The sky was heavy with clouds, threatening rain as Su Zaizai hurried through the streets after school. She clutched her bag tightly, hoping she would make it home before the storm broke. But as if on cue, the first drops began to fall, light at first, then quickly growing into a steady downpour.
Zaizai cursed under her breath, glancing around for shelter. The nearest bus stop was too far, and the school gates offered no cover. She tried running, but the rain soaked her quickly, clinging to her hair and clothes.
"Zaizai!" a familiar voice called from behind.
She turned and saw Zhang Lurang approaching, his usual calm demeanor unshaken even in the rain. In his hand was a large black umbrella. Without a word, he held it over her head, the edge shielding her from the worst of the storm.
"Thanks," she said, surprised, her voice muffled by the rain.
"You're welcome," he replied simply, his tone neutral but steady.
They walked together in silence, the sound of rain falling around them filling the space between words. Zaizai noticed how the umbrella was just big enough for the two of them, forcing them to walk closer than usual. She tried not to think about how close, but it was impossible — his shoulder brushed hers occasionally, a warmth she hadn't expected in the chilly rain.
"Do you… always carry an umbrella?" she asked finally, breaking the quiet.
"Not always," he said, glancing down at her. "Just… when needed."
Zaizai felt her cheeks heat up. He spoke so simply, but every word seemed to carry weight, every glance a quiet acknowledgment of her presence.
By the time they reached the street corner near her home, the rain had slowed to a drizzle. Lurang stopped and handed her the umbrella. "You can keep it," he said.
Zaizai blinked in surprise. "Really?"
He nodded once. "It's yours now. Don't lose it."
She took it, feeling the unexpected weight of the gesture — not just the umbrella, but the unspoken care behind it. "Thank you… really," she whispered, her heart fluttering.
Lurang didn't answer. He gave her a faint nod, turned, and walked away, his figure disappearing into the rainy streets.
Zaizai watched him go, holding the umbrella tightly. A small smile formed on her lips. Today, something had shifted. Something unspoken but undeniable had passed between them.
And for the first time, she realized that maybe, just maybe, Zhang Lurang was not as distant as he seemed.
The rain had washed over the city, but it had also washed over the walls between them — leaving a quiet, lingering connection in its place.
End of Chapter 7