Yao Ran was stunned for a moment. Almost forgetting where she was, she furrowed her eyebrows. "When did you and Miss Meng get so close?"

It wasn’t as if Meng Ling had never seen her before, but the way they had acted then—they were very rude. It was obvious that Meng Linghad once looked down on her, so why were they so close now? Hadn’t Yao Tanggone missing for a month? Could they have kept in touch then?

Speaking of which...

Yao Ran turned to Meng Ling. Her demeanor has changed too. Back then, she was meek and silent—only speaking when she needed to. Now, she was more confident. Her eyes were clear, and her voice was controlled. She glanced at her hand.

Had she recovered?"A friend took me out for dinner, so I came." Yao Tang explained.

"Sister Yao Tang, why didn’t you take the college entrance exam? When I heard about it, I was so worried for you!" Meng Ling protested. "You’re one of the best in the country! Did something happen? Is there anything I can help you with?"

She blinked. She didn’t expect Meng Ling to turn a complete 180 whenever they meet. Her attitude toward her was no so warm and loving that she couldn’t help but be uncomfortable.

It was something she needed to get used to.

"Something unexpected happened. Although it’s a pity, I can’t participate in the exam," Yao Tang explained lightly.

Meng Ling frowned regretfully, looking as if she was the one who had been unable to partake in the exam.

Yao Ran also frowned. She had presumed that Yao Tang’s absence would not permit her to take the exam, but now that she had admitted it herself, she was certain.

After all, she knew a lot of people. It was possible that while she wouldn’t take the nation’s college entrance exam, a school would still accept her. As to what school that may be, she didn’t know.

However, if Yao Tang didn’t take the college entrance exam, that could mean that the first place is free for taking. Her fingernails drummed against the table.

"There are some things you can argue behind closed doors," Yao Tang finally advised, gazing at the three of them. "There’s no need to argue like this in public. If someone were to see you, it could affect all of your reputations."

Yang Ming froze. Right. As a respectable business man, he shouldn’t be caught dead within this triangle. If this matter were to blow up, what would he do then?

"Of course. Thank you, Miss Yao Tang, for your thoughtfulness."

As he did so, his impatience and grievance with Meng Ling faded with the night. He stepped forward and affectionately pulled her hand. "Ling’er," he said softly. "You’ll be the woman I’ll marry. I won’t marry anyone else but you. The only reason I even brought Yao Ranhere in the first place was that I wanted to try the dishes here."

"I know your hand is in a bad place, and I don’t want to jeopardize your health any further. I thought if this place was good, I’ll take you here another time. It was supposed to be a surprise."

He swallowed. "I just didn’t expect that you’d hear about this. How did you know we were going to dinner?"

Yang Ming had been very private about this matter, so he didn’t know how she knew about this.

Yao Ran’s grip tightened around her phone. She had made sure to block Yang Ming in all her stories whenever she posted. She didn’t expect Meng Lingto rush over, guns blazing. But it was too late to delete it now.

"How did I know?" Meng Ling scoffed, taking out her phone.

"Your good sister wanted to show off on her WeChat. Do you see how many people have commented how she had managed to get a reservation?" A sardonic smile slipped into her lips.

"I’m also envious how my fiancé had brought her first. While you may treat each other as siblings, the two of you aren’t related by blood. If you get too close, people will gossip about all three of us." Her eyes narrowed. "Don’t make the Meng Family reconsider our marriage."