Outside the large, first-floor French windows, brilliant golden sunlight streamed in, bathing the already cozy living room in an even softer glow.
By mid-September, the mornings and evenings in Beijing had grown cool, with temperatures in the teens. The sun was setting, and it didn't feel hot inside, but Ni Bingyan still asked if she should turn on the air conditioning.
Wei Shuojie waved her hand dismissively, set down her handbag, and sat in the guest's seat. Her legs were pressed together and slightly angled, her hands resting naturally on her knees, exuding the air of a well-bred lady.
Ni Bingyan, not one to be impolite, immediately found a tea caddy as soon as Wei Shuojie sat down and said warmly:
"It's been such a hot day, you must be thirsty. What would you like to drink? I have tea, but no coffee at the moment."
She didn't like coffee, and since she rarely had guests, she figured it would expire before long if she bought any, so she didn't keep it on hand.
