Originally, Su Zhan had not planned to have dinner with Claire. But since he ran into her, he could not bring himself to refuse her invitation. Sharing a meal with a bright, earnest young woman like Claire was hardly a burden, after all.
"Come on, hop in," Su Zhan called, moving from the passenger side to the driver's seat just as the Haitian returned with a bag of groceries. Su Zhan waved to the Haitian, then got in and started the car, leaving the Haitian behind to finish his errands.
As they drove, Su Zhan glanced over and asked, "What do you want to eat?"
Claire smiled shyly, her voice soft but cheerful. "I'm not picky. Anything is fine!"
Su Zhan did not reply immediately, but he had already heard the answer in Claire's heart. Her thoughts fluttered with excitement and a hint of longing. She had been hoping to eat at a particular restaurant for a long time but never had the chance.
Claire noticed the silence and wondered if she should say more, but she stayed quiet until Su Zhan pulled the car up in front of a charming Western restaurant. Her eyes widened in surprise as she looked at the building.
"How did you know about this place? I've always wanted to come here!" she exclaimed, her astonishment genuine.
Su Zhan smiled, tapping his finger lightly over his heart. "Maybe I heard the voice in your heart."
Claire's cheeks flushed with color. She nodded, stepping out of the car with him, her heart beating a little faster. She was certain he meant her feelings, but she could not help but wonder if he had meant something more.
As they entered the restaurant, Su Zhan immediately understood why Claire liked it. The place was softly lit and romantic, the kind of spot where young couples came to share a special meal. At her age, it was only natural to be drawn to a place like this.
After they sat down, the waiter brought menus. Su Zhan handed his to Claire, letting her choose first. She hesitated, glancing at the prices and feeling a bit embarrassed. She did not want to make him spend too much, so she picked the more affordable dishes, even if they were not her favorites.
Su Zhan watched her with a gentle smile. "You're a good girl," he said, then ordered a few more dishes for them both.
Claire looked up at him in surprise. "Can you really hear what I'm thinking?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Su Zhan only grinned. "What do you think?"
She watched the waiter leave, then leaned in and whispered, "Is this some kind of ability? Is it like the one I used to have?"
Su Zhan did not answer directly. Instead, he said, "You do not have to thank me for what I did. I may have solved your problem, but I also gained something in return. From now on, just live your life well. After dinner, I'll be leaving."
Claire's smile faded, replaced by a hint of sadness. "Where are you going?"
"New York," Su Zhan replied, his tone gentle but firm.
She fell silent, her appetite fading. The food arrived, but she barely touched it. Su Zhan did not press her, letting the quiet settle between them. The meal passed quickly, and after paying the bill, they walked out into the evening air.
"I'll give you a ride. Are you going home or to school?" Su Zhan asked as they reached the car.
Claire hesitated, then looked at him with a mix of hope and nervousness. "Would you… come with me somewhere?"
Su Zhan paused, listening to the true question in her heart. He was a little surprised by her request, but he could hear her sincerity and the gentle thrum of her heartbeat, loud and insistent.
He nodded. "Get in."
Claire let out a breath she had been holding and quickly got in the car. The waiting had been almost unbearable, and she was relieved that he had agreed without hesitation.
As Su Zhan drove, he did not ask where they were going. Claire's mind was a swirl of thoughts and emotions, and he could sense her anticipation and anxiety. She wondered if he knew what she was thinking and if his silence meant he agreed with her unspoken wishes. Her heart fluttered in her chest, restless as a caged bird.
Su Zhan found himself sympathizing with Matt Parkman. Hearing the thoughts of others, especially when uninvited, could be a heavy burden. He made a mental note to practice controlling this ability to avoid being overwhelmed by the constant stream of other people's minds.
After half an hour, the car stopped at the edge of a dense forest on the outskirts of town. The woods were thick and quiet, rarely visited by anyone. The two of them got out, and Su Zhan gave Claire a soft smile. "Lead the way."
Claire nodded, not bothering to ask how he knew where to go. She was certain by now that he could hear her thoughts.
They walked for more than ten minutes through the trees until the landscape opened up to reveal a small clearing. There, about five or six meters above the ground, was a treehouse nestled in the branches. It looked sturdy and well-loved, with a rope ladder hanging down and a few simple decorations visible through the window.
"Did you build this?" Su Zhan asked, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Claire nodded. "Yes. It's been here a long time. It's a special place for me."
He could tell how much it meant to her. If it were not important, she would never have brought him here.
"I used to climb up every time, but… I don't want to climb today," she said, glancing at him with a shy smile.
"It would be my honor," Su Zhan replied. He gently wrapped his arms around her and, with a thought, lifted them both into the air. They floated up to the treehouse and stepped inside together.
The space was small but cozy, with a few cushions, a mat, and some personal touches that spoke of many afternoons spent in quiet solitude. The view from the window was beautiful, the trees stretching out in every direction, the world below distant and peaceful.
Claire spread out the mat and sat down, motioning for Su Zhan to join her. She took a deep breath, looking at him with a mixture of determination and nervousness. She did not speak, but her thoughts were loud and clear in Su Zhan's mind.
He watched her, sensing her resolve. Slowly, he reached out and began to unbutton her shirt, one button at a time. Claire closed her eyes as her clothes slipped from her shoulders, her trust in him absolute.
"I'll be gentle," Su Zhan whispered, his voice tender.
In the quiet sanctuary of the treehouse, surrounded by the soft rustle of leaves and the fading light of day, Claire gave herself to the moment, her heart open and unafraid.