Xu Jin remained frozen in the bakery for exactly five seconds after Liang Chen vanished through the door.
Five seconds in which his soul replayed every life decision that had led him to kneeling in public with a bouquet like a rejected drama protagonist.
Then reality returned.
He straightened, cleared his throat, and placed the bouquet back on the counter like a defeated warrior returning a sword.
"…I'll take a chocolate cake," he said.
The shop assistant, still clutching her phone like sacred treasure, nodded immediately.
"Yes. Of course. Anything else?"
Xu Jin thought for a moment.
Then added, "A small cat-shaped treat."
The assistant's smile deepened. She knew. She absolutely knew.
Xu Jin paid. Took the box. Took the little bag with the cat treat. And turned to leave with long, hurried strides.
As he pushed open the door, a familiar voice floated behind him.
"Best of luck, brother."
Xu Jin stopped.
Turned.
Two girls stood near the window table — the same two who had witnessed the earlier bakery confession chaos. Their eyes sparkled like they were watching their favorite drama live and in person.
Xu Jin didn't ask questions.
He didn't deny.
He simply gave them a small, helpless cheeky smile.
"…Hmm."
The girls clapped silently like proud audience members.
And Xu Jin exited the bakery with the solemn determination of a man going to battle armed only with cake and regret.
Outside, the afternoon sun bathed the street in warm gold. Pedestrians moved lazily. Leaves rolled along the sidewalk.
Xu Jin looked left.
Looked right.
Then remembered Liang Chen's escape direction.
And followed.
Quietly.
Patiently.
Like a large, elegant dog tracking its owner after accidentally knocking over a vase.
Not stalking.
Just… persistent destiny.
Up ahead, Liang Chen walked briskly.
Not running.
Not panicking.
But definitely walking faster than his usual graceful academic pace.
His face was still warm. His ears are still pink. His dignity is still in emergency recovery mode.
Xu Jin slowed unconsciously.
Because seeing Liang Chen flustered…
was rare.
And adorable.
And slightly dangerous to Xu Jin's heart.
He was still admiring when—
Two men stepped out from a side alley ahead of Liang Chen.
Not threatening.
Just… lingering.
Watching.
One leaned against the wall. The other glanced too long.
Liang Chen didn't notice. He was focused forward, cake box held neatly in one hand.
Xu Jin's eyes sharpened instantly.
His stride lengthened.
His presence alone changed the atmosphere.
The two men glanced up—
Saw Xu Jin.
Tall. Broad. Expressionless. Walking directly toward them with the aura of someone who could politely destroy them.
They immediately decided—
They had somewhere else to be.
Very far away.
They left without a word.
Liang Chen remained blissfully unaware.
Xu Jin reached him.
Closed the distance.
And before Liang Chen could escape again—
Xu Jin grabbed his hand.
Warm. Firm. Apologetic.
"Professor Liang," Xu Jin said breathlessly, "I'm sorry. Please don't be mad."
Liang Chen froze.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Liang Chen turned his head slightly.
"For what shutting my door loudly?" he asked calmly.
Xu Jin's mind screamed again.
For everything.
So Xu Jin did the only thing his panicked sincerity offered.
He bent.
Both knees.
Straight onto the sidewalk.
Cake box held carefully.
Head lowered.
"Everything," Xu Jin said earnestly. "Please. I was wrong."
From behind a nearby parked car—
Two heads popped out.
The bakery girls. they are also the one encounter them on their building apartment.
One with short hair and quick eyes.
The other with long braids and unstoppable excitement. Lin Mei and Qiao Yu silently watched the drama by hiding across the wall.
Xu Jin was still on both knees.
On the sidewalk.
Holding a chocolate cake like a sacred offering.
Apologizing with the sincerity of a man repenting for crimes against humanity.
Liang Chen stared down at him.
Calm on the outside.
Internally? His brain had already blue-screened twice.
Behind a parked car across the street—
Two heads peeked out.
Lin Mei whispered, "Is this real life?"
Qiao Yu whispered back, "No. This is premium subscription drama."
They adjusted their phones quietly, camera lenses aimed like trained paparazzi in the wild.
Liang Chen cleared his throat.
"Xu Jin," he said evenly, "stand up. The ground is dirty."
Xu Jin immediately rose to his feet, obedient as a soldier receiving orders.
He still held the cake box out.
Like an offering to a temple deity.
"I'll compensate you," Xu Jin said quickly. "See? Chocolate cake."
Liang Chen's eyes flickered toward the box.
Very briefly.
Very subtly.
But Xu Jin saw it.
"…Which one?" Liang Chen murmured, voice low.
Xu Jin lit up like someone had plugged him into a power source.
"Chocolate. Rich cocoa. Fresh cream. Premium quality."
Liang Chen extended his hand.
Xu Jin placed the box into it with reverence.
Liang Chen looked at the cake. Then nodded once.
"…Fine. I'll let you go this time."
Xu Jin's eyes lit up.
Easy to bribe. Noted.
Liang Chen released his hand at last and turned toward home, now carrying two cake boxes and a small cat treat bag.
His steps were lighter.
His ears still pink.
Xu Jin followed behind, satisfied, hands in pockets, grin unstoppable.