She just lazily enjoyed the quiet.

The car sped along the night-shrouded road, heading toward Fengting District. Chen Yuan had driven this route so many times he was used to it. He felt like he could get there with his eyes closed.

He was currently thinking about when to go back to the private sports club to play some badminton and go for a swim.

’I’ve spent so much money on it. I can’t just let it be a one-time thing.’

Soothing notes flowed from the car’s Harman Kardon sound system, and a delicate voice enveloped them. Chen Yuan had heard this song many times before. The artist was Chen Qizhen, and her music was the perfect embodiment of the word "artsy," always managing to capture the subtle, unspoken feelings of young men and women.

"Is it going to rain tonight?"

Chen Yuan mumbled to himself, looking at the swaying shadows of the trees outside the window.

Jiang Yao glanced at him but didn’t reply. When she was quiet, she had her own charm. Without her usual cute and lively demeanor, she was simply a petite, delicate girl, like the girl next door.

She was in a good mood and started humming a few lines along with the tune.

Chen Yuan shot her a surprised glance.

"You know this song?"

"Of course. Want me to sing it for you, Young Master? It’s free of charge."

"Just a couple of lines."

"Okay." She took a deep breath. "I’m guessing at your heart~ Wanting to be sure once more~ This long distance is all because we’re too~ smart."

She giggled mid-song, a playful smile on her lips as she looked to Chen Yuan for praise.

"Well?"

"It was really nice."

It really was surprisingly good; Chen Yuan wasn’t just being polite. Jiang Yao had hit every note perfectly, and her voice was unbelievably sweet. She sang with such ease, weaving in a low hum as gentle as a babbling brook.

He was a little stunned.

He had heard Jiang Ning sing before, and the difference between the sisters was staggering. If he’d thought Jiang Ning’s singing was nice, then the few casual lines from Jiang Yao were absolutely incredible.

"Have you had professional training?" he asked.

"A little."

"Not bad, not bad."

"So, are you captivated?"

Chen Yuan narrowed his eyes and fell silent again. He focused on driving until he reached the entrance of Fengting District, where he stopped the car.

"Take care. I won’t see you out."

"Park in the underground garage, Young Master. That way I can take the elevator straight up."

"Can’t you just walk a few extra steps? Are you really that lazy?"

"I’m not lazy, my foot is injured, remember...?"

"Fine. For the sake of your foot... for the sake of your injury."

Chen Yuan turned the car around and drove toward the entrance to the underground garage. The way was clear, and he pulled into a parking space under Building 33.

Jiang Yao opened her door, then suddenly whipped her head back around. Quick as lightning, she planted a loud SMACK of a kiss on his cheek, then scrambled out of the car and fled as if her life depended on it.

"See you tomorrow!"

She skipped away, waving back at Chen Yuan.

Whatever comeback Chen Yuan might have had, she was already too far away to hear it. He sat in the car, feeling a wave of helplessness, and finally let out a sigh before stepping on the gas again.

...

The moment the black Mercedes disappeared around a corner of the garage, the headlights of a Porsche parked in the shadows flared to life. The car pulled out slowly. In the warm glow of its lights, the woman behind the windshield was clearly visible. She flicked on the hazard lights. Jiang Yao turned, pulled open the door, and plopped down inside.

Jiang Yao fastened her seatbelt.

"The plan’s still on. Let’s go after him."

"Okay."

Jiang Ning nodded. The two sisters had already arranged for Chen Yuan to drive Yaoyao home today. Ningning would then lie in wait in the garage to seize the opportunity and find out where he lived. They’d been counting the days; Chen Yuan’s nineteenth birthday wasn’t far off, and they wanted to prepare a surprise for him together.

This would, of course, be a huge help in their joint pursuit of him.