Chapter 8

Due to Xiang Feiran’s unreasonable rejection, Fang Suining grumbled about him non-stop for two hours, detailing his ungratefulness, his stone-like heart, and his refusal to show any compassion. She recounted incidents from his childhood, like making her, a girl, carry a water bottle during mountain hikes (even though it was her own), to his refusal as an adult to sign her biology exam paper (she scored 58 points). She even criticized him for publishing six SCI papers in his undergraduate years (a monster but still within human scope), leading to his research lab floor being occupied by his third-year graduate student, listing grievances longer than the inventory of wealth seized from Heshen’s family.

Shang Mingbao listened quietly, mostly passively siding with Fang Suining. Even when he occasionally spoke up for fairness, his voice was ruthlessly suppressed.

Until late into the night, the quiet only came with Fang Suining’s falling asleep, but Shang Mingbao’s mind remained very clear.

No matter how sleepless she was today, she couldn’t go downstairs. How would she explain if she ran into him again? Could anyone really not sleep for several days in a row? It would seem like she came specifically to see him as if it was intentional.

Because of this subtle concern, she lay in bed with her eyes wide open until dawn and only fell asleep when the rooster crowed three times.

Breakfast was at eight o’clock as usual, and Shang Mingbao dragged herself out of bed.

The breakfast at the Xiang household was quite varied: stone-ground soy milk, multigrain porridge, steamed egg custard, a few baskets of translucent shrimp dumplings, steamed ribs, glutinous rice chicken wrapped in lotus leaves, golden and fluffy ma la cake, and also pineapple buns and French toast, presumably made to cater to Shang Mingbao, a Hong Kong native.

Seeing the breakfast spread was even more sumptuous than the previous days, Shang Mingbao immediately understood: Xiang Feiran would also be coming for breakfast.

Though she felt utterly exhausted, her intuition made a mental clang, as if someone had rung her bell. Sure enough, she heard the housekeeper’s cheerful greeting from behind: “Good morning, Feiran.”

“Good morning.”

The voice was not far from Shang Mingbao. She didn’t turn around but kept her head down, engrossed in her Weibo. Only when a breeze carrying a faint fragrance passed by her did she notice the chair that Xiang Feiran had sat in the previous night being pulled out.

Shang Mingbao lifted her face and greeted Xiang Feiran with, “Good morning.”

He sat with his back to the window, which framed a picture-like view of the dark green bamboo forest, its shades varying with the morning light. The wind came in, rustling the purple clover in the ceramic pot on the windowsill.

Upon hearing the greeting, he responded indifferently with a non-committal “Hmm,” then picked a white porcelain tea cup from the tea tray and poured himself a cup of raw Pu’er tea.

Fang Suining suddenly wanted some yogurt and cereal, so she got up to fetch it from the sideboard. The large round table was left with just the two of them. The sound of tea being poured ceased, and Xiang Feiran abruptly asked, “Didn’t you have trouble sleeping last night?”

Shang Mingbao’s heart skipped a beat. Although it was just a question about her sleep, it felt as though there was an underlying subtext, as if he was asking why he hadn’t seen her last night.

She replied, trying to stay upbeat as she lied, “No, I went to bed quite early yesterday.”

Xiang Feiran brought the cup to his lips and, before drinking, paused his gaze on her face for a moment, calmly exposing her lie: “If you’re tired, you should catch up on sleep after breakfast.”

Were the dark circles under her eyes that obvious? She should have used concealer before leaving…

Realizing his insight, she lowered her gaze, focusing intently on her own small portion of the table.

When Fang Suining returned with a bowl full of cereal, it seemed as if they hadn’t spoken at all. One was absorbed in the latest journal articles in their email, while the other was scrolling through their fan account on Weibo. The air was as quiet as if time had stopped.

After this breakfast, they indeed did not encounter each other for several days. It was only when Fang Suining mentioned it later that Shang Mingbao learned he had been working part-time.

“He’s working at a café,” Fang Suining said.

Shang Mingbao didn’t quite understand. Although life here was very different from her own daily routine, it was still of high quality and meticulous. Logically, Xiang Feiran shouldn’t need to work part-time to earn living expenses.

“It’s hard to say…” Although Fang Suining appeared casual, she had the valuable sense of propriety that came with her family’s traditions. She summarized, “He has his own reasons.”

A couple of days later, Fang Suining was heading back to the city for her opera class and decided to take Shang Mingbao along. They planned to shop and explore after class, aiming to spend time until around nine or ten in the evening before heading back.

The opera class was taught by a renowned private tutor with strict management rules, forbidding any accompanying spectators. Fang Suining’s train of thought took an unexpected turn. She worried that Shang Mingbao might get bored waiting or might get lost if left alone. With a flash of inspiration, she asked a close male classmate to accompany her.

Fang Suining said, “You two can explore first. I’ll join you after the class.”

The male classmate was quite handsome and bore some resemblance to their favorite male celebrity. Shang Mingbao, not one to be shy, took the opportunity to confidently pick a few places she was interested in and asked him to show her around.

They wandered from the historical and cultural district to boutique stores, and then to the West River bank. Finally, they agreed to find a place to have a drink.

When searching for a beverage shop on review apps, the French Coffee Society stood out for its ratings and ambiance. Although it was on the higher end, the male classmate, who had already decided, put away his phone and said confidently, “I know a place. The ambiance and offerings are excellent.”

Men often judge a place by its decor and presentation, and even as a high school student, he understood this well. He assumed Shang Mingbao, being a wealthy young lady, would find ordinary shops unacceptable and would prefer something more refined.

To be on the safe side, he privately asked Fang Suining for confirmation via WeChat. After walking several hundred meters along the riverbank, he received a reply from Fang Suining, saying that her brother was also working part-time at that location.

The French Coffee Society was situated by the river, with a pristine whitewashed exterior and glass windows facing the West River. The bar area by the window was already crowded, and the outdoor seating had a few people scattered around.

When Shang Mingbao saw the slender metal nameplate, she felt a sense of unease. The male classmate’s introduction was timely: “Suining’s brother works here. We might as well ask him for a recommendation; maybe we can even get a discount.”

It might have been a false impression, but after pushing open the glass door, the male classmate noticed she seemed a bit nervous and uneasy. Was it because the café’s atmosphere was too intimate, too much like a date, making her shy? The male classmate was somewhat self-satisfied with his own assumptions.

Shang Mingbao was indeed nervous. She was afraid that when she looked up, she would catch a glimpse of a familiar, indifferent gaze behind the counter.

The male classmate scanned the area and asked, “Which one is Suining’s brother? Can you recognize him?”

Shang Mingbao took a few seconds to gather her composure before lifting her gaze.

No, she didn’t see him. The café staff were all very attractive, but among the busy figures, there was no sign of Xiang Feiran.

“Excuse me…” Shang Mingbao asked a staff member at the ordering counter, “Is Xiang Feiran here?”

—

The ringtone of “Plants vs. Zombies” rang for a while before being answered and then quickly hung up by a long, vein-streaked hand.

Yesterday was a weekend, with a long performance time followed by a few rounds of billiards, leaving Xiang Feiran somewhat exhausted. When he saw the call was from the café, he answered without hesitation.

“Speak.” He coughed, his voice hoarse and weak.

“There are people looking for you,” the store manager said over the phone while peering at the two high school students at the cashier counter. “It seems to be your sister, with a boyfriend. Should I tell them you’re on leave today?”

His half-asleep eyes slowly opened at these words.

No one in his family knew about Xiang Feiran playing in a band at the bar. Everyone thought he was working at the café, and he had been keeping this secret well, thanks to the café’s cover. But Fang Suining showing up with an early romance boyfriend was indeed beyond his expectations.

Xiang Feiran rubbed his face to wake himself up and said, “I’ll be there soon. Have them wait a bit.”

The rehearsal room, which was old and shabby, was not far from the riverbank. Xiang Feiran quickly tidied himself up, stepping over the sleeping lead singer at the door, grabbing his car keys, and heading out.

His silver road bike leaned into the turn, quickly crossing the pedestrian traffic at the crosswalk. After a sound like a pen scraping across rice paper, the wheels screeched to a halt at the side door of the café.

Shang Mingbao was sitting by the window with a mixed fruit punch, and as if sensing something, she lifted her gaze just in time to catch Xiang Feiran’s long legs as he stepped down the stairs.

Why is he coming from outside?

Xiang Feiran hurried backstage, tying the strap of his brown apron behind his waist as he asked the manager, “Where’s my sister?”

The manager pointed in a direction with a smirk and teased, “Nice one, Feiran. You didn’t mention you have such a beautiful sister.”

Xiang Feiran sensed something was off immediately. He looked up with a blank expression.

The window was clean and clear, reflecting the vast expanse of the river. On the deep blue afternoon, bright young men and women sat facing each other.

Today, Shang Mingbao wore an oversized red and black plaid English-style shirt, open at the front, with a white tank top underneath. The thin straps rested on her straight collarbone and shoulders, and she wore a light gray pleated skirt with riding boots.

Although she wasn’t wearing makeup, she looked completely different from the elementary school student he had seen in the mountains.

Xiang Feiran first focused his gaze on the high school boy sitting across from her for a few seconds before tapping the counter and calling out, “Shang Mingbao.”

The café was relatively quiet, and his voice, neither too loud nor too soft, caused everyone to turn and look. The boy also turned his head at the sound, and upon recognizing Xiang Feiran, he exclaimed, “Wow, impressive!”

Shang Mingbao was startled and coughed several times into her tissue. When she reached the counter, her ears were still flushed red as she obediently greeted, “Brother Feiran.”

Xiang Feiran didn’t engage in small talk or inquire how she ended up here. Instead, he directly asked, “What would you like to drink?”

Due to her atrial flutter, Shang Mingbao had never had coffee or alcohol. She stared at the menu for a long time and, still undecided, asked her male companion, “Do you have any recommendations?”

Xiang Feiran, too busy to study coffee in-depth, casually picked a line from his gaze: “Sun-dried Yergashepze.”

The male companion, not knowing much about coffee, trusted in the wisdom of adults and said, “Okay, I’ll have that.”

Xiang Feiran then asked, “And you?”

Shang Mingbao was still contemplating when the male companion affectionately called out, “Babe, you should try this Spanish latte. I’ve had it before; it’s sweet with a strong milk flavor, just right for you.”

Before giving an explanation, no one would take “babe” as a person’s formal name.

Neither did Xiang Feiran.

Shang Mingbao finally decided, “No, I’ll have the Yirgacheffe too.”

The male companion, pleased, said, “Alright, then we’ll both have the same.”

When he was about to show his payment code, the register had already printed out the receipt under Xiang Feiran’s operation: “Let me cover it.”

The male companion, understanding how to handle such matters, said, “Thanks, bro.”

Xiang Feiran returned a polite smile, which, though appropriate for others, seemed somewhat intimidating due to his naturally cold demeanor.

He called over a barista to assist with the order, claiming it was for efficiency, but in reality, it was just a case of imitating without much knowledge.

As they started preparing the coffee at the counter, the male companion realized that the coffee’s name was purely a sweet temptation; it was not a snow-top coffee but a hand-brewed Yirgacheffe bean. Regretting his choice, he realized he was not yet at the stage of drinking coffee without milk—American coffee at least had ice.

While waiting, he leaned over to Shang Mingbao and asked, “Does Fang Suining’s brother always act so aloof? Or did I do something that made him dislike me?”

Shang Mingbao replied, “Oh, you’re asking quite the green tea question.”

The male companion, confused, asked, “What do you mean?”

Shang Mingbao responded with reverse pua, “He just doesn’t show much expression. Why would he target you? Don’t let your ego get in the way. Besides, he’s even buying you coffee.”

The male companion was left speechless. His earlier pride evaporated as he realized Shang Mingbao had no intention of pleasing him.

At the counter, the barista joked, “High school students are dating so early now? You’re okay with that?”

Xiang Feiran looked down, his hand steady as he poured hot water in a straight line, “Can’t do anything about it.”

“The boy isn’t quite up to your sister’s level,” the barista commented objectively.

Xiang Feiran remained expressionless and non-committal: “Everyone has their preferences.”

A few minutes later, the two cups of hand-brewed coffee were ready. Shang Mingbao approached the counter and asked, “Which cup did you make?”

“The one I made tastes bad,” Xiang Feiran admitted without hesitation, “Drink the other one.”

He had just learned how to make hand-brewed coffee five minutes ago.

Shang Mingbao remained silent and stared at him persistently. Xiang Feiran had no choice but to point to one of the cups, “This one.”

Shang Mingbao took the cup he indicated, unaware that he had tricked her. She had actually taken the one made by the other barista.

The café was busy with a steady stream of customers and delivery drivers. Shang Mingbao gave way to others and gradually moved to the edge.

Yet, she hesitated to leave.

After standing quietly for a few seconds, Xiang Feiran called her name. She looked up and responded with a soft “Hmm,” waiting for him to continue.

“Still not leaving?” He raised an eyebrow.

His immediate intent to chase her off made Shang Mingbao feel disheartened. She pursed her lips and said, “Alright, I’ll leave then.”

“Wait a moment.” He called her back.

This time, he opened the glass case, took out a slice of blueberry cheesecake, and packaged it in a paper box, “This is sweet. It should balance out the bitterness.”

Shang Mingbao, unfamiliar with the bitterness of hand-brewed coffee, didn’t fully grasp his meaning but appreciated the gesture of him giving her a slice of cake.

The rich aroma of the cake wafted through the gaps in the box, lingering at her nose.

As she took the box, she wanted to ask when he would be off work or when he would go home. The evening had already passed its prime, and the sleepless nights after he left were no longer enjoyable.

But she didn’t ask. Xiang Feiran, already done with the conversation, said, “See you, have a good day.”

The glass door jingled as they walked out. The manager came over, jokingly patting Xiang Feiran’s chest with the back of his hand, “Two cups of coffee and one cake, totaling one hundred ninety-seven. WeChat or Alipay?”

Xiang Feiran, too lazy to complain about their store’s high prices, brought up the payment code, “Employee discount, please.”

With a beep, the balance, recently inflated by playing billiards, dwindled again. The manager clicked his tongue, “I wonder, your dad drives a luxury car, and yet you’re so poor? Can’t even take care of yourself, but you’re still supporting those kids in the mountains?”

Xiang Feiran calmly ignored the first part and answered the latter, “After so many years, it can’t end here.”

“Are there a few who will be taking the college entrance exams next year?”

“Hmm.”

The manager didn’t know about his family background and was puzzled by his sudden financial troubles and seeming opulence. Sometimes he seemed so poor that one would wish to offer him a little aid, but his demeanor remained dignified. Nevertheless, he supported his friend’s charitable actions and said straightforwardly, “Let them come here to work part-time after their exams.”

Xiang Feiran accepted the sentiment with a smile and looked out through the panoramic window at the outdoor seating area.

The two outside hadn’t left. They were sitting and enjoying the river view. The male companion took a sip of coffee, his brow furrowing. Damn, it tasted worse than instant coffee…

But since he was in front of the girl, he managed his expression in time, swallowed the bitter brew, and said, “It’s okay. This is a very famous Ethiopian coffee bean. You should try it. The aftertaste has a hint of orange acidity.” — From a minute ago on Baidu.

Shang Mingbao took a tentative sip and grimaced. Oh my God, is this it? She now had a newfound respect for her older siblings who drank coffee like water.

“It’s a bit unusual the first time you try hand-brewed coffee,” her male classmate said seriously, instructing her, “Try a few more sips and you’ll sense the orange flavor and jasmine fragrance in it.”

The taste was almost metaphysical; Shang Mingbao was skeptical. She valued her life and had no intention of finishing the cup, but with such patient advice and knowing it was made by Xiang Feiran, she hesitated and took a few careful sips.

— It would have been a perfect summer afternoon if she had strictly followed the doctor’s advice and not touched the coffee.

The onset of discomfort was sudden and without warning.

Seeing her face turn pale, the male classmate initially didn’t think much of it since her complexion was naturally paler than others.

It wasn’t until Shang Mingbao slumped against the wall, as if her backbone had been suddenly removed, that he changed his expression. “Babe? Shang Mingbao?”

Shang Mingbao was utterly weak, every pore on her body sweating profusely. Her lips moved, producing only faint and indistinct sounds.

Her heart hurt so much. Her right hand was desperately pressing against her chest as if that would alleviate the pain.

The male classmate, having never seen such a situation, was terrified and stumbled back a step, then moved forward with trembling voice, “Are you… allergic to something?”

The only thing he could think of was that the cheesecake, rich in allergens, hadn’t even been unpacked yet.

In a state of panic, the volume of voices increased. People at nearby tables turned their heads, and the commotion in the café attracted the attention of other customers, who began whispering among themselves.

“What happened?”

“Looks like a girl is having a medical emergency?”

Xiang Feiran, who had just removed his apron, paused at this moment.

“Young lady, be alert! Has this happened before?” someone called out loudly.

The male classmate’s face turned ashen. “I don’t know, I don’t know!”

“You don’t know about your own girl!”

“Is there a doctor here? Any doctors or nurses?” someone called out.

Someone shouted in panic, and everyone’s gaze focused on her left wrist where the electronic watch was.

“Oh no! Her heart rate is over 200! Where’s 120?!”

On her delicate wrist, the LCD display glowed a warning red, showing a heart rate of 239.

This had already exceeded the normal limits of heart rate, though it wasn’t Shang Mingbao’s highest reading.

As the emergency call page was being dialed, the male classmate, sweating and shivering, was about to lower his fingers when he heard a faint “Don’t…”

Shang Mingbao weakly shook her head. Although her lips were pale and breathing was difficult, her eyes remained clear, though they showed immense pain.

Coffee was indeed something she shouldn’t touch; the doctor wasn’t lying. But if she could just endure a bit longer… she might get through it. Just one more time.

She didn’t want to stick on electrodes or smell disinfectant again.

In the midst of the chaotic confusion, someone shouted “Make way,” parting the crowd of onlookers, and hurried steps like a gust of wind stopped beside her.

The sunlight in early August was like a layer of hazy cloud, intermittently illuminating her vision as the crowd moved. Suddenly, the white light disappeared, and a tall figure stood in front of her, blocking the sun entirely.

Without saying a word, Xiang Feiran decisively picked Shang Mingbao up horizontally and said to the male classmate, “Call 120.”

Her light gray pleated skirt fell down as her legs bent, brushing against Xiang Feiran’s skin.

He felt that the girl was very light, about 1.6 meters tall, as light as a drooping jasmine.

“Shang Mingbao, look at me.” Xiang Feiran laid her flat on the ground, crouched beside her, one hand on her shoulder, his dark, star-like eyes staring into hers. “Do you have any medication on you?”

He knew she had a condition from a casual conversation with a maid when they first met. Since it was a long-term ailment, she must have medication with her.

Shang Mingbao’s response was too slow, and Xiang Feiran felt his hands stop at her waist.

He searched her pockets quickly and carefully, his hands moving over her clothes.

When he found no medication, he withdrew his hands.

It was only a few seconds, but his actions were steady and orderly, with no trace of panic, making time seem to slow down.

In the sweltering heat, the anxious onlookers were sweating profusely. The shop manager and staff worked hard to clear the crowd to allow air circulation.

“Is she not breathing?!” someone with sharp eyes suddenly exclaimed, “Her lips are so white!”

Xiang Feiran checked under her nose with his fingers, his heart sinking. There was no time to think; he knelt down and, in the standard CPR posture, pinched her nose and opened her chin—

Just as his lips were about to meet hers, a hand gently pressed against them.

Xiang Feiran froze. In the close proximity, his gaze fell into her eyes like leaves touching a lake’s center. The pain in her eyes was clear and transparent, and he felt an eerie silence as if all the surrounding sounds had disappeared.

Her suffering had robbed him of his hearing.