The car slid silently out of the parking lot and turned into a narrow alley. Lin Yi drove the way he lived—efficient, precise, leaving no trace. After a few turns, once he was sure they had shaken off their pursuers, he finally turned on the headlights and merged onto the main road.
"Who were those...?" Su Xiaoxi's voice still trembled slightly.
"Not sure, but likely the same people searching for the photo," Lin Yi said, his profile flickering under the passing streetlights. "They seem to have expanded their search radius."
Su Xiaoxi tightened her grip on the alarm pendant hanging around her neck. "Where are we going now?"
"Taking you home," Lin Yi replied. "I'll keep watch nearby tonight."
When they reached her doorstep, Lin Yi checked the locks and windows first, ensuring everything was secure before letting Su Xiaoxi inside.
"I'll pick you up for work tomorrow," he said, standing at the door. "Check all the windows and doors before you sleep."
Su Xiaoxi nodded, then suddenly reached out and grabbed his sleeve. "Lin Yi... thank you for today's surprise. This was the most special birthday I've ever had."
Lin Yi froze for a moment before doing something entirely unexpected—he gently patted her head, as if comforting a startled little animal.
"Happy birthday, Su Xiaoxi," he said softly, then turned and left, his figure quickly disappearing into the shadows of the stairwell.
Closing the door, Su Xiaoxi leaned against it, her fingers unconsciously tracing the silver alarm pendant. Her heart was still racing, but no longer from fear. Her mind replayed Lin Yi's tender eyes, illuminated by candlelight as he held the cake.
This seemingly indifferent man had such a delicate side hidden beneath his cold exterior.
Outside the window, a full moon hung high in the sky. Su Xiaoxi suddenly remembered the wish she had made earlier—that this dangerous yet wondrous relationship could hold more possibilities.
---
At seven in the morning, Su Xiaoxi stood in the kitchen, carefully packing freshly made teriyaki chicken into a lunchbox. In the small compartments beside it lay neatly arranged stir-fried vegetables and tamagoyaki, with a tiny carrot-cut star placed in the corner. She fastened the lid and tied it with a blue-patterned cloth, smiling in satisfaction.