After Qin Ci left, several professors nearby who knew Xie Zhitan came over to ask about him with concern.
Xie Zhitan smiled and said it was nothing.
Two of the younger ones wore knowing looks. As far as they were concerned, anyone brought along to an academic conference had to be a romantic partner.
Xie Zhitan lowered his eyes, unwilling to explain anything to them.
There was no need.
While clearing away the trays, Xie Zhitan spotted a small box left behind where Qin Ci had been sitting.
After a moment's thought, he took the box with him to check the security footage.
Only after confirming that Qin Ci had left it behind did he take it away.
His plan was to return it when Qin Ci came by for another "chance encounter."
Who knew Qin Ci would disappear for quite so long this time?
Throughout his month in Ancheng, Xie Zhitan never saw him again.
Time passed quickly, and a month later, Xie Zhitan returned to the Imperial Capital.
It was still neither cold nor hot in the Imperial Capital. The wind was dry enough to make people irritable.
"Second Brother, what are you looking at?"
Xie Zhiyan had volunteered to pick him up from the airport today. He closed the trunk and asked casually.
Xie Zhitan paused. "Nothing. Let's go."
Xie Zhiyan had been positively glowing lately. Ever since he started making money, he spent practically everything he earned each month.
Xie Zhitan watched the streets recede outside, offering a few absent responses.
Puzzled, Xie Zhiyan turned to glance at him. "Second Brother, are you too tired? Why are you so distracted?"
Xie Zhitan said mildly, "Everything's all right with Hua Jian, isn't it?"
Xie Zhiyan snorted. "What could possibly happen to him? He and Bo Lin are