Xia Yinuo had tried to invite Song Nian to dinner twice in a row, but both times Song Nian claimed she was too busy to get away. Just as Xia Yinuo was preparing to use overtime as an excuse to have dinner with Liang Juejun, Song Nian suddenly called near the end of the workday. In a frantic rush, she blurted out the name of a restaurant and insisted they meet there for dinner—be there or be square.
Before Xia Yinuo could even respond, the line went dead. Immediately after, Liang Juejun’s call came through. Professor Liang explained apologetically that May had a "very, very important" matter to discuss and had already booked her for dinner.
Miss Cheng was notorious for charging in out of nowhere like a bandit with a broadsword; Xia Yinuo was quite used to it. As for how "important" the matter actually was, there was no need to look too closely. Since that was the case, they would have to make their own arrangements for the night.
The restaurant was near C University. When Xia Yinuo arrived and stood by the entrance to make a call, Song Nian appeared before her like a ghost.
Lawyer Song’s style had shifted again today. She wore a black formal dress with light makeup, her medium-length hair draped loosely over her shoulders. Standing tall and slender with her skirts fluttering slightly, she was breathtaking.
"What’s the matter? Did I spruce myself up a bit and leave Boss Xia speechless?" Song Nian teased, her tone smug and entirely devoid of the agitation from the phone call.
Xia Yinuo, still in her work clothes, pointed at Song Nian’s outfit and smiled gently. "I just didn't expect it. Is it necessary to dress so formally?"
Song Nian glanced at her watch. "Oh, not really. Actually, I attended a cocktail party this afternoon and didn't have time to change before coming over." Without another word, she grabbed Xia Yinuo’s arm and pulled her into the restaurant, explaining as they walked, "Remember, once we’re inside, just focus on eating."
*Wait, isn't that what people do at restaurants?*
Xia Yinuo’s hesitation made Song Nian stop. She crossed her arms. "Um... what I mean is, if we run into any acquaintances later, we need to act as natural as possible. Like it’s just a coincidence. Understand?"
Xia Yinuo was suspicious. "Which acquaintance?"
Song Nian blinked, her smile enough to enchant the masses. "You’ll know once we’re inside."
Clearly, Lawyer Song had already reserved a table. A waiter led them to their seats. Song Nian browsed the menu with a calm, ladylike air, occasionally casting a casual glance toward a certain spot, a faint, imperceptible smile touching her lips.
The crystal chandeliers on the ceiling refracted a dreamlike, multicolored light. In a white porcelain vase on the table, pink roses bloomed shyly. Following Song Nian’s gaze and looking past the beaded curtains that served as partitions, Xia Yinuo finally spotted the "acquaintance" from a sharp angle. Lin Zhengyang was sitting about ten meters away, and across from her sat a young man.
So that was it.
Xia Yinuo understood perfectly, yet Song Nian continued to study the menu with single-minded focus. Xia Yinuo couldn't help but admire her composure.
While she was still privately speculating on the possibilities, a heavy pat landed on her shoulder. Xia Yinuo looked up to see a surprised and eager face—who else could it be but her neighbor, Miss May Cheng? Subconsciously looking behind May, she saw exactly what she expected: Liang Juejun, whom she hadn't seen for two days, standing there with a bright, knowing smile.
Xia Yinuo thought of that line from *Casablanca*: "Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine." Her love with Liang Juejun felt like a natural, elegant wait that had lasted over twenty years; it was the sound of a heart skipping a beat when eyes met after a thousand twists and turns.
Miss Cheng, of course, greeted her joyfully. "Sweetheart! Long—time—no—see!"
Ever since she started dating Yan Wentian, May’s Chinese proficiency had skyrocketed like a rocket to the stars. However, Xia Yinuo couldn't help but grumble inwardly: *You show up at Yijian Coffee almost every single day; we literally saw each other two days ago.*
Song Nian’s eyes lit up. She quickly glanced toward Lin Zhengyang, then turned her gaze to Liang Juejun, greeting her in a lowered voice, "Professor Liang!"
"Lawyer Song," Liang Juejun gestured for Song Nian, whose dress made movement difficult, not to stand. "What a coincidence."
Song Nian settled back into her seat and pointed to the empty chairs beside them, asking with a smile, "This is my first time officially meeting Professor Liang! Are you having dinner with a friend? Would you like to join us?"
Liang Juejun turned to consult May. May looked a bit conflicted, so Liang Juejun said apologetically, "My friend has some private matters to discuss, so I’m afraid we’ll have to decline your kind offer, Lawyer Song."
Song Nian waved her hand to show she didn't mind.
After the brief greetings, May impatiently led Liang Juejun toward a table on the other side. As they brushed past each other, Xia Yinuo whispered to Liang Juejun, "Don't drink too much." Liang Juejun pretended to casually squeeze Xia Yinuo’s small hand, earning a smile that reached the very corners of Yinuo's eyes.
This scene did not escape Lawyer Song’s notice. She feigned indignation. "Ugh, such a display of affection. Think of the single people."
Xia Yinuo suppressed a grin. "I seem to recall Lawyer Song saying that you were the legendary... 'unrestrained wind that cannot be stopped, from across the mountains and the seas'? How could someone so carefree mind a little interaction between a couple?"
Song Nian burst into laughter. "I didn't realize you had such a sharp tongue!" With that, she called the waiter over and began to order.
Xia Yinuo felt a gaze fixed on her. As she scanned the room, her eyes unexpectedly met Lin Zhengyang’s.
Lin Zhengyang didn't look startled or try to look away. Instead, she raised her wine glass toward Xia Yinuo. Her smile was just as it had been at Youjian Bookstore—somewhat inscrutable. In response, Xia Yinuo offered a polite, friendly smile.
On this side, Song Nian ignored Xia Yinuo’s small interaction. She sat with her back perfectly straight, asked Xia Yinuo if she had any dietary restrictions, and finalized the evening's dishes.
As soon as the waiter left, Xia Yinuo asked with a faint smile, "So, which one is Boss Lin? The one who stunned your time, or the one who softened your years?"
Her certain tone caught Song Nian off guard. Song Nian pursed her lips and frowned slightly. "Is it that obvious?"
Xia Yinuo nodded solemnly. "Mhm. Your intentions are as clear as day; even a passerby can see them."
Song Nian didn't hide it. She leaned back against her chair and spoke leisurely. "My relationship with Lin Zhengyang... it’s simple, yet not that simple. Anyway, it’s not what you think. I don't want to talk about her in generalities."
With that, the two exchanged a knowing smile. The waiter arrived just in time with appetizers and wine.
"Here, try this, the flavor is good," Song Nian urged, acting as familiar and comfortable with the restaurant as an old friend. "Since I graduated, quite a few interesting shops have opened near the school!" Her characteristically lazy, relaxed tone held a hidden meaning.
Xia Yinuo glanced at Lin Zhengyang, who was currently chatting and laughing, and teased, "So, Lawyer Song suddenly called me here today to have me accompany you on a stakeout?"
Song Nian snorted. "Hey, I’m here out in the open. 'Stakeout' isn't the right word. Besides, who brings an amateur along for a stakeout?"
Xia Yinuo raised an eyebrow. "Oh? So it’s a provocation tactic? Using me as a shield to stir up Boss Lin?" Before a relationship is official, who doesn't understand those little schemes in the heart? Every probe and guess, every offense and defense, was bound to be a psychological war.
Song Nian laughed loudly at that. "I just love how bright and quick-witted you are, Boss Xia! But at this stage, well, I have no comment."
Xia Yinuo smiled. "There’s a very interesting saying: True love is like a ghost—many people talk about it, but very few have actually seen it. To be honest, before I met my Senior, I never imagined what my love would look like, nor had I felt that so-called 'throbbing passion.' I wonder, Lawyer Song, how do you view love?"
"Love?" Song Nian rubbed her chin, playing dumb. "Love is: I come from Yuanmou, Yunnan; you come from Zhoukoudian, Beijing. I hold your hairy hand and give it a gentle bite. Ah, love—it taught us to walk upright!"
Xia Yinuo gave a meaningful smile. "I have a good friend who deeply admires Mr. Gu Long. she often mentions a quote by Hua Manlou. I don't remember the exact words, but the general idea is that everyone has a reason for lying. Some lie to deceive others, while some lie to deceive themselves."
Song Nian shrugged nonchalantly. "Are you trying to say I’m deluding myself? Okay, I admit it. But don't worry, I know what I’m doing."
Xia Yinuo just smiled, her dimples showing. Song Nian’s heart softened involuntarily. "I know what you want to say. That I’m using indifference and lack of concern to disguise myself, right? We have a maxim in the legal profession—if a lawyer defends themselves, they have a fool for a client. Besides, I feel some things don't need explaining."
Xia Yinuo put on a serious face. "That’s good then. Lawyer Song, I wish you success. If you ever need an assist in a situation like today’s, feel free to call me anytime."
Never expecting such an answer, Song Nian’s wild laughter was completely at odds with her elegant dress. "Hey! What are you doing? You make it sound like I’m unwanted!"
Xia Yinuo mused, "The mistake we most easily make is advising others like a sage while torturing ourselves like a fool."
"Hmm, you’re quite sharp..." Song Nian felt she had truly underestimated Xia Yinuo, so she changed the subject. "By the way, who was that foreign girl next to Professor Liang?"
Xia Yinuo smiled with pure innocence. "Boss Lin looks very beautiful today."
Song Nian: "..."
Song Nian was a talkative person, and Xia Yinuo was no slouch either. Throughout the meal, there was never a dull moment. It wasn't until Lin Zhengyang’s side finished and left that Song Nian took her leave.
May, on the other hand, was being secretive and refused to tell Xia Yinuo what she had discussed with Liang Juejun. Xia Yinuo just laughed it off and didn't press her.
By her count, Xia Yinuo had been living at Sanhe Villa for nearly half a month.
According to Liang Juejun’s wishes, aside from weekends, Xia Yinuo met with her every other day. The reason was to leave one night free to stay home with her family. Most of the time, Xia Yinuo would head back to C University after dinner. If she had to work late, Liang Juejun would wait for her downstairs at her company, and they would go home separately after eating.
Sometimes her grandmother would ask, "Little Treasure, what are you busy with when you go out at night? Who are you with?" Xia Yinuo told the truth—that she was helping at the cafe, or she would directly say she was seeing Liang Juejun. What Xia Yinuo didn't say was that the cafe was running smoothly and didn't lack help. Although she went there often, it wasn't out of a sense of duty as an owner; the reason was simply Liang Juejun.
The old lady was very fond of Professor Liang after their one meeting and scolded Xia Yinuo, saying she should invite her friend home for dinner more often and shouldn't always stay cooped up with an old woman like her—young people should go out and have fun. Xia Yinuo agreed with a smile, but she noticed that Li Qinglan, sitting nearby, didn't make a sound. For a while, Xia Yinuo couldn't find the right opportunity to say anything more.
Xia Yinuo began to feel a bit anxious, wondering how long this would last.
Especially at night, when the side of the bed beside her was empty, she felt an inexplicable restlessness. Because she wasn't living at Sanhe Villa permanently, the furnishings in her room were very simple. Most of the items she had collected growing up were still at the old house near C University. She thought about when she first moved in with Liang Juejun; the Liang residence had been as cold and empty as a hotel. Now, that home had become warm and cozy—even LoVo had moved in.
In the quiet of the midnight room, Xia Yinuo stared at the ceiling and began to miss the soft sofa in the study at the Liang house. She missed the half-eaten salad in the fridge, the unique floor lamp in the living room, the side-by-side toothbrushes on the bathroom sink, and the unfinished book on the nightstand. As she thought, ripples formed in her heart; as she thought, she fell into a daze.
Like a cow chewing cud, she replayed every one of Liang Juejun’s hugs and kisses. Xia Yinuo tossed and turned, feeling as if a tiny feather was tickling the tip of her heart. Her longing was rampant.
The next day, she went to work with dark circles under her eyes and was even teased by Gu Yizhi when they crossed paths. Xia Yinuo could only suffer in silence. During her lunch break, Li Xiuheng called. He excitedly said that an important patient had arrived at the hospital, and Li Qinglan had swapped shifts with someone for the night—she wouldn't be coming home. At the end, he added, "Your brother can only help you this much! It’s a rare opportunity, make the most of it!"
Xia Yinuo was bewildered. "Are you saying I should go to the hospital to bring her a midnight snack? Or pick Mom up from work tomorrow morning?"
Li Xiuheng’s tone was full of frustration at her lack of initiative. "You little dummy! I said it’s an important patient. You know Mom’s style; she won't have time for you during work hours! I’m saying, an hour of a spring night is worth a thousand pieces of gold! Do you get it?! A spring night!"
Xia Yinuo slapped her forehead, realization dawning on her.
*But Brother, cough, you’re even meddling in this? You really do act like a neighborhood gossip.*
Thus, Liang Juejun received a cryptic message from Xia Yinuo: "My mom is on the night shift tonight."
Liang Juejun was in a meeting and replied with a simple: "Mhm."
Xia Yinuo added: "The night shift is from 11:00 PM tonight until 7:00 AM tomorrow."
Liang Juejun didn't follow: "And?"
Xia Yinuo: "The night is so beautiful. Why don't we have a long talk about life at home tonight and bear the weight of each other's lives?"
Liang Juejun almost laughed out loud while holding her phone. She replied: "Is that so? I’m just afraid your actions won't be as strong as your words."
Xia Yinuo threw down the gauntlet: "We’ll see about that later!"
During the afternoon meeting, Liang Juejun was uncharacteristically distracted. After work, since it was still early, she went to the coffee shop. She had intended to tell Xia Yinuo to come straight to the shop, but on second thought, she greeted Fan Mi and went home first.
On Xia Yinuo’s end, work had gone smoothly all afternoon, but just as she was about to leave, a valve on the CO2 tank connected to one of the cell incubators in the lab started leaking. The pressure dropped, causing the incubator to alarm continuously. It was already quitting time, and a repair engineer couldn't be found immediately. Fortunately, it wasn't a major fault; she could probably fix it herself. Xia Yinuo and a technician found a spare valve, replaced the leaking one, then calibrated the instrument and told the night shift colleague to keep an eye on the incubator’s display. She was delayed by half an hour before she could leave.
She rushed back to Sanhe Villa and had a quick dinner. Afterward, Li Du took his wife to the hospital early. The moment Li Qinglan stepped out the door, Xia Yinuo said goodbye to her grandmother and headed out as well.
All along the way, Xia Yinuo’s mood was bubbling with joy. While waiting at a red light, she caught her reflection in the rearview mirror and realized her intentions were probably written all over her face. She couldn't help but laugh out loud.
When she returned to the Liang residence, she didn't see Liang Juejun upon entering. Hearing the sound of water from the bathroom, Xia Yinuo curled her lips into a smile and quietly slipped inside.
Liang Juejun was standing under the shower with her back to the door. The sound of the water drowned out the sound of the door opening and the footsteps. After a while, she turned slightly, only to find a pair of shimmering, mischievous eyes staring at her through the mist.
Liang Juejun was genuinely startled and nearly cried out.
Knowing she was in the wrong, Xia Yinuo nimbly pulled open the glass door and poked her head inside. Her grin was so wide it nearly reached her ears as she played the part of the innocent. "It’s me, Senior."
Liang Juejun’s heart finally settled. Since the little rascal had delivered herself to the door, she quickly leaned in and gave Xia Yinuo a firm, retaliatory bite on the lips.
Xia Yinuo accepted it with pleasure. She raised a hand to touch her lips, then licked them as if wanting more. Her dark, ink-like eyes were overflowing with affection. "Did you miss me?"
"No." Liang Juejun stepped back under the shower, turning her back to ignore Xia Yinuo, but her haughty tone clearly betrayed her joy and contentment.
Xia Yinuo wasn't upset. She stepped out of the stall, took off the necklace with the ring hanging from it, and placed it carefully on the sink. Then she began to undress, piece by piece, quickly stripping herself bare.
She slipped into the stall, ignoring the warm water spraying over her body. She pressed against Liang Juejun, wrapping her arms around her waist from behind. A smile played on her lips as she murmured coquettishly, "Would it kill you to lie to me just once?"
Her warm, moist breath fanned against Liang Juejun’s ear, causing an unbearable itch. The bathroom was thick with steam as two smooth, soft, naked bodies embraced, the tension escalating.
Before Xia Yinuo could make her next move, Liang Juejun silently gripped her arms. With a sudden surge of strength, she turned and pressed Xia Yinuo firmly against the wall, then pressed her entire body against her, pinning her in place.
Xia Yinuo couldn't move, but she offered no resistance. She leaned against the wall as if accepting her fate, tilting her head back slightly. Her face was covered in droplets of water; her delicate cherry lips and slender jawline gave her an air of exquisite, boneless grace. Her smile was both provocative and enchanting.
The damp air was filled with the fragrance of wild flowers.
*Bearing the weight of each other's lives, is it?* Liang Juejun released her arms, one hand circling Xia Yinuo’s waist while the other tilted her chin up. Her eyes stared intently at those vivid, red lips. Her voice was low and husky. "I lied. I’m not dead."
With that, she kissed her fiercely.
The night was deep and long, and longing reached a boiling point; the moon was bright and the stars few, as love surged like a tide.
***
Glossary Table:
