In the tavern.
When Gong Jie took out the aged dry red wine from his collection, Alice was inevitably flattered.
"I see that you've had this for a long time. But now you can bear to part with it?"
Gong Jie smiled and filled her glass. Alice returned his smile briefly and took a sip of the wine.
"You didn't rush back just to have a drink with me, did you?" Alice teased, "Could it be that you're back because you miss me?"
Gong Jie was used to her teasing, however, right now, he was less interested in bantering with her. He said bluntly, "I came back because there's a matter I wish to have some answers to."
"Alright. Ask away. I'll answer whatever questions you have."
As Alice spoke, she pursed her lips against the rim of her glass and eyed him intently.
Gong Jie went straight to the point. "A while ago, you disappeared for a long time. No one knows where you went."
Alice held the wine glass and stared, as one transfixed.