Qinran pushed back her chair.
"Toilet."
Nana waved her off mid-sob, too busy mourning.
The restaurant hummed quietly around her as she walked — soft music, low conversation, the clink of glassware. Warm golden light caught the edges of everything. The kind of place that felt designed to make people feel important.
She didn't particularly feel important.
She found the restroom, washed her hands, and stood for a moment looking at her reflection.
What am I even doing here.
She dried her hands and turned to leave.
"Excuse me. Miss Lin."
She turned.
A man stood a few steps away. Hands in his pockets. Relaxed posture. Hair down, slightly disheveled.
She squinted.
Who is—
...wait.
That voice.
She'd heard it somewhere. Recently.
Then it clicked.
...CEO?
"President Mo," she said, straightening slightly.
The corner of his mouth moved. Almost imperceptibly.
"I didn't expect to see Miss Lin in a place like this."
Why is he talking to me.
"I came with a friend," she said simply.
"I see."
A beat of silence. Unhurried on his end. Slightly confusing on hers.
"Did you need something, President Mo?"
"Not particularly." He glanced toward the dining area briefly. "You're a company employee. I noticed you. Since the CRAFT project has been progressing well — largely due to your contributions — it seemed natural to say so."
She blinked once.
"President Mo flatters me. The team deserves the credit."
"The team is capable," he said evenly. "So are you."
She had nothing to add to that.
"Alright." He straightened slightly. "I won't keep you."
"GoodBye, President Mo."
He nodded once.
And walked away.
Qinran stood there for exactly one second.
...odd.
Then she went back to Nana.
"What took you so long?" Nana sniffled.
"Nothing." She picked up her chopsticks. "Eat your food"
Back in room 201 —
Mo Beichuan sat down.
Su Huilan glanced at him over her teacup.
Something was different. She couldn't place it.
He reached for his cup calmly.
"Sorry for the wait."
She studied him a moment longer.
He didn't elaborate.