Zhao Hongyan’s tone softened as she said, “Please be careful and come back early tonight.”

Without turning back, Song Yi headed out. At 6 pm, it was the peak time for school and work, and people in the community were coming and going non-stop.

He took out his phone and scrolled through his contacts. Although he had many friends, none of them seemed suitable to call upon. In this situation, others wouldn’t understand and might just follow along without truly helping.

Song Yi couldn’t think of where to take refuge.

He rarely felt so lonely, standing in the most familiar place without knowing where to go.

Taking a deep breath, he ran a hand through his hair and walked out of the community, intending to find a coffee shop to spend the afternoon.

The black Bugatti was still parked at the entrance, with surrounding cars giving it a wide berth, leaving it alone in the center of the parking space.

It seemed as if the car had seen Song Yi, its lights flickering a few times like a blink. Song Yi’s heart skipped a beat, and he walked over.

The car window slowly lowered, and Gu Xingchuan casually propped his elbow on the edge. “Why did you come back?”

Song Yi ignored the question and calmly asked, “Why are you still here?”

“Listening to music,” Gu Xingchuan replied nonchalantly, his eyes scanning Song Yi from head to toe.

Song Yi was still wearing the shirt from his morning suit but without the coat and tie. The simple white shirt looked very refreshing and clean. However, Gu Xingchuan knew that Song Yi was particular about dressing, so this casual look was definitely unexpected at home.

Gu Xingchuan pushed open the passenger door, raised his eyebrows, and said, “Let’s go, I’ll take you somewhere.”

“Where are we going?” Song Yi asked as he sat in the passenger seat, lowering his head to fasten his seat belt.

He could go anywhere this time, as long as it wasn’t home.

Gu Xingchuan curled his lips, his mischievous gaze sweeping over him. “Are you thinking about getting a room?”

Song Yi calmly glanced at him, lifted his chin, and said, “Let’s find a bar. I want to have a few drinks.”

Just as Gu Xingchuan was about to refuse outright, Song Yi’s face turned pale and with quick movements, he unfastened his seat belt and jumped out of the car.

He bent down, feeling a pang of retching. Although nothing came out, the feeling of nausea lingered.

“Are you sick?” Gu Xingchuan asked, twisting open a bottle of mineral water and handing it over.

Song Yi rinsed his mouth, his already pale face now devoid of any color. He looked pitiful and said, “It’s okay, it’s been like this lately.”

—