Chapter 13: A Little Angry, But Also a Little Wanting to Kiss You.

The hot pot restaurant was Cheng Wanyue’s choice. Though she had only been in Beijing for just over a month, she was more familiar with the city’s dining and entertainment spots than Qing Hang, who had lived there for many years.

She first chose a yin-yang broth, then slowly began ordering dishes.

In the past, they had eaten hot pot countless times at the Cheng family estate. There was no need to ask each other what they liked or disliked. But back then, there were always many people gathered around a small table, sometimes bumping elbows or accidentally hitting someone while reaching for food.

She hesitated as she looked at the menu. “I want to eat everything, but if we order too much, we won’t be able to finish it.”

“If we can’t finish, we’ll take it to go,” Qing Hang poured a glass of water and placed it beside her. “Order whatever you like. I’ll go mix the dipping sauces.”

Cheng Wanyue had eaten too lightly this week. The aroma of the beef tallow hot pot made her crave it intensely. She ordered half portions of everything she wanted. Before the pot came to a boil, she ate some fruit.

“You’ve been pretty busy lately, huh?”

There was a decorative glass object on the table, vaguely reflecting her image. She was still wearing those three earrings, but her left ring finger and index finger now sported two rings. Her hair was styled the same as during their last meeting, though under the indoor lighting, it appeared slightly bluer.

“Not too bad, I’m used to it,” Qing Hang said. Over the years, he had been constantly shuttling between the lab and the hospital. “You should go for a follow-up on your foot.”

“Seeing a doctor in Beijing is such a hassle; even getting an appointment is difficult.” Cheng Wanyue had already been jumping around after just three days of applying ointment. She held a small orange in her hand and casually asked, “Do you have plans on the 18th?”

Qing Hang replied, “Not sure yet. We work on a weekly schedule.”

It was only the 2nd today.

“Oh,” she didn’t press further. “Is the shrimp paste cooked?”

“Wait a bit. It’s ready when it floats. Eat the beef rolls first.”

Cheng Wanyue was facing the entrance. Just as she bit into a beef ball, she saw two people walk in. She didn’t recognize the girl in front, but she recognized Zhou Heng behind her.

“Wanyue!” Zhou Heng walked over and greeted them. “What a coincidence! You’re here eating hot pot too.”

Cheng Wanyue smiled. “Yeah, quite a coincidence.”

They had just started eating.

Zhou Heng rested one hand on the corner of the table. After exchanging a few words with Cheng Wanyue, he remembered Xu Qian, who he had left at the door. He turned his head and finally noticed Qing Hang sitting across from Cheng Wanyue.

“Qing Hang?” He was clearly stunned for a few seconds, his eyes filled with surprise. “How do you two know each other?”

Cheng Wanyue said, “Last time I went to pick up the keys, I entered the wrong room.”

Zhou Heng had really been busy that day. Doctors leaving the consultation room without cause during work hours was considered dereliction of duty—a serious issue. If reported by a patient, they would not only face disciplinary action but also have their names announced on the hospital’s internal network for all staff to see.

“Didn’t I tell you it was the room on the left after entering? And I emphasized it twice.”

Qing Hang said, “She can’t tell left from right.”

“It’s my fault for not being clear,” Zhou Heng called Xu Qian over. “We’re all familiar here. Let’s join tables. Eating together will be more fun.”

This table was designed for four people.

Qing Hang looked at Cheng Wanyue, and Cheng Wanyue raised her head to look at him.

“Sure.” No need to pack leftovers.

Zhou Heng and Qing Hang sat on one side, while Xu Qian and Cheng Wanyue sat on the other. They ordered a few more dishes. Xu Qian wore her emotions on her sleeve, her dissatisfaction evident on her face. Qing Hang was taciturn by nature and spoke little. Most of the conversation at the table was between Cheng Wanyue and Zhou Heng, who was quite humorous and knew how to charm women. Xu Qian occasionally chimed in.

“I heard from Zhou Heng that we’re the same age, probably from the same graduating class. Why are you just graduating this year?”

The waiter brought several bottles of drinks. Qing Hang reached for the room-temperature beverage, intending to swap it with the cold one in front of Cheng Wanyue. But upon hearing Xu Qian’s words, his hand froze mid-motion.

Cheng Wanyue wasn’t bothered by Xu Qian’s subtle malice. She smiled lightly, her tone casual. “I didn’t pass my exams due to poor performance, so I repeated a year.”

“That means you repeated for quite a few years,” Xu Qian feigned surprise. “Academics do rely somewhat on talent, but you’re so beautiful. God has been fair to you.”

“Enough,” Zhou Heng signaled her to stop with a glance. “Didn’t you say earlier you wanted to eat lamb rolls? Hurry up and grab some before the meat gets overcooked.”

He opened a bottle of cold beer, first filling Qing Hang’s glass, then enthusiastically serving dishes to Cheng Wanyue.

Qing Hang suddenly spoke up. “She doesn’t eat lamb.”

“This lamb roll doesn’t have any gamey taste,” Zhou Heng hadn’t placed the piece of lamb he picked up into Cheng Wanyue’s bowl yet. “You don’t like lamb?”

Cheng Wanyue shook her head. “No.”

“Then I’ll eat it.” Zhou Heng took it back and fed himself, coughing violently from the spicy red oil. He picked up his glass and clinked it with Qing Hang’s. “How did you know Wanyue doesn’t eat lamb? Did you get that close just from picking up keys?”

Cheng Wanyue had finished eating. This time, she didn’t bother explaining, resting her cheek on one hand as she watched Qing Hang with a faint smile.

Qing Hang remained calm and composed. “Look at her plate.”

Had Zhou Heng been more observant, he would have noticed that Cheng Wanyue had accidentally picked up a slice of lamb while grabbing meatballs but had set it aside uneaten.

“You two complement each other well. What Wanyue doesn’t eat, Qing Hang does. Perfect for sharing meals together,” Zhou Heng joked. “I should have introduced you two earlier. Last time I took him to my sister’s place for dinner, but he left halfway through.”

Cheng Wanyue became interested. “When was that?”

Zhou Heng said, “Last month, on the evening of June 15th.”

That night, after drinking, he and Xu Qian had a big fight over something trivial. He had spent a long time making amends. He remembered it clearly and couldn’t forget.

“Oh…” She nodded slowly, dragging out the final syllable. “June 15th, huh…”

Qing Hang suddenly stood up. “I’m going to the restroom.”

“Hold on,” Zhou Heng’s mouth was full, his speech muffled. He was seated on the outside, blocking the way, and needed to finish chewing before letting Qing Hang out.

During this half-minute, Qing Hang awkwardly stood there, and Cheng Wanyue couldn’t help but laugh—not audibly, but her eyes were brimming with amusement.

Xu Qian glanced at Qing Hang, then at Cheng Wanyue, her gaze darting back and forth thoughtfully.

A woman’s sixth sense might seem irrational, but sometimes it’s incredibly sharp, with an accuracy rate as high as 99%. One couldn’t help but respect it.

Xu Qian had originally planned to cancel a gathering with friends. She deleted the words “not going” and re-sent: I’ll be there in half an hour.

“You guys take your time eating. I’ve got something to do, so I’ll head off first.” Xu Qian reapplied her lipstick, picked up her bag, and before leaving, turned back to smile at Cheng Wanyue. “Wanyue, your hair color and earrings really suit you. Next time you go to the salon to touch up your hair color, let’s go together? I want to cut my hair short too.”

Cheng Wanyue could clearly feel that Xu Qian’s attitude toward her had become much friendlier. The comment “your hair color and earrings really suit you” felt far more sincere than the earlier “you’re so beautiful.”

“Sure, have Zhou Heng send me your WeChat.”

“We’ll arrange it later.”

“Mm.”

…

Qing Hang’s trip to the restroom took a bit longer than expected. By the time he returned, Zhou Heng had almost finished eating.

Zhou Heng asked, “Should we order two more plates of beef rolls?”

Qing Hang looked at Cheng Wanyue. “Are you full?”

Cheng Wanyue nodded. “Mm, if I eat any more, I won’t be able to walk.”

“Alright then, we’ve pretty much cleaned the plates. Not a single bite wasted,” Zhou Heng took out his phone to scan and pay. “You guys go ahead. I’ll settle the bill.”

“It’s already been paid,” Qing Hang picked up the paper bag from the chair and casually pushed a silver object under the plate.

“That fast?” Zhou Heng walked side by side with Qing Hang towards the exit. He lowered his voice as if joking, “I finally had the chance to treat her to a meal, and you didn’t even give me that chance.”

Qing Hang spoke softly, “I brought her here first.”

Zhou Heng didn’t hear what Qing Hang said. After leaving the hot pot restaurant, he slowed down and walked over to Cheng Wanyue. “Wanyue, should I call a taxi to send you home or do you want to take a walk around here?”

The scorching wind made Cheng Wanyue sigh. Once Zhou Heng moved closer to her, Qing Hang was pushed to the outside.

“I live nearby. I want to walk back.”

“A walk is good too. A hundred steps after a meal will keep you alive till ninety-nine.”

As they approached the building where Cheng Wanyue lived, Zhou Heng noticed the paper bag in Qing Hang’s hand. “What did you buy?”

“Nothing much.” Qing Hang subtly hid it behind his back. “Can I borrow your lighter?”

“You want to smoke?” Zhou Heng was still puzzled about Qing Hang’s sudden craving but felt a jolt of panic when he couldn’t find the lighter in either pocket. “Oh no, I must have left it at the shop.”

Qing Hang said, “I remember that was a birthday gift Xu Qian gave you. Go back and look for it quickly.”

Worried that someone might take the lighter, Zhou Heng looked at Cheng Wanyue apologetically. “Wanyue, sorry about this.”

“No problem,” Cheng Wanyue pointed to the intersection. “I live just ahead. We’re almost there.”

Zhou Heng turned back on the same path, walking briskly for a while before breaking into a run, leaving Qing Hang and Cheng Wanyue standing by a street lamp.

People rode shared bikes past the roadside, and students returning from classes laughed and joked together in groups.

Not far away, there was a flower shop playing music inside.

“Love isn’t just roses; it’s also the punishment of unease...”

Cheng Wanyue held her hands behind her back, two fingers hooking the chain of her white handbag and lightly swaying it. She occasionally stepped on the leaves beside her feet.

She watched the leaves, while Qing Hang stared at the thin heels of her high heels.

He always felt she would twist her ankle at any moment, but she stood steadily.

“Go for a follow-up next week. I’ll help you make the appointment.”

“We’ll see,” Cheng Wanyue responded dismissively. When Qing Hang wasn’t prepared, she suddenly raised her head and stared directly at him. “Qing Hang, when did you learn to smoke?”

She wasn’t angry.

Nor was she surprised.

It was like the first time she realized the humble fantasies he harbored in his heart—ah, so even good students fall in love early?

Qing Hang hadn’t answered last time, and this time he remained silent.

“I really dislike the smell of cigarettes, you know,” Cheng Wanyue took a step closer to him. The sound of her high heels on the ground was faint, as if she were checking whether he smelled of smoke. “Why did you deny seeing me on June 15th?”

Qing Hang stood still. “Why did you repeat a year?”

That year of the college entrance exam, she had passed the line.

Cheng Wanyue tilted her head. “I asked first. You answer my question first.”

That night’s inadvertent glance froze Qing Hang in place, as if those stolen distant times had transported him back to that remote small county. The muddy rain, the sultry evening, the crowded corridors, the noisy classrooms, the alleys always dripping water—all came back to light from the depths of his sealed memories.

He even forgot how he returned to the hospital that night. His pant legs were covered in large patches of black mud. When colleagues asked him what happened, he had no recollection.

Under the dim streetlight, Qing Hang’s features were immersed in shadows. His hoarse voice was barely audible. “You said ‘no.’“

She said it twice.

“No means not wanting to see me.”

Cheng Wanyue appeared somewhat dazed, muttering to herself, “Is that what it meant...”

She recalled that winter when she called Cheng Yan Qing, who was still studying in Beijing, from her hospital room in Nanjing.

——”Long time no see, Qing Hang. I’m sick. Don’t you and Cheng Yan Qing come visit me?”

——”No.”

Cheng Wanyue chuckled softly. “I’m a little angry.”

“But...” She stepped forward, getting very close without detecting any cigarette smell on him. “I also kind of want to kiss you.”

She tiptoed and kissed the corner of his lips.

Before her heel touched the ground, Qing Hang forcefully pushed her to the inner side of the sidewalk. She stumbled a few steps, her back hitting the wall. Before she could steady herself, his passionate kiss descended.

His kissing technique was taught by her—the angle, the pressure, all according to her preferences. Their mouths tasted of the same lemon candy. Hidden in the darkness at the corner, their bodies melted together in an entangled embrace.

Hearing her triumphant soft laugh, the grip on her waist tightened, and his kiss grew fiercer.

Like their last argument before separating, neither lowered their heads in surrender. They were stubborn with themselves and with each other.

Cheng Wanyue got her nose bumped by Qing Hang’s glasses, and the simultaneous surge of pain and suffocation made her kick him.

Zhou Heng’s running footsteps were clearly audible on the street, but no one paid attention.

“Wanyue,” Zhou Heng panted heavily. “Qing Hang.”

The two who had been entwined together a moment ago abruptly separated upon hearing Zhou Heng call their names.