Nightfall draped Binhai in its usual veil of neon and mist. The sky glowed grey above, but the streets shimmered in colorful hues. Storefront signs lit up in electric blues and oranges, while a soft melody drifted from a nearby club, adding a romantic rhythm to the humid evening air.
Xiaoyu leaned her head against Chen Mo's back as he pedaled leisurely through the city. Her arms wrapped gently around his waist, a sweet smile on her lips.
This was different.
Their relationship, quiet and academic until now, had mostly bloomed in the corners of the library—full of shy glances, quiet hands brushing while flipping pages. She was the one who'd mustered the courage to kiss him once, surprising even herself.
But tonight was their first real date. A proper outing. A promise of something more.
"Chen Mo," Xiaoyu's voice was soft, "tell me about your past."
He glanced back over his shoulder. "My past?"
"Mhm. Have you ever… been in love before?" Her tone was casual, teasing. "I want to know what kind of glorious love history my boyfriend has."
Chen Mo hesitated for a beat, then chuckled. "You sure you want to know? Don't get jealous on me now."
"I'm not a vinegar jar," Xiaoyu said, laughing. "I'm just a curious girlfriend."
He smiled. "There was one. We dated for two years. She ended it, and… I never saw her again. That was four years ago."
There was a slight pause.
"You still remember her?" Xiaoyu asked, voice calm, but Chen Mo could almost feel the subtle sourness.
"I'd rather talk about how lucky I am to have met you," he said quickly, sensing danger.
"Nice save."
"When I saw you in the library that day, I didn't even hesitate to jump in front of that collapsing bookshelf. Thought I was gonna die, honestly."
"Well, that's how you passed," she said with a smirk.
Her expression softened as they recalled how they met. It had been dramatic—almost fate.
"What about you?" Chen Mo asked. "Any past boyfriends?"
Xiaoyu grinned mischievously. "Oh yeah. I've dated three times."
Chen Mo nearly swerved. "What?!"
"You don't think someone as stunning as me would have suitors?" she teased. "The line of boys chasing me stretched from the front podium to the back row of the classroom."
Chen Mo's face twisted in mock betrayal. "Details. Now."
"I lied. You're my first," she said with a gentle laugh. "Lots of guys asked, but I turned them all down. I wanted someone… unexpected. Turns out, I got a science nerd who stares at atoms for fun."
"Wow. So this is what deception feels like," he said, clutching his chest. "What happened to the sweet kitten Xiaoyu?"
"She's still here," Xiaoyu purred. "But don't be fooled by the gentle act. There's a bit of wild in me too."
"Well, I've fallen into a very elegant trap."
"What was that?"
"A tender trap," he said quickly. "One I never want to escape."
Xiaoyu rolled her eyes. "You're lucky you're cute."
Their laughter continued all the way until they arrived at the shopping plaza. After locking up the bike, they strolled hand-in-hand down the brightly lit street.
"Pick something you like," Chen Mo said. "My treat."
"Nope," Xiaoyu shook her head. "Wait until you've earned your own money. I don't want you spending family cash on me."
"It's not like that—"
"No excuses," she cut in. "Once you're rich, I'll buy you so many gifts you'll go bankrupt from gratitude."
Chen Mo smiled at her stubborn pride, heart full.
"Xiaoyu, there's something I want to tell you—"
"Ah! Robbery! Someone stop him!" a woman's scream sliced through the crowd.
The bustling plaza exploded into chaos.
A man bolted from a nearby shop, clutching a purse in one hand and waving a gleaming dagger with the other. He charged straight toward Chen Mo and Xiaoyu.
"Move or I'll kill you!" the man shouted, eyes wild.
Chen Mo yanked Xiaoyu behind him and stepped back instinctively.
But before the robber could reach them, a dark-skinned man in the crowd calmly extended a foot.
The thief tripped and hit the pavement hard with a heavy thud.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"What just happened?"
"Did he fall on his own?"
Only Chen Mo noticed—the man had deliberately tripped the thief.
The stolen bag and the dagger skidded to a stop at Chen Mo's feet.
Just as he leaned down to grab them, the thief scrambled back up—this time more desperate than before. With a wild look, he rushed into the crowd and snatched a baby from a woman's arms.
"My daughter!" the mother screamed in horror.
"Stay back! Come closer and I kill her!" the thief snarled, backing away with the baby in a death grip.
Gasps turned to screams. The crowd recoiled, forming a wide circle.
"Listen, calm down," said the same man who had tripped him. "You're a robber, not a killer. If you let her go, you'll be out in a few months."
"Shut up!" the thief shouted. "You think I care? I'm dead either way! Gambling debt's already a noose around my neck!"
The baby began to cry.
"Don't move," the man said. "You want money? Fine. We'll get it. Just don't hurt her."
The mother collapsed to her knees. "Please… she's only nine months old…"
The man's voice softened. "I'm not a cop. Let the child go, and I won't stop you."
"Throw me the bag! Now!" the thief yelled.
Chen Mo crouched and tossed it toward him. "Here. Take it. Now put her down—gently."
The thief stared at the crowd, then at Chen Mo, breath shallow.
Then—suddenly—he threw the baby into the air and turned to flee.
"You son of a—!"
Chen Mo's eyes went wide.
Time slowed.
His body reacted before his mind could.
He dashed forward, past gasps and screams, arms outstretched.
He caught the child mid-air, but momentum carried them both across the street. They hit the asphalt hard. Chen Mo rolled, shielding the baby with his body.
A car skidded to a stop just inches away, horn blaring.
Dust settled.
The baby screamed—but was unharmed.
Chen Mo exhaled, heart pounding in his ears, as he sat up cradling the child.
Xiaoyu raced toward him.
And from behind them, the thief vanished into the crowd.