Main Story Ch. 5-24 (NIGHT END) - His Boundaries (他的边界线) | Light and Night 光与夜之恋

Previously on Chapter 5-23... (Read here, or alternatively, read LIGHT END here)

Sariel: Didn't you want to soar early as a clumsy bird? Then soar for me.

In the enthusiastic claps from the crowd, I stepped onto this dazzling journey.

.

.

.

The beautiful journey is always too short, and right now, I'm already standing in the front of the runway.

Stepping down from the stage, the arc path leads to the two side curtains to the left and right, and I saw his figure in the turbulent crowd. 

Evan... Why is he here?

Where did he go after the banquet? Was the person who saved me from the fountain really him?

I can't help myself but to walk towards him in large steps--

You: Evan, why are you here...?

Evan looked at me quietly. The faint light shrouded on his figure, making him to look a little distant.

Evan: Thank you for taking good care of the ring. I'm sorry, I've hid something from you, and even have placed you into danger. But please believe that I will not harm you.

You: The drowning earlier, did you save me?

Evan hesitated, then nodded.

You: I heard that there are many secrets in this world, and perhaps it'll take us a lifetime and we still couldn't understand everything. Do you have secrets too? Is it related to the sudden appearance to rescue me?

Evan: Yes.

He did not hesitate.

Evan: I'm sorry for only telling you right now. I can actually hear and see things that are happening from afar. But, I usually choose to shut this ability off. To hear what you say is merely what I wish to do.

So that's how it is. No wonder he said he could see the anomalies outside the shop when we first met, there are so much of things that were beyond common sense, and I am actually only realizing it now. This ability is probably his talent.

Evan: So from now on, please do not take risks on your own, especially when it's related to me.

I subconsciously shook my head.

Evan: Why?

You: I can't put it clearly either. I am just feeling that if the feeling of wanting to protect overpowers the feelings of fear, I think I'd still do it. Because that is my own choice and decision.

Evan gently ruffled my hair.

Evan: You became different.

You: Eh?

Evan: When I saw you on the runway, I actually remembered the first time I saw you compete. Back then you were such a rookie, and all of your expressions were written all over your face, a little stubborn, yet also a little scared.

You: Am I becoming different now?

Evan: Mm. You have became better. Still very stubborn, but more determined, and even more confident.

You: Why do you make it sound like a long time has passed, but it has only been a few months for me.

Evan: Perhaps this is what growth is. No matter what, I wish for you to be a better version of yourself.

Evan leaned down, and gave me a hand.

Evan: I wonder, will I have the honor to escort the prettiest girl today to the stage for the curtain calls?

You: Yeah!

Under the dazzling lights, I stood at the center of the spotlight with the other model as if we are the world's protagonists.

What lights up along with the lights is the ring in my hand, but I completely didn't notice it as I was completely immersed in joy.

Fireworks have lit from the colorful show venue. They brightened the entire night skies, as if they can brighten the mortal world without requiring the moon and the stars, and bring happiness to the people.

A fake, temporary happiness.

People's eyes have always been able to see that bit of light in front of them, and are completely unaware of the sharp blade hanging high above their heads.

The man hiding under the stage saw the girl's smile on the stage, and stride into the cheering crowd.

Location: Lu's Family Mansion

The castle that was lively during the day is exceptionally quiet at this moment. Two men with different expressions stood in the grand hall, with a faint smell of blood lingering in the air.

Lu Ting: Master, I believe you have also witnessed it yourself. We could originally get our hands on the experiment target, but my good nephew didn't seem to agree with it. 

Lu Ting (internal monologue): I didn't expect my illusions to be incapable of trapping you.

Lu Ting: It's my incapability to have ruined the entire effort.

??: Evan, do you have an explanation for this?

Evan: I am doing all of this to ensure your plans can proceed smoothly.

Lu Ting: Nonsense!

Lu Ting: You've been so busy that you've gotten forgetful, uncle. You've probably already forgotten who has been repetitively messing up the plan. The reason why I protected her too, is because I was worried that the same mistake will happen again.

Lu Ting: You really have learned to imitate your mother's double-faced side* so perfectly.

*T/N: The exact idiom Lu Ting used is 两面三刀. It is a metaphor for a person with bad intentions, insidious and cunning, facing people with a side, then another side behind the backs, someone who's provocative and plays a double-faced trick.

Evan lowered his eyelids, and a cold smirk flashed past the corner of his lips.

The elder turned over as his thumb lightly caressed the double-headed snake carving on his walking stick, and the snake messenger began to spit out black air.

??: Evan, there are some matters that needs to be settled in England, I'll leave them to you. Go and receive your punishment.

It's midnight. The city has turned quiet, with only an overnight flight blinking in the red light of the same frequency that lets out its roars.

The grey-haired man stood up from the sofa, smiling as he looked down towards the dark grounds.