Chapter 100: Seeing Through at a Glance

“Is there nothing you two want to say to me?” Huang Yu quickly withdrew his gaze, smiling silently as he took a sip of lemon water, then spoke calmly.

It was merely a small test, and he observed their reactions closely, confirming his suspicion: the two had indeed swapped identities.

Though he didn’t quite understand—after all, it was just an ordinary date—he wondered why Yang Yuqi had gone to such lengths. A personal whim, perhaps?

After a brief silence, Zhou Yunmeng looked toward Yang Yuqi, her eyes silently asking what to do next.

She had impersonated Yang Yuqi many times before, but this was the first time she was seen through before even truly beginning the act, which puzzled her greatly.

Before coming, Yang Yuqi had specifically confirmed with her father that he hadn’t shared her photo with anyone, so Huang Yu couldn’t possibly know her exact appearance.

“Could it be that Dad lied to me?” Yang Yuqi’s confusion and bewilderment were no less than Zhou Yunmeng’s.

She was silent for a few seconds, first giving Zhou Yunmeng a reassuring glance, then turning her gaze to Huang Yu and saying, “You’re Huang Yu, right? Yes, I am the real Yang Yuqi. Could you tell me how you found out?”

“Careful observation, combined with bold speculation,” Huang Yu explained. “First, although your friend’s clothes are expensive, they seem relatively ordinary compared to yours. Your outfit is clearly a notch above, likely custom-made. Secondly, your aura—there’s a distinct difference in temperament. Yours is more sharp and confident.”

“That’s all? You figured out we switched identities just from that?” Yang Yuqi was surprised and glanced at Huang Yu more than once.

She quickly noticed Huang Yu’s attire. Although it looked plain at first glance, the workmanship was exquisite, with no visible brand labels, indicating it was also custom-made and unique, much like her own clothes.

“Of course not. Based on those two clues, I casually tested you a bit just now to be certain,” Huang Yu said with a leisurely smile.

In truth, these explanations were afterthoughts he had concocted for his own amusement after confirming their identities by other means.

He had recently had close contact with Boss Yang and remembered her appearance well. Without careful scrutiny, he realized Zhou Yunmeng’s impersonation bore no resemblance to Boss Yang, while Yang Yuqi’s portrayal of Zhou Yunmeng shared striking similarities in expression and features, clearly indicative of a blood relation.

Naturally, he didn’t reveal this outright but gave the reasons above to maintain a facade in front of the two women. Since they had deceived him, he wanted to trick them back—calling it even.

He wouldn’t share these details with Yang Yuqi, for once the truth was known, it wouldn’t be deception anymore, robbing him of the pleasure.

Now, seeing their surprised expressions delighted him immensely.

In some ways, Huang Yu displayed a rather childlike side.

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“So that’s how it is. Being exposed isn’t something to hide. Let’s properly introduce ourselves—Yang Yuqi,” Yang Yuqi said after a brief surprise, quickly regaining composure and showing increased interest in the man before her. She graciously extended her delicate hand.

“Huang Yu, pleased to meet you, Miss Yang,” Huang Yu responded, gently shaking her hand for less than a second before releasing it.

“Zhou Yunmeng, Brother Huang Yu, please don’t take our earlier mix-up to heart. Qi isn’t trying to hide her identity on purpose,” Zhou Yunmeng said, also extending her hand and speaking warmly.

“No worries; I’m not that petty,” Huang Yu replied with a smile after shaking hands with Zhou Yunmeng.

Up close, Zhou Yunmeng noticed Huang Yu was far more handsome and charming than from a distance. His manners and elegance made him truly exceptional and utterly attractive to women.

“Qi must have very high standards for her partner to overlook such a man. It’s a pity. How come I never meet someone like him? Even though he’s right here now, I can only watch—do nothing,” she thought silently after shaking his hand.

Drinks were soon served by a waiter.

The three chatted as they sipped, the atmosphere far from the initial awkwardness.

During their conversation, Huang Yu had several chances to confess that he currently had a girlfriend.

But after simple interactions, he decided to hold back.

It wasn’t that he had developed an interest in Yang Yuqi, but rather he saw no need.

Every time Yang Yuqi glanced at him, there was no spark of interest. Their conversation showed little enthusiasm, occasionally revealing that he had no thoughts of dating for several years.

So he thought it best not to reveal his relationship status—for one, they barely knew each other; two, it might sour the mood; and three, he didn’t want Yang Yuqi to use it as an excuse to leave and then turn around to complain to her father.

Huang Yu was clever, gracefully going along with Yang Yuqi’s words, vaguely implying he was in the same boat—forced into this date by elders, treating it simply as a chance to make friends.

Yang Yuqi appreciated his understanding nature and found him more agreeable.

After some time, they began discussing where to go next.

Huang Yu, respecting the host’s wishes, initially deferred the choice to them, willing to go anywhere.

However, after brief interaction and conversation, he sensed Yang Yuqi had a somewhat wild streak, likely enjoying a lively social life, which made him reconsider.

There were certain places he preferred not to have to entertain himself.

“Let’s go to the Expo Park. I’ve heard KM City’s Expo Park is famous and have wanted to visit for a long time,” he proposed.

His judgment was mostly correct but not entirely.

Before university, Yang Yuqi had mingled with a group of reckless playboys, but since attending university and befriending Zhou Yunmeng, she had distanced herself from that crowd.

With Zhou Yunmeng present today, she wouldn’t take Huang Yu to any dubious places.

If it were just the two of them, perhaps things would be livelier.

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“Yunmeng, what do you think?” Yang Yuqi asked, somewhat disinterested upon hearing the plan to visit the Expo Park, but she didn’t immediately agree and instead turned to Zhou Yunmeng.

“Sounds great! I’ve been studying in KM City for two years and have wanted to find the time to visit,” Zhou Yunmeng said happily, her gaze mostly fixed on Huang Yu.

“Didn’t you go a few times last year and recently?” Yang Yuqi thought silently, but she wasn’t foolish enough to expose her best friend’s lie.

She also sensed Zhou Yunmeng’s fondness for Huang Yu, which was understandable—he was truly impressive. Even their first meeting stirred her feelings slightly.

“Since Yunmeng wants to go, let’s all go to the Expo Park together,” Yang Yuqi decided promptly.

As the three prepared to set off, Yang Yuqi noticed Huang Yu heading outside the hotel and asked if his car was parked there. If there was space, she said she wouldn’t drive and would ride with Zhou Yunmeng in Huang Yu’s car.

After all, her sports car had only two seats.

“We’ll just take a taxi together. The three of us fit nicely; I’ll sit in the front passenger seat, and you two can sit in the back,” Huang Yu shook his head and explained that he had just arrived in KM City, didn’t own a car, and wasn’t in any hurry to buy one. He found taxis convenient.

Though he could drive well, since preparing for graduate school, he had grown to dislike driving, feeling it was a torment in big cities. Taking taxis was more comfortable and allowed him to use travel time productively.

When he went out with Li Jia, they always took taxis so they could sit together and focus entirely on each other without distraction.

Yang Yuqi instinctively disliked the idea and considered suggesting that Huang Yu take the taxi alone while she and Zhou Yunmeng drove the sports car ahead. But before she could speak, Zhou Yunmeng interjected.

“Sounds good! Taking a taxi together is better; with three people, it’s more profitable than going alone or in pairs,” Zhou Yunmeng readily agreed.

Her quick assent concealed a subtle plan.

She knew Yang Yuqi was prone to motion sickness and would likely sit up front, leaving her and Huang Yu to sit closely in the back.

Though she understood winning over a man like Huang Yu was unlikely, she felt the brief closeness was worthwhile.

After all, no one said love had to last forever to be genuine, nor that a fleeting connection wasn’t love.

Everyone held their own views on love.