But his hair—black, parted down the middle, soft yet meticulously styled—hinted at careful grooming.
Had it not been for the exquisitely tailored suit he wore, Yaxi might have mistaken him for a model. She barely reached his shoulder.
This was the first time Yaxi had encountered someone like him, and she immediately realized her mistake. No wonder this elevator was tucked away—it must be private.
The man's cool gaze swept over her, sending a shiver down her spine.
Don't provoke him, a voice whispered within her. Someone like her would be crushed effortlessly in his presence, insignificant as an ant.
Lowering her head, Yaxi retreated silently to the corner, avoiding eye contact. She stood there, staring at the floor, resolved to disappear into the shadows.
I'll wait until he's gone, then press the elevator button again, she thought, cursing Lu Ziyang under her breath.
Li Chongming found the girl peculiar. She hadn't pressed any buttons—was she planning to ride with them? Little girl, if you step out with us, you're done for. Zhou Ye will think you're stalking him.
Though Li Chongming usually reserved his charm for beautiful women, he couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for her.
"Miss, which floor are you headed to?" he asked politely, turning to face her.
Slowly, the girl raised her head, revealing large, feline eyes.
Li Chongming met her gaze and felt an involuntary shiver run through him.
Hmm… Her eyes were striking—wide and cat-like, filled with quiet intensity.
Her voice was steady and melodic, devoid of fear. "Eighth floor, please."
Eighth floor? One of Zhou Tao's guests, then.
Li Chongming stepped forward and pressed the button for the eighth floor as the elevator ascended past the sixth.
The doors opened promptly, and the girl stepped out calmly, not sparing a backward glance.
Only after the doors closed did her legs buckle, and she leaned against the wall, trembling slightly.
After Yaxi left, Li Chongming murmured, "Her eyes remind me of someone…"
"You meet ten women a day. It's no wonder she reminds you of someone. She's just a high schooler. Don't get any ideas," Zhou Ye said icily.
Li Chongming rolled his eyes. "Come on, Ye, you're misunderstanding me. I'm not that depraved."
Zhou Ye remained silent. He disliked being addressed by his nickname.
The elevator ascended to the top floor, where Zhou Tao's private residence was located. As City B's most esteemed psychologist, appointments with him were rare and highly sought-after. Mental health care in the country was still in its infancy, with most psychiatric departments and clinics lacking professionalism. The psychological social work system was equally underdeveloped, often worsening patients' conditions and driving them further from society. Zhou Tao, armed with his Harvard credentials, had dedicated himself to advancing mental health treatment in the country, frequently sleeping at the hospital.
Zhou Tao was Zhou Ye's uncle. Every week, Zhou Ye visited the hospital to check in on him.
Li Chongming was still pondering the girl's gaze—Who does she remind me of? Who? It's unsettling—when he accidentally entered the wrong password.
Zhou Ye shot him a disdainful look. "Let me handle it."
With that glance, realization dawned on Li Chongming.
"Damn, she looks like you, Ye."
"?"
"That girl's eyes… they're like yours. Calm on the surface, but simmering with disdain underneath."