The next afternoon, Xiao Xiao received a phone call from Li Yan.
The meeting place took Xiao Xiao by surprise.
At the school gate?
From a distance, Xiao Xiao spotted Li Yan half-hidden behind a tree.
His brows lifted slightly.
"Ah—"
Li Yan's startled cry caught in his throat.
He turned around.
His eyes widened with alarm.
The corners of Xiao Xiao's mouth curved up slightly.
"Sorry, I startled you."
Seeing that it was Xiao Xiao, Li Yan's heart, which had leapt into his throat, settled back down.
"Master Xiao, you're here."
He'd been so focused just now that he hadn't noticed anyone walking up behind him.
Honestly, that had been terrifying.
It was a good thing it was broad daylight.
Otherwise, he was afraid he would've let out a piercing, off-key high-pitched scream.
He took a deep breath.
He calmed his still somewhat erratic heartbeat.
"Master Xiao, I can't believe you found me."
"I thought you might not be able to, and would have to message me..."
Xiao Xiao's brows lifted slightly.
Wouldn't anyone notice such an obvious, furtive figure?
"What are you doing?"
Xiao Xiao changed the subject.
"Look."
At the mention of it, Li Yan immediately straightened up and turned serious.
"See?"
"A Cheng is right up ahead."
"Let's follow him."
Then, as if afraid Xiao Xiao might get the wrong idea, Li Yan hurriedly explained.
"I don't want to do this, either."
"But I don't know how to introduce you to A Cheng."
It would be so out of the blue...
He'd considered staging a chance encounter.
But in the end, he'd chosen the simpler, more direct approach.
Following him.
"Hey, he's moving. Let's go."
Li Yan hurriedly called Xiao Xiao along.
Xiao Xiao gave a slight shrug and