Chapter 013: Encountering Qin Shishen Again

Lin Luyao had never called his full name so seriously before.

Facing Lin Luyao, who now wore a blank expression, Zhen Hao began to panic a little. His instincts told him that whatever Lin Luyao was about to say was definitely not something he wanted to hear:

“Luyao, I didn’t mean to… Did I hurt you just now? I got carried away, I—”

“The truth is, you don’t really like me. What you’re fond of is that little girl from our childhood, the one who always ran behind you and your friend. So you’re used to making decisions for her, planning things out, giving her what you think is best.”

Perhaps it was a Capricorn’s natural talent to salt old wounds and choose the most cutting words. Lin Luyao, right before Zhen Hao, spoke what she believed would hurt the most:

“But that little girl grew up. She’s learned to make her own choices and knows what she wants. I’m not her anymore.”

I’m grateful to have had you as an older brother, but I don’t love you.

After she finished speaking, Lin Luyao pulled her hand free from his and walked outside.

Perhaps some of her words had been a bit harsh, but she didn’t regret it in the slightest. Every word had been her true feelings, not something said in the heat of the moment.

He was a good friend, a good brother, perhaps even the perfect boyfriend. But that wasn’t what love looked like to Lin Luyao.

Now, feeling unburdened, Lin Luyao wandered aimlessly through the park, uncertain of where to go next.

As she drifted, she found herself once again in front of Star Rain Café.

The door was open, and two cats lounged lazily on the doormat, basking in the sun.

“Meow~”

Maybe it was the familiar scent, but the ragdoll cat, just like last time, bounded straight to Lin Luyao’s feet.

Today, the cat was even more “enthusiastic,” taking it upon itself to act as the café’s greeter, nudging her toward the entrance.

Well, she thought, I might as well go in and sit for a while.

With that, Lin Luyao scooped up the adorable cat and walked inside.

Perhaps it was because it was working hours, but the café was empty, and even the owner was nowhere to be seen. Only gentle music drifted through the air.

She called out softly a couple of times. When no one answered, Lin Luyao, still holding the cat, turned to look at the display case. She’d been interested in the various coffee beans last time, so now was a good chance to take a closer look.

“Hmm? Do we have a customer?”

After a moment, a pleasant male voice sounded, followed by footsteps.

Qin Shishen descended the stairs, holding Cola, who must have slipped upstairs at some point. “Sorry, I was upstairs and didn’t hear you come in. What would you like?”

Lin Luyao had already studied the menu on the counter, so she answered without hesitation:

“I’ll have the Forget-Me-Not, please!”

She simply liked the name. It matched her mood at the moment.

But Qin Shishen looked her over and smiled as he declined, “That drink contains alcohol. Perhaps you’d like to try something else? This one here is sweeter and not as strong.”

“That’s fine too.”

“Are you having a rough day?” Qin Shishen asked casually, turning to busy himself at the bar.

“Ah, it’s not so bad, actually.” Lin Luyao sat on a tall stool at the bar, placed the cat on her lap, and absentmindedly stroked its fur.

“It’ll take a little while to make. Would you like some candy in the meantime?” Qin Shishen glanced back at her. “There’s some on the table—help yourself.”

Lin Luyao didn’t stand on ceremony. She reached out and grabbed two pieces.

“Actually, I wanted to ask you last time,” Lin Luyao said a bit shyly, “Where do you get this candy? It tastes just like something I ate as a child. I’ve looked everywhere and haven’t found anything like it.”

“You mean this?” Qin Shishen replied. “You probably can’t buy it anywhere. My mother makes it herself. If you like it, take some more.”