They landed in Nanshui City a little past eight in the evening. Despite the long journey, Chen Jiaojiao wasn’t tired at all perhaps because he had slept on the plane and was instead brimming with excitement.
After settling into the hotel, he immediately pestered Meng Jin to take him out for a stroll. After all, they would be leaving the next afternoon, giving them less than a full day here, and he wanted to make the most of it.
Unfortunately, Meng Jin’s parents were traveling the world, and it was unclear when they would return, so a meeting wasn’t possible.
In Nanning City, December nights fell early. By eight o’clock, it was already pitch dark, with only the lively food stalls offering a bit of warmth and bustle.
Chen Jiaojiao was bundled up in a thick down jacket, wearing a hat and a scarf. Looking at himself in the mirror, he felt like a round ball. He tugged at his scarf, complaining, “It’s too bulky. It’s uncomfortable.”
Meng Jin stood behind him, dressed in a long trench coat over a suit. Their eyes met in the mirror as he took Chen Jiaojiao’s scarf and reminded him, “It’s cold outside.”
“You’re wearing even less than I am,” Chen Jiaojiao retorted dismissively. He reached out and grasped Meng Jin’s hand, feeling a wave of warmth spread from his palm. His eyes widened in surprise. “Your hand is so warm!”
Even though Meng Jin was dressed more lightly, his hands were warmer than Chen Jiaojiao’s.
Meng Jin turned his hand over, clasping Chen Jiaojiao’s and tucking it into his coat pocket, enveloping his cold fingers completely. “Let’s go.”
Inside the hotel, they hadn’t felt the cold, but as soon as they stepped outside, a chilly wind swept in, sneaking through Chen Jiaojiao’s collar and making him shiver. Before he could regret his decision, Meng Jin stopped walking.
The streetlights along the road were voice-activated and would automatically turn off if there was no sound for a while.
Meng Jin lowered his gaze, carefully rewrapping the scarf around Chen Jiaojiao’s neck and tying it into a neat bow.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The streetlight went out, plunging them into darkness.
Chen Jiaojiao stared straight ahead, his gaze inadvertently landing on Meng Jin’s tie. Meng Jin’s actions made him wonder if he should learn how to tie a bow tie too, so he could one day help Meng Jin with his tie.
“Done,” Meng Jin’s voice broke his train of thought, and the streetlight flickered back on.
With the scarf blocking the cold wind, warmth gradually built up inside him, spreading through his body.
Chen Jiaojiao naturally reached for Meng Jin’s hand again. As he glanced down, he noticed how large Meng Jin’s palm was it could easily envelop his own. Running his fingers over it, he could feel the lines and texture of Meng Jin’s palm.
That dry, broad hand gave him an inexplicable sense of security.
Their hotel wasn’t far from the old city district, which was also Nanning’s commercial hub. In recent years, the area had developed rapidly, and at night, it was brightly lit, with a bustling food district full of life.
Chen Jiaojiao loved places like this, brimming with the energy of everyday life. It made him feel less alone, more connected to the world. But… he stole a glance at Meng Jin beside him, dressed impeccably in a suit, looking completely out of place here. The thought made him purse his lips and let out a light cough.
Unexpectedly, Meng Jin frowned at the sound, pressing the back of his hand against Chen Jiaojiao’s forehead. Worry and concern were evident in his eyes. “Are you feeling unwell?”
“Just a bit of a sore throat.” Chen Jiaojiao shook her head, taking the lead as she walked ahead and guided Meng Jin toward a small stall, pointing, “I want to eat that.”
Meng Jin glanced up it was a seafood barbecue stall. Nanshui City was coastal, famous nationwide for its seafood, and he didn’t want to be the “bad guy” who stopped her.
The barbecue stall was crowded, and the two of them waited for quite a while before getting their number tag.
Chen Jiaojiao looked at the “smooth and greasy” table and the cramped space packed with people. She instinctively checked Meng Jin’s expression he had a cleanliness obsession. She saw him tense-faced, head lowered, meticulously wiping the table and utensils with hot water.
She took a sip of warm water and spoke up when she noticed the neighboring table bumping into Meng Jin again, “How about we take it back to the hotel to eat?”
It was Meng Jin’s first time eating in such a crowded place. The veins at his temples throbbed repeatedly, but he hadn’t considered taking the food back. He raised an eyebrow, pushing the clean utensils toward Chen Jiaojiao, saying only, “Sit properly.”
This barbecue stall operated on a number-calling system, when your number was called, you went outside to pick up your order.
“Number 73!”
It was their number.
Chen Jiaojiao immediately stood up. It was already impressive enough that Meng Jin was willing to eat here with her, how could she let him squeeze through the crowd too?
But she didn’t expect Meng Jin to move faster, pressing down on her shoulder as he stepped through the crowd toward the outside, saying, “Hold our spot.”
Soon after, Chen Jiaojiao saw Meng Jin returning with a large plate of food. The tie under his coat was crooked and sticking out, his hair slightly disheveled, but it added a touch of liveliness and made him seem more down-to-earth.
She secretly curved her lips into a smile. The usually reserved Mr. Meng could be quite adorable too.
Meng Jin caught the hint of amusement in Chen Jiaojiao’s eyes, and most of his frustration and displeasure faded away. He smiled as well, asking, “What?”
Chen Jiaojiao shook her head, refusing to say, and grabbed a sizzling, oily grilled chicken wing to stuff into her mouth.
The charcoal-grilled meat skewers quickly won over her taste buds one skewer, one sip of drink.
“I want some wheat juice, you…” Seeing everyone around drinking beer, Chen Jiaojiao couldn’t help but feel tempted and started asking Meng Jin for some. But before she could finish, she caught Meng Jin’s sidelong glance and immediately shut her mouth tightly.
Meng Jin picked at his sea intestine rice dish without much enthusiasm, taking occasional bites. Hearing her, he let out a light snort, “If you want to spend tomorrow in the hotel, I’ll go get it for you right now.”
Chen Jiaojiao knew her own alcohol tolerance and didn’t bring it up again, though she took a big gulp of juice in resignation.
By the time they finished the meal, it was nearly ten o’clock. Their clothes were soaked with the smell of barbecue, and even walking in the cold wind, they could still catch a whiff of it.
The food district wasn’t far from a nearby high school. At 9:50, the students had just gotten out of class, and the faster ones had already run over.
Chen Jiaojiao followed Meng Jin’s pace with him leading the way, she only needed to follow. Watching the students in twos and threes, in groups, still wearing their school uniforms, she couldn’t help but feel a hint of envy. Was her own high school life like this too?
After walking for a while, she realized the route wasn’t right it wasn’t the way back to the hotel. She stopped, suspicion in her eyes, “Is this the way back to the hotel?”
Meng Jin tilted his head to look at her, teasing, “Don’t you want to visit your alma mater?”
“Is this my alma mater?” Chen Jiaojiao raised her voice, excitement evident in her tone. “I don’t remember it at all.”
Upon learning that this was indeed his former school, Chen Jiaojiao perked up, hoping to recover some of his lost memories here. Yet, no matter how carefully he looked around, everything remained unfamiliar nothing but strangeness.
He lowered his gaze dejectedly, staring at the tips of his shoes. “I can’t recall a single thing.”
Just then, an unfamiliar voice spoke up. “Are you Chen Jiaojiao?”
Chen Jiaojiao glanced at Meng Jin first before turning to the speaker. It was a refined middle-aged man holding a textbook. Guessing he was a teacher at the school, Chen Jiaojiao was about to speak when Meng Jin’s steady voice cut in. “Hello, Teacher Li.”
The man called Teacher Li suddenly understood, smiling warmly. “Ah, it’s Student Meng, right? Or should I call you President Meng now?”
“I knew I hadn’t mistaken you. Student Chen, it’s good to see you’re alright. Are you still studying?”
Meng Jin whispered into Chen Jiaojiao’s ear, “This was your math teacher for all three years of high school. You were the math class representative.”
Chen Jiaojiao nervously grabbed Meng Jin’s hand, straightened his posture, and bowed slightly a gesture ingrained in his instincts. “Hello, Teacher. I’m currently studying abroad at a university.”
“That’s good. You should keep pursuing your education.”
Chen Jiaojiao hadn’t expected to run into a teacher at the school today. Feeling empty-handed, he wanted to ask for an address so he could bring gifts and visit before leaving tomorrow. “Teacher, where do you live?”
“I’ll bring some fruits to visit you tomorrow.”
Li Dong’s smile stiffened for a moment. He instinctively looked at Meng Jin, whose expression remained unchanged, still wearing a polite smile. An inexplicable unease stirred in Li Dong’s heart, but he replied with professional composure, “There’s no need for a visit. Things are being strictly monitored lately, and I don’t want to become a target during this sensitive time.”
His remark made all three of them laugh.
After chatting with the teacher for a while, Teacher Li received a phone call and excused himself first. Chen Jiaojiao’s face showed reluctance.
As Li Dong walked out of the school, he suddenly relaxed his shoulders, his back damp with sweat. Thank goodness I didn’t mess up. I’ll get the final payment now.
He wasn’t actually a teacher at all but a minor actor from the lower tiers of the industry. A month ago, someone had contacted him out of the blue, offering him a role to play a teacher in a staged encounter. If he succeeded, he would receive a large sum of money enough to cover his family’s expenses for a year. Without hesitation, he had agreed.
Recalling the look the other man had given him earlier, Li Dong shuddered. Better not dwell on it. He’s leaving tomorrow anyway, and we’ll probably never meet again.
How could Meng Jin possibly let Chen Jiaojiao come to Nanning City unprepared? He had started making arrangements a month in advance. Today’s encounter with Li Dong was also meticulously planned by him, all to completely dispel any lingering doubts in Chen Jiaojiao’s mind.
Meeting Jiaojiao’s joyful gaze, Meng Jin allowed himself a faint, imperceptible smile. It seems to have worked perfectly, doesn’t it?
Back at the hotel, after taking a shower, Chen Jiaojiao half-reclined on the sofa. The ends of his hair, freshly dried, still held a hint of dampness. He looked up at Meng Jin, who stood nearby, his eyes shining brightly in the dim light. “Meng Jin, do you think Teacher Li might still have our class’s group photo?”
“I want to visit my old home.”
“Meng Jin, can’t we stay a few more days?”
“…”
One question after another, as if finally finding an outlet to pour out.
Meng Jin had just stepped out of the bathroom, his body enveloped in a mist of steam. The sash of his bathrobe was loosely tied, and droplets of water rolled from the tips of his hair, sliding down his throat and disappearing into the open collar.
He didn’t answer. Instead, he leaned down, his still-damp hand gripping Chen Jiaojiao’s chin, his thumb slowly tracing her lips until the faint pink turned a vivid, tempting red.
“So eager to see the photos?” Meng Jin’s voice was low, hoarse from the steam of the bathroom. “Then it depends on how you beg me.”
The air suddenly fell silent.
Chen Jiaojiao held her breath, unaware that her legs had subtly tightened together. Certain images uncontrollably flooded her mind the heavy panting in the darkness, the terrifying heat pressed against her lower abdomen, and the tense line of Meng Jin’s jaw, always stopping abruptly at the critical moment.
They had never gone all the way. The most intimate they had ever been was when Meng Jin used his mouth… Just the thought made her ears burn. The aloof and imposing Mr. Meng, with his cold, thin lips, doing such a thing.
Meng Jin’s hand still lingered by her lips, his calloused thumb brushing lightly against her lower lip.
Chen Jiaojiao lifted her eyes, meeting his deep, unfathomable gaze. Then she reached out, her fingertips hooking onto the loose sash of his bathrobe, and gave it a gentle tug.
The fabric fell open, the warm yellow light outlining his firm, smooth lines.
“Don’t let it end up in my mouth.”
Her voice was so soft it was almost inaudible, her earlobes flushed a deep, burning red.