Chapter 31

The black phone was pressed tightly against her little finger, just a slight movement of her fingertip would make contact.

Trying to stay calm, Xu Zhiyi put her phone down, steadied the ice cream box in front of her, and took another bite of ice cream. It was finally starting to taste like taro.

The small wooden table was cluttered with four cups of coffee and two phones, making it seem a bit crowded. Jiang Sixun picked up her white phone and stacked it on top of his black one.

Xu Zhiyi watched the two phones stacked together and kicked him under the table again, her eyes silently questioning him—what are you doing? Her mother and Jiang Auntie were still sitting next to them.

But Jiang Sixun acted as if no one else was around. He moved the stacked phones to the center of the table and pointed to one of the coffee cups. “Can we drink it now?”

Xu Zhiyi was at a loss for words.

She recalled what she had said earlier—that if he didn’t have feelings for her, he should just drink coffee.

The phones were already on the table, so he could indeed drink.

She glanced at him but remained silent.

Jiang Sixun didn’t reach for the coffee, choosing instead to watch her eat her ice cream.

Feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, Xu Zhiyi picked up a cup of iced coffee and offered it to him. Before she could even place the cup on the table, he took it from her hand.

They were completely absorbed in their own little world, oblivious to their mothers’ conversation.

Jiang Yue Ru was reading a message from Mrs. Shang, who was inquiring about the progress between Shang Wen and Xu Zhiyi. Mrs. Shang complained that her son came home and said nothing, being stubborn and tight-lipped.

Not knowing Mrs. Shang well enough, Jiang Yue Ru felt awkward asking directly.

“Mrs. Shang inquired about us,” Jiang Yue Ru showed the message to He Yi’an. “How should I reply?”

He Yi’an relayed her daughter’s words: “They seem to be getting along quite well.”

Jiang Yue Ru commented, “I have a good impression of Shang Wen; he seems well-matched with Zhiyi.” She glanced at Xu Zhiyi, who was quietly enjoying her ice cream without contradicting her.

Meanwhile, Jiang Sixun was drinking coffee and looking out the window.

Jiang Yue Ru asked He Yi’an, “How about we have dinner together tonight with both families?”

She wanted to create more opportunities for Xu Zhiyi and Shang Wen.

The suggestion was made rather loudly, ensuring Xu Zhiyi heard.

He Yi’an asked her daughter, “Zhiyi, is that okay? Would you like to have dinner together tonight?”

Hearing her name, Xu Zhiyi snapped back to reality. “I’m fine with it.”

With her approval, Jiang Yue Ru quickly texted Mrs. Shang: [He Yi’an is also in Beijing. We’re out for afternoon tea with the kids. Are you free tonight to meet up for dinner?]

Mrs. Shang, envious and somewhat critical of her own son, responded: [Where can you find a son like Sixun? Mine is usually nowhere to be seen.]

Jiang Yue Ru replied with a smile: [Would you like to swap? He hasn’t accompanied me for tea in ages.]

After a few more exchanges of pleasantries, they agreed on a meeting time and place for dinner.

Jiang Yue Ru checked the time—almost 4:30. “Let’s go. It’s almost time.”

Jiang Sixun picked up the two phones from the table and asked, “Have you and Aunt Xu decided where to go?”

As he spoke, he had already walked to Xu Zhiyi’s chair and picked up the white blouse draped over the back of it.

Jiang Yue Ru stood up as well and replied to her son, “It’s the place Mrs. Shang booked.”

Jiang Sixun frowned. “Why are we eating with them?”

Jiang Yue Ru shrugged it off, linking arms with He Yi’an as they left.

Jiang Sixun glanced silently at Xu Zhiyi, who looked equally confused. “I didn’t hear what my mom and Aunt Jiang were talking about just now. When I heard ‘dinner,’ I thought it was just us four.”

Jiang Sixun said, “It’s nothing. I just needed to talk things through with Shang Wen.”

He tilted his chin slightly, signaling her to go ahead.

Xu Zhiyi picked up her handbag. Her blouse and phone were still with him. She insisted on retrieving them herself, but he didn’t hand them over, so she reluctantly walked out of the café.

As Jiang Sixun watched her, he noticed that the dress she was wearing had a backless design, though her long hair almost concealed it.

Her porcelain-white skin was subtly visible between the green dress and the tips of her brown hair.

Outside the café, Xu Zhiyi organized her scattered thoughts.

She glanced back at the café’s sign, reflecting on how her relationship with Jiang Sixun had emerged from a challenging phase.

Following He Yi’an and Jiang Yue Ru, they walked side by side in the evening summer breeze of the alley. The corners of their long dresses fluttered, capturing moments of the past.

On their way to the restaurant, the two mothers wanted to ride together and chat, so naturally, Xu Zhiyi ended up in Jiang Sixun’s car.

After a period of joy, there was inevitably sadness. As the car drove over the fallen locust flowers in the alley, she felt a pang of nostalgia for her childhood.

Thinking about Qi Zhengchen still hurt her.

She could finally understand why Jiang Sixun had remained silent for so long after she confessed her feelings.

Their relationship wasn’t as simple as just love or not.

“Second Brother, how is he doing now?”

Jiang Sixun withdrew his gaze from the car window. “From now on, just focus on me. I’ll take care of him.”

Xu Zhiyi didn’t like being indirect, but she struggled to handle his straightforwardness.

She looked down, pretending to adjust her long dress.

Jiang Sixun reassured her, “He’s someone you care deeply about and someone I grew up with. I won’t neglect him.”

Unable to keep adjusting her dress forever, she turned and asked for her phone.

Jiang Sixun handed it to her and asked, “Do you want to see who I have pinned as my top contact?”

Her heart skipped a beat unexpectedly. Xu Zhiyi maintained a calm exterior as she took the phone from him, still warm from his hand.

No need to check; the top contact was obviously her.

“You’re the boss, so of course, you have the most promising and profitable employee pinned.”

Jiang Sixun smiled silently.

Dinner was at a Western restaurant she frequented during high school, and some memories were always unexpectedly vivid.

They encountered Shang Wen and his party outside the restaurant. Shang Wen generously complimented her, “The dress is quite unique.”

Xu Zhiyi responded with a polite smile, “Thank you.”

Jiang Sixun extended his hand, and Shang Wen smiled as they shook hands without words.

The mothers chatted as they entered the restaurant. They were all from the same social circle. He Yi’an had met Mrs. Shang at various social events. Although they weren’t close, they were familiar enough, and with their husbands having business dealings, they quickly warmed up to each other.

To facilitate conversation, they chose a round table.

Xu Zhiyi was seated to the right of He Yi’an, while Jiang Sixun naturally moved to the seat on her left. After a couple of steps, his arm was tugged.

Jiang Sixun looked back, seeing Jiang Yue Ru’s disapproving glance, as if to say, “Can’t you read the room?”

In the end, he was seated across from Xu Zhiyi, with Shang Wen between them.

The waiter brought water for everyone and placed six glasses in the middle of the table. Jiang Sixun picked up one of the glasses and placed it next to Xu Zhiyi.

As Shang Wen leaned back in his chair, glancing at the menu, he noticed the movement and immediately understood.

After ordering his own meal, he messaged Xu Zhiyi: [Were you watching Jiang Sixun through me that day?]

Xu Zhiyi: “…”

Shang Wen: [It’s quite lively when two childhood friends like the same person, and now there’s a third party. Quite a show.]

Xu Zhiyi: [Sorry for the misunderstanding today that brought you into this.]

Shang Wen: [No need to apologize. We all need to eat.]

He had a tendency to enjoy the drama, sometimes wishing it were even bigger.

The mothers tactfully avoided discussing the recent match-making and instead focused on Jiang Sixun.

“Does Jiang Sixun have a girlfriend?” Mrs. Shang asked with a smile. To her, Jiang Sixun was the epitome of the ideal child.

Jiang Yue Ru, worried about her son’s unpredictable remarks, quickly intervened. “He’s not interested in marriage.”

Mrs. Shang chuckled. “The younger generation is more open-minded than we were. They have their own ways of living.”

Shang Wen looked at his mother with a touch of disapproval. “I’m even more open-minded.”

Mrs. Shang shot her son a warning look, signaling him to stop.

Jiang Sixun asked, “How open-minded?”

Shang Wen replied, “Open-minded enough that if she has someone she likes, I wouldn’t care about the status.”

Everyone: “…”

Mrs. Shang’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

It seemed Xu Zhiyi’s idea that they got along well was just her personal feeling. The inconsiderate guy had no intention of continuing; he was here to make a scene.

Jiang Yue Ru quickly smoothed things over. “My son isn’t that bad. Last time he went on a blind date, my third brother was so upset he had to go to the hospital for a check-up. His chest hurt for days.”

Jiang Sixun glanced at Xu Zhiyi, who looked back at him.

Shang Wen smiled at the elders. “Why are we starting personal attacks now?”

He turned to his companions. “Let’s go. Since we’re not wanted here, let’s find a table on the terrace.”

Xu Zhiyi agreed immediately, “Sure.”

The three of them moved to the outdoor terrace.

Mrs. Shang used a water glass as a stand-in for a toast and offered one to He Yi’an, her heart full of unspoken words. “I’m truly sorry. My family’s behavior today was quite rude.”

He Yi’an smiled gently. “Don’t worry about it. I saw Xu Zhiyi and Shang Wen exchanging messages earlier; they must have planned it.”

Outside on the terrace, Xu Zhiyi deliberately slowed her pace to wait for Jiang Sixun. “Have you been on any blind dates over the years?”

Jiang Sixun was candid. “Just that one time. My third uncle arranged it. We had a meal, but didn’t talk much.”

She stared at him directly. “Do you still not want to marry?”

Jiang Sixun replied, “It depends on who it is. With you, no.”

Xu Zhiyi turned her face away, not looking at him. “Let’s go eat first.”

The terrace tables were all reserved, leaving only a small table for two.

Shang Wen addressed Jiang Sixun with a hint of a smile, “It’s a bit cramped. I hope Mr. Jiang doesn’t mind.”

It wasn’t that Shang Wen was trying to make a point; the table was indeed too small for three people’s plates.

“It’s fine.”

Jiang Sixun asked the waiter to bring an extra chair to add to their small table.

Seeing their arrangement, Xu Zhiyi realized she wouldn’t have enough to eat and wisely went back inside to find He Yi’an.

---

After dinner, back at home, Xu Zhiyi started packing her travel suitcase.

Last night, she had planned to take only one suitcase with a few casual outfits, treating it as a farewell trip. After reconsidering, she decided to take out two large suitcases.

While packing, she scrolled through her phone and went downstairs to find her parents.

After two years, her older brother had updated his social media status:

The aftereffects of desensitization therapy continue to this day…

Xu Zhiyi couldn’t make sense of it and couldn’t bring herself to like the post.

Suddenly, a wave of sadness overwhelmed her.

She exited the social media platform, steadied herself on the stairs, and went downstairs.

Xu Xiangyi had returned from a social event and was peeling lychees to make a chilled lychee and bayberry drink. Last night, his daughter barely ate any, and the rest had ended up in Xu Heng’s stomach.

He Yi’an helped with the peeling and mentioned Shang Wen. “It’s quite a pity.”

Xu Xiangyi said, “There’s nothing to be done. If the child doesn’t want to marry, there’s nothing we can do as parents. No rush; Zhiyi is still young.”

He didn’t want his daughter to marry so early and hoped to spend a couple more years with her.

“Mom,” Xu Zhiyi called as she came down the stairs.

He Yi’an smiled and moved aside. “Come here. Your dad has peeled some lychees for you.”

Xu Zhiyi sat between her parents, unconsciously leaning against He Yi’an.

Xu Xiangyi measured the distance between him and his daughter, realizing it might take a while to change.

Xu Zhiyi noticed and moved away from her mother, approaching her father. Preferring the sour, she said, “Dad, can I have a bayberry?”

Xu Xiangyi fed her a bayberry. “Isn’t it sour?”

Xu Zhiyi smiled. “Not sour.”

Seeing his daughter finally warming up to her husband, He Yi’an was relieved and joked, “Your dad doesn’t have to eat sour grapes tonight; he’s been eating them for years.”

Xu Xiangyi felt embarrassed by the comment and denied it. “No, I haven’t.”

“Oh, by the way, Zhiyi,” he changed the subject, “your mom said you’re going traveling tomorrow?”

“Yes, I was just about to tell you.”

Xu Xiangyi asked, “Just you?”

Xu Zhiyi responded vaguely. “First, I’m going to London with Jiang Sixun for a project, then I’ve planned to go to Madrid with friends for a concert.”

“Is Jiang Sixun going with you tomorrow?”

“Yes, I’m hitching a ride on his plane.”

Xu Zhiyi popped a lychee into her mouth, hoping to deflect further questions.

At that moment, she received a message from Jiang Sixun: [Is it convenient to take a call?]

Xu Zhiyi: [One moment.]

She told her parents, “Mr. Jiang is calling me. I’ll take it in the study.”

As she got up from the sofa, she regretted that the brief moment of closeness with her parents was interrupted by Jiang Sixun.

Xu Xiangyi asked, “More work talk?”

He Yi’an replied with a smile, “What else could it be? Whenever they call, it’s always about work.” It was strange how they both had such interesting personalities but only ever talked about work when together.

Their daughter quickly climbed the stairs, her figure disappearing up the staircase.

She asked her husband, “Why is she suddenly willing to be close to you?”

Xu Xiangyi avoided the direct answer. “We had a heart-to-heart last night.”

“Tell me about it. Maybe I can learn something too.” He Yi’an, always wanting her daughter to be closer to her, felt greedy for such moments.

She still didn’t know who held her daughter’s heart.

One day, Xu Zhiyi told her, “Mom, it’s impossible with that person.”

Whether it was a rejection or that the person already had a girlfriend, Xu Zhiyi hadn’t specified. If the child had grown up around her, clinging to her for twenty years, all secrets would have been shared with her as a mother.

She would have been the first person to provide comfort.

The missing twenty years had caused her daughter to habitually handle things on her own.

“Tell me more,” He Yi’an said, patting her husband’s arm.

What was there to say?

Xu Xiangyi popped a pitted lychee into his wife’s mouth.

He Yi’an looked at her husband. “Don’t change the subject.”

“I’m not changing the subject. It’s just old news. No need to bring it up.”

“Does it have to do with Ning Wei?”

“Yeah.”

He Yi’an said, “I’ve never mentioned Ning Wei in front of Zhiyi.” She worried that her words might inadvertently upset her daughter.

Xu Xiangyi replied, “Don’t bring it up again in the future.”

He Yi’an nodded in agreement.

Upstairs, Xu Zhiyi returned to her room and locked the door behind her.

【Mr. Jiang, what’s up?】

Soon, Jiang Sixun’s voice message came through.

Xu Zhiyi answered, and his magnetic voice said, “Nothing’s wrong.”

She listened quietly, unsure of what to say in response.

Jiang Sixun asked, “Are you tired now?”

“Not really, I’m fine.”

Jiang Sixun said, “Then I’ll come over to see you.”

Xu Zhiyi glanced at the time on her phone. It had only been an hour and a half since they had parted ways at the restaurant.