The Tang residence slowly came alive with the scent of breakfast.
Morning sunlight filtered through the carved wooden windows, falling gently over the long dining table in the main hall. Steam curled lazily from porcelain bowls, filling the space with warmth—both in smell and spirit.
Tang Meilin entered first.
She had changed into a soft, light-colored dress, her long hair loosely tied.
"Already awake?" a familiar voice teased.
Tang Yuze was seated at the table, sleeves rolled up, chopsticks already in hand. He hadn't started eating—clearly waiting for her.
"You said breakfast, not brunch," he added lazily. "I've been starving."
Meilin raised an eyebrow. "That's because you're impatient."
She placed Zimei on the floor beside her chair, and the puppy immediately curled up, satisfied just being near her.
The table was filled with a spread worthy of the Tang household—
Silky steamed egg custard, pale yellow and trembling slightly.Fresh xiao long bao, skins translucent, soup glistening inside.Golden fried youtiao, crisp and fragrant.Warm soy milk, lightly sweetened.Small plates of pickled vegetables, braised peanuts, and hand-pulled noodles tossed with scallion oil.
Yuze glanced at the food, then at her. "so many dishes. Why are there always so many dishes when you're around?"
Meilin calmly picked up a spoon. "Because you can't eat , maintain your figure brother."
He scoffed. "Rude.even though, I need energy, i will finish all the dishes today."
She shot back instantly, "You need self-control."
They both paused—then burst out laughing.
From the head of the table, Grandpa Tang watched them quietly, cane resting by his side. The stern lines of his face softened as he observed the scene.
Too long, he thought.It's been far too long since this house felt this alive.
"Eat properly," Grandpa Tang finally said, voice calm but fond. "No arguing at the table."
"Yes, Grandpa," they replied in unison—then exchanged looks and grinned.
Between bites, Yuze leaned back casually. "Two days left before your college starts, huh?"
Meilin nodded.
"Then let's go out," he said immediately. "No work. No labs. No meetings."
She glanced at him. "Go where?"
"A movie."
Her chopsticks paused mid-air.
"My movie," he added quickly, eyes bright. "It releases today. I want to watch it with you."
Meilin studied him for a second—then smiled. "Alright."
Yuze's grin widened. "Deal."
—
An hour later, two figures slipped into the underground parking lot.
Tang Yuze was completely covered—cap pulled low, mask, sunglasses. Even his posture had changed, careful and alert. Meilin matched him, mask and sunglasses hiding her face, hair tucked neatly away.
They blended in.
At the theater, they bought tickets quickly and slipped inside.
The hall darkened.
As the movie played, Yuze occasionally leaned over, whispering, "That scene took twenty retakes,"and "I almost laughed there."
Meilin listened, amused, eyes never leaving the screen.
For once, she wasn't thinking about toxins, investments, or enemies.
She was just… someone's sister.
—
They didn't notice the camera.
A few rows behind them, a fan hesitated—then snapped a photo.
Just silhouettes.Two figures sitting close.No faces.
Minutes later, Yuze stiffened.
"…We should go."
They left quietly before the credits finished.
—
By the time they were in the car, Yuze's phone buzzed nonstop.
He glanced at the screen, then groaned. "Too late."
Meilin leaned over.
Trending on Weibo:
#TangYuzeGirlfriend##WhoIsTheWomanBesideTangYuze##BackViewMysteryGirl#
She blinked—then laughed softly. "Your fans are impressive."
Yuze sighed dramatically.
—
At the same time, across the city—
Xie Zihan exited Capital University with his classmates.
"Did you see this?" someone said, holding up a phone."Tang Yuze has a girlfriend."
Zihan glanced over—then froze.
The photo loaded.
Just a back view.
Just a familiar silhouette.
His chest tightened.
…That figure.
That posture.
That feeling.
His fingers curled slowly.
"It can't be," he murmured.
But his heart already knew.
The laughter around him faded.
By the time he reached his apartment, the sky had darkened.
He closed the door behind him and leaned against it, eyes lowering.
"So… I really lost her."
The words echoed in the quiet room.
And for the first time since letting her walk away—
Xie Zihan felt the weight of regret settle deeply into his bones.