The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the half-open windows, casting thin stripes across the wooden floor. The dumpling shop was quiet — unusually so. Only the sound of Li Wei and Yulan preparing dinner echoed softly.
Yulan hummed quietly, chopping vegetables at the counter. His mind wandered to earlier — Lin Meiyu, the girl, and the lingering gaze from the street.
He shivered slightly, feeling someone's presence even before he heard the footsteps.
Chen Hao Spots Something
"Uh-oh," Chen Hao muttered, leaning against the doorway with a dumpling in hand.
"…What?" Yulan asked without looking up.
"Look outside," Chen Hao said, voice low but serious.
Yulan glanced toward the street. Across the road, just beyond the corner, the same shadowy man from a few days ago stood, hands in pockets, watching the shop.
"…He's back," Yulan whispered.
Li Wei, who had been quietly cleaning the counter, straightened immediately.
"I see him," he said calmly.
Chen Hao smirked.
"See him? You mean stare him down silently?"
Li Wei didn't respond. His expression was unreadable, but Yulan could feel the tension ripple off him.
A Light Action Moment
Suddenly, the man took a step forward, then froze. A bag slipped from his hand, scattering papers across the sidewalk. A street vendor shouted, drawing attention.
Yulan instinctively moved toward the door — but Li Wei was already outside.
In one smooth motion, Li Wei grabbed the man's wrist, spun him around, and held him in place.
"You're not making this your business," Li Wei said quietly but firmly.
The man struggled, but Li Wei's grip was iron-strong. He pulled him slightly closer.
"Walk away," Li Wei added.
The man froze, then slowly released his resistance and retreated, disappearing into the crowd.
Yulan stepped outside, heart racing.
"…Are you okay?" he asked.
Li Wei released the man's wrist, turned, and smiled faintly.
"I'm fine."
"You… you always know," Yulan said softly.
Li Wei's eyes met his.
"…Because I'm paying attention," he replied.
Bonding Moment
Later, back inside the shop, the evening lights created a golden glow. The quiet hum of the city outside wrapped around them.
Yulan poured tea, hands trembling slightly.
Li Wei reached out and brushed his fingers gently over Yulan's hand.
"You don't need to be scared," Li Wei whispered.
Yulan looked up, meeting his gaze.
"…I'm not scared of you," he murmured.
Li Wei smirked.
"Good. I wouldn't want that."
Then, slowly, he leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against Yulan's lips — just long enough to send a shiver down his spine, but brief enough to leave them both wanting more.
"…Careful," Yulan whispered, heart pounding.
Li Wei chuckled softly.
"Always," he said, brushing Yulan's hair back gently.
Chen Hao's Commentary
From the counter, Chen Hao peeked with his arms crossed.
"Yep. Definitely happening," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head.
"…You're obsessed," Yulan said with a small laugh.
Chen Hao winked.
"Obsessed with what's important. You two better get used to me being everywhere."
Unseen Observers
Outside the shop, in the shadows of the alley, the man lingered again — quiet, unblinking. He took a final step back and disappeared into the night, leaving only a faint sense of unease behind.
Neither Yulan nor Li Wei noticed.
For now.
End of Chapter 18