Return to City A

Noon, on a highway in Beijing.

The sun was scorching as the cars sped by.

Cheng Yan propped his head on his palm. He had a weary expression as he looked at the flashing scenery outside.

He was holding his phone with his other hand, his fingers clenching and unclenching every so often.

Qin Hao was sleeping soundly next to him, his arms wrapped around a pillow.

The thrumming sound of the engine was suddenly interrupted by the piercing wails of a siren, causing Qin Hao to jerk awake.

He rubbed his eyes and squinted at his side of the window.

"Brother Cheng," he groaned. "Are we not there yet?"

Once his vision cleared, he realized that they weren't taking the way back home. "Brother Cheng! Where are we going?"

They had both been busy working through the previous night until late into the morning. All Qin Hao wanted now was to throw himself in bed and have a good, long rest.

"The airport," Cheng Yan answered curtly.