Reunion ( Modern )

The room was softly lit, and Sang Yao was sitting cross-legged in the living room, wearing a thin strap nightdress.

She was earnestly reading the script in her hands, though she wasn’t an actress but rather a small artist, no, a big artist.

Because of her delicate art style, she gained quite a bit of fame on the internet, and her occasional appearances on live streams further boosted her popularity.

Her miraculous brushstrokes combined with her beautiful face quickly made her the talk of various platforms.

Soon after, a producer working in the entertainment industry found her and wanted her to play a supporting role in a period drama.

The role wasn’t substantial, but it ran throughout the whole drama.

There were only two requirements: a fresh face and a beauty.

Sang Yao had no acting skills; she could easily pass as a vase. She didn’t want to let the audience down, so she refused several times.

But later, the producer kept coming back, praising her to the skies each time until she couldn’t refuse anymore.

“The appearance of this role is more important than acting skills. You just need to be a vase, leave the rest to editing!”

Even though that was the case, she still felt pressured.

She had been mumbling to herself for a long time and hadn’t noticed that it was already ten o’clock.

When she closed the script and tried to stand up, her legs were numb. Sang Yao leaned on the glass coffee table and stood up slowly.

Before she could straighten her back, she heard the sound of the door unlocking from the direction of the door.

Sang Yao froze.

She had recently come to City A and was temporarily staying at Aunt Shen’s house in the Heng Palace Villa, at Aunt Shen’s warm invitation.

It was said that this house was bought by Xie Yun when he was in college. Later, when Xie Yun started working, the house became vacant and was only cleaned regularly by hired help.

Aunt Shen and her husband had gone on a trip, and Xie Yun, who was said to be a workaholic, lived near the company and wouldn’t come here for half a year.

But in just two seconds, the door was pushed open directly, and a tall, handsome man walked into the room.

He wore a black shirt and suit pants, his sleeves casually rolled up, his coat draped over his arm, the cold light in the room shining on his handsome profile.

They hadn’t seen each other for three years, and he seemed even more difficult to approach now.

Their eyes met, and Sang Yao’s heart tightened. She called out, “Little Yun Ge.”

She had almost always called him that since childhood.

Both Sang Yao’s and Xie Yun’s families were old acquaintances, neighbors for over ten years. He was not only a neighbor but also her ex-boyfriend.

The breakup was initiated by Sang Yao back then. She was young and impulsive, liked to quarrel with Xie Yun, and always felt that Xie Yun was too reserved. She thought she might prefer a more lively and sunny boy.

But just a few days after the breakup, she regretted it.

However, she didn’t have the courage to actively reconcile with Xie Yun at that time, and Xie Yun didn’t come looking for her either. They remained in a stalemate like this until three years ago when the Xie family’s business changed, and they moved to City A.

After the breakup, Sang Yao hadn’t dated any other lively and outgoing boys. Besides Xie Yun, no one else interested her.

Whenever she mentioned her youthful crush and ambiguity, all her experiences came from this person in front of her.

Sang Yao said, “Long time no see.”

Xie Yun responded with a faint “Hmm” and withdrew his gaze from her, then asked knowingly, “What are you doing here?”

Did Aunt Shen not tell him beforehand?

Sang Yao obediently explained once again, adding, “If I’m bothering you, I can move out anytime.”

She used to be very close to Xie Yun, treating him like family.

But over the past three years, they hadn’t been in touch much, and their relationship had faded. Seeing each other again was inevitably a bit awkward.

Xie Yun set down his glass and said, “No need.”

He turned to look at Sang Yao.

For some reason, even though they were old acquaintances reuniting, in this enclosed room, she didn’t feel particularly awkward.

Because her relationship with Xie Yun wasn’t just about past romance; she used to rely on him a lot.

He was almost her entire memory of youth.

Right now, she was just a little nervous.

He was still looking at her.

Just as Sang Yao was about to say something else, a flash of light suddenly appeared in her mind, reminding her of something.

She hadn’t expected someone to come back suddenly. After taking a shower, she put on a very casual outfit, a light and soft white silk nightgown that reached her calves.

It wasn’t a big deal.

But under Xie Yun’s calm gaze, she remembered that she wasn’t wearing a bra.

…

Indeed, she wasn’t wearing one.

Help! Even if he’s my ex-boyfriend, this is not okay.

Feeling extremely embarrassed, she couldn’t help but shrink her shoulders silently and casually raise her hand to cover herself.

She had thought of many romantic ways to reunite, but how could it turn out to be so awkward?

Xie Yun finally looked away. He seemed not to have noticed, continuing, “I don’t come here often. You can feel free to stay.”

Sang Yao replied, “Thank you, Little Yun Ge.”

Out of Xie Yun’s sight, she frantically moved her ankles until the numbness eased a bit. Then, she immediately turned around and said, “Then, I’ll go back to my room first.”

But just as she took two steps, the man stopped her, saying, “Wait.”

Sang Yao froze, not daring to turn back.

“What’s wrong?”

Her arm was tapped, and she glanced sideways, seeing her forgotten script.

“Your stuff.”

His voice was close, coming from behind her.

Sang Yao stood empty-handed, feeling too nervous to turn back. Her voice was somewhat flustered as she took the script and said, “Thank you.”

After speaking, she quickly entered her room, feeling miserable. She wondered if Xie Yun noticed. It was a disaster to start off the first day like this!

But Xie Yun should understand, right? He knew she didn’t like wearing a bra after taking a shower.

And also, how come after three years, this man was still the same?

Not smiling, not cheerful at all.

He didn’t even smile at her just now.

(2) Living Together

A dreamless night passed.

The next day, after Sang Yao woke up, she saw breakfast on the table, with no note beside it, and Xie Yun hadn’t sent her any messages either.

Sang Yao stood there guessing for a while, thinking that this breakfast should be for her, or else why would Xie Yun leave it for tomorrow?

After finishing breakfast, she went to the filming set. She had been worried that others might look down on her lack of acting skills, but when she arrived, she found that the atmosphere in the crew was much more harmonious than she had imagined.

Her role wasn’t significant, and most of the time she practiced her lines by herself.

When she got bored, she would sketch a few strokes in her sketchbook. The day passed quickly enough.

In the evening, a male actor from the same crew who had scenes with her offered to drive her home.

They got along quite well, and he was actually a junior from her school days, playing her husband in the drama. He had helped her a lot today.

After refusing a couple of times, Sang Yao finally got into his car.

“So, Sister, you live here, huh? I heard that real estate in Heng Palace is really expensive. I didn’t expect you to be a little rich girl, Sister.”

Sang Yao replied, “No, I’m just staying at a friend’s place. My family doesn’t have a house in City A.”

“Haha, but Sister, the privacy in Heng Palace is good. You can rest assured that there won’t be any paparazzi snapping photos of you!”

Soon, the car stopped downstairs.

Sang Yao said, “Why would anyone take photos of me? They don’t even know who I am.”

Xu Jia smirked and made a gesture towards Sang Yao, saying, “Well, they just have no taste. Let me be the one to take photos of you, Sister!”

Sang Yao laughed.

Sang Yao walked into the room and had just sat down on the sofa when the door reopened.

It was Xie Yun.

Sang Yao quickly stood up and said, “Little Yun Ge.”

She really wanted to ask how he came back, considering he said he doesn’t come often.

But this was someone else’s home, so it didn’t seem appropriate to ask.

If she had known Xie Yun would come often, she definitely wouldn’t have stayed here.

Soon, Xie Yun’s voice came over, “The house near the company is undergoing renovations, so I’ll be staying here for a while.”

“…”

He naturally took off his coat and loosened his tie as he said, “There are plenty of rooms here, so we won’t disturb each other.

I usually come back late, so we won’t have many chances to run into each other.”

He stared into Sang Yao’s eyes, his slender eyes showing no emotion. He continued, “Of course, if you don’t want to stay with me, I won’t force you. I’ll just book a hotel.”

He had even gone to this extent.

How could Sang Yao possibly respond that she didn’t want to live with him? She definitely wouldn’t let him go to a hotel either.

Oh no, she was going to live with her ex-boyfriend.

If it were someone else, Sang Yao would have rejected it a hundred times. But perhaps because she was used to being with Xie Yun before, she felt like it wasn’t such a big deal.

Sang Yao shook her head and said, “It’s okay.”

But then again, they wouldn’t normally see each other.

That’s what she thought.

Xie Yun came back early today. In the evening, when Sang Yao was about to order takeout, Xie Yun asked her, “What do you like to eat?”

Sang Yao replied, “I’ll just order for myself. What do you want to eat? I can order for you.”

Xie Yun walked into the kitchen.

He could actually cook now! He clearly couldn’t before.

She politely said, “You don’t have to trouble yourself.”

Xie Yun asked, “Steak or sweet and sour pork ribs?”

Sang Yao: “Sweet and sour pork ribs!”

Sang Yao had always loved sweet and sour pork ribs.

When she used to live next door to Xie Yun, she often enjoyed the pork ribs Aunt Shen made and would go to their house for meals.

After all, it was their second meeting, so they were a bit more familiar with each other.

Sang Yao leaned in and watched his skillful movements, curious, “Did you learn this from Aunt Shen?”

She had hardly ever been in the kitchen since she was young, and she thought Xie Yun should be more like a young master than her.

Xie Yun replied, “Isn’t it something you can do if you have hands?”

Sang Yao, who only knew how to order takeout and cook instant noodles, didn’t know what to say.

She stood beside Xie Yun and said, “Can I help you?”

“No need, just wait.”

Ignoring him, Sang Yao grabbed the vegetables he took out and said, “I’ll help you shell the edamame beans!”

Xie Yun glanced at her and said, “Those are green beans.”

Sang Yao: “…Oh.”

“Then can I help you with the green beans?”

“No need to shell the green beans.”

Sang Yao fell silent and returned to the living room, turning on the TV.

Xie Yun’s cooking turned out unexpectedly delicious and looked great.

Sang Yao had wanted to ask if he secretly learned it, but she remembered that this guy had always acted cool since childhood and would never admit it.

Just like when they were in school, he always ranked first in the whole school.

When Sang Yao went to him for advice, he wouldn’t admit that he had been studying until two in the morning.

He would just say, “Just glanced at it casually.”

At this moment, Xie Yun, who usually didn’t talk much during meals, suddenly initiated a conversation, “How have you been lately?”

Sang Yao answered seriously, “Pretty good, just writing and drawing every day, and everyone in the crew is really nice. But I’m not sure if the audience will dislike my poor acting skills when the show airs.”

Even though the director praised her today, she still felt insecure.

She sighed and said, “I’m most afraid of criticism. I won’t be able to sleep if I get criticized.”

“Do you think I should hire a teacher to teach me?”

Xie Yun replied, “Isn’t it too late to start learning now?”

He said, “You have to trust Uncle He’s judgment.”

Sang Yao propped her chin up and stared at Xie Yun, “Are you praising me? Uncle He said I’m a rare beauty of ancient and modern times. Do you think so too?”

Xie Yun glanced at her.

Sang Yao blinked her eyes at him, thinking that Xie Yun knew her beauty better than anyone else.

She looked at him expectantly.

Xie Yun didn’t answer, and Sang Yao felt a little disappointed.

This guy was really annoying.

He grew up, from being a little old-fashioned to being completely old-fashioned.

But soon, she heard him make a low “hmm” sound.

Sang Yao’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat.

Not sure if it was her imagination, but she felt like Xie Yun had changed a bit since their last meeting.

And just like that, Sang Yao ended up living with Xie Yun for no apparent reason.

Strangely, Xie Yun had previously said he would come back late, but for the past half month, he had been coming back before 7 o’clock every day.

He would buy groceries every day, and sometimes when he was busy, he would have his secretary do it.

Anyway, Sang Yao found out that he really liked cooking.

He cooked every day, and Sang Yao could always join him.

Later, Sang Yao felt a bit embarrassed and suggested to Xie Yun that she would buy groceries herself.

Xie Yun readily agreed.

So, every day before coming back, she would ask Xie Yun what he wanted to eat that night.

Then she would go grocery shopping, Xie Yun would cook, and they would eat together.

Finally, Xie Yun would do the dishes.

(3) Accident

Sang Yao didn’t think there was anything wrong with it at first.

She was very familiar with Xie Yun. They even shared a bed when they were young.

Even during puberty, when she had her first period, Xie Yun bought her sanitary pads.

Xie Yun always helped her with her studies, and they spent several years going to school and coming home together.

Their relationship wasn’t just a simple romantic one.

So this level of closeness was nothing out of the ordinary.

It wasn’t until one day at a cast gathering, late at night, that Sang Yao was nestled in a corner, sending WeChat messages to Xie Yun.

[Sang Yao: We’re having a cast gathering today. I might be back later, so you don’t have to wait for me to eat!]

She even added a cute emoji of a little cat peeking out.

Soon, Xie Yun’s reply came.

His nickname for her hadn’t changed in years.

[Little Yun Brother [Heart]: Where are you?]

Sang Yao sent her location.

After some thought, she added another sentence.

[You don’t have to come pick me up.]

Xie Yun didn’t reply.

By the time the gathering was over, it was already 8 o’clock in the evening, peak rush hour.

Someone suggested playing a murder mystery game, but Sang Yao had had a bit to drink and was feeling a bit dizzy.

She didn’t want to stay out too late, so she decided to leave directly.

“Jiahe, don’t you know where her house is? Why don’t you take Yao Yao home?”

Sang Yao wasn’t drunk enough for that. She quickly said, “I can take a taxi myself. You guys go have fun.”

Xu Jiahe said, “Senior, let me take you home!”

He winked at Sang Yao and whispered, “It’s late, and I also want to slip away. Senior, give me a chance.”

Seeing them whispering to each other, others chimed in, “Yao Yao, Jiahe seems really concerned about you, so proactive.”

Sang Yao pursed her lips. Just as she was about to agree, a black Bentley entered everyone’s view and slowly stopped in front of Sang Yao.

The window rolled down, revealing a handsome man sitting in the back seat.

He was dressed in a suit, and despite the dim light, his sharp features stood out even more, exuding a commanding presence even as he sat quietly in the car.

Sang Yao calmed down.

She couldn’t help but sober up a bit and asked Xie Yun, “Why did you come?”

Xie Yun replied, “Get in the car.”

Xu Jiahe grabbed her sleeve and whispered, “Senior, do you know him?”

Sang Yao pulled her hand back and said, “He’s my…”

She paused and said, “He’s my friend.”

After bidding farewell to everyone else, she got into the car.

The inside of the car was very quiet, with Xie Yun sitting beside her, his legs crossed.

He frowned. “Have you been drinking?”

Sang Yao gestured, “Just a small glass.”

“Have you just finished work?”

Xie Yun ignored her and said, discontentedly, “Didn’t we agree before that you shouldn’t drink when you go out?”

Sang Yao, feeling a bit bold due to her dizziness, snorted, “What’s it to you? We’re not together anymore.”

Three years!

He hadn’t come to find her in three whole years. Of course, even if he just gave her a small opening, she would take it.

It’s really annoying.

And she really only had one glass.

Xie Yun seemed to be angry and didn’t speak to her.

They went the whole way without saying a word.

Back at home, Sang Yao took off her shoes.

She looked back at Xie Yun, who had already taken off his coat and didn’t look too happy.

Sang Yao couldn’t help but say, “Fine, I’ll listen to you.”

Xie Yun poured her a glass of water and asked, “Listen to me about what?”

Sang Yao took the glass and said, “Not drinking when going out.”

She drank half the water, then rested her chin on her hand and asked him, “When will your house be renovated?”

Sang Yao couldn’t handle much alcohol, basically a lightweight.

He started making her a cup of tea, paused at her question, and said, “You want me to leave?”

Sang Yao shook her head. “I don’t want you to leave.”

Xie Yun looked at her and asked, “Why?”

Sang Yao said, “The sweet and sour spare ribs you make are better than what Aunt Shen makes. If you leave, I’ll have to order takeout again.”

“The hotel food isn’t good either.”

Xie Yun: “…”

“Oh, by the way, when did you learn to cook?”

He handed her the tea and looked down, saying, “Do I still need to learn? Didn’t I tell you, I just naturally know how.”

He was lying again, but Sang Yao couldn’t be bothered to argue with him.

She took the cup and turned away, but because of the alcohol, her steps faltered, and she swayed.

Xie Yun timely reached out to support her.

Holding her waist.

Sang Yao suddenly widened her eyes, meeting the man’s dark eyes.

The last time she was this close to Xie Yun was three years ago.

In fact, Sang Yao didn’t quite understand. She used to joke about breaking up before, but Xie Yun never took it seriously.

He would still punish her, saying it was punishment, but it was actually just playing with her.

But three years ago, he seemed to be serious for some reason.

So they really broke up.

Sang Yao didn’t move.

Under the influence of alcohol, she stared at his face and said the words she had been thinking about for a long time.

She whispered, “Xie Yun.”

Unlike with others, when she called him Little Yun Brother, it was considered “awkward,” as if she was saying she only saw him as a brother.

But when they were dating before, she only called him Xie Yun.

She asked, “Do you miss me?”

Xie Yun didn’t retract his hand, nor did he answer her.

Of course, he missed her a lot, otherwise he wouldn’t be here in this room.

After three years, she was back by his side.

Those three years weren’t exactly a breakup. In Xie Yun’s eyes, it was just his chance for her.

It was the only time he let go.

When she was unhappy, he gave her the chance to find someone else, wanting her to be free.

Because he loved her very much, he didn’t want to see her frown.

He also didn’t want her always talking about breaking up with him.

He wanted her to realize, after experiencing the wonders of the world, that only he was worthy of her, and she would only fall in love with him.

Sang Yao didn’t expect Xie Yun to answer. She leaned her head against Xie Yun’s chest and said, “But I miss you a lot.”

Xie Yun helped her stand up straight, his hand still not letting go, just moving from her waist to her chin.

Sang Yao was forced to raise her head, and Xie Yun asked her, “Is that so?”

Sang Yao didn’t nod.

In the cold light, Xie Yun’s hand caressed her lips. “Are you tired today?”

Sang Yao shook her head. “My scenes were few, just one in the afternoon—”

The rest of her words were cut off by him.

As their lips touched, Sang Yao hesitated for a moment before actively holding onto his neck.

The air grew hot, and Sang Yao felt a bit breathless. Her legs were already a bit wobbly, and being kissed so forcefully and passionately by him made her even more unsteady.

Xie Yun lifted her thigh, letting her sit on the cold marble desk.

Soon, her blouse was undone.

After a long kiss, the girl’s lips were red, and her eyes misted over.

Xie Yun asked softly, “Are you sober now?”

Sang Yao didn’t know if she was sober or not.

Her head was still a bit dizzy, but she knew what she was doing.

She was kissing Xie Yun.

Under his gaze, she tilted her head up and kissed him lightly.

The passion reignited.

She was pulled into his embrace. After a tumultuous moment, she was carried into the room.

It was Xie Yun’s room, and he didn’t turn on the lights, leaving the room dim.

Soon, she was pressed onto the soft bed, and her knitted jacket was taken off, leaving her in a thin camisole.

Her heart was beating fast, and she felt like she was awake now.

Xie Yun was on top of her, his strong arms supporting him beside her ears.

The intense kisses stopped at a crucial moment.

He asked her again, “Are you sober now?”

At this moment, Sang Yao suddenly understood his meaning.

She gripped the sheets tightly and whispered, “I’m awake.”

He pulled Sang Yao up, his rough fingers stopping at her waist, the thin straps of her camisole seeming like they would break with a tug.

He asked in a deep voice, “Can we go to bed now?”

Sang Yao: “…”

He never used to talk so much before. How come after three years of not seeing each other, he suddenly became polite?

She turned her face away, not intending to answer him.

Xie Yun chuckled, which annoyed Sang Yao even more.

She lifted her foot and lightly kicked his leg, saying, “Forget it if you’re not coming.”

Xie Yun grabbed her ankle and then kissed her calf, saying, “Don’t be angry.”

---

The next morning, when Sang Yao got up, the sun was already high in the sky.

After not doing this kind of thing for several years, Xie Yun seemed to be as skilled as ever. Sang Yao moved her sore legs and reluctantly got up to wash.

She walked out of the room, intending to go to the bathroom in her own room.

But soon, as she passed by the balcony, her gaze casually swept over and saw something hanging under the sunlight…

Sang Yao instantly sobered up a bit.

She had long been accustomed to Xie Yun helping her wash her underwear, but the problem was, the one she wore yesterday was a bit sexy.

A very pure black lace.

But when she bought it initially, she didn’t pay attention to its appearance (she swore she only paid a little attention. Not revealing, very beautiful lace), she just felt it was thin and comfortable, so she didn’t think much about it.

---

Looking at it now, it was really eye-catching.

Just then, the door was opened, and Xie Yun walked in from outside, holding a bag of groceries.

Sang Yao quickly turned to look at him.

It had only been half a month, and her ex-boyfriend had become her current boyfriend again.

“When did you wake up?”

Sang Yao approached him and said, “Just now.”

Xie Yun naturally leaned down and kissed her cheek, saying, “Let’s eat.”

Sang Yao followed behind him, looking at the bag of groceries he bought, and asked, “Didn’t you go to the company today?”

Xie Yun said, “Didn’t feel like it.”

“Why not?”

Xie Yun looked at her and said honestly, “Wanted to be with you.”

Sang Yao smiled, but then she thought and said with concern, “Is your house supposed to be ready by now?”

Xie Yun certainly wouldn’t admit that it wasn’t even close to being ready. “The construction got delayed, another two months.”

Sang Yao grinned. She hugged his arm and, instead of saying she wanted to be with him, said, “That’s great! My meals are taken care of!”

Xie Yun didn’t expose her. He said, “What, using me for something.”

“Isn’t the construction fee very expensive? Can you afford it?” Sang Yao asked naturally.

“I can’t afford it,” she kissed him and said, “Can I pay with this?”

(Four) Extra CP

She finished filming this drama in less than a month.

Initially, she didn’t bring much luggage, and many of the things she had were bought again by Xie Yun’s secretary.

But in fact, Sang Yao wanted to go shopping with him. However, she had to paint and go to the set on weekdays, so she never had the time.

That day, Xie Yun came back later than usual.

When he entered, he had several beautifully wrapped bags in his hand. Sang Yao greeted him happily, “Why do you buy things for me every day? I can’t use that much.”

Xie Yun took off his coat, pulled her to sit on the sofa, and said without changing his expression, “This time it’s essential.”

“What essential things?” Sang Yao asked.

She took out the things from the bag.

…

There were many colors, black, red, pink, all kinds of styles.

The smile on Sang Yao’s face froze. She suspected, “Are you doing this on purpose?”

“You shameless.”

Xie Yun took it from her hand, the thin fabric swaying lightly.

He was very satisfied with his choice. He said to her, “Don’t you like this style?”

“I heard that this kind of fabric is more comfortable than lace.”

Sang Yao asked, “Who told you that?”

“The salesperson.”

Sang Yao couldn’t imagine Xie Yun going to buy underwear for her in a suit. She covered her face and said, “You…”

Sang Yao couldn’t continue. She pushed the bags to Xie Yun and said, “Don’t talk to me!”

Before Sang Yao’s drama aired, there were many spoilers about her.

Among them, the most eye-catching was the scene where she appeared with Xu Jiahe. In fact, it wasn’t a very intimate video; it was just Sang Yao handing him medicine while Xu Jiahe was in character and injured.

But with the ambiguous filter and a very dramatic background music, the scene immediately took on a different meaning.

The video was crazily circulated.

Overnight, the CP of Sang Yao and Xu Jiahe soared to the top.

Even if Xie Yun didn’t want to know, it was hard not to.

【My CP is the best: So sweet! He’s so into her!】

【It’s so hard to come up with a nickname: Is this the power of eye contact? I told you, eye contact is the most genuine! I’m so moved! Is this the charm of a younger man! I’m already tired of saying howpay!】

Xie Yun had been browsing this CP thread for half an hour, and the more he looked, the deeper his frown became.

It just didn’t match.

Were they crazy?

But he could only watch and couldn’t refute. This damn thread required level six to post.

He didn’t want to reveal that he was angry with Sang Yao, so he spent every day in powerless rage.

For this, Xie Yun persisted for a month, signing in to this trash thread every day, and then getting confused by various so-called materials.

Finally, one day at the end of the month.

His account reached level six.

So, a discordant post appeared in this otherwise harmonious thread.

【My wife is Sang Yao: I’m sorry, your CP is fake. Sang Yao and I are the real deal. Please stop spreading false information immediately.】

CP fans: Where did this dream guy come from, kick him out.

Just as Xie Yun intended to post a second message and bring out evidence, he found himself blacklisted and banned from posting.

“…”

It’s just a stupid thread.

It will be shut down sooner or later.