The night wind swept together the aromas of Slope Street's braised snacks and fried dumplings with the bar lights and red wine of Jiefang West Road, creating a thriving scene of everyday life.
After following Qin Zisi around for a busy day, Qin Yanan had not had time to change her clothes, shoes, or socks. Her outfit was elegant and fashionable, making her look like a professional woman who would have dinner with colleagues on Slope Street after work before heading next door for a few drinks.
Quite a few people had tried to strike up conversations with them at the bar earlier. They had even encountered some human-looking exotic beasts, but Qin Zisi had not approached them. She did not want to alert the enemy too soon.
The noisy, chaotic environment was full of pollution, even worse than Zhu Juntang's IQ-lowering aura. It was an extremely unfriendly place for a pregnant woman, so Qin Yanan naturally did not linger, disappointing the many men and women itching to make a move.
Some even followed Qin Yanan out, only giving up after seeing her get into a Public Security Bureau vehicle.
She had not expected that, after coming to Slope Street Police Station to look through some records, she would come out and find the group beneath the parasol tree eating.
Qin Zisi watched as her cousin, who had worn a cold expression in the bar and kept strangers at arm's length, greeted them with a radiant smile, like a bank manager encountering a household newly rich from demolition compensation and carrying stacks of cash.
"Ah, why are you all eating here?" Qin Yanan asked with a smile, waving as she greeted everyone before taking her place beside the Filial, Enlightened, Benevolent, Healthy, Diligent, Thrifty, Family-Protecting, Skilled-in-Commerce, Compassionate, Sacred, Manifest Empress