Chapter 3.1 Escorting Her

He was renowned for treating his sister with unparalleled kindness, so when he said such a thing, Shi Miao felt a little flattered.

But she only listened, never taking it to heart.

When they left the restaurant, a sleek black car glided toward them, its emblem gleaming under the sun’s rays.

Shi Miao recognized it—it was Min Ting’s luxury sedan.

Without any further words, she waved lightly to bid him goodbye.

Min Ting offered a polite reminder, “Drive carefully.”

Shi Miao hadn’t driven today, but she nodded regardless.

Watching him get into the car, she stood by as the black sedan drove away. Once it disappeared into the distance, she stepped to the roadside and booked a car.

Inside his car, Min Ting instructed the driver to head to his brother-in-law’s office to deliver the leftover bread. The office was in the opposite direction, requiring a detour to make a U-turn.

As they passed the restaurant again, Min Ting glanced outside and saw a familiar figure waiting at the roadside, seemingly for a ride.

Lowering the window, he called Shi Miao. She answered quickly.

From inside the car, he asked, “Didn’t drive today?”

Shi Miao instinctively looked toward the other side of the street, bustling with traffic. She could only make out the car’s tail as it drove past.

Speaking into the phone, she replied, “Not today.”

“Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

“It’s fine. I don’t have anything planned this afternoon, and I didn’t want to delay your work.”

“Stay where you are,” Min Ting said, ending the call.

Shi Miao canceled her ride request and stepped out of the queue.

Five minutes later, his car pulled up in front of her.

Before today, they’d only met a handful of times, and each time she had driven herself. This was her first time riding in his car. Like its owner, the car was spotless, minimalist, and devoid of any unnecessary embellishments.

The only notable item was the paper bag containing the bread, resting quietly on the center console.

“Car’s in for maintenance?” Min Ting asked, glancing at her briefly.

Shi Miao moved her gaze from the bag to him. “No. I just prefer taking a ride—it’s more convenient. I don’t have to find parking, and I can nap on the way.”

“Then I’ll arrange a driver for you,” he offered without hesitation.

Shi Miao politely declined. “No need for now. I rarely go out—most of the time, I’m staying at the hospital. Let’s revisit this after my residency.”

Min Ting said no more. “Get some rest.”

Shi Miao, accustomed to his brevity, found it a welcome trait. Leaning back against the comfortable seat, she adjusted her posture and closed her eyes, facing the car door.

From behind, he asked, “Need a blanket?”

His voice, low and resonant, seemed especially rich in the confined space.

Shi Miao thought about how the only thing available to cover herself was likely his jacket. Pressing back against the seat, she shook her head. “Not cold.”

He had intended to pull over to retrieve a blanket from the trunk, but since she declined, he let it go.

He messaged his brother-in-law: I’ll be at your office in 20 minutes.

The reply was a voice message: Why are you coming to my office?

The tone was anything but welcoming.

To avoid disturbing Shi Miao’s rest, Min Ting converted the message to text. After reading it, he chose not to reply.

Switching his phone to silent mode, he leaned back and closed his eyes.

The car was so quiet it was almost unsettling. The driver, about to turn on some background music, glanced in the rearview mirror and saw that both passengers were asleep. He refrained.

About 25 minutes later, the car stopped in front of a tall building.

Shi Miao awoke to a chill, opening her eyes to find the seat beside her empty. The bread bag was also gone—presumably taken to her brother-in-law.

Straightening up, she politely asked the driver if the air conditioning could be adjusted.

The driver turned around apologetically. “Right away.”

Shi Miao quickly said, “No need.”

She’d been cold only because she was asleep. She didn’t want the others to feel uncomfortable on her account.

Nevertheless, the driver thoughtfully turned the air conditioning off temporarily.

Roughly the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee later, the car door opened, and Min Ting returned. With him came a fresh, crisp scent. He placed the bread bag back on the console.

Shi Miao glanced at the bag but didn’t comment.

Judging by the situation, it seemed he hadn’t succeeded in giving the bread away.

Noticing the temperature inside the car, he asked, “Cold?”

Shi Miao shook her head. “Not anymore.”

Min Ting instructed the driver to open the trunk. He stepped out, retrieved a blanket, and returned. The trunk contained two or three blankets, primarily for his sister’s occasional use.

Handing one to Shi Miao, he said, “It’s new.”

“Thank you.” She unfolded the woolen blanket and draped it over herself.

Only now did she realize she’d misunderstood earlier—he’d meant a blanket, not his jacket. If she’d known, she wouldn’t have been chilled awake.

The driver restarted the car and began the journey to her residence. Gradually, cool air filled the cabin again.

Wrapped in the blanket, Shi Miao felt perfectly comfortable.

After sending a message, Min Ting turned to glance at her. She had fallen asleep again, this time within just two minutes.