Encounter

It was the weekend—a rare moment of freedom in the overtired lives of students. The sky was clear, the sun shining without a single cloud in sight, casting bright light over the bustling city. For once, the city breathed without the pressure of schedules and bells.

Among the crowd wandered two close friends: Ying Yuexia and Lin Si. Though they were nearly inseparable, Lin Si still didn't truly know who Yuexia was. There was something mysterious about her that no one could quite place.

Lin Si was the daughter of a lecturer at X College, the most prestigious institution in the country. It was a place known for breeding success, where its graduates went on to make names for themselves in society.

That day, both girls were dressed in coordinated pink skirts paired with loose, breezy tops—a style meant for best friends. On Lin Si, the outfit looked cute and casual. But when Yuexia wore it, it became something else entirely. Heads turned. Strangers stared. The simple outfit seemed to glow on her.

How can someone be this attractive? Lin Si thought, almost in awe of her best friend.

"The weather's killing me today! Xia Xia, aren't you hot? You look so calm…" Lin Si complained, fanning herself dramatically.

Yuexia gave a small smile. "Not that much."

Ying Yuexia was never one to speak much—at least not with others. Only her brothers had seen the livelier side of her.

The two roamed from shop to shop, buying things and enjoying the day. But suddenly, a loud screech of brakes and a shout shattered the calm. An accident had occurred nearby.

Without hesitation, Lin Si grabbed Yuexia's hand. "Come on! Sounds like something big!" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. Though Lin Si loved gossip, she always knew her limits—watching from the sidelines without ever crossing the line.

When they reached the scene, an old man lay on the road, surrounded by a small crowd. Thankfully, he didn't appear too badly injured. The man responsible stood nearby, still wearing a motorcycle helmet, while bystanders muttered angry words under their breath.

"Don't they know how to do anything other than curse and enjoy drama?" Yuexia thought, then sighing.

Around the biker stood a few other young men, all dressed in similar jackets with a distinct logo printed on the back. Lin Si, ever the observer, immediately noticed.

Who are they? A club? A gang? Her thoughts raced.

After what felt like forever, the man finally removed his helmet.

Lin Si gasped audibly, her face flushing deep red. "Why is he so... handsome?" she whispered, echoing the silent thoughts of many young girls in the crowd.

Yuexia stared too. He looks familiar... but from where?

The man had an aura that demanded attention. Cold yet magnetic. His perfectly sculpted jawline, sharp eyes, and cherry-red lips gave him an almost surreal kind of beauty. Tall and built, he looked like someone who belonged in a movie, not in a small city street accident.

For a brief moment, his eyes locked with Yuexia's. Though the eye contact lasted only seconds, it felt like an eternity. Just before he looked away, Yuexia noticed something subtle—a small, hidden smirk… and something else.

Was that… love? She blinked. No way. Impossible.

"I'll cover the medical expenses," the man said calmly, his voice deep and magnetic. He didn't apologize, but his offer resolved the issue quickly. The old man nodded in agreement, brushing off the injury as no big deal.

That voice. Yuexia's eyes widened slightly. I've heard it before.

With the situation diffused, the crowd began to disperse. Lin Si sighed dramatically. "Ugh, no fun at all." She grabbed Yuexia's arm and turned to leave, though she couldn't resist glancing back.

The man was already putting on his helmet again. A moment later, the bike roared to life and zoomed away.

Yet, something about the encounter lingered.

---

Somewhere far away...

That same man sat alone, holding a worn silver locket in his hand. Shaped like half a heart, it looked old and inexpensive—but to him, it was worth more than gold.

A soft smile played on his lips as he whispered, "Finally found you, baby girl."