Knock knock!
The door opened, and Sebastian's breath caught for just a moment.
Isabelle stood in the doorway wearing a beautiful black dress that hugged her curves perfectly. It was elegant and sophisticated, a far cry from her usual school uniform. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and she wore just a touch of makeup that highlighted her natural beauty.
She looked stunning.
Sebastian smiled brightly. "You look beautiful."
Isabelle's cheeks flushed pink. "Thank you. You look... really good too."
Sebastian had changed into a tailored navy suit with a crisp white shirt, no tie, appropriately formal but not overly so for a family dinner.
Then Isabelle's eyes dropped to what he was carrying. A large, elegant bouquet of white roses and peonies in one hand, and the distinctive gold Maison Laurent shopping bags in the other.
Her eyes widened. "Sebastian! I told you that you didn't need to bring anything!"
"I couldn't possibly show up empty-handed," Sebastian said smoothly. "It would be disrespectful to your parents' hospitality."
Isabelle looked both overwhelmed and shy, fidgeting with the edge of her dress. "You really didn't have to..."
[Ding! Affection Increase Detected]
[Isabelle Tian's Affection: 65 → 70/100] [Status: Close Friend → Budding Interest]
[You have gotten closer to the heroine, making it significantly harder for the protagonist to claim her.]
[Bonus Reward: Cartier Love Necklace Set (Matching pair in 18k white gold with diamond pavé) - Value: $45,000]
Sebastian felt something materialize in his jacket pocket but kept his expression neutral.
"Come in, come in!" Isabelle stepped aside, gesturing him inside.
The Tian home was modest but well-maintained. A comfortable middle-class residence that was warm and inviting. It couldn't compare to the Fairfax mansion, but that didn't matter.
He wasn't pursuing Isabelle for her family house
Mrs. Tian appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on an apron. "Sebastian! Welcome!"
"Mrs. Tian, thank you so much for inviting me." Sebastian offered her the bouquet. "These are for you."
"Oh my goodness, they're beautiful!" Mrs. Tian accepted them with genuine delight. "You're so thoughtful. Isabelle, put these in water, would you?"
Then Bai Tian emerged from the living room, walking without any trace of his recent injuries. He looked robust and healthy, a broad smile on his face.
"Sebastian!" He approached and shook Sebastian's hand warmly. "It's so good to see you again. Please, come in, make yourself comfortable."
"Mr. Tian, you're looking remarkably well," Sebastian observed.
"Thanks to you," Bai Tian said earnestly. "That ginseng... I've never felt better in my life. The doctors are still baffled."
Sebastian handed the chocolate bags to Mrs. Tian. "I also brought some dessert. I hope you enjoy Belgian chocolate."
Mrs. Tian peeked inside the bags, and her eyes widened. "Maison Laurent? Sebastian, this is far too much!"
"Not at all," Sebastian replied.
Isabelle returned from the kitchen, having deposited the flowers in a vase. "Mom, dinner's ready whenever we are."
"Perfect timing," Mrs. Tian said. "Sebastian, please, have a seat."
The dining table was set beautifully with home-cooked Chinese food—clearly Mrs. Tian had put significant effort into the meal. There was sweet and sour chicken, kung pao chicken, steamed fish, fried rice, and several vegetable dishes.
"This looks incredible," Sebastian said as he sat down. "Mrs. Tian, you didn't have to go to such trouble."
"Nonsense! It's the least we can do," Mrs. Tian replied, serving him generous portions. "After everything you've done for our family."
As they ate, the conversation flowed naturally.
"So Sebastian," Bai Tian began, "Isabelle tells us you're ranked fourth in your entire school. That's very impressive."
"Thank you, sir. I try to maintain my grades while balancing other responsibilities."
"What do you plan to study at university?" Mrs. Tian asked with genuine interest.
"Business administration, most likely," Sebastian replied. "My father wants me to eventually take over some aspects of the family company, so I need to be prepared."
"That's a lot of pressure for someone so young," Bai Tian observed thoughtfully.
"Perhaps, but I see it as an opportunity rather than a burden," Sebastian said. "Not everyone gets the chance to build something meaningful with the resources I have access to."
Isabelle smiled at his response, clearly impressed by his maturity.
"And what about your ambitions beyond business?" Bai Tian continued. "What drives you personally?"
Sebastian considered the question carefully. "I think... I want to prove that wealth and privilege aren't just about consumption. That they can be used responsibly to help others and create value. Too many people in my position squander their advantages."
"That's a noble perspective," Mrs. Tian said warmly.
The dinner continued with pleasant conversation. They asked about his family—Sebastian spoke respectfully of his parents, painting a picture of a disciplined but supportive household. They discussed current events, school life, and various topics.
Throughout it all, Sebastian was charming without being obsequious, confident without being arrogant. He complimented the food genuinely, engaged with their questions thoughtfully, and showed appropriate interest in their lives as well.
Isabelle watched him throughout dinner with growing admiration.
As the evening wound down and Sebastian prepared to leave, he reached into his jacket pocket.
"Before I go," Sebastian said, pulling out two elegant Cartier boxes, "I have something for you both."