*Chapter 38: Lines Crossed*
The weekend brought an unexpected invitation — Zhao Liang's friends insisted on a group outing.
At the riverside restaurant, laughter rang as Shen Wei and Han Qiang exchanged insults over failed fishing attempts. Mei Yan, arms crossed, tried not to smile at Shen Wei's exaggerated storytelling.
"You're terrible at this," Mei Yan said finally, unable to hold back.
Shen Wei leaned closer, lowering his voice just enough. "You noticed. Which means you were watching me."
Her cheeks warmed, though she masked it with a glare.
Across the table, Li Xue observed quietly, torn between the heaviness of her contract-bound life and the lightness surrounding her friend. Mei Yan wasn't chained. She had choices, dignity, and now — perhaps — someone who saw her for who she was.
For Li Xue, it was bittersweet. Freedom was beautiful when witnessed from a cage.