Chapter 2 The Rolls-Royce Ride
"I heard Jiang Qingyao won a piano competition not long ago. Things with President Qin must be close, right?"
In the moment before the door shut, I heard Jiang Qingyao's shy voice. "That depends on Qin Zhimin's plans."
I pressed my lips together and walked faster.
The phone in my bag rang. I answered.
"So? Did you see him?"
Ling Yu's voice sounded careful.
I hummed. "I saw him. The dream came true."
It was the evening rush. This spot was not easy for catching a cab.
I was about to scan a shared bike when a Rolls-Royce stopped in front of me.
The rear window rolled down and showed Qin Zhimin's familiar face.
He raised a brow at me. "Get in."
I did not move. "No need. My friend is coming to pick me up."
Jiang Qingyao leaned out from beside Qin Zhimin, all smiles.
"Come on up. You and Qin Zhimin are old classmates. A short ride is nothing."
Her warmth left no room to refuse. I paused, then opened the front passenger door.
"You are Song Sheng, right? Where do you live?"
I gave an address in a calm voice. Jiang Qingyao looked a little surprised.
The address I gave was a poor street in the east of the city.
She did not show much of it. She told the driver to take me home first.
"Take Jiang Qingyao first." Qin Zhimin, silent until then, spoke flatly.
Seeing Jiang Qingyao look at him, he explained, "That place is too far. You need to sleep early and take care of yourself lately."
Through the rearview mirror, I saw Jiang Qingyao lean into Qin Zhimin's arms, happiness all over her face.
I looked at them with envy. Then my eyes met Qin Zhimin's.
I hurried to look away and did not dare look again.