Mo Ying's steps cut through the quiet night as he came toward them. Before San Na could react, he reached Lin Xu, took her hand firmly, and pulled her behind him in one smooth, protective motion. Lin Xu froze in surprise. San Na's entire world tilted as she stared at the sight of his hand wrapped so tightly around Lin Xu's. For a moment, she couldn't breathe.
Mo Ying didn't even spare her a glance. His eyes were fixed on San Na, cold and sharp. "Didn't I warn you," he said, voice low with anger, "to stay away from Lin Xu?"
San Na tried to steady herself, forcing her expression into something calm. "We were only talking."
"Talking?" Mo Ying scoffed. "Threatening her counts as talking now?"
San Na's eyes widened, panic flickering across her face. "I wasn't threatening her—"
"I heard everything," he cut in coldly. He stepped closer, keeping Lin Xu firmly behind him as though shielding her from danger. "If you dare threaten her again, I won't tolerate it."
