Liu Jia saw Bai Yan quietly leading people out the back door, and soon after, she received a photo Bai Yan posted in the group chat. It was of the spot she had just been sitting, now empty.

Liu Jia couldn't help but feel a bit surprised. Was she overthinking things?

"Ding-dong," her phone chimed again.

It was another message from Bai Yan in the group chat: "Jia Jia, don't worry, I've arranged for someone to keep watch nearby."