Hannah also looked up.

She didn’t notice someone was quietly approaching from behind her.

The crowd moved forward, someone in a hurry to squeeze out, and Hannah was pushed, stumbling backward.

She steadied herself but ended up in someone’s arms.

"I’m sorry,"

she apologized.

A very low and deep voice came from above her head.

He said, "It’s okay."

Hannah instinctively looked up and met a pair of extremely black and deep eyes.

They were like the night sky after the fireworks had fallen, dark and profound.

A very beautiful pair of eyes.

Especially because he was wearing a red demon-mask on his face, which drew even more attention to his eyes.

Fireworks burst behind them again.

The white light illuminated the entire night sky, and also the man’s pitch-black eyes.

The crowd pushed forward again.

The man extended his hand and, keeping some distance, protected Hannah in his arms, "Be careful."

Hannah said, "Thank you."

They followed the crowd forward and gradually moved toward the bridge.

People on the bridge were maintaining order, allowing only fifty people up at a time.

Hannah was just in the fifty-first position.

The man was still standing behind her, wearing that demon-mask on his face.

Wearing masks was also a custom during the Thousand Lantern Festival.

So many people wore them; the man stood in the midst, his tall stature not seeming out of place.

Some girls took notice of him, but when they saw Hannah, they subconsciously assumed they were a couple, and their budding feelings quieted down.

Jinlian obediently stayed in her owner’s arms, occasionally turning back to glance at the man.

The dog opened its mouth, revealing sharp teeth.

It was a warning.

Warning this man not to get close to its owner.

Its owner was already engaged.

Confronted with Jinlian’s warning, the man just slightly curved the corners of his mouth.

Jinlian felt provoked and began to growl.

"Jinlian," Hannah patted its back.

Jinlian instantly calmed down but still kept a close watch on the man.

The man shifted his gaze to the silver fireworks spreading across the sky.

The fireworks fell, landing in the lake.

The man lowered his head, his eyes landing on Hannah’s profile. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Seeing the laughter in her eyes lit by the light, the smile on his lips grew softer.

People on the bridge began descending from the other side, and the staff removed the barrier in front of Hannah, counting people through.

Another staff member stopped Hannah and glanced at the man behind her, asking, "Are you two a couple?"

The man didn’t answer, looking down at Hannah, waiting for her response.

Jinlian barked twice.

No!

Hannah said, "No."

The man dropped his gaze and remained silent.

The staff member nodded and handed over a pink lantern.

One for each person.

Couples received a pair of carp lanterns.

Those who weren’t couples received peach-shaped lanterns.

Signifying the attraction of romantic luck.

The two of them walked onto the bridge, one after the other.

The man, like a shadow, followed behind Hannah without speaking, mysteriously obedient.

Hannah turned back to look at him and asked, "Do you know me?"

The man was silent, and after a while, he shook his head.

The smile on Hannah’s lips faded slightly.

Lanterns hung in a row beneath the bridge, their light casting a pale yellow sheen on the water’s surface.

The river gently swayed, the glittering reflections catching in her eyes, like stars sinking into the deep sea.

Holding the lantern in her hand, Hannah stepped forward, her toes almost touching the man’s.