Rong Xi let out a long sigh and leaned back against the wall with a quiet thud. Her bubble tea cup dangled from her hand as she muttered, "I really thought we'd find something tonight. A secret passage, a hidden message, anything. But no. Just dust, the smell of old wine, and disappointment."
Xia Yuqing stood by the desk, running her fingers along the polished surface. Her face was calm, but there was a hint of disappointment in her voice. "It was a long shot. But… I still hoped."
"I'm such an idiot," Yan Rouxi groaned, dragging both hands down her face. "You know what? This is all my fault. Instead of doing all this sneaking around, wasting your time, and giving you hope, I should've just talked to my father. Straight up."
Xia Yuqing gave her a sideways glance, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe. But aren't you still mad at him? After everything he did?"
