The next day was Meng Qi Ran’s birthday.

In the evening, Meng Qi Ran’s friends planned to throw him a party. Qi Lin and Liao Shuman, not keen on the bustling scene and worried their presence might make the youngsters feel restrained, decided to celebrate his birthday at noon instead.

In the morning, Qi Lin and Liao Shuman first visited Chen Qing Wu’s place for a tour.

Meng Fu Yuan had arranged a car to pick them up from the hotel.

As they entered, Liao Shuman was complimenting Qi Lin, saying that Meng Fu Yuan was indeed thorough in his arrangements.

Qi Lin smiled and said, “Fu Yuan has always been dependable.”

Chen Qing Wu, who was filling a kettle, paused slightly at these words.

Dependable.

Perhaps, it was a necessity to be so.

While waiting for the water to boil, Chen Qing Wu gave the two mothers a brief tour of her studio.

On the floor of the finished products area were numerous bottles, jars, plates, and bowls, a dazzling array at first glance.

Qi Lin asked, “Are these all for customers?”

Chen Qing Wu smiled, “No, these are all defective products.”

“Such beautiful items are still defective?” Qi Lin crouched down and asked with a smile, “Can I pick a few?”

“Of course, take whatever you like. I was planning to photograph them for a discount sale on my online store.”

“Are you doing all the work by yourself now?” Qi Lin asked while picking out items.

“Yes. I’ll get through this year first. If it’s still too much, I’ll hire someone next year.”

Chen Qing Wu thought to herself, she had to thank Meng Fu Yuan. If it weren’t for his help in covering part of the rent, she might have had to ask her family for money to keep things going this year.

Fortunately, custom orders kept coming in steadily. The items she made according to her mood sold online, and some were consigned to shops run by industry friends. All the income combined was enough to sustain her basic needs.

Qi Lin casually looked around and finally chose an iron-glazed vase, smiling, “I’ll take this vase then.”

“It’s inconvenient to carry it back on the high-speed train. I’ll bring it to you next time I drive home.”

Qi Lin smiled, “That would be great, thank you.”

The best ceramics were displayed on the shelves.

Liao Shuman examined each one, praising Chen Qing Wu for her well-managed business.

Finally, they went to the bedroom at the back.

Liao Shuman touched the quilt and said, “The weather has changed recently. Isn’t it cold with such a thin quilt?”

“It’s okay.”

“It’s okay until you catch a cold and regret it.” Liao Shuman walked around the bedroom and asked, “Do you use commercial electricity and water here?”

“Yes.”

“Is it warm enough with just the air conditioner in such a spacious place? You should consider renting a proper apartment.”

“No money…” Chen Qing Wu stuck out her tongue.

“If you need money, just ask me. I won’t let you sleep on the streets.”

Chen Qing Wu hugged Liao Shuman with a smile and said, “Thank you, Mom. I’ll see how it goes. If it gets unbearable, I’ll come to you.”

Qi Lin laughed, “Qing Wu is sometimes too strong-willed.”

After the visit, Chen Qing Wu locked the door and went with Qi Lin and Liao Shuman to Meng Qi Ran’s studio.

It seemed they arrived in no time. Qi Lin laughed, “Are you really this close? Just two or three kilometers apart?”

Chen Qing Wu smiled faintly and replied, “Yes.”

Meng Qi Ran came out to greet them and, after a brief tour, they sat down in the lounge.

After some small talk, as it neared noon, they heard footsteps at the door.

Chen Qing Wu immediately looked up.

Sure enough, it was Meng Fu Yuan who entered.

Despite the overcast days and dim light, his appearance seemed to brighten the weather a bit.

Lunch was pre-ordered from a restaurant and delivered.

After eating, they cleared the table and started on the cake.

There were two cakes, each different in color and style.

After making wishes and blowing out the candles, they cut the cakes and brought out the prepared gifts, all in duplicate.

Qi Lin handed a gift to Chen Qing Wu with a smile, “Auntie wishes you a happy birthday in advance.”

Chen Qing Wu thanked her with a smile.

After the brief ceremony, Meng Fu Yuan was ready to leave.

“Are you coming over tonight, brother?” Meng Qi Ran asked.

“We’ll see,” Meng Fu Yuan replied, picking up his coat. As he put it on, his gaze briefly rested on Chen Qing Wu’s face.

After adjusting his sleeves, Meng Fu Yuan said to Liao Shuman and Qi Lin, “I have some work at the company. I’ll leave now. If you plan to go shopping this afternoon, let the driver take you.”

Liao Shuman smiled, “Take care of your work, Fu Yuan. No need to worry about us.”

Meng Fu Yuan nodded and turned to leave.

There was still a lot of cake left. Qi Lin and Liao Shuman helped put it in the fridge for Meng Qi Ran to share with his friends at the evening party.

At this moment, Chen Qing Wu’s phone, which was in her coat pocket, vibrated.

She took it out and saw a message from Meng Fu Yuan.

Meng Fu Yuan: Do you need rescuing tonight, Miss Bicycle?

Chen Qing Wu smiled and replied: Stand by.

Meng Fu Yuan: At your service.

***

In the afternoon, Chen Qing Wu accompanied Liao Shuman and Qi Lin shopping, then took them back to the hotel before returning to Meng Qi Ran’s place.

The lively scene was as expected.

Her appearance attracted some attention. She tried to handle the greetings from mutual friends, then excused herself to get some food.

After eating, she glanced over to see Qi Ran surrounded by friends chatting. She quietly slipped outside.

There were many cars parked outside. Chen Qing Wu found a sheltered spot and lit a cigarette.

“Planning to run away again?”

Chen Qing Wu turned to see Meng Qi Ran coming down the steps.

“…Yes.” Chen Qing Wu smiled, admitting honestly.

“Is it a bit boring?”

“Yes. It’s my own problem. The topics change too quickly for me to keep up.”

“Let’s go,” Meng Qi Ran suddenly said.

“Hmm?”

“Let’s go.” Meng Qi Ran walked over, took the cigarette from her hand, extinguished it, and grabbed her arm, pulling her along.

There was a Ducati parked in the open area ahead. Meng Qi Ran took the helmet hanging on the handlebar and handed it to Chen Qing Wu.

“Where are we going?” Chen Qing Wu was still in a daze.

“For a ride.”

Seeing her hesitation, Meng Qi Ran put the helmet on her head himself.

Not wanting to spoil the birthday boy’s mood, Chen Qing Wu straddled the motorcycle.

Meng Qi Ran also put on his helmet, bent over, and twisted the throttle.

The engine roared, and the bike took off, turning sharply onto the road.

Chen Qing Wu’s arms wrapped around Meng Qi Ran’s waist, leaning on the fuel tank.

The night wind rushed past her ears, turning into a faint, muffled roar through the helmet.

Qi Ran liked racing for a reason. When chasing the wind, one almost felt like becoming the wind.

They headed to the outskirts, winding up a mountain road.

The altitude wasn’t high. After about twenty minutes, they reached the top.

Finding an open space, Meng Qi Ran stopped the bike.

Chen Qing Wu took off her helmet and smoothed her wind-tousled hair, looking around.

Beyond the nearby dark forest, distant lights dotted the landscape.

The air was chilly, with a bracing freshness filling her lungs.

Chen Qing Wu couldn’t help but take several deep breaths.

She got off the motorcycle, hung the helmet back on the handlebar, and smiled, “The night view is beautiful.”

“Yeah.”

Meng Qi Ran reached into his black jacket pocket, producing a faint rustling sound.

Moments later, like a magician, he pulled out a box of sparklers and asked, “Wanna play?”

“…You guys have such big pockets in your jackets.”

Meng Qi Ran chuckled and asked, “Do you have a lighter?”

“Yes.”

They walked a few steps forward and squatted down on the ground.

Meng Qi Ran took out a sparkler stick, handed it to Chen Qing Wu, and lit it with her lighter.

In their freshman year of high school, on New Year’s Eve, Chen Qing Wu was sick and resting in her room.

After midnight, she received a message from Qi Ran, asking her to get up and look out the window.

Wrapped in a blanket, she stood by the window and saw Meng Qi Ran downstairs, waving at her.

He was holding a sparkler, making up for her missing the fireworks show.

In the darkness, the crackling sparkler was so faint yet so beautiful.

The sudden silence was because they both thought of this same memory.

“Wu Wu…”

Chen Qing Wu looked up.

The sparkler’s glow reflected in Meng Qi Ran’s eyes, like the distant, brilliant lights in the night.

His gaze remained fixed on her face, and he took a deep breath.

Chen Qing Wu sensed something and quickly lowered her head before he could get closer, “Qi Ran, there’s something I want to tell you.”

“…What?”

“I might…have someone I like.” Chen Qing Wu said softly.

Meng Qi Ran froze.

As her words fell, the sparkler burned out simultaneously.

There was a moment of darkness.

“…What do you mean?” Meng Qi Ran’s voice was hoarse.

Chen Qing Wu didn’t repeat herself. She knew Meng Qi Ran understood, so she just softly said, “Sorry.”

After a long silence, Meng Qi Ran spoke again, his voice still hoarse, “Who is it?”

Chen Qing Wu bit her lip lightly, “…If I end up with him, I’ll tell you.”

“Is he real, Wu Wu? Or are you just making this up to avoid me?”

“…I’m not lying. I’m sorry. I should have told you earlier, but I only recently started to understand my feelings for him.”

There were many sparklers left, but neither of them was in the mood to light another.

Meng Qi Ran stood up, feeling somewhat absurd and at a loss for words.

He took a deep breath, “…Why?”

No wonder he always felt like he was using a key to unlock a door without a keyhole.

Chen Qing Wu didn’t know which “why” he was asking about, so she remained silent.

Meng Qi Ran looked down at her, his voice trembling slightly, “…I won’t give up until you’re with someone else.”

“Qi Ran, there’s no need for that…” Chen Qing Wu sighed. She knew it was useless to persuade him. After all, they grew up together, and he was the boy she once liked for nine years. She understood him as well as she knew the lines on her palm. “…I really don’t want to hurt you.”

Meng Qi Ran didn’t respond, just turned to face the distant lights.

He lowered his head, his hair falling over his eyes, hiding his expression. But his lonely figure couldn’t hide his emotions.

She had never seen him so sad before.

Chen Qing Wu remained silent, squatting quietly in place.

The wind blew through the forest, creating an echoing sound.

After a long time, Meng Qi Ran turned and said softly, “Let’s go. I’ll take you back.”

Chen Qing Wu responded with an “hmm” and stood up.

Meng Qi Ran handed her the helmet, not looking at her the entire time.

On the way back, the wind seemed even stronger, whistling past Meng Qi Ran’s sleeves.

Returning to the party, Meng Qi Ran went inside to get Chen Qing Wu’s gift before taking her back.

When the motorcycle approached the entrance of the studio, Meng Qi Ran slowed down a bit—near the parking spot, there was a familiar SUV with someone leaning against it, smoking.

It was Meng Fu Yuan.

Hearing the noise, Meng Fu Yuan looked up.

The bike stopped in front of him, and Meng Qi Ran took off his helmet, placing it on the fuel tank. He smiled and asked, “Brother, what are you doing here?”

Meng Fu Yuan looked at his watch, his expression unchanged, “I arranged to meet Qing Wu here at nine to pick up some items.”

“What items?”

“A gift for a friend.”

Behind him, Chen Qing Wu removed her helmet and got off the bike, replying calmly, “It’s already packed.”

Meng Qi Ran’s gaze lingered on Meng Fu Yuan’s face for a moment before he said nothing more.

Chen Qing Wu walked to the door, followed by Meng Qi Ran carrying the gift and Meng Fu Yuan, who seemed genuinely there to pick up some ceramics.

Inside, Chen Qing Wu invited them to sit down while she went to boil some water.

The two brothers sat facing each other.

Meng Fu Yuan glanced at Meng Qi Ran, “Did you just go for a ride?”

“Yes, took Wu Wu for a ride.”

Meng Fu Yuan nodded indifferently, seemingly uninterested in their activities.

When the water boiled, Chen Qing Wu brought two cups, each a white mug, half-filled, and placed them in front of them.

Meng Qi Ran picked up his cup and noticed his brother’s gaze on another cup on the coffee table.

It was probably the one Chen Qing Wu used last night, with the tea bag still inside.

The cup was black, matte, with an uneven wall, and nothing special besides that.

Chen Qing Wu noticed it too, looking slightly embarrassed, she smiled, “I was busy uploading new items to my online store last night and forgot to wash the cup after working until two.”

She naturally picked it up, removed the tea bag, and took it to the sink for washing.

Meng Qi Ran watched her. The sound of running water and her calm expression made everything seem very ordinary.

After washing the cup, Meng Fu Yuan spoke, “Qing Wu, where are the packed items?”

Chen Qing Wu walked to the workbench and, after a moment, took out a small suitcase from underneath.

Meng Fu Yuan took it, seemingly heavy, but he handled it carefully, saying, “Thank you. I’ll be leaving now.”

Chen Qing Wu nodded.

Meng Qi Ran watched his brother leave. Moments later, a car passed by the door, and the sound gradually faded.

At this moment, Meng Qi Ran’s phone rang.

A friend from the party was calling, asking where he was.

Meng Qi Ran replied, “You guys have fun. I have something to do; I’ll be there later.”

The friend laughed, “Someone’s about to confess to you, and here you are, leaving the birthday star behind.”

Meng Qi Ran, slightly annoyed, “Who’s confessing? Don’t they know I have someone I like?”

“I am…”

“Get lost.”

The other end cursed and hung up.

Meng Qi Ran glanced at the opposite side, where Chen Qing Wu was sitting on the sofa, her expression somewhat distant.

Even though he knew that saying anything further was pointless, sitting there in silence seemed futile, he still couldn’t bring himself to leave.

He used to think her place was too quiet, but now he feared returning to his noisy world because it had everything but Chen Qing Wu.

Chen Qing Wu didn’t rush him, just picked up her laptop and said, “I might need to work for a bit.”

After typing for a while, Chen Qing Wu couldn’t help but sneeze.

“Did you catch a cold?” Meng Qi Ran asked quickly.

“I’m fine.” Chen Qing Wu turned around, took the shawl from the sofa back, and put it on.

Meng Qi Ran stood up and gently pushed her laptop, “Go take a hot shower and rest early. Don’t catch a cold.”

Chen Qing Wu paused, “Alright. Then you should go. I’ll stay in my room after showering.”

Meng Qi Ran nodded.

After saying goodbye, Meng Qi Ran left the studio, closing the door behind him.

Riding his motorcycle, he couldn’t help but glance back at the door.

The dull ache he felt on the mountain seemed to linger in his chest.

Worried about catching a cold, Chen Qing Wu took a hot shower after locking the door and changed into warm home clothes.

Carrying her laptop and gifts to the bedroom, she sat on the bed, preparing to send a message to Meng Fu Yuan when a call came in.

Meng Fu Yuan: “Can I come back?”

“Um… Qi Ran just left.”

“I saw.”

Chen Qing Wu was slightly stunned.

While waiting for Meng Fu Yuan to return, Chen Qing Wu unwrapped her gifts.

Qi Lin had given her a necklace, and Liao Shuman had given a simple gold bar.

Meng Qi Ran’s gift was a cashmere scarf she had been planning to buy.

She took a photo of the scarf and sent it to Zhao Yingfei, asking, “Did Qi Ran ask you about this?”

Zhao Yingfei: “Yeah.”

Chen Qing Wu: “…You’re stirring things up, aren’t you, Miss Zhao.”

Zhao Yingfei: “Hehe.”

Finally, she opened Meng Fu Yuan’s gift.

Inside the box was only a handwritten note:

“Miss Chen Qing Wu’s birthday gift, please retrieve it in person on October 27th.”

—Meng Fu Yuan

Chen Qing Wu couldn’t help but laugh.

Only Meng Fu Yuan could understand her reluctance to stay bound to Meng Qi Ran, yet her difficulty in outright rejecting him.

Soon, there was a knock at the door.

Chen Qing Wu quickly ran to open it.

Meng Fu Yuan, holding the empty suitcase, walked in and placed it on the coffee table.

“Are you ready to sleep?” Meng Fu Yuan looked at her.

“Just finished a shower, my head hurts a bit…” Chen Qing Wu said, turning away to sneeze again.

Meng Fu Yuan glanced at her, “You caught a cold in the wind.”

“…Maybe.”

“Next time, you can see the snow on the mountain while having a cold.”

“Hey.” Chen Qing Wu laughed.

“Go lie down.”

The studio, located in the suburbs, was spacious with several glass walls, offering poor insulation. The temperature had just dropped recently, and Meng Fu Yuan felt it was much colder inside than elsewhere.

Chen Qing Wu hesitated.

Meng Fu Yuan stepped forward and placed the back of his hand on her forehead.

Chen Qing Wu blinked and lowered her gaze.

His hand was warm, with a faint, clean scent from his sleeve.

Meng Fu Yuan said, “You’re fine, no fever. Go rest, I’ll leave soon.”

Chen Qing Wu stood still.

“Go on,” Meng Fu Yuan insisted, “I’ll lock the door.”

He seemed intent on seeing her into her room before feeling at ease.

Chen Qing Wu reluctantly said, “I’ll get a cup of hot water first.”

Meng Fu Yuan opened the kettle lid and felt the steam, finding it not very hot, “I’ll bring it to you when it’s ready.”

Chen Qing Wu took her phone and went to her room.

Lying down in bed, she soon heard Meng Fu Yuan’s voice outside the wall, “Can I come in?”

“Yes, come in.”

Meng Fu Yuan walked in, holding the black ceramic mug he had made, now freshly washed.

Though called a bedroom, it was actually a semi-open space.

In the corner was a separate room, likely the bathroom and toilet.

The bed faced north,

 against the wall, with a dark short-pile rug beside it, a floor-to-ceiling window with curtains drawn on the right, and an open clothes rack with seasonal clothes on the left.

The bedding was oatmeal-colored, warm-toned but looking quite thin.

Meng Fu Yuan placed the cup on the bedside table and couldn’t help but touch the bed, “It’s too thin.”

Chen Qing Wu laughed.

Meng Fu Yuan looked at her, “What’s so funny?”

She shook her head, her shoulders shaking with laughter.

Meng Fu Yuan asked again.

She finally said, “My mom said something similar this morning.”

“Oh.”

Chen Qing Wu tilted her head, smiling, “Are you angry?”

“No, I’m not getting upset with a sick little girl.”

Meng Fu Yuan handed her the cup.

Luckily, it was thick enough to hold hot water without burning her hand.

“Have you been using this cup recently?” Meng Fu Yuan asked.

“Is that not okay?”

“It’s perfectly fine,” Meng Fu Yuan chuckled.

Chen Qing Wu sipped the hot water and asked, “Why did you suddenly come over?”

“Not getting a message from you, I went to check on you at Qi Ran’s place, and you weren’t there. I thought you might be here.”

Seeing him still standing, Chen Qing Wu patted the side of the bed, inviting him to sit.

Meng Fu Yuan hesitated but then sat down, half an arm’s length away from her.

Chen Qing Wu lowered her gaze. The warm steam brushed her face. After a moment, she said, “I have a question.”

“Yes?”

“…Do you feel guilty?”

“What do you think?” Meng Fu Yuan turned to her, his voice calm but not without emotion, “Qi Ran is my brother.”

Chen Qing Wu looked down, feeling complicated emotions.

Meng Fu Yuan watched her for a long time, “Look at me, Qing Wu.”

As if on reflex, she lifted her head.

Meng Fu Yuan leaned slightly, his gaze serious, “Last time, you wondered why I liked you. To explain, you could say I fell for the twenty-year-old you at first sight.”

This was probably the strangest confession Chen Qing Wu had ever heard.

They had known each other for so many years, yet he said it was love at first sight.

Meng Fu Yuan continued, “I want to tell you when I truly realized my feelings.”

Chen Qing Wu’s breath caught. She instinctively wanted to blink, as Meng Fu Yuan’s deep gaze, with an underlying warmth, felt irresistible despite the glasses.

“It was Christmas in your junior year of college. You went to watch a movie with Qi Ran and returned late. You went straight to his room and didn’t come out all night…”

“You thought…”

“Yes, I thought…”

“That night, I did sleep in his room, but he had just received a new game cartridge and played all night.”

Chen Qing Wu remembered it clearly because she initially thought something might happen between her and Meng Qi Ran. She waited for a long time, talking to him repeatedly, but perhaps the person in front of her was ultimately less interesting than the game’s storyline, so her attempts failed. Eventually, she gave up and fell asleep out of exhaustion.

Meng Fu Yuan’s eyes darkened, his voice hoarse, “For many years, I carried the feelings from that night.”

Uncontrollable imagination, jealousy, and self-loathing alternated.

“Qing Wu, tell me, do I feel guilty?”

A soft “thump” was the sound of Chen Qing Wu putting down the cup. The next moment, she leaned over, bringing a small gust of air, and hugged him.

Meng Fu Yuan reflexively closed his eyes.

For a moment, his mind went blank. Then he realized the warmth and scent belonged to Chen Qing Wu.

His hand, like a robot’s, hovered for a long time before finally resting on her shoulder, pausing briefly, and then pulling her tightly into his embrace.

He held her so tightly as if trying to merge her into his bones.

What was meant to be a comforting hug gave him a sense of fulfillment and a feeling of peace.

He lowered his head, his chin resting on her shoulder, his breath warm on her neck, more scorching than boiling water.

In a low voice, he sighed deeply, “…Qing Wu.”