Whipped to a New Height

She wanted to know everything he knew!

Xinghe found them a quiet café for their coffee break. Ee Chen wanted to talk to Xinghe alone and that was Xinghe's intention as well. They shared a table at the far corner of the café where no one could eavesdrop. Ali and the rest stayed a distance away to observe them, or more specifically, they were observing Ee Chen, afraid that he would harm Xinghe.

Ee Chen snuck a glance at them and laughed. "They're your friends? They don't look like bodyguards to me."

"Yes, they are my friends," Xinghe answered softly and asked, "Tell me, why are you here? Why did you come find me?"

Ee Chen didn't answer immediately but took the time to study the length of her frame. "Miss Xia, it's only been a year, but you've gotten so much more beautiful. By the way, how has the past year been for you?"