Zhou Tingzhao was by no means a considerate friend.

He was extremely difficult.

Sang Ru thought as she leaned against his shoulder.

She moved slightly, but Zhou Tingzhao still showed no reaction, as if that sudden hug, one that seemed so meaningful, hadn’t been from him at all.

If she had walked away earlier, she would now be comfortably relaxing at home, rather than being ignored by an extremely inconsiderate friend.

It wasn’t enough for Zhou Tingzhao to talk to her through the car window; after she got into the passenger seat, he immediately started another serious conversation.

Amid Sang Ru’s confusion, Zhou Tingzhao frowned, his tone also serious.

“You never intended to leave,” he said.

“So what?”

Indeed, so what—that’s why they ended up in this hotel again, where the front desk staff had become so familiar with them that they always gave them the same meeting room, complete with a professional smile.

There was a hint of familiarity in it. Sang Ru pretended not to notice, but thought that next time perhaps she should invite him to her home, then immediately felt like she’d lost her mind.

Zhou Tingzhao followed behind her, maintaining a distance that was neither too far nor too close.

The room keycard was in Sang Ru’s hand. Just before she could insert it into the power slot, a sudden movement changed its course, causing it to drop to the floor with a faint sound.

Darkness surrounded them from all sides. Zhou Tingzhao’s breath was close, warm against the tip of Sang Ru’s ear.

He was cold in personality, but somehow his presence was very warm—his hands and demeanor radiated a strange heat. When her shoulder was suddenly touched, she instinctively stepped back, which only brought her closer to him.

Zhou Tingzhao guided her gently. Sang Ru was caught off guard as he positioned her against the wall, and she became nervous almost immediately.

Zhou Tingzhao heard her release a soft “mm,” slightly confused, revealing her uncertainty. His hand brushed against her arm reassuringly.

He paused, then suddenly stepped back. He smiled slightly and said, “No warning before coming to meet me today?”

His voice was very low, quiet enough just for her ear, unbearably mysterious. Sang Ru was annoyed with him while outwardly trying to stay calm: “It was a quick decision. I didn’t have time to plan.”

Zhou Tingzhao casually hummed in acknowledgment, his eyes watching her carefully. The barely-there connection made her feel strangely uncomfortable.

“Mmm… tell me why you’re here…”

“Too sudden,” Zhou Tingzhao ignored her question and continued to keep his distance, making this declaration.

“It’s been a while since we talked. I’d be this way even if you weren’t here.”

As soon as Sang Ru said it, she felt satisfied, hearing Zhou Tingzhao’s indifferent laugh.

“Mm,” he even agreed, then in the next moment, moved away from her. Just as Sang Ru unconsciously began to follow him, he suddenly turned on the lights.

Sang Ru’s eyes blinked at the brightness. Before she could react, Zhou Tingzhao appeared in her vision. He stepped further into the room, loosening his tie, and glanced back at her, saying, “I need a minute.”

Jerk! He was such a jerk!

When Sang Ru came to her senses, she was so angry her temples throbbed. She thought that if he were paid to be here, at least she could demand better treatment for wasting her time.

But Zhou Tingzhao wasn’t an employee, nor did he lack money. They had started as equals in a complicated friendship.

Sang Ru followed him and, catching him off guard, pulled and pushed him onto the long sofa chair.

The tables turned. Zhou Tingzhao obediently adjusted his position, leaning back against the soft cushion, watching her quickly sit across from him without resistance.

One moment he was friendly, the next he could immediately withdraw and walk away—such behavior could only be described as haughty, and Sang Ru despised it.

But just being watched by Zhou Tingzhao this way made every nerve in Sang Ru’s body tense with irritation.

In contrast to her nearly desperate actions before, her movements suddenly slowed. She sat near Zhou Tingzhao, calmly asking a few questions, then moved her hand in a dismissive gesture to show her frustration with his attitude.

As she spoke to him, her whole posture showed her annoyance. At first, she wanted to make him talk, but later it was just to express her feelings.

Before she could fully explain herself, Zhou Tingzhao suddenly interrupted her.

“You’ve completely ruined my evening.”