Chapter 10
The plane landed in Regional Capital.
Jennifer scouted for half a month before finally opening her cafe in a quiet old alley.
The “Next Second” signboard shone with dazzling light.
Sunlight slanted through the floor–to–ceiling window in one corner, warming everything.
Regional Capital enjoys pleasant weather year–round, though rainy seasons last longer now.
Jennifer was wiping the window when the door chimes jingled crisply.
“Dylan?”
The man at the door wore a black trench coat that accentuated his height, holding a child’s hand.
He froze momentarily before recognizing her. “Jennifer?”
Memories flooded back as they reconnected instantly.
Dylan, her senior by two years in Film Studies, had been legendary on
campus.
Handsome and brilliant behind the camera, his works swept every gold medal at film festivals.
Professors praised him as a born genius.
Chamer 13
She never imagined meeting him here.
“An iced Americano, please.”
Dylan scanned the cafe while speaking.
“What brings you here?
Is this your child?”
“My niece.”
Dylan pinched the child’s cheek. “Tiantian, say hello to sister.”
The girl looked up with rosy cheeks, whispering shyly,
“Hello, sister.”
That sweet, soft voice melted Jennifer’s heart instantly.
“Tiantian, play with sister for a bit?
Uncle will join you after work.”
For thirty minutes, Jennifer entertained her while Dylan worked by the window.
The girl kept stealing glances at Jennifer.
When Jennifer paused, Tiantian pulled her hand to watch drawings.
Dylan observed them with a gentle gaze.
“Tiantian rarely warms up to strangers this fast.”
Dylan murmured while paying.
Chapter 10
Jennifer smiled. “She’s adorable.”
As they left, Tiantian tugged Jennifer’s sleeve. “I want you to watch me draw again.”
Jennifer crouched and hugged her. “You’re always welcome to draw here.”
Tiantian reluctantly released her sleeve, yawning sleepily.
Dylan carried her out, Tiantian waving back until they turned the corner.
Jennifer watched their silhouettes vanish in sunlight, warmth spreading through her chest.
Whenever free, Dylan brought Tiantian to visit.
During rushes, he’d help Jennifer serve customers.
Tiantian curled quietly on the corner sofa, reading Dylan’s picture books.
In quiet moments, Dylan wrote scripts beside her.
Jennifer would brew him tea.
Dylan always thanked her politely.
Tian–Tian would blink her bright eyes and smile at Jennifer.
One sunny and breezy afternoon, Dylan suggested taking Tian–Tian to the amusement park.
“Would you like to join us?”
He patted Tian–Tian’s head. “She’s been wanting to go with you.
Chapter 10
Jennifer smiled. “She’s adorable.”
As they left, Tiantian tugged Jennifer’s sleeve. “I want you to watch me draw again.”
Jennifer crouched and hugged her. “You’re always welcome to draw
here.”
Tiantian reluctantly released her sleeve, yawning sleepily.
Dylan carried her out, Tiantian waving back until they turned the corner.
Jennifer watched their silhouettes vanish in sunlight, warmth spreading through her chest.
Whenever free, Dylan brought Tiantian to visit.
During rushes, he’d help Jennifer serve customers.
Tiantian curled quietly on the corner sofa, reading Dylan’s picture books.
In quiet moments, Dylan wrote scripts beside her.
Jennifer would brew him tea.
Dylan always thanked her politely.
Tian–Tian would blink her bright eyes and smile at Jennifer.
One sunny and breezy afternoon, Dylan suggested taking Tian–Tian to the amusement park.
“Would you like to join us?”
He patted Tian–Tian’s head. “She’s been wanting to go with you.”
Chapter 10
Jennifer initially planned to decline, but remembering the child’s hopeful gaze softened her resolve.
The amusement park buzzed with laughter as Tian–Tian hopped excitedly, holding Dylan’s left hand and Jennifer’s right.
Eventually, the trio stopped before the haunted house entrance.
“Scared, sweetheart?”
Jennifer playfully squeezed Tian–Tian’s hand.
“Not with you and Uncle.”
Tian–Tian declared, pulling them forward.
Pitch darkness engulfed them inside, icy drafts seeping from unseen crevices.
Jennifer shivered as eerie howls echoed around them.
Suddenly, a ghoul–costumed actor lunged at Jennifer’s face.
She recoiled with a gasp, cold sweat drenching her back.
Dylan swiftly pulled her close against his chest.
“Just keep walking with your eyes shut if you’re frightened.”
Jennifer’s pulse steadied as she leaned lightly against Dylan’s shoulder, letting him guide her.
Only when faint light emerged ahead did she slowly open her eyes.
“Almost out.”
Dylan murmured, supporting her elbow carefully.
Emerging into daylight, Jennifer exhaled deeply.
She froze upon realizing she still lingered against Dylan, then jerked away abruptly.
