They had made such a big fuss for the better part of the evening, but they failed to get the private room in the end.

If they stayed here any longer, they might really be kicked out. It would be better to just leave before someone chased them away.

Besides, Madam Mengseemed eager to return home. Naturally,Qin ManandYao Ranhad to follow suit.Qin Manfollowed quickly atMadam MengandMeng Ling’s heels.

It wasn’t until they were almost at the door that they realized someone was missing from their group. Madam Mengfrowned and turned to findYao Ranstill standing at the same spot.

"What is she doing? Is she not leaving with us?" she whispered to Qin Manthrough gritted teeth.

She was the one who had brought Yao Ranhere, so it was only expected that the girl left with them as well. Otherwise, how would it look to the other patrons?

"Ranran!" Qin Mancalled out, her eyes flashing sharply. "Come on, let’s go."

She hoped that her daughter would stop acting strange and be sensible for once.

Unfortunately, Yao Randidn’t seem to understand whatQin Manwas implying. She remained where she was.

"I haven’t seen my cousin in quite a while," she said, her eyes fixed on Yao Tang. "I would like to spend more time with her. Perhaps I shall pay for their dinner, to make up for what happened just now. I’ll go home by myself later, Mom. Don’t worry about me."

Yao Ran mustered a bright smile, but her knees were shaking ever so slightly.

This was her last chance. If she failed to seize it, she would have to go through the next surgery and suffer through other heinous experiments at the hospital.

No matter what, she must not return to that hellhole.She was willing to risk Qin Man’s wrath if it afforded her a shot at freedom.

Qin Man scowled at this, but she kept her mouth shut for fear of worsening the situation.

Madam Meng, on the other hand, was seething.

So Yao Ranknew those people, after all! And yet, she didn’t even warnMadam MengorMeng Lingin advance, nor had she spoken up for them.

To think that they had almost been chased out of the restaurant!

What a vile little snake.

Madam Meng understood then thatYao Ranwas an ungrateful hypocrite who only had her own interests in mind.

The Meng familyhad even paid for her hospital treatments and pampered her during her stay in Beijing.

But Yao Ranrepaid their generosity with treachery and manipulation.

Madam Meng glared at Yao Ran. Cheng Yan and Qin Rui were still around, so she couldn’t lose her temper and lash out. At least, not yet.

"If you still want your ankle to be cured, hurry over here and return with us," Madam Mengthreatened in a low voice. "Otherwise, don’t even bother showing us your face again!"

This fiasco was all her fault. If Yao Ranhadn’t insisted on coming to theChunlai Hotelfor dinner, they wouldn’t have been entangled in such a mess.

"Ranran, what are you still standing there for?" Qin Mancalled out anxiously. If theMeng familywithdrew their medical support, it would have terrible repercussions on her social life.

"Come now, Ranran," she coaxed. "We can dine at fancy restaurants any time. Your injury is more important. If we don’t treat it now, the damage might become permanent. Think about it, which one is more important to you, hmm?"

But Yao Ranacted like she didn’t hear a word they said.

"Don’t worry, Mom," she repeated, her smile still in place. "I’ll go straight home after dinner. You guys should go back first."

Qin Man’s scowl deepened.

"Ranran!" she huffed.

To say that she was displeased with her daughter would be an understatement. She didn’t know why the ever-obedient Yao Ranhad suddenly become so stubborn.

Yao Ran ignored her and called out toYao Tang. "Sister, I want to stay for dinner. Is that all right with you?"

Her eyes glimmered with hope.

Yao Tang was her last resort. If she toldYao Ranthat she couldn’t stay, thenYao Ranwould have no choice but to accept her fate.

As things stood, her future was in Yao Tang’s hands.

Yao Tang turned to peer atYao Ran. The silent plea in the latter’s eyes was unmistakable.

Then she glanced at Meng Ling, who stood a few feet away. Her eyes caught on the girl’s wrist.

Three seconds later, Yao Tanglooked back atYao Ranand nodded.

Qin Man gasped out loud. EvenYao Tangwas acting strangely today! Weren’t those two girls on bad terms with each other?

They were practically fire and ice!

Why would Yao TangletYao Ranstay and join them for dinner?

In Qin Man’s mind, this simply defied reason.