The ambiance of the café had settled into a tentative calm in the wake of the earlier commotion, the lingering whispers of its patrons a testament to the events that had unfolded.
In the midst of this uneasy peace, the café's manager approached Chaoxiang, his expression a mix of concern and reproach.
"Chaoxiang," he began, his tone a delicate balance between understanding and disapproval. "I didn't expect you to jump into that situation like that. It's not your responsibility to get involved in matters outside the café."
"But it was inside the café," Chaoxiang reasoned and joked despite his hurt state, Cai Li trying her best not to smile, and the manager just arching a brow at him.
"Don't get chummy with me now… it caused a commotion. You could have just asked them to go outside."
Chaoxiang met his manager's gaze with a resolute determination that mirrored the steadfast resolve that had prompted his actions.
