Zhou Heng stayed away from home for a week before returning, then spent a few more days handling paperwork. This time, his overseas study program was confirmed.

He didn’t have many possessions and planned to store them all at Meng Qi’s place. The original rental contract was for six months, and while he was considering how to discuss the rent with Qing Hang, Qing Hang brought it up first.

“The contract is in my name. If you’re not staying, there’s no reason for you to continue paying rent.”

“Let me pay until next month,” Zhou Heng wasn’t one to be coy. “After I move out, you could invite Wanyue to move in.”

Cheng Wanyue had changed jobs but rarely stayed at the studio and occasionally traveled for work. She had gone to Qingdao with a photographer for a shoot, and Qing Hang hadn’t seen her for four days.

“She might not be willing.”

Zhou Heng had dated two girlfriends before. “It’s normal for couples to live together.”

Qing Hang said, “I’m still pursuing her.”

Zhou Heng had thought they were already together. Although Qing Hang never discussed Cheng Wanyue in front of him, and he had retreated to the position of just a friend, he still found himself distracted looking at the photo on Qing Hang’s phone screen.

“I understand. Distance makes the heart grow fonder.”

Living together had its advantages, but Cheng Wanyue loved freedom and being unrestrained.

Zhou Heng thought of Li Yu. “Director Li wants to set you up with Dr. Li. If you’re committed to Wanyue, it’s better to clarify this with him sooner rather than later.”

Qing Hang paused what he was doing and looked at Zhou Heng with confusion. “Me and Dr. Li?”

Zhou Heng sighed deeply. “How did you end up with Wanyue when you’re this oblivious? Last time at the barbecue, Director Li asked me to create opportunities for you and Dr. Li. Otherwise, why would I invite Dr. Li? I barely know her.”

Regarding that jade pendant, Qing Hang only remembered that Cheng Wanyue had gotten very angry. As for why Li Yu hadn’t contacted him immediately after finding the pendant, he had never asked or thought deeply about it.

“Don’t be too direct, though. After all, you still work in neurosurgery. Be a bit more tactful,” Zhou Heng patted his shoulder. “I’m heading back to work now.”

Qing Hang leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose.

Cheng Wanyue’s WeChat was quiet. Qing Hang opened her Weibo account. He had registered a Weibo account and followed only one person. After logging in, he could only see her updates on his homepage.

She had posted a set of photos three hours ago with the caption: “New wallpaper.”

The blue sea and sky weren’t unique to Qingdao’s summer, but the sea she had visited seemed different from any he had seen before.

Qing Hang saved all the photos to his phone, liked the post before exiting Weibo, and changed his screen wallpaper before attending to other matters.

He left work half an hour late, coinciding with Director Li’s departure.

The elevator was crowded. Once they exited the hospital building, Director Li invited Qing Hang to dinner at his home. He had hinted at this during morning rounds.

“Xiao Yu is coming home for dinner today, too. She’s probably almost there by now.”

“Director, I’m sorry, I…”

Before Qing Hang could finish, someone suddenly hugged him from behind, pushing him half a step forward.

A soft body pressed against his back, and two slender, fair arms wrapped around his waist. He looked down and saw a small pearl on the bracelet she wore.

She asked in a muffled voice, “Guess who?”

People were coming and going around them, and Director Li looked at them in astonishment. It was after work hours, and Qing Hang, who had initially intended to pull away from Cheng Wanyue, instead drew her into his arms. “Director, this is the person I’m currently pursuing. She just returned from Qingdao, and I need to accompany her tonight.”

Director Li suddenly realized that the girl Qing Hang had mentioned liking for many years might not be Li Yu.

He examined Cheng Wanyue, his gaze scrutinizing.

Cheng Wanyue greeted him proactively, “Hello, Director.”

Director Li snapped back to attention and nodded with a smile.

Qing Hang politely said, “Goodbye, Director. Next time we have the opportunity, we’ll treat you to dinner.”

Director Li watched as the two walked away hand in hand, seemingly understanding why his daughter had been unhappy lately. He had thought someone with Qing Hang’s personality would prefer a calm, mature woman with whom he shared common interests, and that even in a relationship, he wouldn’t be too passionate. But the reality was entirely different.

Qing Hang naturally took the girl’s bag and hat, as if he had done such small gestures many times before. They chatted continuously, as if they had endless things to discuss.

Cheng Wanyue looked back. “Qing Hang, is that director looking at you or me?”

“At us,” Qing Hang squeezed her hand. “He’s Dr. Li’s father.”

“So they’re father and daughter. No wonder they look a bit alike,” As they turned the corner, vehicles blocked the gaze from behind, and Cheng Wanyue felt more comfortable. “If I had come any later, you would have already left work. Fortunately, I made it in time.”

The Weibo post was geo-tagged at the airport. Qing Hang had guessed she would return today. “Next time, call me in advance or send a WeChat message. I can see it when I’m not busy.”

“I just wanted to come directly and forgot to tell you,” Cheng Wanyue had taken a taxi to the hospital right after landing. “Let’s find Cheng Yanqing for dinner.”

“Sure.”

The company where Cheng Yanqing worked wasn’t far from the hospital, but traffic was congested during rush hour, and it took almost 40 minutes to get there.

He received Cheng Wanyue’s call and was about to go downstairs when he saw Qin Hua in the elevator. Neither her assistant nor her manager was with her.

This was Cheng Yanqing’s third face-to-face encounter with Qin Hua today. The first was at another company’s photo studio, and the second was outside the restroom.

Qin Hua had taken on a new product endorsement and had been shooting advertisements these days.

The female celebrity’s appearance differed little in private versus in front of the camera. She had been trending recently, but in Cheng Yanqing’s memory, she was quite blurry.

Qin Hua was also waiting for the elevator. “Have time for a coffee together?”

Cheng Yanqing replied coolly, “I’m sorry, my sister is waiting for me.”

Qin Hua remembered that their last argument before breaking up was because of Cheng Wanyue. During that half-year, she had been running between film sets, and whenever she needed him, he was never around.

The elevator was on the 9th floor. She asked again, “Do you have a girlfriend?”

“Yes,” Cheng Yanqing said with a straight face. “We’re getting married soon.”

The elevator reached the 14th floor.

Indeed, he was Cheng Yanqing, always moving forward. How could he possibly have regrets?

Qin Hua’s voice was very low. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” Cheng Yanqing stepped into the elevator. Qin Hua remained outside. He held the button and finally glanced at her. “Not coming in?”

Qin Hua shook her head. “I’m waiting for CEO Li.”

They had a dinner engagement that evening.

Cheng Yanqing didn’t wait any longer. He went to get his car first. Cheng Wanyue and Qing Hang were at a nearby bubble tea shop. When he asked what she wanted to eat, she said she wanted something expensive.

In all the time she had been in Beijing, he hadn’t properly taken her to a restaurant for dinner, especially with Qing Hang present.

Since she had brought Qing Hang along, it indicated they were not far from officially dating.

While waiting at a red light, Cheng Yanqing tried calling to make a reservation. He was lucky; a table had just been canceled. He asked about the menu, and most dishes were ones Cheng Wanyue enjoyed.

Reportedly, many celebrities had visited this restaurant, and reservations were usually required in advance.

Cheng Wanyue was rummaging through her bag for the seashells she had brought back from the beach. Qing Hang held all her things—sunglasses, lipstick, powder compact, and more.

A group of people walked past and entered the elevator with them.

Cheng Wanyue didn’t notice Qin Hua; her attention was on a middle-aged man in a suit.

She recognized him.

It was Chi Yue’s father.

Others were trying to curry favor with him, but he didn’t have that sleazy aura.

Only after leaving the elevator did she notice that Qin Hua was among the group. Qin Hua and Chi Yue’s father entered the same private dining room.