C2 How Could It be Him?

Xia Shirann had a lot on her mind as she followed the manager inside, quickly captivated by the stunning, open architecture. As they ascended in the observation elevator, the cityscape unfolded beneath her.

“Here we are, Room 2100, the exclusive VIP Presidential Suite, occupying an entire floor. The person you're looking for is inside.”

“Oh, thank you very much.” Xia Shirann responded with equal politeness to the courteous treatment.

Once the manager left in the elevator, Xia Shirann adjusted her delivery uniform, took a deep breath, and put on her best professional smile. She knew the delivery rating included “neat appearance,” so she paid close attention to how she looked.

Looking around, she noticed only one large, reddish-brown door ahead. She stepped forward and knocked, her voice clear: “Hello, I'm the delivery person from Tianmu Milk Tea Shop.”

...

There was no response from inside.

Strange, maybe they didn’t hear?

Xia Shirann called out again, knocking harder this time, and to her surprise, the door swung open.

So, it was ajar all along.

Holding the milk tea, Xia Shirann peeked inside, the air faintly scented with sandalwood. She tiptoed in, repeatedly calling out, “Hello, is anyone here?”

As you walk further in, past the landscape painting screen, you reach the main hall. From the side, the sound of rushing water can be heard. Shirann looked in that direction, guessing it must be the bathroom.

Is the guest taking a shower?

Feeling it was quite inappropriate, Shirann placed the milk tea on the table and pulled out a black pen to leave a note on the receipt.

"Hello, your milk tea has been delivered. If you're satisfied, please give us a five-star review. Thank you. Tianmu Milk Tea Shop."

"I wonder if this guest is a man or a woman," Shirann mused aloud, capping the pen as she straightened up.

Just as she turned around, she unexpectedly collided with a solid wall of muscle, letting out a startled scream.

Shirann stumbled back a few steps, flustered. "I'm sorry, I was just..."

Her words trailed off as she stared wide-eyed at the man in front of her, disbelief written all over her face.

Him...

It was actually him...

How could it be him...

"Rann."

Unlike Shirann's shock, the man seemed filled with excitement and warmth. His deep, magnetic voice resonated as he stepped forward to take Shirann's hand.

Startled by the warmth of his grasp, Shirann pulled her hand back as if shocked, her mind in chaos.

The man had clearly just finished showering, his short hair still dripping wet. He wore a bathrobe, loosely tied at the waist, revealing a bronzed, muscular chest that exuded a carefree yet irresistibly alluring charm.

Those dark eyes held a depth that seemed to pull time back four years, to the boy on the school rooftop who had promised to protect her forever. He had the same striking eyes and brows.

From disbelief to shock, then from confusion to a complex mix of emotions, Xia Shirann's eyes turned red, tears welling up as she bit her lower lip hard. She forced out words from her choked throat, her voice altered, "Is it really you, Chiyang?"

Saying his name was like unearthing a treasure chest buried deep in the forest, filled with cautious anticipation and uncontrollable trembling.

"It's me." The man’s gaze was intense as he took two steps forward, causing Xia Shirann to retreat to the wall.

Chiyang’s expression was complicated, a hint of hurt crossing his face as he reached out to embrace the girl he had longed for. But Xia Shirann nimbly slipped under his arm, running to the door. She stopped and looked back at him with a mix of sadness and defiance. "Your order's been delivered, sir. If you're satisfied, please remember to give us a five-star review."

With that, she turned and left without looking back, slamming the door behind her. She ran out of the hotel, covering her mouth as tears flowed uncontrollably, like a faucet that couldn't be turned off.

Chiyang, four years ago you left without a word, leaving me with a wound that will never heal. What right do you have to come back into my life now?

I hate you, and I will never forgive you!

...