Aoi's eyes narrowed, frustration bubbling up in her chest. She stood still for a moment, staring at the market, trying to steady her nerves. A flicker of something caught her eye—a posted sign. "Hiring people..." she murmured aloud. A job at a pastry shop... That didn't sound too bad, did it? Maybe she could make something of herself. The thought of working and earning her own way felt like a small victory, despite the chaos around her.
She walked up to the cozy pastry shop, feeling the warmth of the oven radiate from inside. The rustic exterior of the place was welcoming, the scent of freshly baked bread and sugary pastries filling the air. The sight of the colorful macarons, delicate tarts, and cream-filled éclairs on display made her mouth water. It was a little haven amidst the busy, noisy streets.
She gently knocked on the door. The man who answered had a soft, almost gentle look to him, with a warm smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Miss, how can I help you?" he asked, stepping forward with an easy grace.
"I—uh—I saw your sign... I want to apply for the job, the Lián Huā Gāo Diàn shop is hiring people." Aoi stammered, her nerves getting the better of her. She hadn't expected him to step so close to her. His body brushed against hers as he moved, sending a jolt of panic through her. She instinctively took a step back, her voice shaking but firm. "This is not proper, sir," she said, trying to regain control of the situation.
"I am here to apply for a job... ..." she said nervously. The man walked forward to her, his body almost brushing against hers. She immediately took a step back, panicked. "This is not proper, sir," she spoke firmly, trying to maintain a bit of authority she never had here.
Aoi's frustration had reached its boiling point. The shopkeeper moved closer, his intentions becoming clear with every step. She could feel her temper flare, but she quickly reminded herself to stay sharp.
"This is not proper, sir," Aoi said sharply, stepping back, but the man only smiled, his grin widening as he lingered too close. His hand brushed the edge of his shirt collar, a silent threat, as if he thought his charm would sway her.
"You'll find the city is full of opportunities," he said with a sly smile, his words laced with something less than genuine.
Aoi's pulse quickened, but she wasn't a fool. She stepped back again, watching his every move. She was no expert in these matters, but she could read the signs well enough. This wasn't about a job—it was about power.
The man stepped forward again, but Aoi didn't retreat this time. She reacted swiftly, jabbing her elbow into his chest. His grin faltered, and his hands flew to his chest, but Aoi wasn't finished. She grabbed a flour sack from the corner and flung it in his direction, the powder exploding into the air and clouding his face.
"Don't touch me," she hissed.
The shopkeeper coughed and spluttered, wiping flour from his eyes, but before he could regain his composure, the door swung open with a sharp creak. A deep voice, smooth and cold, cut through the tension.
"Is there a problem here?" Zhao Han's voice was low, but there was an undeniable authority in it. He stepped into the room, his eyes assessing the situation with an almost casual interest, though his posture remained commanding.
Aoi's gaze flicked to him, her irritation flaring even more. She didn't need him to rescue her, and she wasn't about to back down now. "I've got this," she muttered, not even sparing him a proper glance. She wasn't about to let some royal stroll in and take control.
Zhao Han didn't react immediately. He simply stood there, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed her and the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper's discomfort was evident, but he kept his ground. However, when Zhao Han moved a fraction closer, the man's shoulders sagged, sensing the shift in power.
Without looking directly at Aoi, Zhao Han addressed her in his usual, impersonal tone. "You should leave. Now."
Aoi's head snapped up, her expression sharp. "I don't take orders from you," she snapped, the heat in her voice unmistakable.
Zhao Han raised an eyebrow, not the slightest hint of concern on his face. "You will. Or you'll regret it."
Aoi stood her ground, her fists still clenched. She didn't need anyone, least of all him, telling her what to do. "I don't think so. I'll leave when I'm ready."
Zhao Han's gaze sharpened, his tone becoming more forceful. "It's not a matter of choice." He stepped closer to her, his voice now low enough for only her to hear. "Your aunt is in danger. If you stay here, you're both at risk. You have no idea what's going on, but I do. And I won't explain it to you right now. So stop wasting time."
Aoi froze, the words cutting through her like a blade. She hadn't expected him to bring her aunt into this. The threat was real, but she still wasn't sure if she could trust Zhao Han, not with the way he was speaking.
But his tone wasn't pleading. It wasn't concerned. It was just… practical.
He continued, his voice now cold and detached. "I don't care if you like it or not. Your aunt is a pawn in something much bigger than you realize. And I'm the one who can help you protect her."
Aoi's chest tightened. She didn't trust him, but the mention of her aunt—a person she would do anything to protect—made it impossible to ignore the danger. Her mind raced, but her pride refused to yield. Still, she could sense the weight of the situation now. She could no longer afford to be stubborn.
The shopkeeper, sensing the shift, wisely stepped back, not wanting to be involved in something that clearly wasn't his fight anymore.
Aoi turned her gaze to Zhao Han, her voice still sharp but quieter this time. "I don't need your help."
Zhao Han didn't flinch. "Fine. But come with me. Or don't. It doesn't matter to me either way. But I'll be the one to take care of the people trying to harm your aunt. Whether you're by my side or not."
Aoi's heart hammered in her chest. She didn't like the way he talked, didn't like the power he held over her, but there was a truth in his words. She couldn't deny that.
She hesitated for a long moment before turning toward the door, her temper still flaring but her instincts screaming at her to leave. She wasn't going to let him think he had any power over her, but right now, she had no choice.
"Fine," she said.
Aoi stepped past him, her mind whirling with a mix of defiance and dread. She wasn't sure if she'd made the right decision, but she knew one thing for sure—Zhao Han wasn't someone she could trust.