“It’s wonderful. The person you loved in your youth ended up loving you back after all those twists and turns.” Cheng Yunchuan lowered her eyes to hide the trace of loneliness deep within them, offering Lin Jiang a smile. “You know, when I first found out you two were together, to be honest, I wasn't as surprised as I thought I’d be.”
Lin Jiang smiled and asked, “How so?”
“...If I said I had a hunch back in high school that there would be a story between you two, would it sound like I’m just using hindsight?” Cheng Yunchuan lowered her head with a laugh, biting her lip. “Otherwise, I wouldn't have been so eager to corner you at the broadcasting station back then.”
Recalling that time, Lin Jiang felt a wave of nostalgia. “That was so long ago.”
Cheng Yunchuan pursed her lips and smiled. “Anyway, your Jiang Weifeng was the joy of my youth. Although... well, I won't try to steal him from you now, because—you deserve his love.”
Cheng Yunchuan gave Lin Jiang’s hand a gentle tug. “It’s my fault, keeping you here talking forever. Why haven't you gone over to him yet?”
Lin Jiang gave a faint smile. “Alright.” Only then did she slowly walk toward Jiang Weifeng.
As she drew closer step by step, she caught the scent of tobacco mixed with the faint aroma of alcohol on him. Strangely, it wasn't repulsive; it was a scent she found herself yearning for.
“What were you talking about? Leaving me hanging for so long?” Jiang Weifeng reached out and pulled Lin Jiang into his arms.
Lin Jiang thought for a moment before answering, “We were talking about you.”
“What about me?” The two of them walked toward the elevator together.
Lin Jiang didn't give a direct answer. “Jiang Weifeng, do you remember that time I went to Beijing?”
Jiang Weifeng didn't even have to think. “I could never forget it.”
“That time, I actually went to participate in a radio event for the ‘Tingjian’ app. I never told you because... I was always a bit afraid to let you know the content of those broadcasts.” Lin Jiang watched his reaction as she spoke. “A couple of days ago, I said I was unemployed. It was because the platform wanted to terminate my contract because I posted that statement without their permission.”
Jiang Weifeng paused, then tightened his arm around her, smiling. “So, are you finally willing to let me listen now?”
“Mm...” Lin Jiang bit her lip. “Of course. I’m afraid that if I wait any longer, it might be taken down, and you won't be able to hear it.”
Lin Jiang stopped walking and turned to face Jiang Weifeng. She coquettishly wrapped her arms around his waist and looked up at him. “But you have to promise that after you listen, you won't give me your opinion. Don't say a single word, okay?”
She was afraid of everything.
She had imagined his reaction—whether it was heartache or being moved, she felt she no longer needed or wanted either. Because at this very moment, she possessed his most complete love.
But the seventeen-year-old Lin Jiang, the wind she couldn't wait for, was simply never reached.
She had no regrets, for that was the conclusion belonging to her girlhood. She was satisfied, because a late-coming joy was still joy.
***
The autumn chill was thick, especially in the evening.
Jiang Weifeng had been drinking, so he didn't drive. Fortunately, the hospital wasn't far from Hong Kong Street, so he and Lin Jiang walked over to buy some roasted chestnuts.
It was already ten o'clock at night, but Hong Kong Street was still bursting with the vibrant energy of nightlife. It happened to be the time when evening self-study ended, and many students were out having late-night snacks.
While waiting in line, Jiang Weifeng tickled her palm. “You didn't say earlier—why won't you let me give my opinion?”
Lin Jiang was lost in thought, staring at a nearby internet cafe. She blinked, startled by his question. “I just won't, that's all.”
Jiang Weifeng laughed. “What if I told you I knew all along?”
Lin Jiang glanced at him, then shrugged a few seconds later, clearly not believing him.
Her mind was still on the internet cafe nearby, so she changed the subject. “Look at that cafe. It’s been there for ten years, hasn't it? It’s still open.”
Jiang Weifeng glanced over. Just then, the shopkeeper called out. Jiang Weifeng scanned the QR code to pay, and Lin Jiang hurried to take the chestnuts.
When she looked up again, she saw Jiang Weifeng’s eyes were deep. “Are you trying to stifle me with things from the past?”
Lin Jiang stiffened. “I just suddenly thought of it.”
Jiang Weifeng abruptly said, “Haozi is coming back the day after tomorrow.”
Lin Jiang was surprised. “He... knows too?”
Jiang Weifeng patted her head. “Yeah, he knows. Shitou asked me about it a couple of days ago, too. We haven't been in touch as much since graduation, but when he heard about what happened to you, he spent half an hour just cursing in rage...”
Lin Jiang took out her phone. “He Lai called me during the day, too. She’s in Hong Kong and doesn't check Weibo much. As soon as she found out, she called to ask if I needed her to introduce a lawyer. That girl is still as loyal as ever. Though, she did say I was a bad friend for not telling her about us.”
The two of them chatted as they walked. Lin Jiang peeled a chestnut and popped it into Jiang Weifeng’s mouth. “Is it sweet?”
Jiang Weifeng chewed twice and said, “Sour.”
Hearing this, Lin Jiang shot him a long, lingering look, feigning anger as she began to eat the rest herself.
Jiang Weifeng wasn't worried—
That night, he held her by the waist and took her again and again, not caring if she begged for mercy.
In the midst of their intimacy, for some reason, he suddenly called her name with great solemnity: “Lin Jiang.”
“Mm?” Lin Jiang’s response was like a cat’s meow.
Jiang Weifeng smiled. “Don't be afraid. Don't try to carry it all on your own. You still have me, your man.”
Lin Jiang was dazed for a moment.
In that instant, it felt as if she was afraid of everything, yet afraid of nothing at all.
Love makes one both cowardly and great.
Outside the window, the night was deep and the dew was heavy; inside, a dream lingered behind the curtains.
***
Cheng Minghao’s flight landed at one in the afternoon. The welcome-home dinner was held at Jiang Weifeng’s house.
Just after twelve, Jiang Weifeng drove Teacher Cheng to pick him up, while Lin Jiang stayed in the kitchen to help Zheng Ping.
Calling it "helping" was a bit of a stretch; Lin Jiang couldn't really do much. She hadn't done many chores growing up, so she could only do small tasks that wouldn't get in the way.
This made Lin Jiang feel quite embarrassed. “Auntie Zheng, I’m really too clumsy.”
Zheng Ping gave a meaningful smile, looked at her twice, then lowered her head to chop vegetables. “You and Weifeng seem to be getting closer and closer.”
Lin Jiang smiled faintly. “Yes, he treats me very well.”
Zheng Ping sighed. “You probably know that I’m actually his father’s second wife. Before I met him for the first time, I was nervous to death. At the time, his father said he was a bit of a wild child...” Zheng Ping smiled gently as she spoke. “Before I met him, I thought he’d be the type you see in the news—you know, a school bully? Or a little hoodlum. But after getting to know him, I realized he was much better than those kids. Though he’s headstrong, he isn't degenerate, and he’s sincere with people.”
Lin Jiang paused, then asked, “Auntie Zheng, I’d actually love to hear about when he was younger.”
Zheng Ping’s hand stopped for a moment. She looked out the window, her thoughts drifting far away. “Do you know why he transferred schools?”
When Zheng Ping turned to look at Lin Jiang, Lin Jiang shook her head quickly.
Zheng Ping put the chopped vegetables onto a plate. “Jiang He and Weifeng’s mother actually divorced when he was in the ninth grade because they didn't get along. They just didn't want it to affect his growth, so they planned to wait until after his college entrance exams. Who knew that during Weifeng’s tenth-grade year, she would be diagnosed with uterine cancer... Jiang He is a man who values his bonds. Even though he was already with me by then, he still used all his savings to pay for her treatment. Before Weifeng’s mother passed away, she was afraid Weifeng wouldn't be able to accept the relationship between his father and me, so she told him the whole story herself.”
After hearing this, Lin Jiang felt an indescribable heaviness in her heart, as if a jar in the kitchen had been overturned inside her.
“At the time, we all thought he would cause a huge scene when he found out. Instead, he was indifferent and didn't show any reaction. Not long after, he asked to transfer schools.” Zheng Ping tilted her head and smiled, letting out a sigh. “He didn't give a reason then, but Jiang He and I both knew in our hearts. It was because his mother and Jiang He used to teach at the East Campus of the Third Middle School. They used to drop him off at school together. He’s just a sentimental person; he was afraid the scenery would trigger painful memories.”
“Actually, he couldn't accept me for a very long time. Although he never did anything out of line, I still remember during his adolescence, whenever his mother was mentioned, he would always snap at me.” Zheng Ping laughed, as if recalling something amusing. “But don't be fooled by how he usually acts cold and indifferent to everyone, as if he doesn't care. His heart is actually very soft. He remembers whoever is good to him. Even though he hasn't called me 'Mom' all these years, he’s never lacked in showing concern.”
Lin Jiang sighed inwardly after listening.
Zheng Ping, having finished her long story, began busying herself with the stove, pouring oil, stir-frying, and stewing soup. Lin Jiang stayed by her side, doing her best to hand over the salt, sugar, and vinegar. One spoke while the other listened, reminiscing about stories of the past.
Just as Jiang Weifeng was about to return, Zheng Ping placed the last dish on the table and suddenly spoke to Lin Jiang with a serious expression. “Lin Jiang, do you have any plans to take things further with him?”
Lin Jiang was suddenly stunned, twisting her fingers, not knowing how to answer.
She heard Zheng Ping say, “A child like Weifeng doesn't lack people who love him; what he lacks is a complete, whole love.”
As she finished, the doorbell rang.
These words undoubtedly possessed the power to pierce the heart. Lin Jiang stood frozen for a long time.
It wasn't until Cheng Minghao shouted, “Where’s Lin Jiang?” that she snapped back to reality.
She hurried toward the door. As soon as she saw him, she was pulled into a warm, enthusiastic hug.
Cheng Minghao’s hair was cut short, revealing a face that looked exactly like his eighteen-year-old self. He was a bit tanner, but other than that, nothing had changed—not even that pure, innocent spirit.
“I missed you so much, Lin Jiang!”
“I missed you too!”
Hearing this, Jiang Weifeng walked past the two of them without a word. Just as he passed Cheng Minghao, Cheng Minghao’s face suddenly crumpled. He grimaced in pain, hissing through gritted teeth, “It was just a hug! Was it really necessary to kick me that hard?”
Teacher Cheng laughed and scolded him, “Stop acting like a clown and come eat!”
When the wild geese fly south, the wanderers return home.
The meal was filled with harmony and joy.
As they were finishing, Jiang Weifeng took a phone call. When he returned, he called Lin Jiang into the bedroom to speak privately.
Lin Jiang’s heart was in her throat as she asked, “Is it about Zhang Juntao?”
Jiang Weifeng nodded. “But it’s good news.” He smiled. “I told you before that I know a director who started out in news. I asked him to do something for me... anyway, he’s found other women who were victimized by Zhang Juntao.”
Lin Jiang covered her mouth, shocked and overjoyed, unable to believe it. “If you’re saying that, it means our chances of winning are much higher now! Right?”
Seeing her reaction, Jiang Weifeng leaned down to kiss her and pulled her into his arms. “We have never been losing.”
Lin Jiang was still emotional, tears streaming down her face. “Now we have both public opinion and evidence. I have to tell Shen Yan about this, and I need to go see Cheng Yunchuan.”
“I’ll go with you,” Jiang Weifeng said.
“No need,” Lin Jiang countered. “Cheng Minghao just got here. You stay with him; I’ll go by myself.”
Jiang Weifeng thought about it and didn't insist. “Then keep in touch with me at all times.”
Lin Jiang said “okay” and went out to say goodbye to Teacher Cheng and Auntie Zheng. Cheng Minghao guessed most of what was happening and said, “We’ll catch up later.”
Zheng Ping told the three men to keep eating while she got up to see Lin Jiang out. Lin Jiang couldn't refuse, but once they reached the entrance of the building, she insisted that Zheng Ping go back.
Zheng Ping didn't push further. Instead, she took Lin Jiang’s hand and said, “Good girl... regarding that matter... go ahead and do what you need to do. We all support you.”
Lin Jiang’s voice caught in her throat.
As she turned away, two heavy tears fell.
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
听见 | Tingjian | "Hear It"; the name of the radio/audio app Lin Jiang worked for.
三中东校 | Third Middle School East Campus | The school where Jiang Weifeng's parents used to teach.
成明昊 | Cheng Minghao | Jiang Weifeng's close friend, also referred to as "Haozi."
昊子 | Haozi | Nickname for Cheng Minghao.
何莱 | He Lai | A friend of Lin Jiang currently in Hong Kong.
江河 | Jiang He | Jiang Weifeng's father.
郑萍 | Zheng Ping | Jiang Weifeng's stepmother.
石头 | Shitou | "Stone"; a nickname for another friend in their circle.
