C11 A Man Had to Protect Himself Well!!

Yu Ke'er couldn't hide her irritation as she grumbled, "Uncle, you're a man, and I'm just a girl. Why are you guarding me like I'm a wolf in sheep's clothing?"

Qin Mo chuckled in response, "Nope, even men need to protect themselves when they're out and about!"

Left without a comeback, Yu Ke'er fumed silently.

This uncle was infuriating!

She couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "What could I possibly want from you? Your age? Your aversion to showers? Or maybe your meager income?"

Qin Mo acted as if he hadn't heard her snarky comments and continued on to the security booth, hauling the equipment with him. He stored everything inside and nodded a greeting to the security guard.

He even pulled out a pack of cigarettes and offered one to the guard.

Yu Ke'er watched, begrudgingly impressed by his smooth interactions.

Being on good terms with the security staff showed he was savvy and socially adept. Clearly, his emotional intelligence was nothing to scoff at.

So why did he act so differently around her?

Was he the epitome of the so-called "steel straight man" that the internet talked about?

After Qin Mo finished giving his instructions, he turned and walked back to her.

"Come on, I'll take you out for a meal," he said in his usual calm tone.

He ignored the bodyguards who were discreetly glancing their way.

How could the darling heiress of Century Entertainment venture out without her entourage of bodyguards?

During the meal, Qin Mo intended to lay things out for her.

It wasn't that he disliked the spirited and kind-hearted young woman, but the gap in their ages and backgrounds was too wide. They just weren't a good match.

Yu Ke'er couldn't help feeling slighted.

"Uncle, I just did a roadshow for you, drawing over twenty million viewers to your livestream. I've put in the effort, haven't I? Don't we deserve to get to know each other a little better?"

It was her first time ever taking such initiative with a man.

Qin Mo glanced at the slender, bare legs peeking out from under her skirt—straight, delicate, blindingly white.

They were the kind that would make any man's heart skip a beat.

He averted his eyes and said coolly, "I sent you back because I didn't want you to catch a cold. Next time, don't wear so little. You don't want to end up with arthritis, trust me. My grandma's chronic leg pain started just like that, from getting cold when she was young."

Yu Ke'er's eyes, a striking contrast of black and white, widened in disbelief.

Had she misheard?

Her legs, dubbed the most beautiful "manga legs" by the schoolboys, always earned extra glances from any passing boy.

And yet, this guy was droning on about staying warm?

I'm trying to fall in love with you, and you're talking about old, cold legs?

It finally clicked for Yu Ke'er—she was dealing with a titanium man!

Impenetrable!

With a delicate "hmph" from her nose, she quipped, "Uncle, you're so dull. It's no wonder you're still single and handsome in your thirties. Cupid could shoot a thousand arrows your way, and you'd just snap them all in half!"

Qin Mo couldn't help but chuckle at her indignant demeanor.

He responded with composure, "That's right, I'm just an old man—lonely, uninteresting, with a fledgling career and not a penny to my name. So, you should head home. We're not cut out to be friends."

Yu Ke'er's spirits plummeted.

Ah well, what could she do when she'd fallen so hard for Qin Mo?

She was smitten with his brilliant creativity, his sophisticated and rugged charm, and that irresistibly cool, steely vibe.

It was maddening!

Resigned, Yu Ke'er conceded, "Fine, I get your point. I'm starving. Can we grab a bite to eat first?"

Her cheeks flushed, she cast a tentative glance at Qin Mo.

Qin Mo looked off into the distance, "I know a noodle shop I used to frequent. It's my regular spot. If it's not beneath you, join me."

He hailed a cab at the curb.

"Not at all, not at all! I'm easy when it comes to food!" Yu Ke'er bubbled with enthusiasm as she hopped into the back seat, continuing her self-promotion.

"I might have a sweet tooth, but I'm not fussy. I eat healthily and I'm low maintenance! I was raised with strict discipline, so you won't find any spoiled princess traits in me..."

They arrived at the commercial street below his old apartment complex.

Qin Mo paid the taxi fare and stepped out, with Yu Ke'er quickly following suit.

As Qin Mo walked on, Yu Ke'er's persistent chatter filled his ears.

He understood that Yu Ke'er was trying to bridge the gap between them, eagerly sharing bits of herself in hopes of winning him over.

The age gap was simply too wide; Qin Mo and she had nothing in common to talk about!

He had no intention of toying with her emotions or wasting the young lady's time.

Yu Ke'er accompanied Qin Mo into the noodle shop.

The place was small but neatly kept. Yet, it was clear that Yu Ke'er was unaccustomed to such settings.

Her feet were adorned with MiuMiu shoes, each pair costing upwards of ten thousand yuan.

Now, those delicate boots were uncomfortably stepping on the greasy, tiled floor.

But Yu Ke'er didn't utter a word and gracefully took a seat.

Closing time was nearing, and the noodle shop had few customers, some of whom knew Qin Mo well.

The clientele was mostly middle-aged or older. Yu Ke'er, a Conboat sensation, was well-known among the youth, but beyond forty, recognition was scarce.

The noodle shop owner, eyeing the beautiful girl Qin Mo had brought in, said with envy,

"Hey, Qin, is this your girlfriend? She's stunning!"

Other regulars who knew Qin Mo well joined in the ribbing.

"Just the other day, my wife was talking about setting you up with someone. And here you are, snagging a beauty all by yourself. We needn't have bothered!"

"Qin, you've got game! I always pegged you as a bachelor, but lo and behold, your girlfriend's as young and pretty as a star!"

Qin Mo mused, She is a star, isn't she?

Ling Xuerou was a star too. It seemed that since his arrival, he couldn't escape connections with female celebrities.

But Qin Mo sidestepped the topic and retorted to the teasing men.

"Come on, all of you are past forty and still calling me 'Old Qin'?"

They burst into laughter.

"Look at that, Old Qin's got a temper!"

"Really, guys, show some respect in front of his girlfriend!"

"Alright, alright, Qin, are we good now?"

Qin Mo bantered with them for a bit.

Throughout the exchange, Yu Ke'er sat quietly, not uttering a single word. Her lovely, large eyes watched Qin Mo with a gentle, well-behaved gaze.

Both the owner and the patrons couldn't help but sneak peeks at Yu Ke'er. She was breathtakingly beautiful!

With her delicate features, adorable doll-like face, and flawless skin, she seemed like a superstar straight out of a poster. Such stunning beauty was a rare sight in real life!

The aromatic braised beef arrived, piping hot.

Qin Mo considerately passed a pair of chopsticks to Yu Ke'er.

Without a word, she accepted them and began to eat.

Such determination in a girl!

Female stars usually avoid such hearty soups and noodles, fearing they'll look heavier on camera.

They tend to have tiny appetites, feeling full after just a few bites.

Moreover, coming from a wealthy background, Yu Ke'er was accustomed to the finest delicacies. This modest shop's beef noodles must have seemed bland to her.

Yet, Yu Ke'er continued to eat heartily.

Qin Mo estimated that this heaping bowl was the equivalent of her food intake for three days.

Unable to watch her struggle, he took the chopsticks from her.

"Alright, you don't have to push yourself!"

Yu Ke'er forcefully swallowed a large chunk of beef and protested, "It's delicious. Give me the chopsticks! If you can eat it, so can I. Order another bowl, and I'll finish that too!"

Qin Mo was at a loss for words.

Yu Ke'er had effectively turned the tables on him!

He had thought she wouldn't be able to handle this ordinary lifestyle, yet there she was, powering through a hefty bowl of beef noodles!

The other customers had left, leaving just the two of them behind.

The owner was getting ready to close up and was tidying up the place.

After settling the bill, Qin Mo escorted Yu Ke'er outside.

Standing on the sidewalk, Qin Mo laid his cards on the table.