The city lights of Shanghai glittered like scattered stars along the streets as Lian Hua stepped out of her flower shop, Zhen Wei walking silently beside her.
The night air was cool, carrying the faint fragrance of lotus from her shop mixed with the scent of the city.
"You don't need to do this," she said softly, glancing at him.
"I do," Zhen Wei replied simply, his eyes scanning the street like a hawk.
She looked at him curiously.
"You're watching for him," she said, referring to Chen Kai.
"Yes," he answered quietly.
"You really don't trust him?"
Zhen Wei paused, then met her gaze.
"I trust you," he said, "but I don't trust anyone who might get close to you."
Her heart skipped, but she tried to mask it.
"Zhen Wei…" she whispered.
He didn't say anything else. Instead, he took a small detour through a quieter alley. The lamps cast soft golden pools of light, giving the street a dreamlike glow.
"You always do this," she said lightly.
"Do what?" he asked, though his voice betrayed a subtle amusement.
"Show me a side of the city I've never seen," she replied.
Zhen Wei glanced at her for a moment.
"Some things… are better seen quietly," he said.
They walked in silence for a few moments, the only sound being their footsteps against the pavement.
Then, suddenly, Zhen Wei stopped. His gaze fixed on a shadow across the street.
"Who's there?" he asked quietly.
Lian Hua turned, but saw only a lone figure disappearing into the shadows.
Zhen Wei's expression darkened slightly.
"Someone's watching you," he murmured.
Her pulse quickened.
"It's probably nothing," she said, though her voice trembled slightly.
"Nothing?" Zhen Wei repeated, his eyes hard. "I don't take chances with people who watch you."
He stepped closer, almost shielding her with his presence.
Lian Hua looked up at him.
"Zhen Wei…" she said softly.
He lowered his gaze to meet hers, his expression unreadable.
"You don't need to be afraid," he said quietly, though his hand brushed against hers.
The simple touch sent warmth racing through her.
And in that moment, Lian Hua realized something clearly:
Zhen Wei's obsession wasn't just possessive—it was protective.
And as they continued walking through the quiet night, she couldn't help but feel… drawn into the power and intensity of his world.