บท 154: Moving On

One and a half years ago.

"Well, I can't say this is a pleasant surprise." Li Chenyang sighed, welcoming Wen Jinkai into the foyer room. Strong tea was served as the two men settled in opposite couches.

"At the least, you can pretend to be just a little bit more joyous to see me," Wen Jinkai muttered, taking a gulp of his tea. Black oolong, bitter and strong, one of his favorites—at least Chenyang hadn't forgotten his tea preference, even if it was a force of habit.

"You know I can never be happy to see you."

Wen Jinkai's rigid expression softened. "You knew, didn't you?"

"Depends on what you're talking about."

"I've always wondered, if it wasn't for that young lady's persistence, would you have saved me? Or would you have left me there to rot to my death?"

Li Chenyang didn't respond. He merely glanced past Wen Jinkai's shoulders, focusing on anything but his close friend.