The car stopped on a deserted dirt road.
Desert winds kicked up sand, the sky darkened, and the world fell silent as if only the two of them remained.
Tao Shuran gazed at him calmly and asked, “Can’t I?”
Her hand pressed on the door handle. “If you won’t take me, I’ll get out.”
Perfect.
Her skills had truly grown; she had even learned to threaten people.
Liang Yuanjing lifted his chin and asked her, “Out here in the middle of nowhere, where do you plan to go?”
Tao Shuran pursed her lips. “None of your business.”
Liang Yuanjing couldn’t help but scoff. “Are you throwing a tantrum at me now?”
“Then are you taking me or not?”
Liang Yuanjing’s tongue pressed against the inside of his jaw, grinding against his sharp teeth. His hand returned to the steering wheel.
Through gritted teeth, he said, “Fine, I’ll take you.”
He unbuckled his seatbelt, leaned over, and refastened the one she had unbuckled.
With a click, his fingers hooked the seatbelt. His entire body covered hers, his black tousled hair brushing her neck inadvertently, tickling her skin.
Tao Shuran shifted restlessly.
Soon, her shoulders were pinned by his grip. Liang Yuanjing’s oppressive breath descended as he leaned down, his hot breaths spraying freely across her neck.
It felt like he nipped her earlobe, his dissatisfied voice drilling into her eardrum.
“I’d like to see who has the guts to steal my woman.”
Tao Shuran’s heart jolted; her pinned shoulders couldn’t move.
She tilted her head up and saw only his sharp, pitch-black eyes staring at her with immense pressure, like a lion guarding its territory.
At that moment, desire was laid bare, brimming with the pent-up readiness of a territory invaded.
Right then, Tao Shuran finally realized Liang Yuanjing’s changes.
Compared to five years ago, he had shed his youthful immaturity and gained the possessive aura of a mature man.
Perhaps kissing him at this moment wouldn’t mean their lips brushing for a second before shyly looking away.
He would seize her chin and swallow all her refusals.
Realizing her wandering thoughts, Tao Shuran quickly shook her head, forcing her gaze away from his crimson lips.
Her fingers gripped the seatbelt tightly for security, her heartbeat accelerating, though her tone remained calm.
“Drive properly.”
Liang Yuanjing chuckled, his thumb brushing her flushed cheek before he sat back and floored the accelerator.
Finally, after his high-speed drive, Tao Shuran stepped into the restaurant right on time at six-thirty.
It was an authentic local eatery. The decor had ambiance, with large tiles on the floor evoking exotic vibes and vibrant lights draping the walls.
Tao Shuran checked her hair in the rearview mirror and prepared to get out.
As she pushed the door open, she noticed Liang Yuanjing getting out too.
She looked at him. “You’re going in as well?”
Liang Yuanjing dangled his car keys and said seriously, “I’ll check out his character for you.”
“Who brings their ex-boyfriend to scout a blind date?”
“Then who shows up to a blind date in their ex-boyfriend’s car?”
Tao Shuran had no retort.
“Do whatever you want,” she said. “Just don’t say you know me inside.”
Liang Yuanjing crossed his arms and said nothing.
He followed lazily behind her like a bodyguard; anyone could tell they knew each other.
Even the waiter who approached asked, “Miss, what would you two like to order?”
Before she could respond, Tao Shuran glanced back coldly. “We’re not together.”
Liang Yuanjing sat at the neighboring table.
His gaze fell on the candle centerpiece in the middle of the round table, and he couldn’t help a low scoff.
What a tacky restaurant, doing candlelit dinners to set the mood.
Are they a couple or something?
“Sir, what would you like?”
The waiter handed over the menu. “Our signature lemon liqueur is a must-try.”
“Just bring me a non-alcoholic drink.”
Liang Yuanjing closed the menu, propped his chin, and leisurely watched Tao Shuran’s table.
“I still have to drive that miss who doesn’t know me home later.”
Tao Shuran paused while looking at her menu. At that moment, a young man walked over from across the room.
“Sorry, I was just in the restroom.”
“Hello, I’m Zhao Han.”
She stood too and lightly shook his outstretched hand.
Zhao Han looked neat and trim, his buzz cut revealing bright, alert eyes. His features were somewhat boyish, dressed in a gray hoodie set. If she hadn’t known his age beforehand, Tao Shuran would have thought he was still in university.
“How did you get here?”
Zhao Han said considerately, “Want me to drive you back later?”
Tao Shuran hesitated. “I came with a friend.”
Her gaze instinctively drifted to Liang Yuanjing nearby, and naturally, Zhao Han followed her line of sight.
“Captain Liang?”
“Your friend is Liang Yuanjing?”
He suddenly stood excitedly, strode over to Liang Yuanjing in two steps, and turned back to Tao Shuran with enthusiasm.
“He’s my idol!”
“Ever since I entered the Flight Major, I’ve always looked up to you.”
Zhao Han patted himself down, searching for paper and pen. Finally, he grabbed a pen from the menu holder, extended his shirt cuff, and waited eagerly for Liang Yuanjing’s signature.
Tao Shuran couldn’t bear to watch.
She couldn’t help asking, “Are you a pilot too?”
“Yeah, I’m two years behind Captain Liang. Broke the record for youngest captain at twenty-six, and Aviation University still talks about that legend.”
Tao Shuran had nothing to say.
Was there no other profession in the world besides pilots? Even blind dates led to colleagues.
Liang Yuanjing’s gaze drifted over lazily.
The corners of his eyes lifted slightly, brimming with undisguised teasing.
“Tao Shuran, gone for younger guys after we split? Into older woman-younger man romances?”
Zhao Han had been blissfully admiring his idol’s signature when the words hit him, and it all clicked.
No wonder the elusive big shot from school showed up at the restaurant today—he had followed someone here.
“My apologies, sister-in-law.” Zhao Han pressed his palms together sincerely. “I had no idea about the situation beforehand. This is truly embarrassing.”
“We’re not…”
Before she finished, Liang Yuanjing reached out, and with a startled yelp from Tao Shuran, he scooped her up by the waist in one arm.
Liang Yuanjing strode forward, dangling his car keys in midair.
“Sorry, but I’ll cover the bill today.”
He glanced back at Zhao Han, his eyes unmasked with possessiveness, his smile wild and unrestrained.
“This is my woman. I’m taking her back first.”
The moment he scooped her up, Tao Shuran truly felt the vast power difference between man and woman.
The passenger door opened, and Liang Yuanjing leaned in to buckle her seatbelt.
She turned her face away coldly, ignoring him.
“Not up to standard.”
Once in the car, Liang Yuanjing drawled lazily, “He’s not as good as me. How could he be your boyfriend?”
Tao Shuran shot back, “If I go by your standards, I’m doomed to be single forever.”
Liang Yuanjing burst out laughing with a puchi.
Why did her words make him feel happier and happier?
At a red light, he turned his head and coaxed her softly.
“Then look at me, hmm?”
Tao Shuran huffed. “No.”
Liang Yuanjing leaned closer, his hot breath lingering around her, their faces inches apart.
In a husky voice, he asked, “Will you look or not?”
“Liang Yuanjing, don’t be shameless.”
Liang Yuanjing raised a brow. “I will.”
“Tao Shuran, for you, I can throw away all my dignity.”
Tao Shuran pursed her lips and decided to shut up, refusing to say another word to him.
She pulled out her phone and opened Gaode Maps.
Liang Yuanjing caught a glimpse from the corner of his eye. “What, you don’t trust me?”
She said, “A bit.”
Sure enough, the next second, the map’s female voice prompted, “You have deviated from the route. Recalculating.”
After repeated prompts, Tao Shuran sensed something was off.
She asked, “Where are you taking me?”
“Somewhere fun.”
Liang Yuanjing turned the wheel sharply and floored it. The car pulled over to the roadside and stopped.
He propped himself against the door, lit a cigarette, bit it between his teeth, and tilted his chin up to watch her.
“Anyway, I won’t let tonight’s trip be for nothing.”
Tao Shuran said softly, “I hate you.”
“Mm.” Liang Yuanjing asked her, “Want the ticket or not?”
“Might as well, since I’m here.”
She took the ticket from him. “Can’t waste an hour’s drive for nothing.”
This was a small man-made amusement park, different from ordinary ones because most rides were built over the desert.
Like the aerial cableway or desert motorcycles—both famous attractions.
Before coming to North City, Tao Shuran had searched for guides and was honestly interested.
Now, as dusk fully fell, the moon rose over the horizon. Riding the cableway up from the sands offered the most beautiful desert views.
While queuing, Liang Yuanjing offered the safety attendant a cigarette.
He toyed with his metal lighter and smiled offhandedly.
“This little one’s afraid of heights. Can I sit with her to take care of her?”
“She’s your girlfriend, right?”
The attendant grinned. “It’s a bit cramped, but two’s fine. Just hold her tight.”
Liang Yuanjing neither confirmed nor denied. He sauntered behind Tao Shuran, lowered his gaze, and personally buckled her harness.
When his turn came, the skin contact made Tao Shuran’s eyes widen slightly.
She asked, “Is this a two-seater?”
Liang Yuanjing grunted an “Mm.”
“Then why are the ones in front single seats?”
Liang Yuanjing replied without thinking, “Because they’re all single dogs.”
“Hurry up; people are queuing behind.”
After boarding the cableway, it finally dawned on Tao Shuran.
She pointed at herself. “Does that mean we’re not single dogs?”
Liang Yuanjing kept his lazy, ambiguous tone, his fingers draped lazily over her shoulder. With each acceleration jolt, he drew closer to her intentionally or not, his hot breath spraying her nape.
His presence was impossible to ignore.
Every touch felt like a dream woven of sweetness and sorrow.
Tao Shuran closed her eyes, warning herself not to indulge.
After the cableway, they rode desert motorcycles—a thrilling project.
The bike leaped from a high dune, the instant weightlessness spiking heart rates.
Avoiding a flip required solid control skills from the driver.
Liang Yuanjing floored it, handling the wheel effortlessly and leading Tao Shuran to the peak.
Envious voices rose around them, along with the roar of throttles.
But most stopped midway. Only Liang Yuanjing took her all the way up.
The view from the summit over the entire city felt utterly different.
Tao Shuran dismounted, wind fluttering through her collar, a sense of freedom coursing through her body. The brilliant city lights below seemed mere specks of starlight at her feet.
Liang Yuanjing leaned against the bike, wind lifting his shirttails. He flicked open his metal lighter, lit a cigarette, and inhaled.
The indigo flame flickered; pale smoke trailed as he exhaled skyward.
He silently watched her back, the dimming light illuminating his dark eyes—desire and longing.
When the cigarette finished, Liang Yuanjing slowly walked to her side.
Tao Shuran turned and asked, “Interview time: what are you feeling right now?”
She meant to ask how someone from a southern city felt about such grand desert scenery.
But Liang Yuanjing narrowed his eyes, paused, and said,
“So this is what it feels like to watch someone from afar for so long.”
Tao Shuran’s lashes trembled; her gaze dropped gently.
In an instant, she understood his meaning.
And in that moment, she suddenly comprehended many of Liang Yuanjing’s actions.
His shameless persistence, his knowing questions, his hesitant probes—they were all him retracing the path she had taken back then.
“You don’t need to do this.”
Liang Yuanjing grew unusually serious. “No, I must.”
He patted her shoulder. “Look up.”
The moment Tao Shuran looked up, countless fireworks bloomed in the night sky.
Glittering, beautiful fireworks stretched suddenly from countless tiny sparks ten thousand meters in the sky, bursting forth with colorful hues like blooming flowers.
Even though the vast desert had no skyscrapers piercing the clouds, it possessed its own unique scenery.
Tao Shuran sighed. “It’s a pity that such beauty is always so fleeting.”
Liang Yuanjing stood beside her and said slowly, “But we can also turn it into something eternal.”
His wind-tousled brows and eyes held an undying youthful vigor, laced with unyielding arrogance and wildness. Like a street magician pulling off a trick, he produced a small trinket and placed it in Tao Shuran’s hand.
“The second Wind Direction Rose for you.”
“The wind direction on the Wind Direction Rose indicates where the wind comes from. What I mean is, you are my direction—and my homecoming.”
That night’s atmosphere was wonderfully pleasant, everything falling just right.
When she got out of the car, Tao Shuran still clutched that paper-folded Wind Direction Rose in her hand.
Liang Yuanjing knew when to stop; both his words and actions brimmed with restraint.
“Tao Shuran, there’s one thing I must make clear to you. None of my actions mean I’m demanding anything from you.”
“You don’t need to show any expression or reaction. Just stand there and watch.”
He took a deep breath and said slowly, “Watch my sincerity as I come to you.”
Escaping was shameful.
But escaping worked.
His frank words instead made Tao Shuran far more relaxed when facing him.
She no longer needed to puzzle over his intentions in approaching her, nor wrack her brains for ways to refuse.
Just let leaves drift with the wind, clouds roll and unroll—everything follow the heart’s flow.
Tao Shuran closed the car door. This time, she said from the heart, “Goodbye.”
Liang Yuanjing unbuckled his seatbelt, preparing to get out as well.
“I’ll walk you a ways.”
“No, no need.”
Her words tumbled out unusually fast. He instinctively turned his head to look, but Tao Shuran hurriedly blocked his view, her gaze tensely fixed ahead.
Not far off, Jin Boyu led the Restoration Group’s colleagues as they walked outward.
One more glance forward, and they would be spotted immediately.
“Liang Yuanjing, don’t come out.”
Through the car window, Tao Shuran half-bent at the waist to meet his eyes.
Her words flew rapid-fire. “My senior brother and master and the others are right across the way.”
Liang Yuanjing gave an ambiguous smile. “Am I not fit to be seen?”
Tao Shuran bit her lip in distress.
If word of her chats with Liang Yuanjing wasn’t kept hidden, it would soon become the talk of the town in this small city.
As she hesitated, Jin Boyu’s footsteps drew nearer.
At the same time, Liang Yuanjing leaned in closer. He poked his head slightly outward, arched a brow, and grinned wickedly.
“Senior brother.”
“What a coincidence. I’ll go say hello.”
“Don’t.”
Without a second thought, Tao Shuran reached out and pressed down on his head.
The thick, dense feel of his hair made her blink in a daze. Helplessly, she lowered her head—and saw only Liang Yuanjing’s eyes, brimming with laughter.
He drew out his tone in an “Ah~” and laughed roguishly.
“Then coax me a little.”