Finally, I stopped in front of the "Seaway Inn," but didn't dare go in. I just sat on the motorcycle and lit a cigarette. Of course, I hoped Ye Zhi could help me, but I still lacked confidence.

Because I've never been with a woman of this class before, even if she's willing to help, I don't know how to interact with her in a way that makes us look like a harmonious couple and prevents Old Mi from getting suspicious.

Just as I was finishing my cigarette, the door of the "Seaway Inn" opened, and I saw Ye Zhi walk out...

She was dressed in sportswear, and her long hair was tied in a braid. It was clear she was going for a run.

She stopped beside me and asked, somewhat surprised, "What brings you here?"

"I...I was just taking a casual drive and happened to pass by your place."

"Um."

Ye Zhi responded and then ignored me completely. She ran along the coastal road towards a village next to Ma Jiuyi where inns were more concentrated...

She was such a cold woman, which made me even more timid. Given her personality, how could I possibly cooperate with her and put on this act in front of Old Mi?

When I was at my wit's end, I thought of confronting Old Mi head-on, but then I remembered that he had a heart condition, so I gave up the idea. I was afraid that I might upset him and cause him serious harm, and then I would be unable to clear my name of the sins I had committed.

Should we really go along with his wishes and go back to Shanghai?

I am not reconciled.

I took my phone out of my pocket again and called Coach Ma.

Coach Ma, who's practically in the final stages of laziness, actually got up. He answered my call and asked me, quite alertly, "What's up?"

“This is a huge deal… My dad’s train arrives in Dali this afternoon. You need to find me a woman with a diamond ring right away, or I’ll really have to pack my bags and go back to Shanghai.”

"Is it really that serious?"

"Even if you gave me the guts of a bear and the gall of a leopard, I wouldn't dare joke about this..."

Coach Ma was silent for a moment, then replied, "Oh, this is really difficult. What decent women could I, a singer in a bar, possibly know?"

These words reminded me of the women I met at the "Women's Flower" bar where he sang last time; they not only smoked, but they also all had tattoos, which was obviously not something a stereotypical old man like Lao Mi could accept.

Just when I was at my wit's end, the fresh scent of shampoo wafted in on the morning breeze. I turned my head and was surprised to find Ye Zhi standing right beside me. She asked me, "What did you mean by saying you wanted to find a woman with a diamond ring?"