Chapter 2254 - 724: Vermilion Mark (2)

Back then, he firmly believed he was the protagonist of a comic, and protecting the weak was his heaven‑sent mission.

Thinking back now, for Zhang Yan, who was sensitive and lonely and boarding at her relatives’ home at the time—

He really must have been the only light in her world, and the only leading character.

So that’s why there would be this heavy yet pure secret crush that stretched over more than ten years.

Every time he revisited this hidden thread buried in their youth,

Tang Song would be flooded with emotions, and a boundless tenderness would rise in his heart.

She seemed to sense his unusual gaze, lowered her head a little in embarrassment, and her slender fingers unconsciously toyed with the lock of hair falling by her cheek and collarbone.

But she still couldn’t help it—every now and then she’d secretly lift her eyes to steal a glance at him.

She really, really missed him.

...

"One large, one small, two wide noodles, extra meatballs and braised pork, all done!"

Behind the stove, the owner raised his voice and shouted.

Zhang Yan instinctively started to get up to go fetch them.

But Tang Song directly pressed down on her shoulder. "Sit. I’ll do it."

With that, he strode over to the counter, a bowl in each hand, and carried the two steaming, fragrant bowls of noodles steadily back.

He gently set the smaller bowl down in front of Zhang Yan.

Then, with a crisp "snap," he deftly broke apart a pair of disposable chopsticks, carefully rubbing off any possible splinters before handing them to her.

Zhang Yan bit her lower lip, a soft tremor rippling in her eyes, murmured a "thanks," and took the chopsticks.

Head lowered, she stared at the three pieces of beef that had been stewed until tender and flavorful in her bowl.

After hesitating for a moment, she used the tips of her chopsticks to carefully pick up two of the pieces and place them into Tang Song’s bowl.

Only then did she pick up the smallest remaining piece, blow on it, put it in her mouth, and whisper happily, "Mm... it’s so good."

Her movements were completely natural, just like in all those countless days and nights before, rehearsed in her heart and in her dreams.

Tang Song looked at the two extra pieces of beef in his own bowl, then at the Zhang Yan across from him, content after just a tiny bite of meat, and a surge of indescribable emotion washed through him.

He suddenly stood up and picked up the bowl of noodles in front of Zhang Yan.

Under her startled gaze, he strode back to the counter.

"Boss, add some beef."

"Huh?" The owner froze for a second, then waved his hand a bit awkwardly. "Sorry, man, the beef in the noodle broth isn’t sold separately, there’s no set price for it."

Tang Song didn’t waste words. He directly pulled out his phone, aimed it at the QR code on the wall, and with a "beep"—

"Alipay has received—200 yuan."

The clear electronic voice rang out in the noisy little shop.

Tang Song set his phone down, looked at the owner, and said succinctly, "Give me a ladle."

"Hey! You got it!" The owner’s face instantly lit up. He grabbed a big iron ladle and scooped a full ladle of soft, fragrant beef from the old soup pot where it was stewing, piling it all on top of that bowl of wide noodles.

In an instant, the glistening red pieces of meat nearly covered all the noodles underneath.

Carrying this "fully loaded deluxe" bowl of noodles, Tang Song walked back and set it down in front of Zhang Yan again.

Looking at her apricot eyes, round with surprise, he smiled. "Eat."

Zhang Yan glanced at him, then at the bowl where the beef was stacked like a little hill. She pressed her lips together hard and didn’t say anything.

She only quietly lowered her head, picked up her chopsticks, and began to lift pieces of meat to her mouth.

In the tiny noodle shop, the place was packed and lively, humming with human warmth.

The students at the neighboring table were talking about games and novels.

From behind the stove came the owner’s shout, "One spicy, one not spicy!"

The sound of people slurping noodles rose and fell, mixing with the rich scent of spices and chili.

In the winter air, it all steamed into a warm yet noisy slice of everyday life.

And within this clamor, Zhang Yan seemed to form a quiet little world of her own.

Under his watching gaze, her cheeks flushed slightly as she ate with particular seriousness.

Just then—

"Ring ring ring—" Her phone suddenly rang.

Tang Song put down his chopsticks, pulled out his phone, and glanced at the screen.

[Qingning]

He immediately stood up. "Zhang Yan, you keep eating. I’m going out to take this call."

"Mm."

Zhang Yan nodded obediently, watching his figure quickly stride out of the little shop and stand at the bottom of the steps as he answered the phone.

A bright, happy smile instantly rippled across his brows and eyes as he said something in a low voice.

He stood at this street corner she knew like the back of her hand, slowly overlapping with the figure in her memories.

Unable to resist, Zhang Yan fished her phone out of her down jacket pocket, and through the glass window, she secretly snapped a picture of him.

"Click——"

"Buzz buzz buzz——" As she pressed the shutter, her phone vibrated.

Right after, she saw a new message from the "Flowers Wind Snow Three" group chat.

[Cheng Xiaoyue: "@Zhang Yan, have you arrived yet? Landed safe?"]

Warmth spread through Zhang Yan’s chest. She quickly replied, "I’m here, I’m here, already with a friend, totally safe."

[Lin Feifei: [Little Cutie Flower Shop.map]]

[Lin Feifei: "Yanyan, this is my flower shop. Free tonight? Come hang out, I’ll show you the new multi‑headed mini roses I’ve cultivated."]

Zhang Yan lifted her head and secretly glanced out the window at Tang Song, who was still on the phone.

Her cheeks flushed hot again as she replied, "Tomorrow. I just got in today, still have some really important things to sort out."

Yes, there was still one enormous thing she hadn’t figured out.

Where exactly was she going to stay tonight?

Even now, Tang Song hadn’t said, and she didn’t dare ask.

If... if it really was his place, what would she do?

The chat in the group continued.

[Cheng Xiaoyue: "Okay, then tomorrow. I’ve been wanting to check out Feifei’s flower shop too. It’s a two‑story little building with a tiny terrace, super pretty, and you can have barbecue there at night. The three of us can finally be together in Yan City again."]