Yao Tang glanced at Cheng Yan before turning off her phone and taking the milk tea.

She took a sip, then realized belatedly that Cheng Yanhad already taken the mango cake out of its box.

His eyes gleamed with unabashed affection as he handed the pastry to her.

It was all Qin Jingcould do not to squeal in delight at the scene unfolding before them.

She turned to Lin Xinand winked urgently, signaling at the latter to look inYao TangandCheng Yan's direction.

They had long suspected that the young man was interested in their Sister Tang, but they never had the chance to know for certain. That was, until now.

What made them even more excited was the fact that Yao Tangdidn't seem inclined to reject his advances. If anything, she welcomed his gifts of desserts and milk tea.

Lin Xin nodded subtly in understanding. She leaned close toQin Jingand whispered, "It looks like Young Master Cheng has a special purpose. We just happened to be withSister Tang."

"I knew it!" Qin Jingchuckled.

She was feeling giddy about this pseudo-official revelation.

Qin Jing took out her phone and took a photo of the sunset outside. She then posted it on her WeChat moments with the caption, "What a lucky day to hang out with my best friend. I'm ready for a big meal at the fabulousChunlai Hotelin Beijing. Stay tuned for some scrumptious photos!"

She made sure to tag the street they were in as her location.

After publishing the post, Qin Jingput her phone away and turned her attention back to the scenery outside.

Little did she know that not too far away, Yao Ranwas sitting in her hospital ward, scrolling through her WeChat feed. Unsurprisingly, she came acrossQin Jing's post. Her eyes immediately darkened as her thoughts raced.

Back in the car, Qin Hao happened to glance at the rearview mirror, as one would while driving. This was how he witnessed the moment betweenCheng YanandYao Tang.

As shocked as he was, he immediately averted his eyes, terrified of accidentally meeting Cheng Yan's gaze.

His hands were trembling so badly that he almost drove the car into a shallow ditch.

'Don't look at me, don't look at me!'

Curiosity killed the cat, as the saying went. Qin Hao knew that if he wanted to keep his life and remain in one piece, his best bet would be to pretend that he hadn't seen anything.

He muttered his mantra under his breath and focused on driving, making it a point not to look through the rearview mirror again.

Yao Tang finished her milk tea and leaned back for a nap.

She was exhausted from the day's events. She wanted to use this brief drive to relax her mind.

Cheng Yan only gazed at her in silence, his heart aching with longing.

He had his own spies in Beijing, so he came to know of everything that had transpired as soon as he had gotten off the plane.

Truth be told, Cheng Yanhad been on tenterhooks since then.

Only now could he finally feel at ease, when Yao Tangwas within his reach, all safe and sound.How great would it be if he could keep watching her like this until the end of their days?

Yao Tang had her eyes closed. A strand of hair had escaped from her bun and now framed one side of her face. In the evening light, her features looked softer.

Cheng Yan even thought he could spot some baby fat on her chin and cheeks.

Qin Hao drove straight and true, and they arrived at Chunlai Hotelin no time. Everyone alighted one by one at the entrance.

A valet promptly appeared to drive the car to the parking lot.

"Yao Tang, I need to take care of something first." Cheng Yansaid. "If it's all right, we can head back together later."

He took off his scarf and put it around her neck.

There was still a slight chill during the evenings.

Yao Tang merely nodded and followed the others into the building. Her expression remained neutral, and she kept her hands in her pockets the entire time.

Cheng Yan watched her disappear into the distance. With a defeated sigh, he nodded at the waiter and walked in another direction.

Qin Hao followed close at his heels.

Yao Tang's group walked to the main hall, with Qin Jingat the lead. She headed straight toward the information desk.

"Hello," she greeted one of the staff politely. "We've reserved Room 505. Please take us there."

Qin Rui had relayed the details of the reservation as they made their way over. He had booked the room at noon, and it was simply waiting there for them to arrive.

Knowing that his sister and her friends wanted to eat at the hotel, Qin Ruihad specifically asked a friend to secure this particular private room.

"I apologize. Due to the negligence of our reception staff, I'm afraid that your room was not successfully reserved. It is currently occupied by another guest. If you are here for the food, I can book you a different private room in half a month's time."

The waiter's tone was curt and dismissive. He didn't even wait for a response before producing a clipboard and brandishing his pen. "Kindly tell me whose name the reservation shall be made under, as well as your contact details."

He raised an eyebrow and looked at Qin Jingup and down in obvious disgust.