At the corner of Taihe Road pedestrian street, Jenna Roland was setting up a food stall with her younger brother Milo Roland. Early summer sunlight filtered through the plane trees, casting dappled shadows on their stand.

Milo's phone suddenly vibrated.

He pulled it from his canvas bag. The screen displayed "Ryan Watson."

After taking the call by the sidewalk tree, Milo's expression darkened.

"Ryan's got acute appendicitis. The hospital needs six thousand for surgery." His grip tightened on the phone. "His parents aren't reachable. Can we lend him the money?"

Jenna kept working while scanning a QR code to transfer funds.

"Sent fifty-five hundred. That covers surgery and recovery expenses." She glanced up at her brother. "Tell him to focus on getting better. The money can wait."

Milo's eyes reddened slightly as he hailed a cab to the hospital.

With no customers at the moment, Jenna sat on a plastic stool playing mobile games. Occasionally she helped Tanya Hill, the neighboring accessories vendor, with customers. Morning slipped into noon.

At exactly eleven, Jenna headed to "Tasty Bites" on the corner.

The affordable eatery offered four dishes for ten dollars—a lunch staple for local vendors.

Carrying takeout boxes back, Jenna froze mid-step.

A sharply dressed figure stood by her stall.

Ethan Roscente had his back to her, phone pressed to his ear. His tailored suit accentuated broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist.

As if sensing her gaze, he turned abruptly. Their eyes met, and Jenna's heartbeat stuttered.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, approaching.

Ethan pocketed his phone, gaze dropping to her takeout. "Client meeting nearby. Thought I'd stop by."

Jenna arched a brow. "Female client?"

His Adam's apple bobbed in silent confirmation.

"Had lunch yet?" She extended the containers. "Try some working-class cuisine."

Ethan's brow twitched almost imperceptibly at the flimsy plastic boxes. As CEO of HM Group, his usual haunts were Michelin-starred restaurants.

Today, he was just an ordinary department manager.

"Thanks." His fingers brushed hers as he accepted the food.

Jenna turned to fetch another meal, missing the intensity in his eyes as they followed her retreating form.