Instead of calling her driver, she removed her makeup and left the filmmaking site, hailing a cab directly to the airport of Jiangshan City.
...
At nine o'clock on Christmas Eve morning, Qiao Wennuan made her ninety-seventh attempt to call Shen Liangnian, at last, it was the first time that Shen Liangnian picked up.
"Nuan, what's wrong?"
"Liangnian, why haven't you been taking my calls lately?"
Shen Liangnian ignored the hint of aggravation and sadness in Qiao Wennuan's voice, replying in an indifferent tone: "Nuan, it happens that I also wanted to speak with you today. Let's meet at the café below the Four Seasons Hotel."
…
Shen Liangnian had arranged to meet Qiao Wennuan at ten, but she arrived at nine forty-five.
Since it was still morning, the café was rather quiet, with just a few idle waitstaff and no other patrons.
The café was spacious, with tall potted plants separating the tables, and Qiao Wennuan had chosen the most secluded spot in the back.
