Meng Yunji cast a discreet glance at their joined hands and smiled. "Hello, Ji Ting."
"Hello."
Meng Yunji looked at Shen Mu Lan. "I had some business in the area and happened to pass by, so I thought I'd stop in."
The Mulan Cloud Residence was so out of the way that even getting a ride was often difficult. Claiming he had happened to pass by was a rather flimsy excuse.
Shen Mu Lan didn't call him out on it. He smiled. "Since you're here, sit down and have some tea."
"No, I still have something to take care of. Next time."
With that, Meng Yunji lifted the bag in his hand. "Egg tarts from Beixin Street. I bought an extra box, so I'll leave them for you."
Shen Mu Lan raised an eyebrow. "You still remember? Thanks."
Meng Yunji glanced at Ji Ting, his expression calm, as though he didn't mind at all.
He lowered his eyes, hiding the shadow in them, and set the bag on the low cabinet by the entrance. "I'll be going, then. Don't see me out."
Shen Mu Lan hadn't intended to see him out anyway, so he merely gave a token wave.
As soon as he heard a car starting outside, he abruptly let go of Ji Ting. "Sorry, Xiao Ting."
Ji Ting flexed his fingers. "It's all right."
The atmosphere was a little awkward. Shen Mu Lan cleared his throat and went to pick up the bag. "The egg tarts are still warm. Let's have them together."
He opened the box and handed one to Ji Ting. "These are from my favorite place. Try one."
Ji Ting took a small bite. "Mm, they're not too sweet."
Shen Mu Lan raised his hand to take a bite, but just as the tart reached