Category: After Breaking Up, the Gentle Older Sister Went Crazy

Chapter 86

The clock on the wall ticked relentlessly, eight minutes left until Christmas Eve.

The door, pushed open forcefully, slowly closed, cutting off the only source of light from the hallway.

The room was plunged into darkness.

The ragged breaths, the warm whispers, and the pounding of her heart, all fueled Jiang Siyi’s desire.

After a long moment, she finally found her voice.

“I… want to get back together.”

The words she had rehearsed countless times came out haltingly.

Unsure, her voice was soft. “It’s okay if you don’t agree today.”

Jiang Siyi lowered her eyes, fidgeting with her fingers. “I can ask again in a few days.”

Shen Shiwu’s figure was hidden in the darkness, her expression unreadable. Jiang Siyi could only guess at her emotions from the sound of her breathing.

She seemed to have sighed.

Jiang Siyi’s mind raced—What did that mean?

Impatience? Or helplessness?

Forget it.

Better to cut her losses than to make Shen Shiwu angry again.

“Why don’t we go to bed?” Jiang Siyi said, trying to sound casual, wanting to sneak away, “it’s getting late.”

The hand on her chin tightened.

A soft gasp escaped her lips as Jiang Siyi, who had just taken a step back, quickly retreated.

The atmosphere grew heavy.

She wanted to say something, to salvage the situation.

Hiss.

A sudden pain on her lip.

Jiang Siyi’s eyes widened in disbelief as she realized what Shen Shiwu was doing.

The warm touch was fleeting.

Shen Shiwu, after biting her lower lip, gently rubbed it with her thumb.

“Ask again in a few days?” she clicked her tongue, “treating me like a dog you can just take for a walk whenever you want?”

The light from her phone screen illuminated the darkness.

Shen Shiwu glanced at the time, then tossed it onto the bed. After the thud, she said, as if reminding Jiang Siyi, “Two minutes until midnight,”

“Choose your words carefully.”

Jiang Siyi’s eyes widened slightly.

She finally stopped retreating and leaned against Shen Shiwu, her tone half-serious, half-coaxing. “Shen Shiwu, let’s get back together.”

“I promise, I won’t break up with you again.”

Shen Shiwu’s eyes flickered.

“I’ll try to control my emotions, I won’t bottle things up, I’ll communicate. And I’ll love you, take care of you, cherish you…”

“…”

“The first part was good, no need for the rest,” Shen Shiwu said, pinching her earlobe, “I’m not your child.”

“If you want to, you can be…” Jiang Siyi whispered, “I don’t mind.”

A moment of silence, then the world spun, and she was lifted into the air.

She landed on the soft bed, still in a daze.

Shen Shiwu looked down at her, water droplets from her damp hair falling onto Jiang Siyi’s face, neck, and clothes.

The coolness mingled with the warmth of her skin.

Jiang Siyi turned her head slightly. “I’m all wet.”

The woman’s voice was laced with amusement. “Where?”

Realizing her mistake, Jiang Siyi covered her face with the blanket. “I, I didn’t mean that.”

“Really?” Shen Shiwu effortlessly pulled the blanket away and tossed it onto the floor, then leaned down, her lips brushing against Jiang Siyi’s collarbone. “Let big sister check.”

So jealous.

Jiang Siyi couldn’t count how many times she had been forced to call Shen Shiwu “sister” that night. As she bit down on her own clothes, trying to suppress her moans, Shen Shiwu complained,

“So eager to call others ‘sister,’ but silent when it comes to me?”

Her fingers moved, making Jiang Siyi gasp.

“Mm-hmm?” Shen Shiwu chuckled softly. “Does that bubble tea shop ‘sister’ know how much you like her?”

Just calling someone “sister” doesn’t mean I like them.

Jiang Siyi thought, her body writhing with pleasure.

But feeling Shen Shiwu’s touch, she trembled and finally gave in, her voice soft and breathy, choked with tears, “I only like you.”

A soft light filled the room.

Shen Shiwu had turned on the bedside lamp.

Looking down at the girl beneath her, her eyes glistening with tears, her lips and cheeks flushed, she repeated softly, “I only like you.”

Her possessiveness satisfied, Shen Shiwu gently kissed Jiang Siyi’s cheek, the kiss much gentler than her earlier touch.

“Xiao Si,”

The long-forgotten nickname was like an aphrodisiac.

Jiang Siyi’s body arched involuntarily, her eyes half-closed, her nails lightly scratching Shen Shiwu’s back.

Shen Shiwu kissed away her tears. “I only like you too, Xiao Si.”

“I like you the most.”

In the dim light, the sounds of their lovemaking continued,

Until dawn.

***

The rain had stopped, and the morning sunlight streamed in through the window, gentle and not too bright.

Jiang Siyi drowsily opened her eyes, her mind still foggy.

Where was Shen Shiwu?

Had she run away again?

She stumbled out of bed, barefoot, and opened the door, calling out in a hoarse voice, “Shen Shiwu!”

Footsteps came from behind.

The woman, emerging from the bathroom, scooped her up into her arms and carried her back to the bedroom.

“Who taught you to run around barefoot?”

Jiang Siyi, nestled in the familiar embrace, refused to let go and hummed softly, “I’m a self-taught genius.”

Shen Shiwu sat down on the edge of the bed with Jiang Siyi in her arms, picked up the fluffy slippers from the floor, and patted her head. “Put these on.”

Jiang Siyi pouted. “Okay.”

She quickly put on her slippers, then turned and snuggled back into Shen Shiwu’s arms.

“Shen Shiwu.”

“Mm-hmm?”

“So, we’re… back together now, right?”

Sensing her uncertainty, Shen Shiwu gently rubbed her head. “What else? Or do you want to be my friend with benefits?”

“I don’t,” Jiang Siyi mumbled, counting on her fingers, “if I were your friend with benefits, I would be… dead.”

“What? Speak louder.”

Jiang Siyi quickly pulled away and ran out of the room, her bare feet padding against the floor. “I’m hungry, Shen Shiwu, did you make breakfast?” she mumbled, changing the subject.

Shen Shiwu, watching her hasty retreat, a smile playing on her lips, stood up. “No, order takeout.”

“I don’t believe you!”

Half an hour later, Jiang Siyi put down her bowl.

Rubbing her full stomach, she grabbed the rabbit.

Just as she was happily playing with Eleven, her phone rang.

Lin Yusheng’s voice was filled with surprise. “You’re in a relationship?”

Jiang Siyi, suspecting that Lin Yusheng was living under her bed, almost jumped out of her skin. “How did you know?”

“My goodness, it’s all over the internet.”

“The internet?”

“Don’t worry, it’s not a big deal even if you were photographed. You’re not a celebrity, being in a relationship won’t affect your career.”

Jiang Siyi frowned, puzzled, then, after a few seconds, she realized—they must have been photographed when she was out with Shen Shiwu a few days ago.

Oh, it wasn’t a big deal then, it was a good opportunity to go public.

“A younger, cuter type, not bad, a good match for you,” Lin Yusheng said, sipping her coffee, nodding approvingly.

Hmm?

Was Shen Shiwu considered the younger, cuter type?

Jiang Siyi glanced towards the kitchen.

Kind of…

She looked away and chuckled. “We are a good match.”

“Okay, you decide how you want to handle this, I have to go now,” Lin Yusheng said, having noticed the change in Jiang Siyi’s voice earlier, and before hanging up, she added, “Young people, remember to be moderate.”

Jiang Siyi’s face flushed, and she mumbled a “get lost.”

A plate of sliced fruit was placed in front of her.

Shen Shiwu, drying her hands, sat beside her. “Who were you talking to?”

She sounded casual, but she was clearly checking up on her. Jiang Siyi, seeing through her act, said truthfully, “My editor, she said we were photographed.”

Shen Shiwu wasn’t surprised. She calmly placed a slice of pear in Jiang Siyi’s mouth and asked, “What are you going to do?”

“What else can I do? Go public,” Jiang Siyi pretended to wipe away a tear, “unless you don’t want to?”

Shen Shiwu looked at her. “I would love to.”

Although they had broken up and gotten back together several times, they had never gone public with their relationship. Whenever she had been asked about it before, Jiang Siyi, insecure and vulnerable, had always refused.

She had always said, “Let’s wait a little longer.”

And they had waited for years.

She lowered her eyes, feeling a pang of guilt, and her resolve to go public strengthened.

She opened Weibo, and as expected, her name was trending.

#InternationalAuthorJiangSiyiSexualOrientation#

#JiangSiyiGirlfriendFromChangan#

Something wasn’t right.

She clicked on the most popular post and zoomed in on the picture.

It was…

…a picture of her and Xu Yuan, their backs to the camera.

Seeing her freeze, Shen Shiwu leaned closer. “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Siyi instinctively covered her phone screen with her hand. Her lips twitched. “There seems to be a slight problem.”

Shen Shiwu raised an eyebrow, and Jiang Siyi reluctantly showed her the picture.

Shen Shiwu, seeing the picture, was also silent for a moment.

In the awkward silence, Jiang Siyi chuckled nervously. “It must have been when I went to Chang’an, and Xu Yuan picked me up at the airport, some paparazzi must have taken the picture.”

She slapped the table. “We have to clarify this, immediately.”

She snatched her phone back and started typing.

Shen Shiwu seemed to be deep in thought.

After a few seconds, she suddenly stood up. “I have a video conference, I’ll be back in half an hour.”

Jiang Siyi, used to this, nodded.

In her room, Shen Shiwu opened the window slightly for some fresh air. Her assistant answered the call quickly, her voice hesitant.

“What happened?” Shen Shiwu asked coldly.

“Sorry, Boss, those idiots said,” the assistant stammered, “they said they took the wrong picture.”

“…”

“I’ll have them remove all the news articles immediately.”

The call ended abruptly.

Shen Shiwu tossed her phone onto the bed and opened the window wider.

Her phone screen lit up.

It was a message from Jiang Siyi: “Can I come in?”

So obedient now.

Shen Shiwu knew she had been waiting outside the door, so she pretended to be working on her laptop and called out, “Come in.”

A head immediately peeked in.

Jiang Siyi mouthed, “I’ll be very quiet.”

Seeing her acting like a thief, Shen Shiwu chuckled. “The meeting hasn’t started yet.”

Jiang Siyi immediately straightened up, walked over, and handed her phone to Shen Shiwu. “Here, I’ve clarified it.”

Shen Shiwu took the phone and saw that Jiang Siyi had posted two Weibo posts.

The first one:

@JiangSiyi: Rumors stop with wise men. The person in the picture is a dear friend, not my girlfriend. Legal action will be taken against those who continue spreading false rumors.

The second one:

@JiangSiyi: But I am in a relationship. @User3459411314

Jiang Siyi, looking at Shen Shiwu’s slightly embarrassed expression, pretended to sigh.

“Oops, your cover’s blown, User-san.”

Chapter 85

The long-awaited dream was about to come true.

Jiang Siyi, finding her scarf bothersome, quickly untied it and tossed it onto her lap, then leaned closer to Shen Shiwu. “Of course it’s me!”

She eagerly declared her ownership. “Besides me, who else is your ex-girlfriend?”

She hummed softly, like a spoiled, pampered house rabbit.

Restricted by her seatbelt, Jiang Siyi could only sit back in her seat, but her mouth kept running. “You said it, no going back on your word.”

“Otherwise,” she pouted unconsciously, her voice softening, “I’ll throw a tantrum.”

The traffic, which had been at a standstill, finally started moving.

Shen Shiwu, gripping the steering wheel, drove off.

Glancing sideways, she saw Jiang Siyi waiting for her answer,

Curled up in her seat, glaring at her seatbelt as if it were her nemesis.

Shen Shiwu reached out and patted her head.

“You’ve thrown plenty of tantrums before,” she said, her lips curving into a smile, “I can handle one more.”

Heh. Jiang Siyi scoffed inwardly.

Listen to her.

She gritted her teeth. “Shen Shiwu, are you messing with me?”

The woman simply smiled, not replying, until they reached the underground parking lot of the shopping mall. “Do I seem like such an irresponsible person?”

Jiang Siyi stared at her for a moment, then blurted out, “Yes.”

“…”

They went inside, took the elevator to the third floor, the food court.

Finding the Japanese restaurant, Jiang Siyi, still annoyed, stubbornly chose a table for one.

Shen Shiwu effortlessly dragged her back and, pressing her into a seat, was about to coax her,

When a waiter approached them, looking at Jiang Siyi carefully. “Oh, it really is you.”

Their conversation interrupted, Shen Shiwu frowned slightly and turned to look at the newcomer.

The waiter was wearing a mask, their face obscured.

But Jiang Siyi quickly recognized her.

“Sister Yu, what are you doing here?”

“Working, of course.”

Jiang Siyi rarely showed such an animated expression to strangers.

Seeing the surprise and excitement in the girl’s eyes, Shen Shiwu put down her phone, which she had been using to browse the menu, and listened quietly to their conversation.

“Long time no see, how have you been?”

Busy making a living, she rarely went online and didn’t know that the little girl from before had become an internationally acclaimed author.

Jiang Siyi smiled faintly. “Pretty good, what about you?”

“As you can see, just like this,” she replied jokingly.

She had wanted to chat more, but a customer at another table called out, “Waiter!”

“Coming, coming,” she replied, then turned to Jiang Siyi, “I have to go now, enjoy your meal.”

Jiang Siyi watched her leave,

Then her vision was suddenly blocked.

Shen Shiwu’s voice came, “Done staring?”

Jiang Siyi, her survival instincts kicking in, quickly explained, “She’s someone I met when I was working part-time in high school, she’s a good person. One time, the store manager withheld my wages, and she helped me get them back.”

Shen Shiwu, not wanting Jiang Siyi to starve, picked up her phone and started ordering. Then she asked, emphasizing the word, “Sister?”

Jiang Siyi didn’t think anything was wrong. “Yes, she’s two years older than me.”

“Mm-hmm,” Shen Shiwu put down her phone, trying to control her movements, but it still made a slight thud, “you have so many ‘sisters’.”

Why so aggressive, even throwing her phone?

Jiang Siyi, who was still annoyed, retorted, “So what? It’s not like I have many ex-girlfriends.”

After a moment of awkward silence, she glanced at Shen Shiwu, seeing that her expression was calm, not a trace of anger,

She relaxed inwardly and continued, adding fuel to the fire,

“She’s very gentle. Back then, I had just turned sixteen, working part-time at a bubble tea shop, I was so slow at cutting fruit, the store manager always complained.”

“She taught me patiently and even comforted me.”

She glanced at Shen Shiwu again.

The woman’s expression remained unchanged.

Jiang Siyi, completely relieved, continued reminiscing about the past.

Twenty minutes later, their food arrived.

She said, finishing her story, “Anyway, that’s what happened. After I met you, I didn’t have time for part-time jobs anymore, I had to study every weekend, so we lost contact.”

“Mm-hmm, it’s all my fault,” Shen Shiwu, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke.

Jiang Siyi paused, sensing something in her tone.

“Preventing you from contacting each other, keeping you two apart,” Shen Shiwu said, nodding slowly, “it’s all my fault.”

Jiang Siyi suddenly found her sweet shrimp less appetizing.

She thought for a moment, then tilted her head and asked, “Shen Shiwu, are you angry?”

“No.”

Seeing her cold, one-word reply, Jiang Siyi was certain she was angry. But she was too hungry, so she said, “Wait, I’ll coax you after I finish eating.”

Shen Shiwu: “…”

After Jiang Siyi had stuffed herself, seeing that Shen Shiwu hadn’t touched her food, she pushed the plate of surf clams towards her. “Eat something.”

“No, thank you, I’m not hungry.”

Seeing the plate being pushed back, Jiang Siyi finally felt ready to coax her—after all, she had rarely done this in her life.

But just as she was about to speak, Shen Shiwu stood up and walked away. Jiang Siyi, startled, quickly followed. “Wait for me!”

What do you do when you make your ex-girlfriend angry right before getting back together?

Inside the car, Jiang Siyi pondered this question, her head buzzing, just like when she used to struggle with math problems.

She called out tentatively, “Shen Shiwu?”

No response.

Tsk, a jealous woman was truly terrifying.

“I wasn’t blaming you, just reminiscing,” Jiang Siyi said, nudging Shen Shiwu’s arm.

“I’m driving, don’t touch me.”

“Oh…”

She reluctantly retracted her hand and buried her face in her thick scarf.

On their way back to the company, they passed by the villa complex, and Jiang Siyi, looking out the window, suddenly said, “Can you drop me off here? I want to go home and lie down for a bit.”

Shen Shiwu didn’t hesitate and pulled over to the side of the road.

“I’m leaving then.”

“Mm-hmm.”

As the car door opened, a gust of cold wind swept in, ruffling Jiang Siyi’s hair.

Shen Shiwu frowned. “Put on your scarf.”

Jiang Siyi had already gotten out of the car, and hearing this, she obediently tried to put on her scarf.

Shen Shiwu, watching her struggle with the thick scarf, her movements clumsy and comical, clicked her tongue and opened the car door.

Jiang Siyi was still battling with her scarf.

Either it got tangled in her hair, or one side was longer than the other, her movements awkward and amusing.

No, this was too embarrassing.

She decided to put it on while walking away, out of Shen Shiwu’s sight.

But just as she was about to say goodbye, the car was already empty.

Footsteps approached.

Besides being in bed, this was the first time Jiang Siyi had truly realized how large Shen Shiwu’s hands were.

The long scarf seemed to shrink in her hands.

A warmth enveloped her neck as Shen Shiwu, her eyelashes lowered, carefully wrapped the scarf around Jiang Siyi, making sure it was secure and protected her from the wind. Then she turned and went back to the car.

Jiang Siyi licked her lips and waved at Shen Shiwu through the car window.

“Bye-bye—”

Dressed in a white padded jacket, she looked like a snowball standing by the roadside. Her movements were still as adorable as ever.

Shen Shiwu’s lips curved into a smile, and although she was still slightly annoyed, she waved back.

Jiang Siyi’s figure gradually receded into the distance.

Shen Shiwu waited until she was out of sight, then drove towards the company.

***

Jiang Siyi had a reason for going home.

Confessions required a sense of ceremony, and getting back together was even more important.

As soon as she entered her apartment, not even bothering to greet the rabbit, she rushed to her bedroom and dragged out the balloons and fake flowers she had prepared earlier, starting to decorate.

Afraid that Shen Shiwu would come home early, Jiang Siyi worked tirelessly for two hours, then collapsed onto the carpet, feeling exhausted.

Just then, her phone vibrated.

It was a message from her ex-girlfriend: “I have a meeting today, it’ll probably end around eleven. The housekeeper will be coming over for dinner, tell her what you want to eat.”

Eleven o’clock? That late?

Jiang Siyi slapped the floor—If she had known, she wouldn’t have rushed.

At five o’clock, the doorbell rang. It was the housekeeper. She was startled by the decorations and asked, “Is it Ms. Shen’s birthday today?”

She didn’t know about their relationship.

Ever since Auntie Wang had “betrayed” her during the rabbit-napping incident, Jiang Siyi had become more cautious. Afraid that the housekeeper would tell Shen Shiwu, she made up an excuse, her reply vague.

Fortunately, the housekeeper didn’t suspect anything and went to the kitchen to cook. Jiang Siyi, holding Eleven, followed her, “helping” her.

After dinner, she worked on her manuscript for a while, thinking it was already late. But glancing at the clock, it was only eight.

Bored.

With several hours to kill, Jiang Siyi set her alarm, planning on taking a nap. She turned up the volume on her phone and closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep.

When she opened her eyes again, the room was dark, even the desk lamp she had forgotten to turn off was no longer lit.

Puzzled, she checked her phone and saw that it was past eleven, only eight minutes left until midnight.

Damn it, why didn’t her alarm go off?

Jiang Siyi quickly jumped out of bed, washed up, and rushed out of her room.

The living room downstairs was also dark.

Jiang Siyi stood at the top of the stairs, not daring to go down—because she hadn’t turned off the lights when she went upstairs…

“Shen Shiwu?”

Her voice echoed through the villa, strangely eerie in the darkness.

Jiang Siyi’s heart pounded, and she was about to run back to her room,

When the door next door opened.

Seeing her panicked expression, Shen Shiwu, her hair still slightly damp from her shower, called her name.

“Jiang Siyi, what are you running from?”

The sudden voice made Jiang Siyi jump.

Turning to see Shen Shiwu, she clutched her chest, her voice still laced with fear. “You didn’t even tell me you were home!”

“I did, you were asleep, you didn’t hear me.”

Jiang Siyi touched her nose guiltily.

She mentally cursed herself, then asked tentatively, “Did you… see it?”

Shen Shiwu, having just showered, must have rushed out when she heard the noise, her pajamas still unbuttoned properly. “See what?” she asked.

“The surprise I prepared for you,” Jiang Siyi said, her voice trailing off, her head down, filled with regret.

She shouldn’t have fallen asleep.

“I saw it,” Shen Shiwu leaned against the doorframe, her voice calm, “so? What do you want to say?”

Sensing the opportunity, Jiang Siyi mustered her courage and apologized first. “I’m sorry, I overslept.”

The woman nodded, waiting for her to continue.

“So…”

Just as she was about to confess, Jiang Siyi hesitated.

Shen Shiwu definitely wouldn’t agree if she just blurted it out like this.

She looked down at the floor, conflicted—should she wait for another chance?

Next time, she wouldn’t just oversleep,

She wouldn’t even feel sleepy.

Seeing her hesitation, Shen Shiwu felt like she was being toyed with. She hummed impatiently. “Well?”

“Forget it, I’ll try again next time,” Jiang Siyi said, bowing slightly like a waiter, and waved goodbye, “bye, good night.”

As she rushed back to her room and was about to close the door, a hand stopped her.

The door slammed against the wall, then bounced back slightly, Shen Shiwu’s body blocking it.

The long-forgotten possessiveness radiated from her, filling the room.

Jiang Siyi swallowed nervously and took a few steps back.

As Shen Shiwu’s hand grasped the back of her neck, a drop of water from her damp hair landed on Jiang Siyi’s collarbone.

The coldness made her shiver, and she didn’t dare to look up.

“One more chance,” Shen Shiwu said, her fingertip gently tracing the outline of Jiang Siyi’s earlobe, then she tilted her chin up.

Her tone was both seductive and threatening.

“What do you want to say?”

Chapter 84

That’s right.

Let your possessiveness and control consume me.

Yes, just like that.

At this moment, Shen Shiwu’s deepest desires were satisfied.

Seeing the tears welling up in the girl’s eyes, she reached out and caught a falling tear on her fingertip.

Wet and warm.

Shen Shiwu rubbed her fingers together, then said, her gaze intense, “Come here.”

Jiang Siyi stood there, frozen. Her mind was racing, a sense of crisis and unease washing over her.

Her eyelashes felt cold against her skin, her heart pounding.

She whispered in defiance, “No.”

In the silent standoff, Shen Shiwu frowned. She pulled the chair beside her, Jiang Siyi’s usual spot, closer.

Then she asked, “Aren’t you tired?”

During her stay at Shen Shiwu’s house, Jiang Siyi had been lazier than a pig. Before, she at least had to go to school, but now, she barely moved.

Having not exercised in a while, and after suddenly cleaning an entire floor, her legs were sore. But she stubbornly turned her head away, two tears escaping her eyes.

Shen Shiwu’s gaze darkened.

She knew Jiang Siyi was testing her,

Gambling on her reaction.

Looking at the girl’s slightly defiant profile, Shen Shiwu played with her pen, a spark of amusement in her eyes.

Then her phone rang. It was her assistant.

“Boss, the meeting has already started, it’s been ten minutes.”

Jiang Siyi’s hair partially obscured her face. Hearing those words, she chuckled inwardly, a bitter laugh.

Time to leave again, huh?

Busy woman.

She didn’t want to stay here any longer, not even bothering to pick up her mop, wanting to find a quiet place to calm down.

Just as she turned to leave, she heard the sound of a chair scraping against the floor. Shen Shiwu, phone in hand, caught up to her and, wrapping an arm around her waist, said, “I have something to do, I’ll join the meeting online.”

The assistant quickly agreed.

The call ended.

Caught off guard by the sudden embrace, Jiang Siyi stumbled and fell against Shen Shiwu.

The familiar scent was comforting.

But she still tried to pull away, wanting to create some distance.

“Not now,” Shen Shiwu said, gently wiping away a tear with her thumb, then she scooped Jiang Siyi up into her arms.

Jiang Siyi struggled at first, then, giving up, she buried her face in Shen Shiwu’s neck.

Countless questions raced through Jiang Siyi’s mind—”How long had that girl, who looked so much like her, been pursuing Shen Shiwu?” “What was their relationship?”

“And why had she come to Shen Shiwu’s office just now?”

Her shoulders trembled slightly.

She was afraid of losing Shen Shiwu.

The small figure in her arms was still trembling, her hands clutching Shen Shiwu’s clothes, soft sobs escaping her lips.

Shen Shiwu’s heart melted.

Remembering her life motto of “never show weakness,” she held Jiang Siyi tighter, shaking her head inwardly.

She couldn’t help it.

“There’s no one else. In my twenty-something years of life, the only person I’ve ever had feelings for is you.”

Saying this, Shen Shiwu felt a surge of emotion.

When they had first met, she would never have imagined falling in love with the girl her mother had asked her to take care of.

Perhaps it was Jiang Siyi’s unique personality that had drawn her in, shattering her carefully constructed walls.

Perhaps it was her clumsy, yet sincere, love that had made her fall.

Whatever the reason, now,

Shen Shiwu was completely and utterly in love, and she didn’t want to wake up from this dream.

Jiang Siyi fidgeted with the buttons of her coat.

Hearing her words, she finally lifted her head, her hands still moving restlessly.

“Then why did she come to your office?”

“She’s a student I sponsored three years ago; she came to thank me.”

It wasn’t a lie. Shen Shiwu had indeed sponsored a girl from a poor, mountainous area during their breakup.

Of course, the girl also had another identity: an actress.

Jiang Siyi’s anxiety lessened slightly, but she still wanted to know. “Why does she look so much like me?”

“Where do we look alike?”

Shen Shiwu twirled a strand of Jiang Siyi’s hair between her fingers and leaned closer. “You’re one of a kind.”

When she had asked her assistant to find a suitable actress, the assistant had excitedly told her that among the students she had sponsored, there was one who looked very similar to Ms. Jiang.

Shen Shiwu had glanced at the picture and replied indifferently, “Not alike.”

Just like she had just said,

Jiang Siyi was unique, a precious treasure she had carefully nurtured.

No one could compare.

Jiang Siyi, tired of playing with the buttons, started tracing the faint, brown mole on Shen Shiwu’s collarbone.

In winter, Shen Shiwu’s coats were thick, often covering her neck.

Jiang Siyi, dissatisfied, pulled down her collar slightly. Then she reached out and touched the mole.

Her touch was light, like a dragonfly skimming the water.

Shen Shiwu’s eyes darkened.

And the girl was still mumbling, “Sponsored…”

Jiang Siyi didn’t look down on the girl for being sponsored; she even admired her courage and self-respect, qualities she herself lacked.

After a moment, she took out the love letter from her pocket.

Fair competition was always better.

She admired any woman who bravely pursued love.

“Here,” she said, holding the letter out to Shen Shiwu, “she wrote it with her heart, don’t just leave it there, open it and read it.”

Shen Shiwu was silent for a moment.

She clicked her tongue, annoyed. “You want me to read a love letter from your rival?”

She felt a pang of jealousy.

Jiang Siyi looked away, struggled inwardly for a moment, then buried her face in Shen Shiwu’s chest.

Her voice was muffled. “Maybe… you should just give it back to her.”

“But don’t be too harsh when you reject her, learn from how I rejected someone before.”

Shen Shiwu was reminded of Jiang Siyi’s admirer from high school.

She scoffed inwardly.

Jiang Siyi, not understanding, touched her earlobe, which was burning from Shen Shiwu’s breath on her skin, and continued to hide her face.

“Mm-hmm, I know.”

I know.

Hearing those words, a strange feeling stirred in Jiang Siyi’s heart.

It sounded like… obedience, like being completely under her control.

She smiled faintly, feeling a sense of satisfaction. She twirled a strand of Shen Shiwu’s hair and gently rubbed against the mole on her collarbone.

“Shen Shiwu, you have to promise me one more thing.”

The woman didn’t speak, waiting for her to continue.

“While I’m pursuing you, you’re not allowed to see anyone else.”

Jiang Siyi’s tone was demanding. Shen Shiwu, hearing this, teased, “And what about after?”

“After?” A smile appeared on Jiang Siyi’s lips. “We’ll be back together by then.”

“Not allowed during, not allowed after, in short,” she said fiercely, just like when she used to pick fights, “you’re not allowed to see anyone else, ever.”

“You have to be with me forever.”

Seeing her serious expression, Shen Shiwu finally broke. A genuine smile spread across her face, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

Jiang Siyi was reminded of the night Shen Shiwu had taken her in.

She had smiled at her like this too.

“I know, I’ll be with you,” Shen Shiwu said, tapping Jiang Siyi’s cheek lightly with her pen, then added softly, “no matter what, we’ll never be apart.”

***

What do you mean, “no matter what”?

Jiang Siyi was happy with the second part, but the first part annoyed her.

Two days had passed since the love letter incident.

And she had also been gloriously “fired” from her job as a diligent cleaner.

Now, she was… a permanent fixture in Shen Shiwu’s office.

One day, Jiang Siyi, as usual, was curled up on the sofa, occasionally glancing at the woman working diligently at her desk. Her eyes almost rolling back in her head, she looked at the documents on Shen Shiwu’s computer and sighed, thinking this wasn’t working.

If they didn’t get back together soon,

She would run out of inspiration.

It was almost Christmas Eve.

A day for couples.

Remembering how Shen Shiwu had rejected her four years ago, calling her “sister,” Jiang Siyi shuddered.

No, it wasn’t auspicious.

She had to choose a better day to bring up getting back together.

Thinking this, she was about to ask Xu Yuan, “Do you know any fortune tellers?”

When it was dinner time. Shen Shiwu took off her glasses and said, “Put your phone away, let’s go eat.”

Seeing that Jiang Siyi didn’t react, Shen Shiwu stood up and walked over. Although she didn’t say anything, the familiar sense of oppression made Jiang Siyi instinctively turn off her phone screen.

Shen Shiwu stood behind her, waiting for an explanation.

Jiang Siyi felt uneasy under her gaze and thought, Ugh, my ex-girlfriend is jealous again.

“I was just chatting with Xu Yuan,” she said, standing up from the sofa.

“Mm-hmm.”

Shen Shiwu’s reply was brief, but Jiang Siyi could sense the unspoken question: What were you talking about?

It wasn’t anything she couldn’t share.

Jiang Siyi unlocked her phone and tossed it to Shen Shiwu. “See for yourself.”

Shen Shiwu only glanced at the screen, then handed it back. She turned to leave, saying casually, “I’m not one to pry.”

Jiang Siyi: “…”

After a moment of silence, seeing that Shen Shiwu had already left, she grabbed her bag and hurried after her. “Wait for me!”

Inside the car, Jiang Siyi browsed a food delivery app, then turned the screen towards Shen Shiwu. “How about this Japanese restaurant? I’m craving sweet shrimp.”

Shen Shiwu glanced at the address and started the car.

A few seconds later, she said casually, “Your friend messaged you again.”

Who was the one who said they didn’t pry?

Jiang Siyi scoffed, put down her phone, and replied to the message.

“I found one, but they seem like a fraud.” Xu Yuan sent her a contact. “Just pretend you’re gullible and give it a try.”

“…”

She knew Xu Yuan wasn’t reliable.

As she was replying, the car was silent. Jiang Siyi, feeling drowsy,

Suddenly remembered that she had woken up at eleven.

Damn it, she thought.

She really was turning into a pig.

It was all Shen Shiwu’s fault.

She glared at Shen Shiwu, who caught her gaze.

“Secretly cursing me again?” Shen Shiwu asked.

“No,” Little Jiang touched her nose.

The woman chuckled softly, seemingly deep in thought. After a while, during a traffic jam, amidst the cacophony of car horns, she said, “Actually, I can tell fortunes.”

As if.

Trying to trick a child.

Jiang Siyi replied dismissively, “Oh really?”

“I just did a reading, want to hear it?”

“Yes, yes, yes.”

Shen Shiwu tapped her head lightly.

Jiang Siyi was about to play along,

When Shen Shiwu’s voice, calm and steady, cut through the noise.

“I’ve done the reading.”

“On Christmas Eve, I’ll accept someone’s request to get back together.”

Shen Shiwu’s voice was laced with amusement, making Jiang Siyi’s ears tingle.

She glanced at Jiang Siyi, whose sleepiness had vanished.

Her words carried a hidden meaning. “I just don’t know who this ‘someone’ will be.”

Chapter 83

Jiang Siyi had been distraught since the appearance of her rival, even suffering from insomnia.

So she asked Shen Shiwu, “Are you hiring?”

She needed to be with her all the time.

Shen Shiwu replied casually, “We need a cleaner.”

Jiang Siyi slapped her thigh. “Perfect, I’ll do it!”

Her sudden movement made the bowls on the dining table rattle precariously. Shen Shiwu, seeing her excitement, shook her head helplessly.

“Not writing anymore?”

Jiang Siyi quickly steadied the bowls and replied, “I’ll find time to write.”

She hummed softly. “My girlfriend is about to be stolen, I can’t just sit here and do nothing.”

Seeing Shen Shiwu’s gaze on her, she touched her nose. “An ex-girlfriend is still a girlfriend, right?”

“A… a female friend.”

Having accidentally revealed her true intentions, she quickly changed the subject. “So, will you let me? I’m going stir-crazy staying at home all the time, it would be nice to get out and do something.”

Shen Shiwu seemed to be thinking, not replying immediately. Jiang Siyi pouted and picked up her chopsticks, continuing her meal. An awkward silence filled the villa.

Until a fluffy white shadow darted down the stairs.

Jiang Siyi, seeing Eleven, put down her chopsticks and was about to go over to it,

When Shen Shiwu finally spoke, just as she was about to stand up. “Okay.”

Jiang Siyi immediately sat back down.

Shen Shiwu, seeing her reaction, smiled faintly, then glanced at the rabbit.

As if understanding, Eleven quickly hopped back upstairs.

Jiang Siyi, oblivious, was too focused on her “new job.” Afraid that Shen Shiwu would change her mind, she took out her phone, opened the voice recorder, and said, “Come on.”

Shen Shiwu: “…”

“I always keep my promises, you don’t have to worry.”

“I know,” Jiang Siyi nodded, “but you have to promise you won’t fire me.”

Realizing her tone was a bit too demanding, she softened her voice. “Okay? Promise?”

A bunny acting cute, there was no way to refuse.

Shen Shiwu, after enjoying the sight for a moment, finally replied, her voice slow and deliberate, “Mm-hmm, I promise.”

Jiang Siyi’s eyes crinkled with a smile, but she didn’t stop the recording.

She continued, her voice monotonous, like reciting a scripture, “Okay, Ms. Shen Shiwu has promised that even if I slack off at work, arrive late and leave early, gossip with my colleagues, etc., she will never fire me.”

After listing a long string of offenses, five minutes later, Jiang Siyi was finally satisfied.

She turned off the recorder, put her phone aside, and looked at Shen Shiwu, her expression smug.

“The evidence is here, no going back on your word.”

Seeing that she couldn’t suppress her smile any longer, Shen Shiwu took her dishes and went to the kitchen. Jiang Siyi, seeing her leave, repeated her earlier words.

“No going back,” Shen Shiwu said, her voice laced with amusement,

“Do you think I’m like you?”

Jiang Siyi leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed. “What do you mean by that?”

“Exactly what I said.” The sound of running water masked Shen Shiwu’s laughter as she washed the dishes. Returning to the dining table, she flicked the water from her hands.

A few drops landed on Jiang Siyi’s face. She wiped them away, thinking Shen Shiwu had done it on purpose.

“Finished eating?” Shen Shiwu extended her hand. “Give me your dishes.”

The housekeeper would be coming tomorrow morning, and there was a dishwasher.

There was no need for Shen Shiwu to wash the dishes herself.

So Jiang Siyi asked, puzzled, “Why are you suddenly washing the dishes?”

Shen Shiwu, of course, wouldn’t say it was to hide her smile. She took the dishes and turned around, then, after a moment of thought, she said, “Children shouldn’t worry about adult matters.”

Jiang Siyi, almost twenty-three years old, almost stormed into the kitchen.

But rationality and laziness kept her glued to her chair.

A full stomach made her sleepy, and she yawned, still managing a loud retort, “I’m not a child anymore!”

Shen Shiwu’s smile faded slightly, her lips pursed.

Worried about the unknown rival, Jiang Siyi hadn’t slept well, and now, hearing Shen Shiwu’s words, she didn’t wait for a reply, her eyes slowly closing, the sound of running water lulling her to sleep.

When Shen Shiwu returned from the kitchen, the girl’s head was tilted back, her face turned up, fast asleep.

This time, she carefully dried her hands before approaching Jiang Siyi.

Feeling a touch on her cheek, Jiang Siyi stirred slightly. But she was too sleepy, and after opening her eyes halfway, she closed them again.

Shen Shiwu looked at her sleeping face, wanting to just sit there and watch her.

But it was just a fleeting thought.

After a moment, she looked away and gently carried Jiang Siyi to her room.

When she was younger, her classmates had often talked about their parents.

“My mom can do magic. Every time I fall asleep in the car, I wake up in my bed.”

“Hmph, my mom can do that too.”

Jiang Siyi would always sit quietly in the corner, listening to their stories, a sense of alienation washing over her.

Because she had never experienced that.

So, when she woke up, Jiang Siyi was in a daze for a while. She stared at the ceiling, then turned to the side.

After fumbling for her phone on the nightstand, she saw Shen Shiwu’s message and, startled, jumped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom to wash up, almost forgetting to put on her slippers.

“It’s your first day of work, report to my office before nine.”

Jiang Siyi glanced at the time as she brushed her teeth, realizing it was already past eight. She spent twenty minutes getting dressed and putting on light makeup, then hurried downstairs.

Shen Shiwu had already left for work, and Auntie Wang wasn’t there either.

Taking the subway or bus would take too long, so after some thought, Jiang Siyi decided to,

Rent a shared bike.

The temperature in Qinan had dropped drastically as soon as winter arrived, and now, in December, it was freezing. The cold wind made her hands and feet numb as she rode through the morning rush hour traffic, her head slightly dizzy.

The price of not wanting to pay for a taxi was that she was late on her first day of work. Parking her bike, Jiang Siyi glanced at the time, then slowed down her pace.

She was already late.

There was no point in rushing.

By the time she leisurely arrived at Shen Shiwu’s office on the top floor, Shen Shiwu had already left for a meeting. Seeing that the office was empty, Jiang Siyi sat down and played on her phone.

Ten minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Shen Shiwu’s assistant entered, and Jiang Siyi greeted her.

“Ms. Jiang, the boss asked me to show you around.”

Having nothing else to do, Jiang Siyi stood up and followed her. But as soon as they stepped out of the office, the assistant stopped. “Ms. Jiang, we’re here.”

“Here?”

The assistant smiled and nodded. “Yes, this entire floor is your cleaning area.”

“The boss also said that you’re not allowed to leave your post during working hours, or your pay will be docked.”

Jiang Siyi had originally planned on wandering around the different departments, listening to gossip and gathering information, but now she was like a caged bird.

Her designated area was just this small section.

Hearing the words “dock your pay,” Jiang Siyi wasn’t fazed.

She hadn’t expected to get paid anyway.

So she simply nodded, already planning how to sneak downstairs.

After the assistant left, Jiang Siyi grabbed a mop and broom and started working diligently. At first, determined to impress Shen Shiwu, she mopped the floor until it sparkled, even wiping the walls.

But half an hour later, finding a blind spot in the security cameras, she started… slacking off and playing on her phone.

The elevator doors opened just as she was sending Xu Yuan a message.

The expensive, soft carpet muffled the footsteps, making them almost inaudible. Jiang Siyi, still explaining her plan to win back Shen Shiwu, whispered into her phone, “I’m working as a cleaner at her company… don’t laugh, I’m serious.”

“Why aren’t you in a hurry? Your wife has an admirer, aren’t you worried?”

“What do you mean ‘ex-girlfriend’? An ex-girlfriend is still a wife!”

She was finally feeling a sense of crisis.

Shen Shiwu stood behind her, listening quietly, thinking that her plan was working perfectly.

“I haven’t even seen this admirer…” Jiang Siyi’s voice trailed off, and she felt a sudden chill run down her spine.

As if sensing something, she slowly turned around.

“When did you get back?” she asked, shoving her phone into her pocket, pretending to be calm, “I’m working, see how clean the floor is? I did it all by myself.”

Seeing that Shen Shiwu didn’t react, she pointed at the wall. “I wiped that too.”

“Being late and slacking off, your pay will be docked,” Shen Shiwu said ruthlessly.

Jiang Siyi nodded and responded with an “oh,” not caring at all.

Seeing her indifferent attitude, a mischievous glint appeared in Shen Shiwu’s eyes.

“If I catch you again, you’re going back to your own apartment.”

“No way!” Jiang Siyi immediately grabbed her mop and started working. “Don’t worry, Boss, as long as you’re alive, I won’t slack off!”

“…”

Shen Shiwu, after a moment of silence, turned and went back to her office.

Little Jiang pretended to be diligent for a while, then, seeing that Shen Shiwu wasn’t coming out again, she resumed her slacking-off activities. Just as she was quietly replying to messages on her phone, the elevator doors opened again.

This time, she noticed immediately and turned around, then froze.

The assistant was leading a girl towards Shen Shiwu’s office.

Her mop clattered to the floor, the sound attracting their attention. The assistant called out politely, “Ms. Jiang.”

Jiang Siyi didn’t reply, her gaze fixed on the girl.

The girl looked strikingly similar to her, both in figure and appearance.

Even her slightly surprised expression was familiar.

Jiang Siyi was stunned.

After a knock on the door, she heard Shen Shiwu say, “Come in.”

The two figures disappeared behind the closing door.

Jiang Siyi frowned, kicked the mop aside, and walked towards the office, wanting to eavesdrop.

But the soundproofing was excellent, and she could only hear her own heartbeat.

She lowered her eyes and went back to her designated area, waiting quietly.

About ten minutes later, the assistant finally emerged from the office, the girl following behind her. Almost instantly, Jiang Siyi pushed open the door and entered Shen Shiwu’s office.

Shen Shiwu was still sitting at her desk, looking through some documents. Seeing Jiang Siyi barge in, she wasn’t surprised.

She simply looked up and said, “Why didn’t you knock?”

“I didn’t want to,” Jiang Siyi said, tossing her mop aside, her demeanor aggressive, as if ready to pick a fight.

“Who is she?”

Shen Shiwu, still flipping through the documents, said casually, “Didn’t I tell you?”

“She’s the one who wrote you the love letter?”

The woman hummed in affirmation.

Jiang Siyi’s blood boiled.

She scanned Shen Shiwu’s desk, spotted the letter, and immediately snatched it.

“Confiscated.”

Shen Shiwu tapped her pen against the desk, her expression lazy. “Confiscated?”

“Yes,” Jiang Siyi said, as if ready to explode, “why, are you the only one allowed to confiscate things?”

Shen Shiwu loved it when she was jealous.

So, she smiled faintly, amused.

But in Jiang Siyi’s eyes, it was a sign of provocation and disdain.

She suppressed her tears, her voice filled with anger, and walked towards the desk, looking directly into Shen Shiwu’s eyes, her words sharp and deliberate:

“Shen Shiwu, I won’t allow you to find someone new.”

“Your only option is to get back together with me.”

After saying this, she almost lost her composure, her eyes reddening, tears threatening to spill. Shen Shiwu simply smiled, not saying anything, and only after a long moment did she finally ask, “Why?”

“Because I won’t allow it.”

Two tears rolled down Jiang Siyi’s cheeks.

Embarrassed, she quickly wiped them away and repeated,

“I. Won’t. Allow. It.”

Chapter 82

So,

The caring messages, the holiday greetings, and the inquiries about her new book,

All of them had been from Shen Shiwu.

Thinking this, Jiang Siyi felt a lump forming in her throat, a sour taste in her mouth. She heard Shen Shiwu ask, “What’s wrong? What are you thinking about?”

She quickly snapped back to reality and discreetly wiped away a tear.

“Just stuffed, spacing out for a bit,” Jiang Siyi said, handing her phone back to Shen Shiwu, holding the warm paper cup, and blinking rapidly.

“Shen Shiwu, during the four years I was in England, how… how was your life?”

Shen Shiwu rarely talked about those four years, so Jiang Siyi asked tentatively.

Shen Shiwu was silent for a moment, her expression neutral. “It was good.”

Jiang Siyi hugged the cup tighter, thinking, Just keep pretending.

“Did you miss me?”

“No.”

Then why did you keep sending me messages?

Jiang Siyi wanted to confront her with the evidence, but after thinking for a moment, she decided it wasn’t the right time and kept quiet.

It was past five, and they finally arrived home just before sunset. The housekeeper came out to greet them, and Jiang Siyi called out sweetly, “Auntie—”

Shen Shiwu’s lips curved into a smile as she followed behind her, reminding her, “Slow down, watch where you’re going.”

Jiang Siyi ignored her and rushed inside, hugging Eleven tightly. Only when they were at the dining table, and Shen Shiwu took the rabbit from her, did she finally sit down and start eating.

“Eleven seems to have gained weight, don’t you think so?” she asked.

Shen Shiwu looked her over. “No, you’ve lost weight, haven’t you?”

Jiang Siyi felt a pang of unease.

But Shen Shiwu’s expression was neutral, so she let it go.

After dinner, Jiang Siyi refused to leave the sofa, like a child who had been playing and didn’t want to go home.

“Auntie Wang is waiting.”

“Oh.”

“Let’s go.”

Jiang Siyi hugged the plushie and crawled in the opposite direction, whining, “I don’t want to go home.”

Seeing Shen Shiwu’s hesitation, she pressed her advantage. “We just did it last night, and you’re already chasing me away?”

“Even if we’re not back together, we’re at least friends with benefits, you can’t just kick me out like this.”

Shen Shiwu stood there, silent. Jiang Siyi covered her eyes with the plushie, her face flushed.

One moment talking dirty, the next moment shy.

Such a tease.

But also adorable.

After a while, Shen Shiwu went outside and told Auntie Wang to go home. When she returned, Jiang Siyi was still in the same position.

“Alright, get up.”

Jiang Siyi slowly opened one eye.

“Take your things upstairs.”

Yay.

She could stay at her ex-girlfriend’s house again.

She jumped up and grabbed her suitcase. But reaching the stairs, she pretended to struggle. “It’s so heavy, I can’t carry it.”

Shen Shiwu, still looking at her laptop, said, “You weren’t this weak when you were fighting.”

Jiang Siyi: “…”

She couldn’t argue with that.

She forced a smile and carried the suitcase upstairs.

Jiang Siyi was curious why the bed in this room was always made.

Could it be that someone else was staying here?

Her heart tightened, as if she had discovered a secret. She left the room and called out from the top of the stairs, “Shen Shiwu—”

Thinking it was better to ask in person, she hurried downstairs and stood beside Shen Shiwu. “Do you have a new girlfriend?”

Shen Shiwu looked at her sideways.

“Who upset you now?”

“…No one.”

Jiang Siyi said seriously, “I noticed that the bed in that room is always made.”

Shen Shiwu shook her head slightly. “So?”

“So, you’re not seeing anyone new, are you?”

“During our breakup, I spent most of my time with you,” Shen Shiwu tapped her head lightly, “do you think I had time for anyone else?”

Jiang Siyi leaned her head against her shoulder. “I guess so.”

“You should think about things from different perspectives,” Shen Shiwu said, glancing at her.

“Then it couldn’t have been prepared for me, could it?”

Saying this, Jiang Siyi’s eyes widened, as if she had just realized something. She looked at Shen Shiwu. “Was it really for me?”

Shen Shiwu, unable to stand her gaze, mumbled, “Mm-hmm.”

“Then can I stay here permanently?”

“No.”

“I’ll pay rent, I won’t stay for free.”

Jiang Siyi’s tone was sincere. “I can also help you take care of the rabbit, water the plants, mop the floor, cook, do laundry…”

She was practically offering to be her maid.

“Those are the housekeeper’s duties,” Shen Shiwu said ruthlessly, “besides, is your cooking even edible?”

“Or is your true intention to assassinate your ex-girlfriend?”

No.

Her true intention was to be near the rabbit, and also to pursue her ex-wife.

Of course, she couldn’t say that out loud, or she would be kicked out.

Jiang Siyi cleared her throat and said, omitting the first part, “Of course not, my intention is to get back together with you.”

Shen Shiwu’s expression remained neutral. “Mm-hmm, I know.”

Seeing her indifferent reaction, Jiang Siyi cried out, “Then when will you agree?”

“Where’s your sincerity?”

Sincerity?

She suddenly had an idea.

Jiang Siyi stayed at Shen Shiwu’s house for over a month.

During this time, she sent countless bouquets and designer bags, but Shen Shiwu still showed no sign of relenting.

So hard to pursue.

Jiang Siyi looked at the mountain of deliveries and sighed.

She had to spend money, but she also had to earn it.

One day, as she was working on her manuscript, she glanced at the date and realized it was already December.

Christmas was coming soon.

She remembered the Christmas Eve four years ago, when she had cried herself to sleep after being called “sister.” And now, she was almost turning gray from trying to win Shen Shiwu back.

She pondered for a while, then concluded,

Shen Shiwu was her kryptonite.

Just then, she heard a noise downstairs.

Her kryptonite had returned.

She opened her door and peeked downstairs. “Why are you back so early today?”

“I finished all my work,” Shen Shiwu said, picking up the rabbit and petting its head. Seeing that the dining table was empty, she asked, “You haven’t had lunch?”

Wu Ying had finally come home for a visit, so the housekeeper had taken the day off. Jiang Siyi, hearing this, lied as she walked towards her room, “I ordered takeout.”

“Come downstairs and sit with me,” Shen Shiwu said, patting the sofa.

“I haven’t finished my manuscript yet.”

Seeing Shen Shiwu look up at her, Jiang Siyi changed direction and slowly went downstairs.

“It’s three in the afternoon,” Shen Shiwu said, her tone neutral, “starving yourself to become immortal?”

“I was too focused on writing, I forgot to eat.” It wasn’t a lie; she had often done this when she was abroad.

“Why the sudden urgency?”

“To make money,” Jiang Siyi said, pointing her finger at the air.

“No need.”

“Why not?” Jiang Siyi put the rabbit down and wrapped her arms around Shen Shiwu’s arm, shaking it. “I need money to pursue you.”

“I’ve returned everything,” Shen Shiwu looked at her, “I don’t need these things.”

“Then what do you need?” Jiang Siyi pouted, truly puzzled.

What do I need…?

I want to see longing and possessiveness in your eyes.

I want you to never talk about leaving or breaking up again.

Looking at Jiang Siyi’s confused expression, Shen Shiwu gritted her teeth slightly, thinking that some things required a push.

So, that night, she asked her assistant to find an actress.

The actress was similar to Jiang Siyi in many ways, her appearance, her age, even her way of speaking.

And the role she was going to play was Shen Shiwu’s admirer.

***

It was December, the depths of winter, the air biting cold, although there was no snow.

In this kind of weather, it was hard to leave the warmth of one’s bed. So, the next day, Jiang Siyi slept until noon as usual, then continued working on her manuscript after lunch.

Suddenly, her phone rang.

It was Shen Shiwu’s assistant. “Ms. Jiang, are you free now?”

Jiang Siyi was puzzled. “Yes, what’s wrong?”

“Our copywriter in the marketing department is on leave for two days, and the boss asked me to ask if you could help us with some advertising copy.”

So she was being used as free labor.

But remembering that she had been freeloading at Shen Shiwu’s house for over a month, Jiang Siyi agreed. “Sure, can we discuss it online?”

“No, we need you to come to the office.”

After hanging up, Auntie Wang came to pick her up.

As soon as she entered the company building, the receptionist greeted her with a smile and gestured politely.

Jiang Siyi followed her, suddenly remembering four years ago, when she had walked through these halls in her school uniform.

Lost in thought, she had already reached the elevator.

As she waited, just like years ago, countless gazes fell upon her.

But things were different now.

Jiang Siyi was no longer afraid of these unfamiliar stares.

She calmly met their gazes, her expression indifferent.

After silently intimidating everyone, Jiang Siyi entered the elevator and went to the marketing department.

Writing advertising copy was a piece of cake for her.

She finished it in half an hour, even coming up with a marketing plan.

Going upstairs, Jiang Siyi hummed a tune as she walked towards Shen Shiwu’s office.

The top floor was quiet, the window half-open, the cold wind rustling the leaves of the plants.

She knocked on the door, and before Shen Shiwu could even finish her “come in,” she pushed the door open and entered.

“Come in.”

Shen Shiwu looked up and saw Jiang Siyi already sitting in a chair, her movements swift and decisive.

“I sent you the finished copy on WeChat, and here’s the marketing plan,” she said, pulling her chair closer to Shen Shiwu, her expression smug, “I made it just now.”

Shen Shiwu took the documents and started reading.

Jiang Siyi, restless, looked around the office. Suddenly, her gaze fell on something on the desk. “What’s this?” she asked.

Shen Shiwu didn’t look up, just glanced at it from the corner of her eye.

Then she said casually, “Nothing.”

Seeing her reaction, Jiang Siyi’s curiosity was piqued.

It was rectangular and white.

Like… a letter.

Similar to the love letters she used to receive.

“Don’t tell me it’s a love letter?” Jiang Siyi tilted her head, her tone casual.

Shen Shiwu closed the marketing plan and said ruthlessly, “The information is too disorganized, it’s not good enough.”

Jiang Siyi: “…”

Just as she was about to retort, Shen Shiwu finally answered her earlier question.

“Mm-hmm, it’s a love letter.”

Jiang Siyi’s eyes widened.

She slammed the table and jumped up. “Who gave it to you!?”

Shen Shiwu, in contrast, remained incredibly calm.

She enunciated clearly, “An admirer.”

Chapter 81

Having suppressed her desires for so long, things were bound to get out of control.

As the water rippled around them, Jiang Siyi tilted her head back, her eyes half-closed, her fingers tangled in Shen Shiwu’s hair, soft moans escaping her lips.

Her fingertips moved slightly.

“Ah!”

She instinctively gripped the edge of the bathtub.

“Yes, just like that,” Shen Shiwu whispered, her lips brushing against Jiang Siyi’s eyelids, her voice a seductive murmur, “it sounds so good.”

Gentle kisses rained down on her skin. Jiang Siyi gasped for breath, her eyes red, like a little rabbit being bullied.

Her voice was trembling. “Shen Shiwu… let’s get out, okay?”

“Let me catch my breath.”

“I won’t run away, even if you do this all night,” Shen Shiwu said, her fingers moving rhythmically, “who said that?”

As her fingers brushed against a sensitive spot, Jiang Siyi’s body trembled, her words disjointed. “I, I take it back.”

“No going back on your word.”

“Or,” the woman chuckled softly, “there will be consequences.”

Jiang Siyi felt like she was suffocating.

Amidst the haze of pleasure, she heard Shen Shiwu’s amused voice.

“Ms. Jiang, it’s raining.”

***

The next afternoon, Jiang Siyi woke up in a daze.

Fortunately, the production had been suspended, so she had nothing to do and lingered in bed for a while.

As expected, the space beside her was empty, she was the only living creature in the bed.

Jiang Siyi pouted and called out, “Shen Shiwu—”

There was no response.

Remembering the past, she wondered,

Had she left again…?

Ravaging her then leaving, Shen Shiwu, you’re such a jerk.

Jiang Siyi burrowed under the covers. The memories of last night’s passion contrasted sharply with her current loneliness.

Like falling from heaven to hell.

She hugged herself, her heart sinking.

When Shen Shiwu quietly opened the door, the first thing she saw was a round lump under the covers. She raised an eyebrow and slowly approached the bed.

The blanket was thick and heavy, creating a cocoon. Jiang Siyi was hiding inside, silently crying, not noticing the approaching footsteps.

“Trying to suffocate yourself?” Shen Shiwu’s voice was merciless.

You’re the one who wants to suffocate…

Huh?

Jiang Siyi peeked out from under the blanket, her eyes red and puffy from crying. She seemed surprised. “You’re still here?”

Seeing her red eyes, Shen Shiwu reached out and gently stroked her hair.

Jiang Siyi, appeased by the gesture, moved closer, her head nuzzling against Shen Shiwu’s hand.

Then she wrapped her arms around Shen Shiwu’s waist.

Afraid of being pushed away, her movements were hesitant. Only when she felt that Shen Shiwu wasn’t going to reject her did she lean her head against her chest.

Like a stray animal seeking warmth.

Shen Shiwu felt a pang of regret.

Looking at the girl’s insecure expression and hesitant movements, she thought,

She should have stayed in the room and waited for her to wake up.

“I’m not leaving,” she said, gently patting Jiang Siyi’s back, “are you hungry? Let’s go eat.”

Jiang Siyi, after clinging to her for a while longer, finally lifted her head.

“I’m hungry, but…” she pouted, “I can’t walk.”

She had indeed lost control last night.

Shen Shiwu took a few seconds to reflect on her actions, then, scooping up the girl and the blanket, she carried her to the living room.

Seeing a table full of her favorite dishes, Jiang Siyi ate like she hadn’t eaten in days. Shen Shiwu tapped the table lightly, telling her to slow down.

Little Jiang, her head down, continued eating.

Shen Shiwu: “…”

As they were eating, Jiang Siyi’s phone rang. She picked it up and mumbled a “hello.” Xu Yuan, on the other end, sounded relieved. “Thank goodness, you’re still alive.”

Although her words were a bit harsh, Jiang Siyi knew she was concerned, so she swallowed her retort and simply replied, “I’m alive.”

After briefly explaining what had happened, Xu Yuan clicked her tongue and exclaimed, “Your ex-girlfriend is truly dedicated, why haven’t you two gotten back together yet?”

Although Jiang Siyi wasn’t on speakerphone, they were sitting at the same table, and Xu Yuan’s voice was loud. Jiang Siyi knew Shen Shiwu could hear her clearly.

She emphasized her words, “Yes, why haven’t we gotten back together yet?”

But when she discreetly glanced at Shen Shiwu, the latter was still staring at her laptop, seemingly oblivious.

Stubborn woman.

Jiang Siyi pouted and angrily finished her soup.

***

It was past two in the afternoon.

Having packed their things, with no work scheduled, they decided to go back to Qinan.

Xu Yuan came to see them off.

“When I’m free next year, I’ll bring my girlfriend to Qinan, you have to treat us to dinner then.”

“Of course,” Jiang Siyi said, discreetly gesturing towards the car behind her, “we’ll treat you together.”

Xu Yuan followed her gaze and saw the woman waiting quietly in the car.

“Okay, good luck, student Jiang, wishing you a speedy reunion.”

Xu Yuan had wanted to pat Jiang Siyi’s shoulder, but she suddenly met Shen Shiwu’s gaze. She quickly retracted her hand.

“It’s getting late,” she said, “you guys should go, don’t drive in the dark.”

“Then goodbye.”

“Bye.”

Getting into the car, seeing that Xu Yuan was still standing there, Jiang Siyi waved, telling her to go back to work.

But the next moment, the car window rolled up.

“Seatbelt,” Shen Shiwu said, glancing at her.

Jiang Siyi mumbled an “okay” and fastened her seatbelt, then looked back.

The car drove forward a short distance, then stopped and reversed. Xu Yuan, who had been about to leave, was puzzled, thinking they had forgotten something, and she hurried over. “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Siyi was also confused and looked at Shen Shiwu questioningly.

Shen Shiwu said calmly, “Giving you two some time for a dramatic farewell.”

She took out her phone and waited. “Continue.”

Jiang Siyi: “…”

She waved at Xu Yuan through the car window, mouthing, “It’s okay, you can go now.”

Xu Yuan stared at the car, then mouthed silently, “Young people, have some self-control.”

Then she turned and left.

“?”

Jiang Siyi was puzzled, then, after a moment, she realized what Xu Yuan had meant, and her face flushed. Suppressing her embarrassment, she said to Shen Shiwu, “Let’s go.”

“Done catching up?”

Seriously, these two,

None of them could speak normally.

“…Yes.”

A few minutes later, just as Jiang Siyi was getting restless, Shen Shiwu finally started the car.

Seeing that they were finally on the road, she took out her phone and started bombarding Xu Yuan with messages.

Long drives could be tiring.

Jiang Siyi knew this, so she kept trying to find topics to talk about.

Making small talk.

At first, the conversation was normal.

“Are you hungry? I have matcha cookies.”

“No, you eat them.”

Until later—

“Shen Shiwu, can we not do it in the bathroom next time? It’s too hot.”

The woman, focused on driving: “…”

“Cuddle with your plushie and go to sleep,” she said calmly.

Jiang Siyi hummed softly and turned her head away, ignoring her. After a while, she turned back again. “Shen…”

“Go to sleep.”

She rested her chin on the plushie’s head and finally quieted down.

When she opened her eyes again, the car had stopped at a rest area in Qinan. Jiang Siyi, still drowsy, didn’t want to move. So Shen Shiwu got out of the car to buy her some snacks.

Just as she took a few steps, she heard hurried footsteps behind her.

Before she could even turn around, Jiang Siyi had caught up to her, rubbing her eyes, her face slightly flushed from sleep. “Forget it, I’ll come with you.”

Still half-asleep, her words were slightly slurred. Shen Shiwu stared at her for a few seconds, then cleared her throat and looked away.

“Let’s go.”

The rest area was crowded and noisy, and Jiang Siyi clung to Shen Shiwu’s arm, afraid of being separated from her.

“What do you want to eat?”

Jiang Siyi tiptoed and looked around. “Mm-hmm… oden.”

The evening air was cool, and she wanted something warm. Holding the paper cup of oden, her hands warmed by the heat, she closed her eyes, feeling sleepy again.

“Aren’t you eating?”

“Not hungry, let’s go.”

Shen Shiwu said this, but Jiang Siyi didn’t follow. Shen Shiwu slowed down and looked back, seeing that Jiang Siyi was still eating.

Noticing her gaze, Jiang Siyi quickly finished her mouthful and ran to catch up. “Coming.”

They walked side by side.

Shen Shiwu’s expression was calm, but her eyes kept glancing at Jiang Siyi, afraid she would suddenly disappear.

Then, realizing what she was doing, she suddenly thought,

Jiang Siyi was in her twenties now.

No longer a high school student who couldn’t even find her way around.

She lowered her eyes and stopped looking.

Jiang Siyi, however, was a different story.

She took a bite of a beef ball and immediately started fanning her mouth, having burned her tongue.

The crowd grew denser, the sound of children crying mixing with the loud voices of truck drivers, a cacophony of noise. Jiang Siyi quickened her pace and almost tripped over a beggar kneeling on the ground.

Afraid of being scammed again, she quickly moved around him.

Then she was bumped from behind.

“Ouch, young lady, I’m so sorry,” a middle-aged woman with permed hair apologized.

Seeing that it was a woman, Jiang Siyi smiled. “It’s okay.”

It was just a small incident, nothing to worry about, and she waved her hand dismissively, then hurried to Shen Shiwu’s side. Before she could even regain her balance, a hand appeared before her.

“Hold my hand,” the woman said casually.

Jiang Siyi, her mouth full of fish tofu,

Couldn’t hear her clearly over the noise, her cheeks puffed out. “Huh?”

Shen Shiwu: “…”

Her hand still outstretched, she took the oden from Jiang Siyi.

“This is mine now,” she said, her tone slightly annoyed.

Jiang Siyi had only had two skewers, and she was still hungry. She reached for the oden. “No, I’m not done yet.”

Shen Shiwu, taller than her, held the oden out of reach, not even spilling a drop of broth. Jiang Siyi, defeated, sulked and looked down at the ground.

“Watch where you’re going.”

No response.

Shen Shiwu sighed inwardly, then extended her hand again, her voice slightly raised. “Hold my hand.”

The head finally moved.

Jiang Siyi took her hand, their fingers intertwining. Still thinking about the oden, she suddenly lunged forward when Shen Shiwu wasn’t paying attention.

Like a tiger pouncing on its prey.

Shen Shiwu, seeing her smug expression, chuckled helplessly.

What tiger?

More like a rabbit.

They got into the car and continued their journey. A ringtone broke the silence, and Shen Shiwu, glancing at the screen, said to Jiang Siyi, “It’s the housekeeper, you answer.”

Jiang Siyi obediently answered the call. “Auntie—”

“Is that Ms. Jiang? Are you and Ms. Shen coming home for dinner tonight?”

“Yes, Auntie, I want chicken soup.”

…

After hanging up, Jiang Siyi was about to turn off her phone screen when a familiar icon appeared.

Weibo? Did Shen Shiwu use Weibo?

Then she took a closer look, and her expression turned strange.

[Ding dong, friendly reminder to our superfan “Jiang Siyi,” you haven’t checked in to the supertopic today!]

Superfan?

Jiang Siyi was reminded of a certain reader’s default profile picture and random string of characters as their username.

To confirm her suspicion, she took out her own phone and checked the reader’s Weibo profile.

As she refreshed the page, the IP address changed from Chang’an to Qinan.

Jiang Siyi’s eyes widened slowly.

Her expression was complex, and after a moment, she really wanted to ask,

Shen Shiwu, do you have multiple personalities?

Chapter 80

When a pet rabbit felt insecure, it would usually huddle in a corner of its cage.

Jiang Siyi, a similar creature, was now nestled in Shen Shiwu’s arms, nuzzling her head against her chest.

As if…

…wanting to merge with her completely.

Perhaps because of the incident on the mountain, she was clingier than usual when drunk this time.

They were sitting facing each other.

To prevent the drunkard from falling, Shen Shiwu held her waist and asked, “Do you know who I am?”

Jiang Siyi’s earlier declaration of “I’ll take care of you” had amused Shen Shiwu, and she gently patted her back.

A round head swayed from side to side.

Jiang Siyi seemed to be thinking, and after a few minutes, she finally nodded. “I know—”

She tilted her head. “You’re pretty sister.”

Shen Shiwu was momentarily stunned by her innocent expression. Just then, she felt a warm touch on her face.

A sudden kiss.

Jiang Siyi, her arms around Shen Shiwu’s neck, kissed her clumsily.

This kind of intimacy had become unfamiliar to them, it had been too long since they had done anything beyond the boundaries of exes.

Shen Shiwu’s heart fluttered.

She took a deep breath and turned her head away.

“Alright, let’s go back to the hotel.”

But before she could even stand up, Jiang Siyi, emboldened by the alcohol, leaned closer again.

This time, her aim was perfect.

She captured Shen Shiwu’s lips, nibbling gently at first, then deepening the kiss.

Controlling one’s desires wasn’t easy. But Shen Shiwu thought she had done a good job, at least she had… held back until now.

Feeling the girl’s clumsy, yet earnest, kiss, Shen Shiwu’s lips curved into a smile. But Jiang Siyi, mistaking her smile for mockery, bit down harder.

The metallic taste of blood filled their mouths.

Jiang Siyi hesitated, wanting to pull away, but just as their lips parted, a hand firmly grasped the back of her head.

There was no escape.

She was pulled closer, their lips meeting again.

The sounds of their kiss and soft moans mingled.

It had been too long, and Jiang Siyi’s body went limp, trembling slightly in Shen Shiwu’s arms, like a frightened rabbit.

Sensing that she was losing control, Shen Shiwu pulled away, her breathing ragged, and gently smoothed Jiang Siyi’s hair.

“Do you know who I am?” she asked again.

This time, Jiang Siyi didn’t even reply, burying her face in Shen Shiwu’s neck, her mind clearly clouded by alcohol.

She would probably have a blackout when she woke up.

Shen Shiwu thought, licking the small wound on her lip.

Well, it was fine.

Leaving the restaurant, Shen Shiwu supported Jiang Siyi, taking the back exit.

The girl, boneless, leaned heavily against her, and Shen Shiwu sighed, finally scooping her up into her arms.

Inside the car, Jiang Siyi, not liking the distance between them, whined, “Why aren’t you holding me…?”

“I have to drive.”

“Can’t you hold me while you drive?”

Shen Shiwu stared at her for a few seconds, then opened the car door and got out. When she returned, she was holding a lop-eared rabbit plushie.

Jiang Siyi, seeing her leave, had panicked, almost following her out of the car. Only when Shen Shiwu returned to the driver’s seat did she relax.

“Where did you go…?”

Before she could even finish her sentence, something was placed in her arms. Soft and fluffy.

Jiang Siyi looked down, her eyes meeting the round, black eyes of the plushie.

A familiar scent wafted towards her.

Shen Shiwu leaned over and fastened her seatbelt, then poked the rabbit plushie’s head. “Your new friend.”

“It’s afraid of riding in cars, so you have to hold it and protect it, understand?”

Jiang Siyi, holding the plushie’s ears, hugged it tightly and nodded seriously. “Mm-hmm.”

“I’ll protect it.”

Successfully distracted, Jiang Siyi was quiet for the rest of the ride, no longer clinging to Shen Shiwu, and the latter was satisfied.

As they entered the parking lot, the surroundings grew darker.

“Let’s go,” Shen Shiwu said, unbuckling her seatbelt.

But the girl didn’t react.

After a few seconds, she held up the plushie. “Mission accomplished.”

“Mm-hmm, very impressive,” Shen Shiwu praised her, then got out of the car and opened the door for her.

As she was helping Jiang Siyi unbuckle her seatbelt, she was rewarded with a kiss on the cheek.

Jiang Siyi, her plan working, swayed her head along with the plushie, smug like a child who had just received candy.

Shen Shiwu shook her head. “Let’s go.”

“I protected it, who’s going to protect me?” Jiang Siyi refused to get out of the car, hugging the plushie tightly.

The implication was clear.

Shen Shiwu, sighing helplessly, played along. “I will.”

“Oh, okay,” Jiang Siyi opened her arms, her voice sweet, “then carry me.”

Perhaps because she was sleepy, the girl’s eyes were watery, clearer than glass beads.

Looking at her expectantly…

Shen Shiwu’s heart softened.

She sighed silently, then leaned down and wrapped her arms around Jiang Siyi’s waist.

Carrying her like a princess, they attracted many stares. Shen Shiwu didn’t care, and Jiang Siyi was also unusually quiet.

Until she felt a slight tugging on her hair.

She looked down and saw that Jiang Siyi was trying to cover her face with her hair.

Shen Shiwu: “…”

Now she was shy?

Shen Shiwu swiped her key card with one hand and carried Jiang Siyi to the master bedroom, placing her on the bed. Jiang Siyi rolled around a few times, then, seeing that Shen Shiwu was about to leave, she quickly sat up. “Where are you going?”

“Back to Qinan,” Shen Shiwu teased.

Jiang Siyi’s face fell, and she curled up in bed, hugging the plushie, not saying a word.

Seeing her dejected expression, Shen Shiwu quickly said, “Just kidding.”

“I’ll get your pajamas, go take a shower.”

Jiang Siyi’s eyes lit up.

She clutched the plushie’s ears, her voice languid. “I’m tired.”

“Can you wash me?”

The words were incredibly embarrassing, so after saying them, she immediately lay back down, pretending to be dead. When Shen Shiwu returned with her pajamas, this was the scene she saw.

She bent down, twirled a strand of Jiang Siyi’s hair, and said, a smile in her voice, but her words firm, “Wash yourself.”

Fine.

Jiang Siyi angrily grabbed her pajamas and stumbled towards the bathroom.

“Be careful, don’t slip.”

“Okay.”

Hearing the sound of running water, Shen Shiwu sat down at her desk and started working on her laptop. But less than ten minutes later, the bathroom fell silent, only a few hisses could be heard.

She frowned. “What’s wrong?”

Standing outside the bathroom door, she asked again, “Jiang Siyi, are you okay?”

A weak voice finally came, “I… I slipped.”

The bathroom was steamy. Shen Shiwu walked inside, and saw a pale figure sprawled on the floor, trembling.

Hearing her approach, Jiang Siyi quickly looked up, then shyly lowered her head as Shen Shiwu drew closer.

“Give me your hand, can you stand up?”

“…”

After a moment of silence, Jiang Siyi said firmly, “No.”

“I think I twisted my ankle, it hurts when I move.”

Catching Shen Shiwu’s gaze, she cleared her throat and added, “It’s because the floor is so slippery.”

Seeing that Shen Shiwu didn’t react, she grumbled, “And the bathtub is also too slippery.”

In just a few minutes, Jiang Siyi had complained about everything in the bathroom, while Shen Shiwu simply stood there, looking down at her.

Had her acting skills deteriorated?

Jiang Siyi felt a little guilty.

Ugh, the floor was so cold.

She couldn’t keep this up any longer.

Just as she was about to give up, she was suddenly lifted into the air. She suppressed a gasp and instinctively wrapped her arms around Shen Shiwu’s neck. A moment later, she was placed safely in the bathtub.

The hot water warmed her instantly.

There was a splash, and Shen Shiwu stepped into the bathtub with her. Her white shirt and pants were soaked, clinging to her skin, her figure faintly visible.

Jiang Siyi’s face flushed, and she quickly looked away.

But Shen Shiwu firmly tilted her chin up.

“Did you really slip,” she asked, her eyes dark, “or did you have other intentions?”

Meeting her gaze, Jiang Siyi felt a strange sense of fear.

The familiar sense of oppression returned, and her body slid down, almost submerged in the water, before Shen Shiwu caught her by the waist.

“Just answer me,” Shen Shiwu said, her voice husky, unable to hold back any longer, her breath warm against Jiang Siyi’s ear, “and I’ll give you what you want.”

Really?

Jiang Siyi’s hair was wet, and so were her eyes. Just as she was about to speak, Shen Shiwu added, “Be honest.”

“Tell me what you were thinking just now.”

The words “get back together” were stuck in her throat, and Jiang Siyi could only confess, “I didn’t really slip…”

“I wanted you to come in.”

“And?” Shen Shiwu’s breath tickled her eyelids.

Jiang Siyi closed her eyes, clutching Shen Shiwu’s clothes, and repeated, “And… I want you.”

“To come in.”

Reason had completely deserted her.

Shen Shiwu felt her heart pounding in her chest.

Looking at Jiang Siyi’s evasive gaze, she said, using the last of her self-control, “As expected of Ms. Jiang, such a master of wordplay.”

Hearing that familiar form of address, Jiang Siyi felt a strange sensation, a mix of emotions she couldn’t quite decipher, her body tingling.

And that place,

Was also tingling.

It was too embarrassing.

She closed her eyes, feeling Shen Shiwu’s breath on her skin, the possessiveness in it almost overwhelming, and she suddenly wanted to escape.

“What are you thinking about? Want to run away?” Shen Shiwu, as always, could see right through her.

Her thoughts exposed, hearing the slight mockery in Shen Shiwu’s voice, Jiang Siyi opened her eyes again.

She retorted, “Who wants to run away? You can do whatever you want, I won’t run.”

Shen Shiwu’s eyes narrowed, like a predator eyeing its prey, then she chuckled softly.

She let go of Jiang Siyi’s chin and stood up, walking out of the bathroom. When she returned, her hair was tied up in a loose ponytail, the ice cream charm on the hair tie glinting in the light.

Jiang Siyi was about to say something when Shen Shiwu wrapped her arms around her neck from behind.

Like a python, coiling around her.

Although her grip wasn’t tight, Jiang Siyi still felt her breath hitch, her chest tightening.

Shen Shiwu patted her cheek.

“What did you just say? Repeat it,” she said, nibbling on Jiang Siyi’s earlobe, her tongue tracing its outline.

It had been too long, and Jiang Siyi’s body was even more sensitive than before. A soft moan escaped her lips, and she instinctively tried to pull away.

But Shen Shiwu’s hand tightened around her neck, pulling her back.

“I said…”

What had she said?

Jiang Siyi bit her lip, her voice soft. “I forgot…”

“It’s okay,” Shen Shiwu said, her tone surprisingly gentle, “I’ll show you.”

Chapter 79

Jiang Siyi was a master at pushing her luck.

Her mood had improved after being coaxed, but she still pretended to cry.

“Then… will you take care of me forever?”

Shen Shiwu looked at her teary eyes, then, after a long moment, she looked away and mumbled an “Mm-hmm.”

Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm?

Jiang Siyi’s eyelashes, wet with tears, glistened in the light. She leaned closer, like a koala climbing a tree. “I didn’t hear you, say it again.”

Shen Shiwu tapped her head lightly.

A playful glint in her eyes, she teased, “If you didn’t hear me, then it doesn’t count.”

“No way.” Jiang Siyi practically clung to her, her voice softening. “…Okay, fine, I heard you.”

“Then get up.”

Jiang Siyi whined, still clinging to her. “Why?”

She hadn’t had enough cuddles yet.

Shen Shiwu flicked her forehead lightly.

It didn’t hurt, but Jiang Siyi still pretended to be in pain, hissing dramatically.

Shen Shiwu had already stood up, and she looked down at her, sighing almost imperceptibly. “It’s past seven, aren’t you hungry?”

“I’ll take you to dinner.”

***

Chang’an was a quintessential Jiangnan water town. Although not a first-tier city, its tourism industry had boomed in recent years, and at night, it was even livelier than Beicheng.

The sounds of electric scooters and supermarket advertisements filled the air. Jiang Siyi stood by the roadside, looking around for Shen Shiwu.

She nibbled on a candied strawberry, grumbling, “Why isn’t she here yet? Is it that difficult to find parking around here…?”

She had almost finished her snack, but Shen Shiwu was still nowhere in sight. After her experience of getting lost earlier, Jiang Siyi didn’t dare to wander off and look for her.

So she took out her phone and sent a voice message: “Shen Shiwu—”

“You’re so slow, I’m starving.”

Satisfied with her barrage of messages, seeing the green chat bubbles on her screen, Jiang Siyi put away her phone. Taking another bite of her strawberry, she looked towards a nearby street corner and narrowed her eyes.

Wait a minute.

That familiar figure.

Seriously, Shen Shiwu? After all this time, she was chatting with a girl?

Jiang Siyi’s expression turned resentful.

She tiptoed, trying to eavesdrop, and discreetly followed them, blending into the crowd.

Finally, she hid behind a nearby camphor tree.

Shen Shiwu was being approached by two girls. One of them, a girl with brown hair, said timidly, “Hello, if you scan this QR code and add us on WeChat, you can get a free rose.”

Shen Shiwu, hands in her pockets, her expression indifferent, politely declined. “No, thank you.”

Just as she said this, a head popped out from behind the tree. Jiang Siyi, her eyes wide, was staring at them.

Shen Shiwu, unable to resist, smiled faintly.

The girl with brown hair, seeing that her plan had failed, was about to leave with her friend when Shen Shiwu suddenly spoke, “I don’t need to scan the code, I’ll just buy the flowers, is that okay?”

She scanned the code?

Jiang Siyi’s eyes widened.

She scratched at the tree bark, then, unable to resist her curiosity, she peeked out again.

Roses.

She accepted them?

Jiang Siyi’s mind went blank, and she silently cursed Shen Shiwu ninety-nine times. Just as she was about to curse her for the hundredth time, a figure approached.

“Shen Shiwu, you heartless…”

Something lightly touched the top of her head.

Under the flickering streetlight, a long shadow fell over her.

Her words died in her throat.

Jiang Siyi stiffly turned around and forced a smile. “Ah, you’re here.”

Seeing Shen Shiwu’s posture, she wondered—Why was her hand raised so high?

Was she about to karate chop her head?

But a few seconds later, Shen Shiwu plucked a withered leaf from the tree. She played with it between her fingers, the sound crisp and clear.

Looking at Jiang Siyi’s slightly guilty expression, she suppressed a smile and asked calmly, “What are you doing hiding here?”

“I wasn’t hiding.”

“Tell the truth.”

This conversation reminded Jiang Siyi of her high school days, when she had been under Shen Shiwu’s control. She looked away, but Shen Shiwu gently turned her face back, her hand on her cheek.

There was no escape.

Jiang Siyi sighed inwardly, then closed her eyes and blurted out, “I was spying on you.”

Shen Shiwu nodded. “And what were you muttering earlier?”

“…Cursing you.”

Jiang Siyi opened her eyes, her lips pouting slightly, her voice filled with grievance. “Someone asked for your contact information again, didn’t they? And… you gave it to them this time.”

“Where are the flowers? Don’t hide them, those beautiful roses.”

Jiang Siyi’s jealousy manifested in two extremes.

Either she bottled it up inside, not saying a word, or she exploded, her words like fireworks.

“That girl’s hair color is so pretty, and she’s dressed so cute,” Jiang Siyi lowered her eyes, her voice softening slightly, “she’s a good match for you.”

Shen Shiwu shook her head helplessly, her arms crossed, patiently waiting for her to finish.

A few minutes later, Jiang Siyi finally stopped talking, her throat dry, her stomach rumbling.

“Finished?” Shen Shiwu raised an eyebrow.

“Mm-hmm.”

Seeing her calm expression, Jiang Siyi gritted her teeth and turned to leave.

But her head was patted gently.

Jiang Siyi paused, then reluctantly turned around, glaring at Shen Shiwu. “What?”

Three roses appeared in her view.

Held in Shen Shiwu’s long, slender fingers.

“I scanned the code to pay, I bought the flowers,” Shen Shiwu said concisely, her gaze softening as she watched Jiang Siyi’s expression, “three roses, because that’s all she had.”

Those simple words, explaining everything clearly, made Jiang Siyi’s heart race.

Shen Shiwu was explaining herself to her.

Explaining herself to her ex-girlfriend, what did that mean?

It meant they were about to get back together.

Jiang Siyi, her spirits lifted, reached for the flowers. “Okay…”

But before she could touch them, Shen Shiwu pulled her hand back, hiding the flowers behind her back again. “But I’m sorry,”

“These are for me.”

With that, a smile playing on her lips, she ignored Jiang Siyi’s resentful gaze and walked away.

Jiang Siyi’s hand was still outstretched.

She scoffed inwardly, her teeth itching.

“Not coming?” Shen Shiwu, after teasing her, afraid she was hungry, turned around and reminded her, “I’ve already booked a private room at the restaurant.”

Coming, of course she was coming.

Just wait and see, she would eat Shen Shiwu out of house and home tonight.

Jiang Siyi, determined, met Shen Shiwu’s gaze and smiled. “Coming.”

A meal costing tens of thousands of yuan, even Jiang Siyi, now financially independent and earning a decent income, wouldn’t spend that much. But Shen Shiwu didn’t even bat an eye.

She even said,

“Don’t worry about saving money for me,” Shen Shiwu said casually, tapping the table with her finger, “order whatever you want, your ex-girlfriend isn’t that poor.”

Jiang Siyi’s lips twitched.

“What about alcohol? Can I order some?” She was ready to unleash her ultimate move.

Shen Shiwu hesitated for a few seconds, then, thinking that she was there and nothing bad would happen even if Jiang Siyi got drunk, she nodded. “Whatever you want.”

“Hello, a bottle of Romanée-Conti, please.”

“Certainly, ma’am.”

After the waiter left, they were alone in the VIP room.

That was a 200,000 yuan bottle of wine.

Jiang Siyi, her plan working, smiled smugly.

Heh, that’s what you get for messing with me.

Shen Shiwu was looking at her phone, and noticing Jiang Siyi’s expression from the corner of her eye, she looked up.

Jiang Siyi coughed a few times and quickly composed herself, pretending to be calm.

“There’s something I need to tell you,” Shen Shiwu said suddenly.

“What?”

“The show has been suspended.”

Jiang Siyi had only taken on the show for the 90,000 yuan.

The producer’s offer had been too good to refuse.

So now, hearing that the show had been suspended, she didn’t even ask for the reason, her first reaction being, “What about my pay? They’re not going to run off with it, are they?”

Seeing her mercenary nature, Shen Shiwu chuckled softly. “No.”

Seeing her smile, Jiang Siyi cleared her throat, wanting to save face. “It’s not that I’m greedy for money, it’s, it’s what I deserve.”

“I filmed for a whole day, even though I got lost…”

Her voice trailed off, and she lowered her head. “Forget it, it’s fine if they don’t pay me.”

“The producer said they’ll transfer the 90,000 yuan to your account tomorrow,” Shen Shiwu said calmly.

“90,000? That much? Isn’t that a bit too much?” Jiang Siyi was surprised, but she still tried to be modest.

“Too much? Then I’ll tell them 10,000 is enough.”

“…No way.”

Jiang Siyi blurted out, then, feeling embarrassed, she added, “We have to respect their decision, don’t interfere.”

Just then, the waiter knocked on the door and entered with their food. The conversation was conveniently interrupted, and Jiang Siyi, satisfied, turned to the waiter, her voice sweet. “Where’s my wine?”

“Here you go, ma’am,” another waiter carefully placed the bottle on the table. “Your Romanée-Conti, would you like me to pour it for you?”

“No,” Shen Shiwu said firmly.

“Certainly.”

After the waiter left, Jiang Siyi eagerly reached for the bottle, but Shen Shiwu stood up and effortlessly took it from her. “Eat first.”

Fine.

After finishing her black truffle pasta, Jiang Siyi wiped her mouth with a tissue and looked at Shen Shiwu expectantly.

Shen Shiwu was always elegant when she ate, her cutlery barely making a sound.

She noticed Jiang Siyi’s gaze, but she continued eating slowly. Ten minutes later, she finally poured a small amount of wine into Jiang Siyi’s glass.

Barely a sip.

Jiang Siyi pouted. “Stingy.”

“Do you want another gastric bleed?”

Hearing this, the memory of the recent incident at the hospital came flooding back.

Jiang Siyi was speechless, then she realized something. “How did you know?”

“I guessed.”

“…”

Jiang Siyi downed the wine in one gulp.

The acidity was just right, the fruity aroma and a hint of mint lingering on her tongue, and she reluctantly put down her glass. Then she asked, “Did you come to see me at the hospital that day?”

Shen Shiwu also took a sip of wine.

Meeting Jiang Siyi’s gaze, she finally nodded. “Mm-hmm, I was passing by.”

As if.

Jiang Siyi scoffed, then, as the alcohol started to take effect, her vision became slightly blurry.

Impossible, she couldn’t be this drunk already.

Thinking this, as if to prove herself, she suddenly stood up.

Shen Shiwu raised an eyebrow. “Drunk?”

“No,” Jiang Siyi said disdainfully, waving her hand, “just a sip, how could I be drunk?”

The next second, she collapsed.

Fortunately, Shen Shiwu reacted quickly and caught her, preventing her face from hitting the table.

Jiang Siyi, who had just insisted she wasn’t drunk, was now patting Shen Shiwu’s face, her words slurred. “Hey, pretty lady.”

Shen Shiwu: “…”

“You’re so beautiful, like a movie star,” Jiang Siyi said, her voice full of admiration, “come with me.”

“I’ll take care of you, how about that?”

Chapter 78

The sky had already darkened.

After more than ten minutes, her arm aching from holding up her phone, WeChat was still loading.

Her sigh echoed in the silence.

Jiang Siyi lowered her arms, her heart pounding with anxiety. After a moment, she stood up, no longer waiting passively, and started walking through the bamboo grove, trying to find a way out.

Without the maintained path, the mountain trail was treacherous. Annoying branches kept snagging on her clothes, and soon, her coat was torn.

Hearing the ripping sound, she frowned and looked down, then, after a quick glance, she continued walking.

She was following her memory of the way up, but her surroundings were becoming increasingly unfamiliar. After passing through one bamboo grove, another appeared before her.

Endless, like an infinite loop.

Most of the leaves were withered and yellow, only a few still green. The cold wind made the atmosphere even more eerie.

A cold sweat broke out on Jiang Siyi’s forehead.

Tired from walking, she squatted down to rest and took out her phone again, hoping for a signal.

After countless attempts, a few messages suddenly popped up. Automatically filtering out the others, Jiang Siyi instinctively clicked on Shen Shiwu’s chat.

Voice messages and missed calls.

Her notifications were flooded.

Remembering last night, Jiang Siyi’s heart ached. Seeing these messages, she couldn’t quite decipher her emotions.

But,

Now wasn’t the time for sadness.

If she continued like this, she might not survive.

Jiang Siyi forced herself to calm down, her words rapid. “Shen Shiwu, I’m lost on An Mountain in Yunxi Water Town, I barely have any signal, I’ll send you my location…”

But just as she was about to send the message, the signal dropped.

Like a taut string snapping, the connection was lost.

She felt a wave of despair wash over her.

As the sun began to set, the sky darkening, Jiang Siyi could no longer control her emotions and started sobbing softly.

What was the point of crying?

She wiped away her tears, mentally scolding herself.

Would crying help her find her way?

Thinking this, Jiang Siyi stood up again. She took a deep breath, suppressing her sadness, looked around, and continued walking.

Half an hour later, she sat down on a rock, exhausted. She was not only tired, but also scared, even the sound of a bird flying overhead making her jump.

So useless, Jiang Siyi.

Getting lost while hiking.

After all these years, you haven’t changed at all, still the same useless person.

She hugged herself, trying to find some warmth, but it was futile. After a while, she turned on her phone, seeing that there was still no signal, and opened a new note.

She started writing her will, her expression serious.

Three letters.

One for Shen Shiwu, one for Xu Yuan, and one for Lin Yusheng.

Writers were naturally empathetic, and now, finding herself in this situation, her eyes stung, tears blurring her vision.

Shen Shiwu.

She typed the name.

By the time you read this, I’ll probably be dead.

Jiang Siyi bit her lip, unable to hold back anymore, and threw her phone down, sobbing loudly. After releasing her emotions, she picked up her phone and continued writing.

I’m a selfish person.

If you find a new love interest after I die, I’ll haunt you forever.

The mountain was empty, and her cries echoed through the silence.

When Shen Shiwu finally found her, Jiang Siyi was sitting with her back to her, curled up in a ball, her head down.

Shen Shiwu’s heart, which had been pounding with anxiety since receiving Jiang Siyi’s message, finally calmed down.

She could finally breathe again.

Jiang Siyi was still crying as she wrote her will.

Shen Shiwu, you’re so hard to pursue. If I become a ghost and haunt you, can you give me some special treatment?

Suddenly, she heard the sound of dry leaves and twigs being crushed underfoot.

Jiang Siyi froze, her fingers stilling on the keyboard.

Was it a bear?

Or a ghost, about to become her companion?

She turned off her phone screen and quietly tried to move away.

One step, two steps.

Then she started running—

“Jiang Siyi.”

A hand gently wrapped around the back of her neck.

The next second, a familiar, comforting scent enveloped her.

Cedarwood.

Another hand on her waist.

Shen Shiwu stood behind her, the anxiety she had felt since receiving Jiang Siyi’s message finally dissipating.

“I told you to stay put, but you had to run off.”

Despite her words, her tone was gentle, without a hint of blame.

“Aren’t you tired?”

Jiang Siyi turned around and threw herself into Shen Shiwu’s arms.

“I had no signal, I couldn’t listen to your voice messages,” she said, clinging to her, burying her face in her chest, “I’m tired, so tired, I walked for so long, but I couldn’t find my way…”

The past few hours had been terrifying. Just thinking about it made her shiver.

Shen Shiwu didn’t push her away this time.

Instead, she held her tighter, as if wanting to merge with her.

“It’s okay now.”

She gently patted Jiang Siyi’s back, her movements slow and soothing, like comforting a frightened rabbit.

“I’ll take you home.”

***

Shen Shiwu was like a reassuring presence.

With her around, any problem could be easily solved.

Sitting in the car, wrapped in a blanket, Jiang Siyi still couldn’t help but curl up. Seeing several police cars outside, even the deputy mayor had been alerted, she swallowed nervously.

The police cars drove away, and the producer of the show was still talking to Shen Shiwu, bowing and apologizing repeatedly.

Shen Shiwu, her expression indifferent, barely acknowledged him.

A few minutes later, Shen Shiwu returned to the car, seeing Jiang Siyi curled up in a ball, her eyebrows furrowing slightly.

But the frown quickly disappeared, and she turned up the heat, then asked, “Are you feeling unwell?”

Jiang Siyi sniffed and shook her head. “No, just…”

Just… shaken.

Still a little scared.

Looking at her pale face, remembering her illness, Shen Shiwu’s expression was complex, a mix of worry and…

…anger.

She had only let her out of her sight for a day, and she had returned like this. And the production team was still trying to shift the blame.

This show had to be stopped.

They couldn’t continue filming.

She could always find other resources for Jiang Siyi later.

The guesthouse was in a remote location, difficult even to order takeout, so Shen Shiwu took Jiang Siyi back to the hotel.

Seeing that the room the production team had booked for Jiang Siyi was just a regular single room, Shen Shiwu clicked her tongue and went downstairs to book a suite.

Someone who had just been through a traumatic experience needed to feel safe.

Seeing Shen Shiwu leave, Jiang Siyi’s heart sank. But remembering Shen Shiwu’s cold attitude, she held back her questions.

Was she really leaving again?

Time passed slowly, and Jiang Siyi sat on the edge of the bed, fidgeting with her clothes, her mood gloomy. Ten minutes later, it started raining again, the sound annoying, and she went to close the window.

Shen Shiwu had her room key.

A beep, and as she opened the door, she heard the sound of the window closing next door.

Seeing the rabbit’s slightly annoyed figure, Shen Shiwu raised an eyebrow.

Jiang Siyi turned around, her face expressionless.

But seeing Shen Shiwu, her eyes widened, round like two grapes.

Shen Shiwu, seeing her change in expression, wanted to smile, but she held back.

“You… you’re still here,” Jiang Siyi said, walking over to her, “I thought you had left again.”

Again?

Shen Shiwu thought for a moment, her mind flashing back to that stormy night.

She rarely regretted her actions. But now, looking at the girl’s aggrieved expression, she wished she could go back in time.

She shouldn’t have left.

Although they weren’t back together yet, she shouldn’t have hurt Jiang Siyi like that.

After all, she cared about her.

Seeing that Shen Shiwu didn’t respond, Jiang Siyi pouted, thinking she was talking to a brick wall again. She turned and lay down on the bed, exhausted, wanting to rest.

Then she saw the new room key in Shen Shiwu’s hand.

Black, with a gold border.

“Let’s go.”

Jiang Siyi, puzzled, sat up and tilted her head. “What?”

Shen Shiwu looked around the room, a hint of disdain in her eyes. Then she tapped Jiang Siyi’s head with the key card. “Take your things, we’re going to the top floor.”

Jiang Siyi’s eyes lit up instantly.

Her suitcase hadn’t even been opened, so she was ready to leave immediately. Shen Shiwu, seeing her eager expression, remembering her bad memory, reminded her, “Didn’t forget anything, right?”

“Nope,” Jiang Siyi shook her head, drawing out the word.

Shen Shiwu’s lips curved into a smile, and she pretended to cough. “Okay, let’s go.”

Inside the elevator, Jiang Siyi nudged Shen Shiwu.

“How did you find me so quickly on the mountain?” she asked.

Shen Shiwu replied calmly, “Because I’m awesome.”

Remembering that even the deputy mayor had been involved, Jiang Siyi simply responded with an “oh” and didn’t ask any further questions.

Reaching their floor, Shen Shiwu effortlessly lifted her suitcase, and Jiang Siyi quickly followed.

“Which room do you want?” Shen Shiwu asked, turning around after they entered the suite. As if anticipating her answer, she added, “Separate beds.”

Her unspoken request immediately rejected, Jiang Siyi hummed softly and pointed at the smaller bedroom.

But Shen Shiwu walked towards the master bedroom with her suitcase.

“Not that one.”

“You’re sleeping here.” The master bedroom was larger, and Shen Shiwu didn’t stop walking.

Hearing her firm tone, Jiang Siyi was silent for a few seconds—Then why did you even ask?

The suite was indeed comfortable.

Watching Shen Shiwu work on her laptop, Jiang Siyi, curled up on the sofa, couldn’t help but move closer.

After the terrifying experience on the mountain, she still felt insecure.

So, gradually, she ended up leaning against Shen Shiwu.

“Shen Shiwu,” she whispered.

The woman didn’t look away from her laptop, just hummed in response, waiting for her to continue.

“Was I very embarrassing today?”

Shen Shiwu paused, sensing her dejected mood, she took off her glasses and turned to look at her. “No, you weren’t.”

Then she asked, “Why would you think that?”

Remembering the scene in the car, the chaos outside—the sirens of the police cars, the deputy mayor and his assistant asking questions, the producer apologizing profusely,

She had felt incredibly uncomfortable.

They hadn’t had to rush over, they could have enjoyed a peaceful and relaxing afternoon.

But because of her stupidity, getting lost on the mountain, she had ruined everyone’s day.

Jiang Siyi felt a heavy weight on her chest.

“I’m in my twenties, and I still managed to get lost while hiking,” she said, her head down, as if afraid of being judged, creating some distance between them.

Hugging her knees, her voice was muffled. “Even the deputy mayor came… it was so embarrassing.”

Hearing her rambling, Shen Shiwu tossed her laptop aside and tilted Jiang Siyi’s chin up, forcing her to look at her.

The movement was forceful.

Jiang Siyi closed her eyes, not daring to look at her.

Then she felt a gentle touch on her cheek, Shen Shiwu wiping away a tear.

Jiang Siyi slowly opened her eyes.

Shen Shiwu sighed softly. “It wasn’t embarrassing.”

“Jiang Siyi,” she said, her voice filled with helplessness and a hint of heartache, “why can’t you value yourself more?”

“What’s so special about the deputy mayor?”

“Even if the mayor came, it would be normal.”

Her chin hurt from being pinched.

Tears welled up in Jiang Siyi’s eyes, a few escaping and landing on the back of Shen Shiwu’s hand.

Her voice trembled. “I just feel that, after four years, I’m still so useless, such a failure…”

“Who said you’re a failure, great author?” Shen Shiwu wiped the tears from her hand and smeared them on Jiang Siyi’s face. “Besides,”

She seemed to have given up on subtlety, her words blunt and straightforward.

“You don’t have to worry about these things when you’re with me. We might have broken up,”

“But did I ever abandon you?”

Chapter 77

Insensitive.

Jerk!

Jiang Siyi, banished upstairs, stood in front of the mirror, turning this way and that. She admired her figure, then mentally cursed Shen Shiwu for having no taste.

A few minutes later, Shen Shiwu’s voice came from downstairs, “Not eating anymore?”

Jiang Siyi opened the door slightly and replied, “You go ahead.”

She deliberately closed the door a little harder than usual.

She remembered how, in the past, when she was too busy with her homework to eat, Shen Shiwu would bring her food upstairs. Or, after they had become a couple, Shen Shiwu would carry her downstairs, homework and all.

And now?

A flicker of doubt appeared in Jiang Siyi’s heart.

Twenty minutes later, she lay peacefully in bed,

A smile on her face, thinking she was about to die of starvation.

Forget it.

No more testing, she would starve to death if she continued.

Knock, knock.

A sudden knock on the door, short and sharp.

Jiang Siyi sat up abruptly.

She composed herself, then opened the door, her voice slightly drawn out, “You go ahead and eat, I’m not hun—”

“I know you’re not hungry,” Shen Shiwu said calmly, looking at her, “I’ve already eaten, I’m here to tell you,”

“Don’t wear my underwear again.”

We’ve slept together, what’s wrong with wearing your underwear?

It’s a little weird, but you’re not exactly innocent either.

Jiang Siyi gritted her teeth, closed the door, and yelled, “I know!”

Having no way to go downstairs for dinner without losing face, she could only suffer the consequences and go to bed hungry.

She curled up in a chair, chanting silently,

I’m not hungry, I’m not hungry.

Just consider it a diet.

Just as she was about to get into bed, Jiang Siyi, whose sense of smell was incredibly sharp, faintly smelled… food.

She groaned inwardly—Oh god, she was hallucinating.

Was this a sign of impending starvation?

She was only in her early twenties, she didn’t want to die yet.

Feeling a wave of despair, she burrowed under the covers, lamenting the unfairness of life.

Until,

Another knock on the door.

Jiang Siyi threw off the covers and got out of bed, grumbling as she walked, “What? I’m already in bed.”

She was still annoyed.

But when she opened the door, there was no one there, only the intensifying aroma of food. Looking down, she saw two bowls on the floor.

One bowl was filled with rice.

The other had boneless fish fillets, corn and spare ribs, and cola chicken wings.

After a moment of stunned silence, afraid that Shen Shiwu would change her mind, Jiang Siyi quickly scooped up the bowls and rushed back to her room.

She devoured the food, starving.

After the satisfying meal,

Little Jiang, feeling incredibly smug, thought,

Just a little trick, and the fish took the bait.

Their reunion was just around the corner, wasn’t it?

Jiang Siyi slept soundly that night. But in the early hours of the morning, a strong wind picked up, accompanied by a few rumbles of thunder.

She woke up in a daze, hearing the noise outside, her palms slightly sweaty.

Bad weather was common when she was abroad. From initially being terrified to gradually accepting it, Jiang Siyi had thought she was used to thunderstorms.

But thinking that Shen Shiwu was sleeping in the next room,

Her heart, which had been pretending to be calm, started racing again, her body tingling with unease.

Hugging her pillow, Jiang Siyi quietly got out of bed, looking for her slippers in the dark.

Another clap of thunder echoed through the sky.

She swallowed nervously and quickly opened the door, turning left.

Shen Shiwu, having just finished working, was about to go to bed when she heard the noise outside. The thunder was loud tonight, and she had been worried about Jiang Siyi, so she quickened her pace.

But when she opened the door, she slowed down, her expression casual.

Jiang Siyi was standing there, hugging her pillow, her head down. Hearing the door open, she slowly looked up. Her face was pale, her lips almost colorless, only her eyes slightly red.

Her hair was a mess, and she was barefoot, shivering slightly in the cold.

“Shen Shiwu…” Jiang Siyi’s voice was soft, almost a whisper, “I’m scared.”

“There’s thunder outside,” she repeated, tears welling up in her eyes, “I’m scared.”

Shen Shiwu, seeing her bare feet, frowned deeply. Seeing her tremble, she sighed and reached for the nearest coat.

The coat was large, and it carried Shen Shiwu’s scent.

Jiang Siyi burrowed into it, like a small animal finding its nest.

Shen Shiwu, after a moment of hesitation, lowered her hand and stepped aside. “Come in.”

Jiang Siyi took a few steps, stopping right in front of her. Her eyes were still wet, glistening in the dim light. “I’m cold,” she whispered.

“I can’t walk.”

Outside, the wind and rain were strong, the thunder having stopped, but it could return at any moment. Jiang Siyi’s soft words, carried by the slightly damp air, reached Shen Shiwu’s ears.

The woman was silent for a moment.

Then, without a word, she bent down and lifted Jiang Siyi into her arms.

Jiang Siyi instinctively wrapped her arms around Shen Shiwu’s neck, their faces close, their warm breaths mingling.

Her bare feet dangled in the air, still cold. But since Shen Shiwu was already holding her, she didn’t complain.

Suddenly, a warmth spread through her feet.

Jiang Siyi, surprised, saw that Shen Shiwu was holding her feet in her hands. The warmth quickly spread through her body.

She was placed on the bed, and perhaps it was the sleepiness, but Jiang Siyi was still in a daze, her head spinning, as if she had drunk too much.

Soon, soft, even breathing filled the quiet room.

By the time Shen Shiwu approached the bed, Jiang Siyi was already fast asleep, curled up under the covers. She looked at the girl’s still pale face and sighed softly.

She tucked her in, then, after watching her for a while, she quietly left the room and went next door.

Jiang Siyi’s sleep was light.

She stirred, slowly opening her eyes. Reaching out, she only felt cold air.

Shen Shiwu’s scent was gone.

Shen Shiwu… had left.

She stared at the ceiling, her eyes unfocused. In the darkness, the sound of rain filling the room, she curled up, her body trembling, cold sweat mixing with tears soaking her pajamas.

She hated Shen Shiwu.

She hated her so much.

Her muffled sobs were almost swallowed by the sound of rain.

Only after her tears had dried did Jiang Siyi finally feel tired, her throat sore, and she reluctantly drifted off to sleep.

In the morning, the sun rose amidst the chirping of birds.

Jiang Siyi woke up early and almost screamed when she looked in the mirror.

Her eyes were swollen.

She felt a sense of déjà vu, but she didn’t have time to think about it and left the guesthouse. Several cars were parked outside, the crew and guests already there, getting their makeup done. The producer, seeing her, hurried over. “Good morning, Ms. Jiang.”

The morning breeze had cleared Jiang Siyi’s head. She replied, “Morning.”

In the makeup room, she ate her breakfast as she had her makeup done. The producer explained today’s schedule. “Ms. Jiang, for the next few days, it’s our travel days. We’ll be leaving for Yunxi Water Town at eight.”

Jiang Siyi didn’t really listen, only catching the key information. After the producer left, she didn’t talk to the makeup artist, remaining silent.

Her emotional turmoil from last night hadn’t subsided. Thinking of Shen Shiwu, she felt a tightness in her chest, her breath slightly constricted.

Jiang Siyi stared blankly into space, suddenly remembering four years ago.

Shen Shiwu hadn’t been like this back then. Gentle, patient, always coaxing her, never getting angry, no matter what she did.

Her throat felt tight.

She grabbed the bottle of water on the table and took a few large gulps, her breathing finally easing.

***

Shen Shiwu seemed to have left the guesthouse early.

She was busy. Meetings, business trips, disappearing without a word, it seemed normal.

After all, they weren’t in a relationship anymore.

On the way to Yunxi Water Town, the guests chatted in the car. Jiang Siyi sat in the back corner, wearing a mask, mostly silent, adhering to the principle of “the less you say, the better.”

She only nodded and replied briefly when Tang Wen addressed her directly.

The drive wasn’t long, and forty minutes later, they arrived at their destination. It was windy today, and despite the sunshine, the air was still cold. Before getting out of the car, Jiang Siyi tested the temperature with her foot, then quickly retracted it.

She obediently put on her coat.

This part of the filming was like a travel show, walking and talking, and to make it more interesting, the guests would occasionally recite relevant poems.

Jiang Siyi trailed behind the group, occasionally responding with a few lines. The mask hid her dejected mood, so she didn’t seem too unenthusiastic.

There was a hiking trail at the scenic spot, usually crowded with tourists, but perhaps because of the weather, there weren’t many people today. The staff had bought tickets for them, and Jiang Siyi, looking at the long flight of stairs leading up the mountain, felt a wave of despair.

Whatever, 30,000 yuan a day.

She gritted her teeth and started climbing.

They had just finished lunch after their walk, and the producer had called this “post-meal exercise.”

Besides Jiang Siyi, Tang Wen also wasn’t a fan of physical activity. She groaned with every step, her complaints echoing in the air.

Hiking consumed a lot of energy, and by the time they reached the halfway point, the guests and the cameramen were exhausted. After a few attempts to continue, they decided to give up.

As for Jiang Siyi, she was completely numb.

She wasn’t used to exercising, and now that she had broken up with Shen Shiwu, she had even less motivation. She usually worked from home, her sleep schedule irregular, so her physical fitness wasn’t great.

Seeing that everyone was heading back down, Jiang Siyi struggled to get up from the stone bench and followed. After a while, one of the guests said she needed to use the restroom.

Most of them went with her.

Jiang Siyi, too lazy to walk, saw a row of benches behind a bamboo grove and went over to rest. The voices gradually faded away, and the surroundings became quiet, only the rustling of leaves disturbing the silence.

She took out her phone to kill time.

The signal was weak in the mountains, fluctuating between good and non-existent.

After several attempts to load a webpage, Jiang Siyi sighed and put her phone away.

It had been over twenty minutes.

But the surroundings were still quiet, not even a single tourist passing by.

Jiang Siyi finally realized something was wrong.

She walked out of the bamboo grove, the leaves rustling as she brushed past them, the sound strangely unsettling.

Huh?

Where were the stairs?

She looked around, but all she could see were bamboo trees, the path she had taken nowhere in sight.

Damn it.

Jiang Siyi froze, her heart pounding.

She was lost.

Strong winds were common in autumn.

The wind, carrying fallen leaves and dust, blurred her vision.

She rubbed her eyes, then held her phone up, trying to find a signal.