Lonely, Cold, and Empty

A 20,000-word short story. The plot has gone off track, and it will be heavily revised in the future.

Told entirely in third person.

When Liu Zhiyi was eighteen, her birth mother died unexpectedly. Seven years later, she settled in Xishi, never expecting Shen Ming to dig up an old case from years ago.

He barged into her life and dragged her back into hell.

Liu Zhiyi couldn't tell whether she hated him or loved him. Once the case from years ago came to light, she turned on her heel and left.

Some time later, he cornered her in a bar.

Shen Ming wore a roguish smile. Glancing at the man holding her hand, he asked nonchalantly, "Where'd you find this stray?"

Liu Zhiyi frowned. Before she could speak, he dropped another bombshell: "You left your underwear at my place yesterday. Remember to come get it."

Liu Zhiyi: "?!"

Premise: Living in this world