#31: Please Look at Me

Chu Yao had to work on his birthday.

After finishing washing up, he bit into a slice of bread and tied his tie with one hand. As he passed the door, he glanced over and noticed an envelope that had been slipped through the gap. It was red—festive and eye-catching.

Bending down to pick it up, Chu Yao saw a line of words written on the envelope.

‘Happy 28th Birthday, success in both career and love. Open for a gift—you know who sent this blessing.’

They say handwriting reflects personality, but Jiang Beibei’s writing didn’t quite match her image. Jiang Beibei had the typical appearance of a young girl—small face, big eyes, and slightly upturned lips. Even without smiling, she exuded sweetness and lacked any sense of intimidation or danger. Words like ‘cute,’ ‘sweet,’ and ‘adorable’ suited her perfectly, while terms like ‘handsome,’ ‘domineering,’ or ‘cool’ seemed out of place. However, her handwriting was completely different. It was bold, free-flowing, and carried a powerful presence—more like something a dashing, confident man would write. Her characters were strong and elegant, leaving a deep impression. Because of her unique handwriting, during school festivals, she had even been roped into acting as a pen-for-hire, pretending to be a handsome guy to write comforting love letters to girls in her class.

Chu Yao opened the envelope and pulled out a letter along with tickets to a musical. Unfolding the letter, he discovered a bank card tucked inside.

‘To Yao-ge: Thank you for your companionship and care over the years. I have so much to say, but when I picked up my pen, I forgot all the words. Yao-ge has already given me the most magical day of my life by accepting my confession. I am deeply grateful and thought long and hard about how to repay you. In the end, I decided to hand over my salary card, along with all my worldly possessions, and offer myself to you. (The password is my birthday. There’s a six-figure deposit inside. For more details, check with the ATM. I’ve given it to you, so Yao-ge can do as he pleases.)’

Chu Yao paused, turning the card over in his hands. After confirming it was indeed her salary card, he sighed helplessly and smiled softly. ‘…So naive.’

After over a year of observation, Chu Yao had concluded that Jiang Beibei only had one salary card and two credit cards.

And now, she had actually handed over her main income source—the salary card.

‘Additionally, could you spare three hours tonight to let me celebrate your birthday? The location is the National Theater. The time and seat details are on the ticket. Once again, wishing my dear, handsome, one-of-a-kind, best Yao-ge a happy birthday—Love, Jiang Beibei.’

Chu Yao glanced at his watch, then quickly grabbed a fountain pen and a piece of stationery. After jotting down a brief note, he paused, chuckled lightly, and pulled another card from his wallet. He slipped both his card and Jiang Beibei’s into the envelope.

When Jiang Beibei woke up later, she spotted the new envelope slipped under her door and couldn’t contain her excitement.

Yao-ge had received her letter, and he even wrote back!

Kneeling on the floor, Jiang Beibei eagerly picked up the envelope. On it were just four words: ‘To Jiang Beibei.’

Unlike Jiang Beibei, whose handwriting came naturally, Chu Yao’s writing was the result of years of diligent practice. His strokes were neat, refined, and elegant—just like him, reserved and gentle.

Jiang Beibei opened the envelope and unfolded the letter. Two bank cards fell out.

‘Huh?’

Not only had he returned the salary card she’d sneakily slipped in last night, but he’d also added another card.

‘At 28, we’re entering a new phase. From now on, household finances will be entrusted to you. This investment card is also yours. The password is your birthday. Make sure to use the money—it’s not meant to sit untouched. Your spending is my motivation to work. Don’t give me your salary card; take care of yourself first.’

‘Huh?!’ Jiang Beibei exclaimed loudly.

Inside the house, the cat that hadn’t left yet meowed lazily. Downstairs, Song Damiao howled.

This can’t be right! It looked like she was trying to trick Chu Yao into giving her his card! But she had genuinely intended to hand over her salary card!

Jiang Beibei sprang up, opened the door, and rushed to knock on the opposite door. ‘Yao-ge!!’

He probably hasn’t left yet, right?

She pushed hard, and the door swung open.

Oh, right. She remembered Grandma mentioning that the Chu family never locked their doors during the day if someone was home.

Jiang Beibei cautiously peeked her head in and saw Chu Dad brushing his teeth. Feeling awkward, she greeted him, ‘…Uncle… good morning.’

Chu Dad’s sharp eyes caught sight of the cards in her hand. After rinsing his mouth, he asked, ‘Did Chu Yao hand over his salary card?’

Jiang Beibei’s face flushed red. She nodded honestly, then shook her head. ‘No, this isn’t… Yao-ge gave me his salary card a long time ago. This is… a different one.’

Chu Dad’s eyes lit up. He walked over and held out his hand. Jiang Beibei obediently handed over the card and explained, ‘I actually wanted to give Yao-ge… a card…’

Chu Dad’s expression remained neutral as he stared at the card for a moment. Then he chuckled and called out to Chu Mom inside the house, ‘I was right! This kid’s like a rabbit—I knew he wouldn’t dig just one hole! Pay up! A bet’s a bet!’

‘Hmph! You little rascal,狡兔三窟 (a cunning rabbit has three burrows)!’ Chu Mom emerged wearing a coat, sipping yogurt through a straw, exuding an air of authority.

Jiang Beibei blinked, utterly confused by what was happening.

Chu Mom took the bank card and asked Jiang Beibei, ‘What’s the password?’

‘…’ Jiang Beibei hesitated, remembering Chu Yao’s instructions that the password was her birthday. Unable to bring herself to say it outright, she stammered, ‘Uh… maybe… it’s my birthday?’

Chu Mom smirked knowingly. ‘Got it. Your birthday.’ She hummed softly and sent a red packet to Chu Dad.

Jiang Beibei blurted out, ‘Auntie… maybe Yao-ge was too excited…’

At this point, Jiang Beibei didn’t even know what she was saying or explaining anymore.

‘Beibei, keep pushing,’ Chu Mom said instead. ‘Get all his cards out of him. I want to see just how many cards this guy has!’

‘What was that last card we got from him?’ Chu Dad asked as he finished putting on his coat before heading out. ‘The Innovation Technology Award?’

‘That’s right.’

‘This one should be from the national award he won last autumn,’ Chu Dad said confidently. ‘I told you he wouldn’t keep all his money in one card. You didn’t believe me. He’s got at least seven cards.’

Jiang Beibei was utterly shocked.

So Yao-ge was also a bank card enthusiast! She would never laugh at Third Brother again!

‘Here.’ Chu Mom handed the card back to Jiang Beibei. ‘Keep it for him. Consider it his birthday gift to you.’

Jiang Beibei hesitated, unsure whether to take the card. ‘But today…’

Chu Mom pushed the card into her arms and said firmly, ‘You taking it makes him happy, and his happiness is the best gift you can give him. Only you can give him this gift, so the responsibility falls to you, my girl.’

Jiang Beibei left, utterly confused, clutching the card as she returned home.

Chu Dad buttoned his coat, smirking slightly. ‘The largest amount is probably in the national award card, right?’

‘I don’t know,’ Chu Mom replied with a hint of sarcasm. ‘Who knows? He doesn’t show it to us, his parents—he only shows it to his little fiancée. Hmph.’

Curious, Jiang Beibei checked the balance on the card during her lunch break at the ATM in the office lobby. Huang Yuanbao, thinking she was checking her year-end bonus, sipped her bubble tea while waiting nearby.

After a moment, Jiang Beibei let out a startled yelp and began hiccupping uncontrollably as she stared at the screen.

‘How much did they give you?’ Huang Yuanbao asked casually.

Jiang Beibei recounted the zeros again, snapping out of her daze. She quickly ejected the card and logged onto the official website to search for Chu Yao’s name.

‘What’s wrong?’ Huang Yuanbao leaned over curiously. ‘Oh, searching for your guy’s name, huh…’

Jiang Beibei murmured, ‘I’m shocked… I always thought those ‘Employee of the Year’ or innovation awards were just certificates or plaques for recognition…’

‘What do you mean?’

‘It’s a national prize…’ Her voice dropped, trembling with disbelief. ‘I had no idea. I’ve been so ignorant. The transaction details say ‘National Award.’ I thought Yao-ge lived off his salary alone…’

‘Oh…’ Huang Yuanbao nodded knowingly. ‘I assumed you knew. Remember when we worked on that funeral home feature? The director mentioned it then. Your Yao-ge isn’t just capable at work; he’s also an academic powerhouse. Last year, he won a national award, and one of his papers on pollution control gained international recognition. He even attended conferences abroad funded by the government. Plus, there was another major breakthrough in his research last year—advancements that propelled the entire industry forward. Naturally, the state rewards such achievements. First, the national government awards, then the provincial level, followed by municipal and district honors. You didn’t think these prizes were like ours, where they hand out first-, second-, and third-place trophies or gadgets like phones or hard drives to make people happy, did you? Of course, there’s money involved.’

As Huang Yuanbao finished speaking, she noticed Jiang Beibei’s stunned expression. Smirking mischievously, she nudged her with her elbow. ‘So? Feeling like you hit the jackpot? If you want, after I finish interviewing your brothers, I’ll tell you their rankings.’

But Jiang Beibei remained lost in thought. A moment later, tears streamed down her face. She clutched her sleeve, crying pitifully.

‘Holy crap… What’s wrong?!’ Huang Yuanbao exclaimed, startled.

Why was she crying?!

‘Hey, Reporter Jiang! Little Jiang? Beibei? Dongdong? Xixi? Good grief, why are you crying?! Tell me already—I’m dying here! You know I have a guy’s mindset!’ Huang Yuanbao grew increasingly flustered.

‘I don’t deserve him…’ Jiang Beibei sobbed, hiccupping through her tears. ‘I don’t… hiccups… understand him at all. All I know is… I like him… But all his hard work… what awards… when… I don’t know any of it… I’m so inadequate… I said I liked him, but I didn’t truly value him…’

He had quietly paid attention to her, taking care of every detail of her life, while she only now realized a fraction of his accomplishments.

Overwhelmed with guilt, Jiang Beibei hugged Huang Yuanbao tightly, wailing loudly as she berated herself for being unworthy, shallow, and completely undeserving of his efforts.

Huang Yuanbao stood frozen for a long time, finally muttering, ‘Damn… I didn’t expect you to be this kind of person. I thought you were crying from excitement. Shit… You’re too noble. Let go already—I won’t dare tell dirty jokes around you anymore…’

________________________________________

After finishing work, Chu Yao took a shower and changed into the clothes Jiang Beibei had bought him. Glancing at himself in the mirror, he smiled faintly.

A colleague asked, ‘What’s making you smile?’

Chu Yao replied, ‘How do I look in these clothes?’

‘…They suit you well.’

‘My girlfriend bought them,’ Chu Yao said simply.

‘Oh! That’s right—it’s your birthday today! Nice. In previous years, your sister would buy them, but this year, it’s your girlfriend. Lucky guy.’

‘It’s all the same,’ Chu Yao said, patting his colleague on the shoulder. ‘Alright, I’m heading out. Thanks for your hard work.’

Chu Yao unlocked his phone, about to call Jiang Beibei, when he opened the door to find her standing right outside.

‘…Beibei? What are you doing here?’

Jiang Beibei looked up at Chu Yao. He wore the black long coat she’d bought him, his tall, slender frame accentuated by the sleek fabric fluttering gently in the wind. It overlapped with countless dreams she’d had as a young girl—the handsome figure growing clearer, more mature.

Her beloved older brother, the object of her admiration, the one who had comforted her most during her insecure teenage years, now stood before her.

Without a word, Jiang Beibei ran to him, throwing her arms around him and burying her face in his chest like a kitten, nuzzling against him for a long time. Taking a deep breath, she murmured, ‘Yao-ge… you smell so good…’

‘I just finished bathing,’ Chu Yao chuckled at her comment. ‘Were you that eager to see me? Are you hungry? Have you eaten yet?’

‘Yao-ge…’

‘Mm.’

‘Happy birthday.’

‘With you here, I’m already happy.’

Jiang Beibei wiped away her tears on his coat, lifting her head to look at him. His features were distinct, unchanged in their clean simplicity, and his dark, smiling eyes gazed back at her.

‘Chu Yao… I’m sorry.’

‘What’s wrong?’

Jiang Beibei clung tightly to him, burying her face in his clothes as she mumbled, ‘I don’t understand you at all… I foolishly said I liked you without paying attention to your life or career… I claimed to support you, but it was all just talk…’

‘…Why are you feeling guilty?’ Chu Yao bent down, lifting her face gently. Seeing the tears clinging to her lashes, he was momentarily surprised, then smiled warmly.

‘Beibei, it’s not that you didn’t pay attention to me—it’s because you’ve always been so gentle with me. I understand… I understand, Beibei.’

He took her hand and lightly kissed it.

I know you’ve always been watching over me, yet keeping your distance. It’s not your fault—it’s just the cruel game of emotions.

Wanting to get closer, yet staying apart. Wanting to care, yet having to hold back.

It’s not just you—it’s me too.

‘Don’t cry,’ Chu Yao said softly, smiling. ‘Beibei, can I make a request of you on my birthday?’

Jiang Beibei nodded silently.

‘I want you to watch me from now on.’ He kissed the tears from her lashes, lowering his head to meet her gaze. Softly, he whispered, ‘Look at me with your eyes, and step into my life.’

‘I’ll lay myself bare before you, holding nothing back—all of me.’

‘Give me this gift…’ Chu Yao murmured. ‘One that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Beibei, will you?’

‘…Yes.’ Jiang Beibei clenched her fists tightly. ‘Yao-ge, I… I’ll really love you—not just with words anymore!’

Chu Yao laughed softly, his voice a tender whisper. ‘Adorable.’