On the day before their farewell, Zhu Shiyu and Meng Siyi discussed their dinner plans.

When Zhu Jinxiao’s name came up, Meng Siyi’s expression turned a bit strange but quickly returned to normal as he agreed to the arrangement. The unusual reaction seemed to be just Zhu Shiyu’s imagination.

They agreed on a time, set for Saturday afternoon. Meng Siyi would be off from work, and Zhu Jinxiao’s busy social obligations would also be winding down.

Meng Siyi chose a hotpot restaurant close to their neighborhood, just a ten-minute walk for Zhu Shiyu.

She and Zhu Jinxiao lived in adjacent communities, and they could stroll over together.

“Not bad, a little thoughtful and considerate,” she commented.

It happened to be a sunny day, with the winter sun warm and clear. The gentle breeze felt particularly pleasant, making Zhu Jinxiao somewhat satisfied as she forced a compliment.

Meng Siyi was usually very punctual, but this time he was late. By the time he arrived, the broth was already bubbling in the pot, and Zhu Jinxiao was using her chopsticks to add slices of beef and lamb. 

“Sorry, something came up at the hospital,” he apologized.

It seemed understandable given the nature of a doctor’s work; patients often had sudden issues. Zhu Jinxiao didn’t say much, just glanced at him.

Zhu Shiyu naturally looked over as well.

He was wearing a thick windbreaker today, wrapped tightly around him, the collar slightly high, obscuring part of his jaw.

The last time she saw him, his hair had been longer, but it appeared he had gotten a haircut; his bangs were neatly trimmed, revealing clean, bright brows and eyes.

In the bustling hotpot restaurant, he sat there, not at all overshadowed by the noise.

Zhu Jinxiao turned her head discreetly, nudging Zhu Shiyu with her elbow under the table. Meeting her gaze, she raised an eyebrow with significant meaning.

“It’s an honor to finally meet you.”

After a brief, subtle moment, Zhu Jinxiao stood up, smiling warmly as she extended her hand to Meng Siyi.

“I’m Zhu Jinxiao, Shiyu’s cousin. I saw your photo last time; you look even more handsome in person.” As she spoke, she cast a playful glance at Zhu Shiyu.

Zhu Shiyu covered her forehead, unable to help but lower her head.

A silent tension flowed between them, unnoticed by anyone else, including Meng Siyi, who visibly relaxed. He politely shook Zhu Jinxiao’s hand and introduced himself.

“Hello, I’m Meng Siyi.”

For someone who believed that looks were justice, Meng Siyi’s face could probably make Zhu Jinxiao overlook eight hundred of his shortcomings.

The previous trivial speculations and suspicions melted away tonight.

The steam from the hotpot was warm, and the atmosphere during the meal was cozy.

Meng Siyi was not very talkative, but he responded appropriately to Zhu Jinxiao’s probing questions with honesty.

It was clear that Zhu Jinxiao was satisfied, as by the end of the meal, she had already started referring to Meng Siyi as “brother-in-law.”

“Brother-in-law, no need to see us off any further. It’s convenient for my cousin and me to walk back,” Zhu Jinxiao said as the three reached the door.

God knows how many years it had been since she had called her cousin that.

“It’s fine, I…” Meng Siyi paused and added, “I really don’t have anything else to do.”

At dusk, there were not many people on the street, and a few remnants of the sunset lingered in the air, which had cooled slightly.

As the three of them walked along, Zhu Shiyu and Zhu Jinxiao linked arms in front, while Meng Siyi trailed half a step behind, silently following beside them.

It felt just like a distinct little group of boys and girls from their school days.

Zhu Jinxiao chatted away, and Meng Siyi couldn’t interject much, but occasionally, Zhu Jinxiao would indulge him by asking about things at the hospital.

Meng Siyi politely answered a couple of questions before the topic shifted again.

While Zhu Jinxiao spoke, Zhu Shiyu discreetly glanced at Meng Siyi. They were half a meter apart, and his eyes were lowered, his slightly pursed lips seemingly hinting at a sense of loneliness and grievance.

They continued walking until they reached the entrance of Zhu Jinxiao’s community. She was enthusiastically gossiping about a certain uncle’s family when she reluctantly released Zhu Shiyu’s hand.

“I’ll go in first then.” She raised her arm and waved at the two, suddenly remembering something, her eyes narrowing with a smile.

“Cousin, brother-in-law, take care!” 

She pronounced “cousin” and “brother-in-law” particularly emphatically.

Zhu Jinxiao turned and entered her community. Watching her figure disappear, Zhu Shiyu turned to the person next to her, just about to speak.

“Let’s go.” Meng Siyi naturally reached out to take her hand, the very one that had been tightly held by Zhu Jinxiao.

“Hmm?” Zhu Shiyu feigned confusion and looked up.

“I’ll walk you home.” Meng Siyi led her forward, in the direction of her home.

“My house is in the neighborhood across the street,” Zhu Shiyu paused, widening her eyes innocently. “No need to go out of your way.”

Meng Siyi stopped walking, turned to look at her, their eyes meeting. After a few seconds, he relented.

“I want to walk you home.”

“Oh.” 

Zhu Shiyu responded lightly, stifling a smile, but then she heard him mumble under his breath, as if complaining.

“Your cousin talks too much.”

Zhu Shiyu couldn’t help but laugh.

“Meng Siyi.” She gently shook his hand, swallowing the words “Have you realized you’re actually a bit cute?” that almost slipped out.

“You’re really stingy.”

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