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He remembered.
Xie Rongzhuo still recalled that she had mentioned it was very dark outside.
‘Should I come down?’ Xie Rongzhuo’s voice came through the phone. ‘Or should I go up?’
Shen Mi was taken aback. ‘You… you’re downstairs?’
Xie Rongzhuo: ‘Who else could have turned on the lights for you?’
Shen Mi instinctively looked up at the rooftop of the opposite building. Xie Rongzhuo seemed to chuckle. ‘Look down.'”
“She quickly tiptoed and leaned out, and through the protective net, she caught sight of that familiar figure standing downstairs.
Shen Mi immediately turned around and rushed down the stairs.
She ran with her forehead covered in sweat but stopped a few meters away from Xie Rongzhuo, gripping her sleeves tightly and switching to a slow walk toward him.
Xie Rongzhuo stood by the mural, the warm light illuminating his handsome features clearly.
As he lowered his eyes and saw her, his gaze softened instantly, the dark pupils sparkling with tiny flecks of light.
When Shen Mi looked up and their eyes met, an unfamiliar emotion washed over her.
Shen Mi guessed what it was.
She became flustered, even afraid to delve deeper into it.
Perhaps he thought she was walking too slowly.
Xie Rongzhuo frowned slightly and then walked straight up to her.”
“He lowered his head and stared at her reddened eyes, “What are you crying for? Did you lose an argument?”
Shen Mi sniffed, trying to put on a brave face and smiled, “How could that be… my eyes are just red, that’s all.”
She stumbled, and Xie Rongzhuo pulled her into his arms. His low voice echoed in her ear.
“If you’re feeling bad, cry. Don’t try to be strong.”
His words seemed to trigger her emotional switch, and Shen Mi’s eyes welled up, tears flowing out like a floodgate.
But she didn’t want to be like this in front of him.
She wasn’t that fragile.
But for some reason, she couldn’t control her grievances when she heard Xie Rongzhuo’s voice.
A warmth spread across her back as Xie Rongzhuo draped his windbreaker over her head. His voice came from above. “I can’t see anymore, cry.”
The coat was large and still held the warmth of Xie Rongzhuo’s body. Shen Mi hid in this secluded little world, letting her emotions take over, and cried her heart out.
“She didn’t know how long it had been.
After a good cry, the years of pent-up unhappiness had been released, and she felt lighter.
It was so comfortable to cry freely with someone covering for her.
“Next time, I’ll never lose.”
Shen Mi poked her head out from under the windbreaker.
Xie Rongzhuo looked down at the girl in his arms. Her eyes were like washed glass beads, dark and bright, just like the first time he saw her.
He never doubted Shen Mi’s ability to heal herself. “Are you still feeling bad?”
“I thought about it.” Her chin was a little itchy, so Shen Mi raised her face and gently rubbed it against his chest. “They just took advantage of my weakness to attack me.” She snorted stubbornly, “The one who always defeats me is myself. They haven’t won. As long as I let go of the past, I’m invincible.”
“You only thought about it now?” Xie Rongzhuo chuckled and pulled up his shirt collar. “My shirt could be wrung out.”
Shen Mi then noticed that he was only wearing a thin shirt, and his chest was covered in her tears.
“……Are you cold?” Shen Mi reached for his hand, but when she touched his cool fingers, she quickly retracted it.
She pulled off the windbreaker and tiptoed to put it on him.
“Here you go.”
She had just cried, and there was a hint of shyness in her eyes and brows, a big contrast to her usual impeccable appearance.
“Still crying?” Xie Rongzhuo patted his shoulder: “Lean on me.”
Shen Mi’s cheeks flushed slightly: “No, next time.”
“Okay.” Xie Rongzhuo stared at her for two seconds, then suddenly reached out and pinched her face, the black eyes behind the glasses were filled with laughter: “So ugly. Go wash up, you’re a cat with a painted face.”
Shen Mi: “…”
She shouldn’t have used mascara today!
Without looking in the mirror, she knew how exaggerated her face looked now. Shen Mi quickly turned around and covered her face with her hand: “I, I’m going back.”
Xie Rongzhuo let out a slight breath: “Hmm.”
Shen Mi could hear him laughing, her ears burning, she raised a finger and pointed to the mural behind him: “That light, will it go out?”
Xie Rongzhuo said: “It will be on when it gets dark.”
Shen Mi: “Electricity bill…”
Xie Rongzhuo: “I’ll pay.”
“Thank you.” Shen Mi peeked at him through her fingers and quickly ran away.
Only after entering the elevator did she suddenly remember, how did Xie Rongzhuo know she had a conflict with someone?
Xie Rongzhuo stood by the roadside, only turning to leave when he saw a figure moving on the 15th floor balcony.
An hour ago, the security guard saw a middle-aged woman having a conflict with Shen Mi in the corridor surveillance footage. No one in the community property didn’t recognize Miss Shen, who was by Mr. Xie’s side, so they immediately reported it to their superiors and informed Xie Rongzhuo.
Xie Rongzhuo knew Shen Mi must be in a bad mood, so he sent her her birthday present a day early.
The next day after work, Zhang Zhiqing took Shen Mi out to eat, saying she wanted to celebrate her birthday. Shen Mi smiled: “No need, I don’t celebrate my birthday.”
Shen Mi said she didn’t celebrate her birthday because no one had ever accompanied her to celebrate it since she was a child. Gradually, she herself came to believe that she didn’t have this habit.
“You have to celebrate!” Zhang Zhiqing had already planned it: “It’s your birthday, my uncle will definitely feel embarrassed not to come.”
Shen Mi wavered: “Are you sure?”
“Definitely!” Zhang Zhiqing patted her chest and guaranteed: “I’ve already called my uncle and told him the address. He didn’t say he wouldn’t come, which means he will come.”
Shen Mi knew Xie Rongzhuo, he liked to speak sarcastically. If he said no, it meant yes.
He didn’t say he wouldn’t come, which indeed meant he would come.
Shen Mi thought about the scene of crying in his arms last night.
Xie Rongzhuo must have some feelings for her.
He must like her!
“Is he coming tonight?” Shen Mi turned to ask Zhang Zhiqing, “Do you think my face is too plain? ” Then she lowered her head to check her clothes: “Is this outfit too professional and cold, not gentle enough?”
Zhang Zhiqing examined her from head to toe, “No, your legs are legs, your waist is waist, your hips are still curvy, it looks great.”
“I think,” Shen Mi suddenly became very demanding of herself: “Is my hairstyle not good enough? We still have time, should we go get our hair done?”
Zhang Zhiqing nodded: “Yes, yes, you’ve been wearing a ponytail all the time, you should change your hairstyle, add some freshness in front of my uncle.”
Shen Mi: “Then what kind of hairstyle do you think I should do?”
Zhang Zhiqing thought for a moment: “A big, messy wave like a bad girl’s?”
Shen Mi: “Will your uncle dislike it?”
Zhang Zhiqing wasn’t sure about Xie Rongzhuo’s preferences either. After a few seconds of silence, she took out her phone: “Let me ask him.”
Shen Mi didn’t stop her: “Don’t say it was me who asked.”
“Don’t worry.”
The phone connected, Zhang Zhiqing put it on speakerphone, and Shen Mi pricked up her ears.
Zhang Zhiqing: “Uncle, do you like big, messy waves like a bad girl’s?”
“I don’t like it.”
Xie Rongzhuo probably didn’t understand.
Zhang Zhiqing: “No, I meant to ask, do you like big—”
Xie Rongzhuo: “I don’t like it.”
Zhang Zhiqing: “There’s also the… wave.”
“Are you very idle?” Xie Rongzhuo’s tone suggested he was losing patience.
“Well, not particularly idle.”
Zhang Zhiqing didn’t dare to ask further, timidly hanging up the phone. She turned to Shen Mi and forced a smile: “Don’t be scared, my uncle is actually pretty nice. He often gives me pocket money, he just speaks a bit coldly; he is like that with everyone.”
Shen Mi recalled the man who whispered softly in her ear last night.
Cold to everyone, but so special to her.
Xie Rongzhuo must like her!
In the end, Shen Mi chose the hairstyle and color that Zhang Zhiqing had helped her pick. It wasn’t too extravagant and was suitable for work as well.
After getting her hair done, Shen Mi seriously observed the curves on both sides in the mirror, making sure they were symmetrical, even paying attention to the small section of bangs.
“You look so good with curly hair, Mi Mi!”
Shen Mi had fair skin, and her face resembled a fairy shrouded in mist—bright but youthful. With her flowing, large curls, she exuded a goddess-like aura.
Everyone in the salon was drawn to her, and Zhang Zhiqing proudly boasted: “That’s my aunt, my aunt!”
“Wow, your aunt is so young? Your uncle is quite lucky.”
Zhang Zhiqing wasn’t pleased: “My uncle is young, okay?” She paid the bill and quickly pulled Shen Mi away, worried that other men’s eyes might linger too long.
Zhang Zhiqing booked a private room at the KTV, fearing that Xie Rongzhuo might not come, so she brought a group of friends to help warm up the atmosphere.
As the group chattered and walked into the KTV, they discovered that Xie Rongzhuo had already arrived—he was actually the first one there.
The private room was quiet, the screen paused on the song selection page. A beautiful fruit platter and drinks were set on the table, with colorful desserts and beverages exuding a tempting hue, making it very appetizing.
“Wow! So much delicious food.” Zhang Zhiqing didn’t expect Xie Rongzhuo to be so accommodating. She led her group of girlfriends inside, “Uncle Xie, how long have you been here?”
The girls greeted him enthusiastically: “Hello, Uncle Xie.”
Xie Rongzhuo turned his head, his eyes fixed on Shen Mi, as if he hadn’t heard their voices.
Knowing Xie Rongzhuo was looking at her, but the lights in the private room were dim, Shen Mi couldn’t see his expression clearly.
**A few seconds passed, he shifted his gaze, his eyes calmly sweeping over the crowd before nodding in greeting.
“We’re all friends here, don’t be shy, just make yourselves comfortable. My uncle is treating us today, order whatever you want!”
“Yay!” The girls cheered in response.
Everyone, with unspoken agreement, avoided sitting next to Xie Rongzhuo.
“Mimi, sit here.” Zhang Zhiqing pushed Shen Mimi towards Xie Rongzhuo.
Shen Mimi glanced at Xie Rongzhuo. He was looking down at his phone, seemingly checking something, not noticing her new hairstyle.
“Oh, okay.” She sat beside him.
As soon as she settled, Zhang Zhiqing suddenly pushed her, and Shen Mimi, unprepared, half-fell into Xie Rongzhuo’s arms.
Her nose brushed against his shirt, catching the faint scent of wood, and for a fleeting moment, her heart skipped a beat.
Xie Rongzhuo wasn’t wearing a jacket, and the light outlined his narrow waist in a clear curve. Shen Mimi’s hand rested on his waist, and he didn’t move away. He simply looked down at her calmly. **
Shen Mimi’s heart was pounding so fast it felt like it would burst out of her chest.
Thankfully, she was sitting in a corner, the lighting dim, and everyone else was chatting and eating, not paying attention to them.
Just as she was about to lose her composure, Xie Rongzhuo looked away and slowly lifted his head.
Zhang Zhiqing thought she was going to get scolded, but instead, Xie Rongzhuo just glanced at her indifferently, ignoring her little stunt. He then turned to Shen Mimi and said, “How old are you? Still can’t sit still?”
Shen Mimi: “…”
His tone suddenly sounded so…teacher-like.
Zhang Zhiqing felt guilty and was about to confess, but then she heard Xie Rongzhuo say calmly, “There’s no room here, go over there.”
Shen Mimi turned her head, following Xie Rongzhuo’s gaze towards Zhang Zhiqing, who quickly moved to the group of people next to them.
Leaving Shen Mimi alone, a small awkwardness hung in the air.
The girls were all very lively, and with them around, there was no party that wouldn’t be lively.
After a few rounds of karaoke, the girls started playing games. Zhang Zhiqing handed the microphone to Xie Rongzhuo and asked, “Uncle, do you want to sing? I can help you choose a song.”
Shen Mimi had never heard Xie Rongzhuo sing before. He always seemed aloof, like the kind of person who would never open his mouth in public. Just as she was about to suggest a song to avoid making Zhang Zhiqing feel awkward, Xie Rongzhuo suddenly spoke up, saying, “Happy birthday.”
Zhang Zhiqing replied, “Alright!”
Soon, the familiar tune of “Happy Birthday” filled the private room.
Xie Rongzhuo held the microphone, turned to look at Shen Mimi, and sang, “Wishing you a happy birthday…”
His breath was gentle, his voice low, and his enunciation relaxed and lazy, each note sinking into her ears with an alluring charm.
Shen Mimi couldn’t help but blush, the light hitting Xie Rongzhuo’s shoulder cast a warm glow on her cheeks, making them feel hot.
She hadn’t expected Xie Rongzhuo to sing so beautifully. The simple lyrics combined with his voice created a unique atmosphere. Everyone fell silent, listening intently to his singing.
Shen Mimi sat right next to him, experiencing the nuances of his pronunciation up close, as if she could feel his breath.
Scenes from the previous night flashed through her mind.
Shen Mimi realized that Xie Rongzhuo, like her teacher, doted on her. However, his gentle side was deeply hidden in real life.
There were no online filters, no imagined beauty.
At that moment, her jumbled emotions suddenly became clear.
The person in front of her was exactly the kind of person she had always liked.
The music stopped for a few seconds.
“Ahhh, that was so good!”
“Help, my ears are pregnant!”
The girls’ voices pulled Shen Mimi back to reality.
Aware of the gaze beside her, Shen Mimi turned her head, briefly meeting Xie Rongzhuo’s eyes. Fearful of him discovering her thoughts, she quickly looked away.
“Happy birthday,” Xie Rongzhuo said into the microphone.
“…Thank you,” she replied, becoming more reserved.
“Is that all the thanks you’re going to give?” Xie Rongzhuo raised his eyebrows slightly, as if waiting for her to offer some praise.
Shen Mimi, mimicking what others had said, replied, “That was so good,” but because of her nervousness, her tone was devoid of emotion. “My ears are pregnant.”
Xie Rongzhuo: “…”
“Don’t just talk about your ears,” others chimed in. “When will Uncle Xie get Shen Da Meinu pregnant?”
Shen Mimi’s ears turned crimson. She turned to look at Xie Rongzhuo.
He lowered his microphone, seemingly unfazed by the joke.
But how did he remain so calm?
Oh, right, it’s her who would get pregnant.
No, wait, without him, this child wouldn’t be born.
Shen Mimi: “…”
“His tone suddenly sounded so…teacher-like.”
Zhang Zhiqing felt guilty and was about to confess, but then she heard Xie Rongzhuo say calmly, “There’s no room here, go over there.”
Shen Mimi turned her head, following Xie Rongzhuo’s gaze towards Zhang Zhiqing, who quickly moved to the group of people next to them.
Leaving Shen Mimi alone, a small awkwardness hung in the air.
The girls were all very lively, and with them around, there was no party that wouldn’t be lively.
After a few rounds of karaoke, the girls started playing games. Zhang Zhiqing handed the microphone to Xie Rongzhuo and asked, “Uncle, do you want to sing? I can help you choose a song.”
Shen Mimi had never heard Xie Rongzhuo sing before. He always seemed aloof, like the kind of person who would never open his mouth in public. Just as she was about to suggest a song to avoid making Zhang Zhiqing feel awkward, Xie Rongzhuo suddenly spoke up, saying, “Happy birthday.”
Zhang Zhiqing replied, “Alright!”
Soon, the familiar tune of “Happy Birthday” filled the private room.
Xie Rongzhuo held the microphone, turned to look at Shen Mimi, and sang, “Wishing you a happy birthday…”
His breath was gentle, his voice low, and his enunciation relaxed and lazy, each note sinking into her ears with an alluring charm.
Shen Mimi couldn’t help but blush, the light hitting Xie Rongzhuo’s shoulder cast a warm glow on her cheeks, making them feel hot.
She hadn’t expected Xie Rongzhuo to sing so beautifully. The simple lyrics combined with his voice created a unique atmosphere. Everyone fell silent, listening intently to his singing.
Shen Mimi sat right next to him, experiencing the nuances of his pronunciation up close, as if she could feel his breath.
Scenes from the previous night flashed through her mind.
Shen Mimi realized that Xie Rongzhuo, like her teacher, doted on her. However, his gentle side was deeply hidden in real life.
There were no online filters, no imagined beauty.
At that moment, her jumbled emotions suddenly became clear.
The person in front of her was exactly the kind of person she had always liked.
The music stopped for a few seconds.
“Ahhh, that was so good!”
“Help, my ears are pregnant!”
The girls’ voices pulled Shen Mimi back to reality.
Aware of the gaze beside her, Shen Mimi turned her head, briefly meeting Xie Rongzhuo’s eyes. Fearful of him discovering her thoughts, she quickly looked away.
“Happy birthday,” Xie Rongzhuo said into the microphone.
“…Thank you,” she replied, becoming more reserved.
“Is that all the thanks you’re going to give?” Xie Rongzhuo raised his eyebrows slightly, as if waiting for her to offer some praise.
Shen Mimi, mimicking what others had said, replied, “That was so good,” but because of her nervousness, her tone was devoid of emotion. “My ears are pregnant.”
Xie Rongzhuo: “…”
“Don’t just talk about your ears,” others chimed in. “When will Uncle Xie get Shen Da Meinu pregnant?”
Shen Mimi’s ears turned crimson. She turned to look at Xie Rongzhuo.
He lowered his microphone, seemingly unfazed by the joke.
But how did he remain so calm?
Oh, right, it’s her who would get pregnant.
No, wait, without him, this child wouldn’t be born.
Shen Mimi: “…”
What was she even thinking about!!!
The group of girls showered him with praise and then moved on to a new activity.
Shen Mimi had never played these common bar/KTV games before, finding everything new and exciting. Xie Rongzhuo, surprisingly patient, though with a neutral expression, cooperated with them, willing to play anything with them. They went through each activity until they reached the dart throwing game.
Zhang Zhiqing taught Shen Mimi how to play: “See that spinning wheel? Whatever zone you hit, you have to answer the question or perform the action according to the instructions, otherwise, you have to drink.”
If it weren’t for wanting to get some juicy gossip about Xie Rongzhuo, she wouldn’t have suggested playing such a boring game.
Shen Mimi nodded to show she understood and politely handed the darts to Xie Rongzhuo: “Boss, you go first.”
Xie Rongzhuo took them and casually threw one.
He hit the target: “When was your first heartflutter?”
Shen Mimi glanced at Xie Rongzhuo, subtly observing his expression.
Xie Rongzhuo looked at her and replied, “Four years ago.”
Four years ago.
Wasn’t that when they first met in the game?
Could it be that coincidental?
But what did that look he just gave her mean?
Lost in thought for a moment, it was her turn to throw the darts.
Shen Mimi hit the target: “Call your ex.”
Zhang Zhiqing, afraid that Shen Mimi would actually call Ke Zhan, moved to her side and whispered, “You can choose to drink.”
“If online dating partners count as exes…
Then her ex is sitting right next to her.
Shen Mi stole a glance at Xie Rongzhuo.
She couldn’t possibly call him in public, could she?
She reached out, picked up the wine glass in front of her, and chose to drink.
She wasn’t sure if it was because the lights were too dim, but Xie Rongzhuo’s face looked a little gloomy.
In the second round, Xie Rongzhuo also landed on the task of calling his ex.
Zhang Zhiqing: “This doesn’t count, my uncle doesn’t have an ex-girlfriend.”
Xie Rongzhuo, however, picked up his phone and quickly tapped into his contacts.
Zhang Zhiqing: ????”
“Uncle actually had a secret relationship without anyone knowing!
Shen Mi looked at Xie Rongzhuo’s profile, a surge of sourness welling up in her heart.
Xie Rongzhuo had an ex, and he still had her phone number.
Suddenly, she didn’t have the courage to listen to him finish the call, and she was about to find an excuse to go to the restroom.
The next second, Shen Mi’s phone rang.
Author’s Note:
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