The Cinnabar Mole of a Beijing Circle Tycoon

As dusk settled, the group walked along the cobblestone path and turned into Nanluoguxiang.

The evening breeze carries the aroma of roasted chestnuts and the rich, smoky flavor of hot pot, dispelling the tranquility of the daytime.

The old-established hot pot restaurant on the street was bustling with people. The copper pot and charcoal fire burned brightly, and the broth in the pot bubbled and boiled. The rising steam blurred the red lanterns on the window frame.

The group chose a seat by the window, and Lu Ying rattled off the menu with practiced ease, "Ten plates of hand-cut fresh mutton, sesame seed cakes, frozen tofu, and a side of lettuce!"

The waiter quickly set out the tableware, and the amber-colored sesame sauce dish was drizzled with fermented bean curd and chive blossoms, instantly filling the air with its aroma.

Xu Huihui watched the steam rising from the copper pot, her fingertips unconsciously curling up as Shen Qingyao handed her a cup of hot pear soup, which warmed her palms.

"Have some to soothe your throat first," Shen Qingyao said with a smile. "The pear soup here is slow-cooked over charcoal, so it's sweet but not cloying."

The slices of meat curl into an enticing arc after being briefly dipped in boiling water. Dipped in sesame sauce and then put into your mouth, the tender meat juices mixed with the rich aroma of the sauce explode on your tongue.

Lu Ying and Xiang Yu were enjoying their meal immensely, and Xu Huihui's face relaxed.

Amidst the laughter, Shen Qingyao's phone vibrated slightly. It was a message from Meng Jiangyu: "Call me after you finish eating, and I'll have the driver pick you up. It's not safe to drive at night."

"Okay." She paused, her fingers moving slightly, her eyes crinkling into a smile. "Are you still at the company?"

"Well, Mr. Shen, you're too busy. I don't want to cause you any trouble, so I'll just have to find something to do myself."

"Oh dear, how pitiful."

"Yes, I can't sleep because I miss you so much."

"Mr. Meng, you're such a green tea bitch."

The alley outside the window was brightly lit, with vendors calling out their wares. Steam rose from the copper pot, enveloping the four girls in a gentle, warm atmosphere.

In the following days, the autumn chill in Beijing deepened day by day, so the group simply followed the map and visited all the parks in Beijing.

Take a stroll along the Ginkgo Avenue at Ditan Park, walking on golden fallen leaves; feed the chirping pigeons by the lake at Yuyuantan Park; or munch on candied hawthorns and chat idly in the long corridor of Taoranting Park.

Xu Huihui gradually became more talkative, sharing her thoughts and taking pictures of the lake surface molten gold at sunset.

In the evening, a group of people sat on the Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park, gazing at the red walls and glazed tiles scattered in the distance, the evening breeze carrying the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms and brushing against their cheeks.

Xu Huihui turned her head, looked at Shen Qingyao, Lu Ying, and Xiang Yu, her eyes slightly red, but smiled brightly: "Thank you all for your help during this time."

Shen Qingyao reached out and ruffled her hair, her eyes filled with tenderness: "Between us, there's no need for thanks."

Lu Ying nodded. "Friends are family you choose."

Xiang Yu comforted her, "Friends are also a cure for life's ills."

Xu Huihui said, "I'm going back to my dorm tonight to pack my things and go home tomorrow."

"Okay, we'll take you to the airport tomorrow," Shen Qingyao said.

"No need, I want to go by myself," Xu Huihui said. "I can't rely on you for everything."

Lu Ying said, "Okay, let us know when you get home safely."

"I will," Xu Huihui said, looking at everyone. "Thank you all anyway."

The fragrance of osmanthus blossoms in the wind grew stronger, mingling with the laughter of young girls, creating the warmest moment of this autumn.

As dusk settled, Shen Qingyao's phone rang; it was Meng Jiangyu calling.

His voice came through the receiver, deep and gentle: "I'll be waiting for you at the entrance of Jingshan Park."

Shen Qingyao replied, "Coming right away," hung up the phone, turned to the three of them and smiled, "Ayu has arrived. Let's go to the entrance; he'll arrange for someone to take you back."

Lu Ying said, "Xizhou will come to pick me up soon, and I'll take them back."

Xiang Yu chimed in, "Yao Yao, don't keep Mr. Meng waiting! Have a great date!"

Xu Huihui smiled and waved at her, her eyes full of sincere warmth: "Take care on the road."

"Then I'll head out now. Let me know when you get home safely." Shen Qingyao picked up her bag and walked down the mountain.

The evening breeze, carrying the fragrance of osmanthus, followed her footsteps, while the streetlights on the stone steps cast warm yellow circles of light, stretching her shadow long and slender.

As soon as I stepped out of the gate of Jingshan Park, I saw that familiar black Bentley parked on the side of the road.

Meng Jiangyu leaned against the car door, a lit cigarette between his fingers. When he saw her coming, he stubbed it out, and the coldness in his eyes melted away instantly, replaced by a gentle smile.

"Are you tired?" He stepped forward, naturally taking the bag from her hand, and reached out with his other hand to gently hold her slightly cool fingertips. "Why are your palms so cold?"

Shen Qingyao shook her head, the faint scent of cedar wafting from him warming her heart: "I've been walking around all afternoon, it's a bit cold."

Meng Jiangyu didn't say anything, but bent down and zipped up her coat for her.

He looked down at her reddened earlobes, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly, and said in a low, husky voice, "I'll take you to get something hot to eat."

"Okay." Shen Qingyao got into the warm car.

The car drove smoothly into the night and finally stopped at a time-honored mutton soup restaurant deep in a hutong.

The shop wasn't crowded. The warm yellow lights illuminated the steaming hot soup in the white porcelain bowls, and the delicious aroma of mutton soup wafted through the air.

Meng Jiangyu ordered two bowls of mutton soup, a plate of braised beef, and freshly baked sesame flatbread.

He pushed the bowl of soup in front of her and carefully picked out the scallions: "Try it."

Shen Qingyao scooped up a spoonful and put it in her mouth. The rich warmth traveled from the tip of her tongue all the way to her stomach, making her squint her eyes in comfort.

"Ah Yu, this is so delicious! How did you find this restaurant?"

Seeing her like this, Meng Jiangyu couldn't help but chuckle and reached out to wipe the soup off her lips.

"During college, Lu Linchuan and I ate at every restaurant in Beijing."

Shen Qingyao was shocked. She looked up and met his deep eyes, which held a smile even gentler than the moonlight outside the window.

As night deepened, the customers in the mutton soup restaurant gradually dispersed.

The two sat by the window, listening to the voices outside, occasionally exchanging a meaningless remark, feeling a deep sense of contentment.

Holding the warm bowl, Shen Qingyao looked at the handsome profile of the man opposite her and said softly, "Ayu, thank you."

Meng Jiangyu looked up at her, his gaze deep and serious: "Thank me for what?"

"Thank you..." Shen Qingyao bit her lip, a tiny glimmer in her eyes, "Thank you for always being there."

Meng Jiangyu put down his spoon, leaned closer to her, his warm breath brushing against her ear, his voice low: "Silly girl, I should have been here."