Yacheng, two days later, afternoon.
Lihua District, the House of Sea and Sky, an internet-famous dessert shop.
Under the blazing sun, a steady stream of customers checked in and took photos on the outdoor beach. Beneath the parasols, countless patrons enjoyed the signature desserts and afternoon tea sets amid the bustling clamor.
Yet in the private room carefully prepared inside the shop, the atmosphere gradually stagnated beneath the endless small talk.
Or rather, it became awkward.
"The weather's really nice."
"Yeah, yeah."
"Was there traffic on the way here?"
"No, none."
"You've lost weight lately."
"Just a little."
"Your skin looks so good too!"
"...Hua Hua."
The woman across the table, dressed in a pencil skirt and blouse, sighed.
Her hair was neatly pinned up behind her head, her makeup light. She always seemed gentle and warm, making people feel close to her and unable to help but want to pour out all the troubles in their hearts.
Ye Zhi pushed her coffee aside and said seriously, "I skipped an appointment with a major client just to come see you today. You said you had something important you wanted to consult me about in person, so say it already."
"Okay... fine..."
Tong Hua hemmed and hawed for a long while. Ye Zhi's gaze inconspicuously fell on her hands—her fingers twisting together, interlacing and pressing fingertip to fingertip now and then. Anxious, lost.
She was still hesitating, considering whether to tell her about this.
She said, "I have a friend..."
"Right, you have a friend."
Ye Zhi immediately understood. After adjusting her plain glasses, she crossed her legs and sat up straighter. The fingers holding her spoon subtly shifted, as though they were gripping a pen.
The look in her eyes behind those glasses became deeply meaningful.
Tong Hua was instantly