The ride back to the mansion was a silent one. The hum of the car's engine and the sporadic sounds of the city outside were the only interruptions in the heavy atmosphere that seemed to weigh down the vehicle.
Zhang Jin kept stealing glances at Lian Qiang through the rearview mirror. She sat with an impeccable posture, her gaze fixed on the road ahead, seemingly lost in her thoughts. But what caught his attention more than her silent demeanor was a faint, almost imperceptible streak of red on her cheek.
As they entered the mansion's driveway, the car came to a gentle stop. Before Lian Qiang could move, Zhang Jin was already on her side of the car, opening the door for her. She looked up, a bit surprised at his sudden show of concern.
"You're hurt," he said softly, pointing to the cut on her cheek.
Lian Qiang touched her cheek, her fingers coming away stained with a hint of blood. She immediately covered it with her hand as if it heals after she cover it. "It's just a scratch," she replied, attempting to downplay the injury. That's why her cheek seemed to hurt after her fight with the masked man earlier.
Zhang Jin's face showed his clear worry. "What happened in the mall? I know you're hiding something."
She hesitated for a moment, looking into his eyes. "It's part of the job. Some things are better left unsaid."
Zhang Jin's eyebrows drew together, a frown creasing his forehead. "I know you handle dangerous situations before, Lian Qiang," he began, his voice filled with concern. "But today was different. There was a look in your eyes... a hesitation. You can't hide that from me."
Lian Qiang took a deep breath, her posture stiffening. "I told you, it's nothing," she replied, her voice strained.
He stepped closer, gently cupping her face to examine the cut on her cheek. The proximity made her heart race. "This is not 'nothing'," he whispered, his thumb brushing lightly over the small wound.
She swallowed hard, trying to keep her emotions in check. "Sometimes, the job gets... unpredictable," she admitted. She was careful not to tell him about what truly happened.
Zhang Jin sighed, dropping his hand and taking a step back. "I just worry about you. You're not just an officer to me."
Lian Qiang looked away, conflicted. She had always tried to maintain a professional boundary between them, but moments like these blurred the lines.
Zhang Jin immediately realized what he said and started to look for any reasons to say. "I-I mean, it's because you are already part of this mansion and you are protecting me. It's natural not get hurt as well since you are protecting me. Nothing else." He stuttered trying to convince the woman.
She sighed in relief when she knew he has no other motive for his concern for her. She then immediately changed the topic. She gave him a reassuring smile, though her eyes betrayed a hint of pain. "I've been trained for this, remember? It's not the first time, and it probably won't be the last."
He looked at her, concern in his eyes. "I'll have someone look at that cut."
She chuckled. "I can take care of it. But thanks."
"No. I will call the maids to aid you," he insisted, his eyes showing genuine concern. "Come with me in my room." He commanded leaving her speechless for a moment but then she immediately recovered.
They all went inside.
The dimly lit room was filled with the subtle sounds of Zhang Jin pacing while Lian Qiang sat still, waiting. "I'll have the maids take care of it," he said with a hint of unease.
Before Lian Qiang could respond, a maid entered with a first aid kit. As she started to treat the cut on Lian's cheek, Zhang Jin watched intently. A couple of seconds later, seemingly unable to restrain himself any longer, he said, "Wait, let me do it."
The maid, sensing the underlying tension, quietly handed the kit to Zhang Jin and stepped back, retreating from the room. Taking a deep breath, Zhang Jin stepped closer to Lian Qiang. The proximity between them was palpable. Holding her face gently, he began to clean the cut with careful precision. Their eyes met occasionally, each glance charged with an emotion neither could articulate.
With every touch, the atmosphere grew denser, and they both were hyper-aware of their closeness. Finishing the aid application, he took a step back, both of them absorbing the weight of the moment.
The atmosphere in the room was palpable, heavy with emotions neither of them had anticipated. As Lian Qiang shifted, her fingers brushed against the bandage on her cheek, reminding her of the unexpected tenderness she had just experienced from Zhang Jin. This was not the grumpy, ill-tempered man she had come to know. This was someone different, someone softer and more caring. The shift was jarring, leaving Lian Qiang confused.
Their eyes locked, each trying to decipher the other's thoughts. Zhang Jin's usual stoic mask seemed to waver, revealing a vulnerability Lian Qiang had never seen before. It made her question everything she thought she knew about him.
The silence grew heavier, more pronounced. Words seemed unnecessary, yet both were painfully aware of the need for them. Lian cleared her throat, breaking the tension. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Zhang Jin simply nodded, struggling to find the right words.
Lian quickly made her way to the door. She felt a mix of emotions. She was relieved the moment was over but also felt embarrassed about how close they had been. As she stepped out, she took a deep breath, trying to understand her feelings. Zhang Jin was left alone in the room. He sat down, lost in his thoughts. He remembered how he used to be - always grumpy and short-tempered. But today's moment made him realize he might be changing. He was confused about how he felt towards the officer. The room, which was just another space in the mansion, had now become a witness to the changing relationship between them.