Zhang Chen had gone out that morning and silently stood in a corner, absorbing the spiritual essence of heaven and earth. Only when the evening lights began to shine and illuminated the darkness did he suddenly open his eyes at a certain moment. His gaze pierced through the night toward a dim streetlamp in the distance, where he saw two figures walking arm in arm, chatting and laughing all the way.
One was Shen Jianghe, and the other was Shi Yunnan.
Beneath the streetlamp, Shen Jianghe was tall and handsome, while Shi Yunnan was graceful and lovely. They looked like a perfect match.
"I'm home." Shi Yunnan stopped beneath the streetlamp and spoke to Shen Jianghe in a sweet, playful voice.
"Mission accomplished. I've safely escorted the beauty home. See you tomorrow." Shen Jianghe rubbed the young woman's head, then reached out and hugged her. He tried to kiss her, but Shi Yunnan dodged. She gave him a push without getting angry, merely saying coquettishly, "Don't fool around. If Zhang Chen sees us, I'd have ten mouths and still couldn't explain it."
Shen Jianghe was unconcerned when he heard that. "This is your home. How could Zhang Chen be here?"
After saying that, he did not continue pressing her. He knew the time was not yet ripe between them, so he did not force the issue and simply said, "I'll be going first."
Shi Yunnan watched Shen Jianghe's retreating back until he vanished from sight, then turned around and headed home.
From within the dark shadow cast by the streetlamp, Zhang Chen watched Shen Jianghe walk away, a trace of coldness surfacing in his eyes. He and Shi Yunnan had been together for seven years, yet Shi Yunnan had never allowed him to hug her—not even to hold her hand.