She forced a breath out through her nose, calming herself. "Thanks for letting me play with you. Really. But I'm gonna wander a bit."
"Sure," Jiaqi said. "Take care, okay?"
After exchanging phone numbers with the twins, Vera left the place, turning down one of the winding side lanes after exiting the Wushan Square
The energy of the crowd faded as she got further from the center, replaced by quiet alleys and shops.
She was just admiring a booth selling ceramic wind chimes when a voice called out behind her.
"Hey! Girl! Wait… you dropped something."
She turned, half on guard… and froze.
The same three boys from earlier stood across the street.
This time, Tang Roujin raised his phone, snapped a photo of her, and laughed loudly. "Oops. Maybe you dropped your wings or something?"
His friends howled, slapping each other's backs like it was the funniest thing ever.
Vera's eyes darkened as she replied. "That's the lamest pick-up line ever."
