He Rumeng ignored Xiao Mo's barbed remarks.
"Long time no see, Xiao Mo. You haven't really changed much." She stepped aside, revealing the man behind her. "This is my husband, Li Zhenglu. Zhenglu, this is Xiao Mo. This is Zijin, Xiaoliang, and this is..."
Her voice faltered.
"Mi... Shanshan."
When the four of them entered, He Rumeng's gaze had locked onto Nuomi. From her features and the feeling she gave her, He Rumeng was certain she was her daughter, though this was their first meeting after all these years.
Xiao Mo took two steps forward. "You've certainly changed a lot. You're not the He Fang you used to be. Now you're the queen of the music world, admired by everyone."
"Those are just empty titles. Old friends are still old friends." Li Zhenglu took over the conversation.
Nuomi instinctively tightened her grip on Wei Zijin's hand.
Wei Zijin's hand was already barely warm, but Nuomi's was even colder, her palm clammy.
Wei Zijin turned her hand over and clasped hers, tightening her fingers.
Li Zhenglu took two steps forward.
He offered his hand to Xiao Mo and Wang Xiaoliang. His plump face was wreathed in smiles, and he looked quite amiable.
"Come, let's sit and talk." His manner was very polite, his Mandarin stiff.
There was a round table in the room with six chairs, with no distinction between the seats.
Wang Xiaoliang glanced around.
Strong tea steeped in a glass pot, and delicate pastries and sliced fruit sat on the table.
The colors went well together. It looked like someone's living room, awaiting honored guests.
It looked less like a negotiation than a reception for younger relatives visiting.
Xiao Mo sat down with his legs spread wide. Wang Xiaoliang did not hesitate either, gesturing for Wei Zijin to sit