C12 Evading the Rain

On the other side, in a small alley.

A couple dashed through the rain, the man holding his suit jacket over their heads, unconcerned about it getting soaked. It served as a small, cozy shelter from the rain.

Beijin managed to enter Wanwan's home once again, under the pretense of "seeking shelter from the rain."

Upon reaching the house, Beijin was surprised to see the middle-aged woman before him. He hadn't looked closely at Mother Yang before, but now, under the dim light, he noticed her skin was slightly sagging, giving her an appearance older than her years.

Wanwan couldn't be more than in her twenties, so her mother was likely in her forties. Yet, her face seemed prematurely aged, though traces of her youthful beauty and grace were still evident beneath the weathered features.

Beijin didn't let his surprise show and politely said, "Ma'am, sorry to intrude."

But when no one was watching, a complex glint flickered in his lowered eyes.

Mother Yang was puzzled to see her daughter and a man returning home drenched.

"Wanwan, who is this?" she asked, her eyes questioning as they settled on Beijin.

"I'm her..."

"Just a friend, Mom. You met him last time, remember?" Wanwan interrupted before he could finish.

"Remember the last time you came over...?"

"Oh, Mom, don't mind him. He just happened to be nearby when it started raining, so he came in to get out of the rain," Wanwan quickly interjected, a flicker of guilt passing through her eyes.

"Oh," Mother Yang nodded, somewhat understanding.

"Ah, look at me. I'm getting old and my memory's not what it used to be," Mother Yang sighed, sounding a bit self-critical.

"Mom, don't say that," Wanwan's eyes reddened slightly. Her mother had raised her alone all these years, working hard and accumulating health issues. Her memory had gradually declined.

The young and beautiful mother she remembered was gone. Now, the woman standing before her had a face marked by time, with wrinkles and gray spots appearing around her eyes. Though only in her forties, her temples showed signs of gray.

As she looked, Wanwan felt her eyes sting, emotions threatening to overflow. She swallowed the lump in her throat and forced a small smile.

"Oh, you silly child, I'm just speaking the truth," Mother Yang said, patting her daughter's hand reassuringly, her eyes full of warmth and love.

"Achoo!"

Yang Wanwan's loud sneeze made Beijin frown, and Mother Yang immediately urged Wanwan to take a hot shower.

A few minutes later, Wanwan emerged from the bathroom to find Beijin standing nearby, wearing only a white shirt. Some parts were damp from the rain, clinging to his body. The shirt sleeves were casually rolled up, revealing a section of his arm, the firm muscles hinting at a hidden strength.

Wanwan's heart raced uncontrollably. Don't stare, don't stare, she reminded herself, trying to clear her mind.

After silently repeating this mantra, her heartbeat gradually calmed down. At that moment, Beijin seemed lost in thought, his gaze fixed on a spot in the distance.

"I'm done with my shower. Do you want to take one?" Wanwan asked Beijin, who was leaning against the wall.

Beijin turned to see Wanwan, her hair still damp and draped over her shoulders, towel in hand. Her cheeks were flushed from the steam, like a ripe apple, tempting enough to take a bite. Her eyes were misty, holding a captivating allure.

Yeh Beijin clearly heard the sound of his own gulp, his eyes suddenly deepening like an endless ocean or a sudden storm, intensely focused on Wanwan.

Wanwan felt a bit embarrassed under his gaze, lowering her eyes shyly, avoiding those captivating eyes. Her cheeks blushed even more, and her heart raced erratically, as if it might leap out of her throat.

She couldn't understand how just one look from him could feel so overwhelming, making her incredibly nervous. Oh, the trouble beauty can cause...

No, Wanwan, you can't always fall for a man's charm. You have to stay strong, stay strong.

"Why do you keep staring at me?" Miss Yang finally couldn't hold back and asked the man lounging nearby.

"Because you're beautiful!" he replied with a teasing smile, making her wonder if the complex expression she saw on his face earlier was just her imagination.

"Could you... be a bit more serious?" she stammered, feeling embarrassed once more. This man, how could he be so... unserious?

"Miss Yang Wanwan, how am I not being serious?" he asked, seemingly puzzled, as he slowly walked toward her with those impossibly long legs, raising an eyebrow. His deep, ink-like eyes seemed to want to devour her whole.

Wanwan felt a twinge of fear. Even though she had been intimate with the man before, it didn't mean she was willing now. She instinctively took a step back for every step he took forward, creating an unsettling scene.

With a soft thud, her back hit the wall, leaving her with nowhere else to retreat. As the man moved closer, Wanwan quickly crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes fixed on him with the wary look of prey watching a predator, determined not to give in.

When he finally stopped, she glanced up and was caught off guard by the mischievous glint in his eyes, which made her both embarrassed and angry.

"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" Wanwan asked, her tone accusatory, not realizing there was a hint of playful reproach in her voice.