Song Qin’s fan meet & greet went very smoothly, without any issues. All the segments flowed seamlessly without a hitch. By 7:30 PM, most of the fans in the venue had left, and Song Qin had long since left the stage.
The event was over. Apart from some staff members, almost everyone else had already departed.
Chi Shuo was helping other colleagues collect discarded water bottles and other trash from the seats. Song Qin’s fans were generally well-behaved, but there were still a few individuals who always left something behind.
“Chi Shuo, why don’t you take a break? Your foot injury hasn’t fully healed yet.” Just as Chi Shuo tossed a few half-empty water bottles into the trash bin, Zheng Jianbin’s worried voice reached her ears.
Chi Shuo glanced down at her ankle, smiled, and shook her head. “It’s fine, not that serious. Cold and hot compresses, plus medication, it won’t affect work.”
Hearing this, Zheng Jianbin didn’t dwell on the issue but still remarked with emotion, “You young people, why are you working so hard now? When I was your age, I was still thinking about how to reduce my workload.”
As one of the staff members for this fan meet & greet, she was supposed to have dinner with Song Qin and his team. However, Chi Shuo declined, using her foot injury as an excuse. Zheng Jianbin also refused, casually citing fatigue as his reason. But honestly, for such dinner gatherings, missing one or two people didn’t matter; everyone was just going through the motions anyway. Not going wasn’t a big deal.
Chi Shuo curved her lips slightly. Her ankle still throbbed, but just as she had said, it wouldn’t affect her work. She said, “I’ll keep going then,” and started picking up water bottles from the table in front of her again.
After a while, most of the trash in the venue had been cleaned up. Chi Shuo unscrewed her water bottle and sat down on a chair to rest.
Two weeks of hard work finally yielded perfect results. Chi Shuo finally felt the weight on her shoulders lighten, the pressure lessen. She slowly closed her eyes and exhaled.
After an unknown amount of time, before she opened her eyes, she heard a familiar female voice.
He Lindi, DSLR slung over her shoulder, stood before her table and called her name, “Chi Shuo.”
Chi Shuo suddenly opened her eyes and immediately responded, “What’s up?”
“We can go now.”
Chi Shuo glanced around. The props and such had mostly been packed up. She nodded. The next second, she scratched her head and asked puzzledly, “You haven’t left yet?”
He Lindi and Q Ge’s work nature was different from hers. As photographers, they could have left right after the event ended. But… Chi Shuo glanced at the time displayed at the top of the stage. It had been over forty minutes since the meet & greet finished, yet He Lindi was still here.
He Lindi didn’t answer directly. She gave a small yawn and urged, “Hurry up, let’s go.”
Chi Shuo replied with an “Oh,” stood up, and went backstage to the locker room to retrieve her bag.
Coming out from backstage, she happened to run into Zheng Jianbin, who was also going to get his things. He smiled at the two women walking side-by-side. “You two girls, be careful on your way back.”
He Lindi nodded. Chi Shuo smiled and replied, “We will, you too.”
Leaving the venue, Chi Shuo’s state of mind was slightly different from just moments ago. This essentially marked the farewell to this particular job.
Chi Shuo’s gait was still somewhat unsteady, and after walking for a while, the injured area would throb faintly.
It was almost 8 PM. Even in midsummer, the sky had darkened by this hour. An evening breeze blew, cool yet warm, not unpleasant, but rather comfortable.
Chi Shuo felt tired all over and didn’t say a word the whole way. Only when they reached the roadside did she turn her head slightly to look at He Lindi, who was also walking beside her, lips pressed together in silence. “I’ll take a taxi back then.” She paused. “Drive safely on your way back.”
He Lindi’s DSLR was already slung over her shoulder. Hearing Chi Shuo’s words, she stopped walking and turned her head.
Under the dim yellow streetlight, Chi Shuo saw her slightly furrowed brows and puzzled eyes. “I drove here, why do you still need to take a taxi?”
Chi Shuo paused. “Isn’t that normal?” She deliberately misinterpreted He Lindi’s meaning. “Or should you take a taxi even if you didn’t drive?”
He Lindi was clearly amused by Chi Shuo’s words. Her eyes curved, the light within them seeming brighter than the streetlight. Chi Shuo watched her face, watched her thin lips curve upwards, then slowly open and close. She said, “Get in, I’ll drive you back.”
He Lindi’s voice remained clear yet sweet, the typical sound of a young girl. But perhaps due to work fatigue, this sentence carried a hint of lazy drowsiness, somewhat husky, blending with the sound of leaves rustling and playing on the ground, swept up by the wind.
Chi Shuo licked her lips but didn’t nod. “No need, you should just head straight back. It’ll be very late if you drop me off and then go back yourself.” Without waiting for He Lindi’s reaction, she slowly walked to the roadside and started hailing a taxi.
He Lindi stood still, watching Chi Shuo’s receding back, her lips moving slightly. The wind blew between them, tangible yet elusive.
She asked, “Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you?”
A taxi spotted Chi Shuo’s hand signal and gradually drove towards them. He Lindi’s question clearly reached her ears. Chi Shuo’s waving hand didn’t move. Still facing away from He Lindi, she slowly nodded and repeated what she had said, “Drive safely on your way back.”
“Okay.” Only when the taxi stopped in front of Chi Shuo did she hear He Lindi’s reply.
The recent work had been incredibly tiring, and this fan meet & greet fell on a Saturday, essentially becoming unpaid overtime. After returning home, Chi Shuo took a shower and collapsed onto the bed, motionless.
It wasn’t just physical fatigue, but mental exhaustion as well. Under this double assault, Chi Shuo wondered these past two days if she was hallucinating; she always felt like her brain was about to explode any second.
She didn’t turn on the main ceiling light. A standing lamp stood beside the bed, its bulb covered by a shade, casting a much softer glow. Illuminated on Chi Shuo’s face, her slightly thick yet long eyelashes were clearly visible.
After a while, Chi Shuo’s phone rang on the pillow. Her eyelashes trembled, and she slowly opened her eyes, reaching over to pick up the phone and answer.
“Shuo Shuo, where are you?” It was Han Yu calling.
Chi Shuo propped herself up slightly, looked out the uncurtained window, and didn’t answer Han Yu’s question. “It’s almost ten o’clock now.”
“Come to my KTV.”
“We’re pulling an all-nighter tonight.”
Chi Shuo frowned slightly. She heard a hint of intoxication in Han Yu’s voice. “Had a fight with your girlfriend?”
“Cut the crap, just come.”
“You know which room.”
After the call ended, Chi Shuo stared at the time on the screen, sighed softly again, then casually threw on a dress and a jacket, grabbed her keys, and left.
It seemed that since reconnecting with Han Yu, this mode of interaction had become extremely normal. They often chatted or sang their hearts out at Han Yu’s KTV. Anyway, the main purpose was always the same: de-stress.
Last time they met, Chi Shuo hadn’t felt like going out, so she called Han Yu over. Now that Han Yu asked her to go to the KTV, she naturally wouldn’t refuse.
Reciprocity was normal, especially since they were good friends. Even if she went to Han Yu’s place three times in a row, there would be no problems or complaints.
Around 10:30 PM, Chi Shuo appeared at the KTV. She had been here many times. This time, without even needing to say hello, the KTV manager directly led her to the door.
Chi Shuo thanked him and pushed the door open.
Han Yu was already singing, reaching the chorus, the melody and lyrics filled with sorrow: “I’m too stupid / Clearly knowing you’re the wrong person / Clearly knowing this isn’t fate / But I still rush in recklessly”.
Chi Shuo had already entered. Han Yu didn’t withdraw her microphone or say anything else, continuing to sing the song.
Chi Shuo sat down beside her, leaned a bit closer, and asked, “Want me to sing with you?”
Just after she asked, she saw Han Yu wipe her eyes and nod at her. “I can’t sing anymore, help me finish the rest.”
After speaking, Han Yu slumped to the side.
“Okay.” Chi Shuo didn’t hesitate, naturally taking the microphone and continuing.
Chi Shuo’s biggest hobby was probably singing, but she usually only let loose a bit at KTV. Other times, she basically wouldn’t sing, not even hum. Therefore, if not for singing with many colleagues later, everyone still wouldn’t know Chi Shuo possessed this hidden skill.
When complimented on this aspect, Chi Shuo would grin and reply, “Next year I’ll join a talent show, remember to vote for me.”
In fact, she had indeed entertained such thoughts before. That was back in junior high when she discovered she liked singing and wasn’t bad at it. At that time, Mango TV still held singing competitions, and Chi Shuo would diligently watch the live broadcast every Friday on her home TV.
Later, she gave up on this idea because her family unanimously felt that studying hard was most important. They threw away all the albums, posters, and other items of her favorite singers that she had saved up to buy, telling her not to harbor unrealistic fantasies.
Han Yu sang well, and this KTV was owned by her family. One of the reasons Chi Shuo became friends with her back then was this. After becoming friends, Han Yu would often bring her to sing at her family’s place. Plus, they later both developed crushes on He Lindi. Spending a night together at the KTV became a common occurrence.
It was just that back then, studies hindered them. Now grown up, they had much more freedom. At least tomorrow was Sunday, no longer needing to stay home diligently doing homework like in their younger days. They could spend a night at the KTV without restraint.
After recalling these things, Chi Shuo also finished singing the remainder of the song.
Chi Shuo’s voice granted her inherent advantages. As long as she didn’t sing off-key, it wouldn’t sound bad no matter how she sang. Moreover, Chi Shuo had self-taught some singing techniques, and she sang with immersion. It wasn’t strange that colleagues who heard her sing initially would often ask her if she wanted to go to KTV together.
The next song was also a sad love song. Chi Shuo didn’t continue singing. She went to the song selection station, turned on the original track, lowered the volume slightly, then picked up a glass of wine already poured on the table and downed it.
Han Yu glanced at her, raised her hand slightly, and said, “Drink slower.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Chi Shuo placed the glass on the coffee table. The sound of the glass colliding with the table overlapped with the end of Han Yu’s sentence, the volume not loud, somewhat crisp, yet vibrating in both their hearts.
Han Yu still leaned against the sofa. She lowered her hand, closed her eyes, and sighed. “Forget it, I knew you’d finish this glass.”
Chi Shuo burped and poured more wine into the glass. “Hungry,” she said. “Busy all night, haven’t eaten yet. Drinking some wine to cushion my stomach first.”
Hearing this, Han Yu immediately opened her eyes, looked at Chi Shuo’s actions, her voice carrying a nasal tone, but her tone still relatively forceful. She said, “Serves.” She completed the word’s meaning. “Serves you right to get stomach problems.”
Chi Shuo turned her head and smiled at her, then put the wine bottle down. She grabbed a handful of popcorn from the table. “Then I’ll drink later.”
Han Yu unlocked her phone. “I’ll have my assistant send some food in.”
“Okay.”
The theme instantly jumped from the initial sad style to a hungry ghost style. Chi Shuo wasn’t the only one hungry; Han Yu hadn’t eaten dinner either. The restaurant next to the KTV was still open. Her assistant simply called two people over to buy food. Thus, what appeared before Chi Shuo and her was a coffee table full of dishes.
After eating for a while, Han Yu started singing again. Chi Shuo wasn’t reserved at all, continuing to drink and eat, very happy.
Indeed, after tiring work, binge eating could make rest feel more vibrant and splendid, not boring at all.
Unsure how much time had passed, Han Yu finished singing song after song. A large portion of the food on the coffee table had also been eaten. Only then did Chi Shuo start resting.
She wiped her mouth, leaned against the sofa, patted her stomach. Before eating, it had been flat; now it was slightly protruding. Chi Shuo smiled, letting out a satisfied sigh. “I’m full.”
Han Yu spoke into the microphone, “Me too.” She turned her head to look at Chi Shuo and asked, “Happy now?”
Chi Shuo paused, looking puzzled. “Why ask that?”
Han Yu put the microphone aside, scratched her head, and lifted the corners of her lips at Chi Shuo. “Don’t I know you?” She yawned. “From the moment you walked in and took over my song, it was easy to see you weren’t happy.”
Chi Shuo froze for two seconds, then reacted. “It’s okay, just tired from work.” She wasn’t keen on focusing the topic on herself now; after all, Han Yu had called her over. “Your situation is more confusing. Did something really happen with your girlfriend?”
As soon as she finished speaking, Han Yu’s expression underwent a dramatic change. One second she was smiling, the next she looked like she was about to cry. Chi Shuo quickly pulled out tissues and placed them in her hand. “Hey, maybe don’t talk about it. I was just asking.”
Han Yu buried her head downwards, shook her head, wiped her face with the tissue, and said with a faint nasal tone, “It’s fine.”
Chi Shuo saw her try hard to take a breath, then say to her again, “I just feel I’m a bit unlucky.”
Chi Shuo didn’t speak; she knew Han Yu would continue. Sure enough, after composing herself, Han Yu lifted her head, met Chi Shuo’s gaze, and said, “My girlfriend said she’s going back to get engaged.”
Chi Shuo’s eyes widened instantly, letting out her occasional curse word again. “Fuck?!” She asked in surprise, “What’s going on?”
Han Yu’s tears flowed down again. “I… I don’t know what’s going on either, but she hasn’t broken up with me yet.” Her voice trembled slightly. “I had absolutely no preparation for this. She said she feels very guilty towards me because I’m too good to her, she doesn’t want to hide it from me anymore.”
Chi Shuo frowned tightly. She remembered the scene of having dinner with Han Yu and Han Yu’s girlfriend last time. Han Yu and her girlfriend looked very harmonious and happy together. Anyone seeing them would praise them as a perfect match. But this outcome left her utterly surprised.
How long had it been…
Just then, the song on the TV screen reached the line, “Thank him for treating me / Like a fool.” Han Yu wiped her tears again, picked up the microphone, and started singing, simultaneously stuffing the other microphone into Chi Shuo’s hand, signaling her to join in.
“Just let me accompany him through this love / Only hoping the heart’s flower finally blooms / Have no other expectations”, just after finishing the chorus, Han Yu was already sobbing uncontrollably, putting down the microphone and hugging Chi Shuo, resting her chin on Chi Shuo’s shoulder.
Han Yu initially just shed tears silently, but after a few minutes, Chi Shuo heard increasingly suppressed whimpers by her ear.
Chi Shuo hugged her tightly, also lowering her head.
She didn’t go back that night, staying in the guest room of Han Yu’s apartment. Toiletries were readily available, along with pajamas she had kept here as spares. Plus, the wine from last night, Chi Shuo slept extremely soundly this time.
But upon waking up, her whole body ached. Even after washing her hair and showering, she still smelled slightly of alcohol. Chi Shuo had no choice but to enter the bathroom again.
Before leaving, Chi Shuo ordered porridge for Han Yu, who was still sleeping. Only after the porridge arrived did she close the door, pick up her bag, and leave.
Yuncheng today was still hot to the point Chi Shuo couldn’t stand it. Last night when she left, it was already night, so she hadn’t brought an umbrella. After leaving the residential complex, she immediately hailed a taxi, then quickly returned home.
She hadn’t drunk much last night; after all, Chi Shuo knew her own alcohol tolerance. Upon returning home, she ordered lunch for herself, then finally took out her phone to check messages.
This morning, besides ordering takeout for Han Yu, she hadn’t looked at her phone much. After last night’s events, Chi Shuo’s mood was inevitably heavy.
Strange and unexpected things always happen to people. Han Yu had just been showing off her loving relationship with her girlfriend, but life, seemingly like a contrarian, couldn’t stand seeing them happy, immediately dealing a heavy blow, making Han Yu cry and waking her up.
Love is beautiful, but often when it happens to oneself, it goes against the word “beautiful.”
Chi Shuo opened WeChat. The message count in her lower-left corner already showed over three hundred notifications. Needless to say, most were from the small group chat with Zeng Guai and Xia Zhou. Because besides individual private chats, Chi Shuo had only pinned this group and enabled message notifications for it.
Normally, Chi Shuo would open the group to see what they were chatting about, but now Chi Shuo’s fingertips hesitated on the screen. Her gaze also shifted downwards, then she swiped down on the screen, scrolling to the chat entry with He Lindi.
Their latest chat record stopped the night before last, after the rehearsal ended. When Chi Shuo returned home that night, He Lindi had sent a message with a hint of concern: 【Take care of the injury.】
Just these short four words. Chi Shuo had glanced at it last night, intending to reply, but later forgot, resulting in an “intention reply.”
Now, she blinked, opened the typing bar, and replied to He Lindi: 【Mm.】
After replying, she tossed the phone aside and went back to the bedroom to catch up on sleep.
However, Chi Shuo knew she still had some questions she wanted to ask, such as what He Lindi wanted to say when she called out “Chi Shuo” before she sprained her ankle, and why she shared the story about kneeling in the winter.
These subtle, unintentional things, Chi Shuo wanted answers to them all.
But obviously, now wasn’t a good time to ask. Chi Shuo’s brow furrowed slightly, then she forcefully closed her eyes and fell asleep.
After last night, Han Yu broke up with her girlfriend. They officially parted ways, but Han Yu didn’t call Chi Shuo over to accompany her again. She told Chi Shuo over the phone, her voice thick with nasal congestion as she recounted the breakup. Chi Shuo could completely imagine Han Yu’s currently red nose and moist eyes.
“Shuo Shuo, honestly, I still don’t know if she ever liked me.”
“When I broke up with her, she was extremely calm, nodded, said ‘ok,’ and nothing else.”
“Doesn’t she have a heart? Seems like it, otherwise she wouldn’t have been with me knowing she was about to get engaged.”
“I thought I finally found a beautiful love, but the ending is still fucking shit. I can’t help but think, is it because I take relationships too seriously, so relationships always mess with me?”
“After thinking for so long, I finally figured it out. Why be a good woman? I’ve decided, starting tomorrow, I’ll be a player.”
“Even more of a player than He Lindi.”
“…Honestly, I think your ex-girlfriend is more of a player. Using her as a reference point is more appropriate.” Chi Shuo, hearing the end, turned her comfort into rebuttal. “What do you think?”
Han Yu was momentarily speechless, then replied, “True, He Lindi just changes partners one after another. My ex-girlfriend was literally two-timing.” After saying this, she cursed again, “Fuck.”
Chi Shuo rubbed her forehead, then heard Han Yu say again, “We’re kind of in the same boat. Shuo Shuo, your ex-girlfriend was also a cheating player, also one girl and one guy at the same time. Fucking awesome.”
Chi Shuo hadn’t thought of this initially, but hearing Han Yu say it, Shen Qu’s bright face immediately appeared in her mind, along with Shen Qu’s brilliant remarks from a few days ago ringing in her ears.
“Fuck,” Chi Shuo couldn’t resist cursing along. “Truly in the same boat, both of us got cheated on. Let’s not talk about it, hanging up, hanging up. You go drink your fill. I have work tomorrow and need to report. Find you next time.”
“Okay then.”
“Remember to change my nickname. Starting tomorrow, call me Player Han.”
Chi Shuo couldn’t help but laugh. “Okay, okay, Player Han.”
Han Yu had several relationship experiences. Chi Shuo counted carefully; including this time, she had dated a total of five girlfriends, all now ex-girlfriends. But the previous four breakups were mostly amicable. This one directly dealt Han Yu a blow, making her tears flow non-stop.
And curse non-stop.
The weekend passed just like that. Before Chi Shuo could even react, she was relentlessly pushed into Monday by time.
Her foot injury was eighty to ninety percent healed. Walking on her own was no problem, just couldn’t exert too much force or run, otherwise, she would feel some pain stimulating the injured area.
So Chi Shuo planned to wake up earlier on Monday to avoid rushing for the elevator. But accidentally, she woke up too early. After washing up, it was only 8 AM.
Chi Shuo, after a moment of speechlessness, simply took her umbrella and bag, left the apartment, took the bus, and stopped at a breakfast shop very close to the company.
She planned to eat breakfast, nourish her stomach. Her irregular diet these past two days had caused her stomach pain to return.
Chi Shuo ordered a portion of porridge and a plate of corn steamed dumplings, eating very lightly and healthily.
While eating, she live-streamed in the group chat. Xia Zhou and Zeng Guai expressed extreme disdain; after all, they always woke up right on time, generally lacking extra time for such nutritious breakfasts.
Modern young people’s lives were already filled by the fast pace. Squeezing out a bit of time had become an extremely difficult task.
But while messaging, Chi Shuo again opened the chat dialogue with He Lindi. Yesterday, after she replied “Mm,” He Lindi hadn’t replied again.
This made Chi Shuo couldn’t help but wonder if she was being a bit excessive by not replying to the message promptly. But she knew it wasn’t intentional; sometimes, she just tended to reply mentally—thinking she had replied, but actually hadn’t.
This kind of thing ruined her good mood from the meal. By the time Chi Shuo left the breakfast shop, her mood was somewhat heavy.
Enter the office building, squeeze into the elevator, clock in at the company, sit down at her workstation.
During this period, Chi Shuo had already composed her facial expression. Her regret and unhappiness were hidden beneath a smiling face.
After a few minutes, the morning meeting started punctually again.
This was Chi Shuo’s first time doing such work since joining the company over a year ago. But thinking about it, the company didn’t handle platform work before, so even if she wanted to, there was nothing to do.
But Chi Shuo still couldn’t escape being called upon by the supervisor to share details of her work coordinating Song Qin’s meet & greet. Fortunately, Chi Shuo knew her department had this sharing habit. Yesterday, after returning home, she had made a PPT. Now, she just needed to present with the USB drive.
Being very familiar with the inner thoughts of everyone present, Chi Shuo spoke relatively quickly, but focused on the key points. Therefore, this work experience sharing ended in just a few minutes. The supervisor paused, then let Chi Shuo sit down.
The meeting concluded around then. Chi Shuo packed her notebook and walked out.
He Xiuqi seemed to have waited specifically for her. Just as Chi Shuo exited the door, he walked closer and smiled at her. “Xiao Chi Jie, your work content this time seems quite fun.”
Chi Shuo curved her lips slightly and nodded. “It’s okay?” She added, “Just not as boring as sitting in the office.”
It was only past 9 AM. The office curtains hadn’t been drawn yet. Sunlight shone everywhere. Chi Shuo saw it scattering on the floor near the window, frowned slightly, and walked around it.
He Xiuqi showed another brilliant smile. “Then I’ll go start work.”
“Okay.”
After speaking, Chi Shuo wanted to return to her workstation. But after parting ways with He Xiuqi, she pressed her lips together and showed a slightly gossipy look. “That… did you guys watch the movie yesterday?”
Chi Shuo was naturally asking about He Xiuqi telling her last weekend about watching a movie with He Lindi. The day before yesterday was Saturday; He Lindi was rooted in the venue working all day, definitely no time for movies. So, it could only have been yesterday.
Chi Shuo had been somewhat dazed yesterday, only remembering to ask now. She swore she wasn’t very concerned about this matter; otherwise, she would have gossiped with Xia Zhou and Zeng Guai long ago.
He Xiuqi paused. “What?”
The two were currently standing in a slightly secluded spot. Whispering here wouldn’t attract much attention.
After pausing, He Xiuqi immediately reacted. However, his smile vanished instantly. He shook his head at Chi Shuo. “No.”
Chi Shuo went “Huh?” then heard He Xiuqi say, “Well… something unexpected happened.”
Chi Shuo nodded slowly upon hearing this, didn’t continue asking for details. Anyway, her appearance was just one of casually asking.
Chi Shuo changed the subject. “I’ll go get some water and start work.”
“Okay.” He Xiuqi still couldn’t hide his disappointment.
Chi Shuo actually still had a bit of curiosity about the specific “unexpected incident” He Xiuqi mentioned. But based on the current situation, it wasn’t suitable for her to ask. He Xiuqi already looked like he didn’t want to talk about it; she still had this ability to read people.
Sitting down in her chair, Chi Shuo did as she just said, took her cup to the break room for water, then started the previous work mode.
Mid-August had passed, signaling the tail end of the summer vacation traffic was approaching. Students started catching up on homework, became lazier, schedules decreased, and Chi Shuo’s work also eased slightly, at least not requiring overtime in the afternoon.
However, something still prevented Chi Shuo from leaving work on time, and that was… He Lindi messaging her again, saying she had something to give her.
Chi Shuo thought hard for a long time but didn’t feel she had left anything behind. She even checked her handbag; everything inside was accounted for.
But what if it wasn’t her stuff originally? Thinking this, Chi Shuo’s internal feelings became even more indescribable.
But one thing was certain: Chi Shuo indeed stayed behind because of this message, waiting for 6 PM to arrive. That was He Lindi’s quitting time. After seeing what the item was and whether she could take it, she would then take the bus home.
Time swayed in this uncertain state, suddenly reaching 6 PM.
Xia Zhou had gone off for a sweet date with Yue Ke again. Zeng Guai had a dinner party at home, also leaving punctually at 5:30 PM. Among the trio, only Chi Shuo remained, staying behind in the milk tea shop downstairs.
During the evening rush hour, the milk tea shop’s business was good, but not many people sat down.
Chi Shuo sat in a corner, waiting for He Lindi to come down. She sipped her milk tea while glancing at the time on her phone.
After about eight minutes, Chi Shuo received another message from He Lindi: 【See you.】
Seeing the message, Chi Shuo blinked first, then turned her head, wanting to see where He Lindi was. But just as she lifted her head, someone had already appeared at the empty seat opposite her.
It was He Lindi.
He Lindi liked wearing skirts; this wasn’t a secret. Moreover, Chi Shuo had been paying attention to her since high school. Dresses, long skirts, pleated skirts—Chi Shuo didn’t know how many skirts He Lindi owned, but every single one worn by He Lindi inevitably made people sigh with admiration, “Tailor-made.”
No matter the style, He Lindi could perfectly showcase it. Today was no exception. She wore a fresh mint green dress. Before sitting down, she placed a bag on the table first, then gracefully sat down opposite Chi Shuo.
Chi Shuo swallowed the pearl in her mouth, then pulled a tissue from the side and wiped her mouth, getting straight to the point: “Did I leave something at your place?”
He Lindi still looked somewhat tired, her eyes not as moist and bright as usual, like a paintbrush after multiple uses.
“No.” He Lindi shook her head. After speaking, she gave a small yawn, her eyes gradually misting over. “It’s just that I have something to give you.”
Chi Shuo replied with an “Oh” and asked, “What is it?”
He Lindi shifted her gaze to the bag beside her, gesturing towards it with her chin. “Inside the bag.”
This bag was relatively small, made of paper, without any brand logo, but still exuded refinement.
Chi Shuo looked at her suspiciously and said, “It’s not my birthday today.” She paused again. “And you don’t know my birthday.”
He Lindi raised an eyebrow. “How would I not know?”
The focus shifted just like that. Chi Shuo couldn’t help asking, “How do you know?”
“Saw it when processing hotel check-in procedures during the business trip.”
“Your ID photo looks okay.”
“…”
Chi Shuo coughed lightly. Her ID photo was vastly different from her current self. It was taken in high school and hadn’t been changed since. So much so that if someone saw Chi Shuo’s ID, they might exclaim, “A girl changes eighteen times from childhood to womanhood.”
It wasn’t that Chi Shuo didn’t look good back then; Chi Shuo knew this herself. Otherwise, why would someone confess to her in high school?
It was just that on the day the ID photo was taken, things were a bit sudden. She was dragged there directly by her mother, forgot to wash her hair, which was somewhat oily, even turning from strands into clumps. Plus, the auntie taking the photo kept rushing her. Chi Shuo’s ID photo just… wasn’t very good-looking.
Chi Shuo said somewhat awkwardly, “I’ll find time to take leave and go back to retake it.”
He Lindi lifted her lips, her voice clear and bright. “Mm, remember to wash your hair before going.”
Chi Shuo: “…”
Sure enough, she knew He Lindi’s earlier compliment was just teasing her.
She took the bag. Before opening it, she couldn’t resist asking again, “Did you become a purchasing agent? Or got pulled into a pyramid scheme? Or maybe you became a micro-business owner and are now promoting products?”
This triple questioning made He Lindi’s brow gradually furrow. She looked at Chi Shuo’s face and said, “Chi Shuo, I’ve discovered, it’s truly a loss to the world that you didn’t become a novelist.”
Her imagination was too rich.
Chi Shuo didn’t reply to He Lindi’s words. She had already taken a box out of the bag. The outside of the box also lacked any logo but still looked extremely exquisite.
Chi Shuo thought for a moment, couldn’t help but swallow, and said again, “Let me put it out there first, I have no money.”
He Lindi: “…”
The surroundings were very lively. Some people hesitated about what to order, others shared their day with friends. It was somewhat noisy, various sounds falling into Chi Shuo’s ears, but none were as loud as Chi Shuo’s current heartbeat.
This feeling of the unknown was somewhat… strange. But this strange mental brainstorm didn’t last long, because Chi Shuo had already opened the box.
“Eh?” Seeing the contents inside, Chi Shuo’s eyes didn’t move away.
He Lindi curved her lips. “Not a purchasing agent, didn’t get pulled into a pyramid scheme, nor started doing micro-business.” She was answering Chi Shuo’s triple question from just now. Then, during Chi Shuo’s stunned pause, she became serious again and continued, “I just wanted to formally apologize.”
Inside the box lay three developed photos. The subject in all the photos was Chi Shuo alone.
The first was from the day Chi Shuo was supposed to drive He Lindi home. At Xiyu Company, she saw He Lindi fiddling with her DSLR. Chi Shuo remembered clearly; He Lindi had pressed the shutter then.
The second was from the day she received the Qiyu Company representative. The location was Xinyue Company. She had just changed clothes and come out, happened to see He Lindi taking photos again. Chi Shuo also remembered this time; she knew He Lindi had photographed her.
The third was from the rehearsal a few days ago. Chi Shuo was doing preparation work on stage herself. It was a back view, not a profile, although profile could also work. Chi Shuo had no impression of this photo because she hadn’t looked at the camera at all.
Chi Shuo pinched the third photo and asked puzzledly, “Which rehearsal was this?”
He Lindi’s lips parted slightly, her expression incredibly serious. “Just… before you fell.”
Chi Shuo: “…”
Chi Shuo thought for a second and asked, “Why did you call me that day?”
“I wanted to call you, was… waiting for you to look over, then press the shutter again.”
“But ignored your position and other factors, causing you to fall.”
He Lindi solemnly lowered her head slightly, her tone sincere as she apologized, “Sorry, if not for me, you wouldn’t have gotten hurt.”
Chi Shuo held the photo, stunned on the spot. She seemed to see another side of He Lindi again, one that was also unfamiliar to her.
She had never seen He Lindi say sorry to anyone before. But thinking about it, she hadn’t always been beside He Lindi; how would she pay attention to who He Lindi apologized to? It would be strange if she knew.
This atmosphere lasted for about three seconds before Chi Shuo responded, “No… it was my own carelessness, nothing to do with you.”
He Lindi shook her head. “If I hadn’t called you, you wouldn’t have turned around, and wouldn’t have fallen.”
Chi Shuo was amused by her logic. “Then why don’t you blame me for being there in the first place? Might as well say we shouldn’t have been born, otherwise this wouldn’t have happened.” She shifted her gaze back to the three photos. “Very beautiful, truly worthy of Teacher He.”
He Lindi lifted her head, looked at Chi Shuo’s face, her emotions seeming to return to normal. She replied with an “Mm,” deadpan, “Thanks for the compliment.”
Seeing her like this seemed to hit Chi Shuo’s funny bone. She couldn’t help but laugh. “Teacher He, have you been feeling guilty about this until now?” Chi Shuo narrowed her eyes slightly. “Wanting me to drive you home last night, could it also be out of guilt?”
After asking, Chi Shuo felt an indescribable feeling in her heart, very strange. She… seemed to want to hear a negative answer.
He Lindi paused for a second, then, under Chi Shuo’s gaze, slowly nodded. “Yes.”
Chi Shuo remained calm on the surface. She placed the photos back into the box, closing it as she said, “No need to feel guilty, it has nothing to do with you.” After speaking, she remembered something else. “Oh right, let me explain. When you messaged me before, I thought I had replied, but only realized yesterday when I opened it that I hadn’t.”
Chi Shuo placed the box back into the bag, explaining for herself, “Replied mentally, I’m also sorry.”
Chi Shuo knew the reason for this sudden explanation—because He Lindi’s attitude on WeChat had always been somewhat different, not allowing Chi Shuo to delete her, getting unhappy and questioning her if she didn’t contact her. If she didn’t speak up for herself this time, who knew how He Lindi would hold a grudge during this period.
Hearing her words, a slight curve appeared on He Lindi’s lips. She called the other’s name, “Chi Shuo.”
Chi Shuo looked at her puzzledly. “What’s wrong?” She continued, “Don’t accept the apology? Don’t be so petty, okay?”
He Lindi shook her head gently. “No, I just wanted to say, you’ve grown.”
Chi Shuo: “…Oh.”
Good thing she had been apprehensive just now. If He Lindi were really that petty, what would she do? She hadn’t prepared such a grand gift. Moreover, she had nothing she could give, right?
These three photos were all taken very well. The self in them exuded a gentle feeling. Only after returning home did Chi Shuo stop hiding her delight, taking the photos out again and looking at them for a long time, as if wanting to see through them.
This feeling seemed somewhat familiar. Chi Shuo hadn’t thought much of it initially, but her mind started to wander uncontrollably, and she couldn’t help but recall the time when she still liked He Lindi. It seemed something similar had happened back then.
She didn’t remember clearly, only a general outline—during the spring sports meet in her first year of high school, the school’s photography club needed to produce outstanding works. He Lindi’s photos would naturally be among them.
That photo, Chi Shuo didn’t know which competition it was from, nor was she the protagonist. It included athletes and spectators, and Chi Shuo was just one spectator in the corner.
But how much she liked He Lindi back then! She looked at this photo posted on the display board many times, because she also appeared in He Lindi’s lens.
And now… she had become the protagonist under He Lindi’s lens, but it was useless now.
Chi Shuo clearly understood this. Her excitement was limited to just that, perhaps adding one more point—He Lindi’s photos were indeed quite good.
And just as Han Yu had said before, He Lindi was, after all, the person her younger self had liked.
She would forget, but not completely forget. Yet, she wouldn’t have the initial feeling anymore.
Thinking of these things, Chi Shuo’s mood calmed down. Looking at these three photos again, she then put them back in the box and placed them on the bookshelf.
To her, this “apology gift,” though thoughtful, wasn’t particularly worthy of commemoration or treasure. She wouldn’t go so far as to frame them. Moreover, these photos were taken by He Lindi.
Chi Shuo still hadn’t asked why He Lindi shared her story about kneeling in the winter. The milk tea shop wasn’t a quiet enough setting, not a good place. Plus, the topic at the time wasn’t easy to transition. So Chi Shuo suppressed this question again, preparing to ask at another time.
But on Tuesday at work, she heard news about He Lindi, told to her by Xia Zhou—He Lindi had gone on a business trip.
He Lindi was Xiyu Company’s ace photographer, also an internet celebrity among entertainment industry photographers. People wanting her to take photos would only increase, not decrease. Business trips were common occurrences. Chi Shuo wasn’t surprised, just paused slightly and replied, “Really busy.” She sighed again. “I want to go on a business trip too. The last trip to Beijing was quite fun.”
Xia Zhou showed an envious look. The two were currently playing cards in the break room. She played a card and said, “Me too, I haven’t been on a business trip in a long time. Traveling on public funds feels great.”
Zeng Guai made a disdainful “Yi” sound. “What kind of aspiration is that?!” She said emphatically, “Isn’t not working what feels great?”
Chi Shuo laughed out loud and nodded in agreement. “You’re right.” The next second, she sighed. “Ai, when I become a rich woman, I’ll stop working.”
“Me too.”
“I’ll get myself a pretty boy toy, do nothing, just do… things I like to do.”
“Simply divine living.”
“…It’s the middle of the day.” Xia Zhou coughed lightly. “Be discreet, colleagues are around.”
Zeng Guai said angrily, “We’re all adults, what’s there to shy away from? Besides, you’re quite ‘moisturized’ lately, while Shuo Shuo and I, two single dogs, are parched, okay? The well-fed don’t know the hunger of the starving!”
Chi Shuo immediately declared, “Don’t include me.” She explained for herself, “I’m not parched.”
“You must be parched.” Zeng Guai put on a fierce expression. “Otherwise, prove yourself by getting out of singledom right now, as long as you can bear to leave me single alone.”
“…Then I’d rather be parched.”
Xia Zhou raised her eyebrows, then leaned forward slightly, mysteriously saying to both Chi Shuo and Zeng Guai, “Let me share some experience, definitely find a boy who exercises regularly.”
Chi Shuo was puzzled. “Why?”
Xia Zhou replied, “Because they have good waist strength and stamina.”
Chi Shuo: “…”
Zeng Guai: “Damn it, Xia Zhou, who just told me to be discreet?”
Chi Shuo was laughing uncontrollably beside them. Before she could completely calm down, she saw He Xiuqi walk over holding a cup of coffee.
He asked Chi Shuo, “Xiao Chi Jie, has your foot injury fully recovered?”
Zeng Guai slammed the table, glanced at him, and teased with a smile, “Injured muscles and bones take three hundred days to heal, how could it be that fast?”
Chi Shuo waved her hand and replied seriously, “Eighty to ninety percent healed. Probably can jump around in a couple of days.”
He Xiuqi’s energy seemed lower than before, looking somewhat listless. Chi Shuo didn’t know the specific reason, but intuitively felt it was likely related to He Lindi, or related to the fact that he didn’t watch the movie with He Lindi.
Xia Zhou shuffled the cards and asked He Xiuqi, “Why don’t you sit down?”
There were other empty chairs at their table. He Xiuqi stood there holding his coffee, his expression not bright, his slightly furrowed brow making him look somewhat down.
Hearing this, He Xiuqi seemed to snap back to reality. He pulled out a chair and sat down.
The three exchanged glances. Finally, Zeng Guai spoke up, “Xiao Qi, work not going well? Why the long face?”
Xia Zhou glanced at Chi Shuo, lifted the cards in her hand, asking with her eyes if Chi Shuo wanted to play. Chi Shuo shook her head and heard He Xiuqi’s reply, “No, it’s love life not going well.”
Zeng Guai’s interest piqued. “Tell us? Let’s see if we can give you some advice.”
“Ai.” He Xiuqi didn’t elaborate, just sighed heavily, then drank the remaining coffee in his cup in one go.
Zeng Guai and Xia Zhou didn’t know about He Xiuqi wanting to watch a movie with He Lindi on the weekend. Chi Shuo was the insider but temporarily had no desire to tell them.
After all, they didn’t end up watching it, so it seemed unnecessary.
However, what Chi Shuo didn’t expect was that this matter was somewhat related to her. After work in the afternoon, He Xiuqi invited her to go back together. Chi Shuo had nothing else to do and didn’t refuse. And for some reason, she found He Xiuqi much more pleasing to the eye now.
On the way, He Xiuqi was still concerned about her foot injury, saying, “Xiao Chi Jie, be more careful in the future, don’t sprain it again.”
“It’s not that easy.”
“That time was an accident.”
Pedestrians came and went beside them. The two stood among the crowd, waiting for the bus.
“I… actually have something I haven’t confessed.”
Just as the LED sign indicated the bus would arrive in one minute, Chi Shuo heard He Xiuqi’s hesitant voice.
Chi Shuo paused, took off her earphones, turned to look at him, her eyes questioning, “What?”
“I…” He Xiuqi looked troubled. He scratched the back of his head somewhat irritably, looked at Chi Shuo, still stammering, seeming to decide whether to say the next words.
Chi Shuo smiled faintly. “I’m not a wolf or tiger, is it that hard to say?”
He Xiuqi simply closed his eyes. “When I asked Teacher He if we could watch a movie together before, I also said Xiao Chi Jie, Xiao Xia Jie, and the others would come too. I said it was almost my birthday, wanted to treat you guys to a movie.”
Chi Shuo didn’t react immediately. She blinked, then heard He Xiuqi say somewhat troubledly, “But I actually… only bought tickets for her and me.”
Chi Shuo finally straightened out the core of the matter—He Xiuqi used them as props.
Thinking of this, her expression didn’t look too good. He Xiuqi’s next sentence came out again, “However, Teacher He didn’t know this was the truth. After Xiao Chi Jie’s foot got injured, she messaged me saying you couldn’t go watch the movie, so she wouldn’t go either.”
“…” Chi Shuo didn’t quite know how to reply. This was indeed the “accident” He Xiuqi mentioned, and for Chi Shuo herself, getting injured was also an accident.
Surrounding sounds rose and fell. He Xiuqi had already lowered his hands and apologized to Chi Shuo, “Sorry, Xiao Chi Jie, I was just too anxious at the time, that’s why I thought of such a tactic…”
Chi Shuo shook her head. “It’s fine.” The bus stopped in front of them. Chi Shuo said again, “Let’s get on.”
He Xiuqi pointed elsewhere instead. “I’ll take a taxi back today. You be careful, protect your belongings.”
Chi Shuo paused again, then ignored him and squeezed onto the bus herself.
She knew He Xiuqi might be feeling ashamed, so he didn’t want to be with her right now; otherwise, it might indeed be somewhat… awkward.
But thinking about it, no wonder he had been asking about her injury repeatedly. Even if her relationship with He Xiuqi was okay, it wasn’t to that extent, right?
The reason behind it turned out to be this. Chi Shuo recalled it herself and still felt somewhat surprised.
But honestly, even though He Xiuqi had revealed the truth and Chi Shuo herself had said “It’s fine,” it didn’t mean she really felt it was okay. And the more she thought about it, the more stifled she felt.
What if she hadn’t gotten injured? Wouldn’t she have been completely used? Then if He Lindi arrived at the cinema and didn’t find anyone else there, what would her reaction be? What if He Xiuqi made up some other excuses?
Chi Shuo didn’t dare imagine the final outcome. Perhaps in He Lindi’s eyes, she might have been blacklisted as untrustworthy.
Thus, on the bus, Chi Shuo typed furiously, her fingertips seeming to catch fire again, relaying this matter to the small group chat, exposing He Xiuqi’s “crime.”
Zeng Guai and Xia Zhou were both somewhat angry. If He Xiuqi had openly stated this beforehand, there would have been no problem; perhaps they would have even helped. But secretly arranging them like this and only revealing it now, after the fact, was a bit excessive.
Zeng Guai was the angriest: 【Why should we be used as props like this? Did they pay us an appearance fee? Why do young people nowadays have so many hidden schemes?】
Xia Zhou was also furious: 【I’m telling Didi about this. I originally thought He Xiuqi was quite nice, but now being used like this, I feel he’s not that great.】
Chi Shuo quickly stopped her: 【Don’t, don’t say anything yet.】
Both asked her in unison: 【Why?】
【Well…】 Chi Shuo couldn’t come up with a reason herself. 【It didn’t happen successfully, so it’s unnecessary, right?】
【…】
Undoubtedly, among the three, Chi Shuo held the most sway. Although Zeng Guai and Xia Zhou were reluctant, they still promised her not to tell He Lindi, the involved party still kept in the dark.
Chi Shuo’s heart grew increasingly complicated. She opened the chat dialogue with He Lindi, typed a line, then deleted it, replacing it with other content: 【Is this business trip very long?】
After sending this message, Chi Shuo herself paused. By now, she had returned home. The air conditioner’s temperature couldn’t make her feel a trace of coolness. She felt she must be crazy, and He Lindi might also think she was crazy, inexplicably sending such a message.
Chi Shuo pressed her lips together tightly. She wanted to retract it but also seemed unwilling. Finally, she decided to count down ten seconds internally. If He Lindi didn’t reply, she would retract it.
Ten, nine, eight, seven…
Just as she counted to “three,” the typing indicator appeared under He Lindi’s nickname. Chi Shuo licked her lips, waiting for her reply.
After two seconds, He Lindi replied: 【A bit long.】
Chi Shuo thought for a moment, then pressed further; 【How long is that?】
She only knew He Lindi went on a business trip but didn’t know how long or where. Xia Zhou had only mentioned brief news at noon, and she hadn’t asked further.
【Half a month.】
【There’s a fashion event here, preparation time is relatively long. Will only come back after it officially ends.】
Another half month… For Chi Shuo, who had been on a business trip for at most three days, that was indeed a bit long. And this meant that for these ten days, she wouldn’t run into He Lindi in the elevator anymore.
What felt strange to Chi Shuo was, although it had been like this before, she had gone a long time without encountering He Lindi, yet this time she had a somewhat different feeling.
【Then hope everything goes smoothly.】 Chi Shuo typed out a dry line.
He Lindi replied again: 【A bit busy, might not reply promptly. Going back to work first.】
【Okay.】
After sending the message, Chi Shuo looked out the window. The sky had gradually darkened, yet He Lindi was still working at this time.
After two seconds, she turned her head, lowered her eyelids slightly, stared at the chat interface for over ten seconds, then pressed back.
But just as she tossed the phone onto the sofa, it rang. Chi Shuo had no choice but to bend down and pick it up again.
She glanced at the caller ID; it was Tong Jinjin calling. Chi Shuo yawned and answered.
“Xiao Tong, what’s wrong?” Chi Shuo asked directly.
Tong Jinjin’s voice came over: “Shuo Shuo Jie, I’m going to Liucheng with classmates in a couple of days. Is there anything you want? I’ll buy it back for you.”
Chi Shuo smiled faintly. “What can you buy in Liucheng that you can’t buy in Yuncheng?” She didn’t beat around the bush either. “No need, I’ll buy whatever I want myself.”
“But I just want to bring back a gift for you.”
“But you just gave me one a few days ago.” Chi Shuo had opened that bag; inside was a complete set of rather expensive skincare products. “No need to send me anything else. If you send more, how can I repay you later?”
“No need to repay.” The young man’s voice held laughter. “Just don’t disappear on me.”
Chi Shuo touched her forehead and replied, “I need to go work on something first.”
“Okay.”
After hanging up, Chi Shuo sighed softly. She knew herself that Tong Jinjin… liked her.
Not the liking of growing up together as friends, but the liking of wanting to be together with someone of the opposite sex.
Before moving out, she had been assigned by her mother to tutor Tong Jinjin. During a break when Tong Jinjin went to the restroom, she accidentally saw a few words written on one of Tong Jinjin’s draft papers—I like Chi Shuo.
The young man’s handwriting was usually somewhat sloppy and casual, but these five words were written extremely seriously, making Chi Shuo freeze on the spot.
Perhaps moving out was partly due to this reason; otherwise, she didn’t quite know how to face the affection from the neighbor’s younger brother.
After moving out, she followed her heart’s thoughts, her interactions with Tong Jinjin became less frequent, gradually making her feel this affection would lessen.
But based on the current situation, it seemed not. Tong Jinjin still seemed to hold such feelings for her, which gave Chi Shuo a bit of a headache.
Completely cutting off contact was impossible. Besides, Tong Jinjin hadn’t formally confessed to her. She wouldn’t inexplicably send someone a rejection message; that would be too narcissistic.
Perhaps due to too many recent events, Chi Shuo often felt mentally and physically exhausted. Every night after returning home, eating, showering, she would just collapse into sleep.
Becoming an emotionless work machine.
Her foot injury had completely healed, not a trace of pain left. Chi Shuo walked without any reservations anymore.
He Xiuqi took this opportunity to extend an invitation: “Xiao Chi Jie, watch a movie tomorrow? My treat for the three of you.” He paused. “To make up for my wrongdoing before.”
It was Friday again. After work, He Xiuqi walked up to her.
Zeng Guai had family matters, rushing out as soon as work ended. Xia Zhou, rarely, didn’t immediately go find Yue Ke, naturally hearing these words beside her.
Before Chi Shuo could answer, Xia Zhou spoke first, refusing, “We don’t have much time this week.”
He Xiuqi nodded, looking quite disappointed. “Okay then.” He showed another smile. “Then next time. I’ll head home first, have a great weekend.”
“Bye-bye.”
Chi Shuo slung her bag over her shoulder, looked at Xia Zhou, and asked, “Why so blunt?”
Xia Zhou glanced around at the surrounding colleagues, then leaned closer to Chi Shuo, whispering, “If we don’t teach him a lesson, what if he uses us to pick up girls again without permission next time? And the target is Didi, Didi is our friend!”
Chi Shuo shook her head. “Not mine.”
“Right, you guys are past love rivals.” Xia Zhou teased.
Chi Shuo smiled faintly. “No, we’re just ordinary colleagues.”
Entering the elevator, Xia Zhou couldn’t help but retort, “Go away, what ordinary colleagues drive each other home?”
“I’m friends with you, haven’t seen you drive me home either.”
“Which time wasn’t it you mooching off me for food?”
“…Makes sense.”
Exiting the crowded elevator, before even reaching the office building entrance, Xia Zhou’s phone rang.
She pulled Chi Shuo’s wrist, signaling her not to continue walking, and said into the phone, “What? You’re going to Liucheng this weekend to find your cousin?” Chi Shuo quietly pricked up her ears and heard Xia Zhou say again, “Do we have time? Don’t even mention it, I’m actually tempted.”
Xia Zhou looked at Chi Shuo and replied into the phone, “Wait, let me ask them. If they want to go, I’ll come.”
“We can go.” Before Xia Zhou could ask, Chi Shuo spoke first. “I haven’t been to Liucheng before. Actually, I’ve been really tired lately, so it’d be a good chance to relax.”
“What about Zeng Guai?”
“Drag her along even if we have to.”
“We’re going.” Xia Zhou immediately replied to Yue Ke.
The news of going to Liucheng for the weekend was very sudden but not that hard to digest. After all, it was just for a little over a day.
Saturday morning at 8:30 AM, the three got into Yue Ke’s car. Xia Zhou sat in the front passenger seat; Chi Shuo and Zeng Guai naturally stayed in the back.
The drive from Yuncheng to Liucheng took about three hours. Last night, Chi Shuo hadn’t slept well because of the news about going to Liucheng, on top of waking up early. In the car, she wasn’t in the mood to chat and focused on getting some sleep, eventually drifting off hugging a pillow while Xia Zhou and the others chatted in the background.
It wasn’t a holiday, so hotels weren’t that hard to book. They had booked their accommodation last night.
Yue Ke and Xia Zhou naturally stayed in one room, a king-size bed room. Chi Shuo and Zeng Guai stayed in a standard twin room.
Regarding this, Zeng Guai had already started quietly teasing Xia Zhou while waiting for Yue Ke to drive over earlier: “Young people, be discreet, ha. Midsummer, hickeys on the neck can’t be hidden.”
Xia Zhou replied faintly, “Still better than someone whose body is parched and withered.”
Chi Shuo shook her head. “The drought kills the parched, the flood drowns the drenched.” She smiled. “Good thing I’ve already entered monkhood, have no physiological needs.”
“Pah.”
Around 11 AM, the car parked in the hotel’s outdoor parking space. The group of four dragged their suitcases into the main entrance.
Check-in procedures were quick. Staff led them to their rooms. Because their two rooms were different types and on different floors, Chi Shuo and Zeng Guai’s room was one floor higher.
The room was cleaned very spotlessly, a faint fragrance lingering in the air. The staff didn’t even enter the door, leaving them undisturbed. Chi Shuo and Zeng Guai put down their suitcases, checked the room first, then securely lay down on the beds, closing their eyes to rest.
Chi Shuo let out a sigh. “Ai, this bed is really soft.”
“Yeah, a pity not to roll around on it,” Zeng Guai added the next sentence.
Chi Shuo suddenly opened her eyes, tilted her head slightly, looked at Zeng Guai. “Why have you been making such lonely remarks lately? Really that empty?”
“Yeah.”
“My body has become a spider cave.”
“…”
Zeng Guai changed her position, propping herself up to look at Chi Shuo, asking curiously, “But, Shuo Shuo, have you ever had sex?”
“Which kind are you referring to?”
“Which other kind could there be, the kind that goes all the way.”
“No.”
“Damn, so innocent?”
Chi Shuo’s mind again conjured Shen Qu’s face. Back then, they had at most kissed.
Chi Shuo replied with a nasal “Mm.” She pulled the blanket up. “Let’s not talk about this. Meet up at two, hurry and sleep some more now.”
“Wait!” Zeng Guai called out to her again the next second.
Chi Shuo had already closed her eyes. She asked, “What is it?”
“You think He Xiuqi still has a chance?”
“Don’t know.”
“If not for this incident, I still thought he was quite nice. Just too many hidden schemes made me uncomfortable. Maybe also because I was kept in the dark as a prop, made me very unhappy.”
Chi Shuo couldn’t help asking, “Sister Zeng, aren’t you sleepy?”
“Good afternoon!” Seeing Chi Shuo on the verge of exploding, Zeng Guai immediately backed down, pulling the blanket over and closing her eyes.
Chi Shuo hadn’t been to Liucheng before, but she had once considered applying to university here. Ultimately, she didn’t because it wasn’t far from Yuncheng; she had wanted to be farther from home back then.
Liucheng was sweltering. The sun hung high in the sky, beating down on Chi Shuo and the others. Chi Shuo absolutely couldn’t stand it, especially at 2 PM in the afternoon. This heat was practically killing her.
The three of them had come out to play, but Yue Ke hadn’t, or rather, not entirely. He had to find He Lindi. He Lindi had left something at home. She hadn’t needed it before, so hadn’t thought of it. Only when she needed it tomorrow morning did she remember.
Express delivery would arrive tomorrow at the earliest. So Yue Ke said he would drive it over to her. Chi Shuo was actually a bit surprised by this. She discovered He Lindi’s relationship with this cousin, Yue Ke, was quite good. But in many families, relationships between cousins like this were just ordinary and plain.
Chi Shuo didn’t have such siblings herself, couldn’t experience such warm kinship. While envious, she also felt glad she didn’t have any; otherwise, who knew what strange situations might arise.
So at 2 PM, Yue Ke sat in the driver’s seat, driving towards the location He Lindi had given him.
The destination wasn’t in Liucheng’s main urban area. The time in the car was somewhat long. Chi Shuo listened to music with headphones, unsure how long passed, feeling drowsy again.
The consequence of not sleeping well at night was this: needing to make up for it during the day, and no amount of sleep felt sufficient.
But just as Chi Shuo was about to fall asleep, the car stopped steadily. Zeng Guai patted Chi Shuo’s shoulder. “Shuo Shuo, we’re here.”
Chi Shuo squinted, adjusted to the light, and sat up straight.
The sunlight outside was incredibly fierce. Chi Shuo felt somewhat intimidated and said, “If it’s just giving her something, can I stay in the car?” She touched her arm, looking at Yue Ke and Xia Zhou. “The sun is too fierce, I’m afraid of pain.”
That incident back then left too deep a psychological shadow. If she could avoid going out, that would naturally be best.
Xia Zhou nodded, understandingly saying, “Okay, we’ll give it to her and come right back. I’ll leave the car’s air conditioning on for you.”
Chi Shuo showed a grateful look, then shrank back into her seat. Zeng Guai beside her also made a humble request not to go but was cruelly rejected by Xia Zhou: “You must go.”
Yue Ke was already getting things from the trunk. Zeng Guai sighed. “Fine.”
Chi Shuo’s fear of the sun seemed to have become a get-out-of-jail-free card. She showed another envious look, then was dragged out of the car by Xia Zhou, together carrying He Lindi’s tools.
Their figures receded into the distance until they were out of sight. Only then did Chi Shuo breathe a sigh of relief. Good thing Xia Zhou and the others knew she was afraid of the sun; otherwise, she might really have been dragged along to see He Lindi.
Chi Shuo temporarily didn’t want to see her. If she had to state a reason, perhaps… guilt?
Mm, must be guilt. Because she got injured, He Lindi couldn’t even watch the movie with He Xiuqi.
Chi Shuo closed her eyes. Her mind was currently a mess; she felt like she couldn’t straighten out anything, anything at all. Even the reason she found for not wanting to see He Lindi was so flimsy.
Outside, other cars stopped and drove away, people got out and got back in. Only Chi Shuo remained in the space, the sound of the air conditioner incredibly clear to her.
Unsure how long Xia Zhou and the others would be, Chi Shuo simply closed her eyes again, preparing to pass the time by catching up on sleep.
And just two minutes after having this thought, her phone rang in her bag. The ringtone sounded somewhat abrupt in the quiet car. Chi Shuo blinked, startled.
Her mouth turned down slightly, her slightly furrowed brow clearly indicating her unhappiness to anyone who saw.
She took her phone out of her bag, glanced at the caller ID—it was Xia Zhou calling. Chi Shuo answered and asked immediately, “What’s wrong?”
“Chi Shuo.”
But the voice on the other end was He Lindi’s, tinged with a hint of coolness. Chi Shuo’s sleepiness was instantly chased away, leaving her wide awake.
Chi Shuo couldn’t help but swallow. She tried hard to steady her emotions, pretending to be calm as she repeated her earlier words, “What’s wrong?”
He Lindi seemed to be smiling, but perhaps also sneering. “Not coming to see me, oh?”
He Lindi drew out the final syllable slightly. Chi Shuo couldn’t help but choke slightly.
“Too hot,” Chi Shuo offered this reason. “I’m scared.”
After speaking, she waited for over ten seconds without getting He Lindi’s reply. Chi Shuo glanced at the phone screen; it wasn’t disconnected. She coughed lightly, preparing to ask if the person on the other end was still there.
Just as she was about to speak, He Lindi spoke, “Have I provoked you recently?”
“No.” He Lindi had been very busy recently.
“Then why don’t you give it a try?”
TN: Phew! This is probably the longest chapter I’ve ever worked on for a Chinese novel. Since I don’t like splitting chapters, consider this extended read a treat!
Ah indeed people’s heart is a needle in the sea