Han Yutong simply couldn't stand her mother's nagging any longer, so she found an excuse to go out for some fresh air on the street.
She knew her mother was sentimental and didn't want to upset her. But she really couldn't keep sacrificing herself endlessly for others.
Wandering aimlessly through the streets, Han Yutong's mood hit rock bottom. Returning to her old home and seeing long-lost relatives should have been a happy occasion, but instead, she was filled with anger and nowhere to vent it.
Han Yutong miserably kicked a stone at her feet, wishing she could pack her bags and fly back to City B immediately.
"Are you Han Yutong?" A surprised exclamation suddenly came from beside her.
Han Yutong was startled and looked around quickly, pulling up her mask.
"It really is you! I thought I was mistaken!" The person who greeted her was a well-dressed young man, about 1.7 meters tall, wearing a suit and tie, looking like a successful person.
Han Yutong found him somewhat familiar, but couldn't recall who he was for a moment.
To avoid causing trouble, she lowered her head and intended to pretend not to know him. "Sorry, you've mistaken me for someone else!"
"Hey, old classmate, you're really not being friendly!" The man blocked her path. "What, you don't recognize old classmates now that you're a star? I'm Zhang Yong, we used to live in the same neighborhood, sat next to each other in class! I even came to your house to play when we were kids."
Han Yutong really couldn't remember!
She had no recollection of such distant events. Moreover, in the two years she had been in the entertainment industry, the first thing her agency taught her was to protect her reputation.
Without knowing the other person's intentions, it was best not to get too close to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Han Yutong realized the man was being overly enthusiastic and subtly took a step back. "Um, what do you need me for?"
She asked, enduring a strong sense of discomfort.
Due to some unpleasant past experiences, she was very averse to being touched, especially by the opposite sex. This man, Zhang Yong, was too familiar and kept getting close, which she really disliked.
"Fancy meeting you here! It's almost lunchtime, can I treat you?" the man asked with a smile.
Han Yutong naturally refused.
If they were photographed and it ended up online, she didn't know how much of a storm it would cause. She wanted to be a true actress, relying on her works and skills, not on gossip and sensational news.
She had to refuse all invitations from single men.
"Sorry, I have an appointment to discuss some business." Han Yutong took a deep breath, trying to control her emotions.
The man, Zhang Yong, looked around. Seeing no one approaching, he couldn't help but laugh, "Are you making excuses? We're old classmates, aren't you going to give me this much face?"
The man seemed to have no concept of respect, persistently clinging to her, determined to get his way.
Han Yutong was very disgusted. But she also knew that if she took drastic measures, it would definitely attract the attention of others. If he then went to the media and said something untrue, all her previous efforts could be ruined.
She couldn't take that risk.
Just as she was trying to figure out how to handle the situation, her phone suddenly rang.
Han Yutong was delighted. No matter who it was, she'd answer first. "Hello? Where are you... Have you arrived? Okay, I'll come find you right away."
"I'm really sorry, I actually have an appointment." Han Yutong said apologetically.
"Then, can we exchange contact information?" Zhang Yong looked into her moist eyes, still not giving up.
Han Yutong couldn't give him her private number, but she had already refused him once. Refusing again would definitely offend him. This Zhang Yong seemed like a petty person. As the saying goes, it's better to offend a gentleman than a scoundrel.
Just as she was racking her brain, a hand landed on her shoulder.
Han Yutong fell into a broad embrace.
The faint scent of perfume emanating from him made her recognize him instantly. She turned around, about to speak, when she saw Su Lin winking at her. Han Yutong immediately understood and swallowed her words obediently.
"Sir, do you need anything else?" Su Lin put his arm around Han Yutong's shoulder, looking very intimate.
Facing the tall man who was half a head taller than him, Zhang Yong immediately faltered. "N-nothing... I just ran into an acquaintance and came to say hello..."
He gave Han Yutong a deep look and turned away unwillingly.
"Thank you for helping me out." Han Yutong thanked Su Lin once they were in a secluded corner where no one was watching.
Su Lin released her shoulder and put his hands in his pockets. "It was just a small favor."
Han Yutong glanced at him and asked, "Why are you here?"
Was this really a coincidence?
Weren't they running into each other too often lately?
"Just came out for some fresh air." Su Lin turned his head and said uncomfortably.
He did want to get out and be alone, but he didn't know where to go. He vaguely remembered Han Yutong mentioning that her hometown was in Hangzhou, so he inexplicably bought a plane ticket.
He had been to Hangzhou before during his tours, so he was quite familiar with the place. What he didn't expect was to see a familiar figure just as he left the hotel.
At first, he thought he was seeing things.
After confirming it several times, it was indeed her.
She seemed to be in trouble.
And that's when the scene of him helping her out happened.
"Ahem... I didn't ask for your permission just now..." Su Lin said awkwardly.
Han Yutong knew he was referring to him putting his arm around her shoulder, so she shook her head. "I know you were helping me, I don't blame you."
What was strange was that Zhang Yong's approach made her feel disgusted, but with Su Lin, she didn't feel repulsed.
This wasn't the first time!
Last time in the fitting room, Su Lin had held her wrist, and she hadn't felt uncomfortable. Except for her heart beating a little faster.
Thinking of that day, Han Yutong's heart pounded like a drum, and her heartbeat became uncontrollable again.
She clutched her chest, afraid he would hear it.
But this futile attempt to hide it still caught his attention.
"Are you feeling unwell?" Su Lin frowned slightly.
Han Yutong bit her lower lip, her ears turning red as she changed the subject, "Where are you planning to go sightseeing? I can be your guide."
"I heard there's a temple nearby with a lot of incense?" he asked.
"You mean Lingyin Temple, right? It's in the back mountains, about a twenty-minute walk." Han Yutong pointed in a certain direction. "Shall we go now?"
Su Lin hadn't intended to go, but seeing Han Yutong's enthusiasm, he changed his mind. "Yes, if it's not too much trouble."
"I was planning to go pray myself anyway." Since she had nowhere else to go, she decided to accompany him.
"You believe in Buddhism?"
"No, I used to go with my family. I've been encountering some troublesome things lately, and going there calms me down a lot."
"Troublesome things? That man just now?"
"I don't know him well. I haven't seen him since elementary school graduation. I don't know how he recognized me... It's a good thing you showed up in time, otherwise, I really wouldn't have been able to get away!"
"Oh..."
The two chatted intermittently as they headed towards the temple.
Their shadows on the ground gradually drew closer.