Chapter 11: The Eleventh Cup of Coffee
The second day of the May Day holiday, Jiang Ying learned from her mistake the day before and put her phone on silent mode, hoping to sleep in without interruptions.
What she didn't expect was the doorbell ringing at 8 a.m.
The person outside clearly knew how to press a doorbell with expertise—ringing it in evenly spaced intervals, each time just when Jiang Ying was about to fall back asleep.
After almost five minutes of this torture, Jiang Ying finally gave up, stumbled groggily to the door, and croaked, "Who is it?"
"Meituan delivery," said a lazy female voice from the other side.
Jiang Ying instantly recognized the voice and snapped awake. She opened the door in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
Shen Xuan gave her a grin and lifted two big bags into the apartment. "Here to hang out with you."
While Jiang Ying washed up in the bathroom, Shen Xuan unpacked the goodies she had brought—all local snacks from Shanghai: pan-fried buns, trendy green rice cakes, salted egg yolk pastries, pork chop buns, and sticky rice with ribs. Anyone else would've thought she was a snack reseller.
Jiang Ying shot her a teasing smile. "You two fought again?"
"Hell no. You think he dares piss me off these days?" Shen Xuan patted her slightly rounded belly. "He's off on a business trip this afternoon, so I was bored."
When Jiang Ying finished washing up, she skipped over to the table and excitedly pointed to the pan-fried buns. "I've been craving these forever!"
Shen Xuan popped them in the microwave. "Didn't you plan to go out with Xiangqin over the holiday?"
Jiang Ying blinked, then realized she meant Yun Xian. "We're going to Yuántóuzhǔ, but not during the holiday—it's too crowded. We'll go next weekend."
"Won't the blossoms be gone by then?"
"Who's really there to look at the flowers anyway?"
Shen Xuan playfully punched her shoulder. "Not bad, Jiang the Charmer."
With a bun in her mouth, Jiang Ying smugly winked.
After breakfast, Shen Xuan dragged Jiang Ying out to shop. During her first trimester, she'd stayed indoors to rest, but now that everything was stable, she was eager to move around.
When Jiang Ying pulled out her usual white tee and jeans, Shen Xuan clicked her tongue. "You're wearing that?"
"What? It's not like we're going to party."
Shen Xuan snatched the plain shirt away and handed her a purple off-the-shoulder top. "Put something cute on. You don't want to be outshone by a pregnant woman, do you?"
Jiang Ying squinted and gave Shen Xuan a mock salute. "Striving to match the urban goddess!"
While Jiang Ying did her makeup, Shen Xuan lay on the bed messaging her husband and said, "Everyone thinks I corrupted you, but honestly, you're way braver than I am. You just pretend to be the good girl."
Shen Xuan was always dazzling—bright eyes, dyed hair, full of attitude. Jiang Ying, on the other hand, maintained a sweet and reserved image.
But that wasn't all there was to her.
At 19, she learned to smoke from Shen Xuan. At 21, she got a tattoo of a rose and a tiny planet on her shoulder.
One minute she was ranting about overwork on WeChat, and the next she was gushing on her personal blog about a random midnight concert she stumbled upon at a beach.
She was just a regular girl—but a romantic one, who insisted on painting bursts of color across her otherwise mundane adult life.
"I really want to travel," she sighed as she applied eyeliner. "It's been forever since we went anywhere."
Shen Xuan rubbed her belly, a bit wistfully. "Me too. But I don't think I'll have another chance."
"Why not?"
"Once you're a mom, freedom's over."
Jiang Ying looked at her in the mirror and remembered a time, years ago, when they both felt like misfits. Maybe that's why they became friends.
She sprayed some Loewe Morning After perfume—sensual, romantic, and delicate. Then she turned to Shen Xuan and said with a smile, "But you'll always be Shen Xuan—not just someone's wife or someone's mom."
Those were Shen Xuan's own words, now returned to her.
She teared up a little and laughed. "Why do I feel like my little girl's all grown up?"
"Let's go to Western Sichuan next year. The stars there are gorgeous," Jiang Ying said.
"I'm in! I wanna see some rugged mountain men!"
Every time Shen Xuan came to Xicheng, she'd visit the wonton shop across from Jiang Ying's old high school.
But this time, she barely touched her food.
"Don't want it?" Jiang Ying asked.
"I want cake."
"There's a bakery nearby. I'll go grab some."
"No, no." Shen Xuan grinned mischievously. "I want cake from your dear Xiangqin's café."
Jiang Ying rolled her eyes. "So that's why you made me dress up."
"Come on, let's go. I've been dying to see what he looks like in real life."
Jiang Ying described him, "Every time I go to the breakroom, someone's gossiping about what he wore that day. He's practically a legend at the tech park."
Shen Xuan nodded, impressed. "Then you better lock that down before someone else snatches him up."
"No worries. That gorgeous photographer downstairs still hasn't even gotten his WeChat."
"How did you get it?"
"He gave it to me," Jiang Ying said, beaming.
Author's note:
Yun Xian: Wait, I get to be the fake boyfriend? Best deal ever.
Chapter 12: The Twelfth Cup of Coffee
Jiang Ying and Yun Xian stared at each other, equally stunned, until Shen Xuan broke the silence. "What are you even saying?"
Jiang Ying snapped out of it, realizing her words sounded way too serious. She scrambled to explain, "Ah—what I meant was, I have a wedding to attend, and so…"
"So you need a pretend boyfriend?" Yun Xian finished her sentence.
She clapped once. "Exactly!"
The bell above the café door rang as new customers entered. Yun Xian told her to hold that thought and turned to take their orders.
Shen Xuan leaned her chin in her palm, watching the two with interest. She stirred her drink—lemon yogurt, sharp and tangy, a perfect match for the strange tension hanging in the air.
Jiang Ying kept her head down and glared at Shen Xuan. "This is all your fault! Why'd you call him over like that? I wasn't ready—I just blurted something out."
Shen Xuan chuckled, eyes still on Yun Xian. "Do you think he'll agree?"
"Hah, who would?" Jiang Ying grumbled.
Just then, Shen Xuan's phone rang—it was her husband. "Gotta take this. Zhou's checking in on me."
"Don't wander too far!" Jiang Ying called after her.
Meanwhile, Yun Xian motioned for Jiang Ying to come outside. She grabbed her bag and followed him out to the small courtyard in the back, where his car was parked.
Inside, the car was quiet and just private enough. They didn't have to look at each other directly, which made things slightly less awkward.
Jiang Ying noticed the faint citrus scent inside the car—fresh and subtle, not the cloying perfume or leather smell she usually disliked. It felt like it came from him.
"So, whose wedding is it?" Yun Xian asked.
Jiang Ying hesitated. "Just a college classmate."
"And why do you need someone to go with you?"
She fiddled with the strap of her bag before answering, "I… kind of bragged that I'd bring my boyfriend to the wedding. But now the date got moved up and I still don't have one. A lot of our classmates were there when I said it. They'll be expecting a show."
Yun Xian raised an eyebrow. "So, you just want someone to help you save face?"
She nodded sheepishly. "You must think I'm childish. Even Shen Xuan said I'm too proud for my own good."
He opened and closed a small metal box on his lap—it clicked softly, over and over, like a stress response.
"Why not just skip it?"
Jiang Ying didn't know how to answer. But Yun Xian cut straight to the heart of it. "It's your ex, isn't it?"
Her face flushed. "...Yeah."
Silence filled the space between them, broken only by the soft clicking of the box.
Finally, Yun Xian spoke. "Alright. I'll go with you."
She turned to look at him. His profile was sharp and elegant—like a statue carved with care. Normally, his gentle aura made him seem approachable, but now his expression was clouded and distant.
Sensing the shift in his mood, Jiang Ying mumbled, "You don't have to force yourself."
"I'm not." Yun Xian's tone softened. "You helped me with that painting. I never properly thanked you. Consider this a return favor."
"Return favor…" she echoed. "Okay, I get it."
After getting out of the car, Jiang Ying spotted Shen Xuan under the peach trees.
Seeing her face, Shen Xuan asked, "He said no?"
"No," Jiang Ying replied. "He said yes. But… I think he's mad?"
Shen Xuan frowned. "Mad? About what?"
"Exactly! What is he mad about?"
A breeze rustled the spring blossoms above. One pale petal drifted onto Jiang Ying's shoulder, covering the rose tattoo on her skin.
Shen Xuan plucked the petal and dropped it into her hand. "Don't overthink it. He agreed, right? That's what matters. Now let's not waste this lovely spring day."
"Wait up—walk slower!" Jiang Ying called out.
Back in the car, Shen Xuan glanced at the cozy little café in the mirror. "You got yourself a fake boyfriend. When are you going to make it official?"
"We're not even fake-dating yet," Jiang Ying muttered.
Shen Xuan snorted and pinched her arm. "What's that supposed to mean? You're enjoying the flirting phase now?"
"Ow! Then tell me—how should I confess?"
Shen Xuan blinked. "You really want to confess? You like him that much?"
"Weren't you the one urging me to lock him down?"
"I mean, yeah. But honestly, I never thought you'd be the one to make the first move. I used to think you were… a little emotionally cold."
She added, "Back when you dated Lu Tingyang, you never said you loved him. I thought you'd always stay passive."
Jiang Ying rolled down the window halfway. The breeze smelled like flowers—lush and heavy with spring.
In a season like this, once upon a time, a boy had offered her his heart, wide-eyed and hopeful.
Trees blurred past outside. Her voice was light and scattered like petals in the wind. "I remember everything Lu Tingyang said to me. I'm not making the same mistake again."
That evening, Jiang Ying stepped out of her office to a drizzle. She spotted Yun Xian's silver car and hurried over.
"You didn't bring an umbrella?" he asked, handing her some tissues as she got in.
"I forgot. It's just a little rain."
"It'll rain all week. Don't forget next time."
She nodded obediently.
They were heading out to buy clothes for the wedding. Yun Xian had asked her for style input so he could match his outfit to hers. Since he was doing her a favor, Jiang Ying insisted on covering the cost.
She picked a vintage-style dress for herself: white with orange blossom print, off-shoulder neckline, mid-calf length, and a slit that added a hint of elegance and sexiness. She even splurged on suede heels.
As for Yun Xian, she thought a shirt and slacks would do. He tried on a set in the first shop, and it fit like a dream.
While she waited, two store clerks kept sneaking glances and whispering about her. Jiang Ying buried her face in her phone.
Yun Xian stepped out of the fitting room, tall and handsome. "Does it match your dress?"
She smiled. "Very handsome. Looks great on you."
One clerk swooned. "Girl, your boyfriend is so good-looking, he could wear anything."
Yun Xian chuckled and looked at her again. "I mean, do we look like a couple?"
The two clerks practically screamed, "Too sweet!"
They locked eyes. Yun Xian shrugged with a helpless smile.
"This set it is," he said.
"Alright."
While he changed back, Jiang Ying went to pay. The cashier smiled. "You two are so cute. First time I've seen a girl shopping with her boyfriend like this."
Jiang Ying just smiled.
They finished quickly. Outside, Yun Xian asked if she was hungry.
"I'm on a diet—no dinner," she replied.
"Funny," he teased. "That's usually the bride's line."
"Hey, anyone seeing an ex would want to look their best."
He paused. "Well, I wouldn't know. Never had an ex."
"No way."
They stopped outside a congee shop. "How about this?"
"You really never had an ex?" she asked again.
He walked inside and chose a seat. "Strict parents in school. After that, I was too busy."
She sipped her tea, feeling oddly jealous. "But you must've been popular, right?"
He marked some items on the menu. "Honestly? Not really."
"Come on."
"Between exams, student council, grad school, and jobs—I didn't have time for romance."
"Never liked anyone?"
"There was a girl. My desk mate. Smart. Talented."
"Your first love?" she asked, a bit sour.
He smiled. "She has a kid now."
Jiang Ying relaxed. "I thought you were a free spirit, to be honest."
"Let me guess—rich, cultured parents, reads poetry, runs a café for fun?"
She laughed. "Yeah, something like that."
"Well, I'm just a burned-out office worker."
"I admire your life," she said.
He looked out the window. "Don't. You'll become who you want to be too."
A pause.
"Before I moved here, someone asked why I left a stable life. I had everything—a house, a car, a job. But I didn't want that kind of comfortable. I wanted something different."
"So Yunbian is just an experiment?" she asked quietly.
He nodded. "A pleasant one. But still just that."
She frowned. "So one day you'll just leave?"
"Maybe. Depends if I have a reason to stay."
"Isn't the café a reason?"
"It's fun now. Maybe in a few years, I'll sell it."
Her chest tightened. "But Xicheng's a great place to settle. Clean air. Beautiful views."
He laughed. "Maybe I'll have to marry a local girl."
His eyes lingered on her with a teasing glint.
Under the warm lights, with the steam rising from their congee, her face flushed bright red.
Author's note:
Yun Xian: I'm literally throwing hints, Jiang Ying!
Chapter 13: The Thirteenth Cup of Coffee
The drive from Xicheng to Shencheng took about two hours. Yun Xian and Jiang Ying decided to leave on Friday afternoon, which would get them to Shencheng just in time for dinner and an overnight rest.
Before heading to work, Jiang Ying left her small suitcase at Yun Bian's place. Since there wasn't much to do this week, she left an hour earlier than usual. When she went downstairs, Yun Xian was already waiting for her at his usual spot.
Before he could honk his horn, Jiang Ying walked over to the car and climbed into the passenger seat.
"There are quite a few weekend trips around, and there's going to be some traffic on the elevated road today. Let's eat something first," Yun Xian said, handing her a paper bag from the back seat. Inside were a sandwich and a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
"Thanks," Jiang Ying said, taking the bag. She unwrapped the sandwich, revealing soft toast with tomato, egg, and ham slices. She took a small bite and asked, "Did you make this yourself?"
"Yeah." Yun Xian pointed to the paper bag. "There's also orange juice with a little sugar, so it's not too sour."
"Thanks." Jiang Ying wiped off the salad dressing at the corner of her mouth and took a sip of the orange juice. It was perfectly balanced, refreshing and not too sweet.
Jiang Ying was really hungry, and in just a few bites, the sandwich was gone, and she had already finished most of the juice.
As dusk approached, the sky darkened, and the traffic on the elevated road moved steadily. They still had more than an hour to go, so Jiang Ying took out her iPad and pen from her bag and opened the drawing app.
Whenever she felt bored, she would doodle to pass the time. With skillful precision, Jiang Ying quickly outlined the lines and filled in the colors. Before long, a few cute characters had appeared on the screen.
Whenever she started something, she gave it her full attention. Seeing her engrossed in drawing, Yun Xian turned on the car's overhead light for her.
Her long hair was tied into a ponytail, and she was focused on her drawing, her profile partially hidden by stray strands of hair. Even in this simple moment, there was a certain serene beauty about her, completely unaffected by the world around her. The car was silent except for the faint sound of the Apple Pencil tapping against the screen.
Yun Xian couldn't help but glance at her hand, catching a glimpse of the drawing on the screen. It seemed familiar, and after a moment, he asked, "The stickers you often send on WeChat, did you draw those yourself?"
Jiang Ying nodded. "Yeah, I doodle when I'm bored. I posted them to WeChat, and quite a few people started using them."
Yun Xian thought for a moment. She often used two particular sets—one called "Why does the boss do that?" and another called "A day in the life of a corporate slave."
He remembered the cute chibi character sitting at a computer, tears streaming down their face while their hands frantically typed away at the keyboard. Jiang Ying often sent him that sticker, and he always knew it meant she was going to be working overtime, asking him to save a slice of cheesecake for her.
"They're quite cute," Yun Xian commented with a smile.
"When I was in college, I even took commissions and made quite a bit of pocket money," Jiang Ying said as she finished her last stroke and clicked save, but didn't exit the app. Instead, she created a new canvas and started sketching again, her ideas flowing smoothly.
Yun Xian could hear the slight pride in her tone, and a smile spread across his face.
As she continued drawing, Jiang Ying spoke again, "Actually, if I hadn't met my boss, I probably would've become a freelance artist."
Yun Xian asked, "Is that your dream?"
Jiang Ying shook her head. "Not exactly. I just find drawing really fun. Back in high school, because of what happened with Fu Chen, I was a bit of a loner and had some self-esteem issues. When I think about it, the people who changed me were Shen Xuan and..."
Jiang Ying paused for a moment, then quickly sped through the two names: "One was my ex, and the other was drawing. Back in college, I would post my drawings on Weibo, and I had almost 10,000 followers. They would call me 'wife,' which gave me a lot of confidence."
Yun Xian furrowed his brows and asked, "Wife?"
"Ah..." Jiang Ying realized that even though she and Yun Xian were both born in the '90s, there was still a generational gap between them. She patiently explained, "'Wife' is a term of endearment, a bit more powerful than 'big sis.' I used to draw fan art, and original work fans would follow me."
Yun Xian listened to her explanation, and while he didn't fully understand these quirky ideas, he found it interesting. He asked, "So fan art... is it a type of format?"
"Hmm..." Jiang Ying thought for a moment, then tried to explain in a way Yun Xian could understand. "Fan art is when you really love a piece of work—like a comic, movie, or novel. You can create and draw your own version of the characters or scenes based on your personal preferences. It's a derivative work based on the original."
Yun Xian nodded as if he understood but wasn't entirely sure. After a pause, he jokingly said, "Do you think I'm an old man?"
Jiang Ying quickly denied it, "Of course not! It's completely normal for you not to know about this. I don't know much about C language or programming either, but you know how to make hand-brewed coffee!"
The words came out with unintended double meaning, and as soon as she said it, Jiang Ying realized how it sounded.
An awkward silence fell in the car, lasting for a few seconds before Jiang Ying cleared her throat and corrected herself, "I meant hand-brewed coffee."
Yun Xian couldn't hold back any longer. He put one hand on the steering wheel and the other on his mouth as he let out a low laugh.
His voice was pleasant and clear, and when he laughed, it had a charming, soothing quality. He rarely laughed like this, and his eyes curved into a smile, his little mole under his eye twitching slightly.
Jiang Ying felt embarrassed for unintentionally making an inappropriate comment, but at the same time, she found herself captivated by his laugh, her ears turning bright red.
Yun Xian laughed for a while, and when the laughter finally stopped, his smile didn't fade from the corners of his eyes. He returned to the previous topic and asked, "So why did you choose to become a game planner instead?"
Jiang Ying said, "It was my boss's suggestion. He said he looked at my works and thought I could do well in the art department since that's my strength. But it also meant that many of my ideas would be buried."
Yun Xian nodded in silent agreement.
"So, he was really my mentor. After the interview, he and I talked, and he said I had a lot of good ideas. My drawing skills were a plus, but my brain was my real weapon. I should be in the planning department, not the art team. At that time, I had just graduated. I was really lucky to meet him. Actually, I also interviewed with some big companies, but I decided to join 'Small World' because I wanted to grow together with them. I thought that would be more meaningful."
Realizing she was getting thirsty, Jiang Ying took the orange juice out of the paper bag, opened the cap, and took a sip.
As she spoke about her experiences, her excitement grew, and she continued to share in detail, "You should know my boss. I saw you two talking before."
Yun Xian nodded but, wanting to avoid being lumped into the same WeChat group with Li Zhicheng, responded without expression, "We're not really familiar."
"He's got a bad temper and is unpredictable, but his business skills are exceptional. He understands technology, marketing, and creativity. Even though I complain about him a lot, I still really respect him."
Jiang Ying looked at Yun Xian and lowered her tone. "But I actually admire you the most. I heard from Xin Ruo that you used to be a director at an internet company? Your monthly salary could've supported me for a year."
Yun Xian momentarily drifted off in thought, then answered humbly, "It's not that exaggerated. When I first joined the company, I was just like you—working overtime every day, just another cog in the machine."
Jiang Ying twirled the pen in her hand, smiling. "Even though I always complain about overtime being tough, I still feel happy every time I read comments from players. It gives me such a sense of accomplishment."
Yun Xian nodded, "It's great to find joy in your work."
He could feel the passion and enthusiasm in Jiang Ying as she spoke about these things. Her eyes shone brightly, full of energy and life.
He actually envied her—having something she loved and worked towards, full of expectations for life and the future, full of emotion, young, and vibrant.
It was something he had never experienced.
In his seemingly smooth life, the greatest feeling he had was simply "life is boring."
He could work tirelessly to obtain something, but he never had ambition or desire—everything was just because some voice kept telling him what to do, how to behave.
He played the role of the dutiful son, the mature elder brother, the outstanding student, and the responsible employee. He was one of the best in the crowd.
On the surface, his life seemed perfect, enviable to others, but Yun Xian knew he was always just a part of the mundane world, moving forward, passing through one milestone after another, only to look back and realize there was nothing worth remembering.
"Facing death with no fear, killing time," that had once been Yun Xian's entire idea of life.
He lifted the corner of his mouth, saying with meaning, "Your boss is lucky to have met you."
When they reached a service area, Yun Xian turned the steering wheel and drove in. After parking and turning off the engine, he glanced at Jiang Ying, who was still focused on her drawing, unaffected by the change in surroundings.
This girl seemed to always surprise him unexpectedly, like a box of colorful mixed candies—always leaving him guessing whether the next piece would be sour or sweet.
Yun Xian thought back to Jiang Ying's WeChat moments, where she documented her lively life.
She had been to many cities, rock climbed, bungee jumped, and even dived underwater, riding roller coasters at six different amusement parks.
She had impulsively decided to learn skateboarding, only to fall and hurt her legs within the first week.
She once wanted to see the sunrise but overslept, and so decided to enjoy the orange-pink sunset instead, which had become her current profile picture.
She also shared interesting dreams, like the one where she lived on a hot air balloon, floating above fields, seas, and forests. She said, "I hope to ride a hot air balloon this year!!!" But later added in a comment, "I just googled it, forget it, it's too expensive. I'll just keep dreaming, dreams are free."
He also remembered the day Jiang Ying had sat on the steps smoking, her tattoo—a B612 planet and a rose in a glass dome—visible on her shoulder.
So she was like the little prince, exploring the universe?
Jiang Ying was a carefree rebel, a romantic adventurer. She was like a flame burning in the wilderness—young and passionate, unstoppable in her pursuit of limits.
She fought fiercely to escape the mundane world, but paradoxically, she also loved this world.
If a soft, warm, and pulsing heart was right in front of you, could you resist being drawn to it?
Recently, the weather had been rainy, and the night had come earlier than usual. The branches outside the car window swayed in the breeze.
Yun Xian raised his hand and turned off the interior light.
With a soft click, the car was enveloped in darkness, the fresh citrus scent lingering in the air, indistinguishable between his bergamot fragrance and the orange juice Jiang Ying had just drunk.
Yun Xian took a deep breath, leaned slightly toward her, inch by inch.
"Ding—" The sound of a message notification came from the phone.
"Yun Xian, look!" Jiang Ying had just sent a message and was about to look up when she suddenly bumped into something hard.
She gasped, holding her forehead and asking, "Why did you suddenly lean over?"
Yun Xian frowned, holding his chin, and pointed to the cabinet. "I was getting some change for the toll."
"Oh," Jiang Ying realized her mistake and apologized, "Is it okay? Does it hurt?"
"Xiang... Qin?"
Jiang Ying widened her eyes, clutching her iPad to her chest with a terrified expression as she looked at Yun Xian.
"Why did you save her name as that?"
"Did you make a mistake? It's not you, it's a colleague of mine, her name is Xiang Qin."
Yun Xian gave her a suspicious look, took his phone, unlocked it, and saw that she had indeed just sent him a message. The screen was the same.
However, Yun Xian's attention was soon drawn to the picture on the screen. "What's this?"
"It's you and Yun Bian."
The picture had a soft color palette, with cloud patterns on a blue background. The chibi character was holding a cup of coffee, with the dialogue box next to it saying in Jiang Ying's unique handwriting—"Welcome to Yun Bian Café."
Even though it was a simple and cute style, anyone could tell who it was drawn of.
His hairstyle, his favorite white shirt, even the mole under his eye—it was all there.
Jiang Ying, holding the iPad, looked at him eagerly, as if waiting for praise.
Yun Xian clicked the screen a few times, saving the picture to his album, then reached over to ruffle Jiang Ying's hair.
"Nice drawing, wife."
Author's Note:
A smart male lead knows how to learn and apply his knowledge flexibly.
Chapter 14: The Fourteenth Cup of Coffee
"You... what did you just call me?"
"Wife, isn't that how it's used?"
Jiang Ying took a deep breath, glanced away, and said in a half-hearted tone, "Yeah, that's how it's used. You're really smart."
Seeing that Yun Xian had parked at the service area, Jiang Ying asked, "Do you want to get out and have a cigarette?"
Yun Xian said, "I don't smoke. Do you want one?"
Realizing she had never seen him smoke, Jiang Ying shook her head. "No, I'm quitting."
Yun Xian suggested, "Then how about getting out and stretching? We've been sitting for a while."
Jiang Ying agreed.
Jiang Ying went into the service area's restroom while Yun Xian stayed outside and bought a cup of oden. When she came out, he handed her the cup.
"I'm actually not hungry," Jiang Ying said, holding the warm oden. The savory aroma mixed with the sweetness of ketchup drifted to her nose. One sandwich might have been enough to make her somewhat full, but she didn't want Yun Xian to think she ate too much.
Yun Xian pursed his lips, giving her a glance as if he didn't want to tell her the truth. "I bought it for myself. I'm hungry. Can you just hold it for me first?"
He then opened the car door and got in, leaving Jiang Ying standing there for a few seconds, cursing herself for being so self-important. Embarrassed, she slowly climbed into the car.
Back in the car, Jiang Ying sat upright, holding the oden as if she were a mascot for the vehicle.
Yun Xian picked up a skewer of Arctic wings, ate one delicately, and started the car again.
The traffic on the elevated road was steady, and Jiang Ying felt that if she didn't eat the oden soon, it would get cold, so she handed a fish ball skewer to Yun Xian.
Yun Xian looked down at the fish ball in front of him, then quickly looked ahead, leaning forward to bite off one of the fish balls.
Once he had finished chewing, Jiang Ying handed him another skewer.
When he finished the last of the fish balls, Yun Xian smiled and teased, "For the first time, it feels nice to have someone next to me while driving. When I'm hungry, someone can feed me."
Jiang Ying continued to hand him another skewer of tempura. "Yeah, and you also get someone to talk to."
Yun Xian ate two more skewers before saying he was done. Jiang Ying, following her principle of not wasting food, happily finished the rest.
"Jiang Ying." Yun Xian suddenly called her. "There's water in the backseat, can you get it for me?"
"Oh, okay." Jiang Ying reached her arm back and grabbed the bottle of water. She twisted open the cap and carefully handed it to him.
Yun Xian tilted his head back to cooperate with her, but the angle wasn't quite right. Jiang Ying held it a little too high, and water started dripping down from the corner of Yun Xian's mouth, almost falling from his chin. Instinctively, Jiang Ying used the back of her hand to wipe it away.
The movement was automatic, and it wasn't until her hand brushed against Yun Xian's lower lip that she realized what she had done, feeling like she had been burned. She quickly pulled her hand back.
Clearing her throat, she straightened up, but the back of her left hand still had a wet spot. Jiang Ying didn't dare touch it, unsure how to deal with it.
Yun Xian reached into the glove compartment and pulled out a napkin, handing it to her.
Jiang Ying took it and muttered, "Thank you."
As she wiped the spot on her hand, her thoughts wandered back to the soft feeling she had just experienced.
It felt like a tiny insect had crawled across the back of her hand, and the sensation was itchy and prickly. She wiped it roughly and balled the napkin in her palm.
She scolded herself inwardly: "Those who let their thoughts wander are the real troublemakers."
Jiang Ying shook her head vigorously as if to rid herself of the images popping into her mind.
By the time they arrived at the hotel in Shencheng, it was already nearing seven in the evening. They returned to their rooms to drop off their luggage and rest for a while. Jiang Ying then took Yun Xian to a grilled fish restaurant she used to frequent in college.
It had been a while since she last visited, and the smell that greeted them at the door immediately made Jiang Ying's stomach growl. As soon as the dishes were brought to the table, she couldn't stop eating, her chopsticks moving non-stop.
Yun Xian picked the fish bones out of his bowl and asked, "Didn't you say you were on a diet?"
Jiang Ying grabbed a piece of cold kelp. "I'll walk around the hotel twice later, it'll be fine."
Yun Xian smiled, placed the fish meat he had picked out in front of her, and said, "You're not gaining weight. Eat more."
After they finished eating and drinking, Jiang Ying rubbed her stomach and asked, "Want to take a walk by the river? It's not far from here."
Before Yun Xian could respond, she reconsidered. "Forget it, I'm a bit tired."
Yun Xian didn't say anything else, taking a sip from his water cup.
If it had been any other day, Jiang Ying wouldn't have felt so uncomfortable. But tomorrow was Lu Tingyang's birthday, and it was also his wedding day.
Six years ago, when Lu Tingyang was still in his junior year, he invited Jiang Ying to the Huangpu River. He said, "I come here every year on my birthday to take a photo to commemorate it."
Back then, Jiang Ying had said, "Wow!" and eagerly pulled out her phone to take a picture of him.
That year, Lu Tingyang still had the pure, youthful energy of a young man. He smiled, took Jiang Ying's phone, wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and raised his arm to frame the shot.
As he pressed the button to take the picture, he leaned down and kissed her cheek.
Although Jiang Ying felt embarrassed, that photo became her phone wallpaper for many years.
From that moment, being together seemed like a natural progression.
But just like what Lu Tingyang said during their breakup—"From the beginning, I was moving forward, bravely taking 99 steps, while you stayed in place, waiting to accept my kindness."
Over time, it became tiring, and they grew weary of each other. They were not suitable as lovers.
Jiang Ying wasn't good at arguing but was great at ruining relationships.
When it was time to break up, she stayed silent, unnervingly calm.
Even when Lu Tingyang coldly mocked her, saying, "People like you don't deserve to be in a relationship," Jiang Ying didn't say a word.
She only called out to him when he was about to leave, asking, "Do you like all of me, or just the parts of me that you want to see?"
All the things of the past no longer mattered. They had become things to sigh about when remembered.
Later, Jiang Ying reflected on the relationship and admitted that she hadn't been good in it.
Love was a two-way street; you couldn't always wait for the other person to come to you.
At that moment, looking at the man sitting across from her—gentle, composed, and doing everything without haste—he embodied the qualities she longed for and admired.
Remembering Shen Xuan's words, Jiang Ying's fingers lightly tapped the table.
What you like, you should hold on to tightly.
—It seemed like it was time to take a step toward him.
They arrived at the hotel, and at the stairwell, Yun Xian and Jiang Ying said their goodbyes, each heading to their respective rooms.
The next day, Jiang Ying woke up early. She had only slept for two hours due to insomnia, and there were dark circles under her eyes, with some puffiness as well. After forcing herself to drink half a cup of black coffee, she winced at the bitter taste.
At ten o'clock, Jiang Ying finished getting ready and went downstairs to the hotel lobby.
Yun Xian was sitting on the sofa waiting for her, with a cup of iced Americano in front of him. As she walked toward him, he looked up just in time.
Yun Xian stood up and waved at her. Tall and striking, he immediately became the center of attention. He wore a neat white shirt tucked into light-colored trousers, which made him look slim with long legs. On his feet were clean white casual shoes, casual yet stylishly handsome.
Jiang Ying walked up to him, and today, wearing high heels, she was almost at his nose level.
Yun Xian slightly raised his arm, and Jiang Ying linked hers with his.
"Let's go."
Today was one of the rare sunny days recently, and the sun broke through the clouds, bathing everything in golden light. The sounds of cicadas filled the air, and the early summer breeze swept through the long streets and people.
The wedding was held outdoors. Jiang Ying took out the invitation, registered her gift at the front desk, and followed the staff's instructions inside.
Since Lu Tingyang wouldn't accept her contribution, she had asked Shen Xuan's husband to prepare a bottle of fine wine as a wedding gift.
The wine was expensive, and Shen Xuan had repeatedly reminded her and Yun Xian to make sure to choose the expensive food.
The wedding was a buffet-style meal, and a banquet hall had been arranged to host the guests. The wedding had to begin at an auspicious time, so the waiting guests gathered in small groups, chatting and lingering around the food.
Jiang Ying ended up in a competition with a little girl about five or six years old at the dessert station. There was only one last bowl of strawberry ice cream left, and both of them clearly wanted it.
The little girl couldn't compete with Jiang Ying, and when the ice cream was handed to someone else, she let out a dramatic cry and pretended to start crying. Jiang Ying, however, wasn't actually mean. After teasing the little girl, she gave her the ice cream. The girl immediately brightened up and happily ran off with it.
Yun Xian quietly stood aside, watching the whole scene. He placed his large hand on Jiang Ying's head, gently pressing it down and asked, "Why do you act like a little kid?"
Jiang Ying grinned and pointed at the little girl running off. "That's Lu Tingyang's sister's daughter. I even went to the hospital to see her when she was born. She's all grown up now."
Yun Xian took a sip of tea, his gaze darkening, but he didn't respond.
The best part of the buffet-style meal was not having to sit with unfamiliar or distant people. Jiang Ying didn't know many of Lu Tingyang's relatives and only exchanged brief pleasantries with a few of his roommates.
At 12:18 p.m., the wedding finally began.
Yun Xian and Jiang Ying chose a seat at the very back.
The most dazzling part of any wedding was always the couple. Cheers and applause filled the air as the beautiful bride in a white gown walked toward the groom, arm-in-arm with her father, amidst falling flower petals.
Then came the vows, exchanging of rings, and a passionate kiss amidst the blessings of the crowd.
Jiang Ying watched from across the crowd, gazing at the perfect couple from afar.
Yun Xian observed her for a moment and asked softly, "Are you still not over it?"
Jiang Ying responded, "How could I be?"
The wedding continued, and they whispered to each other, standing apart from the lively crowd.
"When we were together, we were both pretty immature. He liked girls who were obedient, clingy, and would act cute, while I... I had a free spirit," Jiang Ying said with a calm tone, a trace of a smile on her face.
Yun Xian's eyes rested on the bride. She was indeed sweet-looking, delicate and small.
Jiang Ying sighed lightly. "Our personalities just weren't compatible. It was natural for us to break up. It's just a bit nostalgic, that's all."
Yun Xian asked, "What are you nostalgic about?"
Jiang Ying replied in an unusually deep tone, "Exes... they help you grow, teach you how to love, and then leave you. Like planting a tree for others to enjoy its shade. It's all about timing. There's a saying... 'If you meet someone later, you can love them longer.'"
Yun Xian lowered his gaze and softly said, "Fortunately."
Jiang Ying didn't hear him clearly, looking at him in confusion. "What did you say?"
Yun Xian met her gaze, and with a slight smile on his lips, he said, "Nothing."
After the ceremony, they returned to the banquet hall, where the newlyweds took turns offering drinks to the guests. This was when Jiang Ying finally saw Lu Tingyang and his new wife.
He was dressed in a sharp suit, his hair perfectly styled with gel. He walked up to Jiang Ying, exchanging smiles with her.
All the past struggles and entanglements were dissolved in that smile.
Lu Tingyang held a glass of wine with one hand and introduced his wife. "This is my junior, Jiang Ying. The game you like to play was made by their company."
The beautiful bride looked surprised. "Really?"
Lu Tingyang smiled, "Of course. She's the chief planner."
Jiang Ying smiled and linked arms with Yun Xian. "This is my boyfriend, Yun Xian."
Yun Xian shook Lu Tingyang's hand, and Lu Tingyang said, "Nice to meet you." Yun Xian responded, "Congratulations on your wedding."
The bride looked Yun Xian up and down and excitedly grabbed Jiang Ying's arm. "Your boyfriend looks like Jian Ying from the movie!"
Jiang Ying froze for a moment and casually admitted, "To be honest, he's the inspiration."
If there weren't still several tables waiting to be served drinks, these two women would have probably chatted for quite a while.
After the newlyweds left, Yun Xian couldn't hold back his curiosity and asked Jiang Ying, "What did you mean by that just now?"
Jiang Ying stuffed a rib into her mouth, mumbling, "I based the character design on his image."
"Oh—" Yun Xian deliberately dragged out the sound. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Jiang Ying's chewing motion faltered.
What could she say? Back then, she had been so captivated by his good looks that every drawing looked like him.
She continued eating in silence, grateful that Yun Xian didn't press the issue.
By the time they left the hotel, it was almost 3 p.m. Jiang Ying asked Yun Xian if he wanted to go out and explore. Yun Xian happily agreed.
Having stayed in Shencheng for four years, there were still many places Jiang Ying wanted to visit.
They went to Nanjing Road, known for its abundance of street food. Jiang Ying had worn high heels, and at first, she didn't mind, but after a while, she realized her heels were hurting badly.
Noticing her discomfort, Yun Xian helped her sit on a bench by the street.
Her heels were already blistered, bleeding, and aching.
Jiang Ying glanced at the wounds on her feet and muttered, "Should've known better than to go for beauty."
She couldn't walk anymore, so they just sat there and rested for a while.
Sitting on the bench, watching the busy street, she emptied her mind and found it surprisingly relaxing.
Just when Jiang Ying's thoughts had drifted, Yun Xian suddenly said, "I need to confirm something."
She snapped back to reality, asking blankly, "What?"
Her phone rang. As she raised it, her wrist was suddenly grabbed.
"It's Xiangqin, right?" After confirming, Yun Xian ended the call.
Jiang Ying clutched her phone tightly to her chest, fuming, "What is wrong with you?"
Yun Xian asked, "Why did you save her as that?"
With the evidence right in front of her, Jiang Ying couldn't think of a good reason. So she just told the truth. "It's because of the Tree Planting Festival and my surname. Shen Xuan always calls me 'Jiang Zhishu'."
Then Jiang Ying hesitated and cautiously asked, "You know who Jiang Zhishu is, right?"
Yun Xian laughed despite himself. "I'm not that old."
Jiang Ying kept speaking, her voice growing smaller. "I just got carried away and randomly saved it like that."
Standing with her back to the light, she couldn't see Yun Xian's expression.
The bustling Nanjing Road was full of life, with the bright sun of late spring and early summer shining down.
Various stores were crowded with people, and the air was full of the scent of life.
After a while, Jiang Ying finally heard Yun Xian say, "If it's Xiangqin and Zhishu, what about that kiss?"
Author's Note:
It's coming soon.
Chapter 15: The Fifteenth Cup of Coffee
Jiang Ying suddenly stood up in a panic, saying, "There's a mall nearby, I'm going to buy a new pair of shoes."
Before Yun Xian could respond, she hurried forward, but the motion made her injury sting, forcing her to stop.
Yun Xian quickly caught her, asking, "Can you walk?"
Jiang Ying nodded firmly, "I can make it through this short distance."
He offered her his arm, and they slowly walked together toward the mall. Jiang Ying sat down at her usual shoe store.
"You pick first, I'll be back in a moment," Yun Xian said as he left, leaving Jiang Ying without a chance to ask where he was going.
As she sat on the couch, the sales associate showed her several pairs of shoes. At this moment, Jiang Ying felt like a mermaid walking on the edge of a blade, with her only criterion being comfort.
A few minutes later, Yun Xian returned with a box of band-aids in hand. He asked, "Have you picked?"
Jiang Ying pointed at two pairs of shoes next to her and, in the midst of her usual indecisiveness, asked, "Which one do you think looks better?"
"The black ones," he said while bending his knee and crouching down to open the box of band-aids. He gently held Jiang Ying's ankle and carefully applied the band-aid to her injury.
His movements were smooth and practiced. Before she had time to react, Yun Xian was already switching feet, treating the other one.
Jiang Ying placed her hands on her sides, watching the focused man in front of her. Her breathing softened, and it felt like all the warmth and brightness of this spring day were unfolding right before her eyes.
After applying the band-aid, Jiang Ying slipped on the pair of shoes Yun Xian picked for her: black velvet flats with pointed toes, adorned with pearls and small diamonds at the front.
She gently stomped her foot and felt how soft the shoes were, with a flat sole that was much more comfortable than heels.
Yun Xian helped her stand up and said, "It's a good match with your dress."
Jiang Ying nodded and praised him, "You have great taste."
Yun Xian smiled.
By the time they left the mall, it was already evening.
The city of Shencheng transformed between day and night, and the twilight between the two was especially romantic.
The clouds in the sky were dyed in shades of rose, sinking between the buildings and trees. The evening rush hour was approaching, and before the new wave of excitement began, the city had grown peaceful and lazy.
Gazing at the brilliant horizon, Jiang Ying suddenly had an idea. She turned to Yun Xian and said, "Let's take the sightseeing bus."
Starting from People's Square, the bus would pass the Bund and Chenghuang Temple, and the entire journey lasted thirty-five minutes. The second open-air level of the sightseeing bus offered a perfect view of the city's skyline.
They were lucky that the bus wasn't crowded, so they sat together at the rear.
As the bus began moving, Jiang Ying took out a pair of earphones from her bag and handed one to Yun Xian.
They listened to Troye Sivan's "Strawberries & Cigarettes."
Strawberries and cigarettes seemed the perfect metaphor for lovers—sweet and intoxicating.
Midway through, Jiang Ying got distracted for a moment, confirming the delivery time with the flower shop.
She had never confessed to anyone before, had no experience, and didn't dare to think about whether the result would be good or bad. But there were billions of people in the world, and at this moment, only this man was by her side, sharing music and the evening glow with her.
This opportunity was rare, so tonight, Jiang Ying decided to take a chance, to bet on whether he would play along or not.
They sat side by side, the evening breeze brushing their hair.
When the song looped for the third time, the lazy male voice sang, "Strawberries and cigarettes always taste like you." Jiang Ying realized Yun Xian seemed to be looking at her, so she turned her head away.
When she met his gaze, she saw the smile in his eyes and on the corners of his lips.
Jiang Ying tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear and asked, "What are you looking at?"
Maybe it was the twilight, maybe it was the mole on his face, but Yun Xian's gaze was filled with affection and deep emotion.
Feeling flustered by his look, her heart racing, Jiang Ying felt the warm sunlight and gentle breeze melt in that moment.
As she was about to turn her head again, Yun Xian leaned in, cupping her face in his hands, and kissed her.
The amber streetlights illuminated them as the moon climbed higher into the sky.
Just as she had imagined, his touch was soft and warm.
At that moment, Jiang Ying's chest tightened, her breathing became shallow and hot. She could hear her heart pounding, thudding like thunder.
It wasn't until the song finished that Yun Xian pulled away from her lips.
Still holding her face, he rested his forehead against hers, their noses brushing lightly.
The look in his eyes after the kiss was tender beyond belief, as if it held both the moon and the flowers.
Jiang Ying, still out of breath, hadn't quite regained her composure. Trembling, she asked, "Was this... so sudden?"
Yun Xian let out a short, soft laugh. "Sudden? I've been planning it for a long time."
After saying that, he lowered his head and lightly kissed her lips again, as if punctuating the long kiss with a final touch.
They sat upright again, both gazing ahead in quiet understanding, not saying anything more. They continued to listen to the music, enjoying the cool breeze and admiring the night view as their unspoken intimacy blossomed further.
When they got off the bus, Yun Xian stood still and extended his hand to Jiang Ying. She used his support to jump off the last step. He held her hand in his, not letting go. They walked hand-in-hand under the streetlights, their shadows—one tall and one short—cast on the ground, close and intimate.
Yun Xian squeezed her hand and asked, "Are you hungry?"
Jiang Ying shook her head. "I'm full from this afternoon's meal. Are you hungry?"
Yun Xian also shook his head with a smile.
Jiang Ying, momentarily distracted by his smile, quickly averted her gaze, staring at the pearls on her shoes as she asked, "So what are we doing next?"
Right now, she couldn't think straight. Her heart was racing, her breath uneven, and she felt embarrassed to admit that when she got up from her seat earlier, she had barely known how to walk.
Yun Xian, still concerned about her foot injury, asked, "Are you tired? Do you want to go back to the hotel and rest?"
Jiang Ying quickly responded, "No, I'm fine, let's wait a bit longer."
"Alright, let's walk around then. The night view here is nice."
Jiang Ying nodded. "Yeah, let's walk."
Nearby, a small park had active middle-aged and elderly people dancing square dances, children learning how to rollerblade, and couples strolling together.
A little boy skillfully slid past a row of obstacles, and Jiang Ying couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, he's so amazing."
Yun Xian, noticing a group of young people skating ahead, asked Jiang Ying, "Can you still skateboard?"
Following his gaze, Jiang Ying saw a girl with pink pigtails completing a difficult trick, one that even professional skaters rarely succeeded in. After landing, she flashed a confident smile, and her friends cheered and clapped for her.
Jiang Ying looked at the girl with envy. "No, I'm not even close to that level. Shen Xuan was really good at it before, but she can't do it anymore now."
Yun Xian said, "You're not like what people first think of you."
Jiang Ying nodded in agreement. "You're not the first one to say that."
Yun Xian, holding her hand, continued walking. Without missing a beat, he asked, "Who else? Your ex?"
Jiang Ying squinted at him, teasing, "You seem very interested in Lu Tingyang."
Yun Xian shrugged, neither denying nor confirming it.
After walking a little further, away from the crowd, Yun Xian finally spoke, "Actually, I didn't want to come to Shencheng with you at first."
Jiang Ying recalled his reaction from the other day and asked, "So why were you upset that day?"
Yun Xian let go of her hand and stood in front of her. "I wasn't upset."
Jiang Ying was confused. "Then what was it?"
Yun Xian said candidly, "I don't want anyone else to interfere with what's happening between us. I don't want to be the tool for you to get over your ex."
Jiang Ying's heart clenched, and her hand tightened instinctively. "Don't misunderstand, I'm not holding onto anything from the past."
Yun Xian's lips curled into a slight smile. "I know."
He took a step forward, pulled Jiang Ying into his arms, and lifted her off the ground.
She felt her body lift suddenly, with the railing nearby and the rushing river below. Jiang Ying's balance faltered, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around Yun Xian's neck. "What are you doing?"
Yun Xian looked into her eyes under the streetlight. "So, do you know why I'm with you?"
Jiang Ying's voice faltered, "Why?"
"One, I want to meet your ex. Two, it seems like pretending is just as good as the real thing."
Jiang Ying held onto his neck tightly, her heart racing, "So what are you doing right now?"
Yun Xian said, "Two choices: You agree, I put you down."
Jiang Ying furrowed her brows and responded quickly, "If I don't agree, are you going to throw me in the river?"
Yun Xian chuckled softly. "If you agree, I'll put you down. Or you kiss me, and I'll put you down."
Jiang Ying's heart skipped a beat, her body flushing and softening. She bit her lip, buried her face in Yun Xian's shoulder, and said softly, with a hint of playful tenderness, "Put me down first, okay?"
Yun Xian's breath hitched, his heart melting, but he held firm and said, "Then will you agree?"
Jiang Ying snuggled closer to his neck, her soft hair brushing his skin like feathers grazing her heart, "Put me down, and you go back to the hotel, I'll come find you."
Yun Xian took a deep breath, held her waist, and lowered her gently.
Jiang Ying stood on her feet, checking the time on her phone. She spoke quickly to Yun Xian, "Wait for me in the hotel. I'll be right back."
She turned to run, but Yun Xian called out, "Jiang Ying—"
Hearing her name, Jiang Ying stopped, turned back, and stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek, "Wait for me, I'll be back soon!"
Her eyes shone brightly, like they were filled with a sky full of stars.
Yun Xian watched her rush away, a soft laugh escaping him. He was curious to see what this brave little warrior was going to do next.
Yun Xian returned to the hotel and waited in his room for about an hour.
During that time, he had the urge to text Jiang Ying countless times, but he held back.
When the doorbell rang, he almost ran to open the door.
The door opened, and the first thing he saw was a large bouquet of roses, vibrant red, with dewdrops on the petals, emitting a sweet fragrance.
Jiang Ying was holding the bouquet, panting, and said, "I spent the whole night before coming to Shencheng thinking about how to confess to you. Shen Xuan said, if he likes you, it doesn't matter what you say, but if he doesn't, no matter how much you try, it won't work. So in the end, I bought you a very cliché bouquet of roses."
After a brief moment of silence, Yun Xian took the bouquet from her and placed it on the counter. He then pulled her into his arms, closing the door with a firm push.
Jiang Ying found herself pressed against the wall, the cool tiles behind her, and Yun Xian's warm chest in front of her, every nerve in her body heightened.
Yun Xian's lips were so close, yet didn't kiss her. He lowered his gaze and softly asked, "So, do you want to be with me?"
Her breath, which had just calmed down, picked up again. Jiang Ying stood on tiptoe, leaned in, and kissed his lips' corner. She spoke earnestly and decisively, "Yes."
For a moment, Yun Xian's heart felt like it was floating, but then he embraced her waist, taking a step forward, and deepened the kiss.
Their lips and teeth intertwined, swallowing each other's breath as they embraced and sank into the kiss.
Yun Xian traced her lower lip with his tongue, gently coaxing her mouth open, guiding the rhythm of their passion.
Jiang Ying's back tingled with electric sensations, and the warmth flowed through her like honey, causing her to cling tightly to Yun Xian's neck to keep from collapsing.
She didn't know how long the kiss lasted, but it felt like her head was spinning, her feet barely touching the ground.
Yun Xian lifted his hand and gently touched her flushed face and moist lips, his voice hoarse, "I guess it really is a kiss that seals the deal."
The air conditioning in the room was on, at 24 degrees, yet Jiang Ying's forehead had beads of sweat, her breathing burning. She murmured, "Can you not bring this up again?"
Yun Xian smiled, one hand holding hers, the other still holding the roses, guiding her inside. "Come with me."
On the coffee table in the living room were two gift boxes. Yun Xian placed the roses on the armchair and pointed to the boxes. "These are for you. Open them."
Jiang Ying, excited, knelt on the carpet to open the boxes.
The first box contained the Hermes Nile Garden perfume, with a classic citrus scent, sweet and tangy, wrapped in fresh, green notes, reminiscent of a ripe orange hanging on a riverbank tree.
She opened the lid, sprayed a pump onto her wrist, and sniffed. It smelled just like the scent in Yun Xian's car.
Yun Xian, crossing his arms, leaned on the side and asked, "Do you like it?"
Jiang Ying nodded, smiling sweetly, "I like it."
"Take a look at the other one."
Jiang Ying continued to open the second box, surprised to find another perfume inside—Tom Ford's controversial Lost Cherry. Some described it as sweet like a cherry on top of a creamy cake, while others said it was seductive, like a warm cup of cherry wine in winter. It had the passionate Turkish rose, the sweet black cherry, and the bitter almond's aloofness, making it irresistible.
Jiang Ying placed both perfumes on the table and asked Yun Xian, "Why did you buy two?"
Yun Xian uncrossed his arms and stood up, walking toward her. "When I chose them, they both reminded me of you, so I bought both."
Jiang Ying raised an eyebrow, putting both bottles back into their boxes. She liked both of them, and if Yun Xian handed her a bottle of plain water right now, she'd probably cherish it too.
The night was deep. The wind blew away the clouds, and the stars twinkled above. Humanity's pink fantasies stirred restlessly in the vast universe.
"I like both oranges and cherries, but of all the perfumes, my favorite is Loewe's Post-Coital Morning."
After saying that, Jiang Ying looked at Yun Xian, only to find that his expression was a little complicated.
Realizing something, she leaned slightly back. "I'm not hinting at anything."
—"This wasn't sarcasm either!"
Author's Note:
I have a feeling this chapter will get censored...