The second she stepped into the house, the tension crackled like lightning.
Lu Zeyan was already in the living room.
Waiting.
Arms folded.
Tie loosened.
Eyes stormy.
"Where were you?"
She tossed her bag onto the couch.
"Out."
"Don't test me."
"Then stop treating me like I'm one of your company spies."
He stepped forward.
She stepped back.
"I gave you space."
"I didn't ask you to wait at the door like my father."
"I'm not your father."
"Then stop acting like you own me!"
That did it.
His voice dropped — cold and lethal.
"If you don't want to be here—then go."
Her chest rose.
"Maybe I should."
"Then do it."
"Say that again."
"If you want to leave—leave."
She Snapped
She grabbed her charger.
Laptop.
Keys.
He didn't stop her.
So she walked to the door.
Opened it.
Paused.
Her voice shook:
"Do you even care if I walk away right now?"
He was quiet for too long.
"No."
Her hand dropped from the doorknob.
She turned slowly.
"Liar."
"Yinyin—"
"You want to know what hurts more than all your tests and secrets?"
Her voice broke.
"The fact that I loved you so loudly... and you kept loving me in silence."
He finally moved. Crossed the room. Grabbed her wrist.
"You think I don't care?"
He pulled her into his chest.
"You think I tested you because I didn't care?
I did it because I couldn't stand the thought of you hiding in my house while I didn't even know who you were."
"And what if I was hiding to protect you?"
He paused.
"Then I'm sorry.
For everything.
But don't you dare walk away from me."
She looked up, eyes full of tears and fire.
"Then say it."
"Say what?"
"That you still want me.
All of me.
Even the parts that come with shadows and scars."
Silence.
Then:
"I want you, Xu Yinyin.
Chaos, code, lies, glitter, pain—
I want you."
Her bag dropped to the floor.
She threw herself into his arms.
And this time, when he kissed her—
It wasn't sweet.
It was desperate.
Like two people clawing their way back to the only place they felt safe.