CHAPTER 504: HE WHO RIDES THE BACK OF A TIGER IS EVENTUALLY EATEN BY THE TIGER_3

Qi Baotan happily clung to Shen You’an’s arm, resting her cheek on her shoulder.

Xue Hongyan followed silently behind them. Upon seeing this scene, a trace of envy flickered in her eyes.

Qi Baotan was actually quite hard to approach. Though she had a good personality, she exuded a deep sense of distance from others.

Honestly, when Qi Baotan had actively spoken to her, Xue Hongyan had felt a bit startled and flattered at first.

Never in a million years did she expect that the seemingly aloof Qi Baotan could seem so docile—like a little rabbit—when in front of another girl.

Was this... was she acting coy?

She looked at the ethereal figure in front of her. Thinking about how Shen You’an had calmly dealt with Zhu Xing earlier, a fiery excitement rose in her chest, heating her entire body, as though her limbs were ablaze.

So cool.

Could she be the clever and capable friend Qi Baotan had often mentioned?

Xue Hongyan lowered her head in quiet self-doubt, fiddling with the corner of her shirt.

West of the washroom was a flower garden, with a pavilion nestled amidst the spring bloom.

The items Shen You’an had brought were placed on the stone table in the pavilion.

Xue Hongyan followed them absentmindedly, only to find a cup of milk tea extended toward her.

Xue Hongyan froze for a moment.

She lifted her gaze.

Under the brim of a hat was a pair of glasses. The golden rays of the setting sun spilled across the lenses, causing a reflection that obscured her view of the eyes beneath.

But they must be stunning, she thought to herself.

"Is... is this for me?"

The milk tea was pushed into her hands as the girl casually carried the rest of the items and walked away.

Qi Baotan took a sip, her expression softening with satisfaction, her eyes narrowing slightly. As she walked beside Xue Hongyan, she whispered, "An’an is especially kind, but she doesn’t talk much. Since she gave you the milk tea, just drink it. You’re my friend, and An’an will treat you as a friend too."

Xue Hongyan murmured, "Friend?"

"Yep, friend." The girl was bathed in the glow of the sunset, her smile radiant and genuine. That smile became etched deep in Xue Hongyan’s memory, never fading.

Qi Baotan glanced at Xue Hongyan’s damp clothes and frowned slightly. "Why don’t you come over to my place and change out of your wet clothes first?"

Xue Hongyan shook her head. "I’ll just go back to the dorm to change."

Xue Hongyan was a boarding student—her hometown was far from Chunzhou, so she returned home once a month.

Qi Baotan nodded, "Alright then. Call me if you need anything."

Xue Hongyan parted ways with the two and returned to her dormitory.

Shen You’an and Qi Baotan left the school and headed to the Yunding apartment to drop off their belongings.

The apartment had changed significantly from when they first moved in—now warm and cozy, it bore all the signs of daily life.

"Where’s Auntie?"

Qi Baotan’s voice floated out from the bedroom. "My mom likes to go dancing with her newly-acquainted friends at the park after work. She’ll be back around eight tonight."

The company wasn’t far from the apartment, so Zhou Lie generally came home during her lunch break to prepare dinner, leaving it in the fridge for preservation. When Qi Baotan got home, she would simply heat it up in the microwave to eat.

"An’an, do I look good in this outfit?"

Qi Baotan stepped out wearing a white shirt and blue jeans—simple yet clean, accentuating her figure beautifully.

Shen You’an nodded, "You look great."

"Where should we go for dinner?"

Shen You’an opened an app, searching for the highest-rated nearby restaurant.

Since Baotan preferred light flavors, Songtao Residence was the perfect choice.

"I got my paycheck, so it’s settled—today I’m treating you. Don’t even try arguing with me."

Shen You’an’s lips curved into a faint smile. "Alright."

The elevator doors opened, and the person inside glanced up unintentionally, freezing for a moment.

Qi Baotan smiled warmly. "What a coincidence."

The man in the elevator was Jiang Han.

He was now a rising star in the music industry, his new album selling like crazy and earning him widespread fame.

Shen You’an’s lips lifted slightly, "Jiang Han, long time no see."

Jiang Han had never imagined his name could sound so enchanting when spoken by someone.

His heart raced uncontrollably, nearly leaping out of his chest, yet outwardly, he remained composed—so much so that he seemed cold, excessively detached in the eyes of others.

With the voice lauded by fans as a seductive gift from the gods, he spoke slowly, "Long time no see."

Shen You’an and Qi Baotan stepped into the elevator.

The elevator descended quickly. Jiang Han, unwilling to waste time, asked, "Are you guys heading out for dinner?"

Qi Baotan replied with a cheerful grin, "Yep, what about you? All bundled up—are you out for inspiration or shopping?"

"Cooped up writing songs for two days, I’m starving and going out to find food."

His humorous comment made Qi Baotan chuckle.

"If you don’t mind, join us. I’m treating tonight, and I guarantee you’ll leave full."

Qi Baotan had expected someone as reserved as Jiang Han to politely refuse, but to her surprise, he agreed immediately. "Sure."