She adjusted the strap of her bag as she rose, eyes flicking once more over the dining room.
A couple of businessmen scrolled through their phones at the next table. A kid whined about wanting more buns. A server moved past with a polite smile and a pot of tea.
It was the kind of quiet that came before something snapped.
Haoyu stood as well, pocketing his phone. "We'll blend in better if we don't look like we're looking."
Qingran gave him a sideways look. "Good thing I always look like trouble."
He snorted. "That's not what I— actually, never mind. Fair enough."
She tugged her gloves tighter, letting her usual calm settle over her features. "We walk like we're actual buyers. Ask the right people, keep our ears open, and keep our backs to the wall."
Haoyu gave a short nod and followed her as they moved through the hotel, stepping back into the city's haze.
