillance devices.
"Landon, Lance and I are only pretending to be broken up," Deanna said seriously.
Landon was stunned. "Pretending? Why?"
Deanna didn't hide the truth and explained, "It's a plan to lure someone out... that's about it."
She looked at Landon after speaking. He remained silent for a while, seemingly processing the information.
Deanna didn't mind and took a sip of juice, waiting for him to come around.
After a moment, Landon finally absorbed what Deanna had said, his eyes revealing undeniable disappointment. He had thought he had a chance, only to find out it wasn't real.
With a bitter smile, Landon said, "No wonder sometimes you didn't seem like someone who had just gone through a breakup. You appeared very calm."
Deanna raised an eyebrow. "Do I not look like someone who's heartbroken?"
She had been trying to maintain a stoic expression, thinking she looked like someone who had just been through a breakup.
Seeing through Deanna's thoughts, Landon chuckled, "Not really. Although you act indifferent, there's no sadness about you."
Deanna found this surprising. She argued, "Who says you have to be sad after a breakup? Isn't being calm better? Besides, I've been focusing on work lately. As the old saying goes, 'Unlucky in love, lucky in career.'"
Landon looked at the playful Deanna with affection and a hint of sadness. He quickly regained his spirits and changed the subject. "Even though it's part of your plan, I still intend to continue pursuing you!"
Deanna made a puzzled sound.
Landon continued, "Look, my pursuit of you isn't exactly a secret. I've been grounded by my dad these past few days, so I haven't been able to see you. Everyone knows about it. If I suddenly stop pursuing you, wouldn't that raise suspicions?"
Deanna thought this made some sense.
While she pondered, Landon's mischievous voice broke her thoughts again. "We can use this opportunity to make Lance nervous and get rid of those unwanted admirers. It shouldn't seem like only he has suitors while you have none."
Deanna couldn't help but laugh at Landon's playful expression.
Seeing her laugh, Landon raised an eyebrow on purpose. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing, I just think you're quite amusing," Deanna said with a smile. "I thought you'd be upset, but you seem to be taking it well."
Landon was momentarily stunned before showing a bitter smile and self-mockery. "What else can I do? I've been hurt by you so many times over the years. If I couldn't handle it, I'd have gone crazy by now."
He finished speaking and took a sip of the red wine in front of him.
Seeing this, Deanna felt a sudden curiosity.
Julia had mentioned that this man had liked her since high school. Even after she got engaged and had children, his feelings hadn't changed. He still liked her now.
Thinking of this, Deanna couldn't help but rest her chin on her hand and ask, "Can I ask you a question?"
"What question?" Landon looked up.
Deanna asked directly, "What do you like about me? Before, I was unmarried with two kids and didn't have a good reputation."
Landon seemed surprised by her question and looked at her in astonishment.
Seeing his dazed expression, Deanna raised an eyebrow. "What? Hard to answer?"
"It's not that," Landon replied. "I just didn't expect you to ask that. Your personality is so different from before you lost your memory."
Landon couldn't help but sigh at the end.
Deanna wasn't surprised. "Julia and Lance have both said the same thing."
Landon looked at her cheerful demeanor with a faint smile and a distant look in his eyes as if recalling something.
"When did I start liking you? I'm not sure either. It was back in high school when one day I saw your beautiful smile-so pure-and I just wanted to keep seeing it and protect you. But back then, my personality was already set. Many people thought I was a playboy, including you. You only saw me as a good friend."