The hours flew by in a whirlwind of laughter and music. Su Jin and Luo Xian sang song after song, from soulful ballads to upbeat anthems. His deep, captivating voice transformed every melody into a love confession, his gaze fixed on her the entire time, weaving an invisible thread that seemed to pull her closer. His eyes sparkled with an intensity that made her heartbeat unsteady, her mind helplessly intoxicated by his presence.
Holding the microphone in one hand, Luo Xian never once looked away from her. Su Jin, unused to this playful and passionate side of him, was taken aback. She had always known him as a cold, domineering figure, yet here he was, singing with ease and charm, radiating an aura that made him seem larger than life. Compared to her off-key, often pitchy attempts, he was nothing short of dazzling. Throughout the night, he kept her hand in his, his thumb gently tracing circles against her skin, the lyrics he sang carrying a weight that felt undeniably personal.
When it was finally time to leave, Su Jin excused herself to use the restroom. However, the tender and lighthearted Luo Xian from moments ago abruptly switched back to his usual overbearing self. Insisting on following her, he declared matter-of-factly, "I don't want anything happening to you. This place is unfamiliar, and there are too many people around." No matter how much she protested, he stood his ground, eventually conceding to wait just outside.
As Su Jin walked away, she could feel his intense gaze on her back, a warmth that lingered like sunlight. She knew why he was so insistent. It wasn't just concern; it was vigilance. He was afraid she might seize the opportunity to slip away unnoticed. Luo Xian's paranoia was almost endearing—almost.
In the restroom, Su Jin caught sight of her reflection in the mirror. Splashing water on her face, she couldn't help but study her features. Gone was the meticulously groomed heiress she used to be, her face bare of the soft, natural makeup she once wore every day. After her family's downfall, she had abandoned that polished mask, refusing to see the delicate facade of her former self staring back at her. Now, her bare skin reflected a rawness—a quiet strength born from resilience.
Just as she turned to leave, the heel of her shoe snapped. The floor, still slick from cleaning, sent her tilting dangerously to one side. She instinctively reached for the wall to steady herself but accidentally bumped into someone else. Before she could apologize, the sharp scent of cheap perfume flooded her senses. It mimicked a famous French brand but lacked the refinement, and Su Jin immediately recognized it as an imitation.
Before Su Jin could even mutter an apology, a hand shot out, grabbing a fistful of her hair. A stinging slap followed, sending a searing pain across her cheek. The sudden assault left her momentarily stunned.
"Do you even have eyes?" the woman sneered. "This slap is to teach you a lesson: Watch where you're going!"
The woman was Gao Tongxue, and she was already in a foul mood. After orchestrating a meeting with a man she fancied, she had been humiliated when he seemed far more interested in flirting with one of her so-called "friends." That so-called friend had spilled a drink on her, apologized with fake sweetness, and successfully stolen the man's attention. Forced to swallow her anger, Gao Tongxue had retreated to the restroom to cool off, only to encounter Su Jin. To her, Su Jin's pure and delicate appearance was reminiscent of her rival, a perfect target for her misplaced rage.
The slap seemed to ease Gao Tongxue's temper slightly. Smirking, she prepared to leave when a soft voice sounded behind her.
"I'm sorry. I bumped into you," Su Jin said, her tone calm, almost too calm.
Gao Tongxue turned, expecting submission, but what came next left her utterly shocked. Cold water splashed over her from head to toe, soaking her designer outfit. Su Jin stood there holding an empty bucket, her expression serene despite the red mark on her face.
"But that doesn't mean you can just slap me," Su Jin said evenly, her voice carrying a quiet strength.
Gao Tongxue's face twisted with rage and disbelief. "You... How dare you!" she screeched.
"I suggest you leave it at that," Su Jin replied, her voice as calm as ever. Her slender figure and soft features betrayed none of the iron will behind her actions.
The room froze in silence. Gao Tongxue's fury erupted anew, and she lunged, hand raised for another slap. But this time, Su Jin was ready. She ducked swiftly, sidestepping the attack and tossing the bucket toward Gao Tongxue's legs. The bucket hit its mark, sending Gao Tongxue stumbling back with a yelp of pain. Without missing a beat, Su Jin kicked off her broken shoe and darted out of the restroom like a rabbit evading a hawk.
Behind her, Gao Tongxue screamed curses, vowing revenge as she gave chase. Su Jin ran as fast as her legs could carry her, the adrenaline sharpening her focus. She spotted Luo Xian in the distance and felt a wave of relief wash over her. For some inexplicable reason, seeing him there steadied her.
Meanwhile, Luo Xian's perspective was entirely different. He had been waiting patiently, only to see Su Jin sprinting out of the restroom, her face marked with a red slap, one shoe missing, and a wild-eyed woman chasing after her, screaming, "Stop right there, you little b*tch!"
He rushed toward her immediately, wrapping her in his arms. His touch was protective, soothing, as though shielding her from the entire world.
"Did she hurt you?" Luo Xian asked, his voice low and dangerous. His fingers brushed the red mark on her cheek, his gaze darkening with fury. He kissed the tender spot gently, his anger barely contained. "Don't be scared. I'm here now. No one will lay a finger on you again."
The tenderness in his tone melted something in Su Jin's chest. Despite her usual composure, she allowed herself to lean into his embrace, drawing comfort from his warmth.
Behind them, Gao Tongxue came to a screeching halt. The sight of Luo Xian left her stunned. He was devastatingly handsome, exuding an aura of wealth and power that made her heart race. Her first instinct was to charm him, her grievances temporarily forgotten. However, the onlookers, who had gathered to watch the commotion, weren't so kind. Whispers and disapproving looks passed through the crowd as they pieced together the scene.
"Didn't she slap that girl first?" one woman muttered.
"And now she's trying to flirt with the guy? Shameless," a man replied.
Unfazed by the growing audience, Luo Xian lifted Su Jin off her feet, cradling her protectively. He shot Gao Tongxue a glare so icy it silenced her attempts to speak. Without another word, he carried Su Jin out of the venue, leaving the stunned crowd and a humiliated Gao Tongxue in their wake.
In the car, Luo Xian's expression softened as he examined Su Jin's face.
"Does it still hurt?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
"Not really," she replied, her lips curving into a faint smile. "You should've seen her face when I threw that bucket of water."
Luo Xian chuckled, the sound low and rich. "That's my girl," he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "But next time, let me handle it. You don't have to fight your battles alone."
Su Jin leaned back in her seat, a warmth spreading through her chest. For the first time in a long while, she felt safe. And perhaps, just perhaps, she didn't mind letting someone else share the weight of the storm.