“Captain Si , would it be convenient for you to drop Miss Zhuang off at the hotel across the street?” Xiao Zhao gestured with the small umbrella in his hand. “This won’t keep my clothes dry.”

Zhuang Zi was taken aback, not expecting Xiao Zhao to ask for his help, and she instinctively glanced at the man.

He was wearing a dark blue medium-length coat that fit him well and looked thick and warm.

Upon hearing Xiao Zhao’s request, he didn’t immediately respond or look at her. He walked to the door, opened his large umbrella, and calmly said, “Come over.”

….

The umbrella was large enough to comfortably cover two people.

Xiao Zhao held the small floral umbrella in the cold wind, following behind the two. At first glance, their silhouettes ahead seemed unexpectedly well-matched.

Si Hang was tall, and Zhuang Zi wore high heels, just reaching his ears.

Si Hang held the umbrella, and the two walked side by side towards the police station entrance, silent all the way.

A gust of wind blew by, carrying a faint scent of grass that blended in the air.

It was his scent, mixed with a hint of tobacco, for reasons unknown to her, but Zhuang Zi remembered.

Almost involuntarily, she glanced at him. The man’s profile was firm and handsome. His short black hair was neatly groomed.

Si Hang, sharp as ever, sensed her gaze, turned his head to look at her. His eyes were cool, seemingly naturally devoid of warmth.

Zhuang Zi felt no guilt, meeting his gaze directly. After a moment, she asked, “Captain Si, did you refuse my request?”

“Request?” His dark eyes revealed a hint of indifference. “Miss Zhuang, police are public servants, not servants of any single individual.”

“…”

“Having Xie Kui handle your case isn’t much different from me doing it. He’s experienced and has a great track record.”

“Oh,” Zhuang Zi fell silent.

The three stood at the crosswalk, waiting for the traffic lights to change, the crowd around them gradually thickening.

Si Hang held the umbrella with his right hand and reached into his coat pocket with his left for a cigarette. Accidentally, he pulled out his lighter, which rolled on the ground and came to rest near Zhuang Zi’s feet.

Si Hang glanced down; in his periphery were the slender, straight legs of a woman.

He hesitated for a second but didn’t bend down to pick it up.

Zhuang Zi glanced at him, understanding his dilemma. Since he couldn’t manage with the umbrella, she bent down to retrieve it.

The lighter’s casing had a bit of water on it. Since she had already helped, she took out a tissue from her pocket.

Si Hang glanced down at her. Her slightly curled brown hair covered half of her face. Her curled eyelashes were slightly lowered as she carefully wiped the water stains off the lighter.

Her fingers were slender and neat, with clear white skin revealing veins on the back of her hand.

He looked away, lit his cigarette, and muttered, “Thanks.”

She remained silent.

The light turned green.

People surged forward, and the two blended into the crowd, heading across the street.

Next to them, a young mother held a mischievous little boy, who walked restlessly, kicking at every puddle he saw despite his mother’s scolding.

Zhuang Zi, afraid of getting splashed, moved slightly to the side.

Si Hang walked calmly, suddenly feeling a slight tickling sensation on the outer side of his thigh, tingling and distracting him.

He glanced subtly; it was her fingertip, lightly touching his thigh.

Zhuang Zi was still focused on the boy’s antics nearby, slightly frowning in impatience, not yet realizing what had happened.

Si Hang subtly moved a bit away, and a moment later, they crossed the crosswalk. The little boy found another puddle and stepped right into it. Zhuang Zi flinched, quickly moved aside, and accidentally bumped into Si Hang’s shoulder lightly.

The young mother’s shoe got wet, and she scolded the boy.

Zhuang Zi sighed in relief, about to apologize to the people around her. Suddenly, she realized belatedly that in the chaos earlier, her hand had subconsciously supported a certain area?

Realizing this, she quickly withdrew her hand into her pocket. But the sensation just now was so vivid, through the fabric, carrying a warmth she could feel. She could even sense the firm and powerful lines of his thigh.

She glanced guiltily at him for a moment, then immediately looked away.

Si Hang glanced sideways, a subtle hint of meaning in his eyes—Zhuang Zi’s fair cheek unexpectedly tinged with a faint pink hue.