Chapter Twenty-Six — Drawing Closer

It was her first time visiting Shixi’s office, and Yishu felt a mix of delight and nervousness. Tang Dai’s words lingered in her mind, impossible to shake off.

The office was simple, not particularly large—after all, he was only a department manager. The overall palette was white, gray, and the natural hue of wood: a white ceiling, gray walls and flooring. A small green plant sat on the desk. One side of the room was walled with transparent glass; the blinds were halfway down, letting in a pale, thin light from below. Opposite stood another office building.

His office faced north, never seeing sunlight throughout the day. Yet a cool breeze slipped through the window’s crevice, keeping the space from feeling stifling.

“What brings you here all of a sudden?” Xu Shixi greeted her with a gentle smile, clearly pleased by her arrival.

“I brought you something to eat,” Yishu said, still a bit unsettled. “You’ve been working so hard lately, so I made some chicken soup for you.” She unscrewed the lid and ladled some out.

“You made this for me?” Shixi’s face lit up with joy. He quickly took the bowl and gulped down several mouthfuls. “It tastes wonderful.”

Since they had become a couple, this was the first meal she had ever made for him—better than any delicacy in the world.

Watching him devour the food, Yishu’s heart brimmed with happiness. Wasn’t this the life she had always longed for—such days, such a man by her side?

She had never envied the lives of the wealthy and powerful. For her, simple and sweet love was the dream she pursued.

“Slow down,” Yishu smiled. “Actually, I made it last night. It was too late then, and I thought you’d already eaten, so I brought it today. The flavor might not be as good as it was yesterday.”

Xu Shixi finished the bowl in one go, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “It’s delicious. Anything you make tastes good.” He handed her the bowl. “May I have another?”

Yishu took the bowl and filled it again. “Shall I make food for you more often, then?”

“I’d love that,” Shixi replied, continuing to eat. He hadn’t had time for lunch, so the soup tasted especially good. “I’ll never forget the tomato and egg noodles you made before.”

“I’ll make that for you tomorrow then,” Yishu said immediately. “I have the day off, so I’ll bring it over.”

“I’m off tomorrow too,” Xu Shixi set down his bowl and looked at her. “I’ve been busy all these days, but things are finally settling down. How about we go out and relax? What do you think?”

“Alright,” Yishu nodded. “Where should we go?”

Xu Shixi thought for a moment. “Let’s go to Mount Huiji. I heard there’s a newly built spot there—the Celestial Palace. Not far from the foot of the mountain is Chang’an Ancient Town.”

Yishu’s heart danced with anticipation, her thoughts already racing ahead to the next day.

The last time, at Tingfeng Wetland, he had confessed his feelings to her. Would this trip to Mount Huiji bring unexpected surprises as well?

Time had slipped by. Yishu had to hurry back to the shop—skipping work in the middle of the day was never proper. Though her relationship with Guo Yamei had eased somewhat, they were only managing to get along peacefully. If Guo were to gossip behind her back...

Xu Shixi personally walked Su Yishu out. Employees, returning from lunch, entered the office area one after another. Under their curious gazes, she maintained a gentle smile and walked away with composure.

Tang Dai. Instinct told Yishu that she was not a simple person. That look in her eyes, that kind of atmosphere—it was a danger, even a threat.

But she trusted him. At the very least, his gaze was clear, his demeanor genuine.

Lying in bed, Yishu could not fall asleep.

Yihui was still on his way home. His work hours were never fixed. In a few days, he would have to go to school to fill out his college preferences. His exam score hadn’t reached four hundred points, so he’d likely have to settle for a third-tier university.

Yishu was troubled. The tuition for third-tier colleges was much higher than for first or second tier. It seemed she’d have to dip into her term deposit.

She got up, intending to open the locked drawer in her cabinet, when her phone chimed.

It was a message from Yan Lu.

—How are things going between you and Xu Shixi? How far have you progressed?

Yishu opened WeChat and couldn’t help but smile wryly at Yan Lu’s message.

—Probably a step behind you two.

—Behind by which step?

Since getting together with Lu Xugao, Yan Lu had become much gentler—a testament to the power of love, perhaps. But she had also grown a bit quirky. Sometimes what she said was baffling, even suggestive.

Yishu couldn’t think of a reply and simply stared blankly at the screen.

When Yan Lu saw Yishu hadn’t replied, she simply called her.

“Did I call at a bad time? Am I disturbing you two?” Yan Lu’s voice came through.

Yishu rolled her eyes, replying, “It’s not ‘us,’ just me. You’re disturbing my rest.”

—Are you still living apart?

“Where else would I be living?” Yishu retorted.

—You should be living with him, of course.

Yishu sat on the edge of the bed, “Yihui still lives at home—he can’t take care of himself.”

—Well, can’t be helped, then.

Suddenly, Yishu felt a sense of unfamiliarity with Yan Lu. Though she had always been easygoing, she had never been so frivolous—at least, not like someone else.

Like... Qiao Siming.

“Yan Lu, are you alright? Did you and Lu Xugao have a fight?” She couldn’t help but worry.

—Did I scare you? I knew you’d overthink things. I was just teasing you. Gaozi just fell asleep. I couldn’t sleep, so I wanted to chat. You know, happiness really isn’t easy to come by. A few hours ago, my mom called and we argued again. She’s in this half-indifferent state now—occasionally remembers her unfilial daughter and can’t resist a few sharp words. She always wanted me to marry someone rich, so I wouldn’t have to work so hard, and so my parents could enjoy an easy life, with something to show off among relatives and neighbors.

“You...” Yishu was filled with emotion, but couldn’t find a single comforting word. Any reasoning seemed feeble and useless.

—Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. By tomorrow, I’ll be over it. You know how tough I am—like a cockroach that won’t die. I just feel a bit sorry for her. But I won’t give in, I won’t compromise. I believe my choice is right. Even if she thinks her way is right too, that’s still her thinking. Since this is my life, I should be in control. Call it selfish or unfilial—I just want to live the second half of my life my way.

—Was I wrong?

“Your mother will understand you in time,” Yishu said sympathetically. She remembered the day Yan’s mother had come to see her, saying many harsh, difficult things.

To hurt someone in the name of love—how heartbreaking. Yan Lu had long endured so much.

—Let’s hope so.

Yishu heard a hint of sorrow in Yan Lu’s voice over the phone.

After that, Yan Lu quickly hung up. The room wasn’t well soundproofed; Lu Xugao had been woken by her talking, and got up to use the bathroom in the living room. Noticing the light spilling out from under her door, he knocked softly. “Lulu, are you still up?”

Yan Lu quickly switched off the light, lay on her side with her back to the door, and replied, “I’m asleep.”

“I thought I heard you talking on the phone,” he said through the door, concerned. “Are you upset about something? If there’s anything bothering you, you must tell me.”

Hearing this, Yan Lu felt instantly comforted, her negative emotions melting away. “You’re such a worrywart. I told you, I’m fine. Why are you still standing outside my door in the middle of the night—planning to come in and take advantage of me?”

Lu Xugao chuckled. Hearing her say that, he knew there was nothing serious. To him, Yan Lu was just a straightforward, cheerful, and optimistic girl. That was exactly what had drawn him to her—her candor and innocence. “Alright then, goodnight.”

Outside, a crescent moon was gradually veiled by clouds. Night surged in like a tide, quietly blanketing their lives.

Yishu couldn’t wait for Yihui to return. Thinking about Yan Lu’s words and looking forward to her day with Shixi, sleepiness washed over her.

All the problems left unfinished and unsolved today would have to wait until tomorrow.