[Moonlight Café — September 17, Wednesday, 12:50 PM]
The bell above the door chimed softly.
Wang Xiaoling looked up from wiping down the espresso machine, her professional smile already forming on her lips.
Then she saw them.
The silver-haired man entered first. His clothes were expensive but understated—tailored charcoal jacket, crisp white shirt without a single wrinkle. Military bearing in his posture. The kind of expensive that didn't need logos.
The woman beside him made Wang Xiaoling forget to breathe for just a second.
Breathtakingly beautiful. Long black hair falling like silk around her shoulders. A face that belonged on magazine covers, not in a quiet neighborhood café during the afternoon lull. She wore a simple dress that probably cost more than what Wang Xiaoling made in three months.
The few other customers in the café turned to look. Whispers started immediately.
Wang Xiaoling's professional smile faltered for just a fraction of a second before she caught herself.
Oh great, a rich couple. What are they doing here?
This morning, Long Tian had sat at the corner table. A pleasant university student who talked to her with understanding and a sense of camaraderie — someone she could count on.
These two stepped into her café like they were visiting a different world entirely.
The comparison hit her chest like ice water.
"Welcome to Moonlight Café."
Her voice came out steady and professional despite the unease crawling up her spine.
"What can I get you?"
The silver-haired man smiled. It reached his eyes, polite and friendly.
"Two specialty coffees, please. Whatever you recommend."
The beautiful woman added softly, "And whatever pastries you have. We're not in a hurry."
Her tone was gentle. Her voice carried a melodic quality.
Wang Xiaoling's hands moved on autopilot, reaching for cups and preparing the espresso machine.
Why are rich people being so friendly?
Her mind raced even as her body went through the familiar motions.
What's their angle? What do they want from me?
She had learned long ago that when wealthy people smiled at you, there was usually something they wanted.
The coffee machine hissed to life. Steam curled upward, carrying the rich scent of coffee through the quiet café. Soft jazz played from the speakers overhead. Afternoon sunlight slanted through the windows, painting golden rectangles across the polished floor.
Everything looked peaceful.
But Wang Xiaoling's shoulders were tense beneath her apron as she worked.
-------------------
The silver-haired man leaned casually against the counter while she worked, watching her movements with polite interest.
"The café has good ambiance. How long have you been running it?"
Wang Xiaoling didn't look up from tamping the espresso grounds.
"Uhmm… It's not mine. I just work here."
The beautiful woman tilted her head slightly, observing the layout with what looked like genuine attention. Her dark eyes moved across the equipment, the arrangement of pastries in the display case, the worn but well-maintained furniture.
"The owner trusts you for solo shifts?"
Wang Xiaoling glanced up, slightly surprised that she'd noticed.
"During slow hours, yes."
The woman's expression softened with something that looked like understanding.
"Rent must be expensive here. That espresso machine isn't cheap to maintain either."
Wang Xiaoling's hands paused for just a fraction of a second before continuing.
She looked at the beautiful woman properly this time. Really looked.
"You know about café operations?"
The woman's smile was small and genuine.
"I own one down in the high-end residential district. So, yes, I know a thing or two about café operations."
Wang Xiaoling stayed cautious, but something in her chest loosened slightly.
"Business has been slow lately, hasn't it?"
The silver-haired man's voice was casual. Just making conversation.
But the question hit too close.
Wang Xiaoling's defenses went back up immediately.
"It varies."
Her phone buzzed on the counter beside the register.
She glanced at it unconsciously. Her expression tightened with worry before she could stop herself.
The man noticed.
"The equipment is well-maintained but older models." His tone stayed conversational, almost gentle. "You're working alone during afternoons—owner cutting labor costs. Revenue is down."
Wang Xiaoling's eyes widened.
How did he—
"You check your phone constantly." He continued with the same calm precision. "Just now, you turned toward it immediately when it buzzed. Your expression showed worry. Not social media. Something serious."
Ice water rushed through Wang Xiaoling's chest.
How does a stranger read my entire life in three minutes?
"Medical bills?"
His voice remained gentle. Not interrogating. Just observing with terrifying accuracy.
Wang Xiaoling felt exposed. Stripped bare under fluorescent lights by someone who could see straight through her professional mask to every problem she'd been desperately hiding.
"And also, you look tired." The man's eyes were kind but relentless. "You already have dark circles despite being young and healthy. Not from partying—more like from stress. The kind that keeps you up at night."
Her hands trembled slightly on the espresso portafilter.
He added quietly, "I know… medical bills are the worst. They don't stop. They just accumulate."
The words escaped before Wang Xiaoling could stop them.
"My mother. She's in the hospital. The bills..."
She caught herself, eyes wide with shock at her own confession.
Why am I telling him this?
The man met her eyes calmly. No judgment. No pity. Just steady understanding.
"How bad is it? The bills."
She hesitated.
Then the number fell from her lips like a confession.
"One hundred thousand yuan. Total."
The man's expression didn't change, but his attention sharpened. Focused completely on her now.
"And the immediate pressure?"
Wang Xiaoling's voice broke slightly.
"Eight thousand yuan. Due by next week or they'll discharge her."
"Discharge her from what kind of treatment?"
Her eyes filled despite her desperate attempt to hold everything back.
"She's been in a coma. For three years now."
The man went very quiet.
The espresso machine hissed softly in the background. Jazz music played overhead. Warm light streamed through the windows.
But he stood absolutely still, his silver hair catching the light. His expression shifted—something settling behind his eyes that made Wang Xiaoling's chest tighten further.
He understood now. She could see it in the way his posture changed. The way his gaze held steady on her face.
Not just the numbers. Not just the immediate crisis of eight thousand yuan due next week.
He'd put together the whole picture. Three years of accumulating debt. A mother who wasn't getting better. Bills that would never stop coming. Discharge threats hanging over her head like a sword.
There was no end in sight. Just drowning a little more each month.
Wang Xiaoling had never told anyone the complete truth before. Not her friends. Not her coworkers. Certainly not strangers in expensive clothes who wandered into her café.
Except to that one person early this morning.
Long Tian.
But this man had read her entire life in less than five minutes.
And somehow, the expression on his face wasn't pity.
It was something else entirely.
-------------------
Xiao Yue stood quietly beside Lin Feng while he talked to the café worker.
His voice stayed gentle as Wang Xiaoling's walls crumbled. She knew that precise way he read people — seeing straight through their defenses to the pain underneath.
Wang Xiaoling's voice broke. She talked about how her mother was in the hospital in a state of coma for three years, the sky-high bills, the discharge deadline.
She even shared a few things about her life and her grievances.
Lin Feng listened to all of it with steady attention. Patient. Understanding. Never judging.
The same way he'd listened to Xiao Yue herself last night.
Her fingers curled against her palm.
He's doing it again.
Wang Xiaoling wiped at her eyes with trembling hands. Lin Feng said something quiet, and the café worker nodded, looking like she might cry.
Always helping someone. Always caring.
Xiao Yue's chest tightened with something sharp and uncomfortable.
Lin Feng is just like this. I know that. But still…
Watching him give that same attention to someone else—
Her breath caught.
A memory flickered at the edge of her awareness.
Distant. Half-buried.
A hand reaching out when she'd needed help most. When she'd been dying. When no one else had even looked at her.
That day in the park.
The memory pulled her under like a wave.
-------------------
[Public Park — Six Years Ago]
The park bench was hard beneath Xiao Yue's skeletal frame.
She had been on her own for months already. Raised with a golden spoon, Xiao Yue had never experienced poverty. Right up until that day.
She sat hunched forward, bones jutting through filthy clothes that hung loose on her twelve-year-old body. Her hands trembled as she held them out toward passing strangers.
Please. Just a few coins. Anything.
No one stopped.
They walked past like she was invisible. Some averted their eyes. Others stepped around her without breaking stride, conversations continuing as if a dying child wasn't begging right in front of them.
After all, she was just one of many dying children in the city — dozens like her called that park home.
Xiao Yue's vision swam. She'd been starving for weeks. Eating from dumpsters when she could find them. Half-rotten food that made her sick, but hunger always won over nausea.
Her body was shutting down. She could feel it.
Just... a little... more. Need coins... Need... food...
The thoughts barely held together in her head anymore. Everything felt distant and hazy, like she was watching herself from somewhere far away.
I'm dying.
The realization settled over her with strange calm.
So… this is it. This… This is how it ends.
Then footsteps approached.
Then they stopped.
Right in front of her.
Xiao Yue looked up weakly.
A young man stood there. His silver hair catching the mid-afternoon sunlight. He was her age. Wearing expensive clothes and handsome features to match.
But his eyes were distant. Unfocused. Like he wasn't entirely present in his own body.
They stared at each other in silence.
He didn't say anything. He didn't even ask her name or why she was begging. Just looked at her with those strange, disoriented eyes.
More footsteps—several men in dark suits rushing toward them.
"Young Master! You shouldn't be walking around the city alone!"
"It's dangerous for someone of your condition—"
The attendants surrounded the silver-haired young man, voices urgent and worried, looks of concern filling their faces.
But he didn't respond to them.
Instead, he raised one hand and pointed at Xiao Yue.
His voice came out quiet. Matter-of-fact.
"Can you please give her some water. And food. And… uhmm… one thousand yuan."
The attendants froze.
"Young Master, we should return to—"
"Please? She looks like she is struggling..."
The attendants looked at each other first before giving Lin Feng a slight affirmative bow.
Then, one attendant crouched down reluctantly and pressed a bottle of water into Xiao Yue's trembling hands. The plastic felt cool against her palms. Real. Solid. Condensation beaded on the outside—it was fresh, cold, expensive water. Not the lukewarm tap water she sometimes managed to beg.
Another attendant unwrapped warm bread from paper wrapping and placed it carefully beside her on the bench, like he didn't want to touch her. The scent of fresh-baked bread hit her nose—soft, yeasty, still warm from the bakery—and her stomach cramped with such desperate hunger that she nearly vomited.
The third attendant pulled out a leather wallet, his movements precise and professional. He counted out crisp bills one by one, each one landing on her lap with impossible weight.
One hundred. Two hundred. Five hundred. Seven hundred. Nine hundred.
One thousand yuan.
Each bill was new. Unwrinkled. The kind of money that had never seen struggle.
It was more money than Xiao Yue had seen in months.
But it was nowhere close to the amount she had in her name, right until a few months ago.
Right before she was locked out of her own assets and would not be able to touch them for the next seven years.
Not until she turned 19.
She stared at the food, the water, the money piled in front of her. Unable to process what was happening.
The young man hadn't moved. Still watching her with those distant, unfocused eyes.
Then the attendants guided him away gently.
"Come, Young Master. Let's get you back safely."
He turned without another word.
He didn't ask her name. He didn't even wait for her thanks.
He didn't look back.
The boy just walked away like he'd completed some task he'd set out to do.
Xiao Yue sat frozen on the park bench.
The bread was still warm in the paper wrapping. The water bottle sat heavy and real in her hands. The money lay scattered across her lap.
Tears should have come.
Relief. Gratitude. Joy at being saved.
But something else rose in her chest instead.
Something hard and cold and absolute.
Iron resolve forging itself in the hollow space where her desperation had been.
I… Someone actually gave me something… without asking for anything back in return...
Her brilliant mind—starved and dying just moments ago—suddenly sharpened with crystal clarity.
I… How can I repay such life saving favor…
No… I will definitely… I will definitely repay him…
I will find him.
The thought settled into her bones like a vow.
I will repay this a million-fold.
She stared at the bread in her hands. At the water. At the impossible wealth of one thousand yuan.
Her fingers tightened on the water bottle.
Who is he…
What's his name?
I…
And he actually… he actually helped me…
Without asking anything back.
I… I must definitely find out who he is…
I must… I must repay his kindness…
A life… for a life…
Xiao Yue looked at the departing silver haired figure, the fire in her eyes rekindled by hope…
From someone who finally gave her a fighting chance at life.
-------------------
[Moonlight Café — Corner Table — 2:00 PM]
Xiao Yue blinked.
The memory released her slowly, like surfacing from deep water.
They were sitting at the corner table now. Coffee cups empty. Afternoon light slanting through windows at a different angle.
How did I end up here?
Six years ago, she'd made a vow on that park bench. A life for a life. Find him. Repay him.
It was simple, clean and straightforward.
That lasted exactly one year. It took me a year to find him.
But because in the past I was too shy and too introverted to start talking to him, I stalked him instead.
It has been true for the last 5 years. I spent my entire days watching Lin Feng from the shadows, learning about him and memorizing all of his routines.
Lin Feng has saved my life without asking for anything in return...
When did obligation become this?
I…
She looked at Lin Feng across the table. His silver hair catching afternoon light. The same gentle features she'd memorized for five years, now close enough to touch.
Her chest fluttered.
Ridiculous.
I…
I… Xiao Yue… have fallen completely, irreversibly in love with my savior.
And I have no regrets.
This is what I wanted.
The past hour had flowed naturally. Around them, customers talked quietly. Soft jazz played. The espresso machine hissed occasionally.
Xiao Yue and Lin Feng spent the entire time just talking. Books. Travel. Random observations.
Normal couple things.
Lin Feng was explaining why soup dumplings were overrated.
"—half the time they break and spill everywhere. It's more frustration than flavor."
"You're eating them wrong," Xiao Yue said.
"There's a wrong way to eat dumplings?"
"You bite into them directly. You're supposed to nibble a small hole first, sip the soup, then eat."
Lin Feng stared at her. "How do you know how I eat dumplings?"
"I watched you struggle through an entire basket at that restaurant near campus. Last November."
"You—" He laughed. "You stalked my dumpling technique?"
"It was painful to watch."
He stopped mid-laugh.
Lin Feng's eyes flickered toward the counter. Toward Wang Xiaoling, just for a second.
Xiao Yue caught it.
She watched him try to refocus. Watched the distraction sitting behind his eyes.
He's thinking about that Wang girl. About the bills. About her mother in a coma.
Of course he is.
She'd known this for five years. Watched him help strangers countless times. His inability to walk past someone struggling.
And I fell in love with him anyway.
Fine…
Lin Feng has always been like this.
He always loves to help people in need.
As a good future wife of his, I must support him wholeheartedly.
Though as a side effect of that generosity, that woman might fall in love with him later.
Well, I'll just remind him then who is his one and only woman.
Xiao Yue reached across the table.
Her fingers brushed his hand.
Lin Feng looked up.
"You want to help her, don't you?"
He went still.
"What?"
"That Wang Xiaoling." Her thumb traced a small circle against his palm. "You've been thinking about it since we sat down."
A slight flush colored his cheeks.
"I—"
"It's okay." Her voice came out gentle. "I know you."
Lin Feng's hand turned beneath hers, fingers lacing through.
"Am I that obvious?"
"To me? Always."
He was quiet. Just holding her hand. His thumb brushing against hers.
Then he spoke quietly.
"Well, I was thinking of making an anonymous payment. Through the hospital billing system."
"Why?"
"Well, I don't want to get entangled to her… You know?" Lin Feng, looking away from Xiao Yue.
In response, Xiao Yue let out a slight smile, "Well, well, well! Looks like someone is considerate today. Hehehe… So it's completely anonymous then?"
"Well." Lin Feng smiled mischievously. "Mostly."
"Mostly?"
"The payment note would state: 'This bill has been paid in full by an anonymous donor. This could have come from anyone—except Long Tian.'"
Xiao Yue stared at him.
Then she started laughing.
"You—"
Xiao Yue laughed so hard that her shoulders shook, causing her to draw glances from nearby tables.
"You—" She tried to speak through it. "You petty—"
"Strategically petty," he corrected.
"You never changed at all."
The words slipped out before she could stop them.
Lin Feng's expression shifted. Curious.
"What do you mean?"
Xiao Yue's laughter faded into a warm smile.
"You're still the Lin Feng I know."
He frowned, genuinely confused. "When have you seen me do something like this before?"
Six years ago. In a park. When you stopped and helped a dying girl without asking for anything. And then forgetting about the girl you saved back then.
But she couldn't say that.
Not yet.
Xiao Yue finally calmed down then squeezed his hand gently.
"It's not important."
Lin Feng studied her face. Trying to piece together what she meant.
But after a moment, he let it go.
His fingers tightened around hers.
"You don't mind? That I want to help her?"
The question was soft. Almost vulnerable.
Mind? How could I mind you being exactly who you are?
"No." Her voice came out quiet. "I don't mind."
This is why I fell in love with you.
Lin Feng's smile returned. Relieved and grateful.
He pulled out his phone with his free hand, keeping their fingers laced with the other.
"I'll set it up now. It should be cleared by tomorrow."
Xiao Yue watched him type one-handed.
Still holding her hand the entire time.
Like he didn't want to let go.
The thought settled warm in her chest, right next to the six-year-old vow.
A life for a life.
She'd thought she understood what that meant back then.
Now she was starting to realize it meant something entirely different.
-------------------
[2:30 PM]
Lin Feng's phone buzzed on the table between them.
He glanced at the screen. His expression shifted slightly.
Two messages from Lin Weiwei.
[Lin Weiwei: Big Brother. Bring Xiao Yue to Lin Group Headquarters. 4 PM. Conference Room A.] Received: 02:30 PM
[Lin Weiwei: Your time with her is over. I'm your fiancee, not her, remember that!] Received: 02:30 PM
Lin Feng sighed quietly.
He turned the phone so Xiao Yue could see.
She read the messages, her expression thoughtful.
Then that small, knowing smile appeared on her lips.
"Looks like your sister is about to make her move."
Lin Feng's eyes sharpened. "Do you know Qingwan?"
Xiao Yue's smile widened slightly. Mysterious.
"I haven't met her yet." Her tone suggested far more knowledge than those words admitted. "I only know a few things about her."
Lin Feng studied her face. Curious now.
"How do you know anything about her?"
"Research." Xiao Yue's voice stayed light. "It's only natural for me to learn about my future husband's family."
"Oh! So what kind of research—"
"Nothing important." She squeezed his hand gently. "Just enough for me to know that your sister and I will have a harmonious relationship."
Lin Feng's frown deepened. He opened his mouth to press further.
Then closed it.
After a moment, he let it go.
His fingers tightened around hers instead.
"So, a family meeting then…" His voice came out dry. "Uhmm… wanna come with me and meet my Big Sister?"
Xiao Yue's expression shifted. The playfulness fading into something harder. More focused.
"Is that supposed to be a question? Of course I'll go. So… We shouldn't keep them waiting. I need to create a good impression with your sister."
Her tone carried quiet steel.
Lin Feng looked at her carefully.
But pushing now wouldn't get answers. He'd learned that much about Xiao Yue already.
She revealed things in her own time. On her own terms.
"You're ready for this?"
Xiao Yue's smile returned. Sharper now.
"I've been ready for years."
-------------------
[2:35 PM]
The two of them finally stood to leave.
Lin Feng walked to the counter where Wang Xiaoling was wiping down the espresso machine.
"Thank you for the coffee. It was excellent."
Wang Xiaoling's professional mask slid back into place immediately.
"Thank you for coming."
Her voice came out polite. Carefully neutral.
But her eyes still held that guarded quality. For some reason, she could not help but compare the silver haired guest to Long Tian.
They look like good people. They're kind and they don't seem to be like those many rich second generations.
But still…
Long Tian…
I feel like Long Tian is still a better person than them. He… I think he even wanted to help me with my mother's medical bills.
While Wang Xiaoling was deep in thought, Lin Feng nodded and turned to go.
Then Xiao Yue's hand caught his arm.
He stopped, looking down at her.
Before he could say anything, she rose up on her toes.
And kissed his lips. It was a soft and gentle kiss. Unhurried. Like they had all the time in the world.
At first, Lin Feng's eyes widened slightly. A flush immediately colored his face.
Then he kissed her back, his hand finding the small of her back, pulling her closer.
Xiao Yue pulled back, a genuine smile warming her features.
"I had a wonderful time today. Thank you for bringing me."
Lin Feng recovered slowly, a smile appearing on his face.
"You're welcome."
"I mean it." Her voice came out warm and sincere. "Today was perfect."
Behind the counter, Wang Xiaoling watched.
She saw the way the beautiful woman looked at the silver-haired man. Saw the softness in her expression. The genuine affection that had nothing to do with calculation or performance.
Then she looked at the silver-haired man. On his face, she saw acceptance and affection without the slightest hint of manipulation.
They really are in love.
A small pang of envy twisted in her chest.
What would it be like? To have someone look at you like that?
But even as the thought formed, her mind went back to Long Tian. To his warm smile this morning. The way he'd talked to her like an equal. Someone who understood struggle because he lived it too.
These two are kind. But Long Tian is... real.
He's relatable. Someone I could actually—
She stopped that thought before it could complete.
Why am I even thinking about Long Tian so much?
Xiao Yue linked her arm through Lin Feng's.
They walked to the door together.
The bell chimed softly as they left.
Wang Xiaoling stood behind the counter, watching them disappear down the street.
Why was I thinking about Long Tian so much?
Because Long Tian is a better person… A person who understands me… right?
-------------------
[Outside Moonlight Café — 2:40 PM]
They stepped outside into the sunlight.
The autumn air was crisp and clean. Golden light painted the street in warm tones.
Lin Feng's luxury car sat parked across the street where he'd left it.
But there was a crowd around it.
There were at least twenty people. Students mostly, but some passersby too. All clustered around the sleek vehicle with phones out.
They were taking pictures, recording videos and posing against the hood for selfies with their friends.
"Is this someone's car?"
"Look at this model!"
"Let me get a picture!"
"Do you think it's a celebrity's?"
Lin Feng stopped walking.
He stared at the spectacle unfolding around his car.
Xiao Yue followed his gaze. Then her shoulders started shaking with quiet laughter.
Lin Feng sighed deeply.
"We're taking public transport."
Xiao Yue raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes.
"Oh? The Second Young Master of the Lin Family taking buses? That's new!"
"The Second Young Master who doesn't want to fight through that crowd. And besides, what's wrong with buses?" He pulled out his phone. "Also, I don't want to explain to twenty strangers why I need my own car back. And I don't feel like driving."
His fingers moved across the screen, typing quickly.
[To: Lin Family Driver]
[Lin Feng: My car is outside Moonlight Café on University Street. Crowd around it. Please retrieve and deliver to penthouse building. Park in underground garage.]
Message sent.
He pocketed his phone and looked at Xiao Yue.
"So… with the date and the kiss, did you have a wonderful time?"
Xiao Yue's smile turned softer.
"Yes I had a wonderful time."
"Though, the public kiss was... kind of unexpected."
"Unexpected? Can't your girlfriend show affection to you, her boyfriend?"
Lin Feng studied her face. There was something in her expression. Something warm but also slightly wistful.
"You're being unusually sentimental."
Xiao Yue smiled at him mysteriously, her hands behind her back. Not bothering to explain her thoughts about the entire afternoon to him.
It doesn't matter if he forgot. Because I remember. And that's enough.
"I'm allowed to appreciate you," she said softly. "That's all there is to it."
Lin Feng sensed there was something deeper she wasn't saying. Some layer of meaning he was missing.
But he didn't press.
After a moment, he just took her hand.
"We need to get to headquarters by 4 PM."
Xiao Yue glanced at the crowd still swarming his car. Someone was now sitting on the hood taking a photo.
"By bus and commuter rail?"
"Unless you want to wade through that crowd and explain who we are."
"I don't mind explaining who I am, and my identity is simple — I'm Lin Feng's girlfriend — your girlfriend."
They both looked at the scene across the street. The phones. The excited chatter. The selfies.
Xiao Yue laughed softly.
"Okay… Public transport it is."
Lin Feng's expression turned more serious.
"Lin Weiwei's waiting. With Qingwan. For a 'family meeting.'"
Xiao Yue's hand tightened on his arm. Her playful amusement faded into something more focused.
"Then let's not keep them waiting."
They turned away from the café.
Away from the crowd and the car.
Walking together toward the bus stop down the street.
Hand in hand.
Next stop: The Lin Group Headquarters.
-------------------
[End of Chapter]