Outside the Xicheng Station.
A tall, slim girl with delicate features was walking quickly, her face full of unease.
Jessica Steele kept casting nervous glances over her shoulder—only to lock eyes with a pair of sharp, piercing ones. Instantly spooked, she picked up her pace.
Just before she exited the terminal, she had accidentally bumped into a man. She’d noticed him whispering something to his buddy, and ever since then, they’d been tailing her.
As she sped up out of the station, she realized the two men had done the same. Her heart was practically lodged in her throat. Jessica veered toward the side of the station, eyes darting around for any sign of help.
That's when she spotted him—a man in a military uniform, standing just around the corner with a phone to his ear.
In that moment, he was her lifeline. Without a second thought, she bolted toward him, grabbed a fistful of his uniform, and yanked him toward her. She spun behind him, using his solid frame as a human shield.
"Ma'am, let go." The deep, calm voice came from right above her.
Through the gap between his arm and torso, she could see the two men still lurking, scanning the crowd. Her hands clutched his uniform tighter as she pressed herself into him, trembling slightly as she whispered, voice soft but shaky, “Someone’s following me… please help me.”
As the words left her lips, Liam Griffin glanced down at the petite woman glued to his chest. Her rapid breathing gave away her fear. He looked away for a second.
Sure enough, not far off, two men were scanning the place like they were looking for someone.
Jessica’s heart was racing. Her throat felt dry. Suddenly, a large, warm hand gently pressed on the back of her head.
“Relax,” Liam said, voice low and steady.
They were close—really close. Jessica could hear his strong heartbeat, and the sound somehow calmed the panic in her chest.
She stayed there for a while, squeezing herself into his embrace so tightly her lips brushed against the embroidered service badge on his chest.
Eventually, she whispered, “Did they leave?”
Liam turned his head slightly. “Looks like it.”
Hearing that, Jessica sighed, finally stepping away. But when she looked up to thank him, the words caught in her mouth. Her eyes widened slightly, lashes fluttering, as she stared at the tall, striking man in uniform.
He looked like he’d walked out of a movie—about six foot three, broad shoulders, standing straight as an arrow. That uniform only made him look more commanding, almost untouchably sharp.
“It’s okay now.” His low voice was rich and smooth, like a deep cello note, and it seemed to stir something deep inside her.
Jessica froze, still a little dazed. Liam’s cool eyes landed on her, sweeping over her translucent skin and those big, dark eyes now reflecting his figure.
Regaining some composure, Jessica quickly looked away, cheeks tinged pink. “Thank you.”
“No problem. Want me to take you to the police?” Liam asked evenly."My friend’s waiting for me in the parking lot over there. Could you walk me there, please?" Jessica Steele looked up at him with those big, innocent eyes of hers.
Honestly, she was scared. She really didn’t want to bump into those guys again.
"Okay," Liam Griffin replied with a low, steady voice.
Walking beside him, Jessica felt this strange sense of safety, like everything would be fine as long as he was around.
Thanks to him, she made it to the parking lot without incident.
"Jessica!"
Jessica stopped, cheeks slightly flushed, and lifted her head to look at the tall, unreadable officer in front of her.
"My friend’s over there. Thank you so much for earlier," she said softly, a bit shy.
"Wasn’t a big deal," Liam said coolly. "Your friend’s here, so I’ll get going."
Without waiting for her response, he turned and walked away with those long strides.
Jessica stared at his fading figure, something sinking in her chest. Maybe... this really was the only time they'd ever meet.
"Jessica, what took you so long?"
"Ran into a bit of trouble earlier, thank God for that officer."
Lynn Carter gave her a surprised look. "Wait, are you blushing? Don’t tell me you’re still single?"
"Let’s not go there... we’re still friends, right?" Jessica sighed, the kind of sigh full of helpless drama.
Lynn clapped her on the shoulder. "Hey, don’t worry. Time’s on your side."
Jessica hummed half-heartedly.
Back in fifth grade, a boy had written her a love letter. Just as she took it with a red face, their teacher caught them. That night, her mom had a heart-to-heart with her, saying no dating allowed. Good boys grow up and serve the country—only the best get selected. And if she worked hard enough, she'd get to pick from the finest—or even get assigned one by the state.
She believed it. Turned down so many handsome boys, braved every friend's showy relationship, studied like crazy, skipped grades. But love? Yeah, it never quite showed up.
"Let’s get going," Lynn said, pulling her along.
"Shouldn’t we at least plan things out first?" Jessica looked around, unsure.
"Nah, I’ve been in Xicheng for years. I know this place like the back of my hand. Trust me, I’ll show you around right."
Jessica was about to respond when suddenly a commotion broke out nearby. She heard someone shout, "Call an ambulance!"
She turned and saw a large group of soldiers surrounding something—or someone.
"Where are you going?" Lynn grabbed her arm.
"I just wanna see what’s going on," Jessica said quickly, breaking away and rushing toward the group.
Lynn took a step forward, hesitated, then stayed behind.
Jessica pushed through the crowd and found a middle-aged man in uniform collapsed on the ground.
"Excuse me! I'm a doctor!" she called out.
The soldiers immediately parted to let her through.
She dropped to her knees, checking the man’s vitals with practiced hands.
"Does he have a history of heart issues?" she asked quickly.
"Yes."The moment she got the answer, Jessica Steele swiftly laid the older officer flat on his back and lifted his legs slightly. “Can someone hold his legs up? Everyone else, please step back.”
The soldiers followed her instructions. Jessica grabbed his hand and pressed down hard on the Hegu point.
After a few moments of emergency aid, the older man slowly opened his eyes. “Young lady, thank you.”
“I’m just glad you’re awake,” Jessica replied with a soft smile.
The man got up, looking much better, and began chatting. “If it weren’t for you today, I’d probably be a goner. Tell me, young lady, are you seeing anyone?”
Jessica blinked, caught off guard. “Not yet,” she replied, a little shy.
“You young people nowadays, none of you are in a rush for relationships. I bet your family’s on your case.”
“Yeah, my mom’s always pushing me to go on blind dates. But those are hit or miss.”
“Fair enough. Same goes for that kid—his mom’s been nagging, too. Liam Griffin!”
Jessica’s heart gave a little jolt when she saw who was walking over—it was him!
Liam’s sharp gaze landed on her, his expression freezing for a second. It’s her!
“Sir, are you alright?” Liam asked, all serious.
“Same old issue.”
So his name is Liam Griffin, Jessica silently repeated in her mind.
Realizing Lynn Carter was still waiting, she got to her feet. “I’ll head off now. Next time, maybe keep some candy and warm sugar water on hand, just in case.”
Her voice was gentle and soft, and Liam’s eyes flicked toward her without meaning to.
“Thanks again, young lady,” the older man said with a grateful nod.
Jessica smiled and waved at him before passing by Liam. Her steps slowed a second, then she jogged away.
“Such a sweet girl, and still single?” the officer mused. “Ugh, why didn’t I think of introducing her to you on the spot?”
“I’m a soldier. I shouldn’t hold anyone back,” Liam said quietly.
The older man shook his head. “Says who? Soldiers can fall in love too. Anyway, enough chit-chat. We’ve got work to do.”
He gathered the troops and walked off in another direction.
Liam continued forward with steady strides. As he turned a corner, his gaze unintentionally drifted toward the direction Jessica had disappeared to.
Jessica jogged over to Lynn, grinning. “All good now.”
“You’re seriously such a helper. Get in,” Lynn urged.
“Doctor habits, you know,” Jessica replied as she climbed into the car. Almost immediately, a strange scent hit her.
Just as she was about to ask about it, Lynn smacked her forehead. “Shoot! I left my wallet at the convenience store near the station. Jess, wait here—I’ll be quick!”
Before Jessica could respond, Lynn hopped out and shut the door.
Jessica figured she’d just wait. But suddenly, a wave of dizziness washed over her, making her woozy.
She reached for the car door, only to find it locked. Panic hit.
She instinctively fumbled for her phone—no signal.
Her vision started to blur. Just before everything went black, she saw Lynn standing outside with a creepy smile. And next to her—those same two men who’d followed her.
