She looked up, Shu Yimo also blinked several times before she could push back the trace of warmth welling up in her eyes.
The conflict between her and An Zijie had long become an inextricable knot.
If her mother Shu Yan's misfortune had chilled her heart toward An Zijie, then his indifferent cold shoulder during her time in jail two years ago had turned it to ash.
Shu Yimo sat there, not knowing how long it had been before she snapped out of her daze and glanced at the wall clock opposite. Only then did she realize that it was already evening.
The rain continued to pour outside, the wind howling so that one could feel an inexplicable chill just by listening.
Suddenly, she felt very hungry. She hadn't eaten much since she had come out, and naturally, there was nothing to eat in the empty house.
After contemplating, she could only tidy up a bit, change into clean clothes, add a dark blue trench coat, then grab her backpack and head out the door.
Her car headed straight for the city center after leaving Qinhuai Small Building.
Shu Yimo was an excellent driver, having been at it for over a decade. Now, driving on a rainy, chilled night with few cars on the road, she sped up a bit. She had opened the car window—
The harsh wind and rain from outside flew in through the half-open window, the icy wind cutting across her face painfully, but it made her feel much more awake.
The car finally stopped while crossing the long bridge from the north of the city toward the city center.
Coming to her senses, Shu Yimo pulled the handbrake and realized the car was out of gas…
She tiredly raised her hand to rub her forehead, rummaged through her clothes, and remembered she had not taken her phone with her when she left. As she was about to open the door and ask passersby for help, unexpectedly, a ringtone suddenly sounded—
It was the piano interlude "River Flows In You" from Twilight City.
Shu Yimo scrambled to locate the source quickly, and soon found the violently vibrating phone.
Without a doubt, it was Long Chengyu's phone.
Did that man also like this tune?
Shu Yimo was somewhat surprised, and after looking at it for a while, she intended to put the phone back. But then, rain from the open window splashed onto the screen. She hastily used her sleeve to try and wipe the raindrops off the phone.
It was in this manner that the call was answered, and a low, calm voice came through.
"It's me. I forgot my phone in the car."
It was a call from Long Chengyu.
"Yes, I presumed to answer... Long Chief... you..."
Shu Yimo's voice conveyed a tentative quality.
"Hmm?"
The man's deep, emotive voice was especially clear.
"Would you mind extending your help once more in my moment of need?"
A wry smile formed on Shu Yimo's lips.
At this moment, she truly didn't know who else to call for help—
She was penniless, phone-less, and still some distance from the city center. Speaking of going out for a meal, she might end up accused of dining-and-dashing at the restaurant.
There was a pause on the other end of the line, then after a moment, the deep voice returned, "Location."
Just that single word, fitting his usual laconic style.
"I'll send my location to that phone, but your screen is locked…"
"123456"
Before Shu Yimo could finish speaking, Long Chengyu crisply reported the password.
Such a simple password, only this man would dare to use it without worrying that someone might easily crack it?
...
Half an hour later, a black Mercedes arrived tardily, driven by Adong.
"Miss Shu!"
Adong walked toward Shu Yimo, umbrella in hand. Seeing him, she also hurriedly got out of her car and said apologetically, "I'm sorry for troubling you on such a rainy night. I forgot to fill up the car, so…"
"No worries, leave it to me. The young master is waiting for you in the car. Why don't you hurry on over? He'll take care of you. Oh, and take the young master's phone with you."
Adong handed his umbrella to Shu Yimo.
Shu Yimo waved her hand, "No need. It's just a short walk. I'll leave it to you then."
Approaching the vehicle, she noticed Long Chengyu casually sitting in the passenger seat, showing no intention to come over and drive.
The implication was quite clear.
Shu Yimo had no choice but to take the driver's seat herself.
It wasn't that Long Chief lacked gentlemanly manners; rather, his sense of direction at night was particularly poor, and his discernment wasn't great either. Therefore, Long Chengyu typically didn't drive at night, except on very familiar routes.
That was something Shu Yimo found out later. At the time, she had mocked him for this quite a few times, and hadn't escaped being straightened out by Long Chengyu for it.
"Have you had dinner?"
As Shu Yimo started the car and began to drive forward, Long Chengyu suddenly spoke up.
He must have just come from Lan Residence, still in gray casual clothes with a simple black trench coat thrown over his shoulders. He was leisurely leaning back in his seat, his expression serene and faintly indolent.
"I don't have a cent to my name, so I fear I won't be able to reciprocate with a meal anytime soon," Shu Yimo candidly admitted.
In front of this man, she really couldn't help but be honest; he was too unfathomable!
She remembered perfectly well how she had lost to him last time. She even had to admit he was someone to look up to.
As Shu Yimo finished speaking, Long Chengyu turned to glance at her and said, "Have you fallen that low?"
Shu Yimo nodded, not shy of self-mockery, "Isn't it a misery that could drive one to despair, even to the point of wanting death?"
"Living requires more courage than dying. If you're asking that, it means you've chosen the former," Long Chengyu stated dispassionately, withdrawing his gaze. His smooth voice continued, "Just keep that in mind then. But it won't be just one meal. Head to Dilin Restaurant now."