************
Lu Aotian pulled the car to a stop by the street leading to Yi Chuhua's apartment– just as Mei Xing had requested.
"Alright, we're here," he announced, hitting the brakes, the car coming to a stop.
"Thanks, Aotian," Mei Xing said.
Lu Aotian watched as Mei Xing unbuckled her seatbelt before stepping out, his eyes lingering on her slender form for a beat longer than necessary.
As she stepped into the cool night, Mei Xing felt an odd sense of relief, like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. True to Lu Aotian's words, the drive helped her burn off some steam.
It provided a much-needed moment of calm her mind needed after the meeting with her parents and even the previous week. And she was grateful for Lu Aotian's reassuring presence.
"Are you sure I shouldn't drive you in? I can walk you to the house," Lu Aotian offered, worry evident in his voice.
