STYL - 5

Jiang Cheng Yu casually draped his suit jacket over the back of the sofa and carried the fruit into the kitchen.

Usually, the housekeeper would wash the fruit, but this month was special—it was the month of his and Shen Tang’s third anniversary.

Shen Tang didn’t just celebrate on the actual anniversary day. She insisted that every day in the anniversary month should be celebrated, claiming it was all for a good mood.

Jiang Cheng Yu studied the fruit and vegetable washer, following the instructions as he placed some of each type of fruit inside.

Someone entered the kitchen, but he didn’t turn around—he could tell by the faint scent that it was Shen Tang.

Shen Tang had been sitting reading the script for a while, so she stretched her arms above her head, clasping her hands together to stretch her back.

Perhaps their brief separation had reignited their passion, because he was unusually patient with everything today—buying her fruit and even washing it himself.

Jiang Cheng Yu wiped the fruit dry with a towel and set it aside.

“Not done yet?”

“Almost.”

Shen Tang wrapped her arms tightly around him from behind, interlocking her hands around his waist.

Her forehead rested against his back.

Only when she held him like this did she feel that Jiang Cheng Yu truly belonged to her.

His world still felt so distant from where she currently stood.

The faucet was running, the water flow gentle.

“Splash, splash.”

Jiang Cheng Yu was rinsing his hands.

Shen Tang didn’t loosen her grip, and he turned his head slightly, only able to see her shoulder. “Take a good look at who I am—I’m not the male lead from your script.”

Shen Tang was fully aware: “It’s just a script. I haven’t gotten that immersed yet.”

Jiang Cheng Yu thought she might have mistaken him for the male lead.

It wasn’t an unreasonable assumption since she’d never been clingy with him before.

“I’m hugging the Jiang Cheng Yu who bought me fruit and washed it for me,” Shen Tang said, lifting her head slightly and placing a soft kiss on his back through his shirt.

A light red lipstick mark appeared on his white shirt.

That kiss burned like the midday sun, scorching.

Jiang Cheng Yu turned off the faucet, his hands still wet. Without drying them, he pried open Shen Tang’s arms, grabbing her wrists and pulling her in front of him.

He stepped back half a step, leaning down, his hands braced on the glass countertop beside her.

Shen Tang was now enclosed in his embrace.

She looked up at him.

Their eyes met.

Her breath brushed against the tip of his nose, and his against hers.

The fruit washer finished its cycle, falling completely silent.

“Drip, drip.”

The faucet hadn’t been fully closed, dripping rhythmically and urgently.

Jiang Cheng Yu reached out to tighten it, leaving only the sound of their breathing in the kitchen.

Shen Tang leaned back against the counter, a playful smile in her eyes as she looked at him.

Jiang Cheng Yu lowered his head and kissed her lightly on the corner of her mouth, one soft peck after another. “What if we go back to the bedroom first, and eat the fruit later?”

Shen Tang excelled at deflecting such advances with lightheartedness. “The fruit is what you bought and washed. Whatever you say goes. Even if you don’t let me eat it, there’s nothing I can do but curse you in my heart.”

Jiang Cheng Yu chuckled, tightening his arms around her.

“If you get tired later and don’t want to come downstairs, I’ll bring it up to you.”

________________________________________

In the end, Shen Tang didn’t get to eat the fruit. Exhausted, her eyes wouldn’t open, and once her body was satisfied, she quickly fell asleep.

After taking a shower, Jiang Cheng Yu came out to find Shen Tang already deep in slumber, cocooned in the blanket.

Such a wide blanket, yet she hogged most of it beneath her.

He tugged at the blanket covering her, but before he could pull it free, Shen Tang woke up groggily, opening her eyes without clarity. “Why are you pushing me?”

Jiang Cheng Yu: “...I’m not pushing you.”

Still sleepy and tired, Shen Tang mumbled, “Then keep it down.”

She closed her eyes and continued sleeping.

A trace of aloof coldness crept into her brow.

The soft, tender way she had clung to him and coaxed him earlier was long gone.

If she were a man, there was no telling how much of a player she might be.

Jiang Cheng Yu gave up on tugging the blanket, turned off the bedside lamp on her side, and fetched a thin blanket from the walk-in closet.

Shen Tang opened her eyes again the next morning, woken by the alarm clock.

7:30.

Jiang Cheng Yu wasn’t in the bedroom; he had already gone to the office.

She was lying on Jiang Cheng Yu’s pillow, having pushed him to the edge of the bed.

Shen Tang stared at the ceiling, lingering under the covers for another minute.

Sister Li would arrive at 8:00 to pick her up. She got out of bed, tidied herself up, and put on the sportswear from yesterday before heading downstairs to wait for Sister Li.

Sister Li was like a wound-up alarm clock—always punctual. The car pulled up right on time at the villa.

Shen Tang grabbed the script and read it on the way.

Sister Li took the opportunity to go over the day’s schedule. “The event starts at 10:00 and will last about an hour and a half. Afterward, you’ll have a casual lunch with Huo Teng. Me and his manager will join you.”

“By the way, your flight has been rescheduled—you’ll leave for Shanghai at 10:00 tonight. Tomorrow’s event is at noon, and I’m worried it’ll be too rushed if we leave early in the morning. You need your rest to be in top form.”

Shen Tang had just flown back from Shanghai the previous day and was heading back tonight.

Fortunately, she was used to this kind of schedule.

“Any other arrangements for the afternoon?”

Sister Li shook her head. “No, you can take a nap. We’ll head to the airport at 6:00.”

Shen Tang didn’t usually nap, and she hadn’t seen her best friend in a while. She sent a message to Wen Di: [I’m in Beijing. I’ve got a few hours free this afternoon.]

Wen Di: [Perfect timing. I’m recording a show in the morning and should be done before noon.]

They agreed on a meeting spot.

________________________________________

The promotional event ran twenty minutes longer than expected, ending at nearly 11:50.

Shen Tang and Huo Teng had rarely interacted before, only occasionally bumping into each other at events. They weren’t close privately, but with the drama they were set to film next month, they engaged more during the event.

After the event ended, everyone got into their respective cars and headed to the restaurant booked by their agents.

As soon as the car door closed, Shen Tang asked her assistant whether the clothes had been purchased.

The assistant handed over a shopping bag from the backseat—it was the largest size available.

Li Jie turned around to see that it was a set of men’s sportswear, similar in style to what Shen Tang was wearing. She assumed Shen Tang bought it for herself. “Sometimes girls look even cooler in men’s styles than in women’s.”

Shen Tang opened the clothing to take a look. “It’s not for me; it’s for Jiang Cheng Yu.”

Li Jie couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation. “Dear, you’re really going to give him this?”

Shen Tang replied confidently, “I paid for it.”

Li Jie rubbed her temples in frustration and offered heartfelt advice: “You really shouldn’t bring this home. If you want to give a gift, make it something valuable and unique. The gifts Jiang Cheng Yu gives you are all custom-made—even candles are specially designed.”

Moreover, Jiang Cheng Yu’s clothes were all tailor-made, with each set costing at least six figures.

She feared that if Shen Tang brought this home, Jiang Cheng Yu might not wear it, leading to an awkward situation for both of them.

There was no need to create tension over a simple tracksuit.

Shen Tang folded the clothes neatly and placed them back in the bag. “I think this gift is great.” Whether or not he wore it, that was his decision.

Li Jie shook her head, knowing there was no changing Shen Tang’s stubbornness.

The restaurant wasn’t far from the mall where the event had taken place. In no time, the car pulled up to the entrance.

This meal was hosted by Huo Teng’s agent, who claimed it would allow Huo Teng and Shen Tang to get more familiar with each other before filming began, making things easier on set and avoiding awkwardness.

Given the other party’s enthusiasm, Li Jie couldn’t refuse.

This courtesy was extended to Huo Teng, not his agent.

Huo Teng’s agent was notoriously opportunistic, always gravitating toward whoever was currently popular. Even Huo Teng’s fans were aware of this.

However, Huo Teng’s professionalism and talent were undeniable. For his sake, many chose to overlook his agent’s behavior.

The fans had mixed feelings about the agent. On one hand, they resented her actions, which often put Huo Teng in the spotlight for controversy. On the other hand, they acknowledged that without her relentless efforts—sometimes even sacrificing her dignity—Huo Teng wouldn’t have achieved his current success.

The private room was on the third floor of the restaurant. The server guided them there.

They had only parted ways ten minutes earlier, so there was no need for formal pleasantries. Everyone took their seats.

Huo Teng brought out a bottle of red wine—it was a gift from a friend, and he had conveniently grabbed it from the trunk.

Li Jie waved her hand and made up an excuse for Shen Tang: “She drank quite a bit last night and hasn’t recovered yet. Let’s keep things casual.”

Huo Teng poured tea for Shen Tang and Li Jie. He didn’t ask for wine either. “I have to go to the recording studio this afternoon,” he said, putting away the wine. Turning to Shen Tang, he added, “We’ll be on set together for half a year. Next time, I’ll treat you to drinks. Today, let’s toast with tea instead.”

Following his cue, Shen Tang asked, “Recording a song?”

Huo Teng nodded. “Yes, the theme song for a TV series.”

Shen Tang knew Huo Teng had a beautiful voice—he was one of the few entertainers in the industry who excelled in acting, singing, and hosting.

“Do you plan to hold a concert anytime soon?”

Huo Teng’s agent chimed in: “Actually, yes. Starting next summer, right after Sheng Xiao wraps up, there will be a tour with eight shows.”

Shen Tang and Li Jie raised their teacups in a toast, wishing the concert success in advance.

“Thank you,” Huo Teng said. He hadn’t grown close enough to Shen Tang yet to extend an invitation to be a guest at the concert, so he didn’t mention it.

________________________________________

“Is Huo Teng really holding a concert?”

“Yes, his agent mentioned it. They’re in the planning stages,” Shen Tang observed her best friend. “Why are you so excited?”

Half an hour ago, she had parted ways with Huo Teng downstairs and headed straight to meet her best friend.

Wen Di, curious about how two reserved people like Shen Tang and Huo Teng could chat during lunch, asked about their conversation. Shen Tang casually mentioned they talked about the concert, and time flew by.

Wen Di adored Huo Teng’s voice. “You haven’t heard him sing live without accompaniment—it’s incredibly charming. Whoever hears it falls in love. If he holds a concert, I’ll definitely attend every show.”

Shen Tang rested her chin in her hand and refrained from commenting.

So far, she thought the most pleasant voice belonged to Jiang Cheng Yu. Though she had never heard him sing, his everyday speech alone was enough to captivate her.

After discussing Huo Teng, Wen Di used coffee as a substitute for wine: “I almost forgot the important part—congratulations on your drama being successfully picked up for broadcast. Next year, you’ll dominate the screens on all major channels.”

Shen Tang had two leading roles airing on satellite TV next year, plus a cameo role scheduled for early next year.

“Jiang Cheng Yu is good to you. Treasure him,” Wen Di advised. “Don’t just focus on your work while worrying about the women around him. There are countless of them.”

Shen Tang smiled faintly. “Even if I stayed by his side every moment, if he’s not meant to be mine, I can’t force it.”

“You’re impossible,” Wen Di sighed. “Let’s change the subject.” She asked Shen Tang, “Are you busy tomorrow? I’m free all day. Want to relax somewhere?”

Shen Tang: “I’m flying to Shanghai tonight.”

Wen Di shrugged, disappointment written all over her face.

She gazed out the window, sipping her coffee.

Shen Tang teased her. “Why do you look so heartbroken? If I don’t have time to keep you company, why don’t you ask Yan Heyu to relax with you? Don’t you find him more agreeable than me?”

Wen Di shot her a glare.

Shen Tang chuckled.

Wen Di was a renowned screenwriter—beautiful, intelligent, and highly emotionally intelligent. She often hosted variety shows and was Shen Tang’s only confidante in the industry.

Wen Di had started dating Yan Heyu just a few days after Shen Tang began seeing Jiang Cheng Yu.

Though they hadn’t met through Shen Tang—they met at a dinner party—one thing was certain.

Wen Di took another sip of coffee, suddenly unable to taste anything.

There were things she didn’t know how to say to Shen Tang. She was used to sharing happy moments with friends, while negative emotions were something she processed alone.

Shen Tang was the same way.

They were alike in that regard.

Lately, Wen Di felt herself growing distant from Yan Heyu, though she couldn’t pinpoint why.

Their coffee cups were refilled twice.

By four o’clock, Shen Tang paid the bill.

“When will you return to Beijing next?” Wen Di asked as they slowly descended the stairs.

Shen Tang thought for a moment. “If there aren’t any business engagements, it might not be until next year. After finishing my upcoming projects, I’ll go home to see my grandfather and stay there for a while. Filming for the new drama starts in November.”

Wen Di: “I’ll visit you on set in Hengdian then.”

She hugged Shen Tang briefly, saying nothing more as they parted.

________________________________________

The original plan was to leave for the airport at six o’clock, but Li Jie had the driver and assistant pick Shen Tang up at five-thirty.

Li Jie wouldn’t accompany Shen Tang for the next business trip since she still had to arrange work for her other artists for the coming year.

Shen Tang didn’t have much luggage to carry. The gown she wore for the event had already been borrowed from the brand by Li Jie.

She remembered the fruit Jiang Cheng Yu had bought her the previous night and asked the housekeeper to wash some for her to eat on the way to the airport.

Without Li Jie around to nag, she could enjoy a few more bites of fruit.

The men’s sportswear she had bought in the morning was left at the foot of the bed in her bedroom. She flipped her phone over and over in her hand, realizing the next time they’d meet might not be for months.

Unlocking her phone, she typed a message: [I’m heading to the airport at six to fly to Shanghai. Sheng Xiao wraps up in April next year, and I may not have time to return to Beijing during that period. I bought you a set of clothes—it’s on the bed.]

Jiang Cheng Yu didn’t reply.

Shen Tang waited until five-fifty. With no messages or calls coming in, she picked up her bag and headed downstairs.

On the dining table was a container filled with freshly prepared fruit.

“Tangtang, the fruit is all ready. Do you need anything else?”

“No, thank you, Auntie.”

Previously, the housekeeper referred to Shen Tang as Miss Shen, but after caring for her for several days when she fell ill and preparing various porridges for her, Shen Tang had insisted she call her Tangtang instead.

Shen Tang cradled the container in one arm, her bag slung over the other.

She returned to the kitchen and packed a small bag of snacks.

When the assistant saw Shen Tang emerge, he hurried to greet her.

Shen Tang handed over her bag and the snacks. Pointing to the snack bag, she said, “These are for you guys.”

There were three men in the car—the stylist, bodyguard, and driver—and none of them usually ate snacks. Occasionally, the assistant and stylist nibbled on something to pass the time.

Shen Tang ate sparingly, even dividing her fruit into portions to track her calorie intake.

Normally, most of the fruit she brought along was shared with the assistant and stylist. Today, however, she didn’t intend to divide the large container.

Gazing out the window at the autumn scenery rushing past, Shen Tang ate her fruit slowly and methodically.

The car quickly exited the villa district and merged onto the main road.

Less than five minutes later, a luxurious black sedan entered the villa compound.

The housekeeper was tidying up the dining area—it wasn’t even six o’clock yet, and Jiang Cheng Yu had unexpectedly returned.

Not only was the housekeeper unaccustomed to this, but the butler and other staff members were also surprised by Jiang Cheng Yu’s early arrival.

The butler approached to inquire whether dinner should be arranged ahead of schedule.

Jiang Cheng Yu: “No need.”

Recalling that Shen Tang had just left, it was clear he had rushed back specifically.

The housekeeper mentioned casually, “Tangtang just left not long ago. She specifically asked me to wash the fruit you bought and pack some for her to eat on the way.”

Jiang Cheng Yu nodded, his suit draped over his arm as he scrolled through his phone and walked upstairs.

At the foot of the bed lay two pieces of clothing, still in their transparent protective bags.

Each bag had a sticky note attached. On the top, it read: [Happy Third Anniversary.]

On the pants, the note said: [Happy New Year in Advance.]

A single spring sportswear set, divided into two gifts.

Jiang Cheng Yu hung up his suit and pulled out his shirt, which had been tucked into his pants for too long, leaving slight creases from the belt. His left hand rested on the collar as he began unbuttoning, while his right hand retrieved a number and dialed it.

Shen Tang was eating fruit when her phone vibrated beside her leg.

She wiped her hands with a tissue and answered.

On the other end of the line came the sound of rustling and plastic bags.

“Where are you?” Shen Tang asked, puzzled.

“At home. I received your gift.”

Shen Tang wasn’t sure if he had seen her message and rushed back on purpose. She smiled softly: “You’re home early today.”

Jiang Cheng Yu: “Mm. You bought me clothes, so I came back to try them on.”