No Way Out

"Sorry, I was a little too tense," Bai Qing said.

"It's fine. We do need to be more careful. They've clearly gotten ahead of us again," Zhang Heng said, somewhat annoyed. "Those things are everywhere. They're as disgusting as cockroaches."

"What do we do now?" Bai Qing asked after catching her breath.

"There's nothing we can do. The Children's Palace route is blocked," Zhang Heng said. "And it looks like you've been targeted too. You can't go back to the hotel you were staying at. Let's find somewhere safe first." After a pause, he added, "Somewhere neither of us has been before."

"Where?" Bai Qing asked.

"I know the owner of an internet café. He can get us a private room on the second floor for now."

"How do you know he hasn't been replaced?"

"Don't worry, I've already confirmed that," Zhang Heng said. "That place is practically like a hotel. There's food and drinks, and we can stay there until we figure out what to do next."

"Okay." Bai Qing took a deep breath, but her feet did not move. "This may not be the right time, but can I ask you something?"

"Of course. Ask anything you want. As long as I know the answer, I'll tell you everything without holding back," Zhang Heng said with a nod.

"I want to know..." Bai Qing looked into Zhang Heng's eyes. "Do you like me?"

Zhang Heng froze. "Uh, I didn't expect you to..."

"Sorry, I'm so stupid. Forget I asked," Bai Qing said, lowering her head in embarrassment.

"No, I mean, I didn't expect you to be so brave," Zhang Heng praised. "That was really brave. I should have been the one asking you that question."

"So your answer is?"

"Yes. Of course. I like you too," Zhang Heng