However...
When Bai Ruwei and Huo Zhexi entered their private dining room, they waited for a long time. Over half an hour had passed beyond their predetermined meeting time, and Huo Juncheng and Mingzhu still hadn't shown up.
Another twenty minutes passed, and Huo Zhexi eventually ran out of patience. "I'm going to call to nudge them."
"Okay." Bai Ruwei forced a smile.
Huo Zhexi grabbed his cellphone and headed directly to the men's bathroom.
Inside a stall, he dialed Mingzhu's number. "Mom, when are you and Dad coming over?"
"To where?"
"To the Nancheng restaurant. We agreed you'd meet Xiaowei today at noon. Don't tell me you forgot?" Huo Zhexi was exasperated.
"We didn't forget, but an old friend has returned to the country today. Your father and I are drinking tea at their house."
"What do you mean? You're not coming?"
"Yes."
Huo Zhexi was frustrated. "Mom, you're not doing this on purpose, are you?"
