A night passed, and Chi Shuo didn’t receive a reply. When she woke up in the morning, she looked in the mirror and found her eyes were swollen like walnuts.
She sighed softly, went to the kitchen, boiled two eggs, and used them to soothe her eyes.
Her eyes were swollen not just from crying, but also from lack of sleep. She could only squint, her eyes reduced to slits.
After an unknown amount of time, when the stinging subsided, Chi Shuo finally stopped, holding the eggs and gently rubbing them in her hands.
Chi Shuo wasn’t entirely sure if she had fallen for He Lindi again, this girl who had occupied her youthful affections, but she was certain of one thing: she couldn’t continue like this.
He Lindi was still charming, dazzling, radiant, and the gap between them was still vast, distant, insurmountable.
Chi Shuo needed to find her place.
If her past crush was a tender sprout that emerged in a dark, unknown corner, withered by wind and rain before it could fully grow, then the current situation was… this withered sprout seemed to have a chance at rebirth.
But Chi Shuo had already decided not to give it the slightest possibility of revival.
Because she and He Lindi… were impossible.
This conclusion didn’t require any action to confirm; it was clear at a glance.
Fortunately, there was still time to nip this affection in the bud. Chi Shuo sniffled, determined not to send He Lindi any more messages. Even if He Lindi returned, she would maintain her distance.
Instead of like the past few days, failing to maintain distance. Chi Shuo felt her previous decision to keep her distance from He Lindi was absolutely correct. Because once you interacted with He Lindi, it was impossible not to like her, and for Chi Shuo, this liking would directly evolve into a crush.
Therefore, Chi Shuo did something rare today—she returned to her childhood home, a place she hadn’t been back to in a long time.
She didn’t inform her mother beforehand, just grabbed her backpack and arrived at the complex gate.
This home had been hers since birth. From the outside, the building clearly showed signs of age, the gate also faded and worn. Chi Shuo lowered her gaze, chatted briefly with the security guard who still recognized her, and then stepped into the place she had lived for nearly twenty-one years.
Although the complex was old, the landscaping downstairs had been renovated. Chi Shuo noticed the sandbox in the center had been replaced with a fitness area for residents.
Several elderly men were playing chess on the stone benches. Chi Shuo recognized two who used to give her candy. They recognized her too, immediately putting down their chess pieces and waving at her, their dentures showing as they smiled. “Little Chi, come here.”
Chi Shuo walked over and said, “Grandpa Tong, long time no see.”
The man who had called her over was Tong Jinjin’s grandfather. He lived across from them and they used to interact a lot.
“Are you leaving tonight? Little Chi?”
“Will you have dinner with us?”
“My wife misses you a lot.”
The other elderly people also smiled kindly at her. Chi Shuo neither agreed nor refused. “I’m not sure yet, I’ll see how it goes.” She smiled. “I’m going home first.”
Grandpa Tong nodded, quickly saying, “Okay, okay, go home first, but you must come over later.” He pointed at the chessboard. “I’ll play two more rounds then go home.”
“Okay.”
This old complex naturally had no elevator. Chi Shuo’s home was on the third floor, neither high nor low. She reached her door without even being out of breath, took out her key, and prepared to open the door.
But the key wouldn’t go in.
Chi Shuo: “…”
Her mother had changed the locks while she was gone.
Chi Shuo took out her phone and called her mother.
As soon as the call connected, Chi Shuo got straight to the point. “Mom, where are you? I’m back, but I can’t get in.”
“Where else would I be?” Her mother’s tone was the same as always. “Finally decided to come see your old mother?”
Chi Shuo sighed. “How are you an old mother?” She said, “I’m coming to get the key.”
Her mother’s usual spot, when not at home, was the mahjong parlor. Playing mahjong was her mother’s greatest hobby. A resident in their complex had spotted a business opportunity and converted their apartment into a small mahjong parlor. Her mother was, of course, a member.
If she wasn’t at home, she was definitely there.
Chi Shuo went to the small mahjong parlor. The apartment layout was the same as hers, just that every available space was filled with automatic mahjong tables. Before even reaching the door, while walking down the corridor, Chi Shuo could hear the sounds of mahjong tiles clacking.
She stood there for a few seconds, took two deep breaths to prepare herself mentally, and then continued walking.
Before even entering, Chi Shuo heard an auntie watching the mahjong game, munching on sunflower seeds, say to her, “Little Chi, you’re back?”
Chi Shuo nodded. “Yes.” She smiled. “Auntie Ren, long time no see. You’re still looking so energetic.”
Auntie Ren waved her hand, her words denying it, but her smile was wide. “Not at all!” She pointed at Chi Shuo’s mother, who was still skillfully playing mahjong. “Your mom’s the one who hasn’t changed in all these years.”
Chi Shuo maintained her smile, slowly walking over to stand beside her mother, looking down slightly at her mother, who hadn’t even glanced at her. “Mom, the key.”
Her mother opened her money drawer, took out a set of keys, and gave them to her. “The biggest one.”
“Okay.”
Her mother finally looked at her, frowning, seemingly unhappy. “What are you doing back here?”
“Just came to take a look.”
“Hmph.” Chi Shuo heard her mother scoff. She didn’t take it to heart, left the room, and returned to her own door.
She opened the door, placed the keys on the cabinet in the entryway as usual, changed her shoes, and went straight to her bedroom.
This was her room. Many of the furnishings hadn’t changed, but it was clear her mother had cleaned her room and changed her sheets while she was gone.
Chi Shuo’s heart softened slightly. She pulled back the covers and went to sleep.
Perhaps because the bed at home was more comfortable, or perhaps because it was the bed she had slept in for twenty-one years, Chi Shuo slept soundly. If it weren’t for her mother’s noisy return, she might have slept until evening.
Her mother barged straight into her room and said grumpily, “Chi Shuo, planning on staying here tonight?”
Chi Shuo rubbed her eyes, not retorting with “This is my home too,” but just nodding groggily. “Mm.”
“…” Her mother continued, “Get up already! Like a pig! Look at what time it is!”
Chi Shuo put down her hand, turned to look at her mother, and called out, “Mom.” She said, “Just keep scolding me.”
Her mother’s lips moved. Before closing the door, she spat out two words. “Crazy.”
The door closed again. Chi Shuo lowered her head, a smile slowly spreading across her face.
The purpose of her return this time was to get scolded. It would help clear her head. After all, she had even been hit before because of He Lindi, even though her mother had no idea it was related to He Lindi, and He Lindi herself was completely unaware of the incident.
This was fine too.
Chi Shuo got out of bed, left her bedroom, and saw her mother lying on the sofa, eating fruit, and watching videos.
Chi Shuo had only taken two steps when her mother, as if having eyes in the back of her head, said, “Go make dinner. There are vegetables in the refrigerator, you figure it out.”
Chi Shuo hummed in response. “Okay, got it.”
As soon as she finished speaking, there was a knock at the door. Her mother said to her, “Go open the door.”
Chi Shuo walked over, looked through the peephole, and then opened the door, smiling. “Grandpa Tong.”
It was Tong Jinjin’s grandfather, whom she had encountered earlier. He extended an invitation. “Little Chi, have you eaten?”
“Not yet,” Chi Shuo replied. “Was just about to make dinner.”
“Then don’t bother!” Grandpa Tong beamed. “Call your mother and come eat with us. We just finished cooking.”
Then he called out to Chi Shuo’s mother in the living room, “Xiao Yu, come eat! My wife and I are done cooking.”
Her mother’s surname was Yu. Grandpa Tong usually called her Xiao Yu.
Her mother showed no intention of refusing, immediately getting up and putting on her slippers, smiling. “That’s so kind of you, but I couldn’t possibly impose…”
Chi Shuo: “…”
Chi Shuo knew her mother wouldn’t refuse because the Tong family was wealthy. However, Chi Shuo’s timing wasn’t great. Tong Jinjin had already left for university and would only be back tomorrow for National Day holiday. Tong Jinjin’s parents were always away on business.
They talked about this during dinner. Grandpa Tong said, “Little Chi, when are you leaving? Want to stay a bit longer? Xiao Tong called and said he’s getting off at 11 AM and will be back in Yuncheng around 3 PM. If you’re not in a hurry, you can wait for him. He can drive you back.”
Before Chi Shuo could answer, her mother spoke first. “She’s leaving tomorrow night, not in a hurry, not in a hurry.”
Chi Shuo: “…”
She caught her mother’s meaningful look and, under the expectant gazes of Grandpa and Grandma Tong, nodded. “Yes, I’m leaving tomorrow night.”
Grandma Tong, her hair streaked with white, smiled happily. “That’s good. Xiao Tong often calls and asks if you’ve come back, worried we’re not taking good care of you.”
Chi Shuo pressed her lips together slightly.
On Sunday afternoon, Tong Jinjin indeed returned.
Before leaving for the mahjong parlor, Chi Shuo’s mother specifically told her to take good care of Tong Jinjin, not to give him a cold shoulder, to wash fruit for him, and so on. Chi Shuo found it overwhelming.
Tong Jinjin knocked on the door. Chi Shuo was leaning against her headboard, reading a comic book she had bought when she was little. Because so much time had passed, she couldn’t remember the plot and decided to reread it.
When she saw Tong Jinjin, she noticed the sweat on his face and his noticeably tanned skin.
Chi Shuo smiled, welcoming him in. “I didn’t believe you when you said you got tanned, but now seeing you in person, I have to believe it.”
Tong Jinjin smiled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head, and asked cautiously, “Do you think I look handsome?”
Chi Shuo nodded matter-of-factly. “A tan from military training, what’s not handsome about that?” She added pointedly, “All guys look handsome after military training.”
The implication, which Chi Shuo wasn’t sure Tong Jinjin would understand, was that in her eyes, Tong Jinjin’s handsomeness was the same as any other guy’s.
“That’s good,” Tong Jinjin took the water Chi Shuo poured for him.
Chi Shuo handed him a wet wipe. “Wipe your sweat.” She was a bit puzzled. “Is it that hot today?”
Tong Jinjin coughed lightly. “No, just rushed home.”
Chi Shuo smiled. “Everyone’s at home, no need to rush.”
Tong Jinjin’s expression shifted. “But you…” He lowered his head slightly, his ears turning red. “But you’re leaving.”
Chi Shuo pretended not to notice his reaction and continued chatting with him like an older sister. “You can come visit me anytime. I’m your older sister, after all.”
Tong Jinjin held his glass, his lips parting slightly. “Really…?”
Chi Shuo knew what he was thinking, but she couldn’t help but constantly hint. Tong Jinjin was in university now. He would meet many more, better, and more outstanding girls. He could have a wonderful campus romance instead of wasting his time on her.
It wasn’t worth it.
That evening, Chi Shuo refused to let Tong Jinjin drive her back. She still didn’t want to reveal her address, nor did she want Tong Jinjin to go back alone.
Tong Jinjin didn’t insist this time. He walked her to the complex gate, watched her get into a taxi, and then left.
Chi Shuo felt this day and a half at home had been effective. At least she hadn’t thought about He Lindi as much as before and hadn’t sent her a single message.
Chi Shuo didn’t know if it was because she was older now and had better control, but she seemed capable of sticking to her words.
If she said she wouldn’t like He Lindi anymore, then she had to truly stop liking her.
Work wasn’t as busy anymore. Chi Shuo found other things to occupy her time, making her life more fulfilling.
The camera He Lindi gave her had long been put back in its box. After He Lindi’s birthday, she hadn’t taken it out again. Now, after work, she focused on learning to draw.
She bought the largest iPad and several drawing instruction books, immersing herself in them after getting home.
Day after day, Chi Shuo’s drawing skills improved significantly.
Her latest drawing was of Zeng Guai, based on a selfie Zeng Guai had sent her for practice. Chi Shuo drew in an anime style. If you only looked at the face, you wouldn’t recognize Zeng Guai, but with the hair color and mole on her face, it was easier to identify.
When Chi Shuo first started learning, Zeng Guai, looking at the drawings Chi Shuo sent her, almost couldn’t resist beating her up.
But now, after over a month, Zeng Guai’s satisfaction grew with each drawing, especially tonight’s. Zeng Guai not only saved it but also sent a thumbs-up emoji in their group chat.
Zeng Guai: 【Shuo Shuo, you’re awesome.】
Xia Zhou also added: 【Shuo Shuo, you’re awesome.】
Chi Shuo stretched and typed: 【I think I can start taking commissions soon.】
Chi Shuo’s purpose in learning to draw wasn’t just for fun, but to master the skill and earn extra income. She was satisfied with her current salary, but it still wasn’t enough.
Making money was the priority; everything else could wait.
Chi Shuo just wanted to become a rich woman soon and buy a nice apartment in Yuncheng.
Zeng Guai encouraged her: 【You definitely can!】
A smile touched the corners of Chi Shuo’s lips, then froze when she saw Xia Zhou’s message.
Xia Zhou: 【Yue Ke said his cousin is coming back tomorrow.】
Tomorrow? Chi Shuo glanced at the date: November 19th.
Chi Shuo didn’t react. She saw Zeng Guai send another message in the group chat: 【Woah! I’m going to call her now! Ask her when she’s coming back to work!】
About a minute later, Zeng Guai said in the group chat: 【Holy shit, Didi answered! I chatted with her for a bit, and she said she’s coming back to work tomorrow.】
Xia Zhou: 【Ahhh!】
Chi Shuo showed no reaction, just saying: 【I’m going to shower.】
When did He Lindi say she was going on her trip? It seemed to be September 19th. Chi Shuo couldn’t quite remember, but if that was correct, then He Lindi was truly punctual. Two months meant two months.
If she was still in a bad mood, she could have continued her leave, couldn’t she?
So, her return meant her mood had mostly recovered, right?
“Whatever,” Chi Shuo murmured. “Not my problem.”
But it was precisely because of He Lindi’s impending return that Chi Shuo realized autumn was almost over.
The weather had turned cold. Ginkgo trees lined the streets of Yuncheng. Chi Shuo, taking the bus every day, could see the leaves swaying in the wind, as if pleading, “Save me, I don’t want to fall.”
Today was no exception. She watched the swaying ginkgo leaves the entire way until she reached her stop.
Chi Shuo was listening to music with her headphones on. The sun wasn’t as fierce as in the summer anymore, so she didn’t bother with an umbrella.
After walking for a while, someone tapped her shoulder. Chi Shuo looked over and heard Xia Zhou’s triumphant laughter. “Why do you always fall for it?”
Chi Shuo took off her headphones and smiled. “Just letting you win.”
They walked towards the office building side by side.
Into the elevator, out of the elevator, clock in, sit down at their workstations.
Chi Shuo’s schedule was very regular. She slept at 11 PM, woke up at 7:30 AM, consistently getting over eight hours of sleep. She even had breakfast before leaving home, as healthy as could be.
As a result, her complexion had improved significantly. At least she no longer had dark circles under her eyes. Han Yu had invited her out for all-nighters a few times during this period, but Chi Shuo always declined, using “I need to draw” as an excuse.
Han Yu was very supportive of her pursuing her hobbies and side hustle. She stopped extending those late-night invitations and even often visited Chi Shuo’s apartment to check on her drawing progress.
It was Monday, the 19th, but Chi Shuo didn’t feel any reluctance towards work. She was even full of energy during the morning meeting.
During the meeting, the supervisor talked about the work plan for the next two months. Since it was nearing the end of the year, they would naturally get busy. They might be sent on business trips or to other companies for training. He told them to focus on their current tasks and follow instructions later.
As the year drew to a close, events came one after another. Even their company had organized one, inviting about twenty artists to participate. However, it was scheduled for January, giving them about two months to prepare. This event had nothing to do with Chi Shuo and her department; other departments in the company would be busy with it.
After the meeting, Chi Shuo went to get a cup of warm water.
Yuncheng was dry. If she didn’t moisturize and drink enough water, she easily got nosebleeds.
After a while, Zeng Guai rolled her chair over to Chi Shuo’s side. She asked quietly, “Shuo Shuo, are you going to see Didi during lunch?”
Chi Shuo, looking at her computer screen, raised an eyebrow. “Why would I?”
Zeng Guai’s eyes widened. “She’s back!”
Chi Shuo responded with an “Oh.” “What does that have to do with me?”
“Aren’t we her friends?”
“We’re not.”
“We’re just ordinary colleagues.”
Zeng Guai looked incredulous. “Huh? Really?”
“I’m quite busy.” Chi Shuo’s fingers tapped on the keyboard. “No time.”
“Okay…” Despite her shock, Zeng Guai returned to her own workstation.
Chi Shuo hadn’t lied or made excuses. She really was busy, because her supervisor had just called her into his office and given her a new assignment.
Another business trip. This time, the destination was Mishi. The task wasn’t an interview, but to persistently pursue an actress named Xiang Qingya and get her to agree to participate in the company’s event two months later.
Xiang Qingya was a newly crowned Best Actress, known for her low profile and lack of negative press. Many event organizers had invited her, but she hadn’t attended any. Xinyue wanted to secure her participation, which would be very beneficial for the company.
Chi Shuo spent the entire morning thinking about this.
Xia Zhou and Zeng Guai came in from outside, both looking unhappy.
Chi Shuo asked, “What’s wrong? Did someone bully you two?”
Zeng Guai’s eyes reddened. “Didi is so distant now.”
Chi Shuo’s expression didn’t change. She simply asked, “Really?”
“Yeah…” Xia Zhou rested her chin on her hand, her eyes looking a bit unfocused, as if still reeling. “Her appearance hasn’t changed much, just that her blue highlights have faded, but…”
Zeng Guai continued, “But she’s not smiling anymore. Before, her lips were always curved upwards. At lunch today, she just greeted us very calmly, and that was it.”
Xia Zhou sighed. “Did something happen to her? Seeing her like this makes me really sad.”
Chi Shuo pressed her lips together, still not saying anything. Xia Zhou and Zeng Guai exchanged a look, then Zeng Guai, mustering her courage, asked Chi Shuo, “Shuo Shuo, did you and Didi have a fight?”
Chi Shuo chuckled softly. “Is she worthy?”
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