It was a face of extraordinary beauty and razor-sharp edges.
What everyone else saw at a glance was initially blurred to Shen Lian, only coming into focus little by little.
At the same time, emotions that had lain dead for years began to revive and grow.
Even his fingertips trembled faintly.
Have I seen him before? Shen Lian wondered.
No. If Shen Lian had ever met someone like him, there was no way he would have forgotten.
The man didn't look like someone who had become an escort for money. No matter how he tried to suppress it, that air of authority was impossible to hide.
At some point, Zhang Qi had gotten to his feet. He stood behind Shen Lian, waiting for him to speak so he could air his grievances or play the victim. Maybe he could win Shen Lian's favor.
But the man opposite seemed to have seen right through his intentions.
Chu Yilan couldn't stand having this man so close to Shen Lian. His eyes narrowed dangerously, and Zhang Qi's mind went blank. Primal instinct sent him backing away at lightning speed.
Not just Zhang Qi-no one there dared make a careless move.
To Shen Lian, it felt as long as a century. Waves of turmoil kept crashing through him, but he quickly steadied himself and maintained a calm expression as he asked Chu Yilan, "Do you two have a grudge?"
"He confessed to you," Chu Yilan replied.
Shen Lian didn't understand. "So?"
"So he deserved that beating."
Shen Lian blinked. "Wait a second, man. I don't get that tone. You're talking like I'm your..."
Before Shen Lian could finish, Chu Yilan raised a hand and undid his collar button, as though he felt hot. His fingers were long, their joints defined and strong. As the