Chapter 13：Latte (1/2)

Qian Meigui had extra time on her hands, so she decided to walk to an old book store. She admired the photographs and portraits that hung on the walls. The store was full of antiques but classic pieces of furniture. It was her favourite place. She sat on a rustic sofa and picked up a fantasy novel.

After an hour of reading, she was interrupted when she received a phone call from an unknown number. She quickly answered, anticipating who it may be.

”Hello.”

”Xiao Mei,” a deep voice said. A voice that she knew well.

”Sheng,” she called out.

”Where are you?” he asked.

”At the book store a couple of streets from home.”

”All right. I will pick you up in 20 minutes,” he said.

”What are we going to do?” she asked.

”Eat,” he said.

”All right, see you in a bit.” Qian Meigui hung up the call.

Qian Meigui purchased the book, and she waited for Song Sheng outside the store. He came within fifteen rather than twenty. A black Mercedes-Maybach pulled up, and she opened the door to go in. Song Sheng wore a pair of black sunglasses and drove away as soon as she entered.

”Where are we going?” Qian Meigui asked.

Song Sheng was always once to be reserved and stoic, but the distance between them grew because of the distance from the last two years, and she was afraid that it wasn't going to mend. She wanted to know everything about the places he'd gone and things he'd seen.

”We are going to Ladders and Latte,” he said.

They exited the car when they arrived, and Qian Meigui was able to get a better look at him. He wore a sand-coloured sweater over a white-collared shirt and casual navy-blue pants. He removed his black sunglasses and her eyes connected with his golden-brown eyes.

Qian Meigui quickly looked away, and they walked into the café. The employees immediately recognized them. They bowed their heads and said, ”Young Master; Young Mistress.”

One of the employees sent them to their usual private booth. It was bigger than she remembered empty.

They both sat down, and Song Sheng requested for a game of Draughts, despite knowing she was not good at the game, but he liked to make things difficult for her as a joke.

Qian Meigui ordered a green-tea latte whereas Song Sheng ordered a plain black coffee. He poured some milk and some sugar, and he drank it elegantly. He barely spoke a word to her in the car and even now.

After a moment of silence,

”Xiao Mei,” he called. Qian Meigui looked at him. His black hair was slightly tousled, and his jaw was hard and sharp.

”Yes?” she answered.

”How have you been?” he asked, tonelessly.