This hug made Chen Qing Wu lose herself in the moment.

When she was with Meng Fu Yuan, she rarely compared him to Meng Qi Ran. The nature of that past relationship was ultimately her and Qi Ran’s own affair.

She and Qi Ran were like a piece of flawed porcelain, despite her best efforts, it remained imperfect.

But since it had already been fired and glazed, whether good or bad, she accepted it and resolved not to dwell on its imperfections, but to focus on creating the next piece.

Qi Ran wasn’t a bad child; he was simply born with all the favor, so he didn’t understand that most things in the world required effort.

Chasing after him was like chasing the wind, stumbling along the way, filled with uncertainty.

And to be chosen and favored firmly by someone, she realized, was a completely different feeling.

There was no need to deceive herself into believing she had caught the wind.

Nor was there any fear that letting go would leave her empty-handed.

Favor was like being blindfolded and bound, yet still feeling the warmth and light.

The surroundings were silent, making her heartbeat and breathing especially distinct.

Her heart surged, impossible to quell.

Before her rationality completely dissolved, Meng Fu Yuan released her first, cleared his throat, and said softly, “…You should rest.”

“…Okay.”

The atmosphere was somewhat delicate.

Meng Fu Yuan stood up, deliberately avoiding looking at Chen Qing Wu, and reached out to check the temperature of the cup. It was no longer too hot, so he picked it up and walked out.

Chen Qing Wu exhaled slowly.

Moments later, Meng Fu Yuan returned, carrying a cup of freshly boiled water in one hand and her blanket from the sofa in the other.

Meng Fu Yuan tossed the blanket to her and placed the cup on the bedside table, “Use an extra layer tonight.”

Chen Qing Wu hugged the blanket and nodded obediently.

Meng Fu Yuan asked, “How do I lock the front door?”

“The keys are in the basket on the coffee table. There are two identical ones; use one of those.”

Meng Fu Yuan agreed, “…Alright, I’m leaving.”

“Okay… drive safely.”

Meng Fu Yuan nodded, paused for a moment, and then turned to leave.

Chen Qing Wu leaned against the headboard, watching his retreating figure.

As he was about to disappear behind the wall, she suddenly called out, “…Meng Fu Yuan.”

Meng Fu Yuan paused.

“…Message me when you get home.”

Meng Fu Yuan chuckled, “Got it.”

The footsteps gradually faded, the main light in the studio turned off, but it wasn’t completely dark. There was a faint, soft yellow glow. She guessed he had turned on the floor lamp beside the sofa to help her see when she got up to boil water.

Then, the sound of the studio door locking.

Finally, everything became quiet.

Chen Qing Wu slid down, covered her face with the blanket, and couldn’t help but laugh.

The next day, Chen Qing Wu woke up feeling refreshed with no signs of a cold.

Fortunately, she had kept warm.

If it had caused her to miss work, she would have made Meng Qi Ran come over and apologize.

Shortly after getting up, someone sent by Meng Fu Yuan arrived, returning the studio keys.

Additionally, there was a silk quilt.

***

Time flew by, and her birthday was approaching.

Since she had plans to go shopping and have dinner with Zhao Yingfei on her birthday, Chen Qing Wu worked non-stop the day before, packing and shipping all the accumulated orders, and resending a replacement for a damaged item to a customer.

In the evening, she prepped the next batch of clay pieces for firing. When she finally came to her senses, it was already past 11:30.

After showering, she lay down in bed.

Recently, chatting with Meng Fu Yuan on WeChat before bed had become a routine.

Chen Qing Wu found a photo she had taken that afternoon of the piled-up packages and sent it to Meng Fu Yuan, saying: “I sent so many packages today, almost died from packing.”

Meng Fu Yuan: “Need help packing?”

Chen Qing Wu: “Can’t afford to pay.”

Meng Fu Yuan: “I’ll do it for free.”

Chen Qing Wu: “Having the CEO pack my packages would shorten my life.”

Meng Fu Yuan: “True. CEOs even have people to handle bathroom breaks.”

Chen Qing Wu laughed as she typed: “Wouldn’t the CEO find me annoying?”

Meng Fu Yuan: “Why?”

Chen Qing Wu: “I send you messages about every little thing.”

Meng Fu Yuan: “I don’t mind. Receiving your messages is one of the few joys of my day.”

Chen Qing Wu: “Then I should send more to make your joys countless.”

Meng Fu Yuan: “I encourage that.”

Chen Qing Wu’s cheeks ached from smiling.

As they continued chatting, a voice call came through.

It was from Meng Fu Yuan.

Chen Qing Wu answered immediately.

Meng Fu Yuan: “Happy birthday, Qing Wu.”

Chen Qing Wu looked at the time in the upper right corner, 00:00.

“…Right on time.”

“Yes. I wanted to be the first to wish you.”

His deep voice seemed to be right by her ear.

Chen Qing Wu curled up, hugging her knees, and smiled, “…Can I claim my birthday gift from you now?”

“You can. What are your plans for tomorrow?”

“I’m having dinner with my best friend.”

Meng Fu Yuan pondered for a moment, “The gift I want to give you isn’t a physical item.”

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

“Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t yet? If you don’t mind, I can accompany you to do it.” After a pause, he added, “Of course, if you think it’s unnecessary, I can give you something else.”

Chen Qing Wu never lacked material things.

“I do need that!” Chen Qing Wu thought for a moment and smiled, “Do you remember, you said you would watch a movie alone?”

“Yes.”

“I kind of want to try watching a movie alone. But if you accompany me, it won’t be alone… it feels like a paradox.”

“I can drop you off at the cinema.”

“And wait for me outside?” Chen Qing Wu laughed, “That would be too weird.”

Meng Fu Yuan fell silent, seemingly contemplating how to solve this “paradoxical problem.”

Chen Qing Wu stared at his avatar on the screen and suddenly said, “…How about this instead?”

“Hmm?”

Chen Qing Wu’s voice softened, “—Go to a friend’s house late at night to watch a movie.”

***

There had been times before when she had to go out after lying down, but it was mostly due to emergencies, accompanied by a sense of reluctance.

This was the first time she felt such anticipation.

After ending the voice call, Chen Qing Wu immediately climbed out of bed to find clothes.

While debating what to wear, her phone vibrated.

She saw it was a voice call from Meng Qi Ran.

Chen Qing Wu answered, putting it on speaker and continuing to rummage through her wardrobe.

Meng Qi Ran: “Wu Wu, happy birthday.”

Chen Qing Wu said “thank you” while holding a dress up to the mirror.

Meng Qi Ran: “Want to have dinner tonight?”

Chen Qing Wu: “I have plans with Zhao Yingfei.”

“What about lunch?”

“Busy at noon too. We’ve already celebrated together, no need to have another meal separately.”

“It’s different.” Meng Qi Ran sounded persistent, “How about a late-night snack then? Let me know when you’re back at the studio, and I’ll bring something over.”

“Qi Ran…”

“It’s just to celebrate your birthday, don’t overthink it.”

“…But it feels a bit awkward.” Chen Qing Wu decided to be honest.

Meng Qi Ran was silent for a few seconds, his voice turning bitter, “…Are you spending it with the person you like?”

“Yes. He won’t misunderstand, but I still want to maintain some distance from other men.”

Meng Qi Ran seemed to repeat her words to himself, “…Other men.”

“Sorry.”

After a long silence, Meng Qi Ran spoke again, “It’s fine. Get some rest. Happy birthday. Good night.”

“Good night.”

After hanging up, Chen Qing Wu felt a moment of sadness, but the anticipation of seeing Meng Fu Yuan quickly overshadowed it.

She changed clothes and briefly considered putting on makeup but decided against it, fearing she would be too tired to remove it later.

She rarely wore makeup, and her work attire prioritized comfort and durability.

Sitting on the sofa, she frequently glanced at the clock on the wall.

It would take Meng Fu Yuan about forty minutes to get there. Realizing that waiting idly was pointless, she grabbed a soft cloth, dampened it, and began wiping the lightly dust-covered ceramics on the display shelves.

Unconsciously, she heard a car approaching outside.

At that moment, her phone vibrated. It was a call from Meng Fu Yuan.

“I’m at the door.”

“Okay, I’ll be right out.”

Chen Qing Wu quickly washed the cloth, hung it up, grabbed her bag, and headed to the door.

It was late at night, and the car parked outside had only its low beams on, not the hazard lights.

When she opened the car door, she was stunned.

On the passenger seat was a bouquet of purple freesias, looking cool and beautiful in the dim light.

“Happy birthday,” Meng Fu Yuan said with a smile, his gaze filled with restrained warmth.

“…Thank you.”

From a young age, Chen Qing Wu had many suitors and had seen all kinds of romantic gestures. The most extravagant was in college when someone brought 999 roses to her dorm on May 20th.

She knew her heart was racing not because someone had given her flowers, but because the person who gave them was Meng Fu Yuan.

She picked up the freesias, sat in the passenger seat, and fastened her seatbelt.

The bouquet on her lap exuded a refreshing fragrance, filling the entire car.

Chen Qing Wu smiled at the driver, “A CEO without airs, driving late at night.”

Meng Fu Yuan nodded in agreement, “Indeed.”

They chatted along the way, and Chen Qing Wu didn’t pay much attention to the topics, feeling buoyant as if floating in warm shallow waters.

Talking with Meng Fu Yuan never felt awkward. The last person to make her feel this comfortable was Zhao Yingfei.

It’s rare. They might not become lovers, but they were already good friends.

Many couples never become friends in their lifetime.

The forty-minute drive felt like it passed in the blink of an eye.

The car parked in the underground garage, and they took the elevator upstairs.

In the bright light, Meng Fu Yuan looked at Chen Qing Wu. She wore a white dress with a long misty purple knit cardigan, a rare soft look that matched the bouquet in her arms perfectly.

Entering the apartment, Meng Fu Yuan took the bouquet from her, opened the shoe cabinet, and took out a pair of slippers, placing them by her feet.

Brand new, white, and fluffy.

Chen Qing Wu slipped off her shoes, “…Specially prepared?”

“I can’t keep making you wear disposable slippers.”

“You didn’t know I would come today, how did you prepare in advance?”

“I like to be prepared. If not today, then perhaps someday.”

Chen Qing Wu lowered her head to put on the slippers, hiding her smile that might not be hidden at all.

In the living room, the projection screen was already down.

Chen Qing Wu took off her cardigan and draped it over the arm of the sofa.

“Do you want a Coke?” Meng Fu Yuan asked.

“…Okay.”

“Cold?”

“Sure.”

Chen Qing Wu sat down while Meng Fu Yuan went to the kitchen.

Moments later, he returned with two cans of cold Coke and asked if she wanted some chips.

“You have chips here?”

“I don’t eat them. They’re for little kids.”

“I’m only six years younger than you. Don’t keep calling me a kid.”

Meng Fu Yuan opened a can, inserted a straw, and handed it to Chen Qing Wu, “You think six years isn’t much?”

“Not really.”

“Oh, not really.”

Chen Qing Wu laughed.

Meng Fu Yuan went to the sideboard and brought over a bag of snacks.

Chen Qing Wu wasn’t hungry but still rummaged through the bag, eventually deciding she didn’t want any junk food.

“What do you want to eat? We can order something.”

“No need. If I get hungry later, I’ll order.”

Meng Fu Yuan turned on the projector and handed the remote to Chen Qing Wu to choose a movie.

“Have you ever felt increasingly impatient watching movies at home?” Chen Qing Wu scrolled through the movie list.

“I have. But mainly because I’m too busy.”

Knowing her own patience, Chen Qing Wu didn’t choose an artsy film, opting for a lively superhero movie instead.

Meng Fu Yuan turned off the overhead lights and sat down beside her.

With a bit of the movie atmosphere, shortly after the opening, Chen Qing Wu suddenly felt like eating something.

Just as she was about to reach for it, Meng Fu Yuan had already opened a bag of chips and handed it to her.

“Thanks, Brother Yuan,” Chen Qing Wu smiled.

Meng Fu Yuan raised an eyebrow slightly.

Chen Qing Wu ate a few chips, took a sip of Coke, and asked, “Can I put my legs up on the sofa?”

“When you used to come to my house with Qi Ran, didn’t you do whatever you wanted?”

“…That was before.”

“What’s the difference now?” Meng Fu Yuan turned to her, deliberately asking.

“…” Chen Qing Wu bit the straw, “You’re so annoying.”

Meng Fu Yuan chuckled.

Chen Qing Wu kicked off her slippers, sat cross-legged, and leaned against the armrest.

The movie was mindless, filled with action and special effects.

Meng Fu Yuan took a sip from his can, crossed his legs, and leaned back, seemingly relaxing as well.

“When I was in high school, I wanted to major in directing.”

Chen Qing Wu was startled by his words and turned to look at him.

His glasses reflected the screen’s light, changing constantly, but his voice was calm, without a hint of regret or sighing.

“…So that’s why you have so many books on film studies in your study.”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Filmmaking isn’t a quick way to make money,” Meng Fu Yuan said calmly, “It depends on talent and opportunities. Not everyone can achieve worldly success.”

He had indeed achieved worldly success and at such a young age.

Chen Qing Wu still didn’t understand, “You’re so excellent, do you still care about worldly recognition?”

“You got the cause and effect wrong, Qing Wu. I became excellent to gain worldly recognition.”

“…Why?”

“Because some people can’t afford not to be excellent,” Meng Fu Yuan looked at her, “That’s why I admire you. You could withstand family pressure and stick to what you love.”

“I almost didn’t. Do you remember when you came to my house once, and my dad was smashing my works?”

“I remember. I thought you were going to give in.”

“I was about to. Especially after all my works were smashed, I felt utterly hopeless. I attended regular classes for a few weeks, but I couldn’t stand it. I skipped evening study sessions to continue my art training secretly. My dad found out and had a driver watch me at the school gate every day. You know the rest. To protest, I…”

“Starved yourself.”

Chen Qing Wu smiled embarrassedly, “Yes. I didn’t expect it to work. Though starving for three days was really tough, my dad was strict, not letting my mom and Qi Ran sneak me food. I was young and stubborn, thinking I’d rather starve to death and make them regret it.”

“Looks like your spiritual idol is Nezha.”

Chen Qing Wu laughed out loud.

Sipping her Coke, she imagined, “A director, huh… If you had stuck to it, maybe I’d be watching your film now.”

“No. The more I learned, the more I realized I had no artistic talent. So giving up early wasn’t a bad thing.”

“But giving up without trying seems a bit regretful.”

Meng Fu Yuan fell silent.

Chen Qing Wu, biting the straw, looked at him.

Seeing he was lost in thought, she waved her hand in front of his eyes.

Without blinking, Meng Fu Yuan grabbed her hand.

Startled, she quickly withdrew, hearing him chuckle.

After watching for a while, Chen Qing Wu put down the snacks and Coke, “I need to use the bathroom.”

Meng Fu Yuan nodded.

Returning from the guest bathroom, Chen Qing Wu asked, “Is there water in the fridge? Can I grab a bottle?”

“Sure.”

In the kitchen, she opened the fridge and took out two bottles of cold water. Passing by the island, she noticed two bottles of wine on it.

“Do you drink alone at home?”

Meng Fu Yuan glanced at them, “Gifts from friends.”

Chen Qing Wu picked up a bottle and read the label, “Can I try it? I heard this brand has a caramel taste after barrel aging.”

Meng Fu Yuan nodded, “There are wine glasses in the cabinet.”

After delivering the cold water, Chen Qing Wu returned to the island, opened the cabinet, found a glass, and brought the bottle and opener back to the sofa.

Meng Fu Yuan took the opener, pulled out the cork, and poured a small amount into the glass.

Chen Qing Wu sat on the carpet, swirling the glass and sniffing the aroma.

Her father, Chen Suiliang, knew how to appreciate wine and sometimes taught her. She was half-hearted in learning, drinking whatever and however she liked, as long as it made her happy.

Taking a sip, she smacked her lips, “Where’s the caramel flavor?”

Thinking she might have missed it, she took a bigger sip.

Meng Fu Yuan said, “Let me try.”

He reached out and took the glass from her.

Chen Qing Wu’s heart skipped a beat. Before she could say, “I drank from it,” she saw him tilt his head back, drinking from the glass.

His black sweater contrasted with his pale neck, and as he swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbed.

Before he set the glass down, she quickly looked away, “…Can you taste it?”

“Maybe a bit.”

“I can’t taste it.” Chen Qing Wu took the nearly empty glass, picked up the bottle, and was about to pour more when his hand stopped her.

She looked up quickly.

The living room was dimly lit by the projector, casting a faint glow.

Meng Fu Yuan sat on the sofa, higher than her, his gaze somewhat oppressive, “…Qing Wu, if you drink more, I’ll have to take it as a hint.”

Her heart skipped a beat.

The skin on the back of her hand, where his fingers pressed, felt like it was burning.

Chen Qing Wu quickly pulled her hand back.

She didn’t dare look at Meng Fu Yuan, only hearing him get up and head to the bathroom.

Seizing the moment, she corked the bottle, finished the remaining wine in the glass, and placed it back on the cabinet.

Returning to the sofa, she opened the water bottle and drank half in one go.

She grabbed the chips, mechanically munching to calm her nerves.

After a while, Meng Fu Yuan returned, looking unusually calm.

He sat down on the sofa again, this time further away.

He must have washed his face, as there were still drops of water on his skin.

Chen Qing Wu only glanced at him before looking away.

On the screen, the movie had progressed, but she couldn’t follow the plot.

They occasionally commented on the movie.

Soon, the final battle arrived, and the heroes won decisively.

It was already past 3 a.m.

The noisy action scenes had given Chen Qing Wu a headache. When it ended, she yawned tiredly.

Meng Fu Yuan glanced at her, “Sleepy?”

“Yes.”

“I can’t drive you back, I had some wine.”

“…Okay.”

Meng Fu Yuan stood up, “The guest room is always cleaned.”

Chen Qing Wu headed to the guest bathroom, “Do you have a spare toothbrush? I want to brush my teeth.”

Footsteps followed her.

The guest bathroom was spacious, divided into three separate areas.

Chen Qing Wu stood by the floating stone vanity, watching Meng Fu Yuan bend down to retrieve a storage basket from below, handing it to her before turning to leave.

The basket was filled with brand new, unopened items, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, makeup remover, cotton pads, toner, lotion… and even sanitary pads and tampons.

Truly, Meng Fu Yuan was prepared for anything.

She washed up quickly, having taken a shower before leaving.

When she exited, Meng Fu Yuan was tidying up the coffee table.

She stood at the guest room door, “…I’ll go rest now.”

“Okay. Goodnight.”

Meng Fu Yuan didn’t look up.

Closing the door, she noticed the light was on, and on the neatly made bed was a folded set of pajamas.

Locking the door, she changed, turned on the bedside lamp, and lay down.

Unconsciously, she listened for sounds outside.

Soft footsteps, near and far.

After a while, the main bedroom door closed, followed by silence.

Meng Fu Yuan must have gone to bed.

Chen Qing Wu tossed and turned, eventually grabbing her phone from under the pillow. She was about to message Meng Fu Yuan when she noticed the battery level.

Chen Qing Wu: Do you have a charger?

Meng Fu Yuan: Yes.

Soon, footsteps approached.

A knock on the door.

Chen Qing Wu quickly got up, put on her slippers, and went to the door.

She forgot it was locked and hurriedly unlocked it.

Opening the door, she immediately explained, “I just locked it out of habit while changing, not because…”

“Not because what?”

“…Not because I don’t trust you.”

“Oh.”

Embarrassed, she took the charger from Meng Fu Yuan, “…Thank you.”

“Sleep well.”

“Okay.”

Meng Fu Yuan turned away.

As she closed the door, she heard him say, “You should lock it. Don’t trust me too much.”

She shut the door with a bang.

Pressing the handle, her heart raced uncontrollably.

Returning to bed, she plugged in the charger and unlocked her phone.

WeChat was still open to her chat with Meng Fu Yuan.

She typed: …I can’t seem to sleep.

Meng Fu Yuan: Want a bedtime story?

Chen Qing Wu: Will you tell it?

Meng Fu Yuan: No.

Chen Qing Wu: Are you going to sleep?

Meng Fu Yuan: Any other requests?

Chen Qing Wu: No.

Meng Fu Yuan: Then go to sleep.

Chen Qing Wu: Oh, one more thing.

Meng Fu Yuan: Please.

Chen Qing Wu: Dream of me.

It took a while for this message to be answered.

Meng Fu Yuan: As you wish.