Roses in Flames

Several female colleagues came out of the police station and happened to witness this scene.

They didn't notice Xiao Lin behind them and excitedly discussed among themselves:

—Wow, isn't that forensic doctor Shen? Did he come here specifically to pick up our forensic doctor Ye?

—What a perfect match! At the last social event, I could tell that Forensic Doctor Shen was especially attentive to Forensic Doctor Ye, taking care of her in every way. She's so gentle and considerate.

—Since forensic doctor Ye had an unhappy marriage, if she were to remarry, she would definitely choose forensic doctor Shen first.

—Of course! Forensic Doctor Shen is handsome and refined, and gentle and considerate. What woman wouldn't like him? Anyway, I think no man in our team can compare to Forensic Doctor Shen.

—But I think our police station's Captain Xiao is also very handsome.

He's handsome, but he's cold and aloof, and doesn't seem to understand romance at all. Being with him would probably be boring. Forensic Doctor Shen is much better; he's elegant and charming, and seems to care about people's feelings.

—Yes, yes, young girls who haven't experienced much might like Captain Xiao's type, but women who have been hurt in marriages will definitely like Forensic Doctor Shen's type.

As the female colleagues were talking, they finally noticed something was wrong; it seemed as if a sharp, cold gaze was fixed on them from behind.

As soon as they turned around, they met Xiao Lin's unfathomable black eyes.

The female colleagues were all taken aback.

A guilty conscience flashed in their eyes, and after forcing a smile and greeting Xiao Lin, they quickly scattered like birds.

Xiao Lin was already feeling bitter and upset, and hearing his female colleagues' words made him even more annoyed.

Does he seem less charming than Shen Yan?

He doesn't seem as gentle and considerate as Shen Yan.

A woman who has been married before would never be with someone like him.

Xiao Lin watched Shen Yan's car disappear from sight, his face extremely ugly, as if he had a lump in his throat with nowhere to vent it.

……

The alumni gathering was a harmonious and warm affair, as everyone was in the same industry.

Besides discussing professional matters, they also reminisced about their university days.

As night deepened, the group moved to a karaoke bar after dinner.

Time flies, and by the time Shen Yan escorted Ye Yuntang back to her apartment building, it was already 10 p.m.

The car was parked downstairs in the residential area.

The night was quiet, and the streetlights cast a warm yellow glow.

After thanking Shen Yan, Ye Yuntang got out of the car.

At tonight's alumni gathering, Shen Yan's care for her was both straightforward and considerate.

He would quietly remove the bones from the fish she liked with serving chopsticks and put it in her bowl. When her cup was empty, he would immediately refill it with warm water. When the fruit plate was turned around, he would pick out peeled oranges and hand them to her. His actions were natural and delicate. He didn't say a single ambiguous word throughout the whole process, but she couldn't possibly not feel his extraordinary care.

She was already certain in her heart that Shen Yan had feelings for her.

But she only saw him as her senior brother.

As fellow forensic scientists, they'll inevitably collaborate in the future. If she were to reject him before he'd even expressed his feelings, the situation would certainly be incredibly awkward.

After getting out of the car, Ye Yuntang seemed a little absent-minded.

She pondered how to express her feelings without hurting Shen Yan's pride, while also preserving their friendship as colleagues and fellow students.

After taking a few steps forward, Shen Yan's voice suddenly rang out behind her, "Junior sister."

Ye Yuntang turned around and looked at Shen Yan, who was chasing after her.

The evening breeze carried fallen leaves, and one of them landed right on Ye Yuntang's head.

Shen Yan walked up to Ye Yuntang, his gaze gentle, and raised his hand, his fingertips lightly touching the fallen leaves above her head.

He picked up a fallen leaf with his slender fingertips. "There's this on top of my head."

Ye Yuntang snapped out of her daze, nodded, and said thank you.

Shen Yan smiled and stretched out his other hand, which was behind his back, holding an exquisite pastry box.

"I noticed you didn't eat much snack at the karaoke bar, so I'll take this home as a late-night snack so you can have something to eat if you get hungry tonight."

He shoved the box of pastries into her hands.

Ye Yuntang looked at the dessert he had specially bought for her favorite shop, and her heart became even more conflicted. She subconsciously wanted to say what she had thought about, but Shen Yan suddenly said "Good night" and turned to leave.

He got into the car, rolled down the window, and waved to her. "Go upstairs quickly, be careful."

He didn't give Ye Yuntang any chance to speak before driving away.

Ye Yuntang stared in the direction the car had left, lost in thought for a long time.

Senior Brother Shen Yan is so kind and gentle!

Unfortunately, she doesn't like that type anymore.

Fu Shili used to be just as gentle and considerate towards her, but later he changed.

She should find an opportunity to explain things to Senior Brother Shen Yan as soon as possible.

Ye Yuntang, carrying the desserts, turned around and prepared to walk forward.

Suddenly, she sensed something was wrong.

It was as if an unmissable gaze was fixed upon her.

Xiao Lin, dressed in all black, walked out of the convenience store, carrying a bag in his hand. His eyes were dark and deep, clearly having witnessed the scene of Shen Yan bringing him back.

Ye Yuntang felt a tightness in her heart when she saw his gaze.

She started walking towards him. "Why are you still up so late? What are you buying at the convenience store?"

Xiao Lin lifted his eyelids and glanced at Ye Yuntang. His cold and handsome face was devoid of any warmth. He didn't say anything and walked straight towards the elevator in the building entrance.

Ye Yuntang followed her inside.

There were only two people in the elevator, and neither of them spoke; the atmosphere was somewhat tense.

After exiting the elevator, the man stepped out first.

Ye Yuntang followed behind him, looking at the man's tall and aloof back. She couldn't help but find it amusing. "Captain Xiao, are you that jealous?"

Xiao Lin stopped and turned to look at the woman who was still smiling.

He tightened his gaze and spoke in a deep voice, "Forensic Doctor Ye, you know how you angered me."

Ye Yuntang glared at him, annoyed. "Why would I be angry with you? It's just a simple alumni reunion. You're overthinking it."

Xiao Lin's eyes darkened slightly. "I'm overthinking it. The way your senior brother looks at you is so tender it could drown someone."

Ye Yuntang raised an eyebrow, her red lips curving into a smile. "That just means I'm very charming. I'm a single lady now, so it's normal for people to pursue me, right?"

No, seeing the man's increasingly sour expression, she was about to lose control of her composure.

Xiao Lin gritted his teeth, his voice strained, "I thought I was special."

A hint of cunning flashed in Ye Yuntang's beautiful eyes. "So even Captain Xiao can be insecure."

Xiao Lin's face darkened. He turned and walked towards his apartment.

As he was about to enter the door lock code, Ye Yuntang walked over and softly called his name, "Xiao Lin."

The man turned around, but before he could say anything, she suddenly stood on tiptoe and kissed his thin lips.

"You are special."