“……”

It sounded like she might have been a little unfair to him.

Sang Yan’s expression showed traces of fatigue and irritation as he walked quickly with large strides. Sang Zhi had to jog to keep up with him and said, somewhat hesitantly, “But he doesn’t know that you’re living with your girlfriend. Besides, there shouldn’t be any misunderstanding, right……?”

Sang Yan remained silent.

Sang Zhi continued, “You just need to explain it a bit. If not, I can help explain.”

Sang Yan walked on, pulling out his phone from his pocket and glancing at it.

“Plus, Dad originally asked you to pick me up.” Sang Zhi felt she had a valid point. “You didn’t want to come but I didn’t hold it against you, yet you’re the one getting upset with me?”

“……” Sang Yan glanced at her. “How old are you this year?”

“20.” Sang Zhi replied.

“When I was 20,” Sang Yan said, “not only did no one pick me up during holidays, but I also had to pick you up, this incredibly annoying little brat, from school every day. Do you remember?”

“Why do you always compare yourself to me?” Sang Zhi felt baffled. “Are we even on the same level in the family?”

“……”

Sang Yan couldn’t be bothered to respond anymore. He hadn’t driven to the airport, so after they exited, he headed straight towards the taxi area. After giving the driver an address, he turned to put Sang Zhi’s luggage into the trunk.

Sang Zhi got into the car first and sent a message to Duan Jiaxu, 【I’ve arrived. My brother is here too.】

Soon after, Sang Yan also got into the car and sat beside her.

The driver started the engine.

Sang Zhi casually asked, “Are we going to your place? I want to go straight home.”

Sang Yan didn’t respond. He seemed genuinely tired, and as soon as he got into the car, he closed his eyes and leaned back in the seat to sleep.

“Mom and Dad aren’t home.” Sang Zhi, feeling a bit hungry, suggested, “How about you treat me to lunch?”

“……”

After playing with her phone for a while, Sang Zhi grew bored. “Why aren’t you talking to me? Is sister-in-law really mad? Just explain it to her, it’s no big deal.”

Sang Yan still didn’t react at all.

Sang Zhi suddenly remembered something. “By the way, have you and sister-in-law already started living together?”

“……”

“What about Sister Yifan?” Sang Zhi asked curiously. “Didn’t you say no boyfriends or girlfriends were allowed in the apartment? Isn’t it awkward for her?”

Hearing her words, Sang Yan’s eyelids twitched and he lazily glanced at her.

Sang Zhi realized, “Are you no longer sharing the apartment with her?”

Sang Yan closed his eyes again as if he had lost his voice and didn’t say a word.

Sang Zhi found it dull and didn’t bother talking to him anymore.

The car drove to the complex where Sang Yan lived.

Sang Zhi didn’t plan to get out with him and intended to let the driver take her home after Sang Yan left. However, Sang Yan dragged her out of the car, lifted his chin, and said, “Go upstairs and call your sister-in-law down so we can go out to eat.”

“……” Sang Zhi was stunned. “Why don’t you go yourself? I don’t even know her.”

Sang Yan took out her suitcase from the trunk and impatiently urged her. “Hurry up.”

Sang Zhi swallowed her frustration. “Fine.”

She took the keys from Sang Yan and went into the building. The complex wasn’t far from their home but Sang Zhi hadn’t been there many times, and it was mostly during her high school years.

She hadn’t been there in the past two years.

After taking the elevator up, Sang Zhi hesitated but decided not to use the key to open the door. Instead, she rang the doorbell and waited outside for a while. Before long, the door was opened from the inside.

The other woman was dressed in a simple set of pajamas, her face bare of makeup. She had a striking appearance, with long hair draped down her back, exuding a bit of laziness. Her eyes had a slight upward tilt, her pupils were bright and clear, and her lips, though unpainted, were naturally red. The other party was extremely beautiful.

Sang Zhi paused and called out, “Sister Yifan.”

Perhaps not expecting Sang Zhi to be outside, Wen Yifan was clearly taken aback. She held a pair of chopsticks in her hand and looked behind Sang Zhi. “Zhizhi, why are you here?”

“My brother asked me to come up.” Sang Zhi walked in and took off her shoes. “Are you still sharing the apartment with him?”

Wen Yifan nodded and walked over to the coffee table to pour Sang Zhi a glass of water.

Sang Zhi took a sip and lowered her voice, “Where’s my brother’s girlfriend? Is she in the room?”

The TV was on, playing a popular drama. Wen Yifan sat back on the sofa. She continued eating takeout while watching the TV with interest. Hearing Sang Zhi’s question, she answered casually, “It’s me.”

“……”

Sang Zhi was stunned for a long moment, unable to believe what she had just heard. “Huh?”

Wen Yifan tucked her hair behind her ear and asked gently, “What’s wrong?”

Sang Zhi didn’t want to overreact, so she scratched her head. “Nothing.”

She was about to say something else when she noticed that the takeout Wen Yifan was eating had a receipt attached to it, with a long note that Sang Yan had just mentioned to her.

Sang Zhi quickly pointed to it. “Sister Yifan, did you get mad at my brother because of that?”

Following her gaze, Wen Yifan looked at the receipt. After a moment, she raised her head and said, somewhat puzzled, “No, I’m eating it, aren’t I?”

Sang Zhi sighed in relief. “I thought you might misunderstand and think my brother is cheating.”

Wen Yifan was silent for a few seconds, as if she was contemplating something, then quickly said, “Oh, is this cheating?”

“……”

“I thought he had it written down to make sure he could receive the delivery on time.”

Sang Zhi tried to explain, “No, that’s not—”

Wen Yifan interrupted, “So he really is cheating?”

Sang Zhi quickly shook her head and tried to explain further, but Wen Yifan spoke again, now thoughtfully, “Cheating is bad enough, but he even had the nerve to give the same address to both girlfriends.”

“……”

Wen Yifan gave a thumbs-up and exclaimed in admiration, “That’s bold.”

“……”

———pr


Perhaps Sang Yan had been waiting too long, as he made several phone calls to urge them to come down. Soon, he returned himself. When the doorbell rang, Sang Zhi quickly ran to open the door and then returned to the kitchen.

Sang Yan glanced around. “What are you two doing?”

Sang Zhi replied, “Sister-in-law is making noodles for me.”

Wen Yifan, now with her hair tied up, held a knife and was chopping meat on the cutting board. Hearing Sang Zhi’s words, she turned her head and gently reminded, “Don’t call me that. Your brother is cheating.”

Sang Yan: “……”

Sang Zhi tactfully left the kitchen, giving them some space. She sat on the sofa, looking through the glass door into the kitchen, but she couldn’t hear what they were saying.

After watching them for a while, Sang Zhi started chatting with Duan Jiaxu, 【Do you know who my brother’s girlfriend is?】

【Duan Jiaxu: He’s never mentioned. Why?】

【Sang Zhi: A super pretty lady.】

【Sang Zhi: She’s my brother’s high school classmate. They’ve been sharing the apartment for a while, but I never thought they’d get together. I don’t think my brother is good enough for her at all.】

【Duan Jiaxu: Is she that pretty?】

【Sang Zhi: ?】

【Sang Zhi: Why are you so curious?】

Sang Zhi suddenly regretted her words. She stared at the screen for a long time, awkwardly adding, 【Of course, I should be prettier.】

Sang Zhi felt a bit out of place there. She ate her noodles slowly while listening to Sang Yan and Wen Yifan talk, but after finishing, she decided not to disturb them anymore and said she was leaving.

Wen Yifan happened to be heading out, so she drove Sang Zhi home.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Sang Zhi continued chatting with Duan Jiaxu, 【Why did you order takeout for my brother?】

【Duan Jiaxu: A thank you gift.】

【Duan Jiaxu: For picking you up.】

Sang Zhi laughed out loud.

Hearing her, Wen Yifan asked, “Chatting with your boyfriend?”

Sang Zhi blinked and nodded. “Mm.”

“I heard from your brother that your boyfriend is his college roommate?” Wen Yifan asked.

“Yes.”

“That’s good. He’s a bit older, so he can take care of you.” Wen Yifan said slowly, chatting with her, “And since they know each other well, your brother seems to trust him too.”

It was rare for someone to react to the news without immediately criticizing Duan Jiaxu. Sang Zhi felt happy and responded with a bright smile.

“But that’s not the most important thing. Your brother showed me a photo of your boyfriend before.” Wen Yifan sighed as she changed the topic, “He’s so handsome, isn’t he?”

“……”

“In comparison, your brother looks—” Wen Yifan suddenly stopped, perhaps realizing that Sang Zhi, the subject’s sister, was right in front of her. She swallowed her words. “Well, he’s okay too.”

“……”

Sang Zhi wasn’t sure if Sang Yan had told Li Ping about his girlfriend. She didn’t bring it up and continued living a leisurely life, eating and sleeping all day.

After a few days of boredom, Sang Zhi found a tutoring job nearby through a recommendation from a high school classmate. She didn’t forget that Duan Jiaxu might visit, so she occasionally mentioned a few things to Li Ping.

Li Ping quickly understood her intent. “Is Duan Jiaxu coming to our house for the Spring Festival?”

Sang Zhi nodded nervously. “Is that okay?”

“Maybe not.” Li Ping thought for a moment, speaking slowly and gently, “Spending the Spring Festival at someone else’s house might make him feel uncomfortable. And if it’s a visit, it might be a bit early.”

Sang Zhi was silent for a moment before deciding to talk to Li Ping seriously, “Mom, have you really been listening to my words?”

Li Ping replied, “Yes, I have.”

“I know you and Dad care about me and are worried that I might not have a good future.” Sang Zhi said earnestly, “But you should also know what kind of person Duan Jiaxu is. If he isn’t a good person, my brother wouldn’t have approved.”

“……”

“He’s not in a bad financial situation now. He studied hard in university, always getting scholarships, and now he’s working hard too. He’s not someone who lacks ambition.” Sang Zhi continued, “I’ll also study hard and find a good job in the future, so I can earn my own money. I think things will be fine.”

Li Ping listened quietly.

“And about his family, there was a woman who came to find me before, but he always protected me. There’s nothing like that now.” Sang Zhi said, pressing her lips together and speaking softly, “He was also unhappy about it, but there’s nothing he could do. I think he’s already done his best in many things.”

“Mm.”

“The reason I’ve been telling you all these things is to make sure you don’t worry about me and to reassure you.” Sang Zhi continued, “I also want you to know that I’m serious about this. I’ve thought it through and it’s not just an impulsive decision. I really believe this is a good thing.”

“Mom knows.”

Sang Zhi wasn’t sure if Li Ping had really listened this time. She felt a bit frustrated, thinking her words had no effect. But she was also worried that if she said too much, Li Ping would get annoyed, so she didn’t bring it up again.

Because of this, Sang Zhi didn’t dare to bring Duan Jiaxu home.

Days passed and the Lunar New Year was approaching.

A few weeks in advance, Duan Jiaxu booked a ticket for the fourth day of the Spring Festival.

He told Sang Zhi that the earlier tickets were all sold out and that he would spend the first few days with Jiang Siyun’s family, asking her not to worry.

But Sang Zhi knew very well that these were just words to comfort her.

The first three days of the Spring Festival were busy for Sang Zhi, as she spent time visiting relatives with her parents and meeting people she hadn’t seen in a long time. After returning home and freshening up, she would lie in bed and video call Duan Jiaxu until she fell asleep.

It wasn’t until the fourth day that things started to calm down.

Duan Jiaxu arrived in Nanwu that afternoon.

Sang Zhi didn’t hide it from her parents. She told them directly and then went out to meet him.

Duan Jiaxu didn’t let Sang Zhi come to the airport. He took a taxi after landing and came straight over.

They met at the entrance of Sang Zhi’s neighborhood.

Sang Zhi accompanied him to the hotel to drop off his things and then they wandered around a nearby shopping district that was still open. She had dinner with him outside, and afterward, he walked her back to her building.

Sang Zhi let go of Duan Jiaxu’s hand and was just about to say goodbye to him when they unexpectedly ran into Sang Rong and Li Ping, who had just returned from outside.

Caught off guard, Duan Jiaxu visibly froze, looking slightly flustered. He quickly composed himself, stood up straight, and greeted the two elders with a polite smile.

It had indeed been a long time since both sides had seen each other.

There was nothing wrong with Sang Rong’s expression as he greeted Duan Jiaxu as usual and asked him a few questions before saying, “Come upstairs and sit for a while. It’s been a long time since you’ve been to Nanwu and we haven’t heard much about you from Ah Yan.”

Duan Jiaxu nodded and politely responded.

Her parents’ reaction made it seem as though they didn’t know about Duan JIaxu’s relationship with Sang Zhi.

Following behind them, Sang Zhi couldn’t help but tug on Li Ping’s hand, whispering, “Mom.”

Li Ping chuckled. “What’s wrong? Do you think your dad and I would eat him alive?”

“……”

Back home, the four of them sat on the sofa. Sang Yan wasn’t there, as he had likely gone out with friends. Sang Zhi felt nervous, unsure of what her parents would say, and was on edge the whole time.

Sang Rong and Li Ping didn’t say much.

Their attitude towards Duan Jiaxu was exactly how they treated their son’s friend— no different from before.

After a while, Li Ping suddenly stood up, saying she was going to cut some fruit. As she headed to the kitchen, she called out to Sang Zhi after a few steps, “Zhizhi, come help Mom.”

Sang Zhi was startled. She glanced at Duan Jiaxu before reluctantly getting up. “Okay.”

Cutting fruit didn’t take much time. Sang Zhi helped by getting some fruit from the fridge and rinsing it under the tap. Li Ping didn’t let Sang Zhi use the knife, so she stood there with nothing else to do.

Sang Zhi mumbled, “Should I go back first?”

“Bring a plate over.”

“……” Sang Zhi’s attention kept drifting outside as she whispered, “Okay.”

She stayed in the kitchen for a few more minutes.

When Sang Zhi stepped out, Sang Rong and Duan Jiaxu were still chatting casually and the atmosphere hadn’t changed much compared to before. Both of their expressions remained normal.

Sang Zhi stared at Duan Jiaxu for a long time, and only when she was sure there was nothing wrong did she finally relax.

After another half hour, Duan Jiaxu spoke up, “It’s getting a bit late, Uncle and Aunt. I should head back now so I don’t disturb your rest. I’ll visit again another day.”

Sang Rong and Li Ping both stood up to see him out.

It was already past 9:00 PM by this time.

Sang Zhi grabbed a jacket and said, “I’ll walk you out.”

Duan Jiaxu smiled and replied, “No need, it’s just a short walk.”

Li Ping didn’t stop Sang Zhi and said, “Wear something warm. It’s cold outside.”

Sang Zhi responded and put on her shoes. “Let’s go.”

Duan Jiaxu didn’t say much else but reminded her, “Zip up your jacket.” Then, he glanced over at Sang Rong and Li Ping and said warmly, “Happy New Year, Uncle and Aunt.”

Then Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu walked out and waited for the elevator.

Finally, Sang Zhi found a chance to ask, “Did my dad say anything to you while I was in the kitchen?”

“Not much.” Duan Jiaxu said nonchalantly, “Just some small talk.”

“Really?”

Duan Jiaxu looked at her and chuckled. “What else would he say?”

For some reason, Sang Zhi still felt a bit uneasy, but she couldn’t find anything particularly unusual in his reaction. Just then, the elevator arrived and she walked in, muttering, “Nothing.”

Duan Jiaxu didn’t let her walk him too far. Once they reached the entrance of the community, he told her to go back.

Sang Zhi stood still, then struggled to pull out a red envelope from her pocket and shoved it into his hand. “Happy New Year.”

Duan Jiaxu raised an eyebrow. “You’re giving me a red envelope?”

“Mm.” Sang Zhi said, “This isn’t a red envelope I received, it’s from the tutoring I did.”

Duan Jiaxu flipped it over to look at it.

Sang Zhi beamed. “I drew the design on the envelope myself. Isn’t it cute?”

It was painted with red pigment.

The envelope had a red base, with a chibi^[1]a style of Japanese-influenced art, typically with big heads and small bodies version of a man in the center, complete with ears and a tail, making it look particularly adorable. Beneath it was a small inscription, 「Duan Jiaxu’s 2016 Red Envelope」

Duan Jiaxu pointed at it. “Is this supposed to be me?”

“Yes.”

Duan Jiaxu chuckled. “Why did you give me dog ears?”

Sang Zhi was speechless. “Those are fox ears.”

“So, you’re admitting it?” He leaned in and kissed her forehead, his eyes curving into a smile. “That I’m the male vixen?”

Sang Zhi glanced at him and whispered, “Mm.”

Duan Jiaxu lowered his gaze to meet hers. “Alright, I’m the male vixen.”

“……”

“But I don’t accept being called a central air conditioner.”

———pr


Duan Jiaxu returned to his hotel.

He took off his coat and tossed it onto the bed. Two red envelopes slipped out from the pocket, scattering on top of the white bedsheet. One was from Sang Rong, and the other was the one Sang Zhi had just given him.

The hotel room was quiet and desolate.

Slowly, the expression Duan Jiaxu had been maintaining faded and the smile at the corners of his lips gradually dimmed.

His Adam’s apple bobbed as memories from many years ago suddenly surfaced.

Back then, because of Xu Ruoshu’s illness, he had, for the first time, called every relative he knew. One by one, he asked to borrow money from them. But he was met with either curses or the mechanical sound of the call being hung up.

Everyone avoided them like the plague.

At that time, Duan Jiaxu had no other options.

In the end, he could only think of Sang Yan, whom he had known for just a year and who came from a well-off family. It was incredibly difficult for Duan Jiaxu to ask, but he managed to maintain a calm facade.

He borrowed 30,000 yuan from Sang Yan, who was just a college student.

Sang Yan didn’t ask much, only knowing that Duan Jiaxu’s mother was sick. He turned to his father, Sang Rong, to borrow the money on Duan Jiaxu’s behalf. Not long after, Duan Jiaxu received a call from Sang Rong, who asked about the situation in detail.

Once he understood, Sang Rong immediately transferred the money to Duan Jiaxu’s bank account and even sent a text message saying, 【Child, don’t worry about paying it back quickly. Take good care of your mother. Pay it back after you start working and everything has settled down. If you need anything else, you can always come to Uncle.】

Duan Jiaxu would never forget how he felt at that moment.

It was like receiving a lifeline in the midst of despair.

No one was willing to help them, not even their blood relatives. But this family, who had no connection to him, offered help without expecting anything in return.

It was a kindness that Duan Jiaxu could never forget.

Duan Jiaxu bent down and picked up the red envelope from Sang Rong.

He recalled the words Sang Rong had said to him after Sang Zhi had gone to the kitchen.

His tone was no different from the one he’d used when talking with Duan Jiaxu on the phone all those years ago— calm and gentle, without making anyone uncomfortable.

Sang Rong had said a lot and Duan Jiaxu remembered every word, listened carefully to every word, and agreed to every word, but now, for some reason, only one sentence stood out in his mind.

——”Your family’s situation, Zhizhi’s mom and I do feel…… a bit concerned.”

If anyone else had said such a thing to him, Duan Jiaxu wouldn’t feel much.

But they were Sang Zhi’s parents.

The only people who had been willing to help him in his darkest hour.

Duan Jiaxu lowered his eyes and sat on the bed, picking up the red envelope with Sang Zhi’s drawing. His gaze dimmed, his lips straightened, and all the strength he had been holding onto crumbled in an instant.

All that was left was a deep, overwhelming sense of inadequacy.