Family matters

Ning Yu beamed with happiness, glad that Li Na approved. Together, they walked towards the counter to pay for the dresses.

"Wow, that was a lot of work," Ning Yu exclaimed as they walked out of the store. "I'm starving. Let's go get something to eat!"

"Great idea!" Li Na replied, feeling hungry after trying on all those dresses. "But where do you want to go?"

I'm craving some spicy Sichuan cuisine," Ning Yu replied with a smile. "There's a new restaurant that just opened up a few blocks from here, do you want to give it a try?"

Li Na's stomach growled in agreement as she nodded her head. "Let's go, I'm down for some spice."

As they strolled down the street, they were able to locate it. The restaurant was small, but it looked cozy and inviting. The aroma of spicy chili peppers filled their nostrils, making their mouths water.

They walked into the restaurant and were greeted by the friendly owner. The decor was simple yet tasteful, and the atmosphere was relaxed and warm.

They ordered a variety of dishes, each one more tongue-tingling than the last.

Halfway through their meal, Ning Yu's phone rang, and her face fell as she saw the caller ID. Li Na noticed the sudden change in her friend's expression and asked what was wrong.

Ning Yu hesitated for a moment, but then she forced a smile and said, "It's nothing, just some family matters. Don't worry about it." Li Na could tell that something was bothering Ning Yu, but she didn't want to push her friend to share if she wasn't ready.

Ning Yu's phone rang again, interrupting their meal. She sighed and excused herself, walking outside to answer the call.

"Hello?" she answered, her voice laced with exhaustion.

"Ning Yu, mom is asking you to come back home," said the voice on the other end of the line. It was her sister.

"What happened?" Ning Yu asked

"It's Grandpa. He's not doing well. Mom is very upset," her sister replied.

"I'll come home right away," she said. "Please tell Mom that I'm on my way."

She quickly made her way back inside to tell Li Na the news.

"I'm so sorry, Li Na. I have to go back home. My grandfather is very sick," she said, her voice breaking.

Li Na's eyes filled with sympathy as she hugged her friend tightly. "Of course, go be with your family. I'll be here when you get back," she said softly.

Ning Yu nodded trying to compose herself. With a heavy heart, she walked out of the restaurant and headed home.

Li Na's heart felt heavy as she stepped out of the restaurant, leaving the untouched food on the table. She couldn't bear the thought of eating while her friend was in pain.

As Li Na walked down the busy street, she noticed a familiar figure standing beside a Rolls Royce on the other side of the road. She squinted her eyes taking in his appearance.

He was tall and well-built, with broad shoulders and a chiseled jawline. His short dark hair was neatly styled and his black suit fit him perfectly, emphasizing his muscular physique. As he smoked his cigarette, he exuded an air of confidence and strength that drew Li Na's attention.

Li Na found herself unable to look away, and as their eyes met, she felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. She could feel her heart racing in her chest, and her palms growing sweaty.

Tang Zheng looked at her with a piercing gaze that seemed to see right through her, and Li Na felt as if she were being pulled towards him.

Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Li Na quickly turned away, embarrassed. She couldn't believe she had been caught staring.

As Tang Zheng stood across the street, Li Na noticed his friend walking out of a nearby store. It was Mr. Sun, her English teacher from school. Sun Yinghao caught sight of her and made his way over to her side of the street. As they approached each other, Li Na felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She couldn't believe her teacher was friends with the man she couldn't stop staring at.

Sun Yinghao walked towards her, his warm smile lighting up his face.