48. Opportunity

In the latter half of the night, neither of them spoke. Pei Yu checked the wound on her heel, reapplied the medicine, then left the hotel with his injured face, never contacting her again.

The originally planned two-day shoot was suspended after receiving a notification about a jellyfish infestation along the coastal city of Bincheng.

During the unified meeting for adjustments, Wei Qi wore a sunshade mask, covering his face tightly.

The guests had different schedules, so they didn’t take the same flight. Pei Yu was notified of another engagement and left first.

Hearing this, Chen Shu Yin’s heart skipped a beat but quickly composed herself.

As she and Liu Yiran packed up to return to Tanzhu, Wei Qi solemnly pulled her aside, bowed deeply at ninety degrees, and apologized sincerely.

“I offended you before. I’m sorry.” He handed her a business card. “I don’t expect your forgiveness, but if you ever need me in the future, contact me. I’ll do whatever it takes to make amends.”

Chen Shu Yin wasn’t sure if Pei Yu had anything to do with this, but since she wasn’t someone who swallowed grievances, and Wei Qi was bowing so low it seemed like his head was about to touch the ground, she had no reason to continue holding onto her anger.

She glanced at Liu Yiran before taking the business card. With a bit of bravado, she playfully kicked Wei Qi’s shoe and waved the card in her hand. “Alright, let’s call it even. This kick pays you back for the water you threw at me. You better not back out when I need you.”

Wei Qi’s eyes lit up. “I definitely won’t.”

“Shu Yin!”

Chen Shu Yin turned toward the voice and saw Fu Wencheng walking down the corridor with a smile. He waved at her from afar and, upon approaching, took the suitcase from her and Liu Yiran’s hands. “Let’s go together. I booked a ticket on the same flight as you.”

Liu Yiran smirked. “Such a gentleman, Planner Fu.”

Fu Wencheng’s ears reddened. “It’s only right.”

They arrived in Tanzhu just in time for dinner. Liu Yiran had made plans with friends and teased, “You two have a good reunion. Keep me updated on any new developments!”

“That’s just how she is, don’t mind her,” Chen Shu Yin said.

Fu Wencheng chuckled kindly. “I saw her before in a group photo from a mentor’s post. She looks just as cheerful in person as she did in the picture—very likable.”

He paused briefly, then looked at Chen Shu Yin. “Just like you.”

Chen Shu Yin found this strange. “You went abroad for a few years and picked up some sweet-talking skills?”

He smiled. “I meant it. Doesn’t it make you happy to hear?”

Likable? That word had never been associated with her.

Chen Shu Yin brushed past the topic indifferently.

As they entered the city, the streets were bustling. She absentmindedly scrolled through restaurant options. “I’m treating you to a meal, so you can pick.”

“How about somewhere near Lingfeng No. 4 High School?” He adjusted his glasses and glanced at the strands of hair fluttering by her ear. “Can you believe it? Even after all these years away, the time I spent in Sishui Alley is still what I miss the most.”

“Sure. There are plenty of places with local specialties.”

“I wonder… would I have the honor of tasting your grandmother’s cooking?”

Chen Shu Yin refused without hesitation. “She’s getting old and doesn’t cook much anymore. I’m not great at it either, so we should just eat out.”

Fu Wencheng’s gaze shifted behind his glasses. “It’s a pity. Back then, I lived so close to your home, but I never visited. I bet Pei Yu did, though.”

“Don’t misunderstand. It wasn’t that I didn’t invite you,” Chen Shu Yin instinctively defended herself, unable to shake her habit of talking more whenever Pei Yu’s name was mentioned. “He’s just different from you—thicker-skinned. Sometimes he would come over unannounced. My grandma got used to his shamelessness.”

“When you put it that way, being shameless doesn’t seem so bad.”

His envious tone was obvious, making Chen Shu Yin hesitate. “Are you planning to stay in the country for good?”

Fu Wencheng answered ambiguously, “If my future partner is here, I might settle down.”

“If you don’t find someone, will you leave?” Chen Shu Yin teased. “Sounds like this meal might be hard to prepare.”

Fu Wencheng clenched his fist, his eyes softening. “I’ll try my best.”

They picked a small restaurant near Lingfeng No. 4 High School. After several renovations, it still retained its rustic charm but had now branded itself as a spot Pei Yu had once visited, attracting a certain prestige.

The walls were lined with Pei Yu’s posters and fan messages. A few promotional phrases were scattered among them, showing how much the shop valued his presence.

The enthusiastic owner brought them a menu. “Are you two Pei Yu fans? Once you confirm your order, you can leave a message on a sticky note. Orders over 200 yuan come with a set of his postcards!”

Chen Shu Yin took the menu and replied, “No, we’re Lingfeng No. 4 alumni.”

“Old customers!” The owner, now with a few white hairs and an older face, was still just as friendly. “I swear, every Lingfeng student loves this place. I can satisfy any craving—sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, salty, whatever you want. Since you’re regulars, I’ll treat you to a plate of cilantro beef slices!”

For once, Chen Shu Yin let her guard down in front of someone familiar, her voice turning sweet. “Thank you, boss.”

Fu Wencheng quietly listened, then took out a napkin to wipe her table, set her utensils, and even scalded them with hot water before sitting down properly.

“I forgot, this is your first time here,” Chen Shu Yin said, standing up. “I’ll mix a dipping sauce for you.”

She turned to ask about his preferences, only to find him already behind her. His tall, slender figure cast a shadow on the wall.

“Why are you here?”

He smiled and took the dish from her hands. “How could I let you do all the work for both of us?”

“You like spicy food—more sour and spicy, medium saltiness, and you don’t like sweet-spicy flavors,” he listed effortlessly. “I don’t eat spicy food, and cilantro is a bit too strong for me. I’ll put crisp cucumber in mine, okay?”

Chen Shu Yin was stunned into silence. He nudged her lightly with his elbow. “Done.”

Throughout the meal, Fu Wencheng barely ate from his own plate, instead using public chopsticks to serve her food until her bowl was overflowing. She raised a hand to stop him. “Do you not like eating?”

“I guess I never told you this before, but in high school, I loved watching you eat. You always looked like you enjoyed it so much.”

High school had been exhausting, but mealtimes were a brief escape. She often devoured her food without care.

During those few months they shared at school, Fu Wencheng had always sat diagonally across from her, pushing an extra drumstick onto her plate.

Subtle, timely warmth—never crossing a line.

So why had he acted so clueless about their past promise?

She blurted out, “I sent you an email about our promise back then, and you even replied. Do you not remember?”

Fu Wencheng hesitated, looking guilty. “I left the country in a hurry. My mother suddenly fell ill, so I had to change my flight. My email account was inexplicably locked, and with everything going on, I forgot your email address and couldn’t re-add you.”

His regret was evident. He smiled bitterly. “Reality can be absurd sometimes. I’m sorry. But if I fulfill our promise now, is it too late?”

Before she could answer, a voice cut in.

“It’s too late.”

They turned to see a sleek black sports car parked nearby. The window rolled down, revealing a man lounging lazily with his arm propped up. Sunglasses hid his eyes, but his tone dripped with amusement.

“Pei Yu?” Fu Wencheng was still holding the same umbrella handle as Chen Shu Yin.

Pei Yu smirked, stepping out of the car. He snatched the umbrella and handed it back to Fu Wencheng. “Where are you headed? I’ll give you a ride.”

Fu Wencheng refused. “Give it to Shu Yin. I don’t mind the sun.”

Pei Yu’s expression remained cool. “No need to worry about that. My car has plenty of her umbrellas.”

Then he turned to Chen Shu Yin, resting his chin against her shoulder and smirking at Fu Wencheng.

“I haven’t eaten all day. You’re treating him to dinner, but not your husband?”