Chapter 86: A Familiar Face

There weren’t many people on the subway. Chen Qi found a seat near the door and sat down.

He’d read online that there was a place with spectacular night views, and as he had nothing better to do, he decided to go see it for himself.

With only advertisements playing and no desire to scroll through his phone, Chen Qi glanced around the carriage, bored. Heaven only knew what he was hoping to find.

A few seconds later, he withdrew his gaze with a hint of disappointment. None of the scattered passengers around him offered much of a pleasing sight.

Left with nothing to do, he turned his attention to the advertisement on the screen opposite. Coincidentally, it was playing a trailer for an action film. It looked promising. Chen Qi considered whether he should visit the theater when he had time.

After a dozen minutes, as the subway passed a certain station, a girl with a ponytail on the opposite platform caught his attention.

The doors opened, and he saw her wheel a small suitcase aboard.

By chance, she took a seat diagonally across from him, separated by only the door.

Chen Qi glanced at her discreetly.

She had delicate features, her swaying ponytail and plain dress exuding a pure, innocent charm. Even with her light makeup, her youthful energy shone through.

She was probably still a student.

What drew Chen Qi’s notice wasn’t solely these qualities—or at least, not entirely. She seemed familiar, as if he’d seen her somewhere before.

He tried to recall but could not place her.

Was it just his imagination?

After pondering a moment and coming up empty, he let the matter go. It was likely a trick of the mind.

He’d only been in this world for just over a month; a girl this beautiful and so exactly his type, if he’d truly met her before, he wouldn’t have forgotten.

Perhaps he’d simply been too exhausted lately.

He mused thus.

Diagonally opposite, the girl sat quietly with her hands folded atop her suitcase. She neither played with her phone nor looked around like Chen Qi, simply sat in silence.

Chen Qi regarded her with appreciative eyes.

He harbored no bold intentions, merely expressing his yearning for beauty through action. After all, there wasn’t much scenery worth admiring on this subway.

Besides, wasn’t it scientifically proven that beautiful things bring joy to body and mind?

The subway soon reached the next station, and more people boarded.

Chen Qi glanced up at the real-time station board opposite. Two more stops to his destination.

At that moment, he noticed a newly boarded uncle. He stood out among the crowd—wearing a somewhat worn camouflage jacket and a dusty yellow safety helmet.

From his attire, he was likely a construction worker.

He moved carefully through the crowd, searching for a relatively spacious spot.

Perhaps it was the force of his appearance, but many people instinctively moved aside upon seeing him, keeping a considerable distance.

The uncle seemed well accustomed to this; he bowed his head humbly, nodding as he hurried along.

Whether by coincidence or simply not seeing where he was going amid the crowd, he accidentally kicked the ponytail girl’s suitcase.

Startled, the girl, who hadn’t been paying attention to her surroundings, jumped.

“Sorry, sorry,” the uncle exclaimed, flustered and apologetic.

The girl regained her composure and gave him a sweet smile, shaking her head to show it was fine.

The uncle visibly relaxed, quickly moving to the side.

Perhaps moved by the girl’s kindness, he found a spot right beside her.

Chen Qi watched the scene unfold. When the girl smiled so sweetly, he couldn’t help but smile himself.

Smiles, after all, were infectious.

Just as he was about to stand and offer the uncle his seat, something unexpected happened.

Perhaps after a long day’s labor, the uncle was simply too tired. He sat right down on the floor, carefully tucking in his feet to take up as little space as possible.

Chen Qi was momentarily stunned.

He glanced around. Several people nearby had noticed as well, but none showed surprise; they glanced over casually and then looked away, as if it was the most ordinary thing in the world.

“Uncle, there’s a seat here,” said the ponytail girl, apparently startled by his action, rising from her seat.

“No, no,” the uncle waved his hand, grateful. “This is fine. I’m too dirty.”

“It’s alright,” the girl replied.

“No need, people will mind,” the uncle said, smiling. Such words, so full of sorrow, he uttered with utter naturalness.

The ponytail girl paused, her lips moving slightly as if she wanted to say more. But for some reason, she said nothing further, only biting her lip.

“It’s fine, miss, you sit,” the uncle said with a gentle smile, withdrawing his gaze.

She sat back down in silence, looking troubled.

Chen Qi, who’d intended to offer his seat, had heard their quiet exchange in full. After several swift thoughts flashed through his mind, he abandoned the idea.

He could give up his seat, and even insist the uncle sit, disregarding others’ opinions.

But then, the uncle would likely be uncomfortable the entire time.

Let it be.

Chen Qi sighed softly in his heart, but his gaze unconsciously returned to the ponytail girl.

Because of the little episode just now, he felt immense affection for her kindness.

She sat even more quietly than before, silently watching the uncle’s back on the floor, her gaze complicated.

Then, her eyes gradually reddened.

Afterward, she looked up and stared upward for a long time.

Seeing her so evidently moved and saddened, a peculiar light flickered in Chen Qi’s eyes.

An immature idea rippled through his mind, uncontrollable.

This was the person he’d been searching for!

In that instant, the notion of night scenery was forgotten. His only thought was to find a way to bring her into his studio.

Just then, the subway stopped. Chen Qi looked up—his station.

But now, he had no intention of getting off.

Unexpectedly, the girl opposite wiped her face, stood up with her suitcase, and left the subway.

Before stepping off, she glanced back at the uncle sitting on the floor.

Chen Qi noticed her eyes were quite red.

Seeing her exit, he hurriedly followed.