The Villain in the Quick Travel is My Wife

Chapter 13

Chapter 13.1.13

Liu Qingmei noticed the two men as soon as they boarded the bus. It was hard not to, given how distinct their appearances and demeanors were. One was like the warm spring sun-handsome, spirited, and radiant. The other was elegant and refined, like a graceful cluster of flowers, possessing a quiet charm that made him stand out in the crowd.

Noticing An Shuting glance their way, Liu Qingmei smiled and asked, "Are you two brothers? You seem very close. Are you headed to Jincheng?"

An Shuting, slightly surprised at being addressed, quickly responded with a polite smile, "I suppose you could say that. I'm just following my brother's lead."

Only then did he remember he hadn't asked Sun Yuebai where they were going, so his tone was hesitant at first but softened, sounding like an obedient younger brother trusting his elder's plans.

Impressed by his gentle, polite voice, Liu Qingmei's eyes brightened. "By the way, my name is Liu Qingmei. What's yours? I wish my brother were like you-he never listens to me and loves to do the opposite of what I say."

Her tone, though grumbling, was warm and familiar. Seeing An Shuting's attentive expression, she continued, "So, are you from Jincheng? Are you still studying?"

An Shuting frowned slightly at the barrage of questions. Before he could respond, a quiet but firm voice interrupted: "Young lady, it's best not to talk to strangers so freely. The world isn't always safe."

Turning around, An Shuting saw Sun Yuebai's half-smile, his eyes laced with thinly veiled impatience. He placed an arm around An Shuting's shoulder-a gentle but firm gesture.

Liu Qingmei looked embarrassed. A round-faced girl sitting next to her couldn't hold back and retorted, "We didn't mean any harm. Why do you have to be so harsh?"

An Shuting glanced at the girl, his expression unfazed. He didn't think Sun Yuebai's words were out of line; even in his own time, people still fell victim to human traffickers, especially young women.

His response was somewhat cold: "My brother just means well. It doesn't hurt to be cautious when you're out. Human traffickers tend to target young, naive girls."

The girl, initially annoyed, now looked flustered. An Shuting suddenly felt a bit foolish for engaging in an argument with a stranger. He turned back to his luggage, organizing the snacks and tea they had just bought.

Sun Yuebai arched an eyebrow, unfazed by the angry glares directed at him. He watched An Shuting carefully arranging their things, feeling a rare moment of warmth. "I thought you'd think I was being a bit much."

He was well aware of his own temperament-many from his troupe had often muttered that he was sharp and difficult.

He'd grown tired of conforming when he was young, and after living most of his life for others, he decided it was time to act as he pleased.

While packing, An Shuting was lost in thought about what qualities would make a good partner. He knew he wanted to set a high standard so Sun Yuebai wouldn't end up with just anyone in the future.

Hearing Sun Yuebai's words, he looked up and responded with mock seriousness, "I think you're right. It's just that some people are more tactful, while others are direct."

He recalled his own mentor, who had taught him not only medical skills but also the art of speaking kindly and considerately. Despite this, An Shuting realized he'd only mastered the basics; his straightforward nature remained.

This time, Sun Yuebai truly smiled, his eyes brightening as he picked up a bamboo stick and fed a meatball to An Shuting. "Such a sweet response deserves a reward."

An Shuting blinked, accepting the meatball in one bite. The savory taste lit up his expression. With a new resolve to be a thoughtful partner, he picked up another meatball and held it out to Sun Yuebai. "You look a little thin. You should eat more."

Sun Yuebai instinctively leaned back, eyeing the meatball, which was about the size of a baby's fist. He was about to refuse, but An Shuting's sincere gaze made it difficult. Ignoring the curious glances around them, he took an awkward bite.

An Shuting's eyes curved with amusement, a faint dimple appearing on one cheek. "How is it? Isn't it tasty?"

Sun Yuebai dabbed the corner of his mouth with a handkerchief, chewing thoughtfully.

He'd never been particular about food; it had always been a simple necessity. But watching An Shuting's contented expression, he found himself savoring it just a bit more.

An Shuting seemed to sense Sun Yuebai's moment of joy, and it bolstered his confidence. Noticing a few sesame seeds clinging to the corner of Sun Yuebai's mouth, he gently took hold of the hand holding the handkerchief and remarked, "You missed a spot. It's still not quite clean."

With one hand, he held Sun Yuebai's face, using his fingertips to carefully pick off a tiny sesame seed. He chuckled softly. "See? It almost looks like a beauty mark when you put it here."

As An Shuting leaned in, Sun Yuebai's breath caught, his heartbeat thudding as if it might leap out of his chest. His hands, resting on his knees, clenched instinctively.

After brushing the corner of Sun Yuebai's mouth, An Shuting intended to release his hand. But as he looked at Sun Yuebai's lips, glistening and delicately shaped, his gaze lingered, and his mind drifted, momentarily captivated.