"Possess? That's an interesting word," Chen Yulin, in the audience, leaned back in her chair just like Su Hao, casually crossing her legs.
Not far away, Che Zhuxi was also murmuring to herself. As someone with a strong desire for control, she really liked the word "possess."
On stage, Su Hao tapped the armrest of his chair and pulled out his phone from his pocket.
"Hello! Xiao Kun, are you free tomorrow?"
"I'm free, Brother Hao, what's up?"
"I've fallen in love with a girl. Tomorrow, help me act out a scene. You should know what to do." Su Hao's lips curved into a smile, and he slowly clenched his hand above his head.
"No problem, Brother Hao, don't worry, I'll handle it perfectly for you."
"That's good," Su Hao nodded and hung up the phone.
"Junior, we'll meet tomorrow!" Su Hao roared with fervent intensity, slowly stood up, lay down on the bed nearby, and pulled the covers over himself.
The spotlight above him slowly dimmed, and the stage plunged into darkness; the audience understood that "today" had passed.
Then, the crisp sound of birds chirping rang out, and the entire stage slowly brightened. Li Shuxin stood in front of a bus stop sign in the center of the stage, seemingly waiting for a bus.
Beside her, several passersby sat or stood, looking down at their phones. Among them was Su Hao, who sat on a chair, staring at Li Shuxin's back, his eyes filled with a morbid love.
A slovenly fellow walked from a distance, humming a tune. He wore overalls and had a middle part hairstyle; it was "Xiao Kun," who had spoken with Su Hao yesterday.
Seeing this fellow's thuggish appearance, several passersby frowned.
"Beautiful woman, waiting for the bus alone?" Xiao Kun walked up to Li Shuxin, sizing her up and down.
"Mhm," Li Shuxin nodded her fair chin, subtly shifting her position.
"I'm also alone. How about we sit together later?" Xiao Kun took two steps forward and grabbed Li Shuxin's arm.
"There are so many people on the bus; it's easy to run into perverts. I can protect you."
"I can protect myself. Please let go," Li Shuxin frowned, shaking her arm to try and break free.
"Let go? Beautiful woman, think carefully. There are only a few people here now, so I can't do much. But once we're on the bus and it gets crowded, I can't guarantee what I might do," Xiao Kun said brazenly.
"I'm not taking the bus anymore, let go of me now!" Li Shuxin's expression changed, and she said sharply.
"That's not up to you," Xiao Kun smiled and stepped forward, about to pull Li Shuxin into his arms.
"Help, help me!" Li Shuxin pushed Xiao Kun away, looking at the passersby nearby with despair.
Unfortunately, not a single person stood up; instead, two guys were taking pictures.
One of the guys even muttered, "How can something like this happen in broad daylight? Are they shooting a movie or something?"
"Possibly. I've seen this plot many times, and generally speaking, we can also try something new," another guy echoed.
The two exchanged glances, laughed together, and then turned to look at Li Shuxin, their eyes full of ill intent.
"You guys!" Li Shuxin looked at them, tears unconsciously streaming down her face.
"That's just how the world is. Who would save a complete stranger? If you weren't pretty, people wouldn't even look at you," Xiao Kun said with a cold laugh, stating the harsh reality.
"That's not necessarily true," Su Hao understood it was his cue to appear, so he slowly stood up.
"Brother, are you trying to be a busybody?" Xiao Kun frowned. "How about this, we go together? I'll let you go first, since you're probably just interested in her beauty, right?"
"Don't compare me to you." Su Hao quickly stepped forward, kicked Xiao Kun in the kidney, and sent him sprawling to the ground.
The passersby, seeing how easily Xiao Kun was defeated, burst into laughter. Some even regretted not intervening sooner.
"You're looking for death!" Perhaps provoked by the surrounding laughter, Xiao Kun pulled a small knife from his pocket and roared as he charged at Su Hao.
"Be careful!" Li Shuxin exclaimed.
Su Hao quickly dodged, but Xiao Kun swung the knife like a madman, quickly slicing open Su Hao's arm. However, Su Hao also took the opportunity to grab Xiao Kun's arms and subdue him on the ground.
"Are you alright?" Li Shuxin took two steps forward, looking at the bleeding wound on Su Hao's arm with concern.
"I'm fine, just a small cut." Su Hao shook his head, pulled out his phone, and called the police.
"Thank you so much today." Li Shuxin brushed her hair behind her ear. "Are you free later? I'll treat you to a meal."
"Huh?" Su Hao was stunned for a moment. "Aren't you taking the bus later?"
"After something like this, how could I be in the mood to take the bus?" Li Shuxin looked at Xiao Kun. "There might even be people like him on the bus."
"It is a bit dangerous when there are too many people; that's just how society is now." Su Hao sighed. "Then how about we go for a meal? It might help lift your spirits."
"Okay." Li Shuxin nodded.
Then two police officers arrived, took Xiao Kun away, and Li Shuxin left with Su Hao.
But no one noticed that the two passersby who had been mocking Li Shuxin earlier walked to the corner of the stage and met with Xiao Kun and the two police officers.
"You acted well today. Come get your pay later," Xiao Kun waved his hand, and the other four laughed together.
On the other side, Su Hao and Li Shuxin went to a clinic and then a restaurant. Su Hao acted very gentlemanly throughout, earning much goodwill from Li Shuxin.
As the two continued their outing, the stage gradually dimmed, until only a single streetlamp emitted a faint glow.
"Shihao, let's call it a day. I should head back. Thank you again for helping me today!" Walking under the streetlamp, Li Shuxin bowed seriously to Su Hao.
"We're friends now, don't be so polite." Su Hao lightly supported Li Shuxin's arm. "When you go back, it's best to call a car, to avoid anything like what happened earlier today."
"You be careful on your way too. Also, remember to change your dressing in time," Li Shuxin said with concern.
"Alright." Su Hao nodded, seemingly casually pulled out his phone to check the time, a hint of panic appearing on his face.
"It's already eight o'clock! Mengxin, I need to hurry back, or the dorm will close."
"Dorm?" Li Shuxin asked in confusion. "Are you a student?"
"That's right, I forgot to tell you. I'm a student at Nanliang University. Did you think I was a working stiff?" Su Hao said with a laugh.
"Nanliang University? I'm also from Nanliang University! I just enrolled a few days ago!" Li Shuxin said in surprise. "Are you also a freshman?"
"No, I'm a sophomore."
"Then you're my senior! I never thought it would be such a coincidence! Let's go back together," Li Shuxin said, her face full of smiles.
"Sounds good," Su Hao also laughed.
The two left the streetlamp and disappeared from the audience's view, only Li Shuxin's laughter faintly audible.
fatal love Act One — First Meeting, End.