The pair of ink-black pupils were numb, almost hollow.
Those who had been chatting animatedly felt an unsettling discomfort under such a gaze. They grumbled but quickly pushed their way out.
Soon, the space was left with only the man.
"Xiao Luo?"
A furry head poked out from behind the curtain. There was only one person who could use such an intimate name for him, and only that person who was willing to treat him like an ordinary person.
The woman's face was small, with vibrant lips and fair skin. When she smiled, shallow dimples appeared.
"What are you doing here alone?"
The tall, strong man instantly shed the terrifying, oppressive aura. He looked up blankly, his face flushed as he hurriedly explained, "N-nothing, I, uh, is there something you need?"
Shen Yue glanced at the man. When she had looked for him for work earlier, she had overheard the men badmouthing Luo Kai. She thought she had been deceived again and rushed over to check. Seeing the man still standing there intact, she breathed a sigh of relief.
She felt Luo Kai was a good, honest person, but in this society, the honest ones often suffered the most.
Smiling, she said, "It's nothing, just came to see you. Oh right, I might not be able to go back with you tonight. You don't have to wait for me after work, just go home by yourself."
The man's sharply defined jaw tightened, and his fingers unconsciously twined together. His voice became even more stammering, "N-no, can't we, can't we go, go together?"
Shen Yue's eyes curved. "No."
Luo Kai, however, seemed determined to get to the bottom of it. "Why?"
Shen Yue blinked, then thought for a moment. "Um... someone might be picking me up."
As soon as she finished speaking, the man's face turned incredibly pale, his knuckles white. His tensed jaw was sharply defined, and his eyes were dark.
He lowered his head. "Is it your boyfriend?"
Shen Yue's already fair face flushed, and her tone became evasive. "You could say that."
"Shen Yue, why are you taking so long to get something?"
Shen Yue quickly replied, "Then I'm leaving. Remember not to wait for me."
She said this and then left in a hurry.
Luo Kai stood rooted to the spot, his dark eyes almost numb. Though devoid of any emotional fluctuation, it seemed as though a terrifying undercurrent was churning within him.
"You're just going to let her leave like that?"
"You're such a coward."
A furious voice raged in his mind.
The tall man lowered his head, his face obscured by shadow, making him appear even more grim.
—
When it was time to leave work, Xie Jiangsheng didn't pick her up. Shen Yue wondered if he was still angry about what happened in the morning, as he hadn't even sent a text.
Shen Yue didn't think much of it; there were still buses at this hour anyway.
As she walked along the main road, a white Mercedes suddenly slowed down and stopped beside her. Shen Yue subconsciously glanced over. The car window rolled down, revealing the face of the driver.
The man had a dashing, roguish face. He wore only a black, form-fitting shirt and a watch on his wrist. His hair was also meticulously styled.
He stared intently at her, a charming smile on his lips. "What a coincidence, are you off work already?"
Lu Jin hadn't visited the coffee shop for a while, presumably too busy. Shen Yue had initially felt a sense of relief, but seeing the man's face now, she realized she had been relieved too soon.
Shen Yue tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The wind was a bit strong, and she was wearing a grey knit sweater, looking clean and gentle. "Yes."
Lu Jin said casually, "Then I'll give you a ride, it's on my way."
Shen Yue was about to say there was no need to trouble him, but then she couldn't help but ask, "Do you know where I live?"
Lu Jin replied, "Yes, it's on Qingshan Road, Minghua Street. I happen to have something to do over there."
Shen Yue paused, her eyes fixed unblinkingly on Lu Jin.
Lu Jin's smile became a little stiff under her prolonged gaze. He glanced at himself in the rearview mirror; he looked quite handsome.
He hesitated, "Is something wrong?"
Shen Yue finally retracted her gaze, her long, thick eyelashes fluttering slightly. "My home is at Zihan Apartment. Did you remember incorrectly?"
Lu Jin frowned, looking at the woman before him, sensing something was amiss.
The area of Zihan Apartment was prime real estate, where the residents were either wealthy or noble. He had researched Shen Yue's background; she was an ordinary university graduate who hadn't found a proper job after entering society. Later, at a very young age, she had used underhanded tactics to ensnare Xie Jiangsheng.
Xie Jiangsheng was very generous, but Shen Yue had caused too much trouble then. It would have been good enough if he hadn't stripped Shen Yue of her skin, let alone given her any benefits, as Xie Jiangsheng was notoriously ruthless.
The address he had just mentioned was Shen Yue's family home. He had assumed Shen Yue would still be living with her parents.
However, it seemed to be different from what he had imagined.
Lu Jin chuckled and nodded, feigning sudden realization. "That's right, I almost forgot you moved away from there. It doesn't matter, it's quite close anyway, only about ten minutes."
Shen Yue still refused, but Lu Jin got out of the car directly, put his arm around her shoulders, and almost forcefully pushed her into the passenger seat.
Shen Yue couldn't help it. Unaccustomed to being so close to a stranger, she hunched her shoulders. Lu Jin naturally released her.
The car slowly pulled away.
"I've been too busy lately to come see you," he said with a slight smile, striking up a conversation with Shen Yue.
Shen Yue stared at the passing scenery. She was still somewhat uncomfortable being in the same space as Lu Jin, but she also wanted to retrieve some of her lost memories from him.
"Is the address you mentioned earlier where I used to live?"
Lu Jin replied, "Yes."
Shen Yue picked at her fingers. "My parents live there too."
He put on a surprised expression. "Yes, haven't your parents come to find you?"
Whenever Shen Yue mentioned her parents, she couldn't help but lower her head, her bangs falling onto her forehead. "...Mm."
While waiting at a red light, Lu Jin turned his head. From his angle, he could see the slender, snow-white nape of her neck, exposed because she was looking down. It was fair and tender, making him want to bite it hard and leave a red mark.
It would look beautiful.
The man's gaze was too naked. Shen Yue, sensing something, looked up.
The green light had just turned on. Lu Jin turned his head back and continued driving.
Shen Yue had wanted to ask him something else, but for some reason, looking at Lu Jin's profile made her lose her courage. So, she could only look out the car window.
It was strange. Although Lu Jin appeared to have a very good temper, was amiable and enthusiastic, Shen Yue felt an inexplicable sense of fear and aversion. She didn't know where this feeling came from.
They soon arrived at the apartment. Shen Yue thanked him and reached for the car door handle. She twisted it twice, but the door did not move.