Through The Lenses of Time ♡ Liu Xiao x Reader | Link Clink

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The tension didn’t disappear after your conversation with Liu Xiao. If anything, it only got worse.

You had his reassurance—his quiet but firm “It’s you”—and yet, Zhou Mei remained. And she wasn’t backing down.

Over the next few days, she escalated.

It was the way she lingered by Liu Xiao’s side, always finding an excuse to lean in, to brush her hand against his when handing him documents. It was the way she laughed just a little too sweetly at things he said—even the ones that weren’t remotely funny.

But the worst part?

Liu Xiao let her.

He didn’t flirt back. He didn’t encourage it. But he also didn’t stop her. And that was enough to make your chest tighten with something unfamiliar, something ugly.

Jealousy.

One afternoon, as you walked past the break room, you heard them before you saw them.

“You’re always so serious, Liu Xiao.” Zhou Mei’s voice was teasing, too smooth. “It’s kind of attractive, you know.”

You slowed your steps, heart pounding.

“I don’t care,” came his flat reply.

Zhou Mei only chuckled. “You say that, but you haven’t told me to leave you alone yet.”

Silence.

Your grip on your coffee cup tightened.

Then—

"Or maybe…" she continued, her tone playful but sharp. "You like the attention."

That was it.

You stepped into the room, keeping your expression neutral. "Oh, am I interrupting something?"

Liu Xiao looked up immediately, eyes flickering with something unreadable. Zhou Mei, on the other hand, barely blinked, only offering you a knowing smile.

"Not at all," she said lightly. "Liu Xiao and I were just… getting to know each other better."

Your jaw clenched. "Is that what we’re calling it now?"

She tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Why? Does that bother you?"

You met her gaze, your voice cool but firm. "No. Because I know where I stand."

Zhou Mei’s smirk faltered just slightly.

Good.

But before she could say anything else, Liu Xiao finally moved. He stood up, stepping closer to you—not to her.

"We’re leaving," he said, his voice final.

You blinked, startled.

Before you could react, his hand was on your wrist, guiding you out of the break room without another word. Zhou Mei didn’t stop him.

The moment you were alone in the hallway, you yanked your arm back, your frustration boiling over.

"What the hell was that, Liu Xiao?"

He exhaled, rubbing his temple. "She’s testing you."

You crossed your arms. "And you’re letting her."

His gaze snapped to yours. "I don’t care about her."

"Then why didn’t you shut her down?" Your voice wavered slightly, but you refused to back down. "Why did you just sit there and let her say those things?"

He was silent for a moment, then—

"Because I wanted to see what you’d do."

Your breath caught.

Liu Xiao sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I wanted to know if you’d fight for this."

Your heart pounded. "You thought I wouldn’t?"

He hesitated. "People don’t usually stay."

Your frustration softened instantly.

Oh.

This wasn’t about Zhou Mei. Not really.

It was about him—his fear, his doubt, the part of him that still didn’t believe this was real.

You stepped closer, your hands reaching for his. He let you.

"Liu Xiao," you whispered. "I am staying. But you need to stop testing me and start believing that."

His grip on your hands tightened.

For a long moment, he just stared at you, as if memorizing every word. Then, finally, he nodded.

"Okay," he murmured. "I will."

And this time, you believed him.