Mai Shining framed the scene with her hands, forming a makeshift viewfinder aimed at Liang Jueyun on the stage. "When you meet the person you truly love, the world hits the mute button, and time stands still. Your eyes follow that person’s every move, focusing, automatically blurring the background—*click!* That is love through the eyes of a photographer."
Li Mu looked thoughtful. "But most people in love from afar can only look up from below the stage."
Mai Shining crossed her arms, leaning back lazily. "What kind of shot you capture depends on distance, angle, and technique. If you don't want to look up, find a way to stand on level ground."
It was like a sudden enlightenment for Li Mu. "Sister Mai, how do you know so much?"
Mai Shining waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, people in the scene give me a bit of face. They call me the 'Terror of the Dating World.'"
Li Mu couldn't help but laugh. "Then what about you and Brother Jikang?"
"Us?" Mai Shining paused for a moment. "We grew up together. Ours is the most complex of human emotions—a mix of family, friendship, and love."
As the crowd dispersed, Xia Yinuo and Zhang Jikang hurried ahead to get the cars. Li Mu grumbled, "It’s just getting the car, why the rush?"
"That’s where you’re clueless. It’s cold outside, and the car is cold too. They want to start the engine and turn on the heater first," Mai Shining said with a playful, knowing smile. "Isn't that right, Teacher Liang?"
Liang Jueyun’s lips curled upward, unable to hide her smile.
Mai Shining patted Li Mu on the shoulder. "You’ll understand when you grow up. Take notes, kid."
While waiting for the car, Mai Shining started chatting. "Teacher Liang, what’s your zodiac sign?"
"I know!" Li Mu chimed in. "Sagittarius! Her birthday was just a little while ago!"
"Oh, Xiao Bao is a Leo," Mai Shining noted. "Leos have pure, beautiful, kind, and ethereal hearts, but they also have the 'glass hearts' of true empaths. They don't do late, they don't lie, they don't hold grudges, and they don't play mind games. They’re sensitive yet independent, gentle and elegant, deeply emotional and loyal. They hate deception, love a bit of romance, and love the sea. Does that sound about right?"
Liang Jueyun smiled. "I haven't really looked into astrology."
Li Mu added, "What a coincidence! Leo and Sagittarius are a perfect match!"
Liang Jueyun’s eyes grew exceptionally bright. "Is that so? That’s wonderful then."
Xia Yinuo dropped Li Mu off at her uncle’s house first. On the way back to C University, Liang Jueyun said to Xia Yinuo, "I’ve looked into it. Given my situation, I only need to retake the written exam to get a domestic driver's license. That way, you won't have to work so hard driving every time we go out."
Xia Yinuo was still immersed in the sweetness of the evening. Taking advantage of a red light, she squeezed Liang Jueyun’s hand. "It’s not hard. As long as I’m around, you don't have to lift a finger or worry about a thing."
Liang Jueyun ignored Xia Yinuo’s nonsense. "I’m considering whether I should move. My place is a bit small; I’m afraid you’ll feel cramped."
"How could I? It’s perfect as it is, I love it. Besides, it’s close to my place. Mu Mu can tell if no one is living at my apartment, and my mom isn't stupid either. I don't want to come out to my family that way. I’ll pave the way slowly. Just give me some time."
"Silly girl, who asked you to do all that?"
"They have to know eventually." Xia Yinuo patted Liang Jueyun’s hand.
As the car slowly rolled into the residential complex, they saw Qi Qian leaning against his car before they could even get out.
Xia Yinuo parked and turned off the engine, her heart filling with doubt. "Why is he here?"
Liang Jueyun frowned, her left hand pressing down on Xia Yinuo’s right hand, which was still resting on the handbrake. "I almost forgot about this. No matter what he says later, don't take it to heart. I’ll explain everything when we get inside."
Xia Yinuo took off her glasses and nodded obediently. They stepped out of the car together.
Qi Qian was shrouded in the winter mist. As always, his features were handsome and well-defined. It was unclear how long he had been waiting in the freezing night; his ears and nose were flushed red from the cold, yet he still wore a kind smile as he stepped forward to greet them. "Teacher Liang, Xiao Bao."
"Dr. Qi," Liang Jueyun acknowledged.
Xia Yinuo raised an eyebrow. "It’s quite late. I wonder what brings Dr. Qi here?"
"I came to see Teacher Liang," Qi Qian replied. "After I dropped Xiao Bao off last time, I knew you were neighbors, so I came to try my luck."
"Oh?" Xia Yinuo prompted.
"Could I have a few words with Teacher Liang in private?"
Liang Jueyun narrowed her eyes but remained silent.
"Oh, alright. I’ll head up first. Goodbye, Dr. Qi." Xia Yinuo took Liang Jueyun’s bag and excused herself.
Watching Xia Yinuo enter the building, Liang Jueyun stood with her hands in her coat pockets, saying nothing. The atmosphere suddenly became awkward.
Qi Qian broke the silence with a bright smile. "The flowers—did you receive them?"
Liang Jueyun remained impassive. "I did."
"I wonder if you understand my intentions."
"Dr. Qi, if you have something to say, please be direct."
Qi Qian nodded slightly. "A fair and graceful lady is a fit mate for a gentleman. I like you very much, and I would like to pursue you."
Liang Jueyun smiled faintly. "To be honest, I thought all along that the person you wanted to get close to was Xiao Bao."
"Xiao Bao is wonderful, but like Xiuheng, I think of her as a younger sister."
"I see... but I already have someone I love."
Qi Qian looked somewhat surprised. "Is that so?"
Liang Jueyun’s answer was firm and beyond doubt. "Yes."
Qi Qian’s expression turned bitter. After a long pause, he managed a strained smile. "Then, may I ask... do I still have a chance?"
"I’m sorry, but no."
The usually gentle and humble Dr. Qi now looked like a dejected child. He brushed his hair back in frustration, then looked up and gave Liang Jueyun a helpless smile. "I really thought the two of us were quite compatible."
"My prerequisite for dating someone," Liang Jueyun said with a polite smile, "has never been the word 'compatible.'"
The night sky was as thick as black velvet, with neither moon nor stars in sight. A streetlamp flickered nearby, casting their shadows long across the ground.
After a moment of silence, Qi Qian regained his usual composure. He gave a smile of resignation and asked, "How is Cao Jing doing now that she’s been discharged?"
"Her current condition isn't suitable for the lab. She’s taking a year off from school to have the baby."
"And the father?"
"He dropped out. No one knows where he went."
"I see..."
With that, the conversation stalled. As midnight approached, New Year's fireworks began to erupt across C City, one after another.
Qi Qian looked up at the distant blossoms of light and sighed. "The lanterns glow like fiery trees, the silver flowers bloom; the star-bridge opens as the iron locks give way. The New Year’s bells are about to ring."
He checked his watch. There were ten minutes left until midnight. Liang Jueyun was anxious to get home. "It’s late; I should head back. It’s freezing out here, you should head back too, Dr. Qi."
"Alright, I won't disturb your rest any longer." Qi Qian opened his car door, resting one hand on the frame as he looked back. "But I believe opportunities are created. You can reject me, but you can't stop me, right?"
Liang Jueyun’s face remained expressionless. "Then I suggest you don't waste your time."
"Goodbye." Qi Qian smiled, waved, and got into his car.
Liang Jueyun gave a polite nod. "Goodbye."
Xia Yinuo was busy in the kitchen. Hearing the door close, she hurried out holding a cup of hot milk, fussing over her. "You’re back? Drink something hot, it’s too cold outside."
Steam from the milk swirled between them. Liang Jueyun took the cup, set it on the dining table, and wrapped her arms around Xia Yinuo’s waist, holding her tightly.
"What’s wrong?" Xia Yinuo pulled back slightly, her fingers brushing Liang Jueyun’s face. Feeling the chill, she immediately cupped Liang Jueyun’s cheeks with her warm palms.
Liang Jueyun turned her head and buried it in the crook of Xia Yinuo’s neck, murmuring, "I just wanted to hold you."
Xia Yinuo chuckled, opening her arms wide to embrace her. "My doors are always open, my arms are waiting for you."
Liang Jueyun’s voice sounded a bit weary. "A few days ago, I suddenly received a bouquet of flowers. They were from Qi Qian. I didn't think much of it at the time and forgot about it later. I didn't expect him to show up at the door today. But don't worry, I’ve made things clear to him."
*So that was it.*
Xia Yinuo blinked, intentionally acting jealous to tease her. "I haven't even had the chance to give you flowers yet. How could he beat me to it..."
Liang Jueyun pinched the soft flesh at Xia Yinuo’s waist. "Silly girl. Compared to those flowers, I naturally prefer the potted plants you give me..."
"I’m just joking. It seems I really did misunderstand him before; I thought my brother was trying to set him up with me."
Liang Jueyun laughed silently.
Xia Yinuo pulled her closer. "I haven't asked you yet—why did you sing that song today?"
"Oh. I looked at the setlist, and I didn't know any of the others."
*Teacher Liang, you’ve already sung it; acting tsundere now is just wrong.*
"Aren't you going to coax me? Say it’s because I’m your sunshine?"
Liang Jueyun’s heart felt warm, melting into a pool of softness. She whispered into Xia Yinuo’s ear, "Xiao Bao..."
"Mhm, I’m here."
"I love you."
Xia Yinuo’s heart skipped a beat. A jolt like electricity surged through her entire body, leaving her tingling and momentarily speechless.
Outside the window, a series of loud bangs erupted as fireworks suddenly burst into bloom, their brilliant colors scattering and decorating the night sky with dazzling light.
The two held each other in silence for a long time. Finally, Xia Yinuo led Liang Jueyun to the window, wrapping her arms around her waist from behind as they watched the world of light and fire outside.
"Every day, in every corner of this city, different stories are unfolding," Xia Yinuo said softly. "Before—I mean, before I met you—I witnessed many kinds of love. Most of them were just like earthly fireworks. After the brilliance, they scatter into sparks, streak across the sky, and vanish into nothingness. I know that’s a foolish way to think. Mai Mai told me that while others are 'once bitten, twice shy,' I haven't even been bitten, so what am I afraid of? I thought, she’s right. What exactly am I afraid of?"
Liang Jueyun turned around, looking into Xia Yinuo’s bright eyes. She brushed aside a stray lock of hair and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Tell me, what are you afraid of?"
Xia Yinuo cupped Liang Jueyun’s face, seeing her own reflection in those soft, warm eyes. A smile touched her lips. "Does everyone become a coward when faced with happiness? I’m afraid of receiving too much, afraid that God will be jealous of me. In moments of joy, I feel a slight sense of dread. Facing the ups and downs of life, I feel both calm and uneasy..."
Liang Jueyun felt a dull ache in her chest. "I’m sorry. It’s my fault for not giving you enough security..."
Xia Yinuo gently covered Liang Jueyun’s lips with her finger.
"Let me finish. How is it your fault? It’s because I’m too silly, too naive. Maybe happiness came a bit too suddenly, leaving me at a loss. I won't think like that anymore. Life is so beautiful. Just like right now, with a beautiful woman in my arms—why should I obsess over such nonsensical things, right?"
Liang Jueyun stroked Xia Yinuo’s hair. "Xiao Bao, do you know that you have a habit of hiding your fear and insecurity? When a topic feels sensitive or awkward, you use banter to brush it off. I know you don't want to put pressure on others, but do you realize how much pressure you put on yourself? You don't ask me about my past feelings for Tracy; you don't ask me about my plans for the future. If I hadn't spoken up, I doubt you would have even asked me what was going on with Dr. Qi today."
Xia Yinuo gave a sheepish smile. "My father named us 'Yinuo' and 'Yiyan'—together they mean 'Promise.' But the word for promise, *nuoyan*, is written with the radicals for 'mouth' and 'heart.' When my parents were still together, they must have made solemn vows to each other. They even named their children 'A Solemn Promise.' I believe they were sincere back then, but now that the promise has long since vanished into thin air, the names have become somewhat ironic. So, Senior, I don't need ethereal promises. I only need to believe in you, and for you to believe in me."
"Alright. But from now on, if anything happens, you must speak openly. Don't keep it bottled up inside, okay?"
"Mhm. So... did Mai Mai say something to you today?"
"No. I’ve been wanting to find an opportunity to talk to you about this for a while."
"Oh..."
"By the way! Did she call you the 'Everlasting Shou'?"
"Huh? Hahaha... Hey, wait! That’s strange! Don't they have a ban on fireworks? Are they allowed to just set them off like this?"
"There you go again! Playing dumb to change the subject!"
"Well, it makes sense! If King You of Zhou could light the signal fires just to make his beauty smile, what’s a few fireworks for the common people?"
"Xia Xiao Bao!!!"
"Oh, the milk is getting cold."
"!!!"
"Liang Jueyun?"
"Yes?"
"I love you."
"..."
"Who told you to steal my line!"
*I love you.* Three words so cliché, yet so moving. The clamor and brilliance of the world flowed through the heart like a gentle stream. The warmth you give is full, steady and soft, delicate and bright. I have no extravagant hopes; I only wish to see you well, and to be certain of your hard-won happiness.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 一诺千金 | A Solemn Promise | Literally "a promise worth a thousand gold"; refers to Xia Yinuo's name. |
| 情场鬼见愁 | Terror of the Dating World | A slangy way to describe someone who is incredibly savvy or formidable in romance. |
| 射手座 | Sagittarius | Liang Jueyun's zodiac sign. |
| 狮子座 | Leo | Xia Yinuo's zodiac sign. |
| 窈窕淑女，君子好逑 | A fair and graceful lady is a fit mate for a gentleman | A classic quote from the *Classic of Poetry* (Shijing). |
| 火树银花合，星桥铁锁开 | The lanterns glow like fiery trees, the silver flowers bloom; the star-bridge opens as the iron locks give way | A line from a Tang poem by Su Weidao. |
| 万受无疆 | Everlasting Shou | A pun on "万寿无疆" (May you live forever), replacing "Longevity" with "Shou" (bottom/receiver). |
| 诺言 | Promise / Vow | The combination of Xia Yinuo and her brother's names. |
| 烽火戏诸侯 | Lighting signal fires to toy with the lords | A historical reference to King You of Zhou. |
