A new understanding

The next morning, over breakfast, Xiao Zhan calls in his assistant, Mr. Sharma, his curiosity about Indian culture growing along with his interest in Kirti. As they settle into the discussion, Xiao Zhan leans forward, his tone unusually casual yet curious.

"Mr. Sharma," he begins, "tell me a bit more about... dating customs here in India. How do people usually go about it?"

Mr. Sharma is momentarily taken aback but quickly understands his boss’s intentions. Smiling slightly, he replies, "Well, dating in India can be a bit different than in other places, especially depending on the family and cultural background. For families like more traditional and close-knit—dating is often more restrained. Many people meet through family connections, or they may start as friends and gradually build trust. Open expressions of romance are rare, and family approval is usually very important."

Xiao Zhan listens intently, absorbing every word. "So, it’s about building a connection first, maybe a friendship?"

"Exactly," Mr. Sharma nods. "Respect is key. Small gestures, like helping with family activities or showing genuine interest in her life, can mean a lot."

Xiao Zhan considers this, realizing that getting closer to Kirti will require patience, subtlety, and a genuine understanding of her world. He smiles, feeling even more intrigued and ready to make the effort. For the first time in a long while, he’s looking forward to something beyond his business deals—a chance to connect with someone on a deeper level, in a way he hadn’t before.

Kirti wakes up at 7 a.m., her mind focused on the exam ahead. She goes through her morning routine, reviewing notes in her head while getting ready. Her mom calls her for breakfast, but as usual, Kirti declines—she’s never able to eat when she has something important on her mind.

Once she’s ready, her father starts the bike, and she hops on, sitting in the middle seat as always. They ride to the exam center, and her father gives her an encouraging smile before she heads inside.At the exam center, Kirti spots Diya waiting for her with an eager grin. After greeting each other, Diya instantly asks, "So, what’s this u text me late at night about a mysterious stranger at the mall?"

Kirti sighs, already knowing where this is going. "It was nothing, Diya. I just... almost fell, and he helped me. That’s all."

But Diya’s eyes light up with mischief. "Oh really? Just helped you? Or did he maybe catch you in his strong, protective arms?" she teases, mimicking a dramatic swoon.

"Stop it, Diya!" Kirti hisses, feeling her cheeks flush. "It wasn’t like that at all."

Unfazed, Diya giggles. "Well, was he handsome? Mysterious, mask-wearing stranger at the mall... sounds like a scene from a romance novel!"

Kirti shakes her head, trying to downplay the encounter. "I don’t even know who he is. It was just… awkward.

As the teacher enters, Kirti and the other students settle into their seats, and the exam begins. Kirti focuses, doing her best to put thoughts of the mall incident out of her mind. Hours later, the exam wraps up, and she feels a wave of relief. She steps outside, pulling out her phone to call her father.

Her father answers, but his voice is a bit strained. "There’s a lot of traffic today, Kirti. I might be a little late."

Kirti sighs but understands. "Okay, Papa. I’ll wait here."

She says goodbye to Diya and watches her friend walk off before settling down near the college gate to wait. A few minutes later, a sleek, black car pulls up nearby. Kirti notices it but doesn’t pay much attention until the car window rolls down, and a young man steps out.

"Miss Kirti?" he asks, approaching politely. "Sir would like to speak with you for a moment."

Kirti tenses up, recognizing the man as one of Xiao Zhan’s assistants. A flicker of surprise and suspicion crosses her mind, and she glances around, wondering what he could want with her. Her father isn’t here yet, but curiosity gets the best of her. She hesitates, but ultimately nods, cautiously following him over to the car to see what Xiao Zhan wants.

Kirti stands by the window, her heart pounding. She’s nervous, unsure of what this mysterious man could possibly want from her. Seconds later, the tinted window glides down smoothly, revealing Xiao Zhan sitting in the back seat. Her breath catches as she takes in his piercing blue eyes, striking and intense. The way he looks at her makes her pulse race, and she quickly glances down, unable to hold his gaze.

With a small, almost playful smile, Xiao Zhan leans slightly toward the window and, in a voice that’s both smooth and compelling, says, "Come inside, Kirti. I’d like to have a word with you."

Kirti feels a wave of hesitation—everything about him seems so different, so confident, and she’s not used to anyone talking to her this way. But the way he’s looking at her, with a mix of curiosity and something she can’t quite identify

Kirti, trying to steady her nerves, takes a small step back and replies firmly, "I can't just get into a stranger’s car. If you have something to say, you can say it right here."

Xiao Zhan’s eyes glint with amusement at her response, and a slight smirk plays at his lips. Her cautious nature and quiet strength intrigue him even more. He nods, respecting her boundary, and leans slightly closer to the window.

"Alright, Kirti," he says, his seductive voice but with a hint of challenge. "Then let me ask you here—can I be your friend?"

Kirti’s mind races, overwhelmed by Xiao Zhan's unexpected question. Her heart pounds, and a flush rises to her cheeks as she feels the weight of his gaze on her. Without another thought, she spins around and bolts back toward the college entrance, her footsteps echoing on the pavement.

Xiao Zhan watches her with a mix of surprise and amusement, his smirk widening as he realizes how flustered she’s become. He hadn’t expected her to run, but her reaction only makes her more intriguing to him.

As she hurries back into the college, Kirti feels a mix of embarrassment and relief. She scolds herself for reacting so impulsively, but her mind keeps replaying his intense gaze and the smoothness of his voice. Taking a deep breath, she tries to shake it off, telling herself it’s best to forget the whole encounter.

A little while later, Kirti's father arrives to pick her up. She climbs onto the bike, still shaken from her encounter with Xiao Zhan, though she tries to hide her unease. As they ride home, a strange feeling settles over her—a sense that someone is watching her.

Glancing to her left, her heart skips a beat when she spots a familiar black car driving slowly alongside them. Xiao Zhan is in the back seat, his gaze fixed on her. His presence is both unsettling and magnetic, drawing her attention despite her nervousness.

Kirti quickly looks away, trying to ignore the car and focus on the road ahead. She clings a little tighter to her father, hoping the ride will be over soon. But a part of her can’t help but wonder why Xiao Zhan is still watching her and what he could possibly want.

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