The next day, Xia Yinuo received a call from an unknown number.
"Hello?" Xia Yinuo answered.
"Hello. My name is Yu Shaofan. Am I speaking with... Miss Xia?" a strange young man's voice asked.
"This is Xia Yinuo. May I ask who you are, Mr. Yu?"
His tone was lighthearted. "Oh, it’s like this. Yesterday, you left a note and your phone number on my friend's car. I hope you don't mind me calling so out of the blue."
*Oh, it’s a friend of the white Q5 owner.*
Xia Yinuo said sincerely, "Not at all. I’m the one who should be apologizing for scratching your friend's car."
Yu Shaofan gave a generous laugh. "It’s a small thing; these things happen to everyone."
"Then please tell your friend that I will pay for the paint job—"
To her surprise, he cut her off. "That’s actually why I’m calling! My friend asked me to tell you that it’s just a tiny scratch. She says please don't take it to heart, and there’s no need to pay for repairs."
Xia Yinuo immediately felt quite awkward. "How can I just let it go like that..."
Yu Shaofan laughed. "Truly, she won't mind. To be honest, in this day and age, it’s rare to find someone as honest as you, Miss Xia."
Xia Yinuo felt she didn't deserve the praise. "Not at all. It’s people as generous and forgiving as you who are rare."
Yu Shaofan laughed heartily. "Hey, I’m just the messenger. Please, don't be so polite, or you'll make me look bad!"
Xia Yinuo thought for a moment and said, "How about this? My friend and I opened a cafe on North Street called Yipan Coffee. It’s right across from where the car was parked. Whenever it’s convenient, why don't you both stop by? The coffee is on me."
"Really? What a coincidence!" A bright laugh came from the other end of the line. "I know Yipan Coffee! Zhengyang—that’s the friend I mentioned—her shop is right across from yours!"
Xia Yinuo was stunned. "Is that so? That really is a coincidence!"
"Yeah! You should know 'Youjian Bookstore,' right?"
"Youjian Bookstore?"
"And the 'North Street Bookstore' at the end of the street—she owns that one too."
"You mean Boss Lin? I see!" Xia Yinuo realized.
"Oh, you know her?"
"Not exactly. I just knew the owner of North Street Bookstore was surnamed Lin. I spoke with Miss Lin over the phone once because of a small matter. I just didn't realize she was also the owner of Youjian Bookstore."
"Small world, isn't it? That makes it even more interesting!"
"It does."
"Alright, that’s all I needed to pass along. I won't disturb you any longer, Miss Xia."
"It’s no disturbance. Please stop by the cafe when you have time."
"Will do."
***
Once this summer break was over, the young Xia Yiyan would be starting first grade. Mai Shining’s belly was gradually growing, and Chen Chuxiao was nearing her due date, ready to welcome a new life. Chen Diandian, who could now hold her own, had met the school's requirements to apply for a master's-to-PhD transfer, planning to continue her battle at C University for another three years. Seeing her student’s wings grow strong enough to lead juniors in the lab, Liang Juejun felt deeply gratified and much more relaxed. After Su Xu graduated and left C City, Li Mu’s internship at the Ke Law Firm ended, and she stayed on as a formal employee. Li Xiuheng had started dating the female doctor he had admired for a long time; because of Li Du and Li Qinglan’s presence, the woman didn't want to be too high-profile at the affiliated hospital, so the two maintained a quiet, tacit understanding, which had its own charm. Miss Cheng—Amay—was naturally a regular at Yipan Coffee, and by extension, Yan Wentian often appeared there as well.
Everything was proceeding in an orderly fashion. In the blink of an eye, it was Xia Yinuo’s birthday again.
It was a Monday. Early that morning, Liang Juejun and Xia Yinuo were in the kitchen preparing breakfast. When the doorbell rang, Liang Juejun quickly shoved what she was holding into Xia Yinuo’s hands and jogged to open the door.
A minute later, while Xia Yinuo was frying eggs, a hand reached out from behind her, clicked off the gas stove, and wrapped around her waist. Immediately after, a bouquet of pure white baby's breath suddenly appeared before her eyes.
Liang Juejun rested her chin on Xia Yinuo’s shoulder and said softly, "Little Treasure, happy birthday!"
Xia Yinuo took the flowers blankly, momentarily stunned.
Liang Juejun chuckled and gave Xia Yinuo’s tender ear a little nip. Seeing the thin earlobe instantly turn red, she asked with satisfaction, "Do you like them?"
Xia Yinuo felt a shiver run over her skin and nodded dizzily.
"I passed a flower shop yesterday and saw the baby's breath. I thought they suited you perfectly. I’m not usually one for giving flowers," Liang Juejun said, tightening her hold on Xia Yinuo with a smile.
Xia Yinuo turned around, her clear, bright eyes looking at Liang Juejun. They sparkled like stars, yet held a hazy mist, while the bouquet of baby's breath in her hand was delicate, exquisite, and flawless.
"Why are you in a daze?" Liang Juejun was in a wonderful mood. "Do you know what else baby's breath is called?"
Xia Yinuo shook her head.
Liang Juejun arched an eyebrow. "Baby's breath."
Xia Yinuo couldn't help but laugh. "I thought you were going to give me its Latin scientific name."
Liang Juejun said softly, "What a fitting name. Look, it really is as tender and close as an infant's breathing."
Xia Yinuo smiled but didn't speak.
Liang Juejun looked down at the flowers between them, her voice serious and certain. "People always think baby's breath represents a love that is willing to be a supporting character. For instance, some say when paired with roses, it represents a romantic love witnessed by the stars. But I don't want to interpret it that way. Look at them—no exaggerated shapes, no eye-catching colors. Only pure joy and dense happiness, like the scattered stars in the night sky, or a lover's gentle, moving breath."
Xia Yinuo murmured to herself, "Mhm, Baby's breath."
Liang Juejun continued, "So the language of baby's breath is longing, purity, and far-reaching grace. It represents resilience, simplicity, and a powerful vitality."
Xia Yinuo shifted, set the flowers aside, and hugged Liang Juejun. "I seem to be getting moved more and more easily. What should I do..." she said in a soft, sweet voice.
Her warm breath brushed against Liang Juejun’s face. Liang Juejun’s eyes were full of affection as her moist lips descended, pecking lightly like a dragonfly skimming the water. "Is that so?"
Xia Yinuo’s voice was as soft as melting marshmallow. "Can't you tell? I’m so moved I practically want to cry..."
Liang Juejun was completely charmed by Xia Yinuo’s look. She kissed the little silly girl’s cheek and laughed. "Alright, go find a vase for them. I’ll finish making breakfast. The birthday girl just needs to wait to eat."
After arranging the flowers, Xia Yinuo sat at the dining table, resting her chin in her hands. She watched Liang Juejun’s busy back in the kitchen, feeling a bit dazed.
The early summer morning sunlight framed Liang Juejun’s figure in a soft glow. Xia Yinuo’s breath was completely stolen by that graceful, beautiful silhouette; it was as if time had ceased to exist, and her heart skipped a beat. She found she couldn't look away, sighing inwardly. So-called intellectual beauty truly was a human beauty of wisdom, confidence, measured poise, and the power to dissolve all worries.
Liang Juejun suddenly turned around. Seeing Xia Yinuo like this, she asked with a smile, "What, do you plan to sit there and play the sunflower all morning?"
Breaking into a brilliant smile that could melt ice and snow, Xia Yinuo looked up and asked, "Can we eat now?"
"Mhm," Liang Juejun placed a bowl of noodles in front of Xia Yinuo and handed her chopsticks. "Try it and see how it tastes."
Instead, Xia Yinuo caught Liang Juejun’s hand and called out in a drawn-out voice, "Shijie..."
"Yes?"
Xia Yinuo stood up and looked at Liang Juejun steadily. Because she had to go home for dinner tonight, she felt guilty. "I’m sorry I can't have dinner with you tonight."
Liang Juejun let out a breath. "We already discussed this yesterday. It’s only natural to go home for a meal on your birthday. Don't say such silly things anymore."
Xia Yinuo shook the hand she was holding and whispered, "But I always feel like I owe you..."
Liang Juejun suddenly reached out and pinched Xia Yinuo’s cheek. "If you feel you owe me, then eat more breakfast. You always eat so little, like a tiny kitten!"
"..."
Caught off guard by this sudden move, the "kitten" could only widen her eyes and pout, unable to speak.
"Eat up and go to work like a good girl. I’ll wait for you at the cafe tonight."
"..."
Still unable to speak, the kitten nodded obediently in her "terror."
Liang Juejun let go with satisfaction and happily prepared to eat her own breakfast.
Xia Yinuo didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
***
After work, Xia Yinuo had dinner at home and then arrived at the cafe with Li Xiuheng, Li Mu, and Xia Yiyan.
The group blew out candles and cut the cake, playing around for quite a while.
Xia Yinuo instructed Li Xiuheng to make sure the young boy was home no later than nine o'clock. Li Xiuheng agreed, then turned back to incessantly lecture Mai Shining on pregnancy precautions. Having one mother-in-law who was a doctor was enough; adding Li Xiuheng to the mix made Mai Shining feel like her head was going to explode. she grumbled that if she weren't pregnant, she would definitely go to the snack street south of C University for a feast. Zhang Jikang clicked his tongue. "Brother Xiuheng, are you sure you aren't an OB-GYN?" Li Xiuheng laughed. "I don't want to be, but I was entrusted with this task. Grandma and Mom insisted I pass everything along." Meanwhile, Li Mu—a person whose manual dexterity was practically negative—was clinging to Fan Mi, insisting on learning how to do latte art.
Through the floor-to-ceiling glass, the night of North Street came into view. The plane trees on both sides of the road were lush with leaves; the trees and buildings had become an inseparable whole, creating a unique charm. Faintly, the melodious sound of a piano could be heard from not far away. There weren't many pedestrians; avoiding the hustle and bustle, they walked in pairs or trios at a leisurely pace. Occasionally, a car entering or leaving the residential area would drive by, also unhurried.
This was North Street—quiet, orderly, peaceful, gentle, and down-to-earth. Perhaps it was in such unexpected moments that people harvested the most surprising joys.
Seeing Xia Yinuo staring out the window in a daze, Liang Juejun leaned in to whisper in her ear, asking meaningfully, "Little Treasure, do you remember your birthday gift from last year?"
Xia Yinuo was nestled in the sofa seat, with the young boy playing mobile games between her and Liang Juejun. Hearing this, her eyes instantly lit up.
The night at Dongzhuang, the country road, the shimmering moonlight on the water, the cool breeze and green grass, and... the kiss from the person she liked.
How could she not remember?
Xia Yinuo grabbed the young boy’s face and gave him a sudden kiss on the cheek.
Liang Juejun crossed her arms, smiling with knowing eyes. She then pointed through the glass at the brightly lit Youjian Bookstore across the street. "Haven't you been wanting to find time to head over there? Why not now?"
Xia Yinuo rubbed the boy’s fuzzy little head and laughed softly. "I’m not going."
Liang Juejun curled her lips, looked down, and began to ask the boy in detail about the rules of his mobile game.
Xia Yinuo took the hint. She stood up with a smile, prepared some coffee and snacks, crossed North Street, and walked through the doors of Youjian Bookstore.
What greeted her wasn't the heavy smell of ink found in typical commercial bookstores, but a pleasant, light fragrance of books mixed with the elegant scent of floral tea.
Upon entering, she saw a small sign on the right: *Business Hours 10:00-22:00. For book purchases, please proceed to "North Street Bookstore" 200 meters to the east.*
Xia Yinuo smiled.
The bookstore was about eighty or ninety square meters, only half the size of Yipan Coffee’s storefront. Looking around, the shelves were packed full, row upon row, perfectly neat. Along the sun-facing side with the floor-to-ceiling windows stood a row of ordinary wooden benches. It was unclear if the air conditioning was on, but the windows were all open, and the wall fans turned lazily. An office desk sat in a corner. There was no cash register, only a computer and a printer. On the wall behind the desk hung a small framed piece of calligraphy: *Quietude Leads Far.* In another corner was a small staircase; looking at the layout, there was likely a loft above. The entire bookstore had no particular decor style to speak of; it was simply clean and simple.
Most modern book bars or bookstores were generally designed as cultural spaces or gathering spots: a parlor for internet professionals, a chat room for literary youth, a departure point for outdoor travelers, a base for volunteers... They often provided drinks and snacks, and some even stayed open 24 hours.
Yet this Youjian Bookstore didn't seem to be for profit at all. Rather than a bookstore, it was more like a private library. No wonder Fan Mi had said that when she came to deliver the greeting gift last time, there was only a young man who looked like a part-timer organizing books, with no customers in sight.
Since no one came to greet her after she entered, Xia Yinuo stood there holding her items, feeling a bit foolish. Just as she was about to speak, she heard two female voices talking in a corner.
"I don't understand why Professor Wu suddenly wants me to write about this subject. You know I’m not that into Eileen Chang, and suddenly changing a thesis topic is a huge challenge for a student!"
Xia Yinuo looked toward the sound. A girl in a floral short skirt—clearly the one who had just spoken—had her hands behind her back. Her profile showed anticipation and anxiety as she looked up at another person standing on a wooden step-ladder in front of a bookshelf.
The bookshelf reached almost to the ceiling. The girl on the ladder had her back to Xia Yinuo. Her hair was shoulder-length, her figure slender, and she wore a white T-shirt and blue jeans. Her hands hung at her sides. Even without seeing her face, one could guess she was quickly scanning for something with her eyes.
That lean back suddenly produced a voice: "What, you want to retreat before you've even tried?"
The girl in the floral skirt acted spoiled. "Senior Lin, you know that’s not what I meant!"
"Alright. Am I not looking for it for you? Those are my reading notes from many years ago."
"Mhm! That’s why the person I trust most is you, Senior!"
Xia Yinuo guessed that this "Senior Lin" was likely the owner, Lin Zhengyang. She hadn't expected her to be so young, dressed like a student.
Lin Zhengyang’s voice remained indifferent yet held a hint of teasing. "At this point, I think it would be better for you to trust Eileen Chang and yourself."
"Senior!" the girl in the floral skirt huffed lightly. "Speaking of which, what do you think of Eileen Chang’s *Legend*?"
After about three seconds, Lin Zhengyang uttered two words: "Desolate."
"Desolate?" the girl in the floral skirt repeated. "I suppose so. The colorful yet dim and dreary pictures under Zhang's pen, with their heavy sentimental tone and stagnant sorrow, form a generally somber aesthetic style. 'Desolate' is indeed the word for it."
"Mhm. As long as you understand."
"It seems you don't like Eileen Chang very much, Senior?"
"It’s not that I dislike her. In fact, I really like the sentence on the title page of *Legend*."
"Which one?"
"And you have the nerve to say you've been studying her hard lately?!"
Xia Yinuo smiled to herself and murmured, "To seek the ordinary within a legend, and to seek the legend within the ordinary."
The two of them turned their heads simultaneously, both looking straight at Xia Yinuo.
***
