Xiulan got herself a private lounge on the train. When it was past one at night, she strode out to a snack bar on the train to purchase something to appease her hunger.
While queuing at the counter to settle the payment, she detected a familiar cologne that she got on the rooftop. Immediately her smile widened at it. Such a refreshing fragrance! She wondered which brand the perfume was. If she found out, she surely would get one for herself later.
While she was busy intoxicated with the scent, the cashier was occupied with her own difficulty. The server was down due to an unstable internet connection. As a result, the online payment, as well as the purchases with the debit cards and credit cards, was abolished for the time being. She had better let the customers pay cash in hand.
Finally, Xiulan noticed something was wrong and she asked her about the situation. She was thunderstruck at the announcement. Here she was dead starving while there was no cash on her since she only brought cards with her, she had no choice but to cast aside her supper while sulking. Dropping her head in sadness, she was about to leave when an arm abruptly popped up from behind.
She heard a familiar voice saying, "Please add them to my bill. It's on me." He paid in cash.
Xiulan was taken aback. She was taught everything came at a price. Why would a stranger pay for her? Unless he had some ill intentions towards her.
Her first conclusion was that he was trying to take advantage of her, 'a beautiful girl', by buying her snacks. The thought got up her nose! Did he think she was such an easy girl?
She turned her head to squint at the owner of the voice. Who the hell was he?
He was quite tall. So she had to put her head up to adequately scan his face.
The man had delicate features. His firm jaw was well-defined. A pair of thin lips and a straight nose were properly placed on his flawless honey-colored complexion. His grey eyes were like a gateway into another world which sucked the soul of a person who was looking at his eyes. Startled that her soul would be eaten alive by this unknown creature before her, she quickly invaded his eyes and sized up his features more.
He was in casual wear which radiated youthfulness. Xiulan concluded he might be the same age as her. Disappointingly, he had an exceptional outer appearance with no hint of obvious fraudulence which screamed to her that her first instinct was rather not a correct one.
But looks can be deceiving!
She followed her heart to reject his offer, "It's alright. How can I let you pay for my bill when we don't know each other?" She wasn't a hungry monster and skipping a supper wouldn't kill her.
The man said unhurriedly with a subtle smile on his lips, "Firstly, it doesn't cost a lot. Secondly, we have met before so I am not a stranger. You even complimented my good sense. Thirdly, I know you, Zhang Xiulan, the precious daughter of Zhang Guangxi."
He took a break to glimpse at his watch on his wrist, "Last but not least, today is my birthday. Help me do a good deed." He wore a light smile all the time he was speaking with his unwavering gaze.
The first time hearing such a long trail of his deep voice, she felt like she was listening to the soothing music. Although she was unwilling, she must admit that his voice was so pleasing to hear.
After the former part of his speech, she was dumbfounded. She couldn't recall encountering the stranger standing in front of her let alone complimenting him. It wasn't surprising he knew her father, but she was astounded that he recognized her. She was never a social butterfly and rarely attended social gatherings. Even some of their business partners haven't seen her.
'Is he a stalker?' She was bewildered and frightened at the same time. There was still no pepper spray. Her mother's late-night thriller stories replayed in her ears. He had to be not a pervert or a murderer. Or her mother would come to scold her wandering spirit even after her death.
However, as she kept on listening to his voice, she recollected that he was the painter she met at the Quartz hotel that morning.
'Still, I can't judge a book by its cover. He might just be a generous man, who happens to pass by when I need help.' She gave herself an excuse to accept the snacks because she was famished.
"Thank you! Then, I will take my leave." She forged a smile at him before taking her snacks and dashed into her private compartment without looking back at anything, afraid that he would chase after her if she was a bit slower.
Jianyu gazed at the girl's back which was gloomy a while ago but was brightened up instantly by a load of food.
Every time he bumped into her, she seemed somewhat melancholy and emotional for some reason. He couldn't take it to see her starved to death. So he gave her a hand, hoping that it would lift up her spirit which he succeeded apparently.
Xiulan was munching on her supper when a sudden realization hit her hard. She was having his treat without even wishing him a happy birthday!
'It was his fault for acting like a hooligan!' She convinced herself, shaking off the guilt.