Meanwhile, the two teenagers sat on the couch facing each other on the second floor. The younger teen had a curious expression, while the older one looked around in interest.

"So this is what the second floor looks like. It's a nice place you have here."

"Thanks, Senior Meng."

"The desk over there. Is it your working desk?" He asked while pointing at the desk cluttered with files on the other side of the room.

"Yes, I did my schoolwork and other work at that desk." Shao Jingfei replied, but beating around the bush was never his style, so he asked straightforwardly.

"So, what do you want to talk to me about? So much that you don't want Caiyi to hear it?"

Meng Renshu's smile didn't falter as he replied, "I'm thrilled you are a quick-witted person. This indeed has something to do with her, but I hope you can do me a favor and keep this a secret from her."

"I think it depends on the content. I will keep it a secret if I must..." Shao Jingfei grinned. "But unfortunately, I'm on Caiyi's side. I hope you understand, Senior Meng."

Meng Renshu shook his head. "No, I feel more comforted now, knowing that you are a loyal friend to her. Rest assured, since I will only ask a few questions."

"What questions?"

"First, I want to know how you and Xiaoyi meet for the first time."

Shao Jingfei was confused now. When Meng Renshu subtly hinted that he wanted to talk in private, Shao Jingfei thought he had something very important to talk about. So his question took him aback. Shao Jingfei didn't see it coming at all.

"Why would you want to know about that?"

Meng Renshu chuckled. "Because Xiaoyi won't tell me even if I asked her. That girl is very wary of me."

Shao Jingfei contemplated a bit. He thought there shouldn't be anything weird in how they met. He guessed it was okay to tell Meng Renshu that much.

"It was an accidental meeting at first. We bumped into each other in the corridor, then we became acquainted. Later, I found out that she was applying to the writing competition sponsored by Glorious Days company, and that's when we became closer. I'm a fan of her work."

Meng Renshu nodded. "I see. Then, both of you didn't purposely meet, but it was all just a coincidence, right?"

"That's right." Shao Jingfei said unsurely.

He felt that Meng Renshu's question was more for confirming things than asking for an explanation. He couldn't understand why Meng Renshu was curious about this, though.

Unless Meng Renshu thought of Shao Jingfei as his love rival, there was no other explanation for his curiosity.

"This might be a weird question, but have you ever felt that you know Xiaoyi, or at least were familiar with her writing style when you first saw it?"

"Well, I thought she was an amazing writer ever since I had my hands on her manuscript, but I don't feel familiar with her writing style. On the contrary, I feel like her style is fresh and new."

"Okay, the next one will be the last question. Did Xiaoyi ever tell you anything strange, like her inspiration for her first work?"

"You mean about the rebirth concept? We talked about it before, but she said it was purely something she had thought about one day. It surprised me when I first read it since I have never read something like that before."historical

Meng Renshu fell into deep thought. "I see. Thanks for your answers."

"Uhm.. Is that really all you want to ask me about?" Shao Jingfei asked him skeptically.

"Hm? Yes, that's all. It helps me a lot." Meng Renshu smiled.

"I thought you would ask about something big since you didn't want those two to hear about it."

"Haha, you are reading too much into it." Meng Renshu chuckled. "As I said, I wouldn't ask anything weird. I will appreciate it if you don't tell Xiaoyi about it."

Shao Jingfei was still confused. "If it's not weird, why would you keep it a secret from her?"

"She didn't like it if I pry into her business. I don't want the person I like to hate me even more. I will still like her even if she hates me, though."

Shao Jingfei wanted to applaud him for his honesty. Or, more like, there seemed to be a hidden warning hidden beneath his nonchalance. It was like a declaration, almost.

As expected, Meng Renshu was still bothered by the fact that Li Caiyi was staying with him. Shao Jingfei gulped nervously, hoping that his name wouldn't be on this person's black list.

"I wish you the best, Senior Meng. As her friend and editor, I will also keep helping her in any way I can." Shao Jingfei smiled meaningfully.

Meng Renshu seemed to catch the drift in his remarks, so he smiled with satisfaction. "Thanks. I think we can get along well. It's so easy to talk to you. Let's often talk from now on."

Shao Jingfei laughed awkwardly. "Haha, I'm just too nosy for my own good."

***

Li Caiyi's back was tense when Meng Renshu and Shao Jingfei finally came down after talking for about 15 minutes.

"Have you finished talking?" As usual, Li Chunhua was the one who spoke up first.

"Yes, it's a pretty enjoyable talk." Meng Renshu smiled amiably.

Li Caiyi frowned skeptically and stared at Shao Jingfei instead. "Is that true?"

"Hm? Yeah. It was fun." Shao Jingfei flashed his usual grin. Li Caiyi couldn't discern any sign of displeasure at all.

"Are you sure?"

"Haha, it's really nothing." Shao Jingfei giggled in amusement.

"Xiaoyi is just too worrywart. It's because of me she doubted you, too. Sorry about that, Jingfei." Meng Renshu said before checking on his wristwatch. "Oh, it's already this time. I will leave the money here, Jingfei. Sorry, but I have to leave now."

"You are leaving already?" Li Caiyi was so confused she blurted it out unknowingly.

Meng Renshu smirked. "Yeah, but if you ask me nicely, I can probably stay for another hour."

Li Caiyi wanted to slap her mouth for saying something unnecessary. "No need."

Meng Renshu laughed. "I'm joking. As much as I want to stay and chat more with you guys, I have some matters to take care of."

"Thanks for visiting, Senior Meng." Shao Jingfei sent him off with a business smile on his face.

"I like your place. I might visit more often in the future. This place has a lot of things I like. Then, I'll see you guys next time," Meng Renshu commented without trying to hide the underlying meaning behind his words before leaving with a wave of his hand.

"Phew, talking with a super important person really took a toll on my nerves." Shao Jingfei wiped the invisible sweat on his forehead.

"Spill the truth! Are you guys really not talking about anything weird?" Li Chunhua asked curiously.

"Stop it, will you? It's just a boy's talk. Girls don't need to know."

"Tsk, cheapskate."

Li Caiyi really couldn't understand Meng Renshu. One time, he would appear out of nowhere and sweep her off her feet, making her flustered and confused. Another time he would do something unpredictable before leaving her on tenterhook. She couldn't spend a day without worrying about what Meng Renshu would do now.

What was he up to this time?