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Psst! We're moving!
For some reason, Bo Ying couldn’t shake the feeling that He Jingxiu’s phrase “I like it now” carried a deeper meaning.
But at this moment, she didn’t want to overthink it or misinterpret his words.
Her fingers hovered uncertainly, unsure how to respond to He Jingxiu.
Sensing her silence, He Jingxiu changed the subject: [What are you planning to do this afternoon?]
Bo Ying: [Play with the cat and read a book. What about you?]
He Jingxiu: [I’m heading to my grandparents’ place. I’ll return your car tonight.]
Bo Ying: [If you’re busy, just send me the address, and I’ll come pick it up myself.]
He Jingxiu: [Even if I’m busy, I’ll still make time to drop off your car.]
Bo Ying’s long lashes fluttered as she hesitated before typing a single word: [Oh.]
Their conversation continued in this somewhat mundane back-and-forth for nearly half an hour.
When He Jingxiu finally had to leave, their chat came to an end.
Bo Ying cuddled the cat in her arms, settling into the recliner on the balcony to bask in the afternoon sun.
The sunlight was bright and dazzling, filtering through the sheer curtains to gently caress her skin and face, bringing a comforting warmth.
Sunlight always carried its own sense of comfort.
Restless, Bo Ying began scrolling through her chat history with He Jingxiu.
They had exchanged contact information during their first dinner together, and their conversations had started from that day.
Their chats contained nothing particularly significant, and there were few hints of romance. Mostly, He Jingxiu would let her know when he’d arrived home after dropping her off, and sometimes he’d say goodnight. Occasionally, they’d discuss what to eat. Sharing snippets of their daily lives, like today, was rare.
As she scrolled through their messages, Bo Ying found herself reminiscing about her high school days—those years when she had been fearless and unapologetically pursued what she wanted.
From a young age, Bo Ying had always been someone who actively went after what she desired. Though she hadn’t grown up in the most privileged environment and her older brother often teased her, she knew he was her strongest support system. No matter what happened, he would always have her back.
Because of this, Bo Ying had learned to express herself openly, whether it was liking or disliking something. She never shied away from showing her feelings.
When she developed feelings for He Jingxiu, she didn’t hide them like some of her shy classmates who buried their emotions deep inside. Instead, Bo Ying wanted to announce to the world that she liked He Jingxiu.
Of course, she didn’t actually declare it to the entire world, but she did make her feelings quite public for a while between their two schools.
Among the more gossip-prone students, everyone knew that Bo Ying from Seventh High was pursuing He Jingxiu from First High.
Her pursuit of him was anything but subtle. In the mornings, she would line up to buy him breakfast. At noon, she bombarded him with random messages. In the evenings, she would “coincidentally” bump into him on her way home.
Though their homes were in opposite directions, she managed to lie convincingly, claiming they lived along the same route.
She wasn’t sure if He Jingxiu genuinely didn’t know where she lived or if he simply chose not to call her out on her lies. Either way, his attitude toward her remained lukewarm.
Sometimes, Bo Ying wondered if his heart was simply impossible to warm.
But perhaps because she loved a challenge, the harder it seemed to reach him, the more determined she became to try.
If Meng Jiangnu could cry down the Great Wall, why couldn’t she win over He Jingxiu?
With this belief, Bo Ying grew bolder with each setback. Eventually, He Jingxiu either succumbed to her persistence or grew tired of resisting her advances. Slowly, he began lowering his guard around her.
Occasionally, she’d take advantage of him, but he never resisted.
If only…
If only those events hadn’t happened afterward, Bo Ying thought, she might already have won He Jingxiu over by now.
At this thought, Bo Ying tugged lightly at the corner of her lips.
She pulled back the sheer curtain and looked up at the glaring sun, squinting slightly.
Sensing her melancholy, Chi Xiaochi nestled closer, nuzzling her chest and batting her paw softly against Bo Ying’s collarbone.
For a moment, Bo Ying wasn’t sure if the cat was trying to comfort her or wake her up.
Suddenly, her phone rang, interrupting her thoughts.
She picked it up and glanced at the screen, raising an eyebrow slightly. “Hello?”
“Yingying!” A lively female voice burst through the speaker. “Did you miss me?”
Bo Ying paused, then responded dryly, “No.”
Defiantly, she added, “You haven’t messaged me in ages. Why would I miss you?”
Zheng Jinyao pouted, clearly unhappy. “That’s no good. You have to miss me.”
She explained, “I’ve been super busy lately, working on my thesis and entertaining clients. I barely had time to sleep. And to make matters worse, the foreign client I was accompanying was obsessed with archaeology, dragging me to all these remote places with zero signal.”
It was only now, with a proper connection, that she could call Bo Ying. Before this, she could only send sporadic messages.
Zheng Jinyao was Bo Ying’s college classmate and best friend. After graduation, both had gone abroad for graduate studies, though they pursued different fields. Bo Ying eventually switched careers midway through.
While overseas, even though they weren’t in the same city, they would occasionally meet up for meals.
Zheng Jinyao had returned to China earlier than Bo Ying. When she came back, Bo Ying was still debating whether to return herself.
In just two or three months, Bo Ying had also come back.
Bo Ying knew Zheng Jinyao had been busy and didn’t hold it against her for neglecting their communication.
She chuckled and raised an eyebrow teasingly. “So, are you done with work now?”
Zheng Jinyao hummed in affirmation. “I just put my client on their flight. Now I’m free. Want to grab a drink?”
Bo Ying glanced at the blazing afternoon sun outside. “Drinking in the middle of the day?”
Zheng Jinyao suggested, “How about we do a full-body spa first, then go drinking?”
Bo Ying hadn’t been to a bar since returning to China, so the idea naturally intrigued her. “Sure, but I don’t have a car. You’ll have to pick me up.”
Zheng Jinyao: “….”
Neither Bo Ying nor Zheng Jinyao were the reserved type. Even after not seeing each other for a while, they could laugh and chat endlessly whenever they met.
And even if they didn’t talk, there was never any awkwardness between them.
When Zheng Jinyao arrived, Bo Ying gave her a hug. “I’ve missed you so much.”
Zheng Jinyao pushed her shoulder playfully, eyeing her skeptically. “I don’t feel your longing at all.”
She grinned. “Come on, look at me. Do I look darker from the sun?”
Bo Ying studied her carefully, stroking her chin and nodding. “Hmm, you’re definitely darker.”
Zheng Jinyao: “….”
Suddenly, she didn’t feel like talking anymore.
Bo Ying stifled a laugh, leaning on her shoulder. “Even if you’re darker, you’re still the prettiest in my eyes.”
Zheng Jinyao raised an eyebrow, teasing her. “What about Chi Xiaolu?”
“…” Bo Ying choked, laughing awkwardly. “You’re both equally pretty in my heart.”
Zheng Jinyao snorted, unable to resist laughing along.
After a bit of playful banter, they finally got serious about finding a spa.
“Do you have any recommendations?” Zheng Jinyao asked.
Bo Ying glanced at her. “You should be asking me.”
Zheng Jinyao shrugged. “I haven’t been to one since I got back. Should we ask Chi Lu?”
“Sure.”
After consulting Chi Lu, they headed straight to their destination.
After working for such a long stretch, Bo Ying hadn’t had a chance to properly relax.
Lying in the spa, they closed their eyes and chatted, enjoying the luxurious treatment.
As they talked, the conversation turned to Bo Ying’s job.
Zheng Jinyao had countless thoughts about the twist of fate that landed Bo Ying in He Jingxiu’s company.
Ever since she heard about it, she felt there was a certain destiny between the two of them.
Zheng Jinyao had never met He Jingxiu, but she had a strong impression of him.
During college, Bo Ying rarely cried, but when she did, half the time it was because of him, and the other half was because of Chi Lu and her parents.
Now that they had some downtime, Zheng Jinyao wasted no time diving into the gossip.
“A while ago, you messaged me saying you were going on a business trip. I never got to ask—did anything interesting happen?”
Bo Ying, drowsy from the massage, closed her eyes and asked, “What counts as interesting?”
Zheng Jinyao rolled her eyes. “Didn’t you say your boss went too? Didn’t anything happen between you two?”
“…”
Bo Ying was even more exasperated. She opened her eyes and glanced at her friend. “Do you think we’re in some TV drama?”
Zheng Jinyao laughed, unrelenting. “With the way your story’s unfolding, even a TV drama writer couldn’t come up with this.”
Bo Ying burst out laughing, reminded of the meal He Jingxiu had shared with her and the time he carried her on his back.
Aside from being carried by her brother Boyan when she was little, He Jingxiu was the only other person who had ever carried her.
Compared to a face-to-face embrace, she actually preferred being hugged from behind or being carried on someone’s back. It made her feel like the person carrying her trusted her completely and relied on her fully.
It was like being in battle—only when you fully trusted your comrade would you willingly turn your back to them.
And when embraced from behind, their hearts would beat close together, separated only by thin layers of clothing and skin.
“Why aren’t you talking?”
Zheng Jinyao asked, “Are you thinking about something you’re too embarrassed to tell me?”
Bo Ying mulled over how to phrase her response, but ultimately decided to just say whatever came to mind.
“I’m trying to figure out how to explain it to you. Nothing really happened—we just had dinner together…” She and Zheng Jinyao were close enough to share everything.
After hearing her explanation, Zheng Jinyao snorted again. “Wow, are you feeding me secondhand romance?”
“…” Bo Ying sputtered. “How is that romantic?”
“This isn’t romantic?” Zheng Jinyao shot her a glare. “I thought you two were just getting along well, but turns out you’ve already moved on to… carrying each other.”
Bo Ying defended herself weakly. “We didn’t carry each other.”
“Carrying is practically hugging. Didn’t you once tell me you prefer being carried over hugging?” Zheng Jinyao called her bluff.
Bo Ying was speechless.
After a brief silence, Zheng Jinyao looked at her. “The way He Jingxiu treats you—it seems like he likes you, doesn’t it?”
Bo Ying paused, surprised that Zheng Jinyao had voiced the possibility she was too afraid to consider.
She fell silent for a moment, closing her eyes and shaking her head. “I don’t know.”
She was afraid of misinterpreting his feelings again.
Moreover, there were still many unresolved issues between them. Both were pretending not to understand, unwilling to disrupt their current dynamic. Neither knew whether clearing things up would make their relationship better or worse.
Given that, it was easier to maintain the status quo.
Hearing this, Zheng Jinyao didn’t know what to say.
The Bo Ying she knew was brave and bold, but when it came to He Jingxiu, it seemed like all her courage had been drained, leaving her unable to take another step forward.
“Then wait for him to make the first move,” Zheng Jinyao suggested after some thought. “You’ve already taken the initiative once. Wait until he shows clearer signs.”
Bo Ying smiled. “What if he stays like this forever?”
Zheng Jinyao smirked. “Then maybe he’s planning to stay single for life.”
Bo Ying’s lips curved slightly as she murmured, “He has plenty of options.”
“There are plenty,” Zheng Jinyao said protectively, “but none of them can compare to you.”
Bo Ying was amused by her words, and her mood lifted considerably.
After finishing their spa session, they realized it was still early and decided to visit a restaurant Bo Ying had been wanting to try.
Once they finished eating, they leisurely made their way to a bar.
Considering their moderate tolerance for alcohol and unfamiliarity with the nightlife scene, they opted for a bar run by someone they knew.
The bar was owned by Jiang Chen, a friend of Boyan’s. It was known for its safety and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for unwinding.
When Bo Ying and Zheng Jinyao arrived, Jiang Chen personally greeted them.
He happened to be there that day and had come downstairs after receiving a call from Boyan. As Boyan’s younger sister, she deserved special treatment.
“Yingying, over here.”
Bo Ying looked up and saw Jiang Chen standing casually by the entrance. He was dressed in relaxed attire, his tall figure leaning lazily against the doorway. He didn’t look like a typical bar owner at all.
Bar owners rarely appeared so composed.
“Brother Jiang Chen,” Bo Ying greeted him warmly. They had met before and shared meals, so they were relatively familiar. “You’re here at the bar today?”
Jiang Chen glanced at her. “You’ve gotten even prettier.”
He nodded, exchanged greetings with Zheng Jinyao, and led them inside. “Would you prefer a seat in the main hall or a private booth upstairs?”
Bo Ying: “The main hall.”
Not wanting to trouble Jiang Chen, she added gently, “Brother Jiang Chen, you go ahead and take care of things. My friend and I will just hang out for a bit.”
“Alright.” Jiang Chen didn’t press further. “If you need anything, find me on the third floor. Feel free to order whatever drinks you want—it’s on me.”
Bo Ying smiled. “Thank you, Brother Jiang Chen.”
Jiang Chen specially arranged a prime spot with an excellent view for Bo Ying. Once seated, she and Zheng Jinyao ordered a few fruity cocktails.
The drinks were low in alcohol content and beautifully presented.
It was still early, so the bar wasn’t particularly lively yet.
Bored, Bo Ying and Zheng Jinyao started playing a simple game—guessing the size of dice rolls.
It was a childish game, but it suited them perfectly.
They were having fun when someone suddenly approached.
“Bo Ying?”
The voice cut through the deafening music, reaching her ears.
Bo Ying instinctively looked up and froze upon seeing the person in front of her.
“It really is you.” Liang Shun, dressed in a shirt and trousers, looked down at her. “I thought I was mistaken.”
Bo Ying blinked slowly, smiling awkwardly. “Yeah, what a coincidence.”
Liang Shun nodded, glancing at her. “When did you return to the country? Why didn’t you say anything?”
Bo Ying hummed noncommittally, fibbing, “I forgot.”
Seeing her reaction, Liang Shun knew she hadn’t really forgotten.
He greeted Zheng Jinyao briefly and asked politely, “Do you mind if I sit here?”
Bo Ying couldn’t refuse, so she nodded. “Go ahead.”
At nine o’clock, He Jingxiu and Mrs. Chen finally left his grandparents’ house.
He had drunk a little with the elders that evening, and his head felt slightly dizzy.
Chen Peiyi looked at him and suggested softly, “Should I have the driver take you home first?”
He Jingxiu was heading back to his apartment since he had work the next day.
“No need.” He Jingxiu rubbed his temples and replied softly, “Bo Ying’s car is still at home. I’ll return it to her later.”
Upon hearing this, Chen Peiyi’s eyes lit up. “Then have the driver take you over to return the car.”
He Jingxiu nodded.
Since he had been drinking, he naturally couldn’t drive himself. He would have the driver accompany him to return the car to Bo Ying.
Seeing his demeanor, Chen Peiyi’s curiosity flared. “You and Yingying…”
To her, Bo Ying had already been mentally placed in the category of future daughter-in-law, and her tone reflected that closeness. “What’s the situation between you two now?”
He Jingxiu glanced back at his parents, unsure how to respond.
After a moment of silence, he replied calmly, “Mom, don’t be so nosy.”
Chen Peiyi sputtered, shooting him a look. “If you were more proactive, I wouldn’t have to be nosy, would I?”
She teased, “Don’t think I don’t know—the tiny photo in your wallet is hers, isn’t it?”
Before He Jingxiu could respond, Mrs. Chen continued, “And remember that time I was tidying up your things? I found more of her photos tucked inside your books.”
It was only because too much time had passed that she hadn’t immediately recognized Bo Ying at the mall.
He Jingxiu was momentarily speechless, about to reply when his phone vibrated incessantly.
He glanced at it—it was a message from Luo Xiao.
Luo Xiao: [Drinking?]
Luo Xiao: [I’m at Jiang Chen’s bar tonight. It’s pretty interesting.]
Luo Xiao: [Let me show you the bar’s vibe.]
He Jingxiu frowned. He knew Jiang Chen and was aware of his expertise in entertainment. The bars and venues he ran were top-notch.
But He Jingxiu and Luo Xiao rarely frequented Jiang Chen’s places. There was no particular reason—they simply didn’t get along.
To put it childishly, He Jingxiu and Luo Xiao were part of one group, while Jiang Chen and Boyan belonged to another.
In business, they occasionally clashed fiercely over projects.
As a result, members of the two groups rarely interacted unless absolutely necessary.
Thinking this, He Jingxiu replied: [I’m not going.]
Luo Xiao: [Did you watch the video I sent?]
He Jingxiu: [?]
Luo Xiao: [Watch it, then decide if you want to come.]
He Jingxiu hesitated for a moment before opening the video Luo Xiao had sent.
The footage was blurry, with the bar’s lights flashing unpredictably and silhouettes moving chaotically. The deafening music assaulted his ears.
The video was short, lasting only about twenty seconds.
In the final moments, He Jingxiu caught a glimpse of Bo Ying’s unmistakable face. She was seated in a black princess dress, surrounded by fruit platters and colorful drinks, with a man sitting beside her.
In the video, she was chatting with the man, a faint smile on her face, her dimples showing.
When Bo Ying went to the restroom, she noticed several unread messages on her phone.
That evening, she had brought a small, glittery bag that could just fit her tissues and phone. It sparkled adorably.
Sitting on the toilet, Bo Ying massaged her ears, which felt uncomfortable from the loud music. She opened WeChat.
Seeing He Jingxiu’s message asking where she was, Bo Ying thought for a moment before replying: [Out. Why?]
He Jingxiu: [What time will you be home?]
Bo Ying: [Not sure. Are you home already? You can keep the car for now—I’ll take a taxi to work tomorrow.]
She assumed He Jingxiu was asking because he wanted to return the car.
He Jingxiu: [Okay.]
For some reason, Bo Ying suddenly sensed a different emotion hidden behind his single-word reply.
She thought for a moment and cautiously asked: [Are you feeling down?]
Without hesitation, He Jingxiu called her.
Bo Ying was startled. She covered the receiver as she answered, trying to minimize the noise from her side.
“Hello.”
He Jingxiu’s deep, slightly hoarse voice came through. “Mm.”
Bo Ying listened closely, her ears twitching slightly. “Are you feeling unwell?”
Something about his voice didn’t sound right.
He Jingxiu hummed affirmatively, his voice raspy. “My head feels a bit dizzy.”
Bo Ying was surprised. “Why are you dizzy? Did you catch a cold?”
“I had a little to drink,” He Jingxiu explained.
Relieved, Bo Ying sighed. “Then have the housekeeper make some hangover tea.”
“There isn’t anyone here.”
“What do you mean?”
He Jingxiu: “The housekeeper went home to rest.”
Bo Ying paused, hesitating. “You’re at your apartment?”
“Yes.”
He Jingxiu sounded like he sighed, his discomfort evident.
Bo Ying rubbed her ears, about to say something, when he seemed to notice the noise from her side. “Why is it so loud over there?”
“…” At this, Bo Ying suddenly felt a twinge of guilt. She mumbled vaguely, “I’m at a bar with friends.”
There was a brief silence on He Jingxiu’s end before he responded knowingly, “Then I won’t disturb you. Have fun with your friends, drink less, and get some rest early.”
Bo Ying: “I know.”
He Jingxiu didn’t say anything else, but his breathing, accompanied by the faint static of the call, continued to transmit through the line.
Bo Ying pressed her lips together, unsure what else to say.
After some thought, she tentatively asked, “Shall I hang up?”
He Jingxiu: “Alright. Let me know when you get home.”
“Okay.”
After leaving the restroom, Bo Ying suddenly lost all interest in continuing the night.
Her mind restless, she sipped her juice absentmindedly, failing to respond even when Liang Shun called her name several times.
“Yingying?”
Liang Shun looked at her. “Are you sleepy or something?”
Bo Ying turned to him, shaking her head. “No, I just remembered I have something to take care of.”
She excused herself to Zheng Jinyao and the others, then left the bar.
Three minutes later, He Jingxiu received a message from Bo Ying.
Bo Ying: [Should I bring you some hangover tea?]
Almost immediately after sending the message, she received He Jingxiu’s address.
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