Extra 3


Sang Zhi remembered that Duan Jiaxu had helped her meet her teacher in middle school, but she had long forgotten that Fu Zhengchu was also present at the time. It had been seven or eight years since then, and her memories had faded considerably.

However, when Duan Jiaxu mentioned it, Sang Zhi’s recollection surfaced in an instant.

She remained silent for a few seconds and then asked, “Did you just remember?”

Duan Jiaxu cleared his throat lightly but didn’t respond.

His reaction caused a crack in Sang Zhi’s expression and she instantly understood. She stared at him for a long moment, her tone tinged with disbelief as she muttered, “Then why didn’t you explain it just now?”

Duan Jiaxu smiled. “I was just afraid I might be overthinking it.”

His confidence was undeniable.

But it was obvious he had guessed Fu Zhengchu’s thoughts.

Sang Zhi took a deep breath and couldn’t resist pinching his waist lightly. “Stop pretending.”

Her grip wasn’t strong, more like she was tickling him. Duan Jiaxu didn’t avoid it. Instead, he seemed genuinely ticklish, laughing to the point of breathlessness. He spoke with a light breath, “Your schoolmate has quite the imagination.”

Sang Zhi found it equally absurd. “What was he thinking?”

“But it’s pretty interesting.”

“……” Sang Zhi felt a surge of frustration lodged in her chest, neither rising nor falling. She didn’t want to deal with him and turned to her phone, intending to find the chat with Fu Zhengchu, only to discover a series of messages from the other party.

【Fu Zhengchu: You……】

【Fu Zhengchu: Just now, I didn’t say anything since there are so many people around.】

【Fu Zhengchu: This isn’t right. If your parents find out, wouldn’t they go crazy? Besides, this whole thing is morally wrong. As your friend, I’m advising you to turn back before it’s too late.】

【Fu Zhengchu: And you introduced him so openly. Aren’t you afraid of being seen? To be honest, I’m starting to wonder if I’m the one with the problem.】

A few minutes later, Fu Zhengchu added, 【The more I think about it……】

【Fu Zhengchu: Think about it yourself. And don’t worry, I’m not one to gossip. I won’t tell anyone.】

Sang Zhi felt a twitch at her temple and replied, 【It’s not what you think. He’s not my brother, but my brother’s friend. He only helped me meet my teacher before.】

After sending the message, Sang Zhi put away her phone and glanced at Duan Jiaxu.

Perhaps fearing she was annoyed, Duan Jiaxu’s smile faded slightly as he looked at her.

But Sang Zhi didn’t bring up the previous topic again. When she saw Duan Jiaxu’s car, she softly said, “Let’s go eat.”

Duan Jiaxu drove to a spot near his company.

It had been almost a month since they last saw each other. After parking, he didn’t rush to get out of the car but leaned over to unbuckle Sang Zhi’s seatbelt. The distance between them suddenly shortened, his gaze fixed on her, moving closer and closer.

The implication was clear.

Duan Jiaxu tilted his head slightly, his nose brushing against the skin beneath her eye. The warmth of his breath and the familiar, pleasant scent of tobacco surrounded her. His lips seemed about to touch hers but remained suspended.

The distance was tantalizingly close.

Ambiguity thickened in the air.

Duan Jiaxu’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. His features were softened by the light filtering through the window, his pupils a pale color, shimmering with light. He gently stroked her face, chuckling softly as he continued to lower his head.

His posture had an inexplicable hint of desire.

All the emotions seemed to build up with this action, ready to overflow.

But they never had the chance.

Because Sang Zhi suddenly raised her hand and covered his mouth.

Duan Jiaxu’s body visibly paused, his eyes lifting to silently watch her. His expression was vague, yet there was an inexplicable hint of danger.

Sang Zhi spoke, “You’d better not kiss me.”

Duan Jiaxu didn’t remove her hand. When he spoke, his warm breath tickled her palm like an electric current. “Why not?”

“I just remembered what my former schoolmate said.” Sang Zhi, still holding a grudge, deliberately said, “I can’t remember who you are. Anyway, seeing you is like seeing my brother, so you’d better keep your distance.”

Duan Jiaxu seemed to ponder for a moment. “That serious?”

Sang Zhi put on a stern face and nodded.

His eyelashes fluttered as his gaze dropped to her lips, then quickly rose again to meet her eyes.

The silence didn’t last long.

Suddenly, Duan Jiaxu pulled her hand down, pressing it against his chest, and brought her close to him. Before Sang Zhi could react, his lips were already on hers.

His tongue slipped through her parted lips, brushing against her teeth and hooking around her tongue, tangling with it with intensity.

Sang Zhi’s eyes remained open, her mouth yielding to him.

Whenever they kissed, he always liked to pinch her earlobe or caress the skin at the nape of her neck. His lips and tongue moved with deliberate patience, occupying every corner of her mouth, his strength firm rather than gentle.

It felt as if he wanted to tear her apart piece by piece, savor her slowly, and then swallow her whole.

She tried to push him away, but he held her chin, forcefully continuing his invasion.

Sang Zhi’s mind turned blank, her head tilting back involuntarily, responding to him.

She didn’t know how much time had passed when Duan Jiaxu bit her lower lip, lightly licking it before pulling away. The light remained unchanged but his eyes appeared darker, his lips a vivid red, glistening with an alluring sheen.

All of Sang Zhi’s earlier anger dissipated without a trace.

Then Sang Zhi heard him speak, “Now……”

She looked up.

Duan Jiaxu’s lips curved up, his peach-blossom eyes narrowing with a mischievous glint. His smile was like a spell.

“Do you remember who I am?”

———pr


With a heavy downpour, the season shifted from summer to autumn. The heat in the air dissipated slightly, leaving behind a bit of dampness. As the leaves fell, the temperature plummeted, ushering in a new year.

A cold wave swept through, bringing a large-scale chill.

Unlike the cold in the north, the winter in the south was both wet and cold. No matter how many layers one wore, the cold seemed to seep through every corner, penetrating the skin and into the bones.

The winter of 2017 was the coldest Duan Jiaxu had experienced in all the years he had spent in Nanwu.

It was also the first time in many years that he truly felt it.

New Year’s should have been a lively and festive occasion.

This feeling was both familiar and foreign.

Duan Jiaxu spent the Lunar New Year at the Sang family’s house.

Perhaps afraid that he would feel uncomfortable or uneasy without an invitation, when Duan Jiaxu went to the Sang family’s house for dinner a month before, Sang Rong mentioned the matter.

Li Ping even went as far as to say that if he didn’t come, she would get upset.

At first, Duan Jiaxu hesitated, not wanting to intrude on their family during the holidays. But after hearing them insist, he felt at ease and didn’t hide his feelings, accepting with a smile.

He mentioned the matter to Sang Zhi.

Although she knew her parents would invite him to spend the Lunar New Year with them, Sang Zhi was still very happy when she heard it.

After returning from school, Sang Zhi clung to her parents for several days like a shadow, all because of this. Later, when she found some free time with Duan Jiaxu, she dragged him out to go shopping.

Sang Zhi had already prepared the gifts for her family.

This time, she just wanted to help Duan Jiaxu buy some new clothes.

After they got together, most of Duan Jiaxu’s clothes were bought by Sang Zhi.

Duan Jiaxu wasn’t too concerned about these things. When he was alone before, if he needed clothes, he would just go to a men’s store and casually buy a few pieces, spending less than ten minutes in total. If he was too busy to spare any time, he would simply order online.

But because he was good-looking, he looked great no matter what he wore, so it didn’t make much of a difference.

Sang Zhi, thinking he didn’t take good care of himself, enjoyed worrying about these things for him. She wasn’t even nearly as enthusiastic when buying clothes for herself. When she went shopping with friends, she would often end up in men’s clothing stores.

At this moment, the two of them entered a store.

As Sang Zhi browsed through the clothes, she asked for his opinion.

Smiling, Duan Jiaxu replied, “Whatever you think looks good is fine.”

Sang Zhi picked up a dark red sweater, held it up in front of him, and seriously assessed it while mumbling, “It’s the New Year, so it’s good to wear something festive. What do you think?”

Duan Jiaxu stared at her and softly said, “It’s good.”

“Then go try it on.”

“Okay.”

While he was in the fitting room, Sang Zhi picked out a few more pieces and held them in her arms. Glancing to the side, she freed up a hand to sift through the nearby coats and grabbed one as well. After calculating the time, she headed towards the fitting room.

Duan Jiaxu just happened to emerge.

The store was well-lit and Duan Jiaxu’s pale skin seemed to glow. Despite the dark circles under his eyes from staying up late, his naturally red lips kept him from looking tired.

The sweater had a slightly low neckline, revealing a bit of his collarbone. Most of his clothes were dark, so it was rare for him to wear something in this color, making him look even more striking and eye-catching. Just standing there quietly, he seemed to be effortlessly alluring.

Duan Jiaxu walked up to her and asked, “Does it look good?”

Sang Zhi’s gaze seemed glued to him as she honestly replied, “It looks great.”

Duan Jiaxu said, “Then I’ll take this one.”

Sang Zhi couldn’t help but remark, “How did you turn out so good-looking?”

“Hmm?” Duan Jiaxu bent down to look her in the eye and playfully said, “Then say Brother Jiaxu is the most handsome in the world.”

“……” Sang Zhi pretended not to hear him and handed him the clothes in her arms. “Do you want to try these as well?”

“No need.” Duan Jiaxu said, “Just buy them all.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll go change back.”

Sang Zhi hesitated for a moment, then awkwardly suggested, “Why don’t you just wear this one out?”

Hearing her words, Duan Jiaxu raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “Am I really that good-looking?”

Sang Zhi didn’t respond, hugging the clothes as she headed towards the cashier, saying, “Let’s go pay.”

Duan Jiaxu didn’t tease her further, just followed behind her, smiling.

After they checked out, the two left the store.

Sang Zhi thought for a moment and said, “Should we go buy you a suit for formal occasions?”

Duan Jiaxu replied, “Let’s save that for when we get married.”

“……”

Sang Zhi glanced at him, then said, “Then let’s just go buy shoes. You’ve been wearing that pair for a long time.”

Duan Jiaxu pointed to a nearby women’s clothing store and said, “Let’s go buy you a few pieces.”

“I’ve bought a lot of clothes recently.”

“Mm.” Duan Jiaxu said, “Let’s get you some more.”

Sang Zhi lost interest when it came to picking out clothes for herself.

Duan Jiaxu, however, seemed quite interested in choosing for her. But it wasn’t like when Sang Zhi picked out clothes for him— whatever she chose, Duan Jiaxu would wear. Sang Zhi was more particular— whatever he picked out, she would find something wrong with it.

“That one will make me look too dark.”

“That dress is too long. It’ll make me look like I’m only 5 feet tall.”

“That pattern is so tacky.”

“I don’t want that one.”

In the end, she didn’t choose a single item.

Sang Zhi gradually noticed that the other women around them seemed to be sneaking glances at Duan Jiaxu. She paused and looked at him too, staring at the bit of collarbone exposed to the air.

She was silent for a few seconds, her expression turning a bit sour.

Duan Jiaxu, still patient, said, “Let’s try another store.”

Sang Zhi lifted her gaze to meet his eyes and suddenly blurted out, “Which man……”

“Hmm?”

“Wears something so indecent?”

“……”

———pr


On New Year’s Eve, Duan Jiaxu arrived at Sang Zhi’s house early.

Dinner at the Sang family’s place started earlier than most families, and with nothing to do at home, he decided to come over to help out.

Sang Zhi was the one who opened the door for him.

As soon as he entered, Duan Jiaxu could hear Li Ping scolding Sang Yan. He could also smell the rich aroma of home-cooked dishes. The young woman in front of him had a bright smile, her eyes curved with joy as she eagerly handed him a pair of slippers, looking like she was in a great mood.

Duan Jiaxu rubbed her head and asked, “Why are you so happy?”

“My brother’s getting scolded.” Sang Zhi’s dimples deepened as she grinned foolishly. “I’m really enjoying it.”

“……”

Sang Rong was sitting in the living room, reading a newspaper.

Hearing the movements, he looked up and greeted Duan Jiaxu kindly.

Duan Jiaxu smiled and said, “Happy New Year, Uncle.”

It seemed that both Li Ping and Sang Yan were in the kitchen.

After exchanging a few words with Sang Rong, Duan Jiaxu was pulled into the kitchen by Sang Zhi. At that moment, Sang Yan was standing by the sink, impatiently washing vegetables. Li Ping frowned and said, “What’s with that attitude? Can’t you help out without looking like that?”

Sang Yan paused his actions and said, “Mom, how many times have you said that?”

Duan Jiaxu politely chimed in, “Aunt.”

Hearing him, Li Ping turned around. The moment she saw Duan Jiaxu, she broke into a smile, as if she were seeing her own son. “Jiaxu, you’re here? Have a seat, I’ll cut some fruit for you.”

Since their last conversation, Duan Jiaxu had visited the Sang family quite frequently— at least once a week, even more often than Sang Yan, their actual son.

The more time they spent with Duan Jiaxu, the more Sang Rong and Li Ping grew fond of him. Because of this comparison, they became increasingly displeased with Sang Yan, who rarely came home, and their attitude towards the two became starkly different.

“No need.” Duan Jiaxu quickly replied. “Let me help you.”

“Let this stinky kid do it himself.” Li Ping said as she turned back to scold Sang Yan, “You should learn more skills. Otherwise, I’m really worried that Yifan might not want to stay with you in the future.”

Sang Yan pointed at Sang Zhi and said, “So does that mean she won’t be able to get married?”

Feeling annoyed, Sang Zhi hid behind Duan Jiaxu. She peeked her head out, but before she could say anything, Duan Jiaxu spoke up gently, “It’s alright, Aunt, I can cook.”

Sang Zhi glared at Sang Yan and cheekily added, “Sorry, my boyfriend can do everything.”

Hating iron for not becoming steel^[1]regret that one cannot live up to expectations, Li Ping sighed. “Look at others and learn.”

Sang Yan suppressed his irritation and asked, “Mom, who’s your real son?”

Li Ping replied, “Are you asking me to choose?”

“……” Sang Yan understood what she meant. He knew better than to press further. With an expressionless face, he glanced at Duan Jiaxu and let out a cold laugh. “Alright.”

After dinner, the family gathered on the sofa to chat and watch the Spring Festival Gala.

The Sang family had a tradition of staying up late on New Year’s Eve. Although they were all tired, they managed to stay awake until midnight. As the clock struck 12:00, Sang Rong handed each of the three juniors a red envelope, along with some nagging words.

As they aged, they found it harder to stay up late, and soon, Sang Rong and Li Ping retired to their room.

Duan Jiaxu and Sang Yan began tidying up the mess on the coffee table.

Sang Zhi, also sleepy, struggled to keep her eyes open as she yawned and tried to help. Seeing this, Duan Jiaxu leaned in and kissed her on the forehead, smiling as he said, “Go to sleep.”

“I’ll help you.” Sang Zhi mumbled. “It’s not that messy, we’ll be done soon.”

Sang Yan watched them coolly and said, “Should I change my name to Sang Kongqi^[2]Invisible?”

“……”

Duan Jiaxu chuckled. “Go to bed. Your brother and I can handle this.”

“Okay.” Sang Zhi replied sleepily. “Remember to have my brother give you a new toothbrush and towel.” She then kissed Duan Jiaxu on the cheek. “Happy New Year.”

With that, she quickly ran back to her room.

Sang Yan swept the peanut shells into the trash and suddenly muttered, “Why do I feel like you’re becoming more and more annoying?”

Duan Jiaxu raised an eyebrow. “Brother, what do you mean by that?”

Sang Yan threw the peanut shells at him.

“Bro,” Duan Jiaxu laughed softly, “you got them all on the floor. Go get a broom.”

“……”

Duan Jiaxu stayed at the Sang family’s house that night, sharing a room with Sang Yan.

Both of them had taken a shower and were now back in the room, preparing to sleep. Sang Yan tossed a pillow onto the sofa and said, as if it were a matter of course, “Sorry, I don’t sleep with men.”

At this hour, Duan Jiaxu wasn’t too sleepy either. He sat down on the sofa, rummaged through his pocket, and took out the red envelope Sang Rong had given him earlier. He looked at it for a moment and smiled, but didn’t check how much money was inside.

Sang Yan gave him a strange look. “What’s with that expression? It’s just a red envelope.”

Duan Jiaxu placed it on the table, picked up a cigarette, and casually said, “I don’t receive them very often.”

“……”

Not long after, a red envelope flew over from Sang Yan’s side.

Duan Jiaxu instinctively caught it. He then heard Sang Yan snort and say, “That’s why you ‘80s generation are different from us ‘90s kids. You’re too old to be getting red envelopes.”

“……”

“Out of respect for the elderly, I’ll give you mine.”

Duan Jiaxu also placed it on the table and said with a faint smile, “Then you must be a very young ‘90s kid.”

Sang Yan replied, “Do you need to say it?”

Duan Jiaxu didn’t respond. He reached into his pocket for his phone but suddenly remembered he had changed pants. However, he still felt something inside. He pulled it out and found it was another red envelope.

It was identical to the two on the table.

He didn’t know when Sang Zhi had slipped it into his pocket.

He paused for a moment and then inexplicably smiled.

He placed the three red envelopes side by side.

Outside, the frigid wind howled like it was crying, pounding against the windows.

Just hearing it made one feel the chill.

Yet, this was the warmest New Year Duan Jiaxu had felt in years.

———pr


Over the years, Sang Zhi had rarely seen Duan Jiaxu lose his temper. Even when he did get angry, it never lasted long. His temper was so good he almost didn’t seem like a normal person.

Sang Zhi never imagined that one day, she would hear such words coming out of this usually calm man’s mouth.

“Have you ever seen Brother lose temper? It’s quite scary.”