Chapter 46
At this time, there was no sunshine, and the sky was a bit dark. The wind blew as if it were sweeping leaves off the trees. The two of them walked up the overpass. Xiao Zhou glanced at Shu Xiao sitting by the window in the Sunset.
She looked at Ji Ting and said, “Sister Ting.”
Ji Ting responded with a “Hmm” and turned to look at Xiao Zhou.
Xiao Zhou followed her steps, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, “Can I ask how brother Tan Yucheng and this beautiful lady broke up?”
Ji Ting was taken aback.
They were about to descend the overpass. Ji Ting went down first, with Xiao Zhou following beside her. Xiao Zhou glanced at her from time to time. Ji Ting thought for a moment and said, “Don’t be so nosy.”
Xiao Zhou chuckled and said, “I’m just curious.”
She remembered the photo she had seen before.
That day, Ji Ting was adjusting the cake varieties with the store manager in the baking room, while Yu Xi and that young lady were drinking coffee during in the Sunset. Xiao Zhou went to add ice to Yu Xi’s coffee and saw a student group photo on the table. She immediately recognized Tan Yucheng from his appearance. Ji Ting was also in the photo, and Tan Yucheng was standing in front of a girl, seemingly focused on her. Xiao Zhou had been curious and asked about it.
Yu Xi explained to her and even showed her current photos of Shu Xiao.
Xiao Zhou looked at her beautiful boss beside her.
She imagined herself in that situation. If someone like Tan Yucheng treated her so well, prepared so many gifts for her birthday, and did not mention anything else, she would definitely be head over heels for him.
But Sister Ting didn’t seem to show much of that.
Did Sister Ting like Brother Tan Yucheng?
She was genuinely curious.
Ji Ting didn’t know what Xiao Zhou was thinking at the moment. There wasn’t much coffee, and two people carrying it was sufficient, but it was still better to deliver it quickly. They entered the Zhuoyue Building, where there were quite a few people getting afternoon tea at this hour. The elevator was hard to wait for, with other delivery people also crowding the elevator.
After a while, Ji Ting and Xiao Zhou finally got on an elevator. The delivery person’s hat bumped into Xiao Zhou, and she leaned closer to Ji Ting.
Stepping out of the elevator, they immediately saw Tan Yucheng, Chen Fei, and two other men talking at the front desk. Tan Yucheng was dressed simply in a black shirt and trousers, with broad shoulders and long legs, making him very eye-catching.
Chen Fei saw them and said, “Hey, sister Ting, Xiao Zhou, over here.”
Xiao Zhou immediately responded, “Coming, brother Chen Fei.”
Ji Ting was amused by their interaction. She looked up, and just as she did, Tan Yucheng’s gaze met hers. With a bit of distance between them, Ji Ting remembered Shu Xiao’s words, paused, and walked over to hand him the cup. Tan Yucheng reached out to take it. The cup was filled with iced coffee. He glanced at her and asked, “Does it still hurt?”
The two other men, whom Ji Ting didn’t know, also looked over.
Ji Ting’s ears grew slightly warm. She bit her lip and said, “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”
“Hmm.”
Tan Yucheng replied.
Xiao Zhou handed the remaining coffee to Chen Fei. Chen Fei took it and Xiao Zhou said with a smile, “Brother Chen Fei, make sure to count them properly.”
“Do I need to count them when I can see them all at a glance?” Chen Fei rolled his eyes, distributed the coffee, and also gave it to the two men beside Tan Yucheng. Noticing that Ji Ting still had a bag, he asked, “Sister Ting, is there another delivery?”
Xiao Zhou came over to take one of the bags from Ji Ting. Ji Ting responded to Chen Fei, “Yes, there’s one more.”
“Hongxiang? It’s in the building next door,” Chen Fei said sharply, recognizing the name on the list.
Tan Yucheng heard the name, lowered his eyes slightly, and glanced at the croissant order Ji Ting was holding. The name on it was indeed Hongxiang. He opened the coffee lid with his fingers and asked calmly, “What about the other people in the store?”
Ji Ting responded gently, “They’re all busy.”
“Let’s go,” Ji Ting said, then walked with Xiao Zhou to the elevator. Just as the elevator doors opened, they walked inside. Chen Fei quickly distributed two cups to the other two men and, driven by a sixth sense, glanced at Tan Yucheng.
He had the feeling that Tan Yucheng seemed a bit concerned about Hongxiang.
Tan Yucheng lifted his coffee and took a sip, his expression unreadable, possibly only revealing something deep within.
Once in the elevator, Ji Ting stood lost in thought. As soon as the elevator doors opened, she saw him right away at the front desk, looking as striking as ever, just as he did in high school.
Ding—
The elevator arrived on the first floor.
Ji Ting snapped back to reality, gathered her thoughts, and followed Xiao Zhou out of the elevator. They walked to the building next door. Hongxiang Holdings was on the sixteenth floor. After getting off the elevator, Ji Ting informed the front desk, and soon Fang Yu, dressed in a suit, emerged with a broad smile. Ji Ting smiled slightly and handed the items to him.
Fang Yu took them and asked with a smile, “Is it cold outside?”
Ji Ting laughed and replied, “You’ll find out when you finish work.”
“It’s definitely cold. Would you like to come in and sit for a bit?” Fang Yu asked. Ji Ting shook her head, “I don’t want to intrude.”
“It’s fine. Everyone’s on break now, and we have a lunch break arrangement here. I didn’t expect you to deliver it today; I thought we’d need to order again in a few days.” Fang Yu’s smile was bright, and his large double eyelids made him look very approachable.
Xiao Zhou, listening from the side, had a mischievous smile on her face.
Xiao Zhou added, “Today, sister Ting just happened to have some free time.”
“Really?” Fang Yu looked at Xiao Zhou, “Then it’s my pleasure.”
“Of course,” Xiao Zhou said, feeling that Fang Yu’s radiant smile made him easy to approach, whereas she would have been more cautious around Tan Yucheng.
But a person like brother Tan Yucheng was more thrilling.
As she indulged in these thoughts, Ji Ting told Fang Yu, “The delivery is done, so we’ll be leaving now.”
“Wait a moment.” Fang Yu immediately stopped them and said, looking at Ji Ting’s beautiful features, “Just wait a minute.”
He then turned around and went inside, setting the coffee and croissants with his colleagues.
Xiao Zhou nudged Ji Ting’s shoulder and asked, “What’s he doing?”
Ji Ting was also puzzled and stopped at the front desk.
Soon, Fang Yu came out again, this time holding a book. He handed it to Ji Ting and said with a smile, “It’s a gift for you.”
It was The End or the Beginning by Bei Dao. Ji Ting was momentarily taken aback upon seeing the book. She looked at Fang Yu, who smiled and said, “It’s a signed copy. For some reason, I think it suits you.”
Ji Ting hesitated and said, “Signed copies are valuable. I can’t accept it.”
“It’s fine. I like collecting these books. If I find them interesting, I collect them. This signed copy just happened to come to me, and I think it suits you.” Fang Yu continued to offer the book with a smile.
Ji Ting glanced at the cover.
— The wind is on Ji Ting’s shoulder, and the wind carries twinkling stars.
She looked back at Fang Yu.
Fang Yu’s smile remained, and since Ji Ting wasn’t the type to be overly reserved, she thought about it and accepted the book, saying, “Next time I find a good book, I’ll save a copy for you.”
“Great,” Fang Yu nodded.
Ji Ting smiled and said, “Then we’ll be leaving now.”
“Okay, goodbye.”
Fang Yu nodded.
Xiao Zhou also waved goodbye and then followed Ji Ting to the elevator. Once inside the elevator, Xiao Zhou spoke up, peering at the book in Ji Ting’s hand. “Is this a poetry collection?”
Ji Ting nodded.
Xiao Zhou looked at Ji Ting’s expression and asked, “Does this handsome guy like you, sister Ting?”
Ji Ting raised her eyes to Xiao Zhou and said, “Don’t talk nonsense.”
Xiao Zhou chuckled.
“Sister Ting, you’re so pretty. It’s normal for someone to like you. Besides, this handsome guy has specifically requested you for delivery twice. His intentions are more than just the order.”
Ji Ting glanced at Xiao Zhou and said, “You are very good at using words.”
Xiao Zhou laughed again.
Ji Ting chose not to discuss it further. She looked at the book in her hand as they exited the elevator.
Whether or not Fang Yu had feelings for her wasn’t important, but she did like the book he gave her.
Back at Sunset, when she arrived, Shu Xiao was gone. Xiao Wan handed Ji Ting a folded note and said, “Ji Ting, the beauty by the window left this for you.”
Ji Ting took the note and unfolded it to read.
The elegant handwriting of Shu Xiao appeared on the paper:
Ji Ting,
I’ve returned to the hotel.
I’ve decided to try. It’s hard to meet someone as wonderful as him again.
— Shu
Ji Ting paused for a moment, looked at the note, folded it back, then decided it wasn’t necessary to keep. She tore the note into pieces and threw it in the trash can.
In the evening.
Back at her apartment, Ji Ting finished her bath and, dressed in soft pajamas, sat on the sofa under a comforter. She took out the book Fang Yu had given her and casually flipped through it, coming across the inscription from Tan Yucheng.
She contacted the bookstore supplier to arrange for a set of Wang Zengqi’s books to be purchased and given to Fang Yu.
Two beeps sounded from her phone.
Fang Yu had sent Ji Ting a list of movies.
Fang Yu: Have you seen these movies?
Ji Ting paused before replying: I’ve seen two of them.
Fang Yu smiled and said: Let’s watch the rest together when you have time.
Ji Ting hesitated before replying: Okay.
Fang Yu: Is your store closed? I just drove by.
Ji Ting: Yes, it’s ten o’clock. Have you just finished work?
Fang Yu: Yes, working late. The lights in the nearby Zhuoyue Building are still on.
Ji Ting: Hmm, drive safely.
Fang Yu: Will do.
At that moment, her phone rang again.
A message with a black profile picture came in. Ji Ting opened it.
Tan: Remember to turn on the heating.
Ji Ting paused, then replied: It’s on. Are you still working late?
Tan: Yes.
Tan: Still watching Xixili?
Ji Ting: No, I’m reading.
Tan: Hmm?
Ji Ting: Just flipping through The End or the Beginning.
Tan: When did you get that book?
Ji Ting thought for a moment and replied: Fang Yu gave it to me.
Tan: Oh?
Ji Ting didn’t reply further. She closed the book, mainly because she’s feeling a bit tired. She got up, went to wash up, brushed her teeth, and then went to bed. Over the next few days, Hongxiang ordered coffee every day but no longer requested Ji Ting for delivery. Fang Yu mentioned in WeChat that he was worried about seeming creepy if he made requests too often—once or twice was fine, but three or four times would be truly creepy.
Ji Ting found it amusing.
That evening, after closing the store and returning to her apartment, Ji Ting took a shower. The bookstore owner informed her that the books had been shipped and should arrive by tomorrow. Ji Ting replied that she understood.
Fang Yu was a bit chatty and found Ji Ting on WeChat to chat. He was socializing and even showed Ji Ting photos from the event. Ji Ting rarely shared such things, but since Fang Yu sent them, she responded.
They were discussing whether beer or liquor was worse to drink, categorizing the discomfort by levels. Ji Ting thought beer was actually the most uncomfortable but also the most satisfying.
Fang Yu felt that liquor was worse because of its strong aftereffects.
Ji Ting laughed and said: Okay, everyone has their own opinion.
Fang Yu: From what you’re saying, you seem to be quite good at drinking.
Ji Ting: Not really.
At that moment, Ji Ting’s phone rang. The caller was Qiu Dan. Ji Ting paused her chat with Fang Yu and answered the call. She had just blow-dried her hair, which was still a bit damp. She said, “Mom.”
Qiu Dan paused before asking, “Still awake?”
Ji Ting responded, “Just finished washing my hair.”
Qiu Dan reminded, “Make sure to dry it thoroughly.”
“I will.”
Qiu Dan then asked, “Have you been in touch with Fang Yu recently?”
Ji Ting replied, “Yes.”
There was a moment of silence on the other end, and then Qiu Dan’s voice came through, rather low: “Maybe… maybe you shouldn’t continue contacting him.”
Ji Ting was taken aback and asked, “Why?”
Qiu Dan hesitated before saying, “It’s my fault, I didn’t understand the situation clearly.”
“He had several girlfriends during his studies abroad and seems quite fickle. Additionally, he seems to have some ¹Oedipal tendencies; he has only dated older women. It’s said that he even had a relationship with his female boss in New York.”
“Mom, how do you know this?”
“Yucheng told me.”
Ji Ting was taken aback, “How does he know?”
Qiu Dan’s voice was very low, “I asked him to keep an eye on things.”
Ji Ting instinctively looked at her tablet, which still had her chat history with Fang Yu. She had considered that maybe trying things out with Fang Yu could be good; they seemed to get along well and shared many interests. She hadn’t had this kind of conversation with Lu Hai before. Feeling somewhat lost, she paused for a few seconds before telling Qiu Dan, “Mom, I’ll think about it.”
Qiu Dan felt guilty for rushing things without fully understanding the situation before asking Ji Ting to meet him.
She said, “Alright.”
After hanging up the phone, Ji Ting stood up, poured herself a glass of water, and leaned against the counter. She paused for a moment, then opened a chat with Tan Yucheng and sent him a message.
Ji Ting: Where are you?
Tan Yucheng: At the company.
Ji Ting: Come over to my place after work.
Tan Yucheng: Okay.
A few minutes later, the doorbell rang. Ji Ting set down her glass and walked to the door. When she opened it, Tan Yucheng was taking off his tie, dressed in a suit and carrying the chill from outside.
They locked eyes for a moment, and Ji Ting stepped back to let him in.
He looked slightly tired. Ji Ting asked as she observed his profile, “Has Fu Yan not returned to the company yet?”
“No.”
Tan Yucheng’s voice was low and lazy, “Wen Nanxi is experiencing some ²postpartum depression.”
Ji Ting was stunned. She had been chatting with Nanxi recently, but Nanxi hadn’t shown any distress, so Fu Yan should be at home with her. Ji Ting walked over and poured him some warm water, while Tan Yucheng casually draped his coat over the armrest of the sofa.
Ji Ting turned back to him, watching as he removed his tie. She pursed her lips and asked, “Are you investigating Fang Yu?”
Tan Yucheng, having removed his tie and draped it over his coat, looked up at her and nodded, “Yes, I did investigate.”
Ji Ting placed a cup of water on the side and stood by the table.
Looking at his handsome features, she questioned with suspicion, “Is what you investigated true?”
Hearing this, Tan Yucheng paused while adjusting his cuff, and with a half-smile, he gazed at her, “True or false? Would I mislead you?”
Ji Ting was silent.
Tan Yucheng noticed the book on the coffee table and the chat window still open on her tablet, indicating that they had been chatting happily. He withdrew his gaze and looked at her; she returned his gaze. There was not much distance between them. She looked at him with suspicion, and there seemed to be a hint of anger in her eyes. Tan Yucheng’s anger also flared up. He stepped closer to her, and Ji Ting instinctively stepped back.
But she backed into the table.
Tan Yucheng reached out and held her waist, pressing her forward. Ji Ting lifted her gaze to look up at him, her beautiful eyes clearly reflecting her emotions.
Tan Yucheng stared into her eyes, “Are you angry with me because of another man?!”
—
¹”Oedipal” refers to the Oedipus complex, a Freudian theory where a child feels desire for their opposite-sex parent and rivalry toward their same-sex parent. It comes from the Greek myth of Oedipus.
²Postpartum depression is a type of depression that occurs in women after giving birth. It involves feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that can interfere with a woman’s ability to care for herself or her baby.