Pei Xi reached out to take it, and Jiang Cheng saw that her fingertips were white, almost bloodless.

Pei Xi's expression remained unchanged, but her porcelain-white face turned even paler.

"I'm leaving now."

Just as Jiang Cheng was about to speak, she hugged her bag tightly, turned around, and quickly ran out the door.

Jiang Cheng hesitated for two seconds, clenched his hands at his sides, and then took a step and chased after him.

Pei Xi walked very fast and turned out of the alley in the blink of an eye. Jiang Cheng quickened his pace to catch up with her and called out to her.

Pei Xi turned to look at him, her almond-shaped eyes filled with suspicion and wariness.

Jiang Cheng's Adam's apple bobbed as he looked at her and said in a low voice, "Just now... if you heard it, don't take it to heart. She was just talking nonsense."

Pei Xi nodded. "Yes, I know."

Seeing that she didn't show the anger and disgust he had expected, Jiang Cheng relaxed the tense muscles in his back and asked softly, "It's not too late yet, how about I..."

"Amusement park...maybe another time."

Pei Xi raised her voice, interrupting him.

Jiang Cheng paused.

Seemingly realizing that his attitude was a bit too harsh, Pei Xi forced a smile and said softly, "...Thank you for today, I'll head back now."

After saying that, she turned around and didn't give him a chance to respond.

Jiang Cheng stood there watching her back. After a long while, he chuckled softly.

The glow of the setting sun bathed her in a golden light, casting a halo of light on her hair. He stared at her, his eyes blurring, his memories drifting back to a certain winter.

Jiang Cheng rubbed his fingers together heavily.

He suddenly felt a sore throat.