"Why do you seem so reluctant?" Pei Liyan appeared to have some reservations about her tone and attitude.
Qiao Rui was taken aback, then turned to look at the man sitting beside her. His distance was neither too far nor too close, demonstrating some restraint and gentlemanliness.
"There's no reluctance," Qiao Rui muttered softly. "I would just be afraid that if I lack self-awareness, you'd make fun of me again."
"Am I the kind of man who likes to make fun of women?"
Qiao Rui nodded. "You like to make fun of me."
Pei Liyan was startled, not expecting to have given her such an impression.
"You seem to do the same," he retorted without any courtesy.
Qiao Rui was startled again, then she chuckled.
Following that, Pei Liyan also laughed.
Their gazes met for a moment.
Suddenly, Pei Liyan asked, "Where did you go after coming out of the secret room?"
Qiao Rui's smile faded slightly. "What if I don't want to say?"