"Sorry, something won’t happen again."
Liu Runxi’s gaze was clear and resolute—unflinching, fearless. A simple phrase, yet profound as a promise worth more than gold.
"This was never your fault, why apologize for it."
Those high and mighty people, when have they ever truly cared about the lives of ordinary folk? All they care about is the power in their hands.
But the young man before her—Shen You’an saw compassion, empathy, and a gentle tolerance in his eyes.
Liu Runxi froze for a moment; it was the first time he heard her call his name.
From where he sat, he could only see the girl’s slightly lowered lashes, like a small fan with uneven spacing, softly fanning something deep inside him.
Liu Runxi tightened his grip on the flimsy plastic cup, his heart wrapped in an inexplicable emotion, almost ready to burst forth.
"I hope you always stay true to your original self."
Liu Runxi curved his lips into a slow smile, his gaze soft and fluid like water.
"Here you go." The owner brought over two plates of stir-fried noodles, placing the one without scallions, ginger, or garlic in front of Liu Runxi, and the one spiced with bright red chili in front of Shen You’an.
Egg stir-fried noodles, lacking in aroma—its appearance, fragrance, and flavor were all a bit subpar. Yet it was warmed with rich chicken broth, the noodles springy and smooth, the taste understated but fresh, lingering subtly on the palate.
From his very first bite, Liu Runxi’s eyes lit up.
Shen You’an chuckled lightly, glancing at him: "I told you I wasn’t lying."
Liu Runxi ate with an elegant composure; even sitting in this cramped and narrow hole-in-the-wall eatery, he seemed as poised as though dining in a five-star restaurant.
He was about to say something, but halted mid-thought, set his chopsticks down, picked up a napkin to dab at his lips, and only then did he speak: "This meal was well worth it."
Even with the simplest of ingredients, it was made into the warmest, most unforgettable taste.
Years later, he still remembered that afternoon.
Whether it was the flavor of the stir-fried noodles or the person who shared them with him, deep down he had long since known the answer.
After finishing his words, he picked up the chopsticks again.
Shen You’an understood his strict upbringing—at the table, he adhered to the rule of eating without speaking, so she refrained from saying more.
"You like spicy food—I know a great Hunan restaurant. Next time, I’ll treat you."
The boy’s voice naturally drifted down from above her head.
Shen You’an paused, instinctively tilting her head up.
She was immediately met with the young man’s warm, radiant eyes.
His mouth was still chewing on food.
Shen You’an pressed her lips together slightly: "You..."
When the boy smiled, the corners of his eyes curved softly, as if the spring breeze caressed one’s face, evoking a feeling of comfort and ease.
"We’re friends, aren’t we?"
Because in front of a friend, he could relax, shedding the burdens weighing on him.
With this thought, the boy’s smile deepened, his expression glowing with warmth.
With just one look, Shen You’an grasped his meaning and returned his smile with a slight nod.
Shen You’an thought inwardly—leaving aside his identity, he truly was someone worth befriending.
Yet, Shen You’an tightened her fingers around the chopsticks, a shadow flickering in her eyes.
After their meal, Shen You’an instructed the owner: "When the police arrive, just explain everything clearly. Don’t be afraid."
The owner nodded repeatedly.
After they left, as the owner was tidying up the dishes, he found a paper bill tucked under one of the plates.
He hurried out to chase them down, but the two had already disappeared.
When they emerged from the alley, several police cars were parked urgently at the mouth of the lane not far away.
Li Minglai rushed out of a car in a flurry, straightened his hat, and led a bustling group of subordinates charging straight in.
Liu Runxi just stood quietly by the roadside, observing the scene.
He had already instructed the bodyguards—if Li Minglai were smart, the matter would be handled properly. He himself wouldn’t meet with Li Minglai, or things might become too difficult to tidy up.
After a moment’s thought, Liu Runxi said softly, "Sorry, I need to make a phone call."
With Shen You’an’s permission, Liu Runxi stepped aside with his phone and dialed a number.
After three rings, the call connected.
A calm and authoritative voice came through.
Liu Runxi succinctly summarized the incident he had encountered earlier. "Since I came across it, I couldn’t just stand idly by. I hope this doesn’t trouble you."
"You did the right thing. I’ll have people keep an eye on it—you don’t need to worry anymore."
Liu Qingfeng had already received word about the matter; in fact, he had been waiting for Liu Runxi’s call all along.
Encounter a problem, then resolve it. Regarding his son’s handling of the matter, Liu Qingfeng was quite pleased.