Shen Man wanted to say, How is this any different from dating?
But seeing Linlin’s foolishly innocent expression, she ultimately chose not to burst her bubble. Otherwise, she might end up helping Yan Yuan’s cause.
Her expression turned serious as she said solemnly to Linlin, “If you’re happy, it’s fine to have a little fun. But if you’re unhappy, you need to reject him clearly. Don’t hold back because of your past relationship. Since he’s chosen to pursue you, he’s given up the role of your older brother. Do you understand?”
“I understand,” Linlin said obediently.
Only then did Shen Man smile. “Good girl. If you’re happy, your sister won’t interfere. But if you’re unhappy, come tell me.”
Maybe the girl did not dare tell her parents. Shen Man thought that if she herself was a little gentler and more open-minded, perhaps Linlin would not keep things from her.
By the time they had finished tidying up, it was already evening.
Shen Man had to go to the hospital for her internship the next morning, so she prepared to leave first.
Outside, it was dark and the ground was slippery. Jiang Chengzhou was worried about her, so he took a flashlight and escorted her home.
Shen Man had something she wanted to say to him as well, so she did not refuse.
Along the way, Shen Man deliberately brought it up. “Linlin’s in college now. Are there people pursuing her?”
Jiang Chengzhou chuckled. “Loads of them. But the little girl hasn’t taken a fancy to a single one. They’re all just kids—not worth much.”
Shen Man fell silent.
That was right. Little boys weren’t worth much. Older men, on the other hand, could be deeply calculating.
Shen Man had promised Linlin she would not tell anyone, but she was still worried in the end. So she gave Jiang Chengzhou a hint. “Linlin and Yan Yuan seem pretty close. Today, I even saw Yan Yuan eating Linlin’s leftovers.”
Jiang Chengzhou brushed the snow from his coat and said with a smile, “Can’t waste food. We’re family, so we don’t fuss over things like that. My uncle often eats my aunt’s leftovers too.”
“...” Shen Man was speechless for a moment, then gritted out, “Your uncle and aunt must be very affectionate.”
“Of course they are,” Jiang Chengzhou replied with a grin.
Shen Man stopped walking and turned to look at him. “Jiang Chengzhou, are you stupid?”
“Huh?” Jiang Chengzhou looked thoroughly baffled.
His obliviousness irritated Shen Man so much that she turned away. But then she stepped onto a patch of ice and slipped.
Jiang Chengzhou reacted quickly, reaching out to catch her by the arm and pull her back.
“And you called me stupid?” After making sure she was steady on her feet, he let go. “Doctor Shen can’t even walk properly?”
Shen Man drew a deep breath. “Fine, I’ll be careful. We’re on the main road now, so I can get back on my own. Go home quickly. I’m not comfortable leaving Yan Yuan and Linlin alone in the house at night.”
Jiang Chengzhou swept the flashlight over the road. “It’s fine. Yan Yuan’s there watching over her.”
Shen Man stared at him for several seconds.
It was precisely because Yan Yuan was there that she was worried! Idiot!
Shen Man hurried away. Once they reached the school gate, she could not wait to send him back.
Jiang Chengzhou shoved the flashlight into her hand. After watching the beam of light disappear beneath the dormitory building, he tugged his collar tighter and turned to head home.
Linlin was waiting in her room. Sure enough, before long, there was a knock at the door.
She opened it just a crack. “What is it?”
Yan Yuan indicated the basin of water in his hands. “Your room is too dry. It’d be better to wring out a damp towel and place it beside the radiator.”
“Okay.”
Having heard his reason, Linlin opened the door.
Her room was decorated with a great deal of charm.
The walls were spotless, and beneath the south-facing window stood a cast-iron radiator. The window had been deliberately left slightly open for ventilation.
In the middle of the room was a solid-wood single bed, covered with a fresh, elegant floral bedsheet. Beside it stood a vanity with a mirror, its surface scattered with little items such as cold cream, handkerchiefs, and a comb.
Near the window was a desk piled with books and a violin case, with a small bookshelf beside it holding a few books here and there.
In one corner stood a coat rack hung with Linlin’s overcoat and scarf. Cushions were scattered throughout the room. Everything about it reflected the family’s comfortable means and relaxed way of living.
As the entire room unfolded before Yan Yuan, Linlin suddenly felt flushed and warm, as though she were voluntarily exposing a private part of herself to him.
“It’s very pretty.”
Yan Yuan’s normally cool voice carried an inexplicable huskiness. Whether it was because he had entered a girl’s private room, or because of the fragrance that seemed to linger everywhere in it...
Yan Yuan suddenly felt that he had lost his composure. His upbringing and manners would not allow him to remain in a girl’s room for long. He took a step back. “Would you like to do it yourself?”
Their gazes met in midair.
One pair of eyes shone like stars, carrying an unconcealed smile.
The other belonged to a girl so shy that even the tips of her ears had begun to turn red.
Linlin realized that she had been staring at Yan Yuan again and hurriedly cleared her throat, turning to wring out the towel so she could avoid his gaze.
Yan Yuan, too, felt a little awkward and lowered his eyes.
As Linlin hung up the towel, she secretly studied Yan Yuan.
Yan Yuan seemed to favor black and gray. His everyday clothes—cashmere sweaters, jackets, wool overcoats, or trousers of every kind—were almost always in those two colors.
Yet today, for once, he was wearing a white wool sweater.
Black gave off an impression of dignity and aloofness, distant and cold. Yan Yuan had always seemed mature beyond his years, his temperament naturally cool. Dressed in black, he appeared even more refined and frosty.
Still, he had not gone out to sea for quite some time, and his skin had recovered its pale, clear glow. Black suited him well too, giving him an icy, exceptional air.
But the white he wore today...
It softened his entire appearance and lent him a touch more warmth. His bearing became upright and gentle, making him seem almost two years younger—and harmless.
Linlin thought she must have been bewitched by his outfit today. Otherwise, why could she not stop looking at him?
After placing the damp towel beside the radiator, she walked back over, only to find herself staring at Yan Yuan again.
Why had she never noticed before how handsome he was?
Standing quietly in the doorway, his restrained, radiant elegance could not be concealed even by the dim lighting. As he looked at her, a soft glow seemed to spread across the depths of his eyes, deep as a still pool, leaving her heart tingling and warm.
And why were his eyes so bright?
Even the way he arched a brow had such charm.
When his thin lips pressed together, they carried an indescribable sensuality...
At home, Linlin wore an ivory lounge set. Since she had been wringing out the towel, she had casually pushed her sleeves up to her forearms. Her loose knit pants were the same color, and her long hair was gathered up in a relaxed twist. Bathed in the warm light, she looked at him with innocent bewilderment, making his heart soften. All he wanted was to hold her.
Yan Yuan had intended to leave as soon as he delivered the damp towel. But Little Moon was looking at him so expectantly...
Once might be understandable, but not twice. He had already yielded just now—there was no reason for him to retreat again.
Yan Yuan stepped forward, closing the distance between them in an instant.
He lowered his head slightly and asked softly, “What are you thinking about?”
Linlin looked up at him and, as if possessed, blurted out, “I heard people say that men with thin lips are heartless.”
