Ye Qiu turned his head and saw Tangtang standing nearby, beaming at him.
She wore a long white down jacket, her eyebrows curved gracefully, her small nose slightly upturned, her face as fair as jade, radiant as the morning glow. When she smiled, two shallow dimples appeared on her cheeks, pure and adorable.
Her call drew the attention of everyone in the living room.
“Ye Qiu’s back?” Master Ye waved him over, saying, “Come meet Elder Tang.”
With no escape, Ye Qiu reluctantly entered the hall.
“Hello, Elder Tang!”
He greeted Elder Tang politely.
Elder Tang looked at Ye Qiu kindly and asked, “Where’ve you been, lad? I came here especially to see you.”
Ye Qiu’s heart sank.
Was this really about a marriage proposal?
“Elder Tang, is this a personal or official matter?” Ye Qiu probed.
Elder Tang smiled, “Official.”
Ye Qiu didn’t believe it, thinking, if it’s official, why bring Tangtang along?
Clearly, Elder Tang had another motive.
Feigning ignorance, Ye Qiu asked, “Elder Tang, what’s the matter? Please tell me.”
Elder Tang said, “This morning, the War God came to me, saying he’s getting on in years and wants to retire.”
“He recommended you to take over and lead the Hades Hall.”
“So, I came to ask your opinion.”
Ye Qiu quickly replied, “Elder Tang, I appreciate your and the War God’s trust, but I can’t lead Hades Hall.”
Elder Tang frowned, “Why not?”
Ye Qiu explained, “First, every member of Hades Hall is an elite special forces soldier, requiring someone respected and experienced to lead them. I’m young, lack experience, and don’t have the authority to command respect.”
“Second, I’m a doctor, my main duty is to save lives.”
“Third, Longmen has many matters I need to handle, leaving me no energy for anything else.”
“For these reasons, please choose someone more suitable, Elder Tang.”
Elder Tang asked, “Is that really what you think?”
“Yes, truly,” Ye Qiu said, “Though the War God is older, he’s still robust. I think he should continue leading Hades Hall.”
Elder Tang nodded, “I understand. I’ll discuss it with the War God later.”
“Now, official business done.”
“Let’s talk personal matters.”
Ye Qiu’s eyelids twitched, a bad feeling creeping in.
Sure enough.
Elder Tang said, “Ye Qiu, when I was your age, I was already married. It’s time you settled your lifelong affairs.”
Ye Qiu smiled, “I’m still young, no rush.”
Elder Tang said earnestly, “It’s not about age. As the saying goes, start a family, then a career. Only with a family can a man truly build his career. I think…”
“I think you’re right, Elder Tang,” Ye Qiu cut in quickly, “I’ve decided to marry in a few years.”
A few years…
Not the outcome Elder Tang wanted.
“Ye Qiu, I think you could settle down sooner…” Before he could finish, Ye Qiu spoke again.
“Are you saying I should return to Jiangzhou soon, Elder Tang? Don’t worry, I’ll head back shortly.” He turned to Tangtang, “I’m not familiar with the capital. Will you show me around?”
“Sure!” Tangtang agreed eagerly.
“Grandfather, Second Uncle, Third Uncle, keep Elder Tang company. I’m heading out,” Ye Qiu said, leaving with Tangtang.
Elder Tang watched Ye Qiu’s back, words caught in his throat.
Master Ye explained, “Elder Tang, that’s just how Ye Qiu is. Don’t take it to heart.”
Elder Tang said, “Old Ye, you saw it, Ye Qiu whisked my granddaughter away. You owe me an explanation.”
Master Ye smiled, “Elder Tang, don’t rush. Love takes time. Let them spend time together, feelings will grow, and things will happen naturally.”
Elder Tang said, “Old Ye, we’re good friends, but let me be clear: if Ye Qiu wrongs my granddaughter, I won’t let him off.”
Ye Wudi muttered, “Ye Qiu and Tangtang aren’t even dating yet. Isn’t this a bit premature?”
Elder Tang glared at Ye Wudi, “I’m talking to your father, who asked you to butt in?”
…
It was the Spring Festival.
The capital’s bustling streets were adorned with lights and decorations, filled with festive cheer, everyone immersed in the holiday spirit.
Ye Qiu and Tangtang walked side by side, looking like a couple.
As a celebrity, Tangtang wore a hat, sunglasses, and a mask to avoid recognition and trouble.
As they walked.
Tangtang suddenly stopped, saying, “Ye Qiu, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”
“What is it?” Ye Qiu stopped too.
Tangtang said, “I’m actually a member of Hades Hall. My codename is Diaochan.”
“What, you’re Diaochan?” Ye Qiu feigned shock.
He’d already guessed Tangtang was Diaochan but played along to humour her.
Tangtang grinned proudly, “Surprised, aren’t you?”
“Very,” Ye Qiu exclaimed, “I never imagined you’re not only a big star but also a computer genius. Impressive.”
Flattered, Tangtang’s eyes sparkled, “So, are you keeping your promise?”
Ye Qiu blinked, “What promise?”
Tangtang said, “I helped you so many times before. You said you’d treat me to dinner when you came to the capital.”
Ye Qiu glanced at his watch, it was mealtime, and asked, “What do you want to eat?”
Tangtang blurted, “Hotpot.”
Ye Qiu smiled, “Alright, you pick the place, I’ll pay.”
“Today, I’m going to bleed you dry,” Tangtang said, “I heard there’s a trendy hotpot place, lots of my friends have checked in there. Shall we try it?”
Half an hour later.
Ye Qiu followed Tangtang to a hotpot restaurant.
The restaurant was luxuriously decorated, like a palace. They chose a private room and ordered many dishes.
Soon, the waiter brought the hotpot base and dishes.
Ye Qiu tipped the waiter a few hundred, saying, “I’d like to enjoy a quiet meal with my friend. Don’t come in later.”
“Thank you, sir,” the waiter took the tip and left the room quickly.
After the door closed.
Tangtang removed her sunglasses, mask, and hat, then took off her down jacket.
Being in the north, the capital had Grown had heating everywhere in winter, and a high-end hotpot place like this was warm enough for short sleeves.
“Big star, let’s eat!” Ye Qiu said.
“No need to be polite,” Tangtang grabbed her chopsticks like a hungry kitten.
As they were about to dig in.
Suddenly—
With a “bang,” the private room door swung open.
