“Why are you tagging along?” Song Yi asked, slipping into his jacket and fastening each button one by one.

Gu Xingchuan gave him a nod. “I’ve got nothing better to do. Thought I’d join you for a walk.”

Song Yi shot him a look, silently cursing. His ears were still warm, practically burning like a rabbit’s, and Gu Xingchuan just had to pull a move like that. This guy really knew his way around subtle harassment.

Gripping his car keys, he headed for the door. Passing the hallway mirror, he caught a glimpse of his flushed lips. Only then did it hit him that he’d kissed Gu Xingchuan again. Once might have been a fluke, but now it was becoming routine—he hadn’t even thought to wipe his lips afterward.

With a sigh, he muttered to himself in dismay. What kind of mess was this? Why was Gu Xingchuan clinging to him like this? Even rabbits don’t eat the grass near their burrows, yet here Gu Xingchuan was, crossing the line with an old classmate.

What would it take for Gu Xingchuan to finally leave him alone?

Outside, the rain intensified, pouring down like thunder, leaving the streets nearly empty and the air thick with dampness.

They parked in the car insurance company lot, and Song Yi stepped out, opening his umbrella. When Gu Xingchuan started to follow, Song Yi quickly shut the door. “Wait here. I’ll be ten minutes tops. Just need to sign a paper.”

Gu Xingchuan raised an eyebrow, taking his phone out and setting a timer. “Ten minutes. If you’re not back by then, I’ll come find you.”

Song Yi glared at him but had no time to argue, so he turned and entered the insurance office. Shen Du was already there, dressed in a stylish casual suit, effortlessly charming as he sat in the VIP lounge area, discussing matters with a uniformed staff member.

When Song Yi walked in, Shen Du rose gracefully, greeting him with a warm smile. “That was thoughtless of me. On a rainy day like this, I should have come to pick you up.”

Song Yi gave a polite smile, then sat down and began reviewing the document in front of him.

Shen Du, seeing his polite indifference, narrowed his eyes slightly before leisurely taking a seat across from Song Yi. While Song Yi focused on the document, Shen Du watched him intently, his gaze openly lingering.

He’d seen plenty of attractive people, but while Song Yi’s looks weren’t particularly striking, his aura was magnetic. He sat with a poised elegance, a simple shirt enhancing his cool, refined appearance. His skin, a clear, icy white, was as flawless as fine porcelain.

Behind thin glasses, his eyes held a striking clarity. Long and expressive with a faint detachment, they resembled a blade’s edge—dangerously captivating, drawing people in despite the risk.

Beyond the glass wall, the claims hall was bustling with noise and chatter, yet none of it seemed to disturb Song Yi’s calm demeanor.

In a few swift strokes, Song Yi signed his name and handed the document to the claims agent, standing up once everything was confirmed. The whole process took just five minutes. “All done. Until next time.”

Shen Du’s lips curled into a slight smile as he glanced at the downpour outside. “Let’s take this as a bit of fate. Care to join me for a meal?”

Song Yi glanced at his phone; there was still a “tethered Alaskan” waiting in the car. He had no time for social calls. “Sorry, I have other plans.”

Shen Du looked at him, then chuckled softly leaving Song Yi slightly puzzled by the reaction.

Shen Du looked up at him, speaking calmly. “I’m Shen Li’s brother. I’d like to talk to you about him.”

Shen Li’s brother?

Song Yi had guessed Shen Du was related to Shen Li’s family but hadn’t realized they were so closely connected. Shen Li didn’t resemble Shen Du at all—otherwise, he would have recognized the connection earlier.

Without giving Song Yi a chance to refuse, Shen Du stood up and began walking toward the door. “There’s a Western restaurant nearby that recently added Kobe beef to the menu. I’ve heard it’s excellent. Let’s talk over a meal.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Song Yi followed; his concern for Shen Li outweighed his reluctance.

The restaurant’s atmosphere was serene with soft violin music playing and crystal chandeliers casting a warm, colorful light.

After ordering, Shen Du looked at Song Yi with a gentle smile. “Is there anything else you’d like?”

Song Yi casually added a few items. “What’s going on with Shen Li?”

>>