Chapter 33

You said a kiss doesn’t count if the sun rises, so I won’t let you see the sunrise.

Wrapped warmly by the armor, Gu Yi felt much better. On the way back with Xu Guanyue, he wanted to hold her hand, but she skillfully avoided it. “Can I ride in your little car again?”

Sitting on the suitcase made her feel like she might fall at any moment. Xu Guanyue laughed and said, “There aren’t any streetlights on this road. This train of mine is headed to spring.”

Gu Yi’s heart fluttered slightly. It wasn’t the light, floating feeling she had when she liked Liang Daiwen; the brick-paved sidewalk jolted her insides. She only felt confused—this comfort from Xu Guanyue seemed overly attentive. Wasn’t he supposed to like someone else?

Most importantly, she sensed a hint of frustration in Xu Guanyue’s kiss. The comforting and soothing tone he used was more about comforting a comrade, not about love. She jumped off the suitcase and bought two bottles of hot pomelo tea, pretending to casually remark, “It’s nice to have a comrade.”

“Right. When you’re upset, I’m willing to do anything with you, even sleep together.”

Gu Yi almost choked on her pomelo tea: “You’re at it again. This sleep isn’t what I think it is, right?”

“It’s exactly what you think. I’m fine with it.”

Gu Yi froze in place, and Xu Guanyue turned around with a smile, the same one he had when dancing in the rain. She thought, this must be what an emotionally rich, handsome man is like. After being around Liang Daiwen for so long, she had grown numb.

She wasn’t nervous, just calmly replied, “I don’t think I’m... that open.”

“Ah, that’s a pity.”

A pity? Gu Yi tapped the back of Xu Guanyue’s head. “Emotions are easily misinterpreted with physical closeness. If we really became bed partners, wouldn’t that betray the person we like?”

“How lucky. Only someone who hasn’t been let down would say something like that.”

Gu Yi was stunned.

Xu Guanyue tilted his head. “A person needs to like many things at the same time to be calm in front of the one they love most. Unrequited love is so hard. We can stick together for warmth, eat meals, watch movies, and when one of us gets over a breakup, the other can sincerely wish them well. Isn’t that nice?”

“There’s no such thing as pure friendship between men and women. A person’s heart is tightly connected to their body.”

“Well, then we’ve turned into a couple. That kiss today, don’t take it too seriously. It was just a comrade’s comfort.”

What a clever logic, making being a backup seem so natural.

When they got home, Xu Guanyue sent one more message: “If anything I said just now offended you, I apologize. But you really are the most special friend I’ve met. I wouldn’t do this with anyone else, so... please don’t abandon me.” He even added a pitiful emoji. Gu Yi leaned against the sofa, thinking that Xu Guanyue was like a pet abandoned in the rain, curled up and shivering. He knew the person he was hoping for wouldn’t come, but when someone willing to extend a hand appeared, they would surely wag their tail to survive... People’s true thoughts are so cruel, but it’s always these cruel people who draw people’s attention.

Thinking about how he was still tracking his lover’s father, Gu Yi shook her head. In the end, he was just a pitiful person, and she wasn’t someone who didn’t need this friend. Human nature was really terrible, yet it was so captivating.

She opened the gift that Xu Guanyue had given her and found a fan at the very bottom. Gu Yi had once mentioned that the dance fan, originating from the Muromachi period, would appear especially radiant when illuminated by stage lights. The blue-gold fan, when flipped over, had silver pearlescent ink characters, likely written by Xu Guanyue himself, flowing with a grand inscription: “Live life freely, even in old age, remain youthful.”

When talking about Xu Guanyue with Guan Xingxin, a group of people were watching an open mic at the ounce bar. Guan Xingxin looked at Liang Daiwen sitting in the front row and said, “Xu Guanyue sounds like a good person. If you don’t like him, remember to introduce him to me.”

Recently, fewer people were selected as audience members, so Yu Dule had simply opened walk-ins, and anyone could come in by chance after 8 PM. Liang Daiwen and Guan Xingxin coordinated perfectly like spies, slipping through the door. Yu Dule had already reserved a spot, and Liang Daiwen even arrogantly walked over to greet the bartender before sitting in the front row. Behind the curtain, a few actors sat together, and Yu Dule turned to Gu Yi and said, “Does Liang Daiwen really have emotional issues? I think he just lacks emotional intelligence.”

“You like him so much, but he’s two-timing, and both boats are rowed with stand-up comedy, a stand-up comedy boatman.”

She had prepared a segment about entering jail, but seeing Guan Xingxin in the audience, Gu Yi didn’t want to remind her of the unhappy night, so she took out the script about bad men and adjusted it. Going on stage, she spoke vividly, adding a line: “When your body feels especially empty, when life seems calm and eating has no taste, you can approach these men. After the storm, you realize that in the course of life, all dependencies are absurd. Men, they don’t work.”

There was a round of applause from the audience. After the show, Liang Daiwen stood up, blocking Gu Yi’s path, calling her name directly: “Gu Yi.”

This made Gu Yi feel more alert; Liang Daiwen had never called her name so directly before!

“Am I the ‘bad man’?”

“Huh?”

“I don’t think I’m that kind of person, so who are you talking about?”

“That was just a joke I made, no specific target. Just another way to praise charming, sexy men...”

“Am I sexy?”

Gu Yi gasped in disbelief: “...Please stop. Saying that seriously makes you sound like a pervert.”

Just as she finished speaking, a slender figure passed by behind her. Turning her head, Gu Yi’s legs went soft...

Jacqueline.

Liang Daiwen looked back, and upon seeing Gu Yi’s pale face, he asked, “What’s wrong, did you see a ghost?”

“My boss,” Gu Yi said with a long face. “She strictly forbids employees to have major hobbies in their spare time, saying it will affect their primary work. Now, this is bad. I’m going to become a full-time stand-up comedian.”

“Oh, does that mean you’re going to lose your job?”

“Why should I? I’m going to fight her to the end.” Gu Yi started ranting like a machine gun about her failed promotion and rolled her eyes at the stairs. “I’m going to hang on until Jacqueline recognizes me.”

“Sounds like she’s just criticizing your wardrobe,” Liang Daiwen took two steps back. “It’s really simple, T-shirt, jeans, sweater, and down jacket. Have they not influenced you at all in Shanghai? Has the northeast black soil pickled you?”

“Well, are you going to follow the Korean drama plot and take me to the mall for a fashion makeover?” Gu Yi bent down to grab her bag. “I don’t have money. I’ll have to sell your bike downstairs to buy clothes.”

“I’m not doing the Korean drama thing anymore. Fashion sense isn’t that big of a problem; just change it. Your failure might be that you’re just a cog in the machine, not yet indispensable to others.”

“What do you mean?”

“For your boss, promoting you isn’t much different. Your achievements were built on the back of Yi Zhou, the traffic belongs to the magazine, both WeChat accounts do too, and the brand collaborations weren’t because of you. The media group has been around for thirty years, with over a dozen major magazines. The system is solid, and Yi Zhou is just one of them. Your competitor probably just wins because they’re more obedient than you.”

Gu Yi stared at Liang Daiwen. In front of her was a symbol of the design world—solid skills, clear thinking, distinctive, with a personality that people admired, and still exploring rarely touched boundaries—her own weapon was only words. Liang Daiwen didn’t stop: “The Jacqueline you’re mad at, not to mention her professionalism and effort, she should have a lot of irreplaceable abilities in her position. And media salaries are so low; there should still be many benefits in the editor-in-chief position. If you also have the ability to gain those benefits, she will value you.”

Liang Daiwen was brilliant as long as he wasn’t talking about emotions. He reached out to pat her head, but hesitated halfway and awkwardly stopped, lingering for a moment, almost like he was casting a spell around a crystal ball: “Anyway, it’s not bad that people know about your stand-up. Everyone has writing skills, just develop some other abilities.”

“When did you figure it out?”

“I figured it out a long time ago. When income is too low, your vision becomes narrow. It’s fine being a small person, but when you try to move forward and find yourself blocked, you’ll realize the drawbacks of being confined to a corner.”

“After you say it like that, I really feel quite mediocre.”

“No, not at all. Idle people in higher positions are just doing the same thing at a higher level. You have ideas and sharpness, you’re just too kind-hearted, you haven’t had the heart to hurt others yet.” Liang Daiwen paused. “After all, you’re the one I picked.”

“What?”

Liang Daiwen suddenly stopped talking. Gu Yi chased after him, “What do you mean by picked?”

“Nothing, you heard wrong.” Liang Daiwen walked over to Guan Xingxin and skillfully avoided the topic. Her phone rang, and Gu Yi frowned as she looked at it: “Uncle Lu is in the police station again.”

At 2 AM, Lu Ming came out of the police station, and a few people outside had fallen asleep waiting. They saw Officer Pan again. Probably due to the lonely duty, the conversation just wouldn’t stop. “A man in his thirties, can he stop fighting? Last time he saved a damsel in distress, this time he’s doing something heroic. Is being divorced his excuse to act like a hero? Your daughter would probably laugh if she knew, don’t you think? You should care for him more. He’s in his thirties and acts like a lonely old man, seeking attention by fighting. No wonder his ex-wife won’t let the child see him.”

Lu Ming’s face darkened, and the young policeman waved and left for the police station. Lu Ming didn’t have many stand-up comedy performances, as the main conflicts were all shared in his routines. Due to his debts, he had distanced himself from his wife, but when the mortgaged house was taken by the bank, their well-located school district home was lost. His wife, taking the alimony, refused to let their daughter see him. He had once mocked in his stand-up that raising children was like paying for Hermes products—school district homes and cars were just accessories for the child. His family still operated a small factory, maintaining a decent life while paying off debts, yet he no longer had the ability to make large payments for his wife and child. It was normal for him to give up and let things fall apart.

Half-awake from the alcohol, Lu Ming smiled at Guan Xingxin: “At Lego, someone was bullying the staff, so I taught them a lesson. In Shanghai, no one uses their fists. It’s funny—why talk reason when fists can solve the problem?”

Guan Xingxin smiled and patted his back: “Alright, got it, we’ll take you back.”

The expressions of the two people helping him were quite complicated. Guan Xingxin’s face showed both pity and awkwardness, her hand hesitating slightly as she helped him, prompting Liang Daiwen to come assist. Yu Dule placed Lu Ming’s arm over his shoulder and called a taxi. In the same car as Guan Xingxin, the light and shadows on her face seemed to flow with a sense of melancholy—it was clear that Lu Ming didn’t fight for her alone. Gu Yi quietly messaged Yu Dule: “Actually, I don’t quite understand. You’re pursuing Guan Xingxin, why not just go directly after her? Why always hang around with Lu Ming?”

“Two people don’t have much to talk about. We often meet at home, and the conversation has become barren. This is the only competitor; not in the shadows, but beside her, knowing each other well—it’s not bad, right? I really like Guan Xingxin. Competing is pointless. She won’t easily give up on anyone. I’ll wait until she gives up on her.”

Everyone was trying in their own way. Gu Yi looked at Guan Xingxin, her long hand resting on her cheek, the narrow double eyelids hiding her thoughts, her lips nibbling on her fingers. Was Yu Dule’s judgment of her really correct?

The group arrived at the theater, where they made a bed out of a dozen chairs for Lu Ming. The remaining four didn’t leave. Once they were at the theater, they couldn’t bear to leave, as if the atmosphere was akin to family. Guan Xingxin suggested, “How about we watch the sunrise together?”

At 3:30 AM, the four of them sat on the small sofa in the yard playing truth or dare. Guan Xingxin was the lucky one, rolling the dice to choose big or small, but never drawing herself. Yu Dule was unlucky and was asked about his measurements, favorite actress, and when he last felt moved... When it was Gu Yi’s turn, Guan Xingxin asked, “When was the last time you kissed someone?”

“Several days ago, downstairs at the office, someone comforted me and ambushed me.”

Liang Daiwen suddenly jumped up: “What did you say?”

“The unreliable man you saw at Ounce—he kissed me.”

The two people sitting together stared for a long time. Liang Daiwen stared at her, his fist clenched. Gu Yi innocently looked at him, enjoying his nervousness. Yu Dule said, “It’s not Gu Yi’s fault; after all, you’ve only treated her like a terracotta warrior, not even daring to touch her. It’s only natural for someone else to get there first.”

Gu Yi looked at Liang Daiwen’s expression, feeling a mix of amusement and bitterness—at their age, no one should be without romantic experiences. Liang Daiwen was just starting to feel his first stirrings of affection. His excitement was probably like a child’s joy when their homework is placed next to someone else’s—an innocent, anxious thrill. It was a stark contrast to the man who once spoke of love so indifferently. She raised her head, teasing him, thinking, “Why can’t we kiss? I want to be loved too.”

“You’re special to me. I don’t want to treat you carelessly,” he said.

These words made the two people huddled together swallow their “ohs.” Guan Xingxin sighed, “Boring, next round.”

In the next round, it was Liang Daiwen who lost. What kind of lucky charm was Guan Xingxin? She pointed at Liang Daiwen and said, “You go kiss Gu Yi, on the lips. Didn’t Doctor Shen give you a task? More experiences, more sensations, here’s your chance.”

Liang Daiwen froze, unable to move, and even Guan Xingxin could tell something was off: “What are you waiting for? It’s such a good opportunity. You’re supposed to have no reaction, right? Just kiss her, the little rabbit won’t mind, right?” She winked at Gu Yi as she spoke.

Gu Yi said, “It’s fine, I know you can’t feel anything. Tonight, I’ll play the game with a robot, and tomorrow, I’ll forget all about it.”

Liang Daiwen, the modern-day Liu Xiahui, absolutely refused to take advantage of the situation. He tried to counter with, “Then why don’t you kiss Yu Dule?”

Without Lu Ming there, Yu Dule calmly answered, “Because we’re already the type of people who fight for blankets in bed.”

From an outsider’s perspective, this scene must have been amusing. The watchers were enjoying the drama, while the female lead sat on the blue sofa, her hair messy and draped loosely, lazily exuding sensuality. The handsome but stoic male lead, accustomed to being a moral guardian, hadn’t teased a woman in a long time. Perhaps this moment felt a little like bullying: a man with emotional obstacles was suddenly pushed into a corner by the group, and would likely return to being cold-hearted again.

Suddenly, Liang Daiwen leaned in, saying, “Anyway, it’s just a game, it doesn’t count. I can try it.”

The moment of guilt vanished, and willing to lose, Liang Daiwen was a grown man. It was just a truth or dare game; doing it wouldn’t be a big deal and could even become a memory. After all, who knew when such an opportunity would come again? He gave her an enticing look and waited for her response.

He leaned in, turning his face slightly, their noses just a few degrees apart, barely touching. Gu Yi felt a pang of sadness—she longed to be close to the person she liked, but if the kiss wasn’t genuine, it wouldn’t bring the happiness she desired.

She lowered her eyes, and Liang Daiwen, sensing her hesitation, also pulled back a little. Time seemed to slow, each second filled with retreat. Just as Gu Yi thought there was no chance left, Lu Ming, who had woken up, gave Liang Daiwen a gentle push from behind. Liang Daiwen stumbled, trying to keep his balance and not make a fool of himself, but he ended up sitting on the sofa. In that split second, their faces were so close that their lips brushed together, soft for a brief moment. Gu Yi’s heart almost exploded, but she only said, “Liang Daiwen, your kiss is so sacred, it’s like a family ceremony.”

At this moment, she had a barrier to expressing emotions.

The others continued to tease. Liang Daiwen was like a kettle about to boil, his ears not only red but his face and neck also starting to show signs of deep embarrassment. The evening was dark, making it hard to see, but her old roommate, Gu Yi, had a clear understanding. Guan Xingxin waved her hand. “Alright, we’ve watched the kissing drama at dawn. Satisfied? Let’s go to sleep.”

On this rare warm night in April, the few of them were sprawled out in the courtyard. The blanket was a little short, but Gu Yi felt content. The unpleasant days were wiped away. Liang Daiwen, overly excited, sat at the edge of the sofa, his eyes shining. “About that kiss earlier…”

“Hmm, I still remember it for now, but don’t worry. Once we watch the sunrise together, I’ll forget it. No moral pressure.”

“It’s not that…”

“Stop talking nonsense.” Gu Yi leaned against his shoulder. “I’m tired, okay?”

Liang Daiwen didn’t respond, just joined her on the single sofa. The scent of dew and fresh grass filled the air, and as Gu Yi leaned back, she rested against his warm chest, listening to the rapid beat of his heart slowly calm down. Drowsiness began to take over. It felt like a soft murmur in her ear, just like what she had heard on Liang Daiwen’s sofa before—he had said, “I didn’t bring you home casually, I chose you to save me...”

When she regained consciousness, she heard a sigh. It wasn’t the kind of reaction from seeing the sunrise. She opened her eyes to the glaring sun shining on her face. Liang Daiwen was sitting next to her, calmly holding a book titled Introduction to Drama, showing no intention of waking her up. Thinking back, Liang Daiwen used to wake her up with an alarm clock, but now, she felt like he might be becoming gentler. However, at that moment, the sun’s heat still didn’t stop her from complaining. “Liang Daiwen, you woke up and didn’t call me? We agreed to watch the sunrise together!”

“Watch the sunrise? I knew none of you would wake up from the start.” Liang Daiwen extended his hand, playfully flicking her earlobe. Gu Yi froze.

Liang Daiwen smiled faintly. Like a baby taking its first steps, in that subtle angle, she saw it—along with the sunlight, it wasn’t just her vision that was illuminated, but also the faint feelings stirring in Liang Daiwen. Gu Yi stared at him for a long time, and finally, Liang Daiwen returned to his usual serious demeanor. “What are you staring at, have you seen a ghost?”

She didn’t say anything. A little more, just a little more. If she said it out loud, he would make it intentional. Sometimes, hastiness doesn’t bring the result you desire.

And did he not want to see the sunrise because he wanted that kiss... to count?

At the office, Gu Yi clocked in and sat at her workstation, carefully buying herself a hot Americano. The intern had just put on her lip ring. “Lindsey, you’re in a good mood. Disappointed in work but satisfied in love?”

Jacqueline walked by and overheard the conversation. Gu Yi simply replied, “If love is a lifeline, it has to be romantic too. After all, in a big city like this, there are enough real-world problems. Not everyone has the luck to be favored by love.”

The intern leaned in and whispered, “Don’t you know Jacqueline’s been thinking about resigning? Her love life isn’t going well, and she’s been acting all strange in the office?” Gu Yi responded, “What are you talking about? How could I know? I’m still focusing on building my reputation in the company, based on my abilities.” The intern waved her hand. “Boring. I thought you’d finally be willing to gossip with me. Her ex-boyfriend tracked her down in Shanghai and is making advances. They might meet soon. Even a young boyfriend can’t compete with old flames reigniting.”

Gu Yi opened her computer, pretending to be casual. “Her young boyfriend doesn’t please Jacqueline?”

“Jacqueline just plays with young boys, but her ex was almost the one she married.”

“Well, that’s pitiful. Do you know what her young boyfriend’s name is?”

“I know everything—he does overseas performances. His name is Xu Guanrui.”