C26 They Did Something Bad

In the restaurant, Shi Qian was swiftly eating her breakfast, her eyes cast downward. Shaang Sizhan, ever the epitome of elegance, ate at his usual leisurely pace, no different from any other day.

After swallowing her last bite and setting down her utensils, Shi Qian looked towards Shaang Sizhan with a light smile. "Master Zhan, I'm full. Please take your time; I'll be heading out now."

She was about to rise from her seat when he interjected, "Wait." Shaang Sizhan laid his silverware aside and met her gaze. "I'll drive you."

Shi Qian hesitated, her lips parting as if to decline, but she thought better of it. Once Shaang Sizhan made up his mind, he rarely changed it, and that included something as simple as driving her to school.

Outside the villa, Lih Feng stood by the car, his expression as stern as ever, and nodded respectfully. "Master Zhan, Miss Qian."

Both Shaang Sizhan and Shi Qian entered the vehicle, and Lih Feng closed the door behind them before taking his place behind the wheel. The car began its smooth departure from Monarch Garden.

Trailing behind, Baili Yi watched the car fade into the distance, his brow furrowing slightly. He muttered under his breath, "They've both left, and I haven't had the chance to ask anything."

Checking the time on his phone, Baili Yi planned to inquire after Shi Qian's arrival at school, intending to catch her once she and Shaang Sizhan went their separate ways.

Inside the car, Shi Qian couldn't help but feel a tad uneasy next to Shaang Sizhan, likely due to the previous night's events. She had hoped for a quick trip to school, but to her dismay, they were stuck in a traffic jam. The car hadn't moved for 20 minutes.

Stealing a glance at the enigmatic figure beside her, she observed Shaang Sizhan engrossed in his laptop, his long, attractive fingers occasionally tapping a key with an air of detachment.

Shi Qian chided herself inwardly. Was she overreacting? After all, it was just a night of drunken, innocent sleep—nothing more.

She withdrew her gaze and checked the time on her phone, which at that moment, began to ring. It was Baili Yi on the other end.

Shi Qian slid her finger across the screen to answer the call. "Hello..."

From the other end, Baili Yi's voice buzzed with excitement and curiosity. "Xiaoqian, spill the beans! When did you start getting into mischief with Master Zhan?"

Shi Qian was momentarily speechless.

Even though the call wasn't on speaker, at such close quarters, Shaang Sizhan's keen hearing would undoubtedly pick up Baili Yi's words.

Without turning, Shi Qian caught a glimpse of Shaang Sizhan's fingers halting their dance on the keyboard from the corner of her eye.

Baili Yi, you're going to pay for this!

After a brief silence, Shi Qian spoke up, maintaining her composure. "Baili Yi, you must be dreaming!"

Baili Yi chuckled. "Oh, in denial, are we? I saw Master Zhan leave your room this morning. Come on, when did you two hit the hay?"

Not this nonsense again!

Shi Qian thought to herself, but outwardly she maintained a serious demeanor. "Baili Yi, take my advice and get some medication. Your mental state seems off lately."

"Xiaoqian..."

Before Baili Yi could say another word, Shi Qian ended the call.

A soft chuckle resonated next to her.

It was Shaang Sizhan.

Without turning, Shi Qian glanced ahead as the car finally began to move.

"Qian," Shaang Sizhan broke the silence.

"Hmm?" Shi Qian turned to face him.

Shaang Sizhan looked at her with a teasing expression. "Call me before your class ends; I'll come to pick you up."

"Sure, will do," Shi Qian replied with a smile.

Ten minutes later, the car pulled up near the school.

Shi Qian stepped out, bid farewell to Shaang Sizhan, and headed towards the school building.

Shaang Sizhan's car lingered, seemingly waiting until she was safely inside the school.

Across the street, in a black SUV.

Jiang Ci was behind the wheel, with Huo Fei seated next to him.

Both men watched Shaang Sizhan's car intently.

Huo Fei exclaimed, "Hey! Isn't that Master Zhan's car? Looks like Master Zhan is personally dropping off Ms Qian again."

Jiang Ci's eyes darkened subtly, and he pressed his lips together, remaining silent.