That evening at Green Island, after a few rounds of drinks, Lin Jiang told Wang Jiaqian and Zhou Wan about the little episode.
Zhou Wan, mid-gulp, paused to give her a thumbs-up, her voice slightly muffled by the alcohol. "Not bad, Lin Jiang. You’re way more capable than Wang Jiaqian."
"Why bring me into this?" Wang Jiaqian reached out and gave Zhou Wan a playful shove.
Zhou Wan curled her lip. "Didn't you just add Qin Zhao’s 'female friend' on WeChat the other day?"
Wang Jiaqian huffed. "I said she was just a friend. Lin Jiang’s situation is different—that woman is a bonafide ex-girlfriend." Unlike Zhou Wan, Wang Jiaqian was less optimistic. "Are you really okay with coming back like this? Just leaving Jiang Weifeng there with her?"
Lin Jiang gave a dull "mm" in response. "I didn't think that much about it."
"I ran into Gu Xiang a couple of days ago," Wang Jiaqian continued. "We chatted for a bit and your names came up. Want to guess what he said?"
Zhou Wan was more anxious than Lin Jiang. "What did he say?"
"He said, 'How is it Lin Jiang? Zhao Siyi had a better shot than her. After all, in all these years, Fengzi hasn't dated anyone since Zhao Siyi.'" Wang Jiaqian mimicked Gu Xiang’s tone perfectly, prompting Zhou Wan to start jeering and teasing her.
But Lin Jiang’s head began to thrum with a dull ache.
It was like the singer nearby was adjusting their equipment and tripped over a wire; the speakers let out a sharp, piercing screech of static.
***
At that same time, Jiang Weifeng was sitting in his car, calling Gu Xiang. Five minutes after he hung up, Gu Xiang sent a WeChat message: *I brought her to you.*
After reading the text, someone approached and pulled at the passenger door. Jiang Weifeng, leaning against his seat and smoking, pointed toward the back with his finger. The person then slipped into the rear seat.
Jiang Weifeng looked at Zhao Siyi through the rearview mirror. Amidst the swirling smoke, there was a fleeting moment where he couldn't quite remember what she used to look like. Then, he let out a cold, faint laugh.
"Zhao Siyi, even TV dramas don't use these tropes anymore."
"So you know?" After a few seconds of silence, Zhao Siyi gave a bitter smile.
Jiang Weifeng stubbed out his cigarette. "What are you trying to do?"
"I didn't realize she was the type to tattle. Back then, when it came to your business, she kept her mouth pretty shut." Zhao Siyi’s voice was small, but she forced out every word. She spoke haltingly. "I also didn't realize... you actually care about her this much."
As Jiang Weifeng listened, his gaze grew increasingly dark and predatory. "You have no right to mention 'back then'."
Perhaps it was those words that caused Zhao Siyi to finally snap.
"Just because I wasn't brave enough then? Because I didn't stand up and speak for you? Is that why you find me so annoying? Why you've ignored me all these years? But Jiang Weifeng, it's not like you didn't know my situation. My mother was so strict back then; I’d been conditioned into that pattern since I was a child. It was hard for me to resist..."
Like a floodgate opening, the sentences poured out, and so did Zhao Siyi’s tears.
She wiped her eyes. "I still remember the last time I saw you before leaving school. I had Lin Jiang bring you a message. I gathered all my courage to see you then—it's not that I was never brave. I asked you so humbly if we could get back together, saying that if we did, I wouldn't go abroad. But what about you? You just turned and walked away."
Jiang Weifeng simply listened.
Zhao Siyi felt the wind go out of her sails. "Do you know? My agent got me a role recently. A minor supporting character who hurts the female lead just to move the plot along. There’s a scene in the script I remember clearly: after provoking the female lead, the male lead goes to find her, followed by a long sequence of humiliation... If that scene is actually filmed, it should look great. It’s very cathartic, after all. I’m wondering now... are you going to do the same to me?"
The summer heat rolled in with the wind as the nearby film crew began packing up for the day.
Jiang Weifeng listened to Zhao Siyi’s words seriously before replying, "You’re overthinking it."
Zhao Siyi gasped for air, slowly forcing herself to calm down. Then she gave a faint smile. "Was I talking too much just now? In the scripts I’ve read, supporting characters only get that many lines when they’re about to be written out."
Hearing this, Jiang Weifeng turned around to meet her eyes, his expression neutral. "Regarding what happened between us... no matter what, consider it my fault."
He said this to her with total sincerity, then turned back to face forward. "I’ll start by saying I’m sorry. Whether you accept it is up to you. But for you, I only have one 'I'm sorry.' That’s all."
With things having reached this point...
It was just like the lyrics of that song: *The more polite you are, the more afraid I become.*
Zhao Siyi’s tears fell again. "Is it really not fate?"
If it wasn't fate, why did they meet again? But if it was fate, why couldn't the ending be changed?
Zhao Siyi haphazardly wiped away her tears and laughed at herself. "Forget it. My dream is to be the leading lady, not a supporting character."
With that, she quickly pushed open the door and ran out.
The Zhao Siyi of seven years later was just like the Zhao Siyi of seven years ago; her way of pursuing love wasn't clever at all. She only knew how to use clumsy methods, constantly testing, constantly questioning.
She would still fall for the same person, like a student doing practice problems—even though she had gotten the answer wrong once, if she did it again three or five days later, she would still choose the same incorrect answer she had picked before.
But the version of her seven years later was better at letting go than the version of her seven years ago.
Jiang Weifeng ran a hand through his hair in frustration. After a moment of thought, he pulled out his phone and called Gu Xiang. "Follow her."
***
That night, Lin Jiang waited for Jiang Weifeng’s call.
It was nearly 11 PM when he finally rang.
She picked up quickly. He spoke to her just as he always did, and when she talked about minor things while nursing her hidden worries, he would let out a low chuckle every now and then.
It wasn't until they were about to hang up that he suddenly said, "Don't worry."
Those two words seemed to outweigh a thousand others.
***
Jiang Weifeng returned from work on a sunny afternoon.
Lin Jiang was in the kitchen tinkering with a recipe. She had specifically asked the chefs at Xu Mingjuan’s restaurant for advice and noted everything down in a notebook, thinking she would surprise Jiang Weifeng with a home-cooked meal when he returned.
But when Jiang Weifeng opened the door with his luggage in hand—
The house was filled with smoke mixed with the heavy scent of sautéed green onions, ginger, garlic, and dried chilies. Walking a few steps further, he could even smell something burning. Clattering sounds came from the kitchen along with the aggressive *sizzle* of hot oil. He hurriedly dropped his suitcase to check. He saw Lin Jiang holding a pot lid in front of her like a shield in one hand and a spatula in the other, poking tentatively at the food in the pan.
A bead of oil popped and splattered. She jumped back with a startled "Oh, Mama!" her eyes and nose streaming from the pungent smoke.
Jiang Weifeng had been exhausted from his travels, but seeing this scene, his fatigue vanished instantly. He laughed with pure delight, hurried over to pull her aside, turned off the stove, and opened the window to vent the room.
He said, "You used too much oil."
Lin Jiang wished she could find a crack in the floor to crawl into.
He wouldn't let it go. "I'm begging you—from now on, I'll handle the cooking in this house, okay?"
Lin Jiang knew he could cook; his home-style stir-fries were excellent. But being criticized like this made her feel a bit aggrieved. Yet, as she processed his words... she was so shy she just ripped off her apron, tossed it on the table, and retreated into the bedroom.
She had just entered the room when Xu Mingjuan called. "Is Xiao Jiang back?"
Lin Jiang said, "He's back."
Xu Mingjuan smiled. "That’s perfect. Your father’s old classmate sent over some Australian lobsters. I had Chef Lin prepare them. Bring him to the restaurant tonight to eat with us."
"But..."
Lin Jiang wanted to say something else, but Xu Mingjuan hung up first. When she tried to call back, the line was busy. She had no choice but to go call Jiang Weifeng.
Jiang Weifeng went home to freshen up before coming back down to knock on her door. He had changed into a casual white polo shirt and black trousers—more formal than usual, but not overly stiff or meticulous.
Xu Mingjuan was always particular about dress, and seeing him, she was quite satisfied.
Lin Wei, meanwhile, kept praising Chef Lin’s skill and tirelessly repeated the steps: "Mix the cooked pasta with cheese sauce and fried bacon bits, then spread it on the bottom of the plate. Place the fried lobster chunks on top of the pasta, pour over more cheese sauce, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Bake in a 280°C oven for 15 minutes. Once it's out, it's a delicacy."
Xu Mingjuan shot him a look. "You talk a big game, but I've never seen you cook it once."
Lin Wei hurriedly took a sip of white wine and shut up with a smile.
It was a satisfying meal.
When they stepped out of the restaurant, the wind had picked up. Jiang Weifeng politely said goodbye to Lin Jiang’s parents. Xu Mingjuan suddenly remembered something and asked Lin Jiang to go back inside to grab the phone she’d left on the table.
The three of them watched Lin Jiang head back in.
Jiang Weifeng’s gaze remained fixed on Lin Jiang, unable to look away. He stood there steadily, then gave a faint smile. "Auntie, Uncle, please rest assured. I will treat her well."
He was the first to speak, and when he turned his face toward them, his expression was solemn.
It was the look a person wears only when making a grave promise. Lin Wei and Xu Mingjuan both sighed.
Lin Wei said, "Good lad. Having those words from you is better than anything."
Xu Mingjuan, however, looked at him earnestly. "It’s not just about treating her well. You must love her well."
The wind tousled their clothes and hair. Jiang Weifeng’s eyelashes seemed to flicker as if tugged by something. He opened his mouth but didn't speak.
It wasn't until Lin Jiang returned and pulled him away to say goodbye—as the couple leaned down to look through the car window and wave—that Jiang Weifeng leaned forward and whispered to Xu Mingjuan, "Auntie, don't worry."
The car lights flickered on, then disappeared into the night.
Xu Mingjuan and Lin Wei stood in place, watching them go for a long time without speaking.
The children were grown.
***
Time was like streetlights flashing past.
Lin Jiang sat in the car, her head tilted as she watched the scenery blur by. A moment later, the green light turned red. He stopped the car and reached out to stroke her hair.
Lin Jiang, however, remained motionless, looking out the window.
Zhang Jiaojiao was clinging to Shen Yan’s arm, her eyes crinkling into stars. He was looking down, feeding a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth. She was being playful and took a huge, greedy bite, jumping around from the brain freeze. Seeing this, Shen Yan’s face broke into a grin that looked like a living emoji.
She couldn't help but watch, mesmerized, until Jiang Weifeng used his hand to block her eyes.
She reached up to move his hand away, only for him to give her head a mock flick. "Sitting in my car and you're still looking at other men?"
Lin Jiang sighed with a smile. "I wasn't. I just thought it was such a coincidence."
Jiang Weifeng suddenly leaned in close. She instinctively shrank back. He asked, "Are you hiding something from me?"
She froze for a few seconds before replying, "Green light."
His eyes flickered. He didn't say anything, simply straightening up to drive.
Lin Jiang turned back to look at the spot from before, but it was already empty.
The road was filled with heavy traffic and neon lights. Jiang Weifeng drove fast, his face turned away in silence.
Sensing his little temper, Lin Jiang reached out to tug at his sleeve, but he stubbornly pulled away.
Lin Jiang didn't know how to coax people. She spent the whole drive speaking in soft, gentle tones, but he still hadn't cooled off. Finally, she lost heart and said, "I haven't even scolded you yet. Why is Zhao Siyi’s handle the same as yours?"
Now it was Jiang Weifeng’s turn to be stumped. He explained, "I'll change it right away." He pulled out his phone. "You pick a new one for me."
As soon as those words left his mouth, the surroundings fell silent. Even the sound of breathing seemed to vanish.
Jiang Weifeng froze, immediately realizing he had misspoken. Lin Jiang just stood there blankly, her face devoid of expression.
Lin Jiang hadn't known about this before. Now that the truth had been accidentally poked through, her heart felt as uncomfortable as if it were being scalded by boiling water. She simply said she was tired and went into the house.
Jiang Weifeng stood where he was, staring in the direction she had disappeared, feeling an indescribable blockage in his chest. He took out his phone, opened his QQ, and changed his nickname to *J*. As he exited, another thought crossed his mind, so he opened WeChat.
***
Lin Jiang didn't see Jiang Weifeng’s Moments until the next morning.
Before that, the small group chat with Wang Jiaqian and Zhou Wan already had 99+ messages. She browsed through the chat history for a while before her hand trembled as she tapped on Jiang Weifeng’s profile picture.
His Moments background had been changed to a photo of her sleeping profile.
Lin Jiang recognized it instantly as being taken in Beijing. At the time, her pajamas had been wet, so she was wearing his oversized T-shirt. The hotel lighting was soft, her features were relaxed—everything looked peaceful and beautiful.
Lin Jiang’s eyes grew moist.
Scrolling down, she saw the post he had made last night.
It was his only update—she could hardly believe it—and the attached photo was a picture of the two of them together.
She had no idea this photo even existed. She zoomed in and thought hard before remembering. It was from their student days, at a KTV for Gu Xiang’s birthday. They had been playing Truth or Dare, and Jiang Weifeng had lost; he was supposed to pick a girl to kiss. He had walked toward her on purpose to tease her, but after sitting down beside her, he said he wouldn't pick anyone.
The photo captured their expressions at that exact moment. His eyes and brows were full of mischief and joy, while she looked as dazed as a doll.
His caption read: *J stands for Jiang (绛).*
As Lin Jiang watched, tears flowed uncontrollably. She quietly wiped them away.
She sent him a message: *Actually, J also stands for Jiang (江).*
He replied instantly: *Open the door.*
Her heart nearly leapt out of her chest. She ran outside heedless of everything, only slamming on the brakes as she reached the door. She opened it to find him standing there in the faint morning light. Seeing her, he opened his arms wide.
Without a second thought, she crashed into his embrace.
***
### Glossary
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
绿岛 | Green Island | A bar or social venue.
交道口北二条 | Jiaodaokou North 2nd Alley | A specific location/alleyway in Beijing.
对照记 | Reflections Cafe | Likely a reference to Eileen Chang's "Looking at Old Pictures" (Dui Zhao Ji); used here as a cafe name.
澳洲龙虾 | Australian Lobster | A luxury food item mentioned in the dinner scene.
朋友圈 | Moments | The social feed feature on WeChat.
QQ | QQ | An instant messaging software popular in China.
绛 | Jiang | Lin Jiang's given name; also means a deep red/crimson color.
江 | Jiang | Jiang Weifeng's surname; also means "river."
