uninvited guest

The stickiness of the rainy season was finally washed away by a refreshing downpour, leaving the sky a clear, azure blue, as if it had been freshly cleaned. Sunlight generously bathed the "Time Sequence" shop once more, dispelling the gloom of the past few days. Lu Shixu's spirits also noticeably improved, and he resumed his usual work rhythm.

On a peaceful Friday afternoon, Lin Zhiyi arrived at the shop after finishing a week's work. She and Lu Shixu were discussing whether to have a simple dinner or go to Chen Bei's shop to try the new desserts. Suddenly, the wind chimes on the shop door emitted a series of rapid, crisp sounds, breaking the afternoon's tranquility.

The two looked up and saw a stylishly dressed, impeccably made-up young woman, about the same age as Lin Zhiyi, standing at the door. She was carrying the latest handbag and quickly scanned the store with an undisguised scrutiny before finally settling on Lu Shixu. A bright but slightly forcedly enthusiastic smile immediately bloomed on her face.

"Shixu! Long time no see. I didn't expect your shop to still be open. It's really... unchanged." Her voice was clear and crisp, with a kind of familiarity that carried a hint of overt familiarity, as she walked in with the "clack-clack" of her high heels.

Lin Zhiyi was slightly taken aback and looked at Lu Shixu. She saw the calmness on his face vanish instantly, replaced by his usual aloofness and composure towards unfamiliar guests. He merely nodded slightly as a greeting.

"Miss Su." His address was polite but cold.

Miss Su seemed unfazed by his coldness. Her gaze shifted to Lin Zhiyi, scrutinizing her with undisguised intensity, her smile unchanged: "And this is?"

“My girlfriend, Lin Zhiyi.” Lu Shixu’s introduction was concise and clear, with a distinct sense of definition in his tone. He turned to Lin Zhiyi, his voice softening slightly, “Zhiyi, this is Ms. Su Man, a former…classmate.”

Lin Zhiyi instantly understood. This was probably one of the "ordinary people" Zhou Wanqing had mentioned who had once had feelings for Lu Shixu but hadn't been able to get close to him. She maintained a polite smile and nodded: "Ms. Su, hello."

"So it's Miss Lin." Su Man looked Lin Zhiyi up and down, a subtle comparison flashing in her eyes, before smiling at Lu Shixu and saying, "Shixu, you really are... a hidden talent. Back in school, so many girls wanted to get close to you, but you always ignored them. We thought you were going to spend your whole life with these old fogies."

Her words were spoken in a joking tone, yet subtly revealed a probing intent and a hint of resentment. She walked to the workbench, looking at the scattered tools and parts, her nail-painted fingers lightly tapping a brass gear: "Tsk tsk, still the same old thing, always fiddling with these things. Hey Shixu, with your abilities and family background, are you content to just stay cooped up in this little shop forever? I know a few friends who invest in art, and they're very interested in your craft. How about…"

“No need.” Lu Shixu interrupted her calmly, his voice not loud, but carrying an undeniable refusal. “I’m used to it here, it’s fine.”

Su Man's smile froze for a moment, seemingly not expecting him to be so direct. She smoothed her hair to cover her embarrassment, then turned her gaze back to Lin Zhiyi, her tone carrying a hint of provocation: "What does Miss Lin do for a living? How can you stand your boyfriend staring at these silent cogs all day? That must take a lot of patience."

Lin Zhiyi met her gaze, her smile unchanged, still gentle, but now imbued with a quiet strength. She didn't look at Lu Shixu, but stared directly at Su Man, speaking calmly:

“I’m an editor, I deal with words. Time and these clocks aren’t silent; they’re just telling the story of time in another language.” She paused, her gaze sweeping across the room full of clocks before finally settling on Su Man, her smile deepening. “I think being able to understand this language is a very lucky thing. As for patience…”

She turned her head and exchanged a glance with Lu Shixu, her eyes filled with unspoken understanding and peace.

"Patience is never a burden when it comes to people and things you like."

Her words were clear and calm, without a trace of anger, yet they were like a sturdy shield, easily defusing the other party's subtle probing.

Looking at her serene profile, at her unwavering demeanor as she protected their world, Lu Shixu felt the subtle ripples in his heart caused by the unexpected arrival of this guest instantly subside. A warm current flowed through him, and he involuntarily took half a step closer to her.

Looking at the invisible yet unbreakable tacit understanding between them, Su Man's smile finally crumbled, replaced by a somewhat embarrassed expression. She clearly realized that she was a complete outsider here.

"Heh...looks like I was meddling." She smirked and picked up her handbag again. "I won't bother you any longer, I have something to do, I'll be going now."

The wind chimes rang again, bidding farewell to the unexpected visitor.

The store has returned to tranquility.

Lin Zhiyi turned her head to look at Lu Shixu, blinked, and said with a playful slyness, "Mr. Lu, you're doing pretty well."

Lu Shixu looked at her, the last trace of coldness in his eyes turning into a helpless yet indulgent warmth. He reached out and gently squeezed her fingers.

“Just an insignificant person,” he said softly, his tone certain.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting the shadows of the two people embracing on the floor.

The external storms failed to even cause a real ripple in this harbor called "Time Sequence".