Autumn had arrived. The sky felt vast and distant, and the air carried a rare, refreshing crispness. In the city of Jinning, spring and autumn were fleeting, making this deep autumn weather particularly precious.
Yu Mo walked through the residential complex, her arm linked with her mother’s. As one of Jinning’s most prestigious luxury developments, Norway Forest spared no expense on its landscaping; even the city’s public parks could hardly compete with the environment here.
At this time of year, the scent of sweet osmanthus permeated every corner of the grounds. Yu Mo’s mother adored the fragrance. she stood before a blossoming tree, inhaling deeply, her expression joyful and her complexion a healthy, rosy hue.
Yu Mo sat on a bench a few paces away, watching her mother with a faint smile, her eyes hidden behind a large pair of sunglasses.
"I still remember when I was little," Yu Mo called out. "You had a bottle of osmanthus perfume. It was a glass bottle with a beautiful woman on the label. I was so curious about it—I couldn't understand how that yellow liquid could smell so good. Whenever no one was looking, I’d always go and sneak a sniff."
Her mother turned with a fond, helpless smile. "You did more than just sniff it. I noticed very early on that the perfume was disappearing unusually fast. I’d never used that brand before, so I actually thought imported perfumes just evaporated quickly. That is, until I walked into your room one day and found it smelling like a fragrance factory. You were spraying it for fun! Your father brought that back for me from abroad."
Yu Mo laughed happily. The sunlight spilled across her jade-white face, making her seem to shimmer.
Her mother walked over and sat beside her. Only now did her daughter seem to possess a flicker of genuine happiness. Yu Mo leaned her head against her mother’s shoulder.
"Mo Mo, you don't seem very happy. Tell Mama, what’s wrong?" Her mother patted her arm gently.
Before their bench lay an artificial lake. Along the embankment stood willow trees with trunks as thick as bowls, where sparrows were currently chirping and fluttering.
Yu Mo stared at the birds. "How could that be? I’m doing fine, Mom. I’m not eighteen or nineteen anymore; I can’t be as carefree as I used to be. I’ve grown up."
"You’re my daughter. I know you. If you don’t want to talk about it, you don’t have to. I just want to tell you that so many people love you. You are already a very lucky person, so try to be happy every day."
"Yes, Mom. You’re right. I am very lucky."
*In a place you don't know, there is a man who loves me more than his own life. I am lucky.*
Perhaps, in the quietest corner of her heart, there was a tiny spark of joy and hope—the hope that she might have even more love to hold onto. During that final time at the Hilton, they had been too lost in their passion, and he hadn't fully pulled away. She should have taken the morning-after pill, but she hadn't.
Her period was now twenty days late.
Fearing her mother might catch a cold from the lingering breeze, Yu Mo led her back home after a short while. Inside, the housekeeper, Auntie Liu, was in the master bathroom changing out the freshly laundered towels.
Yu Mo paused, then walked over and picked up a towel to sniff it. "What laundry detergent did you use? Why didn't you use the one I bought?"
Auntie Liu had been with the family for many years and spoke familiarly with Yu Mo. She looked puzzled. "The old one ran out, so I just picked up a bottle at the supermarket by the gate. I’ve always been the one to buy these things before."
Yu Mo’s mother heard the commotion and walked over. "What’s the matter?"
Only then did Yu Mo realize she had overreacted. She quickly forced a smile. "It’s nothing. I’ve just been obsessed with the scent of a specific detergent lately and wanted to use that one. It’s fine, Auntie. Use up the one you bought first, and I’ll handle the shopping next time."
As the housekeeper started to leave, she turned back to ask for instructions. "Mr. Xue had a crate of crabs delivered. Should I steam them for dinner tonight?"
Yu Mo waved her hand dismissively. "I haven't been feeling well lately, so no crabs for me. They aren't great for my mother to eat in large quantities either. Auntie, why don't you take them for yourself?"
The housekeeper waved her hands in protest, saying it wouldn't be right.
When dinner was served, the dishes were light and healthy. Only Yu Mo and her mother sat at the table; Auntie Liu was a traditional woman and, despite her years of service, never dined with the family.
Xue Shen was away on a business trip.
Yu Mo ladled a bowl of soup for her mother. "Mom, I have some work to finish tonight, so I won't be sleeping in your room. Get some rest early."
Her mother nodded and reminded her not to stay up too late.
Yu Mo’s smile lasted exactly until the bedroom door clicked shut.
She leaned against the heavy oak door, unable to stop herself from sobbing. she bit down on her hand, terrified that someone outside might hear. It was too painful. The agony didn't fade with time; instead, it intensified, striking with increasing ferocity. Every memory, every detail was a blade, lunging from the shadows to leave her bleeding.
That evening, when she had seen the trace of blood on the tissue, her despair had reached its peak.
The final link between her and Qi Lian was gone. The last physical trace he had left within her had vanished.
How was she supposed to prove that this man had ever existed? That he had once loved her with such feverish intensity?
He would eventually forget her, and she was terrified that she would forget him too. That was a reality she could not accept. She wept until she lost all strength.
***
By the time Qi Lian arrived at Fatty’s BBQ, the rest of the group was already there. Even Jiang Yao, who rarely showed his face, was present.
There was also a young woman at the table, barely in her early twenties, with skin so pale it was dazzling. Jiang Yao introduced her as a friend.
Qi Lian’s gaze flickered for a moment.
Jiang Yuan’s grin stretched from ear to ear as he told the girl, "Hurry up and toast your Brother Lian. If anything happens in Lianhua, just go to him. He can handle anything."
The girl blushed, standing up somewhat tremulously. She held her glass out to Qi Lian with a delicate grace. Her pouty, plump lips were almost identical to someone else’s.
Qi Lian said, "Alright, sit down. I’ll finish this; you drink as much as you like." He tilted his head back and drained the glass of beer.
Jiang Yuan and Jiang Yao exchanged a look, raising their eyebrows. When it came to these things, the brothers understood each other perfectly.
Qi Lian was usually the type to ignore people, but from the moment he sat down today, his eyes looked like they wanted to burn a hole through the girl. The girl had seemed quite poised at first, but under his blatant, unblinking stare, she didn't even dare to lift her head.
It seemed their brother really did have a "type."
There was no such thing as an unforgettable person; find someone new, someone soft and sweet, and the past would fade quickly enough.
When Qi Lian had been dumped by Wang Ran after their engagement, hadn't he turned out fine? And later, when he met that vixen Yu Mo, hadn't he loved her so much he’d nearly thrown his life away? It was all just a matter of time.
Last time, Xiao Xiao had asked, "Where’s the big sister?"
Qi Lian had simply said, "Her mother isn't doing well, so she went back to take care of her."
They didn't know the specifics of what had happened afterward. Qi Lian was tight-lipped; if he didn't want to talk, no one could pry a word out of him. They were all just guessing.
Looking at him today, it seemed they had guessed correctly.
Feeling satisfied, Jiang Yuan downed a glass of beer in one go.
Qi Lian turned to him. "Are you busy with work? I have two jobs in Jianghan Garden; why don't you take them over for me? There’s also a commercial shop renovation on North Gate Street—you can have that one too."
Jiang Yuan squinted at him. "What’s going on with you? How many jobs have you pushed away lately?"
"I don't feel like doing them. I'm tired."
"I say, Old Qi, why are you always saying you're tired? You should go get a check-up; this isn't right. Since when have you ever complained about being tired?"
Qi Lian poured himself another beer. "It’s nothing. I just want to rest. I’ve worked for so many years and never dared to slack off for a second. It all feels a bit meaningless now. There’s no point in me earning so much money all by myself."
Jiang Yuan opened his mouth to argue, but Qi Shuai cut him off impatiently. "Shut your damn mouth. What’s wrong with him wanting a break? It’s not like he’s living hand-to-mouth."
Jiang Yuan conceded the point, but something still felt off.
Qi Lian looked at Qi Shuai. "Hurry up and get married. Don't let things drag on. I’ll provide the money for the renovation and the bride price."
Everyone at the table froze. That wasn't just a few thousand yuan; it was a significant sum.
Jiang Yuan stared with wide eyes. "Old Qi, did you win the lottery behind our backs? The more I think about it, the more it seems like it."
Qi Lian ignored him, took a few sips of beer, and said to Jiang Yuan, "You’ve got two little ones coming soon. If you need money, just ask."
Jiang Yuan cursed at him. "Are you planning to stop living entirely?"
"What do I need so much money for? As long as I have enough to eat and get by, it’s fine."
Qi Shuai chimed in, "Jiang Yuan, didn't you say the younger one is a girl? Hurry up and make Qi Lian the godfather. This godfather won't let your kids suffer."
Jiang Yuan beamed at the suggestion. "That’s a great idea! My eldest already loves Old Qi. I remember back when Uncle Zheng was around, he was a wonderful father. I was so jealous back then. Qi Lian will definitely know how to dote on a child. I’ll go back and tell He Mei; we’ll hold a formal ceremony when the time comes. This godfather role is settled."
The others cheered. Qi Lian smiled faintly but didn't speak, which was taken as silent agreement.
After a round of drinks, Qi Lian said to Qi Shuai, "Have Zhang Xiao do me a favor. Ask her to pick out three items for a child from her shop—a gold bracelet, a gold locket, that sort of thing. I’ll give them to Jiang Yuan’s family as a first-meeting gift."
Jiang Yao clicked his tongue from the side. "Old Qi, if you give such a lavish gift, how are we supposed to follow? Do we match it or what?"
"You guys do your thing; give whatever is appropriate. My gift includes a share from Yu Mo. If I don't send it on her behalf, she’ll be unhappy later. Consider this a gift from both their Uncle and Auntie."
Jiang Yuan blinked. He still couldn't quite read the situation.
Noticing the girl sitting beside him wasn't eating, Qi Lian reached out, took a few mutton skewers, and placed them on a small plate in front of her.
The girl was flattered. Seeing that he had turned all the sharp metal tips of the skewers away from her, her heart stirred. She had never met such a considerate man. She looked up at Qi Lian and gave him a tender smile.
Qi Lian said casually, "Eat. If it’s not enough, take more. Don't be shy."
Her heart fluttered like a trapped bird.
Jiang Yao spoke up from the side. "Let me tell you, my wife’s apprentice here, Zhang Ran—don't be fooled by her quiet nature. She’s famous at my wife’s mall. The boys chasing her could form a line from the store to the front gates. She really doesn't settle for just anyone."
Jiang Yao’s tone was boastful as he winked at Jiang Yuan. They both thought: *Qi Lian, don't you just love these unattainable beauties?*
Embarrassed, the young girl tried to stop him. "Brother Yao..."
Jiang Yuan seized the opportunity. "Then hurry up and add each other on WeChat. If you need anything, just look for your Brother Lian."
Qi Lian looked at him, then took the initiative to add the girl’s WeChat.
Qi Shuai, sitting next to Jiang Yao, leaned over and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Are you playing the pimp tonight?"
Jiang Yuan raised his glass to hide his mouth, muttering back, "Get lost. You don't know a damn thing."
As the gathering began to break up, Jiang Yuan and Jiang Yao insisted that Qi Lian walk the girl home, noting that she lived nearby in District Three.
Qi Lian didn't refuse. He stood up and said, "Let’s go. I’ll walk you back."
Behind them, Jiang Yuan and Jiang Yao exchanged a knowing wink, feeling that their mission had been accomplished.
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
晋宁 | Jinning | The city where the story takes place.
挪威森林 | Norway Forest | A high-end residential complex where Yu Mo lives.
丹桂 | Sweet Osmanthus | A variety of osmanthus with orange flowers, known for its strong fragrance.
胖子烧烤 | Fatty’s BBQ | A local outdoor barbecue restaurant.
张然 | Zhang Ran | A young woman, an apprentice of Jiang Yao’s wife, who resembles Yu Mo.
何梅 | He Mei | Jiang Yuan’s wife.
于妲己 | Yu Daji | A derogatory nickname for Yu Mo, referencing the legendary fox spirit/femme fatale Daji.
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