The car pulled up and stopped inside a private Chinese-style garden. A valet in a Zhongshan suit stepped forward to take the vehicle.
The entrance was grand and imposing, built in traditional Chinese architecture, with a pair of white jade qilin statues guarding both sides. Above the gate, gilded characters in clerical script read “Cuilan Lake Residence”—likely the name of the club.
Led by a beautiful hostess in a qipao, Shen Yuxun and Song Wanyi made their way to a private room deeper inside.
The place offered excellent privacy—each room had its own terrace overlooking the garden, where lush greenery and a lotus pond created a serene, almost dreamlike view. The dense foliage at dusk and the tranquil waters gave visitors a uniquely peaceful experience.
Inside, the room was decorated in an elegant, antique style. Silk fabrics and finely carved wooden furniture complemented each other, while the faint fragrance of tea in the air added to the sense of refined detachment from the outside world.
It was clearly a high-end private club—somewhere Wanyi had never been before. Even as someone who studied cultural relics, she had only ever seen such luxurious items in books or on television.
“Sit,” Shen Yuxun said, pulling out a carved wooden chair for her.
He then took a seat across from her.
Since he had to drive, neither of them drank alcohol. The dishes served were delicate, refined Chinese cuisine.
The Longjing shrimp was especially good—fresh, tender, and lightly sweet. Wanyi took several bites in a row.
“How’s your new job at the museum?” Shen Yuxun leaned back in his chair, watching the girl across from him with quiet amusement. It seemed she had never really looked at him properly before.
“It’s going well. Everyone’s been very kind to me. But I’ve only been there two days, so I haven’t been involved in anything major yet,” Wanyi replied, setting down her chopsticks. She felt it was rude to talk while eating.
“If you need anything or have questions, you can contact Assistant Jin directly. He’ll take care of it,” Shen Yuxun said. His gaze drifted to a loose strand of hair by her cheek. Imagining how soft it might feel, he reached out and gently tucked it behind her ear.
Wanyi froze, watching his slender, fair hand move toward her.
Her heart suddenly felt like it had back in the car—restless and completely out of her control.
This man had a way of effortlessly stirring her emotions.
Under the dim yellow lighting, the room seemed filled with an unspoken, intimate tension.
Wanyi lowered her head and took a sip of tea to hide the blush rising to her cheeks.
“I’ll work hard,” she said softly, her voice sounding almost mechanical to her own ears.
Just as she was struggling to find something else to say—
Knock, knock.
Someone entered the room.
She turned to see a man wearing a dark green silk shirt and black trousers. His slightly long hair was tied into a small knot at the back, giving him the air of an artist.
“Well, well—look who’s here. The sun must’ve risen in the west if President Shen showed up,” he joked in a casual, northern-accented tone. His gaze swept toward Wanyi with interest. “First time I’ve seen you bring a companion. Aren’t you going to introduce her?”
“Hello, I’m the owner of this club—my surname is Zhong,” he said, extending both hands toward Wanyi.
She quickly stood up. “Hello, I’m Song Wanyi,” she replied politely, shaking his hand.
She was wearing a black dress that accentuated her fair skin and graceful figure. Her delicate face was bare of makeup, with a natural blush on her cheeks—quietly beautiful.
“She’s shy. Don’t scare her,” Shen Yuxun cut in, offering no further introduction.
“Alright, alright. Enjoy your meal. Miss, we’ll meet again next time,” the man said, catching the warning in Shen Yuxun’s tone and quickly excusing himself.
What kind of woman could make him so protective? he wondered as he left. He’d have to ask around tomorrow.
“That Mr. Zhong… he has quite a unique style,” Wanyi commented after he was gone.
“Interested in him?” Shen Yuxun narrowed his eyes slightly.
“No, no—I just thought his accent didn’t sound southern,” she quickly clarified, waving her hands.
“He’s from Beijing. Came here to invest in private clubs,” Shen Yuxun said, glancing at her untouched food. “Not to your taste?”
“It’s delicious. I’m just full now. Thank you for the treat, Mr. Shen,” Wanyi replied with a soft smile.
“Then let’s go. I’ll take you back to school.”
She stood and followed behind him.
Outside, night had fully fallen. The lights from the club illuminated the courtyard, giving it a secluded, almost otherworldly calm.
As they stepped out, a wave of warm, humid air swept past, lifting the hem of her dress. It felt like rain was coming soon.
Wanyi glanced back at the lotus pond and swimming pool. The sounds of frogs and cicadas filled the air.
“Ah—!”
Distracted by the scenery, she tripped over a stone slab. She gasped, trying to steady herself—but failed, her body tipping to one side.
It seemed the fall was inevitable—
But at that moment, a strong arm reached out and caught her.
Looking up at the handsome face now close to hers, Wanyi realized she had once again fallen into Shen Yuxun’s arms.
For a moment, she completely forgot how to speak.
“Careful.” His low voice brushed past her ear, like a cool breeze in the night.
“I’m sorry… I was too absorbed in the view. It’s really beautiful,” Wanyi said, lowering her head. She didn’t dare meet Shen Yuxun’s dark eyes—they seemed to hold a storm within them.
“You’re really the kind of girl people can’t help but worry about,” he murmured.
As he spoke, he naturally took her hand and led her toward where the car was parked.
Wanyi stared at the hand holding hers—well-defined, strong.
His skin was fair, though not as pale as hers. Their hands formed a faint contrast, intertwined together…
Like their shadows on the ground—inseparable.
For the third time that day, her heart began to race uncontrollably.
How did they end up holding hands just like that?
Still dazed, she got into the passenger seat.
She watched as Shen Yuxun leaned closer to fasten her seatbelt. His breath brushed past her, carrying a subtle, pleasant scent.
Wanyi felt like she was losing her mind.
Maybe Shen Yuxun was too.
In her twenty-something years of life, this was the first time she had ever been so close to a man—
And not just any man, but one who felt so dangerously captivating.
“We’re here.” His voice pulled her back to reality.
Wanyi blinked, glancing out the window, only to realize the car had already stopped at the entrance of her school.
“Good night, Mr. Shen,” she said, unfastening her seatbelt.
“Wait.”
He stopped her just as she was about to open the door.
She turned back—only to find his face suddenly much closer than before.
At this rate, she thought, she might actually develop heart problems.
“Did you enjoy dinner tonight?” he asked, his tone unreadable.
“Yes… it was very good.”
“It wasn’t a free meal.”
“…Huh?” She didn’t catch his meaning.
“In a couple of days, come with me to a banquet. I need a female companion. Consider it repayment for tonight,” he said, returning his gaze to the road ahead.
“…Alright.” She couldn’t bring herself to refuse.
Carrying the white gift box, Wanyi walked back to her dormitory.
The bright moonlight bathed her in a soft glow, like a quiet reflection of her tangled, unspoken thoughts.
Back in her room, she carefully placed the gift box into her cabinet, then sat at her desk, lost in thought.
Lu Dan glanced at her thoughtfully but said nothing.
It wasn’t until their roommate Xiao Jia returned that the silence broke.
“The rain’s pouring! I didn’t bring an umbrella—I forgot to check the weather forecast,” Xiao Jia complained, drenched from head to toe.
Hearing this, Wanyi walked out to the balcony.
At some point, a violent storm had swept in.
Lightning tore across the dark sky like a wild beast, while fierce winds howled against the glass doors.
She hadn’t even noticed.
Just moments ago, the moon had still been visible.
And now, it was a raging downpour.
The restless emotions that had carried her through the day suddenly sank.
That’s right—she had grown so used to clear skies that she almost forgot…
She hated rainy days the most.
No—her whole life felt like a rainy day.
Wanyi picked up her phone and opened WeChat.
She entered his number and sent a friend request.
His profile picture showed a stretch of sky over the sea—distant and unreachable, just like him.
“Mr. Shen, I haven’t been feeling well lately. I might not be able to attend the banquet with you,” she texted after he accepted her request.
“Didn’t you fully recover from your last hospitalization?” he replied almost immediately.
At this hour, he should already be home.
“No… I just haven’t been sleeping well,” she made up an excuse.
“I’ll take you to see a traditional Chinese doctor next time.”
Wanyi didn’t reply again.
She lay in bed, listening to the rain.
She really hated rainy days.
Every drop seemed to echo her misfortune.
That night, even her dreams were filled with rain. She hid inside a wardrobe in a room she had dreamed of countless times—
But in the next moment, she found herself hiding inside Shen Yuxun’s car instead.
He turned to her and said softly—
“Be careful.”