Shichen Li and Huiyun Liang returned home on the third day, and Tom Wilson saw it as a perfect opportunity to invite Grace Li out for dinner.
He told himself it was to discuss work, but he knew Grace's heart was still mostly with Aiden Thompson. They were friends, but without a good reason, Grace would likely turn down any invitation.
Tom Wilson took Grace to a trendy Chinese fusion restaurant in downtown Manhattan. The place blended modern and traditional Chinese elements, with clean wooden decor and stylish Chinese-inspired pieces, creating a relaxed yet elegant vibe.
A little over a year ago, Grace Li and Aiden Thompson had visited this place together.
They sat at a table near the large street-facing window, giving them a view of the lively Manhattan streets outside. Despite the hustle and bustle of the city, the restaurant's ambiance created a quiet, peaceful escape.
Tom Wilson said, "I saw this restaurant had great reviews, and I thought you'd enjoy the atmosphere, so I brought you here to try it out."
Grace Li looked up from the window and smiled at Tom. "Actually, I've been here before."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I came here with Aiden."
Tom's face showed a brief flicker of disappointment, but he quickly recovered. "So, do you still like this place?"
"I do. It's funny, actually. I've been working on a project related to traditional Chinese clothing lately."
"Traditional Chinese clothing?" Tom raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Yeah. In recent years, it's become really popular. I think it's awesome. Our traditional clothing is beautiful, and it deserves more attention."
Tom nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, I've seen some young girls wearing traditional Chinese-style clothes around here in New York."
Grace Li chuckled. "I've seen a lot too. It makes me want to try it out myself."
Tom smiled, noticing her excitement. Even though Grace was so composed, there was a childlike enthusiasm in her voice. "Actually, I've always been interested in traditional Chinese culture too. Some of the people in the company were talking about a Hanfu festival here in New York next month. Would you want to check it out with me?"
Grace was surprised. "You're into traditional Chinese clothing too?"
"I am. I haven't worn it yet, but I've been wanting to try."
Grace tilted her head, thinking for a moment. "Well, you'd definitely look great in scholar-style clothing."
"Really?"
"Yeah, you have this elegant vibe. It would totally suit you."
"I'll take your word for it and try it out," Tom said with a grin. "How about we go together and check out the festival?"
Grace Li knew the Hanfu festival would be on the 16th of next month, a Saturday. Her own project on traditional Chinese clothing would have models showing off their designs in a parade at Central Park that same day. It would be a great chance to check out the event and see how the project was going.
"I'll check my schedule. If I'm free, I'd love to go," Grace said. "Olivia also really loves traditional Chinese clothing, and it's related to our project. I'll invite her too."
"That sounds great," Tom said with a smile.
The dinner conversation flowed easily between them. Talking about work kept things light, and Grace found herself enjoying the conversation more than she expected.
Now that Grace had been spending less time at Hengyue Technology and focusing on other projects, Tom had found the perfect excuse to invite her out more. What started as business meetings was starting to feel a bit more personal for him.
After getting back to his place, Tom couldn't stop thinking about the dinner. It was the first step after waiting for so long. This was a big move for him.
He looked up the Hanfu festival online, read up on it, and then hopped onto an e-commerce site to browse Hanfu styles. Taking Grace's advice, he bought a scholar-style outfit.
He was really looking forward to the 16th of next month.
**
Aiden Thompson got home around 10 PM, after another full day of handling company matters. Lately, it felt like he was barely getting home before he had to leave again.
After a quick shower, he was about to settle down and video call Grace Li when his phone rang.
The caller ID showed Tom Wilson.
What could he want?
Aiden tapped the screen to answer. "Mr. Wilson, what's up?"
"Good evening, Mr. Thompson," Tom's voice came through the phone, polite but direct.
Aiden wasn't a fan of Tom, probably because of the jealousy he felt toward anyone around Grace. He didn't like feeling threatened, even if they were just friends.
"What's this about?" Aiden's tone was short, not friendly.
"I'm sorry to call so late, but there's something I need to tell you."
Aiden's voice was sharp. "Make it quick."
"I've decided to officially pursue Grace Li."
Aiden froze for a second, then laughed bitterly. "You're calling me to tell me this, Tom? You want to get involved in my relationship with Grace?"
Tom Wilson wasn't one to hide his intentions, and even though he knew it was awkward, he still wanted to be upfront.
"Mr. Thompson, I know this probably isn't easy to hear, but I just want to be honest. I didn't want to say anything, but after thinking about it, I realized that you can't give Grace the happiness she deserves. So, I think I'll give it a shot."
Aiden's tone turned cold. "You seriously think you can just step in like that? What do you want from me?"
"I'm not asking you to back off, but I am telling you that I'm going to compete for her," Tom said calmly.
Aiden was taken aback. "You think you have a chance?"
Tom shrugged. "I know it's a long shot, but I'm going to try. In the end, it's Grace's decision."
Aiden's frustration flared up. "Let me make this clear—you'll lose."
Without waiting for Tom's response, Aiden ended the call.
He sat back in his leather chair, exhaling deeply and rubbing his eyes. He'd been expecting something like this after seeing Tom at Grace's birthday and hearing Shichen Li's words. It was clear now that Tom had gained favor with Grace's parents.
They probably saw him as a better choice.
Aiden had underestimated him.
After calming himself, Aiden tapped Grace's name to start the video call.
He waited for a while, but she didn't answer. Eventually, the screen flashed "No Answer."
Aiden glanced at the clock—it was 11 PM. Was she asleep? Or still in the shower?
A few minutes later, the call notification popped up. Grace was calling him.
He picked up. Grace was holding the phone with one hand while the other ran through her wet hair. "Sorry, I was drying my hair and didn't hear it."
"Mm." Seeing her face made Aiden feel lighter. The tension in his chest slowly faded. "How's your cold?"
"Much better." Grace moved to sit in front of her vanity, propping the phone on a bottle of toner as she started applying her night cream. "I made a decision today."
"What's that?"
"I'm going to the Hanfu festival in New York next month, on the 16th."
Aiden was curious. "What's that event like?"
"It's where people wear traditional Chinese-style clothing and either parade or take a boat ride in a park, like Central Park."
"Sounds like it ties into your clothing project, right?"
"Yeah, I talked to them. They'll provide clothing for our company, free of charge."
Aiden smiled. "I'd love to go too. I'd really like to see you in traditional Chinese clothing."
Grace grinned. "Sure, if you're free. I think you'd look amazing in a white cross-collared robe with long hair and a hairpin. You'd look so elegant."
Aiden chuckled, clearly pleased by her comment. "If I go, you'll have to pick something for me. You can dress me up however you want."
Grace laughed. "Oh, so you're just giving me free reign? Why does that sound so naughty?"
Aiden's smile deepened. "Grace, don't tempt me."
Grace laughed and rolled her eyes. "What are you talking about? How is that tempting?"
"To me, it is," he teased.
"Oh really? And what are you going to do about it?" she teased back.
Aiden's grin widened. "Well, we'll see when we meet up next."
Grace raised an eyebrow. "So... I really can do whatever I want?"
"Of course."
They both laughed, chatting about the Hanfu festival, their projects, and their companies. The conversation flowed easily, full of small details, as if they were still living together.