Chapter 86: The Two Of Us

her could live smoothly.Hanging up the phone, Yan Luoxi endured the intense pain in her body and moved her stiffened limbs, slowly getting up. With her swollen face expressionless, she walked outwards...Chapter 86: A World of Two

Yan Luoxi was wearing a white collar shirt dress, her hair hanging straight down neatly without even a braid in sight. Leaning against the tall Zhou Guangtao, she looked like the perfect delicate little bird.

He Yufan's heart trembled intensely.

Zhou Guangtao had been staring in his direction this whole time, his facial muscles tight and tense. His eyebrows were truly handsome, his eyes beautiful, illuminated by the lights as if they were the darkest and brightest jewels in the world.

Seeing Yan Luoxi warmly waving at him, He Yufan's long eyelashes drooped, sorrowfully pulling his gaze away from Zhou Guangtao. Weakly waving back at Yan Luoxi, he turned to leave, but Yan Luoxi had already pulled Zhou Guangtao's hand and walked out of the flagship store.

"Yufan, are you also out shopping What a coincidence!" With joy, she grabbed He Yufan's hand. Although they worked in the same company, they were both busy and rarely met each other in person.

He Yufan's heart was somewhat disordered; without thinking, he responded, "Yeah, I had nothing to do at home so I wanted to take a walk." Her dark eyes flashed with an easily overlooked panic as she looked at Yan Luoxi.

"Then let's go shopping together! We both have free time and came out for some fun!" Holding He Yufan’s arm, Yan Luoxi said excitedly. "You've been busy with company matters since coming here; we haven't had a chance to shop together yet. Let's make the best of today and really go shopping!"

He Yufan didn’t know how to respond to Yan Luoxi, glancing sideways at Zhou Guangtao. The latter’s expression remained tight, not even sparing her a glance.

"Luoxi, I won't shop with you two." He Yufan forced a bitter smile and said rather sadly, "It's rare for the both of you to have time for your world of two; this third wheel will definitely not disturb you."

Zhou Guangtao's figure noticeably wavered upon hearing He Yufan's words. The night wind blew against He Yufan's long hair, and her melancholic expression made the scene poetically beautiful yet heart-wrenching.

The implication of He Yufan's words was clear to Zhou Guangtao but carried a different tone of grievance when heard by Yan Luoxi. During this period, He Yufan had only one friend—herself—and she felt lonely as Yan Luoxi had been busy and hadn't spent much time with her lately; therefore, it couldn't be that Yan left her now.

"What third party If we're talking about a third wheel, it's Brother Guangtao! We've been shopping together since our freshman year. If one of us must leave, it should be him." Yan Luoxi said innocently.

"Yufan, stay with us for a while and go shopping. You haven't had dinner yet, right I'll treat you to dinner," Zhou Guangtao finally spoke, his voice calm without any hint of confusion or panic.

Seeing that Zhou Guangtao was concerned about whether she'd eaten, He Yufan felt a warm surge in her heart and nodded in agreement.

Holding onto her best friend's hand, with the man she loved walking beside her, Yan Luoxi couldn't feel happier. She spoke to Zhou Guangtao with an air of coquettishness, "Brother Guangtao, Yufan and I are both hungry. What delicious food will you treat us to"

"I'll treat you all to a grand meal," Zhou Guangtao readily agreed, leading them to a nearby scenic restaurant.

The night wind grew chillier; Yan Luoxi, in her thin dress, sneezed suddenly and huddled closer. Seeing this, Zhou Guangtao quickly reached out his arm to pull her close.

Today He Yufan wore a silk skirt which fluttered with the breeze, brushing against her skin like water—cold but unfeeling as she watched Zhou Guangtao embrace Yan Luoxi without any concern and laugh indifferently.

The viewing elevator ascended slowly. Through the half-circular windows, they could see a sea of dazzling lights outside; the city at night looked more mysterious than during the day.

The private room they chose wasn't large but was very exquisite, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a view of the city's night scenery. The dishes were改良過的川菜（Sichuan cuisine with modifications）, featuring the intense spiciness characteristic of Bashu region, as well as some delicate sweetness reminiscent of southern cities.

The moment they sat down in the private room, Yan Luoxi immediately announced her intention to use the restroom, leaving Zhou Guangtao and He Yufan seated across from each other in an awkward silence.

Zhou Guangtao didn't know how to react or what expression to wear when facing He Yufan; he turned his gaze to the sea of lights outside the window instead.

Today at home, he had pondered countless times about how he should face He Yufan after that night yesterday. Should he act as if nothing happened and greet her with ease Or should he continue to talk enthusiastically about company affairs as before, coordinating seamlessly over meals...

Zhou Guangtao's mind was in turmoil, which is why he decided to take Yan Luoxi out for a stroll to clear his head. But unexpectedly, he ran into He Yufan tonight before they even started work tomorrow.

He really wanted to act as if nothing had happened between them, but when she appeared, her presence still affected him greatly.

Zhou Guangtao could choose not to look at He Yufan, while He Yufan couldn't help but want to look at him. Zhou Guangtao's face was now taut and looked particularly rugged and valiant; his eyebrows were like swords, and his thin lips were tightly pursed together. She knew that once he smiled, the lines on his face would soften beautifully. Such a captivating face and that exhilarating night—how could she easily forget it!

"Did Luoxi ask you anything when you got home today" He Yufan looked at Zhou Guangtao with eyes so dark they seemed to shimmer.

"No." Zhou Guangtao responded indifferently, then fell silent again.

When Hu Yufan saw how cold and indifferent Zhou Guangtao was towards her, she felt confused and hurt. To mask her emotions, she picked up the teapot to pour water but her hand trembled, spilling the water outside.

"Be careful." Zhou Guangtao suddenly grabbed her hand holding the cup and quickly moved it away.

"Did you burn yourself" They both spoke at the same time, concerned about each other.

Hu Yufan's hand was cool and soft while Zhou Guangtao’s was wide and warm. Being held by him made her feel as if they were back in bed last night, and Hu Yufan felt a slight moistness in her eyes.

She looked up at Zhou Guangtao with deep affectionate eyes that appeared heartbreakingly sad. It seemed like he was burned by the touch of her hand; suddenly, he let go of her hand as if stung and turned his gaze back to the flickering lights outside the window.

"What are you doing" Yan Luoxi's clear voice broke through the intimate awkwardness in the private room.

Zhou Guangtao and Hu Yufan were both startled, their hearts seemed to stop beating as they nervously looked towards the door.

Yan Luoxi was seen entering with a playful smile on her face. "What are you doing Have you ordered yet"

Zhou Guangtao and Hu Yufan simultaneously replied, “We’re waiting for you!”

"Haha, you two really have the same wavelength!" Yan Luoxi chuckled easily, while the other two immediately changed their expressions. They avoided each other’s eyes in panic and quickly turned to look out into the night.焦急。Yán Luòxī was startled by Rǎn Xù, who stood at the entrance looking disheveled and bloodshot-eyed. Then she looked at him in disbelief as if he were an ancient creature from another era."What are y...