As soon as Sofia reached the capital, her phone buzzed with an incoming call. Glancing at the screen, she saw it was her friend Julie. She answered, and Julie's cheerful voice immediately filled her ear.

"Hey, Sofia! Want to go to the club tonight? You could use some relaxation after all that intense shooting. Plus, my brother is sponsoring the treat tonight, so you don't need to worry about a thing.

We can have all the fun we want! What do you say? Are you coming?" Julie's voice was filled with excitement and encouragement, her cheerful tone almost irresistible.

Sofia felt a moment of hesitation. She was exhausted from the recent days of work and the stress of her secret mission to create the antidote.

However, the thought of unwinding and having a carefree night out was undeniably tempting. Julie's voice, especially with that adorable, pleading puppy tone she used, was something Sofia found hard to resist.

With a sigh, Sofia made her decision. "Well, sure," she replied, a smile forming on her lips. "Send me the address, and I'll be there."

"Great! I'll text you the details right now. See you soon!" Julie's excitement was palpable, and it warmed Sofia's heart.

After ending the call, Sofia quickly received a message with the club's address. She wasted no time and flagged down a cab. As she settled into the back seat, she instructed the driver to take her to Tang Mansion.

As the cab navigated through the bustling streets of the capital, Sofia leaned back and allowed herself to relax for the first time in days.

Upon reaching Tang Mansion, Sofia swiftly paid the driver and stepped inside, carrying her luggage. The grand entrance hall of the mansion was as opulent as she remembered, with its marble floors and elegant decor.

Her presence immediately drew the attention of the servants, who had learned to be more attentive and respectful after previous lessons.

Seeing Sofia with her luggage, the maids quickly approached and took the bags from her hands, efficiently carrying them up to her room.

Another servant promptly brought her a glass of water and an assortment of snacks. Sofia nodded in approval, pleased with the improved service. She settled onto a plush sofa, savoring the snacks and taking a moment to relax.

Just then, a loud voice echoed through the hall. "Oh, who do we have here?" Tang Min shouted as he entered the mansion. Despite his bluster, a flicker of genuine fondness crossed his eyes.

He had missed Sofia during her absence, but his pride wouldn't let him admit it. Instead, he resorted to his usual sarcastic tone to get her attention.

"Hello there, brother," Sofia replied with a playful smile. "I know you missed me." She was well aware of Tang Min's tactics and knew how to handle him. She dismissed his sarcasm with a wave of her hand, not letting his comments bother her.

"Who missed you?" Tang Min retorted, his tone defensive. "See the sun is up in the sky, don't be daydreaming. This young master does not care about you." His words were sharp, but his demeanor betrayed him. He looked like a fired-up cat whose tail had been stepped on, all puffed up and indignant.

Sofia laughed softly, recognizing the familiar dynamic between them. She knew Tang Min well enough to see through his facade. "Sure, sure," she teased, leaning back on the sofa. "Keep telling yourself that."

The tension in Tang Min's posture eased slightly, and he rolled his eyes, unable to hide a small smile.

Despite their banter, there was a deep bond between them, one that was strengthened by moments like these. Sofia's return had brought a sense of normalcy and warmth back to the mansion, something Tang Min secretly cherished.

As Sofia continued to enjoy the snacks, the servants discreetly attended to their tasks, maintaining the household's smooth operation. The air was filled with a mix of familiar scents and sounds, making Sofia feel at home.

"So, how was the shoot? Did you embarrass the Tang surname?" Tang Min asked, his tone a mixture of curiosity and challenge.

Sofia recognized the underlying concern in his voice, though he masked it with his usual bravado. He genuinely wanted to know how her shoot had gone, but he couldn't bring himself to ask directly.

Sofia smiled inwardly, knowing her brother's tactics well. She took a deep breath and began to recount her experiences over the past days.

She detailed the intense schedule, the various scenes they filmed, the challenges she faced, and how she overcame them. For a full ten minutes, she shared her journey, her voice animated as she relived the moments.

Tang Min listened attentively, his eyes focused on her. Despite his usual aloof demeanor, he was genuinely interested in her story. He appreciated her dedication and the hard work she put into her career, even if he rarely expressed it openly.

Once Sofia finished her account, she paused, waiting for Tang Min's response. He nodded, absorbing everything she had said. Satisfied that he had gleaned all the information he wanted, he reverted to his familiar sarcastic self.

"Who wants to know what you did during shooting? I just asked if you embarrassed the Tang surname," he scoffed, his tone dripping with feigned indifference. "But look at you, going on and on for minutes.

Seeing as you were so interested in telling me about your shooting life, the young master deigned to listen to your talk. You should be thankful."

Sofia rolled her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. She knew Tang Min's act was just his way of hiding his genuine concern and pride. "Sure, brother, whatever you say," she replied, not taking his words to heart.

"Now I will take my leave," Tang Min announced, turning on his heel. "Take care, little brat." He walked away, his posture proud and aloof, but Sofia could sense the affection beneath his exterior.

As Tang Min disappeared down the hallway, Sofia shook her head, amused by their exchange. Despite his prickly demeanor, she knew he cared deeply about her.