Chapter 15 - 015: Besides plum blossom, what else would you like?

Words : 1251 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 15: 015: Besides plum blossom, what else would you like? "No." Yu Zhi frowned, the pain in her wrist making her uncomfortable. She pointed at the open brocade box at the center of the antique shelf. "That one." Her response caused Shi Wei to freeze for a moment. He had thought... Once he understood, the coldness in his eyes instantly dissipated. Shi Wei let go of her hand, and when he saw her wrist reddened, a flicker of helplessness flashed through his deep black eyes, and a strange irritation swelled within him. He clicked his tongue lightly, pressing his tongue against his molars. His gaze swept over her rain-soaked clothes, then he quickly went to the bathroom and brought back a bath towel, tossing it onto her head. "What else do you want?" "Hmm?" Yu Zhi asked while pulling the towel off her head, wiping away the rainwater on her body. She draped the towel around her shoulders and wrapped herself snugly. Shi Wei sat on the desk, one leg crossed over the other, his chin gesturing slightly toward the antique shelf. "Besides that, is there anything else you want?" "No, that's enough." One plum blossom was all she needed; she couldn't be greedy. Yu Zhi lowered her gaze and glanced at the small piece of chocolate rolling near the corner of the desk, almost melting. Her lips pressed together tightly. Shi Wei followed her line of sight, and when he realized it was a broken piece of chocolate, a faint smile lifted the corners of his lips. What a glutton. "You can take that box, but..." Shi Wei paused. He looked directly into her eyes. "First, you need to tell me who you are." Yu Zhi didn't hesitate and immediately revealed the title that was renowned across the Imperial City: "Prince of Divine Thief." Shi Wei sized her up, recalling overheard outlandish rumors at Lanting Square a while ago. The smile on his lips deepened. "Come here." Shi Wei walked over to the antique shelf, closed the brocade box containing the plum blossom artifact, and handed it to her. "You're really giving it to me?" Yu Zhi hesitated before taking it, her expression betraying some doubt. Who would willingly hand something over to a thief? Shi Wei didn't reply; he simply shoved the brocade box into her hands, proving himself through action. He glanced outside, noting the dim sky. His tone was indifferent. "There's an umbrella at the door." After throwing this remark, Shi Wei brushed past Yu Zhi and, as he approached her, paused momentarily. Lowering his head slightly, he leaned close to her ear, his voice low. "You can take the chocolate with you." His warm breath fanned gently across her neck, leaving Yu Zhi frozen in place. Her light caramel almond-shaped eyes shimmered faintly, and her heart, previously as calm as a still lake, was suddenly struck by an unseen pebble, rippling endlessly. Yu Zhi stared toward the doorway, clutching the brocade box in her hand, tightening her grip without realizing that her secret had already been uncovered. In the adjacent bedroom. Shi Wei held a cigarette between his fingers, stretched out in a beanbag chair, gazing out the window. The rain grew heavier, its hazy mist enveloping the floor-to-ceiling window with veils of moody white. He took a deep drag, but his thoughts inevitably drifted to the porcelain-like skin of her slender neck, tinged with a delicate rosy hue. He wasn't sure when the cigarette had burned down completely. When the remnants of ash fell and the tingling heat reached his fingertips, Shi Wei finally snapped back to his senses. Cursing under his breath, he forcefully stubbed the cigarette butt into the ashtray, as though venting some frustration. Shi Wei shut his eyes, trying to banish those intrusive thoughts from his mind. Yet he couldn't tell if it was merely his imagination, but he seemed to still catch whiffs of her faintly sweet, peachy fragrance lingering in the air. "Damn it!" Shi Wei kicked the desk, its edge scraping loudly against the floor. Sitting upright, he gripped the lighter in his hand, repeatedly turning the wheel. The flame flickered on and off, as if it wouldn't tire. When Shi Wei pushed open the study door, the room was already empty. The box of chocolates still sat on the desk, untouched, with only two conspicuous golden wrappers discarded in the trash bin. The window was halfway open, raindrops eagerly splattered their way inside, leaving scattered blotches on the floor. Shi Wei approached the window, intending to shut it, but his eyes landed on a painfully familiar hand. His pupils tightened, and when he looked down, he saw the girl suspended entirely in midair. Shi Wei's heart skipped a beat, his pulse racing as he grabbed her arm. "What the hell are you doing?" He growled, his tone brimming with anger and worry. Yu Zhi was startled by his voice. As she looked up, ready to respond, he pulled her up in one swift motion. The force he used was immense; Yu Zhi hadn't even steadied herself before crashing against his chest. For a moment, the atmosphere solidified, and the air stilled. Her touch melted away all the fury in Shi Wei's chest, leaving his body slightly stiff. Lowering his head, his voice softened with an almost imperceptible gentleness. "Couldn't you use the front door?" His words snapped Yu Zhi back to reality, and she promptly took a step back, creating some distance between them. "It's just a habit." Yu Zhi's voice was controlled, devoid of any discernible emotion. Her lowered eyes were framed by lashes still carrying droplets of water, sparkling under the light. Shi Wei took a deep breath, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Go sit over there." "Okay." Yu Zhi shifted her gaze to her arm briefly before pulling it back and heading quickly toward the sofa to sit down. Shi Wei went to the bathroom, leaning against the cold wall, staring at his palm as if he could still feel the lingering warmth in its grasp. "This is ridiculous." He muttered under his breath, then quickly took down a towel, gripping it tightly in his fist. Returning, Shi Wei once again tossed the towel over her. Bracing his hands on the desk, he stared at her unblinking. When he noted that she hadn't taken off her soaked hat despite everything, he went back to the bedroom and fetched her a replacement hat and a mask. Placing them beside her, he turned his back to her and said, "Put them on. I won't look." Yu Zhi hesitated, casting a glance at him to make sure he wasn't peeking before swiftly removing her hat. "I'm leaving now." After drying herself thoroughly, Yu Zhi rose and took a step toward the exit. She had never interacted with the owners of stolen items before. Tonight's exceptions were already far too many; the longer she stayed, the higher the risk of exposure. Shi Wei replied with a faint acknowledgment, trailing behind her. "I'll walk you out." Yu Zhi was preparing to decline, but the strap of her backpack was suddenly yanked. When she turned around, her gaze met his enchanting, flirtatious eyes. Her breath hitched momentarily. "What are you doing?" "Walking you out." Shi Wei tugged on her backpack strap, showing no intention of letting go.

Chapter 15 - 015: Besides plum blossom, what else would you like?

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