No matter who was following her, once she reached the police station, she would be safe.
Shu Nian’s steps grew increasingly rapid.
Her white shoes stepped into puddles, splashing water, and getting stained. The light was dim, the wind biting cold. Her head hung low, timid like a homeless small animal trembling on the street on a rainy night.
Before Shu Nian could turn the corner.
Because she kept her head down and didn’t look at the path ahead, she bumped into someone’s chest. Shu Nian’s breath caught, and she immediately backed away several steps as if avoiding a snake or scorpion. She looked up.
“I’m sor—”
Her apology wasn’t finished. At the same moment, a loud crash came from behind.
BANG—
The sound of a car hitting the car.
Shu Nian turned toward the noise.
The black Bentley was still about five meters away from her. A man got out of the driver’s seat of the white car behind it, his face full of anger, walked straight to the black Bentley, and knocked hard on the window: “Are you sick in the head?!”
A rear-end collision.
The ensuing cursing strangely made Shu Nian feel relieved.
The next moment, the man she had bumped into spoke.
His voice was rugged, deep, and heavy, a smoker’s voice that carried a hint of sensuality. It also sounded familiar.
“Young lady.”
Shu Nian looked up.
The man wasn’t using an umbrella; he wore a waterproof hooded jacket. The jacket was loose, the hood pulled over his head, and stubble grew on his chin. Handsome features, tall and sturdy build.
It was someone she knew.
He You, the Officer He that Deng Qingyu referred to.
He You glanced at the situation over there, not paying much attention. He instinctively reached for his pocket, took out a pack of cigarettes, and then quickly put it back, looking at Shu Nian: “Why that expression?”
Shu Nian didn’t make a sound.
Seeing this, He You lowered his head and noticed her face, pale to the point of bloodlessness. He raised an eyebrow slightly, with a faint smile: “Oh, being followed again?”
“…”
Shu Nian’s lips pressed into a line. Holding her bag with one hand, she changed the subject with a downcast mood: “There seems to be an accident over there. Aren’t you going to check it out?”
He You snorted lightly: “Since when did traffic police duties become my job?”
Shu Nian responded with an “oh”: “Then I’ll head back now.”
“Don’t need me to see you home?” He You didn’t notice her mood and laughed, “Don’t keep scaring yourself. If it happens too often, I’ll think you’re trying to hit on me.”
Shu Nian’s steps halted, her brows furrowed, feeling as if he was treating her like a fool. She gripped her bag tightly, creating wrinkles, and turned to look at the black Bentley: “There is someone…”
Her voice was low and slow, pausing at a certain moment.
At that moment, the back window of the black Bentley was opened halfway, clearly revealing a man sitting in the back seat. As if detached from the situation, he rested his elbow on the window, his expression cold, half his face in shadow, outlining a deep profile.
He did not attempt to hide his gaze fixed on her.
Their eyes met.
Shu Nian suddenly found herself unable to speak.
He You waited for a few seconds, not hearing her continue, and looked down. Then he took the umbrella from her hand, covering most of it over her: “Alright, let’s go.”
Shu Nian withdrew her gaze, stunned for a moment: “Where to?”
“Where else?” He You’s tone rose slightly as he smiled, “Taking you home. Young lady.”
Shu Nian responded with an “okay” and followed him. Her thoughts couldn’t help but return to the Bentley, but when she looked in that direction again, she found that the back window had been raised.
Leaving only a black mirrored surface, reflecting the streetlight’s glow.
He You seemed to have other matters to attend to.
On the way, Shu Nian heard him answer a phone call, apparently being urged to hurry. He You had little patience and directly shouted into the phone: “Alright, what’s the rush? I’ll change clothes and be right over.”
Shu Nian was startled and stepped into a puddle.
Both of them got splashed.
He You looked at her expressionlessly: “Did you jump in to step on it?”
Shu Nian wasn’t in a good mood and looked at her dirty white shoes with a frown.
“Sis, why don’t you say anything?” He You hung up and said helplessly, “You’re like a clam.”
Shu Nian thought for a moment and realized her behavior wasn’t ideal, so she obediently changed the subject: “Are you also going home?”
“Yeah, forgot to bring an umbrella, got soaked all over, going back to change clothes before heading out again.” He You reached up to wipe his face, “I’m freezing to death.”
Shu Nian understood: “So you just wanted to share my umbrella, not escort me home.”
“…”