Chapter 14 – The Accidental Meeting
It was late afternoon, and the sky was painted with the soft hues of sunset. Su Zaizai was walking home, her bag swinging gently by her side, when she nearly collided with someone coming around the corner.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, stepping back.
Looking up, her heart skipped a beat. It was Zhang Lurang, holding a stack of books in one arm. His expression was calm, unreadable, as always, yet his eyes flicked toward hers with the faintest glimmer of surprise.
"You're always in a hurry," he said quietly, his voice low and steady.
"I… I didn't see you coming," Zaizai admitted, feeling her cheeks heat up. "I'm sorry."
He sighed softly, placing a hand briefly on the books to steady them. "It's fine. Just… pay attention next time."
Zaizai nodded, grateful that he wasn't upset. "I will."
For a moment, neither moved. The world around them seemed to fade — the distant sound of traffic, the soft chatter of passersby, everything became background noise to the quiet intensity between them.
Then, almost instinctively, Lurang offered her his umbrella. "Walk with me. You'll get wet."
Zaizai blinked, surprised. "Uh… okay," she said softly, stepping closer so they could share it.
The walk was quiet, but comfortable. Rain began to fall lightly, tapping against the umbrella, a gentle rhythm that seemed to match her heartbeat. Zaizai felt a strange warmth — not just from staying dry, but from the fact that he had thought of her, considered her comfort without being asked.
"You always seem to notice things," she said finally, breaking the silence.
Lurang's eyes met hers. "I notice what matters," he replied simply.
Zaizai felt her heart flutter. His words were calm, almost casual, yet they carried weight, a subtle acknowledgment that she was important to him.
When they reached the corner where their paths separated, Lurang handed her the umbrella. "Keep it," he said quietly. "It suits you."
Zaizai accepted it, holding it tightly, and whispered, "Thank you…"
He nodded once, then walked away, his figure disappearing into the soft rain. Zaizai stood for a moment, watching him leave, feeling a mixture of happiness and longing.
That day, she realized something: even small gestures, quiet words, and shared moments could carry more meaning than any grand declaration. And with Zhang Lurang, she was beginning to discover the profound impact of these subtle connections.
End of Chapter 14