The cashier smiled politely, ready to ask him to step aside—when a hand slipped forward. Strong. Steady. A sleek card between the fingers. He froze. His eyes flicked to the name embossed in silver, breath catching for a beat. No words after that. He processed the transaction quickly, then handed Jiang Yanxu the receipt with a bow, lower than needed.
The man turned sharply, his features illuminated by the overhead lights—and Jiang Yanxu's heartbeat faltered for a moment.
YanAn.
For a brief, charged second, neither of them spoke.
Yan An's eyes widened, stunned recognition flashing through them. His lips parted as if to say something but closed just as quickly, unsure.
The cashier handed over Yan An's food, breaking the spell, and Yan An took the bag gingerly, glancing once more at Jiang Yanxu, unsure how to react.
