The warm afternoon sun filtered gently through the tall trees lining the campus, casting dappled shadows on the pathways where students strolled leisurely between classes. Li Mei adjusted the strap of her backpack as she walked beside her best friend, Zhao Ling. The two had just finished their afternoon lectures at Liyang University, and Ling had suggested a simple plan to unwind.
"After this, do you want to go for a walk in the park?" Zhao Ling asked with a smile.
Li Mei nodded happily. "That sounds perfect. I could use some fresh air."
The park was not far from campus—a sprawling green space filled with blossoming flowers, quiet benches, and winding trails that led to a small lake in the center. It was a favorite spot for many locals, a peaceful oasis in the busy city.
As they entered the park, the soft hum of conversation mixed with birdsong filled the air. They wandered past blooming cherry blossoms and the delicate fragrance that seemed to soothe the mind.
Ling laughed lightly. "I swear, these flowers bloom just for us."
Li Mei smiled, enjoying the carefree moment. The world felt calm and simple, far removed from her secret life that awaited her after dusk.
As they rounded a bend near a cluster of benches surrounded by colorful flowerbeds, Zhao Ling suddenly froze, her smile fading.
"Li Mei…" she whispered, her voice tense.
Following Ling's gaze, Li Mei's eyes landed on two young men leaning against a tree, watching them intently. One was tall and muscular, with a sneer that made Li Mei's skin crawl. The other was shorter but just as intimidating, a cruel glint in his eyes.
It didn't take long for Li Mei to realize who they were—Ling's ex-boyfriend and one of his friends. The tension was thick, and Li Mei instinctively stepped closer to Ling.
The taller one called out mockingly, "Well, well, if it isn't little Ling and her friend. What are you doing here alone? Lost your way?"
Ling's jaw clenched. "We're just taking a walk. Leave us alone."
The shorter one smirked. "Or maybe you want to hang out a little more… with us."
Li Mei's eyes narrowed. She stepped forward and spoke firmly, voice low and cold, "Touch her, and you'll regret it."
The two men burst into laughter, clearly not taking her seriously.
"Who does this girl think she is?" the taller one sneered as he took a step toward Ling.
Without warning, Li Mei moved like lightning. With two swift, precise moves, she caught both men off guard—grabbing one by the arm, twisting it behind his back, and using his momentum to throw him to the ground. The other tried to reach for Ling, but Li Mei blocked him and pushed hard, sending him stumbling backwards.
The two attackers scrambled to their feet, cursing and glaring, before deciding it wasn't worth the fight. They vanished quickly into the park's winding paths.
Ling exhaled deeply, looking at Li Mei with wide eyes. "That… was amazing. How did you do that?"
Li Mei shrugged, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I just don't like bullies."
What neither girl noticed was the man watching them from behind a cluster of bushes nearby. Tall, dressed impeccably in a dark suit, with sharp eyes that missed nothing. Zhao Wei — the 27-year-old CEO and elder brother to Zhao Ling.
A slow smile curved Zhao Wei's lips. "Interesting," he murmured.
His friend, standing beside him, glanced over and whispered, "She's beautiful, isn't she?"
Zhao Wei didn't take his eyes off Li Mei. "Yes, she is. And she's mine."
After the confrontation, Zhao Ling and Li Mei continued their walk through the park, eventually finding a pair of benches surrounded by fragrant flowers and shaded by an old oak tree. They sat down, the afternoon warmth mellowing their earlier tension.
After a few minutes, Li Mei, exhausted from the day and the sudden fight, slowly leaned her head onto Zhao Ling's shoulder.
Ling smiled softly but soon felt the gentle weight become heavier as Li Mei's breathing slowed. She had fallen asleep.
Just then, Zhao Wei appeared beside them silently, his presence making Ling stiffen.
He leaned toward Ling and nodded subtly toward Li Mei, silently asking her to let Li Mei rest.
Ling looked down at her sleeping friend, then nodded silently. She stood, leaving Li Mei resting on the bench.
Zhao Wei carefully lifted Li Mei's head and gently placed it on his own shoulder.
The quiet moment stretched on. After some time, Li Mei stirred and slowly opened her eyes.
Her gaze first searched for Zhao Ling but found only Zhao Wei sitting quietly nearby.
Embarrassed, she whispered softly, "I'm sorry… I didn't know that…"
Zhao Wei smiled warmly. "It's okay. You could have slept a bit longer. Come on, sit back down."
Li Mei shook her head politely, standing up and quickly walking away, cheeks tinged pink.
Zhao Wei watched her go, a smile still lingering on his face.
The city lights began to flicker on as dusk settled over Liyang. Li Mei returned home to a welcoming scene: her grandparents seated quietly in the living room, her mother bustling about, and her uncle chatting near the kitchen.
She greeted them with a soft smile and headed to her room.
There, she ate a light meal and prepared for the night ahead.
As the sky darkened, Li Mei donned her black mask and sleek black suit. She mounted her beautiful black horse, a silent companion under the moonlight.
Tonight, she was no longer the shy college girl. She was the silent guardian—the shadow protecting the city's helpless from the dangers lurking in darkness.
Her mind was clear, focused only on the mission.
No distractions.
No fears.
Just her and the night.
The park had offered her a rare moment of peace today.
But now, as she galloped through the quiet streets, Li Mei felt alive in a way no one around her could ever understand.
Her secret was hers alone.
And for now, that was enough.