After some time, Wang Lei exited Madam Tang's room into the hallway where Li Chen and the others waited. He gave Li Chen one last inscrutable look before departing.
Li Chen watched him go, unsettled and wondering at the stranger's interest in him. Before he could think much of it, Tang Ziyi, Tang Junjie and Zhang Mei headed back into the room. Li Chen followed, preoccupied.
They chatted lightly with Madam Tang for a few more minutes about pleasant things. Then, to their surprise, Madam Tang requested gently, "Would you all mind if I spoke to Li Chen privately for a short while?"
The three looked at each other curiously but did not object. "Of course, Mother," Tang Junjie said. "We'll grab some food from the cafeteria."
After quick hugs, they filtered out, leaving Li Chen alone with the probing gaze of Madam Tang. Their conversation weighed heavy with portent.
