Three hours later, the apartment door finally opened.
Haoyu emerged first, hair a little tousled, lips red, and the collar of his jacket clearly adjusted in a rush.
Meng Nian followed right after, a lot calmer but with a smugness that was barely hidden.
They stepped into the sunlight, only to stop short.
Qingran was leaning against the car with her arms folded and the kind of expression that could curdle milk. Her gaze cut like a blade the moment she saw them.
Qingran's furious gaze swept over Haoyu and Meng Nian as they approached the car.
"What took you so long?" she demanded, her voice tight with anger.
Haoyu looked sheepish. "I'm sorry, older sister. We got...held up."
Qingran's expression turned incredulous. "Held up? You've been gone for hours. I was worried sick."
Meng Nian watched the exchange with a neutral expression, but Haoyu could sense a hint of amusement behind his eyes.
