Chapter 96: Departure

Shang Zhitao departed early the next morning. As she was leaving, she realized that, at her core, she didn’t like farewells. She disliked tearful embraces in crowded places. It was much better to leave lightly and without fuss.

Sun Yu asked her why she chose to be stationed elsewhere just as her relationship was beginning, noting that it wouldn’t be good for their feelings.

Shang Zhitao told Sun Yu: “Love isn’t everything.”

There were practical issues weighing on her mind—age, career, and how to put down roots in this city. She didn’t want to remain adrift into her thirties. Though she longed for love, she was also struggling with reality.

“You could rely on him. If you truly love each other, these problems would resolve themselves,” Sun Yu said to her.

Shang Zhitao looked at her and replied: “Do you know? I’ve never felt for a single day that we were truly in love. Even now, being together under the guise of a romantic relationship—it doesn’t feel real.”

Shang Zhitao didn’t want to depend on Luan Nian. She knew that unequal love would only give rise to countless problems, with one side always appearing as if they were bestowing charity. In her imagination, perhaps one day she could love Luan Nian as equals—like when she became truly excellent, or when she became an expert, or bought her own small apartment, no longer completely reliant on him. She knew these thoughts were stubborn delusions, but she was merely seeking psychological equality.

As long as I don’t rely on him, as long as I can sustain myself, every bite of food I enjoy, every beautiful piece of clothing I wear, and every exciting trip I take is achieved through my own efforts. Then I can still remain myself.

As the plane took off, she looked down at the city below. Her thoughts drifted to Luan Nian, but she had become a pessimist in love. One night, she dreamed that Luan Nian got married. The girl standing beside him was dazzlingly beautiful—but it wasn’t her. The sense of loss from the dream lingered in her body long after she woke up.

Upon landing, she received a call from Sun Yuanzhu: “I’ll wait for you at the exit.”

“Okay!”

After hanging up, she saw a message from Luan Nian: “Have you arrived?”

“Yes.”

“Be safe.”

Sun Yuanzhu looked even thinner than before. Shang Zhitao couldn’t recall ever seeing someone so thin; his face had sharp, blade-like lines. It was as though he had walked a great distance, endured fierce winds, and traversed empty wildernesses. Yet his gaze remained as gentle as ever.

“Do you think I’ve changed so much that you’ve forgotten what I look like?” Sun Yuanzhu asked with a smile.

She nodded, then shook her head, handing over her luggage and discreetly observing his expression.

“Did I scare you?” Sun Yuanzhu asked again.

“No.”

The two walked out together. Sun Yuanzhu’s company had provided him with a spacious SUV capable of carrying many things. After stowing Shang Zhitao’s luggage, he asked her: “Would you like to grab a bowl of hand-pulled noodles first?”

“Of course! I didn’t eat anything on the plane, and I’ve been looking forward to this bowl of noodles. Last time when I came here to rent a place, I ate noodles for three straight days. But strangely, I didn’t get tired of them.” Shang Zhitao fastened her seatbelt while enthusiastically describing her endless love for noodles.

Sun Yuanzhu listened with a smile and said: “The county isn’t big, but there are delicious hand-pulled noodles everywhere. Today, I’ll take you to my usual spot. Their side dishes are good too, and they have your favorite sweet rice wine milk.”

“Great!”

“The drive from the airport to where you’ll be staying is quite a journey.” Sun Yuanzhu gestured: “Fortunately, the area is open and sparsely populated with few cars, so the ride won’t take too long.”

“How about some music?”

“I think that’s a good idea.”

They started driving with music playing, and Shang Zhitao gazed at the scenery along the highway, deeply appreciating the wonders of nature. Pointing to a distant mountain ridge, she said to Sun Yuanzhu: “Sun Yuanzhu, I see a dragon’s spine.” She began to imagine the place vividly.

“Suddenly, I feel that our company’s expert team hasn’t created a very compelling plan for the cultural tourism industry here.”

“Why?”

“It’s just lacking depth. Chinese people admire dragons because they symbolize a certain spirit. Our creativity should align with that spirit, shifting focus away from mountains and rivers to consider the generations who have lived here for thousands of years. Scenery is carved, culture is passed down—that’s what matters.” Shang Zhitao grew excited: “Yes, I know what’s missing now!”

Sun Yuanzhu listened attentively, reflected deeply, and then spoke: “I agree with you. Classmate Shang Zhitao is truly impressive. This afternoon, I can take you to see some places. We’ll pass through many small villages during our testing.”

“Let’s go after eating the noodles!”

“Don’t you need to wait for the delivery of your appliances?”

“Oh right, let’s do that first.”

Sun Yuanzhu took Shang Zhitao to a shabby noodle shop. As soon as they entered, they were greeted by the aroma of chili oil. Shang Zhitao’s taste buds awakened. She ordered a large bowl of thin noodles, while Sun Yuanzhu ordered a small portion of flat noodles, a small side dish, and some skewered lamb.

“Listen,” Sun Yuanzhu tilted his head, indicating for Shang Zhitao to listen to the rhythmic slapping sound of noodles being pulled on the board: “I love this sound. It has a special rhythm. A few days ago, Long Zhentian called me, saying he missed Chinese food. I sent him vacuum-sealed roasted meat.”

Shang Zhitao giggled: “I suspect Long Zhentian was deliberately playing the victim. When he called me, he said the same thing, so I sent him Nanjing salted duck, Beijing roast duck, Shandong pancakes, and Lao Gan Ma chili sauce.”

“Whether it gets through customs depends on his luck.” The two exchanged a laugh.

Shang Zhitao noticed that Sun Yuanzhu ate very little. He only took three bites of his small bowl of noodles before stopping. Seeing her watching him, he explained: “I’ve already eaten.”

“Oh. But we’ve been together for almost three hours. Haven’t you digested it yet?” Shang Zhitao was puzzled.

“Not yet. I ate too much this morning.”

“This noodle shop is even better than the one I went to before. I’ll come here often in the future. Thank you, Sun Yuanzhu, for treating me to this meal,” Shang Zhitao said.

“If you like it, I’ll come treat you often.”

“Then I won’t hold back.”

Sun Yuanzhu gave Shang Zhitao a sense of stability. He was like an indispensable family member or old friend, always helping her whenever she faced difficulties. Shang Zhitao even felt that she might never meet someone like him again in her lifetime.

The company provided housing and living allowances for employees stationed elsewhere—a generous arrangement. Shang Zhitao rented a relatively nice apartment and purchased matching appliances. Knowing she’d be staying for fourteen months, she decided to live those months fully, not just passing time but making the most of it.

Shang Zhitao gradually began to understand the meaning of life.

Life isn’t lived for anyone else—it’s lived for oneself.

She shared her insights with Luan Nian, who asked her: “Are you happy now?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not happy. Your stupid dog bit my shoe yesterday.”

“Could it be that you didn’t put your shoes away properly when you left the house?”

“? Are you speaking human words?”

Shang Zhitao felt a bit guilty. She hadn’t disciplined Luke for biting things, and the three people in the household always made sure to tidy up before leaving.

“Did he bite anything else?”

“Does the sofa count?”

“The set in your living room?” Shang Zhitao sat up in alarm.

“What else?”

“Oh my goodness.”

Luan Nian’s living room featured an expensive sofa set—he was picky and had bought high-end furniture during the renovation. Hearing that Luke had chewed up the sofa, Shang Zhitao couldn’t help but feel heartbroken: “Why don’t you get him a muzzle? That way, he won’t be able to bite things anymore.”

“Why don’t you wear a muzzle?” Luan Nian retorted, putting away his phone. How amusing—to even suggest putting a muzzle on Luke. He glanced at Luke and said to him: “Now you know who’s good to you, huh? Your master wants to put a muzzle on you.”

He had just finished walking Luke and was now preparing breakfast for him—pan-frying two eggs, along with the salmon he bought from the supermarket. He personally made salmon jerky, adding a quarter of an apple, and mixed it with half a bowl of dog food. The combinations varied almost daily, and Luke loved it. Because he had to prepare breakfast for Luke and take him for walks, Luan Nian woke up at least half an hour earlier every day.

Luke and Luan Nian’s bond grew stronger through these daily meals. Luke listened to Luan Nian exceptionally well, and Luan Nian understood every expression Luke made.

Sometimes Luan Nian would pinch Luke’s ear and talk to him: “Does your master not have a heart?”

Luke tilted his head, and after a moment, barked in response.

“Can’t even say anything?” Luan Nian tapped Luke’s head.

That day, as usual, Luan Nian pinched Luke’s face and scolded both him and his master. But since Luke had just eaten Luan Nian’s meal, he kept quiet, feeling indebted, and let Luan Nian ramble on.

Shang Zhitao sneezed while waiting for her luggage and said to Luan Nian: “It sounds like you’re scolding me.”

“? “

“I sneezed.”

“It might be Luke cursing you in its mind.”

Shang Zhitao wiped her nose and chuckled. After spending so much time with him, she noticed how childish Luan Nian could be. His ability to deny obvious truths was strong—he could lie with his eyes wide open.

“Oh. Did you sneeze too?”

“? “

“Because I’m thinking about you.”

“I see.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

Shang Zhitao thought it was incredibly difficult to get a sweet word out of Luan Nian, so she coaxed him: “Come on, you should say something too.”

“What should I say?”

“Say that you miss me.”

Luan Nian sent a half-hearted emoji.

He disliked sweet talk—what was the point of saying such things? It sounded overly sentimental. If he missed someone, he’d rather go see them; what good were words? So he picked up his phone to check his schedule and noticed he had two and a half days free in three weeks’ time. He could visit her then, or stay longer to attend the project launch meeting.

He told his secretary: “Block out these days for me, and don’t schedule any work.”

“Got it.”

After getting ready to leave, Luan Nian saw Luke pacing anxiously on the floor. He asked him: “Are you worried that I’m going on a long trip too?”

“Woof! Yes!”

“I’ll come home early.” Luan Nian felt he was more patient with Luke than with anyone else. He rambled on like a lunatic: “Your master is going to work, not abandoning you. I’ll only be gone for ten hours. You don’t need to be so sensitive—you’re just a dog. Eat, sleep, repeat—isn’t that good enough? What do you care where your scatterbrained master is?”

After comforting him for a while, Luke finally lay down, looking utterly pitiful. Luan Nian thought for a moment and impulsively ordered a camera online. With advancements in technology, home cameras had become widely used. Install one, and you can talk to your pet from afar—it could hear you. That night, Luan Nian installed two cameras in the living room, covering 360 degrees without blind spots.

Then he sent the account details to Shang Zhitao.

“What?”

“Go check on your dog.”

“Oh.”

Shang Zhitao really went up and saw Luan Nian lying on the sofa flipping through a magazine, with Luke playing beside him. That sofa... had been bitten beyond recognition by Luke.

“Luke,” she called.

Luke sat up, looking left and right but not seeing Shang Zhitao.

“Luke,” she called again, “Why are you biting the sofa? Can’t you bite something cheaper?”

Luke was sure he hadn’t misheard. He searched up and down inside the house three times but still couldn’t find Shang Zhitao. Suddenly, he became very angry and barked loudly at Luan Nian. Luan Nian said to the camera, “Are you sick? Why are you teasing him?”

Shang Zhitao giggled, “Sorry, Luke. I’ll shut up.”

Luan Nian turned his head on the sofa, giving Shang Zhitao his full face. He looked relaxed, his hands behind his head, and asked Shang Zhitao, “Have you settled in completely?” Such a good-looking person paired with that broken sofa created a strange kind of beauty.

“I still need a whole day to tidy up tomorrow.”

“Is someone helping you?”

“Yes.” There really was. Colleagues from the local branch would come to Shang Zhitao’s place tomorrow to warm the house and help her install the appliances. There would be three or four people, both men and women. Seeing that Luan Nian wasn’t speaking, she said, “Linda organized some people to help me. They’re also helping me warm the house. They said it’s a local custom, to make it lively so there won’t be ghosts at night.”

“...” Not have ghosts, how did that thought even come up? He then asked, “Did they assign a car to you?”

“They arranged a car for me, which I can drive every day. But actually, it’s not really necessary. The county town isn’t big, and I can just take a taxi. The starting fare is three yuan, and it costs fifteen yuan to go around the whole county. I can also walk. It’s just a bit far to the site.”

“Mm.”

It felt a bit strange for the two of them to chat like this. Shang Zhitao could see Luan Nian, but Luan Nian couldn’t see her. Installing a camera at home and giving her access was like him giving up half of his privacy.

“Don’t you feel like I’m invading your privacy?”

“What do I have that I can’t let you see?”

“Like bringing women home?”

“I might bring female companions for Luke.” Luan Nian stood up. “If you miss him, you can turn on the camera anytime during the day. He seems to think you abandoned him, so he’s a bit anxious.”

Shang Zhitao suddenly felt a pang of sadness and said to Luke, “Luke, no! I’m making money, making a lot of money, to buy you meat to eat.”

“Without you, Luke can eat even more meat,” Luan Nian pointed out the fact.

Shang Zhitao didn’t speak. After a while, Luan Nian’s phone rang. He had already returned to the bedroom and was lying in bed resting. He answered Shang Zhitao’s video call and saw a huge face filling the screen. Luan Nian was startled, “Fuck!”

“Sorry, sorry, I didn’t expect you to answer so quickly.”

The two hadn’t had a video call before, so they were both a bit awkward. Luan Nian adapted faster and said to her, “Show me your new home.”

“Then wait a moment.” Shang Zhitao adjusted the camera and gave Luan Nian a remote tour of her residence in the Northwest. It was a one-bedroom apartment that the owner had bought as a wedding room, so the renovation was fairly clean. Shang Zhitao didn’t have much stuff, and the room was empty. Her few plush toys were placed there forlornly, finally giving it a bit of life.

“Are you okay?” she turned the camera back to herself and asked Luan Nian.

“Pretty good.” Luan Nian put his phone on the bedside table, turned on his side, and asked her, “Where do I stay?”

“What?”

“Where do I stay when I go?”

“You don’t have time to come. If you really do, you can sleep with me.”

“I’m particular about beds.” The implication was that he wouldn’t sleep well if he wasn’t comfortable.

“...” Shang Zhitao was momentarily speechless. She had forgotten that the man on the other end was very picky and difficult.

“So now give me the address and the size of the bed. I’ll choose the bedding myself.”

“...If you buy something too expensive, I can’t take it with me when I leave, and it’s a pity to throw it away. If you come, can you just make do?”

“No.”

Shang Zhitao knew Luan Nian. What he said was what he wanted. She couldn’t argue with him, so she just said “oh.” She picked up her phone to send him the address and bed size. The video call was still connected, and the phone was pointed at her nostrils and double chin. Luan Nian cursed and turned away, not wanting to look at that ugly face. When he turned back, he saw Shang Zhitao wearing a thin, cicada-wing-like slip dress. Her body was faintly visible.

The atmosphere suddenly became ambiguous. Luan Nian felt his blood rush downwards, gathering together. He even made a sound when he swallowed. He asked her, “Late-night福利 (fúlì,福利)?”

Shang Zhitao was actually blushing, but she had done her homework. Long-distance couples often did this. She bit her lower lip lightly and asked him, “Are you satisfied?”

“You’re probably out of your mind.” Luan Nian hung up the video call and sent her a message: “You just wait!”

He threw his phone aside, and when he closed his eyes, all he could see was Shang Zhitao’s full breasts and red lips from the video. Luan Nian didn’t like using his hand. He liked having the person in front of him, real, in his arms, where he could knead her however he wanted. But damn it, Shang Zhitao chose to go to the Northwest. Luan Nian couldn’t tell if he was angry or resentful. It took him a long time to find relief.

He took out his phone again to look at his itinerary. He felt like he couldn’t wait three weeks. He had to hurry and see her, and while he was at it, give her a good lesson.

For Luan Nian, the nights were hard to endure, but the days were a little better.

During the busy daytime, he wouldn’t overthink things.

When attending the marketing department’s weekly meeting, seeing Lumi reminded him of Shang Zhitao, who hung out with her every day.

After Will arrived, the atmosphere in the marketing department changed drastically. Previously, although the entire department worked, it looked like a retirement home, with employees drifting along every day. After Will came, they all seemed to have gone through military training, and even their sitting and standing postures had changed. Except for Lumi.

Luan Nian felt that Lumi would probably be like this for the rest of her life, a second-generation rich kid who didn’t have to worry about food and clothing, spending her days figuring out how to make herself happy.

During the meeting, Will was particularly strict with Lumi and even reprimanded her. Lumi, on the other hand, just smiled and went over.

Luan Nian still remembered the time when Shang Zhitao encountered a shady intermediary, and Lumi and her boyfriend, who looked like he was from the underworld, were carrying sticks, ready to smash up the guy’s shop. Now that Will was criticizing her, she wasn’t even angry?

Of course, Lumi wasn’t angry. This was the man she thought about sleeping with every day. So what if he reprimanded her? It wouldn’t cost her any skin off her nose.

She looked at Luan Nian and then at Song Ying, who was sitting next to him studying, and felt something was off. She sent Shang Zhitao a message: “Let me tell you, why is Yilia like a stubborn donkey’s tail? Wherever the stubborn donkey goes, she goes, she’s practically following him to pee.”

Shang Zhitao replied with a string of ellipses and asked her, “Did Lumi sleep with Will today?”

“No? Then she’s not trying hard enough?”