The instant that lightly laughing voice came through the receiver, the muscles at the back of Shen Yi's neck tightened almost imperceptibly.
He gently pressed his stiff neck, forcing his voice to sound as steady as ever.
"Hello, Young Master Dai."
"I'm downstairs at your company right now. If you have time, could we meet?"
"Me? You're looking for me?"
Why had he come to see him rather than Yuan Chen? Shen Yi thought quickly. He had no personal relationship with Dai Ciling.
Just as he was trying to guess his intentions, Dai Ciling's distinctive voice, seemingly always full of sunshine, rang out again.
"Yes, there are a few things I'd like to ask you about. I'd rather you didn't tell Yuan Chen yet. That should... be all right, shouldn't it?"
"..."
"I won't take up much of your time. Five minutes, ten at most? If now isn't convenient, I can wait. I'm free today. I have plenty of time."
There was laughter in his words, but beneath it lay an insistence that brooked no refusal.
Apparently, he had made up his mind to see him today, no matter what.
Shen Yi pushed his chair back and stood, absently straightening the uncreased hem of his suit jacket.
"Where shall we meet?"
Dai Ciling arranged to meet him in the parking garage on the third basement level.
Shen Yi took the elevator down and immediately spotted a rare sports car waiting with its hazard lights flashing.
"Shen Yi!"
The window lowered, and Dai Ciling leaned his head out, waving enthusiastically as though he had run into an old friend he was delighted to see.
Shen Yi gave a slight nod of greeting and walked straight over.
Choosing a parking garage rather than a café was unusual in itself.
What exactly did