---
The sun was high when Ah Yan returned from his delivery round.
His uniform clung to his body, the scent of city dust and heat trailing him.
He found himself back at the small delivery hub, where his friend and co-worker—Da Wei—was finishing a bottle of water under the shade.
He was the one who had rushed to tell him about Lin Yue's kidnapping that day.
He'd earned his trust.
Ah Yan pulled the sleek, silver watch from his pocket, the one piece of his past he had.
The smooth metal glinted under the sun, intricate and expensive-looking.
He handed it to Da Wei solemnly.
"Please... help me sell it," Ah Yan said, his voice low but determined. "Only if it fetches a good price. Otherwise, keep it. Don't let it go cheap."
His friend blinked, taking the watch carefully. He turned it over in his hand, whistling under his breath. "This thing... looks like it's worth a fortune. You sure?"
Ah Yan nodded. "I want Yueyue to be okay. Even if she sold her paintings, we still need to plan for the future. I don't want her to worry."
His friend gave him a thoughtful look, but nodded. "I'll take care of it. You'll hear from me soon."
Just then, Ah Yan's phone buzzed. A message.
It was from Lin Yue.
His heart softened instantly. A smile tugged at his lips.
"Gotta go. Delivery call," he said as he patted his friend's shoulder, hopping onto his scooter and speeding away.
---
Meanwhile, Lin Yue stood in the small kitchen of their apartment, still dazed.
Her phone lay on the table, the screen lit up with the bank notification.
5,000,000 yuan.
She'd checked it a hundred times now, just to make sure her mind wasn't playing tricks.
She'd walked home in a daze, heart pounding with disbelief and joy.
And now, as she stood there, she finally let the realization sink in.
Five million.
She clasped her hands together and took a deep breath.
This wasn't just a sale.
This was a blessing from heavens.
With a squeal, she rushed to get changed.
She needed to do something special.
Ah Yan deserved a celebration meal.
For all his kindness and quiet strength.
She went shopping, selecting the freshest vegetables, meats, and ingredients, splurging a little for once without guilt.
On her way back, she hummed to herself.
She hadn't felt this light in months.
Or maybe all her life.
Once home, she set about cooking.
Fragrant aromas filled the house. Fish steamed in ginger and garlic. Stir-fried vegetables glistened with sesame oil. Pork ribs caramelized perfectly.
It was a feast.
---
After showering, she changed into a soft cream dress and sat on the sofa, lost in thoughts.
What should she do now?
Start a business?
Maybe an online store... Or an art studio?
She bit her lip thoughtfully.
She didn't want to make a rushed decision.
But the possibility... the freedom she now had... was intoxicating.
---
She didn't realize how much time had passed until the door creaked open, breaking her thoughts.
Ah Yan entered, looking tired but still sharp in his black shirt and jeans.
He removed his shoes and stretching his sore limbs.
His eyes lit up when he saw her, and the smell of food made him pause.
"Whoa... what's the occasion?" he asked, closing the door.
She smiled mysteriously. "You'll see."
They washed their hands and sat at the table.
As they ate, the silence was comfortable.
He glanced at her occasionally, eyebrows lifting at the flavors.
"You've outdone yourself today," he murmured, sipping soup.
She grinned. "It's a good day."
After dinner, she washed the dishes while he wiped the table.
When they were done, she took his hand gently.
"Come with me."
He followed her to the sofa, a little curious.
---
She sat him down and placed her phone in his hand.
"Close your eyes."
He arched an eyebrow. "Yueyue..."
"Just do it."
He closed them.
She tapped on her banking app and opened the screen.
"Okay. Open."
He looked.
His breath caught in his throat.
"Five... million...?"
She nodded, watching his expression.
"How...?" His voice was a whisper.
"I'm wondering the same thing," she said with a laugh. "The couple bought all five of my paintings. One million each."
His eyes widened. "One million each? For paintings?"
She nodded, her cheeks flushed from excitement. "Apparently, they said I have talent."
She explained everything—the café meeting, the elegant couple, the accidental transfer she'd thought was a mistake, and how they said it was worth every cent.
Ah Yan stared at her in amazement. "You... You're amazing."
He felt a surge of pride.
Relief.
And also... a twinge of guilt.
The watch.
His chest felt heavy with a different kind of pressure.
He remembered what he'd just done with the watch.
His stomach twisted.
He couldn't bring himself to tell her now.
Not when she was so happy.
She would surely be angry because she'd told him not to sell.
He decided to keep quiet.
She was looking at him now, her eyes sparkling. "We can finally breathe, Ah Yan. We can start over."
He squeezed her hand, smiling. "Yes... we can."
They sat in silence, hands entwined.
---
Then, slowly, she leaned forward and kissed him softly.
He responded, lips brushing against hers.
Their lips pressed together with more urgency.
Her hand tangled in his hair, and his arms wrapped around her waist.
Soon they were lying on the sofa, half undressed, hearts racing.
---
He pulled back slightly, his breath heavy.
"Wait..." he whispered. "I want this to be special for you. Last time, we were drunk. Now... I still don't know who I am. I saw online that girls dream of romantic first times... candles, petals, soft music..."
She shook her head, her long graceful legs wrapping around his waist, drawing him closer.
"You think I care about roses and candlelight when I already have the person I love in front of me?" Her voice trembled slightly. "You're the one I chose, Ah Yan. That's enough."
She wrapped her arms around his neck, her long legs winding around his waist tightly.
Her lips brushed against his again.
He exhaled, tension melting as he kissed her with rising hunger.
The remaining clothes were slowly peeled away, their bodies rediscovering the comfort of closeness.
They tumbled onto the sofa, skin to skin, hearts pounding.
Their kisses grew more intense, hands exploring, mouths whispering words of love and longing.
It was nothing like that night they were drunk.
This time, it was deliberate.
Electric.
Emotional.
He lifted her gently and carried her to her bedroom, laying her down carefully.
In the soft moonlight seeping through the curtains, they connected again—this time with clarity, trust, and overwhelming love.
He kissed her eyelids, her cheeks, her collarbone—every kiss an unspoken promise.
She clung to him like he was her anchor, her fingers tracing his back, grounding him.
They moved in sync, breathless, wordless.
He closed his eyes, feeling for the first time like he belonged.
Even if he had no past...
He finally had a present.
And maybe... just maybe... a future.
---