Quietly closing her door without disturbing anyone, she tightened her scarf and briskly walked out of the luxurious villa. Normally, she was driven to school, so she had never walked around the area. The Lu’s villa was built on a hill; outside the large iron gate, there were winding mountain paths surrounded by forests, now in late autumn with bare branches, not much scenery to enjoy. Dongqin walked down the road aimlessly. The surroundings were quiet, with only the sound of the wind and occasional raindrops on her face, chilling her to the bone. Rounding a bend, she was suddenly struck by a sight—a vast lake below! It was a cloudy day, with heavy clouds and thick fog on the lake, like a dreamscape. She took a deep breath and murmured, “Pity, I didn’t bring a camera.”
Suddenly, someone spoke behind her, “I brought one, do you need it?” Dongqin was startled and turned slowly to see a man in a black coat not far away, his long, dark hair neatly tied back. The fog was too thick to see his face clearly. Dongqin stepped back, softly saying, “No, thank you. No need.”
The man approached, smiling, “You live in that villa up there?”
Dongqin’s mind raced with thoughts, her feet rooted to the spot as she watched his figure become clearer. “Yes, what about it?” she countered. He was now in front of her, and Dongqin was stunned, unable to speak as she looked at his face. He was younger than she imagined, perhaps around twenty, with a handsome face, a completely different type from Lu Tuo. Lu Tuo had the air of a noble young master, with an elegant demeanor mixed with a hint of menace and gloom, somewhat intimidating. This man, however, exuded an unfathomable depth; even though he smiled, there was something elusive about it, a gentle demeanor that still hinted at potential danger. He had an ethereal, refined quality, yet not effeminate. Most crucially, he had eyes like the night sky, completely deep blue, as if from a dream.
Being gazed at so tenderly by such a handsome man, Dongqin felt her legs weaken. She gritted her teeth, staring back fearlessly. The man wasn’t surprised; he smiled, “I see, a beautiful lady. I apologize. Did I disturb your peace?”
