The cool drops of eye solution fell onto her eyes, bringing instant relief. The itchiness and dryness vanished, and the urge to rub her eyes faded completely.
"You can close your eyes now," Yuan Xin's voice came softly, her breath carrying that faint, familiar scent that brushed across Lin Siya's face. But as the voice drifted away, that gentle presence receded too—leaving a quiet, inexplicable emptiness in her chest.
She kept her eyes shut. The silence was almost oppressive. Panic flickered in her chest before she even realized it. "Xin…" Her voice trembled. For a moment, the darkness behind her eyelids felt absolute—as if the world had fallen silent and she was the only one left in it.
"Do your eyes still hurt? Should I take you to the hospital?"
"No, I'm fine."
Relief flooded her instantly. Just hearing that calm, steady voice was enough to ground her again.
What terrified her most wasn't the pain—it was the thought of not sensing Yuan Xin's presence. That suffocating loneliness felt worse than the despair she'd known standing on that bridge, ready to jump.
"Xin, I'm staying here tonight," she said quickly, then added in a softer voice, "I'm too tired to go home."
"Alright."
The corners of Lin Siya's lips curved upward. When she finally opened her eyes again, she froze. Yuan Xin was sitting right in front of her—close, so close that she could see every detail of her face beneath the heavy makeup.
She laughed at herself inwardly. She'd thought Yuan Xin had gone off somewhere—but no, she'd been right here the whole time.
"Better?" Yuan Xin asked. Her gaze was warm, gentle—like sunlight breaking through clouds.
"Yeah, much better," Lin Siya replied. Of course it was—Yuan Xin's eye drops would work miracles.
Her eyes lingered on that familiar face, taking in the exaggerated eyeliner and red lipstick. "Xin, now that you're about to be the head of multiple branches, don't you think you should… maybe consider a new image?"
After knowing her for over a year, Lin Siya knew exactly how little Yuan Xin cared about appearances. Whether the company was growing or not, she remained calm and indifferent to it all.
But what did Yuan Xin actually care about? What could make that serene composure crack, even a little?
"Do you really think I should change?" Yuan Xin asked.
"Y-Yeah," Lin Siya stammered, caught off guard that she'd actually taken the question seriously. "It's just… once we start attending more business events, it might be awkward if you show up dressed like this. The doormen might not even let you in."
She tried to keep her tone casual, but inside her curiosity stirred—she wanted to see the face behind that heavy makeup. In all this time, she'd never seen Yuan Xin bare-faced, not once.
To her surprise, Yuan Xin simply nodded. "Alright."
"…Huh?"
Lin Siya blinked. Just like that?
When she realized Yuan Xin wasn't joking, she lit up. "I know a few great stylists—I'll give you their numbers. You can contact them anytime."
Part of her wanted to offer to go together, but her heart was pounding so fast she could barely breathe. She pressed a hand against her chest, feeling the rapid thrum beneath her palm. Around Yuan Xin, her heart never stayed calm—it only beat faster.
"No need," Yuan Xin said lightly. "I'll handle it when I find the time. It's getting late—take a shower and rest. Tomorrow's another busy day."
"Right," Lin Siya replied quickly, almost tripping over her words. "Got it." She fled toward the bathroom.
Inside, she realized there was no cleanser or makeup remover in sight. She was just about to go ask when Yuan Xin appeared at the door, holding a basket.
Lin Siya froze. Inside were all her favorite skincare products—her exact brand, even the same packaging.
How…?
Her mind went blank for a moment. Yuan Xin had never gone out tonight, which meant she must've bought all this long ago.
Even the towel was new. And that pajama set sitting on top of the basket—it was exactly her style.
No way did Yuan Xin wear something like that.
"Here." Yuan Xin handed her the basket.
"Th-Thanks…" Lin Siya accepted it, heart thudding wildly. "Xin, how did you know what brand of skincare I use? And this pajama set—did you… buy it for me?"
"I've been to your place," Yuan Xin said matter-of-factly. "You were wearing that pajama style the first time we met."
Lin Siya's face went hot instantly. "R-Right. Well, thanks. I'll, uh… shower now. You can go out."
"Okay."
As soon as Yuan Xin stepped out, Lin Siya locked the door and let out a long breath, pressing a palm to her burning cheeks. Her heart raced uncontrollably. She even prepared all this beforehand…
Her lips curved unconsciously. Is it what I think it is?
But then doubt crept in. Yuan Xin was a meticulous person—maybe it didn't mean anything. If she was wrong, how awkward would that be?
Caught between sweetness and confusion, Lin Siya began washing up. The familiar scent of her favorite cleanser calmed her a little. As she removed her makeup, she smiled. This really is a good brand. My skin looks brighter already.
When she came out, Yuan Xin was on the couch. "The guest room's ready," she said.
"Thanks."
Trying to hide her flushed face, Lin Siya nodded quickly, asked which room it was, and hurried off to bed.
As she lay down, she thought mischievously, Once she showers, I'll sneak a peek—see what she really looks like without makeup.
But she never got the chance. Sleep claimed her first.
When she woke, sunlight was already streaming through the window.
She groaned, smacked her forehead, and stepped out—only to be greeted by the smell of breakfast.
Yuan Xin emerged from the kitchen with a tray in hand.
Lin Siya blinked at the sight, her lips curling into a sleepy smile. "Morning, Xin."
"Wash up and eat," Yuan Xin said simply.
Lin Siya sighed inwardly. A devil, she thought. A beautiful, infuriating devil.