Chen Qing Wu didn’t wake up until eleven in the morning.

Her WeChat was flooded with unread messages. She scrolled down to Meng Fu Yuan’s avatar and clicked on it first.

There were two unread messages: one saying he had gone to the office, and another asking her to contact him once she woke up so he could take her out for lunch.

After replying, she moved on to handle other messages.

Within moments, Meng Fu Yuan’s avatar jumped to the top again.

His new message told her to wait a bit as he was on his way.

Chen Qing Wu replied with “Okay” and, after some thought, pinned their chat to the top.

After freshening up and waiting for a short while, Meng Fu Yuan’s car arrived at her door, signaling for her to come out.

It was a sunny day, and the car was parked under the dappled shade of trees.

Chen Qing Wu opened the car door to find Meng Fu Yuan wearing a light gray sweater. In the soft golden sunlight, he had an austere elegance.

Buckling her seatbelt, she asked with a smile, “What time did you wake up this morning?”

“Nine o’clock.”

“You slept less than six hours. Can you handle it?”

Meng Fu Yuan’s gaze swept over her face as he started the car. He calmly said, “Less than four hours.”

“Huh?” As she processed his words, she realized he meant he had insomnia and didn’t fall asleep until after four.

She laughed, “I’m sorry.”

Meng Fu Yuan scoffed lightly, not seeming to accept her apology.

Meng Fu Yuan had pre-booked a restaurant, and there was also a small cake designed like a snowy mountain forest, placed on a six-inch plate with a single candle.

Chen Qing Wu made another wish, blowing out the candle greedily.

They divided the cake into two portions, each taking a piece.

As they were eating, Meng Fu Yuan’s phone on the table vibrated. He glanced at it and said, “It’s my dad.”

Answering the call, Chen Qing Wu instinctively froze, not daring to make a sound.

At first, the conversation was casual. Then, Meng Chengyong said something that made Meng Fu Yuan’s expression darken suddenly.

He stood up, mouthed “Excuse me” to her, and walked towards the restroom with his phone.

Several minutes later, Meng Fu Yuan returned from the call.

Chen Qing Wu quickly asked, “What happened?”

“Nothing,” Meng Fu Yuan said, calmly drinking a sip of water. “My family arranged a blind date for me.”

“…What?”

“I already declined.”

“…Really?”

Meng Fu Yuan looked at her. “Does it sound unreal?”

Completely confused, Chen Qing Wu laughed, “Is it real or not?”

“It’s real.”

“Even a CEO has to go on blind dates.”

“CEOs should go straight to arranged marriages, right?”

Chen Qing Wu couldn’t stop laughing.

Meng Fu Yuan had some work in the afternoon, so after lunch, he drove Chen Qing Wu back to her studio.

Chen Qing Wu took a nap, and in the evening, she drove to pick up Zhao Yingfei for dinner in the city.

Hanging out with her best friend was more casual; they could spend time doing anything.

Since the weather was nice, they sat outside a café, drinking and soaking up the sun.

Zhao Yingfei, usually not interested in romantic topics, couldn’t resist asking for updates on this particularly exciting one.

Chen Qing Wu explained the current situation, to which Zhao Yingfei commented, “You still aren’t together? Your relationship must be made of nano-materials.”

Sipping her lemon tea, Chen Qing Wu’s expression was lazy, but her tone was serious: “If it were anyone else, I’d have said yes already. If it doesn’t work out, we could just break up. But Meng Fu Yuan’s situation is special. I have to consider every step carefully because there’s no turning back. Do you understand? If things don’t work out with him, there’s no way back. Plus, he’s liked me for six years. If I agree without the same level of commitment, it would be unfair to him.”

Zhao Yingfei groaned, “…Your adult love world is so complicated.”

“You asked first.”

“I wasn’t looking for that kind of answer.”

“What were you looking for?”

“Something more dramatic, like you’ve already slept together and are planning a flash marriage.”

“…”

Zhao Yingfei added, “But to be fair, even though I haven’t interacted with him much, Meng Fu Yuan does seem more reliable than his brother.”

“What about Pei Shao? What do you think of him? He keeps asking if he can add you as a friend. Why not give him a chance? He offered such a high consultant fee…”

“Tell him to add me on DingTalk for work-related matters.”

“…”

***

After her birthday, Chen Qing Wu was busy for a while.

The wood-fired kiln in the park was scheduled for one last firing before the Lunar New Year, and she wanted to fire a batch of ceramics, so she had to prepare in advance.

In no time, it was December.

Chen Qing Wu had planned to stay in Dongcheng for Christmas, but Liao Shuman’s lunar birthday happened to fall on Christmas this year, so she had to go home.

As soon as she mentioned returning, Meng Qi Ran and Meng Fu Yuan also planned to go back.

Meng Fu Yuan had to adjust his schedule last minute as he had a lot to handle in Dongcheng and couldn’t coordinate with her timing, so she left first.

Driving herself, she returned to Nancheng with Meng Qi Ran the afternoon before Christmas Eve.

Distance does make the heart grow fonder. Having not been home for a while, both Chen Suiliang and Liao Shuman were much gentler towards her.

The three of them sat together for a harmonious family dinner.

But the harmony didn’t last long.

After dinner, Chen Qing Wu accompanied Chen Suiliang in the living room, watching an antique appraisal show. When a segment on ceramics came up, Chen Suiliang casually asked about the differences between Doucai and Famille Rose.

Chen Qing Wu answered each question.

Chen Suiliang wasn’t genuinely interested; he just liked the face he saved when he asked her for a gift suggestion for a foreign business partner, and the recipient loved the porcelain tea set she recommended.

As he drank tea, he said, “Your mom said that when she visited you, your business seemed to be doing well. If you really like it, keep at it. If you need funds, just ask me.”

He spoke as if it were just a small hobby business to keep her happy.

Chen Qing Wu, long used to it, smiled and said she could manage for now, continuing to peel a pomelo.

Then, Chen Suiliang changed the topic, “What’s going on with you and Qi Ran? Have you made any plans?”

“There’s nothing going on between us.”

Chen Suiliang immediately looked at her, his gaze sharp, “What do you mean by that?”

Just as she was about to explain, Liao Shuman approached, “Old Chen, where did you put the gift ledger from Grandma Qing Wu’s birthday?”

“In the study.”

“I couldn’t find it. Can you help?”

Chen Suiliang put down his teacup and headed to the study.

Liao Shuman leaned in and whispered, “You can tell me in private about you and Qi Ran. Your dad won’t understand and will just start a fight.”

Chen Qing Wu focused on her task and replied softly, “You don’t understand either.”

Liao Shuman was taken aback.

From the study, Chen Suiliang called out, “Isn’t it right here?”

Liao Shuman, glancing at her daughter with words unspoken, turned and went to the study.

***

The next day was Christmas Eve.

Around two in the afternoon, while resting in her room, Chen Qing Wu received a message from Meng Fu Yuan saying he had arrived in Nancheng and was on his way home.

They chatted briefly on WeChat, and Chen Qing Wu suggested he rest first and that they would meet in the evening.

At around four, she went downstairs but didn’t see Chen Suiliang. Liao Shuman was in the dining room on the phone, arranging a mahjong game with friends.

Curious, she waited until the call ended and asked, “Where’s Dad?”

“He went out for a social event.”

“Aren’t we having dinner with Uncle Meng’s family tonight?”

Traditionally, the two families would have dinner together on this night.

Liao Shuman replied, “The Meng family has guests tonight for Meng Fu Yuan’s blind date.”

Chen Qing Wu was stunned, “…A blind date for Brother Yuan?”

Liao Shuman gave her a look as if to ask what she didn’t understand about her words.

Chen Qing Wu asked, “Did Brother Yuan agree to this? He doesn’t seem like the type who would agree to a blind date.”

“Of course, they didn’t tell him,” Liao Shuman said, adjusting the position of the eustoma flowers on the table. “It’s a daughter of a friend of your Uncle Meng. Their family came to Nancheng for a visit, so they arranged a dinner… You should remember her, right? Fang Yao. She stayed at the Meng family’s house for a couple of days when you were in elementary school. You called her Sister Yao.”

She did vaguely remember such a person.

“Isn’t it a bit unfair to Brother Yuan? He really dislikes people meddling in his personal affairs.”

“Some social niceties have to be observed. Your Auntie Qi showed me Fang Yao’s social media; the girl is quite pretty, with an Ivy League background in IT. She and Meng Fu Yuan are sure to get along well.”

Chen Qing Wu felt a wave of unease.

She wasn’t worried about the blind date leading to anything; she was upset on Meng Fu Yuan’s behalf.

Despite Meng Fu Yuan having already refused when his father called last time, they still ignored his wishes.

Dinner was tasteless for Chen Qing Wu.

Around eight, while Liao Shuman’s friends had arrived for the mahjong game, Chen Qing Wu, restless, decided to visit the Mengs.

She came up with an excuse, “Auntie Qi picked out a vase from my place last time. I’ll deliver it to her.”

“The Mengs have guests. Are you going over now?”

“I’ll just drop it off and see if Qi Ran wants to go out.”

Hearing this, Liao Shuman stopped questioning. “There’s a cheesecake in the fridge. Take it over for them.”

Chen Qing Wu nodded.

Loading the vase and cheesecake into her car, she drove to the Meng family home.

After parking, she carried the items to the door and rang the bell.

Soon, a maid answered.

“Have you finished dinner?” Chen Qing Wu asked with a smile.

“We have. They’re in the tea room now. Please come in, Miss Chen.”

Footsteps approached from inside.

“Qing Wu.” It was Qi Lin, looking pleasantly surprised.

Qi Lin was dressed impeccably, her makeup and hair done meticulously, showing how much she valued this dinner.

Chen Qing Wu handed over the vase and cake with a smile, “The vase you chose.”

“Oh, I almost forgot about it. Thank you for remembering,” Qi Lin said joyfully, instructing the maid to handle the vase carefully. “Come in for some tea. I’ll have Qi Ran accompany you out.”

“No need. I’m just dropping by. I have plans with high school friends.”

“We have guests tonight. Otherwise, Qi Ran should be spending Christmas Eve with you,” Qi Lin said with a smile. “We’ll see you tomorrow for your mom’s birthday.”

“Sure,” Chen Qing Wu said, hesitating before adding, “My mom mentioned Brother Yuan’s blind date tonight?”

Qi Lin’s smile faltered slightly, “Yes. They’re chatting in the tea room now.”

Chen Qing Wu sensed Qi Lin’s smile was a bit forced.

Thinking about what to say next, Qi Lin spoke, “Qing Wu, could I trouble you for a moment? Auntie wants to have a word with you.”

Chen Qing Wu quickly nodded.

“Wait for me in the garden. I’ll be right out.”

Chen Qing Wu stepped off the porch and walked to a tree in the front yard.

Less than three minutes later, Qi Lin came out, holding a handbag.

She approached Chen Qing Wu, her smile slightly strained. After a long silence, she seemed to make up her mind, “Qing Wu, Auntie will speak plainly.”

“…Go ahead.”

Qi Lin appeared nervous, carefully choosing her words, “I’ve come to understand over time that perhaps it’s been us adults pushing it. You and Qi Ran probably don’t have those feelings for each other. That’s fine, Qing Wu. Even if you and Qi Ran don’t end up together, it won’t affect our families’ relationship. This might sound cheesy, but I’ve always considered you like a goddaughter. I always wanted a daughter, but unfortunately, my second child was also a boy.”

Chen Qing Wu’s heart tightened.

What was she about to say that required such a long, polite, and sincere preamble?

“…Even if you don’t end up with Qi Ran, I’ll still wish you the best with whoever you choose…” Qi Lin looked at her with a mix of regret and determination. “But…”

She paused, opening her handbag and taking out an item, holding it tightly.

“I don’t sleep well and wake up easily at the slightest noise. During the National Day, I heard you talking on the stairs. I thought I might be overthinking it…”

Chen Qing Wu’s heart sank.

Qi Lin handed her the item, “I was cleaning his study, lifted the carpet, and found this underneath.”

Chen Qing Wu stiffened, looking down.

It was a Polaroid photo.

She remembered when it was taken.

New Year’s Day in her third year of college, both families went to the mountains to watch the midnight fireworks. She had just bought a Polaroid camera and asked Meng Fu Yuan to take a photo of her and Qi Ran.

Now, in her hand was a solo picture of her standing with her back to the Nancheng Tower. At the edge of the frame, half of Meng Qi Ran’s arm was visible.

It seemed like Meng Fu Yuan had secretly taken it and hidden it away.

The dread she felt was like stepping on cracked ice.

Chen Qing Wu felt a rush of heat and shame, her head so heavy she couldn’t lift it.

Qi Lin spoke quickly, as if getting it all out in one go, “…Qing Wu, you’ve always been a smart girl. I believe you won’t be confused this time. Putting aside our families’ relations, just consider Fu Yuan and yourself. Fu Yuan is successful now, often interviewed by mainstream media, and even nominated for the city’s Outstanding Youth. In this digital age, there are no secrets. If anyone with ill intentions uses this, his reputation will be damaged. And you, Qing Wu, will bear the brunt of the backlash. Society is harsher on women. What will you do when everyone spits on you?”

Qi Lin’s eyes glistened with tears, “Qing Wu, believe Auntie, you can’t bear that pressure…”

Such a reasonable and heartfelt plea made any defense of “But Qi Ran and I were never together” seem feeble and laughable.

“Sorry, Qing Wu, Fu Yuan is my son, and I’ve watched you grow up. As a parent, I can’t watch you ruin your future. Only I know about this, and I won’t tell anyone else, including Fu Yuan. I think you can handle this better. End it while you still can, okay?”

Qi Lin stopped talking, just watching her, waiting for her decision.

Chen Qing Wu didn’t dare look up. No matter what Qi Lin’s expression was, she didn’t know how to face it.

She instinctively clenched the Polaroid. After a long time, she whispered, “…I should go, Auntie.”

“…Okay. Be safe.”

Chen Qing Wu turned and walked quickly to her car.

She got in, started the engine, and drove away in one fluid motion.

It wasn’t until she left the neighborhood that she regained her breath.

She drove home on autopilot.

When she entered, laughter echoed from the game room; someone must have won big in mahjong.

Chen Qing Wu went upstairs to her room, unnoticed.

She collapsed on her bed, burying her face in the pillow.

Her cheeks were burning, as if she had plunged into an icy lake.

***

Chen Qing Wu almost didn’t sleep at all that night.

The next day at noon, the Meng family came to celebrate Liao Shuman’s birthday.

Chen Qing Wu took her time going downstairs, only to find that Meng Fu Yuan wasn’t there.

Qi Lin explained with a smile, “Fu Yuan had to return to Dongcheng early for work.”

At lunch, with a table full of delicious food, both families toasted and celebrated happily.

Chen Qing Wu raised her glass mechanically. Amidst the clinking and laughter, the smiling faces seemed like masks that couldn’t be removed.

Why could everyone else live so freely, so unrestrained, except for her and Meng Fu Yuan?

After eating and cutting the cake, she quietly slipped out when no one was looking.

The winter light was dim, the Christmas decorations on distant trees a stark contrast to the bleak surroundings.

Lighting a cigarette, she tucked her scarf in and walked away.

Footsteps sounded behind her.

“Wu Wu…”

Chen Qing Wu turned, her expression indifferent.

Meng Qi Ran, with one hand in his black down jacket pocket, hesitated, “Where are you going? You seem upset…”

“Nothing. Just going for a walk.”

“I’ll come with…”

“Don’t follow me.”

Her voice held a restrained calm.

Meng Qi Ran pursed his lips, not daring to approach, watching her slim figure walk away.

Chen Qing Wu reached the central park of the neighborhood and sat on a bench. The cigarette in her hand slowly burned to ash, scattered by the wind.

As the wind brushed her face, she squinted and felt her phone vibrate in her pocket.

A WeChat message from Meng Fu Yuan: Sorry, Qing Wu. I had to go back to Dongcheng. We’ll celebrate Christmas when you return.

Last night’s forced socializing must have disgusted him. Despite that, he still tried to comfort her.

Chen Qing Wu replied: It’s okay. Focus on your work.

Meng Fu Yuan: Spend time with Auntie for her birthday.

Chen Qing Wu: Okay.

The “typing” indicator flashed for a while but no further message came.

For Liao Shuman’s birthday, Chen Qing Wu endured the day.

The next morning, she informed her family and drove back to Dongcheng.

The studio was just as she had left it.

She turned on the central heating, but the warmth didn’t seem to chase away the chill. Just sitting there made her shiver.

It hadn’t felt this cold before.

She spent the whole day at the wheel, throwing pots to keep herself busy.

After eight in the evening, Meng Fu Yuan called.

Covered in clay, she walked over to the sink as the call ended.

As she dried her hands, the phone vibrated again.

She answered immediately.

“Back in Dongcheng?”

“…Yes.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Meng Fu Yuan’s voice was gentle. “Have you eaten dinner?”

“No… not hungry.”

“I’ve sent a car to pick you up.Let’s get something to eat together.”

“…Okay.”

About half an hour later, Meng Fu Yuan’s driver arrived, taking her to his office.

When she got there, Meng Fu Yuan was still in a video conference with overseas chip suppliers.

An assistant showed her to the guest room to rest while he finished up.

About twenty minutes later, she heard urgent footsteps approaching.

Meng Fu Yuan, dressed in black, looked imposing under the pale lights.

He walked in quickly, “Sorry, I got held up for a bit.”

Chen Qing Wu shook her head with a smile.

“Hungry?”

“Not really.”

“Let’s go.”

She nodded, stood up, and followed him.

The lobby was brightly lit.

Chen Qing Wu paused slightly outside the glass wall, looking at the first-generation mechanical arm running inside. Its silver exterior had an elegance unique to mechanical creations.

Meng Fu Yuan watched her, “Want to take a look?”

“Sure.”

At the access control, Meng Fu Yuan unlocked the door with his fingerprint.

The glass door opened, and Meng Fu Yuan gently took her wrist, leading her inside.

Inside, a row of computer screens was in standby mode, and there were a few workstation badges on the desks.

She remembered the last time she was here, someone was operating and testing the equipment.

“Do people actually work here?”

“Yes.”

“It must feel insecure, having people come and go.”

“It’s electrochromic glass.”

“Right.”

Chen Qing Wu walked slowly around the central mechanical arm, casually saying, “…Your family had guests the other night.”

Meng Fu Yuan paused, stepping closer, lowering his head to look at her, his voice softer, “Are you upset because of that?”

She didn’t respond.

It was easier to let him misunderstand.

“My dad arranged it without asking. Don’t worry, it won’t happen again.”

“I’m not worried…” she said, lowering her eyes. “I just… want to know why. Even though you don’t want to, why don’t they respect your feelings at all?”

Meng Fu Yuan was momentarily speechless.

As a man, feeling “wronged” seemed excessively weak.

Maybe he could be angry or indifferent, but not wronged.

But only when someone sees it, does it count as being wronged.

“None of that matters. I’m used to it,” Meng Fu Yuan said calmly.

“Why should you have to get used to it…”

Chen Qing Wu knew she wasn’t questioning him.

The lighting in the exhibition hall was starkly clean, a high-tech cool white that made her cheeks appear bloodlessly pale.

Meng Fu Yuan sensed something was off with her, lowering his head and placing a hand on her shoulder, “What’s wrong, Qing Wu?”

“Nothing…” she composed herself. “Let’s go…”

“Wait. I haven’t given you your Christmas gift.”

She paused.

Meng Fu Yuan raised his hand, pressing a key behind her.

She turned instinctively to watch. His long fingers hovered over the keyboard, typing rapidly. The cursor flashed, and the code scrolled quickly on the screen.

Finally, he lifted his index finger and pressed the enter key.

There was a soft click.

Following the sound, she saw the mechanical arm come to life, rotating 180 degrees. The overhead system extended, the “arm” reaching out.

There was a corrugated cardboard box.

The “fingers” hovered above the box, descending.

There was a pause, followed by a soft “clink” as it latched onto something.

She instinctively widened her eyes, holding her breath.

With a hum, the “arm” lifted.

The overhead system retracted, the “arm” returning, stopping steadily before her, holding a bouquet of vibrant red roses.

Chen Qing Wu reached out, dazed, taking the bouquet.

After six years, he finally earned the right to give her roses.

Meng Fu Yuan’s voice resonated deeply behind her, “For the past six years, I’ve wanted to stop you countless times to say this…”

Chen Qing Wu reflexively asked, “What?”

“Stop looking at him, and please, look at me.”

Her heart plunged into an abyss, pounding like she was drowning, gasping for breath.

Her fingers trembled uncontrollably.

Without hesitation, she set the bouquet aside, turned abruptly, and grabbed his shirt collar, standing on tiptoe.

Meng Fu Yuan’s pupils dilated.

In the white noise of the hum, he realized the touch on his lips was a kiss.

The warm, close sensation felt surreal.

He closed his eyes, exhaling a hot breath, then reached out, pressing a button.

The surrounding glass instantly fogged, cutting off all view.

The next moment, he lifted her, setting her on the counter.

Removing his glasses, he tossed them aside.

With a hand behind her head, he leaned in, kissing her fiercely.

As she nearly fell backward, Chen Qing Wu instinctively clung to his shoulders.

On the brink of suffocation, her teeth were pried open, his tongue invading, leaving no room, taking her last breath. Perhaps knowing she wouldn’t resist, willing to sink with him.

Their hearts beat in unison, like a landslide and tsunami.

So intense, it felt like their hearts were aching.