“Do you believe it?” Su Yuejin studied Lin An’s face. His expression looked slightly lost—like a confused child, flustered and unsure.

“Why would you lie to me?” Lin An replied.

Su Yuejin reached out and pressed a hand to his chest. “Then tell me… your thoughts? After stealing my first kiss.”

“Confused,” Lin An answered with just two words. This time, Su Yuejin was the one surprised. She’d expected embarrassment, but his confusion was genuine—as if he truly couldn’t fathom why she’d kissed him.

“I find it hard to kiss someone I don’t like. So our views differ. But you’ve had too much to drink. Rest a bit longer, and I’ll take you home.”

Su Yuejin understood his meaning, yet she ached to protest: *I’m not who you think I am… I…* She lowered her gaze—to her black spaghetti-strap dress, to her slender legs beneath the hem, fair skin exposed. A delicate black lace garter circled her thigh. She wore no heels; her legs were already elegant. Yet suddenly, she regretted the dress—though she loved it.

Lin An followed her glance. Su Yuejin noticed. Amid the blaring music, she seized his hand, guiding it toward her leg.

“Go ahead. Touch it,” she murmured, her smile edged with something sickly.

This time, Lin An didn’t comply. He caught her hand, holding her slightly cold palm. “This isn’t right.”

“You don’t want to?” Her tone carried a hint of mockery and desperation.

“I do,” Lin An answered honestly—he disliked lying. “But it’s not appropriate. I won’t take advantage of someone who’s drunk. You’re really out of it. Let me get you a taxi.”

As he spoke, he took her hand. Su Yuejin froze—drunken haze or daze—for several seconds. Then she lunged forward, pressing her body against his, gripping the back of his head, kissing him. Her tongue moved clumsily.

*Truly clumsy*, Lin An thought.

He disliked the kiss—the alcohol taste, the brief, awkward slide of tongues. He pulled back. His eyes remained confused, yet somehow… relieved.

The fleeting moment of passion vanished.

“Best if you forget this tomorrow. Otherwise… it’ll be embarrassing.”

He helped her up, led her down the steps, out of the nightclub. 1 a.m. A night breeze stirred fallen leaves across the asphalt. Moonlight bathed the silent world. Stepping outside felt like entering another realm.

Su Yuejin leaned against a streetlamp. Amber light warmed her cheek. In Lin An’s eyes, her profile was unexpectedly beautiful—a flicker stirred in his chest.

*Beautiful women have that magic.* He shook his head, pushing the thought away. He’d been drinking too; he feared losing composure. Just then, Su Yuejin tugged his hand.

“I want hot pot.”

Lin An blinked. “You’re lucky not to be throwing up already.”

“I don’t care! I want hot pot—and you’re coming!” She clung to his arm, shaking it, oblivious to how tightly she pressed against him, her soft chest brushing his sleeve. After a moment, Lin An sighed and nodded.

Whether intentional or not—it was a perk. Figuring he’d sleep anyway, he took her to Haidilao.

At 1 a.m., the restaurant buzzed. This city always had souls seeking comfort in late-night hot pot. He ordered tomato and spicy broths, lamb, beef—not much, yet the bill hit 356 yuan. Lin An winced inwardly. *Unnecessary expense.*

While waiting, Su Yuejin leaned in, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed his neck. Her tongue traced his skin, as if leaving a mark only hers.

For a heartbeat, Lin An’s face twisted in disgust. He wanted to shove her away—but stopped. Instead, his hand gently stroked her sleek black hair, tender, almost indulgent.

When she pulled back, she giggled like a child at the faint pink mark on his neck. “Why are you so nice to me?”

“This isn’t kindness. Just responsibility. And… I was a bit hungry too.”

Su Yuejin didn’t believe him. Through bleary eyes, she poked his cheek. “Are you playing hard to get?”

Her voice turned coquettish. Lin An just looked confused. “I’ll only see you to the taxi. I’ll pay the fare. Once home, maybe induce vomiting, take a warm shower, rest. Be careful not to fall. Or I can call a friend to meet you.”

Su Yuejin stared silently. A hollow ache bloomed in her chest. “You don’t like me?”

“I’m face-blind. Appearances don’t matter much to me. You’re not my type. I prefer gentle girls.”

As they spoke, the lamb arrived. Lin An dipped two slices, fed her. She refused more, nestling into his chest.

“Then let me take you home.”

Truthfully, he wanted another bite. But worried she’d doze off, he draped an arm around her shoulders and walked her out. 2 a.m. Quiet streets. Sparse cars. Taxis still lined the curb.

“I… don’t want to go home yet,” Su Yuejin whined, clinging to him. He looked at her—so childlike, pouting innocently. He seemed resigned, though the faint smirk at his lips escaped her.

“Let’s sit on the bench.”

He guided her down. She rested her head on his lap. He adjusted gently.

But she wasn’t sleeping—just rambling, needing someone to listen.

“Did you see me cry earlier?” Her voice was barely a whisper.

“Yes. When we talked about love. When you mentioned your parents.”

“I don’t believe in love. It’s all fake! Just looks, weird rituals—eating, dating, movies, sleeping… so boring! Hormones. A script!” Her words tumbled faster.

“You’re not wrong.”

“But with someone you like… they understand your moods, hold your fears, comfort you. And they like you too. ‘Like’ should sound romantic. It’s irrational. No reason needed. Maybe in one moment… you just do.”

“Humans are social creatures.”

Lin An massaged her temples with feather-light strokes. “If you’re sad, cry. Though saying it might stop you. Still… be kind to yourself. A little selfish. Ignore others’ noise. You’ll find happiness.”

“I’ve never been in a relationship,” Su Yuejin blurted.

“Then try.”

“You? Been in love? I wouldn’t guess.”

“I was. Lost to a guy who knew how to charm her. He showed my girl the world’s thrilling sides. She fell hard… and said goodbye.” Lin An smiled bitterly.

“That girl was foolish!” Su Yuejin rallied.

“No. She was a quiet girl. Someone broke her routine—she found it thrilling. People change. I couldn’t hold on.”

(Unseen by her, greed flickered in Lin An’s eyes. He caught himself, shook his head.) “Actually… I was joking. Haha.”

Su Yuejin stared. Clearly, she didn’t believe him.

…He *had* been joking. The words came from a greedy impulse—and instant regret.

“I’m not a bad girl,” she murmured.

“I believe you.”

“I just like drinking. Getting drunk. Then… no thoughts. No worries.”

“I believe you.”

“Your eyes say you don’t.” Rare clarity in her voice. Her fingers gripped his sleeve, uneasy.

Lin An froze. “Caught me.”

“Do you… look down on me?”

“Never. Everyone chooses their path. My life isn’t perfect either. I do questionable things too.”

Su Yuejin loved the breeze on her skin, the sincerity in his voice, the comfort of his touch.

They talked on the bench over half an hour—until Lin An chuckled weakly, “My leg’s gone numb.”

She sat up slowly, grabbed his collar, leaned close. “Take me home.”

“I’ll see you to the taxi.”

“I mean… *you* take me home.”

She bit her plump, rosy lip. Her eyes were hazy, yet burning—with longing, or a desperate need to prove something.

“No one’s home. I want you… all the way.”

“But it’s late.” His reluctance was genuine.

She saw it.

“Can you bear sending a pretty, drunk girl home alone? At night? *Can you?*" She waved weakly, eyes wide—a lost puppy’s plea.

Like a little dog who couldn’t find home.

“Alright. Let’s go.”

Lin An supported her waist, stepping with her into the deep, quiet night.