Yaxi found Chen Ling standing at the entrance of the "Yimeng JK" store.
He wore her father's long black down jacket, leaning on his cane with one hand, standing tall by the display window. On anyone else, the image would have seemed pitiful, but he exuded an air of calm confidence.
Two girls who had just exited the store approached him, pulling out their phones—likely to ask for his contact information.
Yaxi walked over, gently looping her arm through Chen Ling's, and said, "What do you want with my boyfriend?"
The two stylishly dressed girls gave her a strange look, apologized, and walked away.
Yaxi immediately distanced herself from him: "Already looking for another sugar daddy? I knew I couldn't keep you in check."
Chen Ling simply looked down at her. Her face was flushed, likely from the cold, but her breathing was quick and uneven—clearly from running back. She had abandoned him, so why had she returned?
He tried to read something in her eyes, but all he saw was clarity, unable to hide her urgency and concern. His heart, which had frozen over from being abandoned, instantly melted, turning into a pool of spring water. A soft smile spread deep into his dark eyes as he said, "I was waiting for you. I was afraid you wouldn't find me, so I didn't dare wander off."
Yaxi's heart skipped a beat, her mind buzzing.
No, he's too cunning! He knows exactly how to manipulate her. He must know that his smile can charm any girl.
She took a bold step forward, trying to assert herself, and tossed out, "Then keep up," before striding away. Later, fulfilling her role as a benefactor, she splurged on a set of winter clothes for Chen Ling.
When they returned home, however, Chen Ling seemed sullen, carrying the shopping bags straight to the couch and sitting down.
Feeling unappreciated, Yaxi went over and kicked his uninjured leg: "What's with the attitude?"
Chen Ling turned to look at her, his expression serious: "I've told you before—you don't need to take care of my food, clothes, or anything else. You saved me, and I'm willing to… do whatever you ask. The rest I'll handle myself."
Yaxi started boiling water, laughing dryly: "Do what I want? Spare me the melodrama about fallen dignity. I'm not here to rebuild your pride."
"That's not it," Chen Ling said firmly. "That's not what I meant. Tell me, where does your money come from? Your parents are gone, and your relatives haven't helped you. Are you in trouble? Let me know so I can help."
His worry was evident.
The kettle boiled quickly, and Yaxi poured two cups of hot water: "Why do you care? Worry about yourself first. Don't worry, Young Master Chen—I have morals. I won't tarnish your reputation with shady dealings."
With that, she retreated into her room and slammed the door shut once again, leaving Chen Ling outside her world.
Chen Ling stared at the closed door.
That day, after they returned from Dr. Yu's clinic, she had laid down the rules: "You're not allowed to enter my room."
And today in the store, she had warned him: "You're not allowed to kiss me without my permission."
Since he was willing to listen to her in everything, these weren't harsh conditions. But still, he felt a sharp pang in his chest, like a jagged wound scraping against his heart. He chose to ignore it.
Three years was such a long time, and yet he found himself anticipating her unpredictable antics. Once he resolved the lingering issues haunting him, he'd repay her and embrace the life she had given him. It wouldn't be so bad.