Nana’s phone vibrated with a sweet message from her boyfriend.
Glancing at it, her face lit up with a smile. After surveying the room and seeing that everything was nearly tidied up, she said, “Wen Xue, my boyfriend just got back from a drive. If there’s nothing else, I’ll head off first.”
Wen Xue nodded, feeling that a mere verbal thank-you seemed inadequate after all the help Nana had given her. Her gaze drifted past the orange on the nightstand, which resembled a scented night light, and settled on the backpack piled on the suitcase. She quickly dug out a few gold foil-wrapped chocolates, cupping them in both hands as she offered them to Nana with a warm smile. “These chocolates are quite delicious. Would you like to try one?”
Nana was utterly delighted.
It wasn’t really about the chocolate—now that she had two paychecks to herself, she could spend as she pleased and was no longer the inexperienced girl she once was. What thrilled her was Wen Xue’s attitude. Perhaps because Nana had never had much formal education, she genuinely admired those who were studious.
Though she admired Wen Xue, she never thought they could become friends.
So when she learned Wen Xue was still in university, she gave up on the idea of becoming close friends.
“They look absolutely delicious,” Nana said without hesitation. “Wen Xue, why don’t you come with us to the night market? I’ll treat you to some tasty snacks!”
“I’m a bit tired and would like to rest,” Wen Xue replied softly. “Your boyfriend is waiting for you, isn’t he? You should go meet him soon and have a good time.”
“Should I bring you back something to eat?”
“No need.” Wen Xue pointed to the takeout bag nearby. “I have dinner already.”
“Alright then, bye for now!”
Nana skipped cheerfully toward the door, pausing briefly to tilt her head and sneak a glance at the wall mirror, confirming she looked radiant. Humming a pop song, she floated downstairs to meet her boyfriend, her mood soaring.
Wen Xue gazed absently at her retreating figure.
It felt somewhat familiar, like catching a glimpse of her past self.
Back then, she was just the same—every time He Heng came to pick her up, she would meticulously smooth her hair with a comb, secretly dab on the perfumed balm she’d bought with her roommate, and apply a touch of lipstick before dashing downstairs to him.
She wasn’t in agony; she was simply missing him.
She knew clearly that one day, this intense longing would fade, turning into dust floating in the air. She understood that no one could fight against the passage of time, so she no longer forced herself to forget.
That day would come eventually.
But she shouldn’t wish for it to arrive.
As dusk settled, Wen Xue leaned against the doorframe, her thoughts drifting aimlessly. It was the sizzling sound of stir-frying from some unknown apartment, along with the chili scent wafting through the air, that tugged her senses back to reality.
She turned and entered her room. The overhead light, unlike the harsh white glow of her dorm, cast a warm hue that seemed to heat the walls themselves.
Her phone rang from her down jacket pocket—it was a call from her best friend, Yang Siyi.
Yang Siyi called her daily, needing confirmation that she was okay before feeling at ease. Wen Xue answered, but before she could utter a word, the voice on the other end asked, “Did you buy the ticket? Or should I come to Xicheng to pick you up so we can return together?”
“Not yet,” Wen Xue replied, usually slow to respond but quick this time, speaking before Yang Siyi could fret further. “Don’t worry, I found a part-time job. It includes meals and accommodation.”Yang Siyi was astonished: “A part-time job? What kind of part-time job? Could it be a scam? What does it involve?”
“Do you remember He Yan?” Wen Xue’s voice was soft. “He started a company with someone, and there’s a temporary vacancy. I’m going to give it a try.”
“He Yan? But isn’t he…” Yang Siyi trailed off, unwilling to mention He Heng’s name.
“Yes,” Wen Xue said. “It’s him.”
“Why would he contact you?” Yang Siyi was puzzled. “Hold on, let me ask my sister. If I remember correctly, I think she was his elementary school classmate.”
Wen Xue chuckled. “Don’t bother asking. He’s a good person.”
But Yang Siyi had already dashed into her sister’s room. She didn’t cover her phone, so the sisters’ conversation was clearly audible to Wen Xue—
“Sis, do you know He Yan? You know, that He Yan.”
“Can’t say I really know him. Why?”
“He wants Wen Xue to take a part-time job at his place. It couldn’t be a scam, could it?”
“Definitely not. Here, give me the phone…”
The next second, Yang Siyi’s sister took the phone, her voice noticeably gentler. “Wen Xue, He Yan is a good person. Last year, an alumnus from our grade fell ill and needed surgery that cost a lot. I heard he helped raise some money. They weren’t even close during school—just shared a desk for one semester.”
Wen Xue listened attentively.
The call lasted nearly twenty minutes before ending. Outside, darkness had completely fallen. She wandered around her room like a headless fly, her eyes landing on the long-cold chicken soup. Half a pot remained—quite a lot. She didn’t feel particularly hungry, so she just sat on the edge of her bed, hugging an unplugged hot water bottle, lost in thought.
Usually, when she zoned out, she was completely absorbed, deaf to any noise. But today, part of her mind was detached, drifting intermittently to that plastic takeout container. If she didn’t finish the chicken soup today, she’d have to throw it out tomorrow. Yet, this was something He Yan had specifically asked Sister Mei to pack for her.
After sitting for who knows how long, she hesitantly stood up, grabbed her phone and keys, turned off the light, and left.
Wang Yuan was standing in the corridor, smoking in the cold wind. Hearing movement, he looked over, hurriedly stubbed out his cigarette, waved his hand, and awkwardly called out, “Miss Wen, is there anything I can help you with?”
He nearly choked on his own overly formal tone.
“No need. I’m just going out to buy some noodles.”
Wang Yuan glanced uneasily at the night sky. Xicheng was generally safe, and this area was peaceful. But with the New Year approaching, while there were no blatant troublemakers on the streets, pickpockets looking to make a comfortable holiday were around. Gritting his teeth, he followed Wen Xue downstairs.
Hearing footsteps in the dimly lit stairwell, Wen Xue turned to look.
Wang Yuan halted abruptly, fumbling for an explanation. “I, uh, need to buy something too.”
Wen Xue sensed his good intentions and smiled at him. “Okay.”
Wang Yuan scratched his head, flustered. Realizing she hadn’t objected, he grinned and maintained a distance of a few meters, following behind her.
…
Outside the car wash.
The owner chuckled teasingly, “Director He, what brings you here for a car wash?”
He Yan, accustomed to dealing with people, simply smiled and offered cigarettes to the owner and the apprentice eating a boxed meal nearby. “Have your apprentice clean the inside thoroughly. Rinse the mats a few extra times.”
“Sure you want to wash it?” the owner joked again. “The forecast says it’ll rain in a few days.”
“It’s time for a wash.”Returning to eight years ago, He Yan adapted quite well. Ultimately, many things were merely fleeting clouds to him. In his previous life, he had experienced both poverty and wealth, yet daily life hadn’t differed much.
As he chatted idly with the boss, he suddenly frowned, strode forward, bent down, and ducked into the car. He rummaged for an absorbent towel, seemingly distrustful of the apprentice. He wiped down the areas the other had already rinsed, leaving even the car wash owner clicking his tongue in amazement.
The Jeep had driven in covered in dust.
When it drove out again, the body had returned to its original black.
The windshield was clean and transparent. He Yan focused on the road ahead when he abruptly paused. On the sidewalk inside the flower bed were two familiar figures—a man carrying a supermarket plastic bag walking on the left, and a girl on the right. The streetlight cast its glow, elongating their shadows.
He Yan tapped the horn and rolled down the window.
Startled by the sudden honk, Wang Yuan glanced over. Recognizing his Brother Yan’s car from a distance, his shoulders relaxed as he called out, “Brother Yan!”
He Yan didn’t look at him, instead turning his gaze to Wen Xue beside him.
Their eyes met.
She, too, seemed surprised.
“Get in,” He Yan said, driving slowly.
Wang Yuan protested, “Brother Yan, it’s only a few hundred meters away.”
“Wasn’t talking to you.”
He Yan observed her hair and the fluff on her hat rustling in the wind. After sunset, the temperature had plummeted. With no tall buildings around to block it, the cold wind howled fiercely—her current physique might not withstand it.
Wang Yuan: “?”
Wen Xue habitually regarded He Yan as a parental figure. Before Wang Yuan could react, she had already taken the plastic bag from him, softly thanked him, brushed past him, and hurried toward the car. She opened the passenger door and got in.
Bang—
Left standing alone, Wang Yuan was bewildered, watching the car drive off without any intention of letting him in…
After fastening her seatbelt, Wen Xue noticed with surprise that the interior of the car was much cleaner. The crisp scent of cleaning products still lingered in the air. Her clear eyes slowly scanned the front windshield and the hanging ornament before lowering her gaze to the car mat, where traces of water remained.
She instinctively glanced at the person driving.
Sensing her stare, He Yan felt no need to explain, yet he genuinely wanted to consider her feelings and be mindful of them—something he had failed to do for He Heng in the past. It was his first time in the role of an elder brother, and he hadn’t done it well; he hoped the second time would be more decent.
“Did you just go to the supermarket?” he asked.
“Yes,” Wen Xue replied, the plastic bag still resting on her lap. Though he hadn’t inquired about her purchases, she volunteered, “I bought noodles, eggs, and a towel.”
“Have you eaten dinner yet?”
Hearing this question, Wen Xue breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, she hadn’t been able to discard that half-pot of chicken broth. If she hadn’t consumed it or had thrown it away, she wouldn’t have known how to respond. “Not yet, but I bought the noodles to make chicken noodle soup.”
He Yan fell silent for a few seconds.
He had intended to drive her out for a meal, but since she already had plans, he didn’t press further.
Whether busy or not, his own meals were hardly regular. Frankly, before this, he had never concerned himself with trivial matters like whether someone else had eaten or what they were eating. Thus, his attempts at care felt particularly clumsy.
For instance, before heading to the company that afternoon, he should have told her he would take her out for dinner.The distance of a few hundred meters was covered in a brief press of the accelerator, bringing them to the outside of the residential building. The time was so short that the two, who were not familiar with each other to begin with, only exchanged three sentences in total.
“You go up first.”
Wen Xue gave a soft acknowledgment. As she unbuckled her seatbelt and prepared to push the door open, a struggle surfaced on her face. She couldn’t help but wonder—had he washed the car because she had rolled down the window earlier that day? When he asked if she had eaten dinner, was he planning to take her out to eat?
He was truly thoughtful, even arranging for someone to buy so many heating supplies for her. Yet, she felt she had handled the situation poorly. The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she became. Her grip on the plastic bag tightened as she mustered the courage to ask, “Would you like to eat together? I bought a lot of noodles.”