Qi Fan truly detested this woman. "Did some people forget to brush their teeth before leaving home this morning? Their mouths reek! The car is so filled with stench, it's unbearable. Just shut up and stop spreading your foul odor."
Her words made the other colleagues in the car burst into laughter. Cai Ya's face turned sour at being called out for having a foul mouth. "Qi Fan, who are you calling foul-mouthed?"
"Whoever answers is who I'm calling. You're self-aware, at least."
"Are you sick? I didn't say anything about you! Why are you sticking up for her? Did they upgrade your seat, and now you're her lackey?" Cai Ya glared at Qi Fan furiously.
Qi Fan was about to retort when Ye Wan squeezed her hand, signaling her to stop talking.
Qi Fan shot Cai Ya a glare and said no more. Cai Ya, with a smug expression, turned to Ye Wan, a look of defiance in her eyes. Ye Wan met her gaze with icy indifference, deeming her not worth the words.
Suddenly being looked at by Ye Wan, Cai Ya felt goosebumps prickle all over her skin. She was startled, her heart giving an unexpected lurch. When she realized she had been scared by just a glance from Ye Wan, she became furious. She wanted to curse but found herself unable to open her mouth.
The car stopped outside the palace, and everyone disembarked, led by guides to tour every part of the royal residence.
The main purpose of this delegation's visit was the upcoming birthday of the King of Country C. It was said that delegations from over ten countries had arrived. Ye Wan, unconcerned with such matters, was solely focused on visiting the palace's treasure vault to see the legendary divine medicine.
The person in charge led the group around the palace, explaining as they went. Ye Wan and Qi Fan stayed close, listening intently. Ye Wan consulted the palace map in her hand, noting that the treasure vault was located in the northeast corner of the palace, not far from their current position.
A flicker of desire crossed her face. Ye Wan suddenly raised her hand. The guide paused their explanation and asked, "Do you have a question?"
"Will you take us to visit the treasure vault?"
The guide frowned, clearly finding Ye Wan's question impolite. However, they replied, "I apologize, but the treasure vault is not open to outsiders."
So, she couldn't go.
"Excuse me, I have a stomach ache and need to use the restroom." Ye Wan wouldn't let this opportunity slip away.
"I'll have someone escort you," the guide said to a staff member nearby, who then approached Ye Wan. "This way, please."
"I'll go with you," Qi Fan said, unwilling to let her go alone.
"No need, I can go by myself. You should follow the group. I might have eaten something bad, so it might take a while. I'll find you when I'm done." Ye Wan finished speaking and turned to follow the staff member.
Qi Fan watched her leave with concern, a sense of unease settling in her heart. She sensed Ye Wan had a purpose for coming to Country C. She had seemed preoccupied since yesterday, yet there was nothing Qi Fan could do to help.
"See? This is what they call fake friendship! She doesn't even care about you," Cai Ya said with a gloating expression.
"What business is it of yours!" Qi Fan was utterly fed up with her.
"Ingratitude! You'll be in trouble because of her sooner or later!" Cai Ya's jealousy twisted her heart.
...
The staff member led Ye Wan into the restroom, where Ye Wan claimed to have a stomach upset and told her not to worry about her.
The staff member was reluctant to leave. Fortunately, her walkie-talkie crackled at that moment, indicating an urgent matter. She could only instruct Ye Wan not to wander off before rushing to deal with the emergency.