The evening sky had already darkened when Lin Yue and Mo Chen reached the bus stop outside Jiangnan University.
The streetlights flickered on one by one, casting soft yellow light across the pavement. Students stood scattered around the stop, chatting loudly after a long day of classes.
Lin Yue stretched her arms tiredly.
"Today felt longer than usual."
Mo Chen stood beside her, calm as always.
"You complain often."
"That's because normal humans get tired," she replied with a sigh.
The bus arrived with a loud hiss.
The doors opened.
And the crowd rushed in immediately.
Lin Yue stepped inside with Mo Chen right behind her.
But the bus was completely full.
There were no seats.
Students, office workers, and elderly passengers filled every corner. People stood packed together, holding the metal bars above their heads.
Lin Yue tried to move forward.
But the crowd pushed back.
"Excuse me—"
Someone bumped into her shoulder.
Another person squeezed past.
She was almost pushed backward again.
Before she could lose her balance—
Mo Chen suddenly moved.
His arms lifted.
One hand braced against the metal bar on the left side of her.
The other hand pressed against the bar on the right.
In an instant, he created a small protective space around her.
The pushing crowd could no longer touch her.
Lin Yue blinked in surprise.
She was standing between his arms.
And he was standing incredibly close.
Too close.
Her back nearly touched his chest.
Her face was only a few inches away from his.
Lin Yue slowly looked up.
Mo Chen was looking down at her calmly.
"Stay here," he said quietly.
Her heart skipped.
"…Okay."
The bus started moving again.
But the crowd kept swaying with every turn.
People continued pushing forward from behind.
Each movement forced Lin Yue closer into the space between Mo Chen's arms.
Her heart began beating faster.
She could feel his breath near her hair.
The bus suddenly hit the brakes.
SCREECH.
Passengers stumbled forward.
Lin Yue lost her balance completely.
Her body fell forward—
Directly into Mo Chen.
Her face landed against his chest.
For a moment, everything froze.
She could hear it.
His heartbeat.
Fast.
Much faster than before.
Lin Yue's ears turned red instantly.
Her own heart was racing too.
Mo Chen didn't move.
His arms remained steady beside her, still protecting her from the crowd.
For a brief moment neither of them spoke.
Then the bus started moving again.
Lin Yue slowly straightened herself, trying not to look at him.
"…Sorry."
Mo Chen said quietly,
"It is fine."
But his heartbeat had not slowed down.
Several stops later, the bus doors opened again.
Mo Chen gently guided Lin Yue through the crowd.
They stepped off the bus onto the street.
Cool night air greeted them immediately.
Lin Yue looked around in confusion.
"…Wait."
She frowned.
"This isn't our stop."
Mo Chen looked at her calmly.
"I know."
She blinked.
"Then why did we get off?"
Mo Chen tilted his head slightly.
"You gave me money yesterday."
"Yes."
"You complained about how I spent it."
Lin Yue crossed her arms.
"You used all my money to buy one outfit."
"That is correct."
"So?"
He looked at the nearby shopping street.
"You said I cannot wear the same clothes every day."
Lin Yue's eyes widened.
"…You remembered that?"
Mo Chen nodded.
"So we are here to buy clothes."
Lin Yue stared at him for a second.
Then laughed.
"You're unbelievable."
But she started walking anyway.
"This way."
The street ahead was full of small clothing shops and glowing signboards.
Bright lights reflected on the pavement while people walked past carrying shopping bags.
Lin Yue stopped in front of a modest clothing store.
"This place has affordable clothes."
Mo Chen glanced at the sign.
"Affordable."
"Yes," she said firmly. "Not expensive."
They entered the shop.
Lin Yue immediately grabbed several shirts and jackets from the racks.
"Try these."
Mo Chen disappeared into the changing room.
A few minutes later he walked out wearing a simple dark jacket and jeans.
Lin Yue looked him up and down carefully.
"Hmm."
He raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
"Turn around."
He did.
She nodded slowly.
"Okay… that one looks good."
He changed into another outfit.
"Better or worse?"
"Better."
After trying several options, they finally chose two simple outfits.
When they stepped outside again, Lin Yue looked satisfied.
"See? You don't need expensive clothes to look good."
Mo Chen said nothing.
But suddenly—
He pulled a small shopping bag from behind him.
Lin Yue blinked.
"…What's that?"
He handed it to her.
She opened it.
Inside was a beautiful dress.
Soft cream fabric with delicate embroidery and a flowing skirt.
Lin Yue's eyes widened.
"This is… gorgeous."
She looked up immediately.
"Where did you get this?"
Mo Chen answered calmly.
"I saw you looking at it earlier."
Her eyes narrowed.
"…Did you steal it?"
He shook his head.
"I have my ways."
Lin Yue stared at the dress again.
Her expression softened.
"…Thank you."
She smiled gently.
"This is the first time someone bought me a dress."
She looked at him again.
"…Other than my parents."
Mo Chen looked slightly awkward.
Lin Yue laughed softly.
"Let's eat."
They walked toward a lively night street filled with food stalls.
The smell of grilled meat and spices filled the air.
They ordered several snacks and sat at a small table.
Lin Yue happily ate noodles and dumplings.
Mo Chen watched her quietly.
Then he noticed something.
A small piece of sauce was stuck near the corner of her lips.
"You have something," he said.
"Where?"
"There."
She wiped randomly.
"Still there."
She tried again.
"…Where exactly?"
Mo Chen leaned slightly closer.
Then he gently lifted his hand.
His fingers touched the corner of her lips.
He wiped the sauce away.
Lin Yue froze.
Her entire body went still.
Their faces were suddenly very close again.
Her heart began beating wildly.
Mo Chen slowly withdrew his hand.
"…It is gone."
Lin Yue didn't speak.
She just stared at him.
Her cheeks slowly turning red.
The busy night street continued around them.
But for a moment—
Neither of them moved.
End of Chapter 16...