Wang Xiaoliang finally understood why Wei Zijin was afraid.
The organizer's van drove them straight to a restaurant that was open twenty-four hours a day. As soon as they got out, they were ushered into a private room.
No one spoke to them the entire time.
Wei Zijin kept hold of Wang Xiaoliang's hand.
She said nothing, but Wang Xiaoliang could feel it.
If he hadn't been there tonight, how would Wei Zijin have felt facing He Rumeng alone? How frightened would she have been?
The private room's door closed.
Zhao Nan, He Rumeng's assistant, and the driver stayed outside to eat. There were only three people in the room.
The food had already been laid out, filling the table, and the soup was still steaming.
He Rumeng picked up the serving chopsticks and placed a piece of freshly blanched beef on Wei Zijin's plate.
"Here, eat first."
Neither of them touched their chopsticks.
He Rumeng didn't serve any more food either.
She put down the chopsticks and remained silent for quite a while.
Wang Xiaoliang thought she didn't know where to begin either.
After much deliberation, He Rumeng finally spoke. "When Zijin told me you two were having problems, I suggested you spend some time apart to cool down." She smiled, a touch of self-mockery in her smile. "I regretted it the moment I said it. I never imagined you'd end up staying apart-for so long."
Wei Zijin lifted the teacup in front of her and took a sip without responding.
He Rumeng looked at how close they were sitting, their chairs side by side and their arms touching.
"Seeing you like this puts my mind at ease. I was really afraid you'd miss your chance with each other because of something I said. Xiaoliang is a good young