CHAPTER 16

Mei Lin's day at work had come to an end, and as the evening descended, she found herself expecting Ryuunjin. In the past, he had often accompanied her or offered her a lift home, but today he seemed distant, as if she were invisible to him. His usual concern appeared to have vanished, leaving her feeling strangely adrift.

She brushed aside these thoughts, determined to focus on her journey home. With a hint of unease still lingering from the recent break-in, she hesitated to head straight back to her apartment. Instead, she decided to call her friend Clare, hoping for some company until she could safely return home.

On the other end of the line, Clare's voice conveyed the news that she wouldn't be home anytime soon. Mei Lin felt a pang of disappointment but understood that her friend had her own commitments. With no other immediate options, she resolved to spend some time in the vicinity until Clare returned.

Mei Lin made her way to the familiar coffee store she frequented. It was a cozy spot where she often found solace in the world of books. Pulling out her latest read, she settled into a corner with a cup of coffee.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, and the soothing ambiance of the café provided a comforting backdrop. Mei Lin lost herself in the pages of her book, the words transporting her to distant worlds and different lives. It was a temporary escape from the uncertainty that had crept into her day.

As the minutes ticked by, she couldn't help but glance at the clock on the wall. The coffee store was a familiar and safe place, but the unease she had felt earlier still lingered. The memory of the recent break-in weighed on her mind, and she couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability.

With each passing moment, the café's patrons bustled around her, engaged in their own conversations and activities. Mei Lin felt a sense of isolation, a stark contrast to the warmth and camaraderie she had experienced with her coworkers and friends.

Yet, she refused to succumb to fear. Mei Lin was determined to regain her sense of security and not let the events of the past overshadow her life. She knew that she had friends who cared about her and a strength within her that could withstand even the darkest of moments.

As she continued to read, Mei Lin's thoughts turned to the future. She contemplated the path she was on, the challenges she had faced, and the uncertainties that lay ahead. Despite the doubts and fears that had crept into her heart, she held onto the hope that better days were on the horizon.

In the café's dimly lit corner, bathed in the soft glow of reading lamps, Mei Lin found solace once more. She knew that, like the characters in her book, she too was navigating her own narrative—one filled with twists and turns, but also with the potential for growth, love, and unexpected adventures.

With her book in hand and the comforting aroma of coffee surrounding her, Mei Lin decided to embrace the present moment, letting the worries of the day slip away. She knew that life was a series of chapters, and with each page turned, there was the promise of something new, something beautiful waiting to unfold.

Seated upon his imposing throne in the demon realm, Ryuujin exuded an aura of power and authority, a stark contrast to the mortal world he had recently immersed himself in. By his side, Lilith, his ever-loyal assistant and confidante, watched with unwavering devotion. Their eyes were fixated on the enigma that was Mei Lin, a mortal who had unwittingly become entangled in their otherworldly affairs.

As the minutes passed in contemplative silence, Lilith finally broke it, her voice laden with concern. "My lord, we must do something to protect Mei Lin from Akuma's relentless pursuit. Her purity and vulnerability make her a target in this world."

Ryuujin, known in the human realm as a CEO, a man of power and influence, had been preoccupied with thoughts of Mei Lin's safety ever since the incident involving Belial. He couldn't deny the attraction he felt towards her, an emotion that defied the boundaries of their worlds. "You're right, Lilith," he acknowledged, his voice tinged with a mixture of determination and worry.

Lilith, with her profound understanding of the human realm, continued, "Perhaps, my lord, you could play a more active role in her life. Become a presence she can rely on, someone she trusts."

Ryuujin considered her words carefully. Being a powerful demon lord, he had the means to protect Mei Lin, but he needed to do so without revealing his true nature. Lilith's suggestion had merit. "How do you propose I accomplish that, Lilith?"

A subtle smile graced Lilith's lips as she leaned closer to Ryuujin. "You have a position of influence in her world, my lord. You are the CEO of the company she works for. You can take a more personal interest in her, perhaps show an appreciation for her interests."

Ryuujin raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Interests?"

Lilith nodded. "Mei Lin loves reading, my lord. She often visits bookstores and libraries. You could portray yourself as a fellow book lover. Attend literary events, engage in conversations about literature, and build a connection with her through your shared passion."

Ryuujin considered the suggestion. It seemed like a subtle yet effective way to get closer to Mei Lin while maintaining his human façade. "It's a clever plan, Lilith. I'll take your advice."

Lilith's eyes sparkled with a mixture of admiration and devotion. "I knew you would, my lord. I shall assist you in blending seamlessly into her world."

With their plan in motion, Ryuujin and Lilith began crafting a strategy that would bring Ryuujin closer to Mei Lin without arousing suspicion. The CEO would immerse himself in the world of literature, attending book events, and even establishing a personal library within his office.

As they plotted, Ryuujin couldn't help but reflect on the unforeseen turn his existence had taken since crossing paths with Mei Lin. A powerful demon lord, a CEO in the human world, and now, a book lover—all in the name of protecting the one mortal who had stirred emotions he had never known. The intricate dance between their worlds had only just begun, and Ryuujin was determined to ensure Mei Lin's safety, even if it meant immersing himself in a love for literature he had never expected.