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

Chapter 76

Jiang Siyi looked down.

Oh, there was indeed a crack.

“This guesthouse is yours?”

“Mm-hmm.”

Seeing the tension between them, the producer quickly interjected, “Mr. Shen, Ms. Jiang, let’s talk this over calmly.”

Jiang Siyi’s hand was still on Shen Shiwu’s arm, and instead of letting go, she leaned closer.

She tilted her chin up, her demeanor confident, like when she used to pick fights. “You really want me to pay for it?”

Despite her tough exterior, her eyes were still filled with grievance.

Shen Shiwu, looking down at her, clearly saw through her act.

Seeing that Shen Shiwu didn’t respond, Jiang Siyi lifted her chin even higher, her eyes wide, trying to hold back her tears.

She asked again, “Really? You want me to pay?”

The producer was panicking.

She wanted to say, Please, calm down, this is our investor. But she didn’t dare to speak—after all, Jiang Siyi’s status in the literary world was also significant.

She couldn’t offend either of them.

So she decided to retreat, to avoid the conflict, but then she saw Shen Shiwu looking at Jiang Siyi quietly.

Then Shen Shiwu sighed softly. “Forget it.”

The producer was surprised, but seeing that they had finally separated, she was relieved.

She quickly gestured towards Shen Shiwu. “Mr. Shen, thank you for generously providing the guesthouse as our filming location.”

“Our guests and crew won’t be staying here at night, so your valuable paintings, antique books, and other collections are safe…”

Hearing this, Jiang Siyi suddenly realized something.

So the reason the guests had gone back to their hotels wasn’t because the guesthouse was uncomfortable, but because Shen Shiwu didn’t allow them to stay.

A rebellious thought crossed Jiang Siyi’s mind.

If others weren’t allowed, what about her? Could she be an exception?

Since Shen Shiwu still had feelings for her, she would probably agree, right?

So, as Shen Shiwu finished inspecting the guesthouse and was about to leave, Jiang Siyi pretended to fall—

“Ouch,” she half-collapsed onto the floor, rubbing her ankle dramatically, “that hurts.”

The producer, seeing her fall, immediately rushed over, but Shen Shiwu blocked her.

“Didn’t the director want to discuss something with you?” she said calmly.

The producer slapped her forehead. “Oh, right.”

But she quickly looked back at Jiang Siyi, who was still on the floor. “But Ms. Jiang…”

The next moment, Jiang Siyi sprang to her feet. She patted her clothes, which weren’t even dirty, and waved her hand dismissively. “I’m fine, you go ahead.”

The producer was stunned.

She scratched her head, puzzled, then finally turned and left.

Jiang Siyi and Shen Shiwu were alone again.

Seeing that no one else was around, Jiang Siyi quickly closed the door. As the black wooden door slowly closed, Shen Shiwu looked at her, about to ask what she was up to—

Thud.

Jiang Siyi collapsed onto the floor again.

She blinked, her voice soft and pitiful. “I fell again, it hurts.”

After a long silence, seeing the fake tears glistening in the girl’s eyes, Shen Shiwu took a few steps forward.

She didn’t bend down, but simply extended her hand. “Get up.”

Jiang Siyi, her plan working, tilted her head. “Carry me.”

“No.”

“Oh, okay,” she said agreeably, “then let me stay here tonight.”

All that effort, just for this.

Shen Shiwu shook her head inwardly, but her voice was still cold. “No.”

Jiang Siyi’s eyelashes drooped.

She looked down at the floor, like an abandoned puppy.

Fine.

They weren’t back together yet, it was understandable that Shen Shiwu was being cold to her.

But…

Perhaps the Shen Shiwu from before had spoiled her too much, the contrast now too stark.

She still felt a pang of sadness.

Outside, the crew was packing up the equipment, their voices loud. “Whose light stand is this?”

“Where’s my softbox?”

It was a different kind of noise from inside the guesthouse.

Footsteps approached, hurried and urgent. The producer, seemingly surprised by the closed door, hesitated. “Mr. Shen, Ms. Jiang, we’re almost done packing up, do you want us to take you back to the hotel…”

The door was closed?

Had they really started fighting?

She worried inwardly.

Jiang Siyi composed herself and stood up, about to leave, when Shen Shiwu, who had been standing quietly, suddenly moved.

She opened the door, then quickly closed it again.

Jiang Siyi, now trapped inside: “?”

She pushed against the door, but it wouldn’t budge. It must be Shen Shiwu blocking it with her back. Jiang Siyi frowned, finding it ridiculous, and almost yelled, “Let me out!”

She heard footsteps outside again.

But this time, they faded away.

Before she could even think, the door was opened from the outside. Jiang Siyi, still pushing against the door, stumbled and fell into Shen Shiwu’s arms.

This time, she had actually fallen.

Thinking this, smelling the familiar scent, she couldn’t help but snuggle closer.

“Hands.”

“Huh? What about my hands?”

Jiang Siyi was puzzled. Seeing that Shen Shiwu didn’t reply, she looked down.

And saw that her hands were on Shen Shiwu’s breasts…

Her face flushed, and she quickly pulled her hands away.

“Sorry, I didn’t… I mean, I didn’t do it on purpose,” Jiang Siyi said, her expression serious, trying to defend herself.

Shen Shiwu didn’t pursue the topic.

She steadied Jiang Siyi, then walked further inside and sat down on a chair.

Jiang Siyi, not understanding what she was doing, said, “Then I’ll be going…”

But as she opened the door, she froze.

The courtyard was empty, the entire crew gone without a trace.

This place was in the countryside, quite far from the city center, a half-hour drive away.

Jiang Siyi stood there silently, wondering, Where was the driver?

How was she supposed to get back to the hotel?

Just then, Shen Shiwu’s calm voice came, “It’s windy, close the door.”

It was indeed getting colder in the evening. Jiang Siyi closed the door and went back inside, her voice slightly anxious. “Where is everyone? Why are they all gone?”

“They finished work, it’s normal.”

“But the driver is also gone, how am I supposed to get back to the hotel… I can’t even get a cab here.” Jiang Siyi opened a ride-hailing app on her phone.

Shen Shiwu, watching her slightly panicked expression, smiled faintly. Then, her mischievousness resurfacing, she said, “I’m leaving in five minutes, what are you going to do?”

Jiang Siyi looked up abruptly.

Her eyes widened. “You’re leaving too?”

“In five minutes?”

It was still okay now, but after sunset, this place would be deserted.

It would be truly terrifying.

So Jiang Siyi rushed over to Shen Shiwu, no longer trying to call a cab, and grabbed her arm, shaking it. “Take me with you.”

“Which hotel are you staying at? Maybe it’s on the way.”

Shen Shiwu pushed her head away. “It’s not.”

Jiang Siyi’s head bobbed back, nuzzling against her arm. “It is if I say it is.”

Seeing that Jiang Siyi was practically clinging to her, Shen Shiwu finally stopped teasing her. She asked casually, “You don’t want to stay here?”

Jiang Siyi, not realizing her trap, continued shaking her arm. “No, I don’t, I’m afraid of being eaten by ghosts at night.”

Shen Shiwu’s arm was starting to hurt from her grip.

But strangely, she didn’t push her away.

“Am I not human?”

Feeling that her arm was no longer being shaken, Shen Shiwu glanced at Jiang Siyi.

Jiang Siyi leaned closer. “You mean, you’ll stay here with me tonight?”

“If you don’t want to, you can still leave now.”

“It’s too late,” Jiang Siyi blurted out, then, realizing her mistake, she quickly corrected herself, “I want to!”

In the deserted countryside, in a traditional Jiangnan guesthouse, two people sharing a bed, one unable to sleep, the other…

Before Jiang Siyi could even finish fantasizing about their night together, Shen Shiwu, seeing through her thoughts, said ruthlessly, “Separate beds.”

I don’t want to.

Jiang Siyi’s face was almost touching Shen Shiwu’s, her expression pleading. Before she could even speak, Shen Shiwu gently pushed her face away and stood up.

“I’m going upstairs to rest, you can choose any room you like.”

She quickly disappeared upstairs.

Jiang Siyi, her eyes filled with resentment, followed her, lingering outside Shen Shiwu’s door for a while, then entered the room next door.

There were new blankets, pillows, clothes in the closet, and all the necessary toiletries.

But she still needed her pajamas and underwear.

After making the bed, Jiang Siyi realized her suitcase was still at the hotel. She thought for a moment, then knocked on Shen Shiwu’s door.

It was past five, not dinner time yet, and Shen Shiwu wasn’t sleepy, so she was working on her laptop.

Hearing the knock, she stood up and opened the door.

“What’s wrong?”

“My suitcase is at the hotel, I don’t have any clothes except for the ones I’m wearing.”

Shen Shiwu nodded thoughtfully, then went back to her room, picked up her phone, and was about to call the driver.

She was probably going to have her suitcase delivered.

That wouldn’t do.

How could she wear Shen Shiwu’s clothes then?

Jiang Siyi panicked and, just as Shen Shiwu was about to dial the number, she blurted out, “Shen Shiwu, actually… I lost my suitcase.”

“At the airport, someone took it by mistake, and I haven’t gotten it back yet,” she said seriously, and seeing that Shen Shiwu didn’t react, she rubbed her eyes, pretending to cry.

“Really, don’t you believe me?”

“Then who was the one who said her suitcase was at the hotel?”

Jiang Siyi squeezed out two tears.

She sniffed. “Okay, I lied.”

Shen Shiwu, thinking she was about to confess, raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.

But Jiang Siyi continued, “I was afraid you would think I’m stupid for losing my suitcase, so I lied.”

“…”

Shen Shiwu watched as Jiang Siyi shed a tear, glanced at her, shed another tear, glanced at her again…

Ten minutes later, Shen Shiwu gave up.

She put down her phone and opened her suitcase.

Then she went back to her desk and continued working.

So, she could choose anything she wanted?

Jiang Siyi, feeling a surge of excitement, carefully rummaged through the suitcase, then, her arms full of clothes, she rushed back to her room.

At dinner time, Shen Shiwu went downstairs.

There were still some fresh ingredients in the fridge, leftovers from the filming, and she took a few, preparing to cook.

After a while, she took off her apron and called out from the bottom of the stairs, “Jiang Siyi, dinner’s ready.”

Jiang Siyi immediately replied that she was taking a shower and would be down soon.

Shen Shiwu didn’t think much of it and sat down at the dining table.

She didn’t start eating, waiting for Jiang Siyi.

Fifteen minutes later, she finally heard footsteps on the stairs.

Jiang Siyi came downstairs, her hair still damp, the scent of white tea shower gel lingering in the air.

Hearing her approach, Shen Shiwu turned off her phone screen and looked up.

Her eyes widened slightly.

Jiang Siyi was wearing her white silk pajamas, a bit too large for her, loosely covering her thighs.

And below that, she wasn’t wearing anything, her bare legs pale and glowing in the light.

On purpose.

Shen Shiwu quickly looked away, her voice low. “Aren’t you afraid of catching a cold? Go upstairs and get dressed.”

Jiang Siyi was always rebellious.

She refused to obey.

Walking over to the dining table, she bit on a hair tie, casually tying up her damp hair. Shen Shiwu, exasperated, stood up, about to push her upstairs—

But before she could even turn around, she saw, through the slightly transparent fabric of the wet pajamas, a hint of black.

Jiang Siyi’s underwear…

…was also hers.

Chapter 75

There was a saying, “A good deed should be done to the very end, just like escorting Buddha all the way to the West.”

Conversely, if one was going to steal something, one should be thorough.

Jiang Siyi, having already committed the crime, decided to go all the way.

So, before leaving, she snuck upstairs, packed the rabbit’s hutch and all its belongings, and took them with her. A clean sweep, leaving nothing behind.

That’s what you get for being mean to me.

She sneered inwardly.

Let you taste the pain of having your child stolen.

Inside the car, Jiang Siyi hugged the rabbit contentedly, the warmth of its body comforting.

Auntie Wang, her accomplice, looked at her through the rearview mirror, her eyes crinkling with amusement, like an adult watching children play.

“Auntie Wang, if Shen Shiwu asks you…”

“Don’t worry, I’ll plead ignorance.”

Jiang Siyi leaned back in her seat, feeling relaxed. The night was dark, the moon shining brightly, and after a long and tiring day, she was exhausted.

Perhaps it was the lingering memories from the past, but lying in the back seat, her eyes slowly closed. She drifted off to sleep.

***

Jiang Siyi stared at the unfamiliar, yet familiar, ceiling, her mind blank.

She wondered silently,

Why was she sleeping in Shen Shiwu’s house?

The birds outside were already chirping.

She reached for her phone to check the time, then realized—ah, her phone had been stolen.

She ruffled her hair and got out of bed to wash up.

The house was quiet, the housekeeper seemingly not there yet, and Jiang Siyi cautiously made her way downstairs, as if afraid of disturbing something.

Seeing that the living room was empty, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Just as she was about to quietly leave, someone tapped her head.

Shen Shiwu’s voice came from behind. “Breakfast is ready.”

I stole your rabbit, and you’re still feeding me?

Jiang Siyi thought, feeling slightly embarrassed.

Then her stomach rumbled loudly.

After a moment of awkward silence, she turned and walked towards the dining table.

Seeing that none of the dishes had garlic or scallions, Jiang Siyi knew Shen Shiwu had made them.

Because she didn’t like those, and the housekeeper sometimes accidentally added them for flavor.

“Your head could be in your bowl, you know,” Shen Shiwu said casually during the meal.

Jiang Siyi straightened up.

She really wanted to ask—Why am I in your house?

But having committed the crime, she didn’t dare to ask.

Shen Shiwu, seeing her hesitant expression, smiled faintly.

“Something you want to say?”

It’s over, she’s going to settle the score.

Unable to avoid it, Jiang Siyi mumbled, “I’m sorry.”

“And?”

“I shouldn’t have stolen your rabbit.”

Seeing that Shen Shiwu didn’t react, Jiang Siyi continued her self-reflection, until she almost bored herself to sleep, and Shen Shiwu finally spoke. “A three-thousand-word essay, explaining your actions, due tonight.”

Jiang Siyi’s body stiffened.

After a moment, she said pitifully, “Can I write one thousand less?”

“Sure.”

She hadn’t expected Shen Shiwu to be so agreeable and was about to look up, relieved, when Shen Shiwu continued, “Then as you wish, four thousand words.”

“…”

Do you even know how to add and subtract?

After her unsuccessful protest, Jiang Siyi angrily left the dining room. But just as she stepped outside, she turned back.

“Shen Shiwu,” she said seriously.

The woman looked up at her, waiting for her to continue.

“How am I supposed to live without my phone?”

“Just live.”

Jiang Siyi almost threw a tantrum at her doorstep.

Finally, Shen Shiwu looked away from her computer and, with the last shred of her conscience, called her assistant.

It would take a while for the assistant to arrive, and seeing Jiang Siyi’s dejected expression, Shen Shiwu said, “Come in and sit down.”

Jiang Siyi, her plan working, immediately cheered up. She rushed inside and collapsed onto the sofa.

Shen Shiwu looked at her, wanting to say something, but held back.

The sofa was soft and comfortable, and Jiang Siyi rolled around on it, thinking she should get one for herself too.

Shen Shiwu, seeing her thoughtful expression, chuckled. “What, planning on stealing my sofa now?”

“…”

Shut up.

Twenty minutes later, the assistant arrived.

And Jiang Siyi finally got her new phone.

She sat cross-legged, feeling slightly embarrassed that this was the second phone Shen Shiwu had bought her, and after logging into WeChat, she transferred the money to Shen Shiwu.

Shen Shiwu, hearing the notification, ignored it and continued working.

Since she hadn’t been kicked out, Jiang Siyi discreetly lay down on the sofa again, trying to become invisible.

But she couldn’t sit still for long.

“Shen Shiwu,” she sat up and tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes, “so you were the one who brought me home last night and carried me upstairs?”

“No, you came here on your own.”

Look at her, lying so smoothly just to avoid responsibility.

“So, I was sleepwalking?”

Shen Shiwu finally looked up at her. “You were resurrected from the dead.”

Anger is bad for your health.

Jiang Siyi took a deep breath, turning her back to Shen Shiwu. After calming down, she turned around and said, “I have another out-of-town trip next week.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Can’t you at least ask me where I’m going!?” she said, her teeth gritted slightly.

Shen Shiwu slowly nodded. “Where?”

“…Chang’an, to film a TV show, for about three days,” Jiang Siyi wagged her finger at her, “don’t miss me too much.”

Shen Shiwu’s expression remained unchanged, and she said calmly, “I wouldn’t miss my ex-girlfriend for no reason.”

Her cold attitude annoyed Jiang Siyi, and she stood up abruptly, throwing a pillow at Shen Shiwu. “I’m leaving, goodbye.”

The door slammed shut.

Shen Shiwu looked down at the pillow, not annoyed, but simply placed it aside. A few moments later, her phone rang—

“Ms. Shen, we found the phone, should we send someone to deliver it?”

“Yes, please.”

“Okay, Ms. Jiang’s address is…”

“Just send it to my house.”

After hanging up, Shen Shiwu sent Jiang Siyi a voice message.

Her voice was calm and collected, without a trace of guilt. “I just heard that your phone probably can’t be recovered.”

Jiang Siyi’s reply came quickly, a barrage of crying rabbit emojis and voice messages. Shen Shiwu listened to them, her lips curving into a faint smile, all of them filled with wails and lamentations.

She refunded the money Jiang Siyi had transferred earlier,

Then she ignored her and focused on her work.

***

Autumn arrived, the wind picking up.

When Jiang Siyi landed in Chang’an, thanks to the strict confidentiality, there were no reporters or fans at the airport. Xu Yuan was there to pick her up.

After catching up, Xu Yuan, who had to rush to work, said goodbye. Jiang Siyi took out her phone, preparing to call a cab to the hotel.

Lin Yusheng hadn’t come this time, saying, “It’s only three days, you can fend for… I mean, take care of yourself.”

“And remember, don’t fight with the other guests. Just finish filming, get your money, and leave.”

Jiang Siyi considered herself quite easygoing.

As long as no one bothered her, she wouldn’t even bother opening her mouth.

After resting at the hotel for a while, it was already two in the afternoon, only half an hour left before she had to be at the filming location. She quickly got ready and left.

Poems for Humanity was a slice-of-life variety show, with several writers living together in a guesthouse. Three days of the week were spent working in the fields, and four days were spent traveling.

It sounded relaxing, but it was mostly for show. After filming, everyone would go back to their hotels, hardly anyone actually staying at the guesthouse.

Jiang Siyi arrived at the filming location, and the producer came out to greet her, leading her inside.

“You just have to talk to the camera, if you don’t want to show your face, you can wear a mask.”

Jiang Siyi had indeed avoided showing her face in the past, but after winning the international award, she couldn’t hide anymore.

“Okay, then I’ll wear a mask.” She still wasn’t used to it.

Filming hadn’t started yet, and everyone was taking a break. Jiang Siyi, looking around, couldn’t help but think—the editors must have a hard time.

“Ms. Jiang is here?” Someone called out, and the other guests, who had been playing on their phones, looked up, their gazes fixed on her.

“Yes, Ms. Jiang will be our special guest for the next three days,” the producer said, then thoughtfully brought over a chair. “Ms. Jiang, please have a seat.”

As the most popular author with international influence, Jiang Siyi was used to being treated with special attention.

She thanked him and sat down.

During their conversation, Jiang Siyi was slightly surprised—apparently, even variety shows had scripts.

After touching up her makeup and briefly getting to know the other guests, it was time for her to act.

Filming began.

“Oh my god, our special guest this time is actually Ms. Jiang!” The line was delivered by Tang Wen, an essayist, her tone natural and appropriate.

It was Jiang Siyi’s first time acting, and being in an unfamiliar environment, she almost burst out laughing.

She suppressed her smile and said, “Hello, everyone.”

After the introductions, Jiang Siyi was invited to tour the guesthouse.

The exterior was made of white walls and grey bricks, and the interior was decorated in a traditional Jiangnan style, the first thing she saw being a carved, red-lacquered wooden table.

“This is where we usually eat,” Tang Wen explained, pointing at the paintings and photos on the wall.

Not having slept well on the plane, listening to the monotonous introduction, Jiang Siyi almost fell asleep. She discreetly pinched herself to stay awake.

Forty minutes later, after touring the three-story guesthouse, the segment was finally over. This was all they had to film today, so it was considered the end of the workday.

The guests immediately dropped their act and started leaving. Jiang Siyi, her eyes still heavy with sleep, thought it was all a bit too rushed.

Just as she was about to leave the guesthouse, she heard voices approaching.

Thinking it was the crew packing up the equipment, Jiang Siyi stepped aside. As they passed by, she glanced at them and saw the producer and director talking to a woman.

The woman was tall, wearing a black trench coat, her hair slightly curled.

Jiang Siyi would recognize that figure anywhere.

The doorsill was high, and she had to lift her leg to step over it. Distracted and surprised, she didn’t pay attention to where she was going.

Oh no.

Faceplant.

Jiang Siyi screamed inwardly. Just as she was about to brace for impact, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, preventing the disaster. The familiar scent of cedarwood surrounded her, and she suddenly felt safe.

“Ms. Jiang, are you okay?” the producer asked, seeing the two of them embracing.

Not okay.

Because her heart was about to jump out of her chest.

Jiang Siyi looked at Shen Shiwu in disbelief, wanting to ask why she was here, if she had come for her.

But Shen Shiwu spoke first. “Excuse me,” she said, addressing the producer,

“You broke the doorsill of my guesthouse, you have to pay for the damages.”

“…”

Chapter 74

Liking someone didn’t equate to agreeing to get back together.

Shen Shiwu had said it depended on Jiang Siyi’s performance.

That was enough.

After all, she was the one who had initiated the breakup.

She had to swallow her pride.

That night, Jiang Siyi slept soundly, hugging her blanket. The next day, she woke up early, her writing speed doubling.

Just as she was typing away, Lin Yusheng called.

Thinking it must be about the manuscript, Jiang Siyi quickly declined the call.

But Lin Yusheng was persistent.

Having no other choice, she answered.

“Hello? What?”

“The audio drama is being released tomorrow, you have to at least repost it on Weibo.”

Too focused on pursuing her ex-girlfriend, she had completely forgotten about it.

Jiang Siyi apologized and agreed, and just as she was about to hang up, Lin Yusheng spoke again. “There’s one more thing.”

“What?”

“A producer wants to invite you to a TV show, Poems for Humanity, it’s very popular lately.”

Not interested.

Jiang Siyi continued typing. “No, I don’t want to interact with so many guests, what if I say something wrong and get attacked by their fans?”

She preferred a quiet life.

“Hear me out first. You’ll be a special guest, only three days of filming, airfare and accommodation covered, and the pay is this much.” Lin Yusheng told her the number.

“…”

30,000 yuan per day.

Jiang Siyi’s eyes lit up. “Can I film for longer?”

“Sure, if you’re a regular guest, the minimum filming period is four months.”

“Then no,” she immediately refused.

If she were gone for four months, Shen Shiwu would definitely run away with the rabbit by the time she returned.

The filming was scheduled for next Monday, in Chang’an. After getting the details, Jiang Siyi hung up.

It was already eleven o’clock.

She stretched and decided to go out.

It was mid-September, the osmanthus flowers in full bloom, their fragrance filling the air. Jiang Siyi, enjoying the sweet scent, suddenly craved something sweet.

She entered a dessert shop and bought a bag of bagels. Not wanting to go home and be alone, she went for a walk in the park, like an old lady.

Finding a bench, she sat down and started eating her lunch. The autumn weather was pleasant, and the park was filled with people having picnics and gatherings.

Jiang Siyi, munching on her bagel, felt slightly out of place.

After a while, she sent Shen Shiwu a message.

“What are you doing?”

“Working.”

Workaholic.

Jiang Siyi grumbled inwardly, then sent a crying rabbit emoji. She put her phone aside and continued eating.

Suddenly, an old lady approached her, hunched over.

She held out a chipped bowl, gesturing towards Jiang Siyi.

Having no cash on her, Jiang Siyi, after thinking for a moment, gave her two bagels. The old lady thanked her profusely in the local dialect.

“You’re welcome,” Jiang Siyi said.

After finishing her lunch, she sat there for a while, then stood up to leave.

But before she could even take a few steps, someone grabbed her ankle.

She hated being touched by strangers.

Of course, except for Shen Shiwu.

Before she could even turn around, she heard an old woman’s voice, “Ouch, your bread was poisoned! My stomach hurts!”

Jiang Siyi frowned and turned around to see the old lady rolling on the ground.

Her lips twitched, and she retorted, “I just bought these bagels from a dessert shop, and I ate some too, I’m perfectly fine.”

The old lady ignored her, continuing to wail and roll around on the grass.

The commotion attracted a crowd, and a kind-hearted girl wanted to help, but her boyfriend, thinking he was being smart, stopped her, telling her not to get involved.

Jiang Siyi backed away. “Don’t touch me, let go, or I’ll call the police.”

“Go ahead, my stomach hurts because of your bread!” the old lady insisted, crying and shouting.

Jiang Siyi took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down, and reached for her phone.

She searched her pockets, but couldn’t find it.

She finally realized—she had been scammed.

“Where’s my phone?”

“What phone? How would I know?”

Seeing that the old lady showed no sign of stopping, Jiang Siyi sighed, trying to calm her racing heart.

She walked back to the bench and sat down.

Looking at the old lady coldly, she said, “Continue.”

The old lady was stunned for a moment, then resumed her wailing and shouting, as if she had been cheated out of a fortune.

Jiang Siyi sat there calmly, until she saw someone filming, and she pointed at them. “If you keep filming, I’ll report you too.”

The man quickly put away his phone and hurried away.

The commotion had attracted the attention of a park security guard, who came over and asked what was happening. Jiang Siyi calmly explained the situation, then asked to borrow a phone.

The security guard, a kind lady, unlocked her phone and handed it to her.

Call the police first, or call Shen Shiwu?

Jiang Siyi hesitated for a few seconds, then dialed Shen Shiwu’s number.

Shen Shiwu was probably working, or perhaps she thought it was a spam call, because she didn’t answer for a long time. “Hello?”

Hearing the familiar voice, Jiang Siyi almost lost her composure. She said, her voice trembling slightly, “Shen Shiwu, I’ve been scammed.”

“They stole my phone and are now accusing me of poisoning them with my bread…”

Despite her earlier composure, her words were now disjointed. Shen Shiwu threw her pen down and rushed out of the office. “Where are you?”

“Nanhu Park.”

“I’ll be there soon, don’t move.”

Shen Shiwu didn’t hang up and, after rushing downstairs, drove straight to the park.

The security guard, curious, asked, “Is that your older sister?”

Jiang Siyi never hid her sexual orientation. She shook her head. “My ex-girlfriend.”

“Oh, I see.”

The old lady was still rolling around on the grass, oblivious to the world. The security guard clicked her tongue and told her to stop pretending, they could settle this at the police station.

“I don’t feel well!” the old lady shouted.

The security guard, exasperated, told Jiang Siyi to hang up and call the police.

Just then, Shen Shiwu’s voice came from the phone. “I’ve already called the police, they’ll be here soon.”

Jiang Siyi instantly felt relieved.

She said, “Drive slowly, I’m safe here, no need to rush.”

“I’m here, turn around.”

Footsteps approached.

Jiang Siyi’s eyes flickered.

Before she could even turn around, Shen Shiwu had stepped in front of her, shielding her.

The scent of cedarwood mingled with the fresh scent of grass.

Jiang Siyi’s eyes reddened, her throat tightening with emotion.

She tugged on Shen Shiwu’s clothes, her voice soft. “Shen Shiwu.”

The woman turned around, hesitated, then resisted the urge to hug her.

She simply said gently, “Don’t cry.”

The police car arrived with sirens blaring, taking the old lady away. Jiang Siyi got into Shen Shiwu’s car, and they drove to the police station.

At the police station, the old lady continued her act, only quieting down when she heard the word “detention.”

She hadn’t expected the situation to be so serious, and she started trembling, finally confessing, “That girl’s phone, my husband stole it, he told me to do this!”

The police officer paused, then nodded. “Go on.”

He reminded her, “You have to be responsible for your words, make sure they’re true. Lying will only make things worse.”

“It’s true, he told me to do it!”

…

After taking the old lady’s statement, the police officer came out of the room. “We’re going to arrest her husband now, it might take a while. Why don’t you two go home? I’ll notify you as soon as we have any updates.”

Then he turned to Shen Shiwu. “Ms. Shen, don’t worry, we’ll handle this as quickly as possible.”

Shen Shiwu didn’t reply, but looked at Jiang Siyi.

“Okay, thank you for your hard work.”

Hearing this, Shen Shiwu nodded. “Mm-hmm.”

The farce had ended, and it was almost evening, the sky tinged with red.

They walked out together.

Jiang Siyi was tired, and she walked even slower than usual. Shen Shiwu, noticing this, slowed down her pace.

They walked side by side under the setting sun.

“Did I interrupt your work today?” Jiang Siyi asked softly, kicking a pebble, her eyes fixed on the ground. “I’m sorry.”

Seeing that she was about to walk into a utility pole, Shen Shiwu quickly pulled her to her left. “Watch where you’re going.”

Then she replied, “I wasn’t that busy.”

Really?

Jiang Siyi was skeptical.

“If you’re not busy, then can you… go out with me sometime? I mean, go shopping,” she said, her eyes shining with anticipation.

Shen Shiwu, seeing her hopeful expression, pushed her head playfully. “In your dreams.”

Jiang Siyi grumbled inwardly and got into the car.

“Let’s go to the business district, I’ll treat you to dinner.”

“The housekeeper made dinner.”

“Really?” Jiang Siyi said politely, “Thank you, Auntie, I miss her cooking too.”

“…”

After hesitating for a moment, Shen Shiwu took her home.

The moment they arrived, Jiang Siyi, like a prisoner released from jail, rushed out of the car, faster than a rabbit. The housekeeper, who had been waiting, came out to greet them.

“Ms. Jiang is here too! I made a lot of chicken soup today,” she said, clapping her hands, “I’ll go set the table.”

The aroma of food filled the air as soon as they entered the house, and Jiang Siyi’s stomach rumbled embarrassingly. But her first question was, “Auntie, where’s the rabbit?”

“Playing in the garden.”

She wanted to sneak off to find Eleven, but before she could even take a few steps, Shen Shiwu caught her.

“Dinner first,” she said, pulling her towards the dining table.

Jiang Siyi looked like a child being scolded by her parent.

She responded with an “oh” and obediently picked up her chopsticks.

After finishing a bowl of chicken soup, the housekeeper praised her for still having such a good appetite. Jiang Siyi smiled awkwardly, then noticed Shen Shiwu’s expression.

“What are you smiling about?”

“Nothing.”

Liar.

“My good appetite is all thanks to you,” Jiang Siyi scoffed.

Mm-hmm, I’m so proud of myself. Shen Shiwu had wanted to say this,

But she held back.

It was too intimate.

After dinner, Jiang Siyi stubbornly stayed until eight o’clock before leaving. She petted Eleven’s head, her expression full of reluctance.

Shen Shiwu, seeing her dramatic farewell, shook her head slightly.

“Auntie Wang is waiting outside,” she reminded her.

Jiang Siyi, as if waking up from a dream, stood up abruptly.

She looked back several times as she walked towards the door. “Bye.”

Shen Shiwu had thought she was saying goodbye to her, but looking up, she saw that Jiang Siyi was waving at the rabbit.

She gritted her teeth. “Are you leaving or not?”

Why so fierce?

Jiang Siyi hummed softly and finally left.

The door closed with a thud.

Shen Shiwu had wanted to go upstairs, but remembering that the plants in the garden needed trimming, she went to the backyard instead.

Half an hour later, when she returned to the living room, it was strangely quiet.

The sound of the rabbit hopping around was gone.

Chapter 73

Shen Shiwu wasn’t one to suppress her desires.

Before their breakup, three times a week was the minimum. At home, in the car, anywhere, anytime.

But now, it was different.

She needed to show Jiang Siyi the pain of their separation with a cold and indifferent attitude.

Of course,

A calculated coldness.

So,

“Finished?” Shen Shiwu glanced at her. “If you’re done, then eat your food.”

Jiang Siyi was silenced.

She lowered her eyes, her grip on her chopsticks tightening.

Embarrassed and flustered, she wanted to escape as soon as possible, so she ate quickly, almost choking. She silently vowed—never listen to online advice again!

Jiang Siyi was actually quite cute when she was flustered.

Her pale cheeks flushed pink, her earlobes turning red, her gaze flickering nervously.

She had been like this four years ago, and she was still the same now.

Shen Shiwu, watching her, smiled faintly.

After all these years, she hadn’t changed at all.

“I’m done,” Jiang Siyi said, wiping her mouth with a tissue and grabbing her bag, “you take your time.”

Even her tendency to run away was the same.

Thinking this, Shen Shiwu’s expression darkened slightly, and she frowned. “Sit down.”

The familiar sense of oppression returned.

Jiang Siyi almost instinctively obeyed.

After sitting back down, she wondered why she was always so obedient when it came to Shen Shiwu.

Before she could even figure it out, the woman across from her spoke. “I have a question for you.”

Oh, you have a question for me now?

Jiang Siyi nodded. “Ask away.”

“Do you have any classmates who are looking to buy a house? I bought a courtyard house before, but I don’t need it anymore, I’m selling it at a low price.”

Jiang Siyi realized she was talking about the house opposite hers.

Wasn’t this a bit much, even for a breakup?

Selling her house already?

She hummed softly. “No.”

“I don’t have many connections, why are you asking me?”

Actually, Shen Shiwu wasn’t really planning on selling the house. It was just a small property to her, and she had only brought it up to make conversation.

She hummed thoughtfully. “Don’t you have many classmates?”

Jiang Siyi: “…”

She felt that Shen Shiwu was being sarcastic.

By the time Shen Shiwu finished her meal, it was already nine o’clock. Normally, Jiang Siyi would have been home by now.

But today was different.

Since she had run into Shen Shiwu, she might as well spend some time with her.

The earlier awkwardness had dissipated, and Jiang Siyi followed Shen Shiwu out of the restaurant, then suddenly called out, “Shen Shiwu.”

The other woman didn’t stop walking.

Jiang Siyi, feeling a sense of urgency, jogged over and tugged on her sleeve. “There’s a new movie, it’s getting rave reviews, do you want to watch it?”

“Not really.”

“I know you want to.”

“I don’t.”

“Shen Shiwu…”

Jiang Siyi blinked, and tears welled up in her eyes. She sniffed, trying to hold them back, but her throat tightened with emotion.

She whispered Shen Shiwu’s name again.

Before meeting Jiang Siyi, Shen Shiwu had thought she wouldn’t be swayed by emotions.

It wasn’t worth it, there was no need for it.

But…

There were always exceptions.

She closed her eyes for a moment, seeing the redness around Jiang Siyi’s eyes, and sighed inwardly.

Just watching a movie, it wasn’t a big deal.

“If you keep crying, we’ll miss the last showing,” Shen Shiwu said, resisting the urge to wipe away her tears. Then she turned and walked towards the cinema.

Jiang Siyi quickly wiped her tears, grateful that she wasn’t wearing any makeup. Seeing Shen Shiwu walking towards the cinema, she hurried after her. “Wait for me.”

The cinema wasn’t crowded at night, and even buying tickets on the spot, they could still choose seats in the middle. But Jiang Siyi chose seats in the back corner.

Satisfied, she bought a large bucket of popcorn, thinking that just holding the tickets didn’t feel right.

Shen Shiwu reminded her, “You just had dinner.”

Jiang Siyi, of course, knew that. But without the popcorn, how could she create a romantic, movie-date atmosphere?

She insisted, “I’m still hungry.”

“Pig.”

“What’s wrong with being a pig? You’re the one who fed me like one.” Jiang Siyi, after saying this, realized her mistake, she had just admitted to being a pig.

Seeing Shen Shiwu’s lips twitching slightly, she hugged the popcorn and went to get their tickets checked.

Inside the cinema, the lights were still on, and Jiang Siyi easily found their seats. She tossed a few pieces of popcorn into her mouth and offered some to Shen Shiwu. “Want some?”

Shen Shiwu replied flatly, “I’m not a pig.”

Seriously, what a jerk. She had fed her like a pig before, and now she was disgusted? Jiang Siyi, increasingly annoyed, munched on her popcorn, only quieting down when the lights dimmed.

The back corner seats were perfect for a date. Jiang Siyi had no intention of watching the movie, her gaze constantly drifting towards Shen Shiwu, until her chin was grasped and turned back to the screen, and she realized she had been caught.

She pouted and finally focused on the movie.

Having decided to watch the movie on a whim, Jiang Siyi hadn’t even checked the plot.

When she saw the actors, she suddenly realized something and said to Shen Shiwu, “Haven’t we watched this movie before? Four years ago?”

“No.”

“Bullshit, we definitely have,” she whispered.

The person beside her said calmly, “That was the first movie, this is the second one.”

“…”

Oh, close enough.

Jiang Siyi mumbled and quieted down. Then, seeing the protagonists reunite, she couldn’t sit still anymore.

Nudging Shen Shiwu’s arm, she whispered, “Just like us.”

Shen Shiwu didn’t even turn her head. “Not like us.”

“They don’t touch their ex-girlfriend’s leg while watching a movie.”

Jiang Siyi, exposed, was silent for a few seconds, then discreetly retracted her hand.

She rubbed her fingertips, her face slightly flushed.

For the rest of the movie, Shen Shiwu was the epitome of indifference. No matter what Jiang Siyi did, she didn’t react.

A dejected Little Jiang stubbornly finished the entire bucket of popcorn, feeling stuffed, then leaned back in her chair, her hands folded neatly in her lap.

And continued cursing Shen Shiwu inwardly.

Sometimes, accidentally muttering a curse out loud, she would clear her throat and pretend nothing had happened.

Shen Shiwu: “…”

Two hours later, as the movie was nearing its end, Jiang Siyi, her plan foiled, finally sat up straight. Her gaze turned resentful, and she thought,

If she had known Shen Shiwu would be so unresponsive, she would have just gone home.

Her legs were numb, and she shifted in her seat, then she saw a couple kissing a few rows ahead.

Jiang Siyi’s lips twitched, and she quickly leaned back in her chair. Seeing their intimacy, her dead heart suddenly rekindled.

She nudged the unresponsive person beside her.

Shen Shiwu finally turned her head and asked what was wrong. Hearing her calm tone, Jiang Siyi felt both aggrieved and angry.

She asked, “Shen Shiwu, do you know what I’m doing right now?”

“Watching a movie.”

“…I’m trying to win you back.”

Afraid of disturbing the others, Jiang Siyi lowered her voice to a whisper, her words almost a growl. “Can’t you at least give me some reaction?”

Shen Shiwu leaned back in her chair, looked at her for a moment, then, suppressing a smile, she lowered her head.

“What kind of reaction do you want?” she asked, her expression carefully neutral.

Jiang Siyi scoffed, then started listing her demands. “When I flirt with you, you should act shy.”

“…”

“When I touch your leg, you should touch mine back.”

“…”

Just then, the lights came on. Jiang Siyi shielded her eyes with her hand, but she continued talking.

Shen Shiwu, after a moment of silence, stood up and left.

“Hey, I’m not done yet,” Jiang Siyi said, hurrying after her, “wait for me.”

Past midnight, the business district was quiet, most of the shops closed, the streets dark and deserted.

Jiang Siyi, holding the empty popcorn bucket, tried to walk close to Shen Shiwu. The latter, seeing the bucket, asked, “Keeping it as a souvenir?”

“Oh, I forgot,” Jiang Siyi looked around, “where’s the trash can?”

Shen Shiwu’s eyes softened with helplessness. She took the bucket, walked away, threw it in the trash can, then returned. “Behind you.”

Her arms feeling empty and insecure, Jiang Siyi moved closer to Shen Shiwu. “You have such good eyesight,” she said, making conversation.

Shen Shiwu swatted her restless hands away, ignoring her, and walked away.

Jiang Siyi rubbed her hands, which weren’t hurting at all, and said pitifully, “Walk slowly, I’m afraid of the dark.”

Although the villa wasn’t far, within walking distance, Jiang Siyi still insisted, “It’s too late, take me home.”

Shen Shiwu glanced at her. “Is that how you ask for a favor?”

The girl immediately softened her tone. “Sister.”

Hearing that word, Shen Shiwu was momentarily stunned. She paused, then looked away. “Let’s go.”

Jiang Siyi, her plan working, suppressed a smile and turned to leave, only to be stopped by a tap on her head. “Wrong way, this way.”

“Oh—”

She should have bought a house further away from the city center.

As they approached the villa, Jiang Siyi became increasingly anxious, her words tumbling out of her mouth, as if tomorrow was the end of the world.

“Did you know that people lose weight when they don’t get enough attention? They become pale and sickly,” she said, making things up.

Shen Shiwu, driving quietly, replied, “Keep making things up.”

Jiang Siyi’s face flushed with anger, and she opened the window slightly, still not giving up. “Did you know…”

“I don’t know.”

Damn it.

Jiang Siyi silently cursed—this woman was even harder to pursue than before.

Fine, since neither gentle nor harsh words worked,

She would use her acting skills.

Shen Shiwu, finally enjoying the silence, glanced at Jiang Siyi and saw that the girl had lowered her head.

“It’s not Halloween yet, no need to play the ghost,” she said casually.

Jiang Siyi gritted her teeth, suppressing her urge to curse. She ignored Shen Shiwu and continued her “ghost act.”

The car stopped in front of the courtyard house.

“Get out,” Shen Shiwu said, turning to look at her.

But the only response was a soft sob.

Crying?

The next second, Jiang Siyi pretended to wipe her eyes and forced a smile. “Okay, then I’ll be going.”

Ask me why I’m crying, quick!

Quick!

Shen Shiwu nodded and said considerately, “It’s dark outside, use your phone’s flashlight.”

…And?

Jiang Siyi’s heart sank.

After a moment, she dejectedly got out of the car.

Although there were streetlights, it was still quite dark late at night. Jiang Siyi stood at her doorstep, tears still staining her face.

Shen Shiwu watched her, sighing inwardly.

“Go inside,” she said.

But Jiang Siyi didn’t move, stubbornly standing there like a gatekeeper.

Seeing that Shen Shiwu was about to leave, she finally called out, “Shen Shiwu.”

“Do you… really not like me anymore?”

The question, piercing the silence of the night, was incredibly abrupt.

The woman in the car, hearing those words, paused, her hand hovering over the steering wheel.

“If you don’t have feelings for me anymore, just say it, no need to beat around the bush,” Jiang Siyi said, her voice trembling slightly, trying to keep it steady.

Shen Shiwu listened quietly, then, a few seconds later, she opened the car door and got out.

Jiang Siyi’s mind raced with possibilities.

Was she annoyed and about to yell at her?

They had loved each other once, please, no violence.

“Ask me again,” Shen Shiwu said, standing before her, her voice calm.

Under the dim light of the streetlamp, her shadow stretched long and thin.

Jiang Siyi fidgeted with the corner of her clothes and repeated, “Shen Shiwu,”

“Do you really…”

“I do.”

The woman leaned casually against the car, her hair shimmering faintly in the moonlight. Seeing Jiang Siyi’s stunned expression, she repeated,

“Didn’t you hear me? I said, I do.”

Chapter 72

There was a popular online discussion once—”Have you ever risked your life for someone?”

Jiang Siyi looked at the fluffy creature in her arms.

And thought silently, Yes.

As the front door opened, Jiang Siyi, hiding behind the sofa, flinched. She held the rabbit tighter, pulling her suitcase closer to create a protective barrier.

Footsteps approached.

It’s over, Jiang Siyi thought.

An ex-girlfriend sneaking into her house to steal her pet, what a crime!

Thinking this, she buried her head lower, feeling guiltier than when she had been caught fighting in school and her parents had been called.

This was the scene Shen Shiwu saw when she entered the house.

She found it both amusing and exasperating. “Get up.”

Jiang Siyi, curled up in a ball, peeked up at her, then discreetly tried to move further away.

Her chin was grasped.

Shen Shiwu leaned down and turned her face towards her. “If you want to run, put the rabbit down first.”

Ugh.

Jiang Siyi still refused to let go, trying to negotiate. “I’ll be your rabbit sitter for free, no salary required, how about that?”

Shen Shiwu chuckled softly. “Not interested.”

Twenty minutes later, Jiang Siyi’s mouth was dry, but Shen Shiwu still showed no sign of relenting. She sighed and reluctantly stood up, then unwillingly “released” the rabbit.

Eleven, oblivious to the drama between its two mommies, hopped around the room, exploring.

Jiang Siyi pouted and, under Shen Shiwu’s watchful gaze, dragged her suitcase towards the door.

Her retreating figure looked quite pathetic.

She took a few steps, then suddenly turned around. “I’m a little hungry.”

Can I stay for dinner?

Shen Shiwu, seeing through her little scheme, replied flatly, “You’re in your twenties, ordering takeout shouldn’t be too difficult for you.”

Jiang Siyi: “…”

Annoyed, she quickened her pace, slamming the door behind her.

The taxi driver, having already been paid, had left. Jiang Siyi, dragging her suitcase, walked away, her rabbit-napping plan foiled, her mood gloomy.

She paused, remembering Shen Shiwu’s words: “I can take you home if you need a ride.”

Jiang Siyi sneered inwardly.

Those were your words.

She turned back and knocked on Shen Shiwu’s door. Shen Shiwu was in an online meeting, and before she could even say a few words, she was interrupted by the noise outside—

“Shen Shiwu, I don’t care about the rabbit anymore, but you can at least give me a ride home, right?”

“Shen Shiwu, what are you doing? Why aren’t you answering?”

Someone actually dared to call the boss by her full name.

The department managers were stunned, not daring to breathe, then they eagerly started listening.

Shen Shiwu’s expression remained unchanged, and she calmly said, “Let’s continue tomorrow,” then closed her laptop.

The person outside had started playing the victim card.

“It’s so windy outside,” Jiang Siyi said, despite the clear, sunny sky, “I can barely stand.”

“Shen Shiwu, I’m so tired, I didn’t even get to rest on the plane.”

“Shen Shiwu…”

Before she could finish, the door suddenly opened. Jiang Siyi immediately put on a frail and helpless expression, almost falling into Shen Shiwu’s arms if the latter hadn’t taken a step back.

“Where’s the wind?”

“It’s gone,” Jiang Siyi said, her expression unchanged, “it’s afraid of you. It ran away the moment you opened the door.”

Shen Shiwu, watching her animated expressions, felt her heart flutter. After staring at her for a moment, she finally said, “Wait, I’ll get the car keys.”

Jiang Siyi’s eyes crinkled with a smile, her voice sweet. “Okay~”

While Shen Shiwu was getting the keys, Jiang Siyi peeked inside. Eleven, as if sensing her gaze, looked around, sniffing the air, then finally spotted her at the door.

When Shen Shiwu turned around, she saw the girl and the rabbit communicating silently.

Jiang Siyi made a kissing sound, and the rabbit stood up, its ears perked.

Shen Shiwu, arms crossed, watched their little act for a few seconds, then walked over and tapped Jiang Siyi’s head. “Let’s go.”

Jiang Siyi, caught red-handed, sniffed and quickly followed.

Thinking about their impending separation, Jiang Siyi felt a sense of despair. So she grumbled all the way, “It’s almost winter, aren’t you going to be cold sleeping alone?”

Shen Shiwu, driving quietly, replied casually, “It’s okay, I can cuddle with the rabbit.”

Although she knew it was a joke, Jiang Siyi still felt a pang of jealousy.

After a while, she mumbled, “I also want to…”

Hearing those three words, Shen Shiwu thought she wanted to sleep with her. Just as she was about to remind her that they were exes, Jiang Siyi finished her sentence.

“I also want to sleep with the rabbit, it must be very warm.”

“…”

Shen Shiwu’s face darkened, and she stepped on the gas pedal.

Arriving home, Jiang Siyi lingered in the car, only getting out after Shen Shiwu had driven away.

Going upstairs, she unpacked her things, then lay down on the bed to catch up on sleep. She woke up at eight in the evening.

Jiang Siyi was used to sleeping like a log and even considered it a blessing—it was much better than insomnia.

Her stomach rumbled.

She sat up in bed for a while, then got up to wash up, and finally went out to find something to eat.

It was completely dark outside, with only a few stars visible. Jiang Siyi looked up at the sky for a while, then, finding it uninteresting, she continued walking.

Reaching the business district, the streets became more lively, but she wasn’t sure what she wanted to eat, so she just wandered around.

Finally, she entered the Thai restaurant.

Compared to lunchtime, there were fewer customers now. There were many empty tables, and Jiang Siyi chose the same spot she had sat at before.

After ordering, she rested her chin on her hand, lost in thought.

The passage of time was a powerful thing. Thinking about how she had confessed to Shen Shiwu here four years ago, Jiang Siyi felt a shiver run down her spine.

After a while, she smiled faintly, thinking she had been quite brave back then.

“Are you… Jiang Siyi?” a female voice asked, a hint of uncertainty in her tone. Jiang Siyi turned around and, after a moment of hesitation, said,

“Ning Lan?”

A few minutes later, their food arrived, and they sat facing each other, chatting.

“I saw your Moments, you were in Beicheng a few days ago, so I wasn’t sure if it was really you just now.”

Ning Lan had been the class monitor in high school. Compared to her quiet demeanor back then, she was now much more sociable.

Jiang Siyi took a sip of Thai iced tea and smiled faintly. “I just got back today.”

During the college entrance exam period, Ning Lan had helped her a lot, lending her notes and such.

So Jiang Siyi asked, “How have you been all these years?”

“Pretty good, both my career and relationship are going smoothly. What about you, great author?” A hint of admiration colored her tone as she said the last part.

Jiang Siyi was always private about her personal life. She swallowed her words and simply replied, “About the same.”

Except for missing a girlfriend.

Her seat faced the entrance, and just as she finished speaking, she saw a familiar figure.

Jiang Siyi’s hand, holding her chopsticks, froze, and as she recognized the person, she almost dropped them.

Ning Lan, noticing her reaction, followed her gaze and was also surprised.

“Oh my god, what a coincidence, running into my boss while having dinner.”

Jiang Siyi was surprised. “Your boss?”

“Yes, the woman in the dark blue dress, she’s my boss, she’s terrifying.”

There weren’t many customers in the restaurant, and Jiang Siyi quickly scanned the room, realizing that the only person fitting that description was Shen Shiwu.

She was shocked.

Fate was a mysterious thing.

“Hey, don’t stare at her, I still have a report to submit. If she notices us, I’m dead.”

Jiang Siyi thought, Sorry, Ning Lan,

Your boss has already seen me.

Before she could even wonder why Shen Shiwu was here alone, Ning Lan continued,

“You have no idea, three people in our department were fired last month. She’s ruthless, if she’s not satisfied with something, she’ll fire you without hesitation.” Ning Lan’s voice was filled with the helplessness of a working-class person.

“So, as an intern, I have to be extra careful.”

“But the salary is quite good, so I said my career is going smoothly.” Thinking of this, Ning Lan chuckled.

Jiang Siyi had already experienced Shen Shiwu’s ruthlessness at work, and remembering her own experiences, she agreed. “Yes, she does seem like a cold and heartless person.”

Then, looking up, she saw that Shen Shiwu had actually sat down at the table opposite hers. Feeling a little guilty, she stopped talking and discreetly warned Ning Lan not to turn around.

Ning Lan, busy eating, only heard the last two words. She responded with an “ah” and turned her head, puzzled.

No.

Your boss is sitting right there.

Jiang Siyi was about to warn her, but it was too late.

Ning Lan’s eyes widened as she met the gaze of her so-called “demon boss.”

Shen Shiwu’s expression today seemed even colder than usual. Her gaze lingered on Ning Lan’s face for a moment, then shifted to Jiang Siyi.

She radiated coldness, like a walking refrigerator.

Ning Lan’s appetite vanished instantly. She wanted to run, but ignoring her boss was a grave offense.

She could only force a smile. “B-boss, what a coincidence, you’re here too?”

Shen Shiwu, still looking at Jiang Siyi, said meaningfully, “It is a coincidence.”

“Then you enjoy your meal, I’ll be going now.” Ning Lan didn’t understand why Shen Shiwu was staring at Jiang Siyi, but she didn’t have time to think about it. Remembering her unfinished report, she grabbed her bag and rushed off.

Leaving a bewildered Jiang Siyi behind.

She held her chopsticks, feeling uneasy under Shen Shiwu’s gaze. Although she hadn’t done anything wrong, she still felt the need to explain. “That, she was my classmate in high school.”

“The class monitor. You must have seen her at the parent-teacher meetings, but she probably doesn’t remember you.”

Shen Shiwu’s food hadn’t arrived yet, the table empty, and she rested her hands on it, her expression unreadable.

After a long while, she said calmly, “I don’t remember.”

Jiang Siyi responded with an “oh” and tried to find something to talk about. But before she could speak, Shen Shiwu asked, “What were you saying about me behind my back?”

Although her tone was casual, Jiang Siyi could sense a hint of danger.

Her gaze flickered. “Nothing, we didn’t even mention you.”

After a while, feeling uncomfortable under her gaze, she mumbled, “Ning Lan praised you for being efficient and ruthless.”

“I agreed.”

“After all…”

Remembering the netizens’ comments about “seduction,” Jiang Siyi suddenly changed her tone. She lowered her eyes, feigning shyness, but her words were anything but.

“I’ve experienced it,” she said, gripping her chopsticks tightly, “in bed.”

Chapter 71

The airport was bustling with people.

After saying this, Jiang Siyi tilted her head, looking at Shen Shiwu, completely oblivious to the person talking on their phone and bumping into her.

A hand grabbed her wrist.

In a split second, Shen Shiwu had stepped in front of her, shielding her. The person, startled, paused, then walked away without a word of apology.

Jiang Siyi frowned and muttered, “How rude.”

Hearing her grumbling, Shen Shiwu turned to look at her.

“Ouch,” Jiang Siyi, who had been complaining just a moment ago, instantly changed her expression, feigning pain. “That hurt.”

Shen Shiwu: “…”

The woman watched her act, then placed the suitcase on the ground.

“Seems like your physical fitness isn’t very good,” she said, “you need to exercise.”

“Carry your own suitcase, let’s go.”

She turned and walked away, leaving Jiang Siyi with the suitcase.

Jiang Siyi looked at the lonely suitcase and almost stomped her foot in frustration, standing there for a while, not moving.

Only when Shen Shiwu, suppressing a smile, stopped and turned around, did she reluctantly grab the handle. “Coming, coming.”

A single suitcase was nothing to her, she could carry two more. Jiang Siyi thought this, but her words were different.

She made a face. “It’s so heavy, I can’t carry it.”

Shen Shiwu ignored her and continued walking.

Jiang Siyi sighed dramatically. “Life is so hard.”

Shen Shiwu quickened her pace.

Jiang Siyi’s expression turned increasingly resentful. Seeing that Shen Shiwu was still ignoring her, she finally stopped talking.

And continued fuming silently.

Reaching the parking lot, Shen Shiwu opened the trunk, gesturing for her to put the suitcase inside. Jiang Siyi reluctantly walked over, still fuming, not moving her hand.

Seeing her standing there like a statue, Shen Shiwu finally reached out. “Give it to me.”

Jiang Siyi hummed softly, finally satisfied, then quickly got into the car, choosing the passenger seat.

As Shen Shiwu got in, Jiang Siyi, who had been holding back her question, finally asked, “Didn’t you have a meeting?”

The woman glanced at her and said, “Seatbelt.”

Then she replied, “I remembered the time wrong, the meeting is tomorrow.”

Jiang Siyi, seeing her nonchalant expression, scoffed inwardly.

Liar.

She hadn’t fastened her seatbelt yet.

She raised her hand, then quickly lowered it, turning to Shen Shiwu. “I don’t know how.”

Shen Shiwu said ruthlessly, “Did you leave your brain in Beicheng?”

Jiang Siyi mumbled softly, “You used to help me…”

A flicker of hesitation crossed the woman’s eyes, almost imperceptible.

A few seconds later, she hardened her heart. “We broke up.”

Those words hit Jiang Siyi like a lightning bolt.

Her hands and feet went numb, her heart pounding.

Seeing her finally fasten her seatbelt, Shen Shiwu started the car and drove off. During the quiet ride, Jiang Siyi discreetly opened her bag.

She took out a few pills and swallowed them.

Without water, they stuck in her throat. She swallowed hard a few times before the feeling finally subsided.

She leaned back in her seat, her arms wrapped tightly around herself.

Perhaps it was the medication, but after a while, Jiang Siyi drifted off to sleep. Shen Shiwu, seeing her sleeping posture, thought the AC was too cold and adjusted the temperature.

Then, at a red light, she reached for the blanket in the back seat.

The white blanket covered Jiang Siyi, making her skin look even paler.

Shen Shiwu observed her, her eyebrows furrowing slightly as she saw her thinner arms.

She had lost so much weight.

It seemed… she couldn’t be allowed to roam free anymore.

Shen Shiwu tapped the steering wheel, lost in thought. A few seconds later, the traffic started moving again, and she snapped back to reality, continuing her drive home.

Jiang Siyi hated taking her medication

Because it gave her nightmares.

Like now.

In her dream, Shen Shiwu had a new girlfriend. The woman was tall and slender, a perfect match for Shen Shiwu. And she was hiding in a dark corner, unable to do anything but cry.

The tears were salty and bitter.

Her eyelashes were wet, and Jiang Siyi tried to suppress her sobs.

The drive wasn’t long, and about ten minutes later, the car stopped in front of the villa. Shen Shiwu turned and saw Jiang Siyi curled up, her face wet with tears.

She hesitated, then gently brushed a strand of hair from Jiang Siyi’s face.

She was still asleep, seemingly trapped in her dream.

Shen Shiwu frowned and called her name softly.

“Jiang Siyi.”

The girl whose name was called finally stopped crying.

Because she felt herself being pulled into a warm embrace.

The familiar scent of cedarwood.

Smelling the familiar scent, Jiang Siyi opened her eyes slightly. But in that instant, the warmth disappeared, the embrace gone as if it had never existed.

She was stunned.

Shen Shiwu’s reaction was always quick. She straightened up and, without a word, went inside and brought out the rabbit.

Eleven, curious and energetic, was about to jump out of her arms when Shen Shiwu held it firmly. “Stay still.”

She whispered, “Mommy had a nightmare, let’s go comfort her.”

Jiang Siyi finally came to her senses.

She wiped her face, trying to compose herself, and just as she was about to get out of the car, a fluffy creature was suddenly placed in her arms.

The fluffy creature, waving its paws, tried to climb onto her shoulder.

Looking up, she saw Shen Shiwu leaning against the car door, her arms crossed. She glanced at the rabbit, feigning annoyance. “Too noisy.”

“Take it, let me have some peace and quiet.”

Eleven, as if understanding her words, let out a huff. Jiang Siyi quickly soothed it, petting its head gently. “You’re not noisy, Eleven, you’re the best bunny.”

Her voice and movements were incredibly gentle. Shen Shiwu stared at her, then, her face darkening slightly, she went to the trunk.

The thud of the suitcase landing on the ground was loud, but Jiang Siyi didn’t notice, still playing with Eleven. Only when Shen Shiwu said, “Let’s go inside,”

Did she finally react, and she slowly got out of the car, holding the rabbit.

The villa hadn’t changed much in the past two months, just a little empty without her things. Jiang Siyi missed the large sofa and immediately collapsed onto it as soon as they entered the house.

She held the rabbit, her expression content.

She even tilted her chin up at Shen Shiwu. “See, the house has no life without me.”

Now you know how important I am.

Shen Shiwu’s eyes darkened, seeing her smug expression.

Clearly, this girl didn’t have the self-awareness of an ex-girlfriend, not even a hint of a crisis.

This wasn’t the outcome Shen Shiwu wanted.

She wanted Jiang Siyi to be madly in love with her, to regret ever breaking up with her.

So she let go of the suitcase handle.

Jiang Siyi, oblivious, didn’t see the blow coming.

“Since we’re exes now, it’s not appropriate for us to live together,” Shen Shiwu said calmly, her tone neutral, as if stating a simple fact, “I can take you home if you need a ride.”

Jiang Siyi was stunned.

She gasped softly, unable to process her words.

Was she… being kicked out?

She stood up slowly, Eleven hopping off her lap and playing by itself. After a moment, Jiang Siyi nodded. “Okay, I’ll leave.”

It was understandable.

After all, they had broken up.

But…

Whatever, there was no point arguing. Since she was being kicked out, she would leave.

Jiang Siyi sniffed, not protesting, and walked towards her suitcase, bypassing Shen Shiwu.

The handle was still warm from Shen Shiwu’s touch.

She found it strangely hot and quickly retracted her hand.

“I don’t need a ride, I’m a grown-up now, I can go home by myself,” Jiang Siyi said, looking back at her, then her gaze lingered on Eleven for a few seconds.

She felt a pang of reluctance, but there was nothing she could do, so she turned and left.

The door closed, and silence returned.

Shen Shiwu, noticing her lingering gaze, looked down at the rabbit, which was happily playing by itself.

“Seems like Mommy likes you more,” she said.

Eleven, too busy chasing after its toy ball, didn’t even look at her, leaving Shen Shiwu with a complex expression. After a moment, she realized how ridiculous she was—competing with a rabbit for affection.

She shook her head slightly and sat down where Jiang Siyi had been sitting just moments ago.

Jiang Siyi must have taken a cab home.

She glanced at the clock on the wall, thinking it was about time, grabbed her car keys, and left.

She should still check on her.

Near Jiang Siyi’s courtyard house, hidden in a secluded corner, the branches of a tree obscured Shen Shiwu’s car. She sat in the driver’s seat, tapping the steering wheel.

She looked towards the house, the door still locked, no sign of anyone being home.

Not back yet?

She drove closer.

If it had been just a guess before, now she was certain no one was home. Shen Shiwu looked at the quiet house, its windows and doors closed, and frowned.

Where had she gone?

Carrying a suitcase, wasn’t she tired?

Twenty minutes later, Shen Shiwu finally gave up. Her mood soured, and she turned the car around, heading home.

Meanwhile, Jiang Siyi was standing outside her villa, looking around cautiously.

She should have been home by now, but in the taxi, the more she thought about it, the more upset she became, startling the driver.

“Young lady, are you so sad because of the breakup?”

Jiang Siyi turned her head away. “No.”

“I’m sad because I miss my ex-girlfriend’s rabbit.”

The driver was open-minded and had no issues with same-sex relationships. She chuckled and even offered a suggestion, “It’s easy, just steal it.”

Little Jiang was silent.

After a moment, she nodded, thinking it was a good idea.

So, the next second, the driver turned the car around.

Now, Jiang Siyi carefully looked around, making sure no one was watching, then, like a thief, she entered the passcode for the door lock.

Beep.

The door unlocked.

She carefully pushed it open, thinking that if Shen Shiwu wasn’t at the office, she would just say she had left something behind. Luckily, the house was quiet, only the sound of the rabbit hopping around.

“Eleven, come here,” Jiang Siyi whispered.

Hearing her voice, the rabbit immediately hopped over and started nibbling on her pants. Jiang Siyi bent down, picked it up, and quietly walked towards the door.

Victory was within sight.

But before she could even take a few steps, she came face to face with Shen Shiwu, who was standing outside.

The woman looked at her, a playful glint in her eyes, her eyebrows raised in question.

Jiang Siyi regretted it, but not much.

After a moment of silence,

She quickly closed the door.

The owner of the villa: “?”

Chapter 70

Having just showered, her skin still warm, Jiang Siyi stood by the window with a glass of water. The humid air seeped in through the cracks, mingling with the steam from the hot water.

She placed the glass on the table and checked her phone again, but there were still no new messages.

She sighed.

Shen Shiwu was truly a grudge-holder.

No matter how nicely she spoke, Shen Shiwu hadn’t replied. Jiang Siyi’s expression turned increasingly resentful.

If only Shen Shiwu were still as gentle as before.

Unfortunately, time wouldn’t turn back, and this was just wishful thinking. She sighed and decided to send one last message.

The last one for today.

Staring at the green chat bubbles on her screen, Jiang Siyi hesitated. After a moment, she decided to take a risk—

“Sister.”

She used to hate this form of address, feeling it created a distance between them.

But now, it was different, after all, sometimes they used it for role-playing…

Stop it.

If Shen Shiwu still ignored her this time, she would just go to sleep. Jiang Siyi thought.

Just as sleepiness began to creep in, her phone, which was on the pillow, vibrated.

“Not going to lesbian bars anymore?”

So, she was still angry. Jiang Siyi grabbed her phone, then thought,

Was she jealous?

If she was still jealous, didn’t that mean she still cared?

Jiang Siyi’s mood instantly brightened. She decided words weren’t enough, so she sent a voice message, then a video call request.

Shen Shiwu didn’t answer the video call, replying with a text message: “I’m taking a shower.”

Just showering, they had already slept together, what was there to be shy about?

Jiang Siyi’s thoughts were unrestrained.

She burrowed under the covers, her face flushed, and sent two words: “Let me see.”

Shen Shiwu was sitting in the bathtub, eyes closed. Hearing her phone vibrate, she reached for it, creating ripples in the water, and glanced at the screen.

A soft chuckle escaped her lips.

Let me see?

In your dreams.

Still annoyed, she tossed her phone back onto the side table, but it missed and clattered to the floor.

She didn’t bother picking it up and slid further down into the bathtub, the water almost covering her nose. She lifted her head slightly.

After all these years, Jiang Siyi was still an expert at infuriating her. One moment she was meticulously reporting her schedule, down to the details of what she had for lunch; the next, she was off to a lesbian bar.

Her talent for changing faces was truly remarkable.

A few strands of wet hair clung to the back of her neck, uncomfortable. Shen Shiwu frowned and sat up, water splashing onto the floor.

Her bare feet touched the cold tiles, but it did nothing to quench the fire in her heart.

Seeing Jiang Siyi’s messages, filled with apologies and attempts to appease her, a mischievous glint appeared in Shen Shiwu’s eyes.

After a moment, she granted Jiang Siyi’s wish and initiated a video call.

Jiang Siyi was almost asleep. Hearing the ringtone, she drowsily opened her eyes and, seeing the caller ID, immediately answered.

But the moment she saw what was on the screen, she almost gasped, instantly wide awake.

“You, you…” Jiang Siyi quickly covered herself with the blanket, only her slightly panicked eyes visible.

She was serious?

Actually showing her?

Shen Shiwu wasn’t shy or embarrassed at all. She even adjusted the camera, making sure Jiang Siyi had a clear view, the lens pointed at the mirror.

Her voice was calm, betraying no emotion: “Look.”

This was the first time Jiang Siyi had seen Shen Shiwu’s body so directly.

During their intimate moments, she had always been the one being dominated, her senses overwhelmed, too busy begging for mercy to even glance.

So beautiful.

Jiang Siyi’s heart pounded, and overwhelmed by shyness, she closed her eyes.

Just then, Shen Shiwu suddenly spoke, “I taught you before, it’s polite to reciprocate, isn’t it?”

Hearing the word “taught,” Jiang Siyi was thrown back to four years ago. She blinked, like a student in class, and replied, “Yes.”

Although Shen Shiwu’s expression was calm, Jiang Siyi could sense a hidden smile.

A mischievous one.

She clutched the blanket, feeling slightly nervous.

Hearing her reply, Shen Shiwu flipped the camera, the lens now pointed at the wall. Her voice was still neutral, giving nothing away. “Your turn.”

If only time machines existed.

The bathroom was steamy, the heat fogging up the mirror. Jiang Siyi sat in the bathtub, her face flushed.

Beside the tub was a small, transparent table with her phone on it. On the screen, Shen Shiwu watched her, chin resting on her hand.

“Why aren’t you washing?” the woman asked.

Jiang Siyi didn’t dare to be provocative anymore.

Her earlier words had come back to bite her, and she wanted to cry. Hearing the question, she still didn’t turn around. “I, I am.”

Shen Shiwu patiently watched her.

This was a bit much, even for their current relationship.

Shen Shiwu hadn’t wanted to do this, but Jiang Siyi had been too disobedient.

Without some punishment, she wouldn’t be able to let go of her anger.

Thinking this, she gritted her teeth slightly, her voice a little sharper. “Stand up.”

…

Even taking a bath could be turned into something like this.

Later that night, Jiang Siyi finally lay back in bed. She sighed, thinking that after all these years, Shen Shiwu had become even more…unhinged.

Whatever, she thought.

She wasn’t much better herself.

Still feeling flushed, her mouth dry, she got up, drank a large glass of water, then went back to sleep.

She slept soundly.

Because she had a beautiful dream—she dreamt that she and Shen Shiwu had gotten back together.

So, the next morning, the moment she woke up, Jiang Siyi rushed to the bathroom. She grumbled as she changed her clothes, her face flushed.

***

A few days later, the production officially wrapped up.

This was one of the few non-writing jobs Jiang Siyi had taken on in the past year. Everyone was excited about having a final celebratory dinner, and she agreed.

It was the same barbecue restaurant, Ah Yun being too stingy to afford anything fancier.

Jiang Siyi, seeing the familiar waiter as she entered, felt a pang of embarrassment. She discreetly hid among the others, keeping her head down.

Kong Yin wasn’t there.

She said she had to rush to another project and couldn’t make it, they could get together again next time. Everyone except Jiang Siyi expressed their disappointment and said goodbye.

While the others were being rowdy, Jiang Siyi was busy messaging Shen Shiwu. By the time she looked up, Kong Yin had already left.

“Hey, what do you want to drink?” Lin Yusheng asked, raising her voice to be heard over the noise.

“Grape juice.”

“Not drinking alcohol this time?”

Lin Yusheng didn’t know about the hospital incident; she just remembered that Jiang Siyi had been drinking last time. Jiang Siyi smiled and replied, “I’ve quit drinking.”

Alcohol was a scary thing.

Best to avoid it.

Lin Yusheng didn’t try to persuade her, after all, she had a flight back to London that afternoon.

The food and drinks arrived. As they chatted and laughed, Ah Yun raised her glass. “Everyone, good work this summer. We’re about to part ways, I hope we can meet again next time! Cheers!”

The clinking of glasses filled the air. Jiang Siyi finished her grape juice in one gulp, thinking that she could finally go back to Qinan and pursue Shen Shiwu in person.

The thought made her happy, and when she was happy, she could talk about anything. She grabbed Xiao Xuan’s arm and advised her to cherish her relationship and communicate openly with her girlfriend.

Xiao Xuan, bewildered, was subjected to half an hour of unsolicited relationship advice.

After Jiang Siyi’s impassioned speech, it was almost time to leave. They raised their glasses one last time, said their goodbyes, and parted ways.

Lin Yusheng went to the airport with Jiang Siyi.

“Great author, stop chasing after your new love interest and focus on writing. Try to finish the manuscript by the end of this month, okay?”

The car was stuffy without the AC. Jiang Siyi rolled down the window, the wind ruffling her hair, and closed her eyes for a moment. “I have to pursue her, I won’t finish the manuscript.”

Lin Yusheng almost punched her.

After going through security, Jiang Siyi finally had some peace and quiet. In the past, she would have been writing.

But people change.

She had something more important to do now—report to Shen Shiwu.

“Have you eaten yet? I have, we went to that barbecue restaurant.”

“I’m about to board, it’s a two-hour flight, I’ll land around four.”

“Shen Shiwu, do you want to pick me up?”

All that build-up, just for the last question. After sending the message, Jiang Siyi eagerly awaited a reply.

But the other person was cold and heartless: “I’ll eat later. Can’t pick you up, I have a meeting.”

Seriously?

Yesterday, she insisted on watching her shower, and today, she was acting like a stranger.

Jiang Siyi was furious.

Did she think she had no temper?

Thinking this, she turned off her phone screen, not even bothering to reply with an emoji, and closed her eyes, trying to rest.

But she was too annoyed to sleep. She spent the two-hour flight staring blankly at the ceiling.

Not having rested and still fuming, she looked haggard as she went to retrieve her luggage, her hair a mess.

The last time she had been here was when she had first returned to China.

Back then, she had had her assistant with her. Now, she scoffed inwardly, she was all alone, more pitiful than an empty-nester.

Her suitcase finally appeared.

Jiang Siyi took a few steps forward, bent down, and easily lifted it. The weight was nothing to her; after all, she had been the leader of her gang back in her fighting days.

Remembering her past exploits, a smile appeared on her lips. She placed the suitcase on the ground, grabbed the handle, and was about to leave when it was suddenly lifted.

What was going on?

Why was her suitcase flying?

Used to being hit on, Jiang Siyi thought it was someone asking for her contact information and blurted out, “Sorry.”

I don’t have WeChat.

But the next moment, she met Shen Shiwu’s gaze.

The woman was holding her white suitcase with one hand, her long hair cascading down her back, seemingly a little shorter than before. She asked calmly, “What mischief have you been up to?”

Jiang Siyi quickly swallowed the rest of her sentence.

Her expression changed instantly, and she let go of the suitcase handle.

“Sorry,” she repeated.

“I’m too weak to carry it. Thank you for helping me.”

Shen Shiwu stared at her for a few seconds, shaking her head inwardly.

Where did she learn that from?

Little green tea.

Chapter 69

On Qixi Festival, a refreshing rain fell.

The production team unexpectedly gave everyone a day off.

Ah Yun sent a message in the work group chat: “On this beautiful day, everyone, enjoy your free time!”

Jiang Siyi, woken up by her alarm, saw this message the moment she opened her eyes.

She mumbled, “Why didn’t you tell us earlier…” then pulled the covers over her head and went back to sleep.

The rain continued, a steady, rhythmic pitter-patter.

Perhaps it was the soothing sound of rain, but Jiang Siyi didn’t wake up until noon.

These past few days, she had been persistently messaging Shen Shiwu, and although there hadn’t been much progress, their relationship had at least thawed slightly.

Keep going, Little Jiang.

Just a little longer, and she would have both the woman and the rabbit.

Speaking of the rabbit, she missed Eleven.

So, after ordering takeout, Jiang Siyi sent Shen Shiwu her usual harassing messages.

Shen Shiwu was in a meeting, scolding her employees.

Seeing her phone light up, her expression softened slightly.

“Before two o’clock this afternoon, submit the revised marketing report, or you’re fired,” she said ruthlessly.

The employee quickly nodded. “Yes, Boss.”

She had been busy with work lately, only sleeping four or five hours a day, her mood constantly sour—except when she received messages from Jiang Siyi.

“Are you there? Show me the rabbit.”

Along with a GIF of a rabbit rolling around.

Shen Shiwu suppressed a smile, the coldness surrounding her melting slightly. But her reply was still aloof. “I’m at the office.”

Jiang Siyi, eating her takeout, feeling slightly pathetic, replied with an “Okay.”

She poked at her rice, her appetite gone, then saw another message. Shen Shiwu: “I’ll show you when I get home tonight.”

Heh, woman.

Jiang Siyi’s spirits lifted, feeling smug.

So she had softened after all.

She pretended to be reserved. “Wouldn’t that be too much trouble?”

Shen Shiwu, seeing the message: “…”

“Then don’t look.”

No!

Jiang Siyi instantly regretted her words, wanting to slap herself. She quickly retracted the message.

“Sorry, wrong person,” she added as an excuse.

Shen Shiwu didn’t reply, probably busy with work. Jiang Siyi continued eating, and after she was half-full, she wanted to find something to do.

She should go out for a walk.

As she left the hotel, she sent Shen Shiwu a voice message: “I just finished lunch, the team has the day off, so I’m going for a walk.”

“So many couples around, I’m so lonely.”

Jiang Siyi had perfected the art of playing the victim card. At first, she had thought it wouldn’t work, but now…

It was surprisingly effective.

“You’re the one who went out, whose fault is that?” Shen Shiwu replied.

Jiang Siyi pouted. “Yours.”

She started making excuses. “It’s all your fault for not getting back together with me, that’s why I’m so lonely, so it’s all your fault.”

Shen Shiwu’s lips curved into a smile, imagining Jiang Siyi’s pouting face.

Cute, she would tease her a little longer.

“Whose fault was it that we broke up in the first place?”

“That, that was a misunderstanding,” Jiang Siyi said, playing the victim, “and do you think I was happy after we broke up?”

“I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, I woke up in pain every day, and cried myself to sleep every night.” Jiang Siyi almost started singing, then cleared her throat and pretended nothing had happened.

“Really? That sad?”

“Of course.”

Shen Shiwu hummed thoughtfully, then opened Weibo.

Looking at Jiang Siyi’s post from last night, she chuckled softly. “Little liar.”

***

Qixi Festival was indeed not a good day to go out.

Jiang Siyi was thirsty and wanted to buy some fruit tea, but the shop was so crowded that even a fly couldn’t get out.

Her lips twitched, and she turned and left.

She missed Shen Shiwu.

She always missed her, but even more so now.

She pouted and continued walking, feeling dejected. Suddenly, someone called out from behind, “Jiang Siyi!”

That familiar voice…

As expected, turning around, she saw Lin Yusheng standing there, hands on her hips, slightly breathless. “Why are you walking so fast? I almost couldn’t catch up.”

“You too, couldn’t stand being alone?” Jiang Siyi asked.

“Couldn’t stand being bored in the hotel,” Lin Yusheng said, grabbing her arm and pulling her along, “come on, I’ll take you somewhere fun.”

Being dragged into a lesbian bar, Jiang Siyi immediately wanted to leave. Lin Yusheng clicked her tongue. “Scared?”

It wasn’t that she was scared, she just didn’t want Shen Shiwu to find out—although Shen Shiwu was far away in Qinan.

“It’s just a bar, what’s there to be scared of?” Jiang Siyi scoffed. “I just…”

“Just what? Let’s stay here for a bit, kill some time, then have dinner and go back to the hotel.” Lin Yusheng spoke quickly. “Just another day gone. Do you want to go out and watch other people be lovey-dovey?”

The music inside was loud, making Jiang Siyi’s head buzz. After hesitating for a while, she agreed, but said she wouldn’t drink.

They sat at the bar, and Lin Yusheng ordered two drinks. A Long Island Iced Tea for herself, and a low-alcohol Tequila…

Just as she was about to speak, Jiang Siyi said firmly, “I’m not drinking.”

Lin Yusheng: “…”

Sitting at the bar, the bartenders would occasionally come over and chat. Lin Yusheng could talk to anyone, making the silent Jiang Siyi beside her seem even more aloof.

“Yes, this lady is single,” Lin Yusheng said, nudging Jiang Siyi and addressing the bartender with the red hair.

Jiang Siyi denied with a smile, “Not exactly single.”

The bartender, thinking she was joking, was about to say something when Jiang Siyi continued, “Still seeing my ex.”

Her tone was so matter-of-fact that both Lin Yusheng and the bartender were stunned, thinking they had misheard. Lin Yusheng’s mouth opened and closed, wanting to say something, but hesitant. The bartender chuckled awkwardly and left.

Jiang Siyi played with her hair, continuing to space out, and Lin Yusheng leaned closer, surprised. “You’re two-timing?”

“What nonsense are you talking about?”

“Weren’t you the one who said you had a new love interest?” Lin Yusheng’s memory for gossip was excellent. “Seeing your ex while having a new love interest, tsk, tsk, tsk, Ms. Jiang, you’re quite the player.”

Jiang Siyi, feeling guilty, tried to explain, but no matter how she phrased it, it didn’t sound right. She simply said, “Actually… my new love interest is my ex.”

Seeing Lin Yusheng’s puzzled expression, she added confidently, “Enemies can become lovers, why can’t exes become new love interests?”

Lin Yusheng was speechless.

After a moment of silence, she could only say, “You’re truly bound to your ex… new love interest for life.”

Jiang Siyi finally stopped playing with her hair.

She blinked, her voice soft amidst the noise. “Mm-hmm, not bad.”

A few minutes later, her “new love interest” unexpectedly sent her a message. The lights in the bar flickered, changing colors, and Jiang Siyi squinted at her phone screen.

“Went home for a bit.” A simple message.

A few seconds later, another message: “Want to see the rabbit?”

Jiang Siyi quickly replied: “Yes!”

She had thought Shen Shiwu would send her a few pictures, but after waiting for a while, her phone vibrated.

Something wasn’t right.

It was a video call.

Jiang Siyi stood up abruptly. Like a fugitive about to be arrested, she panicked, looking around for a quiet place, then, giving up, she rushed out of the bar.

Lin Yusheng, startled, grabbed her arm. “What are you doing?”

Jiang Siyi swatted her hand away and left without looking back, thinking she had to hurry, or she wouldn’t be able to answer the call.

Half a minute later, seeing that the video call wasn’t being answered, Shen Shiwu finished her tea in one gulp. The tea was bitter, and she pursed her lips, ending the call.

Not answering? What is she doing?

Eleven, in her lap, was fidgeting restlessly, just like Jiang Siyi during class. It hopped off the sofa and started exploring the house.

Shen Shiwu stood up and picked it up.

She petted its head. “Don’t run away, Mommy wants to see you.”

Jiang Siyi squatted down in a quiet corner of the street, the occasional pedestrian passing by. She was breathless from running, and after catching her breath, she called Shen Shiwu back.

It had been a while since she had last seen Shen Shiwu.

Thinking this, her heart started to race.

The moment the call connected, Jiang Siyi’s eyes widened.

Shen Shiwu was wearing a white shirt, her long hair cascading down one shoulder. A few buttons were undone, revealing her collarbone and part of her shoulder, her pale skin glowing in the light.

Little Jiang swallowed nervously.

She quickly looked away and said, “Where’s the rabbit?”

The camera moved down, and Eleven was being held in Shen Shiwu’s arms. As if sensing its other mommy on the screen, it started pawing at the phone.

Jiang Siyi, seeing its frantic movements, called out, “Eleven.”

The rabbit immediately sat still, its nose twitching.

“It looks much fatter, did you give it extra food?”

“No, just the normal amount.”

“You might have a different understanding of the word ‘normal.’ You also fed me like a pig before…” Jiang Siyi muttered.

“Really? You also fed me quite a lot,” Shen Shiwu said casually, scratching the rabbit’s chin.

“When did I ever feed you?” Jiang Siyi hadn’t realized the double entendre yet. “Weren’t you always the one feeding me…”

She froze.

Shen Shiwu was still playing with the rabbit, her long, slender fingers catching Jiang Siyi’s eye, and her face flushed.

And Shen Shiwu, seeing her sudden silence, asked, “What’s wrong?”

The air was damp and cool after the rain.

The breeze brushed against Jiang Siyi’s face, but it couldn’t dispel the heat in her cheeks.

She discreetly moved the camera, not wanting Shen Shiwu to see her blushing. But Shen Shiwu, never considerate, loved to tease her.

“Not speaking means you don’t want to see the rabbit anymore?”

Jiang Siyi moved her face back into view. She had been squatting for too long, her legs numb, so she stood up.

“I want to see it.” Just as she finished speaking, she heard the clicking of high heels approaching.

Lin Yusheng, having finally found her, stood there with her hands on her hips and asked, “We agreed to hang out at the bar, why did you run off by yourself?”

Jiang Siyi: “…”

She quickly muted the microphone.

Lin Yusheng continued, lamenting the money she had spent, “I didn’t even finish my drinks…”

She finally realized something was wrong and asked, “Who are you talking to?”

“My new love interest,” Jiang Siyi gritted out, her eyes narrowed.

Lin Yusheng chuckled nervously. “Is, is that so? Oh, that camphor tree looks nice, I’ll go take a closer look.”

Then, afraid of being stabbed, she quickly ran away.

Jiang Siyi, gritting her teeth, looked back at her phone, only to see an empty screen.

The rabbit was gone, and so was Shen Shiwu.

The next second,

The video call ended.

Chapter 68

Summer was drawing to a close, and the recording for the audio drama was also nearing completion.

The final stages were always busier than the earlier parts.

Jiang Siyi had worked late that day, barely having time to look at her phone. Only after leaving the office building did she finally check it.

“Xiao Si, have you messaged Shiwu yet?”

“I’m telling you, you have to be more proactive, or how are you going to rekindle your relationship?”

Shen Yun’s messages flooded her notifications, and Jiang Siyi blinked, thinking this woman must have gone mad with guilt.

Remembering Lin Yusheng’s words—”Clinginess is key”—Jiang Siyi paused, not rushing back to the hotel—she would only be bored there anyway.

She sat down on a bench and started typing.

“Shen Shiwu, are you there?”

Too silly, delete.

“Shen Shiwu, what are you doing?”

No, they had broken up, this was too strange.

After deleting and rewriting countless times, she hadn’t sent a single word. The award-winning author, for the first time, was struggling with how to write a simple message.

Baidu wasn’t reliable, and nothing good ever came out of Lin Yusheng’s mouth. After some thought, she decided Xu Yuan was her best bet.

So she asked her old friend, “How do I message my ex-girlfriend?”

Xu Yuan, currently enjoying dinner with her partner, sent a lovey-dovey picture of them, then replied, “With your phone.”

“…I mean, what should I say?”

Jiang Siyi had been so busy that she hadn’t even had time to tell Xu Yuan about the breakup. The latter was puzzled. “Wait, ex-girlfriend?”

“Mm-hmm,” Jiang Siyi replied calmly, “I’m single again.”

After explaining the whole story, Jiang Siyi’s throat felt dry. She got up and went to a nearby supermarket to buy a drink.

Xu Yuan, on the other end of the phone, clicked her tongue and exclaimed, “That’s quite the drama.”

Jiang Siyi, holding a bottle of grape soda, wandered around the supermarket, then decided to have dinner there and bought some oden.

She sat by the window, paid, and chuckled wryly, taking a bite of fish tofu.

“So, you want to win her back?”

“Yes.”

Realizing that she had strayed from the original question, Jiang Siyi asked again.

Xu Yuan hummed thoughtfully. “How about playing the victim card?”

“How?”

“Just say,” she cleared her throat, “‘Sister, I can’t live without you. I’m eating junk food all the time, and I can’t sleep at night.’”

Jiang Siyi’s lips twitched. “Really?”

“Really, try it and see if it works.”

After hanging up, Jiang Siyi continued eating quietly. It was already past eight, and if it weren’t for the streetlights, it would be completely dark outside.

The convenience store was busy, customers coming and going. After a while, Jiang Siyi finally finished her last piece of kelp.

She wiped her hands with a tissue and finally opened Shen Shiwu’s chat.

Unsure what to say, she decided to send an emoji first.

A rabbit peeking out.

“?”

Seeing that Shen Shiwu had replied, Jiang Siyi was slightly relieved. She took a picture of her oden and soda and sent it. “This is my dinner.”

Her heart pounding, she closed her eyes, not daring to look at her phone. Only when she heard a notification did she peek.

“Okay.”

So cold.

Jiang Siyi gripped her phone, a wave of panic washing over her.

No, she had already taken the initiative, she couldn’t give up now. She mentally encouraged herself and started typing. “This oden isn’t very good, especially the fish tofu, it doesn’t taste fresh.”

“Is that so? You finished the broth, I thought it was good.”

“…”

Jiang Siyi was almost speechless with frustration. She took a deep breath, calmed herself down, and changed the subject. “What did you have for dinner?”

“Working, haven’t eaten yet.”

Oh…

“Are you back in Qinan?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“I’m so sad.”

“?”

Jiang Siyi went all out, her acting skills on full display. “Thinking about you leaving me all alone here, it’s so hard.”

“It’s okay, there are millions of people in Beicheng to keep you company.”

Who was the one who said playing the victim card would work?

Jiang Siyi put her phone down and sighed—forget winning her back, even having a normal conversation with Shen Shiwu was difficult.

As she sat there, lost in thought, several couples walked past the window. Although it was already autumn, the weather was still warm. They were wearing casual t-shirts and shorts, holding hands as they strolled leisurely.

Jiang Siyi stared at them for a long time,

Her eyes starting to sting.

She had to keep trying, what if Shen Shiwu really moved on with someone else, where would she go to cry?

Even reporting Shen Yun to the police wouldn’t make up for that.

Determined, Jiang Siyi picked up her phone again, thinking that instead of beating around the bush, she should just address the breakup directly.

She sent an emoji to end the previous topic, then typed, “Actually, there’s a big misunderstanding between us.”

“Mm-hmm, I know.”

Jiang Siyi breathed a sigh of relief.

But the next second, she froze.

“If you’re saying all this because you want to get back together, then I’m sorry, I won’t agree.”

Those heartless words made Jiang Siyi speechless.

Her throat felt dry. She picked up her grape soda and took a large gulp.

A slightly sour taste lingered on her tongue.

Jiang Siyi’s heart sank.

So, she really didn’t love her anymore.

It was understandable.

After all, she was so difficult, always bottling up her emotions, throwing tantrums, and being fierce.

Shen Shiwu had been patient enough with her all these years.

Expecting anything more was ridiculous.

Tears welled up in Jiang Siyi’s eyes.

She stared at the message and typed a single word: “Okay.”

This time, it was truly over.

She thought for a moment, then decided she should still say something—a farewell to her youth.

“Shen Shiwu, meeting you was truly a blessing. You taught me so much, about studying, about relationships…”

Jiang Siyi typed as she sniffed, tears falling onto the table.

She typed a long, heartfelt message in five minutes. But just as she was about to send it, Shen Shiwu sent another message: “But, if you insist, it’s not entirely impossible.”

Jiang Siyi’s hand slipped in surprise.

Whoosh— the long message was sent.

Looking at the two unrelated messages, perfectly aligned, Jiang Siyi wanted to bang her head against a piece of fish tofu.

After her initial panic, she quickly retracted the message.

Her finger hovered over the screen, careful not to accidentally delete it.

But Shen Shiwu had already taken a screenshot and was now looking at it in her photo album. Reading the first part, she closed her eyes for a moment, her heart softening.

Then she saw the detailed rabbit care guide and frowned.

“Shen Shiwu, after this breakup, we probably won’t see each other again, so please take good care of Eleven.”

“I did some research, you can refer to this.”

“1. Rabbits don’t like being caged, they need time to roam freely every day.”

“2. Rabbits are intelligent, don’t scold or hit them, be patient.”

“3. Rabbits…”

The guide took up almost sixty percent of the message.

Shen Shiwu scoffed, feeling slightly annoyed—So, she wasn’t even as important as a rabbit.

Jiang Siyi, oblivious, was still impressed by her typing speed. After retracting the message, she quickly replied, “Really? Do you swear?”

Shen Shiwu didn’t reply.

Jiang Siyi was getting anxious, but she didn’t want to spam her, so she resisted the urge to send emojis and waited impatiently.

Outside the window, camphor leaves fell one by one. Finally, after the eighth leaf fell, Shen Shiwu finally replied.

She said, “Really.”

Jiang Siyi, seeing a glimmer of hope, felt her spirits lift.

She repeated, “Swear it.”

Even through the screen, Shen Shiwu could sense her change in mood. Imagining Jiang Siyi’s excited expression, she couldn’t help but smile.

Her earlier annoyance fading slightly, she typed,

“Mm-hmm, I swear.”

Because of this, Jiang Siyi practically floated back to the hotel. Passing by some popular shops, she started fantasizing about visiting them with Shen Shiwu after they got back together.

Humming a tune, she took a shower and got into bed, then worked on her manuscript for a while. Feeling tired, she tossed her laptop aside, lay down, pulled the covers over herself, and started playing on her phone.

She hadn’t checked Weibo in a while, so she decided to take a look.

She logged in.

Her inbox was still flooded with messages, and as she scrolled through them, she saw the familiar default profile picture again.

The reader had already replied: “You’re welcome, supporting you is what we readers should do. I haven’t been active on social media for a while either, I only log in occasionally to check for your updates.”

Reading this, Jiang Siyi felt a pang of guilt.

It had been years since her last Weibo post.

For her readers, she decided to make a late-night appearance.

@JiangSiyi: Long time no see, I’m working on my new book, what have you guys been up to?

Within five minutes, the post had hundreds of comments. Jiang Siyi, with nothing else to do, started reading them.

One comment was particularly interesting: “Ms. Jiang, after two years, you finally posted! We thought you were busy with your girlfriend, no time for Weibo.”

Seeing the words “girlfriend,” Jiang Siyi smiled wryly.

She sighed and replied, “Just broke up.”

The comment section immediately exploded.

“Ooh, gossip time, grabbing my popcorn.”

“Qixi Festival is coming soon, breaking up at this time, is your ex stingy and doesn’t want to buy you a gift? (just kidding)”

Jiang Siyi was amused by their comments and laughed for a while. Then she tried to imagine Shen Shiwu being stingy, but she couldn’t.

After all, Shen Shiwu was only stingy with her affection, not with money.

Clearing her mind of inappropriate thoughts, Jiang Siyi, seeing the increasingly outrageous speculations of her readers, felt she had to defend Shen Shiwu.

So she replied, “We broke up because of a misunderstanding, not because she’s stingy, she’s actually very generous.”

The reader immediately replied, “Still defending your ex even after breaking up, it seems you still love her.”

Jiang Siyi, her thoughts exposed, blushed.

Just as she was about to close Weibo, the reader with the default profile picture sent her a private message.

“Saw your post, it’s just a breakup, don’t be too sad.”

Since it was her first reader, despite her desire to be cautious, Jiang Siyi couldn’t refuse. She replied, trying to hide her emotions, “Thank you, I’m not that sad.”

The reader didn’t reply for a long time.

Probably busy, Jiang Siyi thought, and was about to close the app,

When the chat window suddenly lit up.

The random string of characters: “Oh.”

Jiang Siyi: “?”

Chapter 67

Shen Shiwu had returned to Qinan.

After the breakup, Jiang Siyi focused on her work, as usual.

One day, just after a meeting, as she was about to go back to her office, she received a call from Shen Yun. They hadn’t spoken since their argument, and their relationship was still strained.

Shen Shiwu let the phone ring for a while, only answering after she entered her office.

“Shiwu, I’ve told Xiao Si everything.”

“Mm-hmm, and?”

“I told her to contact you.”

Standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the city lights, Shen Shiwu watched the cars speeding by below, then nodded. “I know.”

Just as she was about to hang up, Shen Yun said, “Shiwu, since you still like Xiao Si, why don’t you just ask her to get back together?”

“Easily obtained feelings are often not cherished,” Shen Shiwu said, her face illuminated by the city lights, “I want her to yearn for me.”

***

Their breakup hadn’t been pleasant.

Although her memory of that night was fragmented, Jiang Siyi had managed to piece together some of it.

It was break time in the recording studio, and her face was creased with worry as she debated whether to send Shen Shiwu a message.

Lin Yusheng, sitting beside her, was startled by her expression.

“You’ll get wrinkles if you keep frowning,” she said, “cheer up.”

Jiang Siyi adjusted her expression. “I’m happy.”

“Heh, bullshit,” Lin Yusheng clearly didn’t believe her, “just a breakup, and you’re acting like you’re dying, just like before you came back to China.”

Jiang Siyi, unusually, didn’t retort. She took a sip of her fruit tea, the sweetness failing to lift her spirits.

Finally, she asked Lin Yusheng, “Have you ever pursued someone?”

“Why are you asking? Found a new love interest?”

“Mm-hmm…” Jiang Siyi touched her nose, her reply vague and unconvincing.

“Wow, that was fast,” Lin Yusheng chuckled, “I’m over forty, of course I’ve pursued someone before.”

“Then teach me.”

“That’s easy, just cling to them relentlessly.”

“…Really?”

Lin Yusheng’s tone was confident. “That’s how I got my ex.”

Jiang Siyi was silent for a few seconds, deciding she couldn’t trust her. So she opened Baidu on her phone and searched—”How to pursue a woman.”

Ten minutes later, Ah Yun called out, “Alright, let’s continue!”

Jiang Siyi put down her phone.

“Finished searching? What did it say?” Lin Yusheng asked.

Jiang Siyi refused to answer.

Under Lin Yusheng’s puzzled gaze, she silently screamed inwardly—Someone please tell her,

Why did eight out of ten results suggest seduction?

Because of this, Jiang Siyi couldn’t focus on her work. After slacking off for the entire morning, she mentally scolded herself and opened a food delivery app.

When she was in a bad mood, nothing tasted good. She ordered something random, then switched back to WeChat.

She hesitated for a moment, then clicked on Shen Shiwu’s chat.

Their last conversation had been a few days ago, the abrupt ending making the chat history look desolate.

She sighed and clicked on Shen Shiwu’s Moments.

Huh, strange.

Why was it empty?

After a while, Jiang Siyi turned off her phone. The recording studio was quiet, the only sound being her rumbling stomach.

She leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes, and silently accepted the truth.

Shen Shiwu had deleted her.

It was only fair.

After all, she had blocked Shen Shiwu first four years ago.

Jiang Siyi ate her lunch, calmly trying to comfort herself.

But she still felt uncomfortable. Not because she was angry or embarrassed, but…

She was scared.

Afraid that Shen Shiwu had truly given up on her.

She ate quickly, thinking she would ask Shen Yun to sound Shen Shiwu out later.

After hastily finishing her lunch, Jiang Siyi excused herself and went downstairs, then called Shen Yun from the street.

Shen Yun answered quickly. “Xiao Si, what’s wrong?”

Jiang Siyi still resented Shen Yun. But when it came to winning back Shen Shiwu, Shen Yun was her best bet.

“Auntie Shen,” she said politely, “are you sure… Shen Shiwu still likes me?”

“Of course.”

“But she deleted me.”

Shen Yun clicked her tongue inwardly, thinking, Shen Shiwu, you’re serious, but she still tried to comfort Jiang Siyi. “People do irrational things when they’re angry, right?”

“And you two broke up, it’s normal to delete each other on WeChat.”

Jiang Siyi, looking down at her phone, mumbled, “Okay.”

Five minutes later, the call ended. She stood alone on the street, looking up at the sky, lost in thought.

At the same time, Shen Yun sent Shen Shiwu a message: “You deleted Xiao Si, and she’s completely at a loss. She looks like she’s about to cry.”

Shen Shiwu rarely replied to her messages since their argument, but this time, she replied immediately.

She said, “Tell her to send me another friend request. If I don’t accept it, tell her to keep trying.”

Shen Yun: “…”

“You want me to teach Xiao Si how to pursue you step by step?”

Shen Shiwu didn’t reply.

Shen Yun removed her face mask and sent Jiang Siyi a voice message: “Xiao Si, you can send her another friend request.”

“If she doesn’t accept it, just keep trying, she’ll eventually add you back.”

Jiang Siyi, listening to the voice message, felt the wind pick up slightly. Her lips twitched, thinking it was too embarrassing.

And she was also scared that Shen Shiwu would scold her.

After thinking about it, she decided not to send the request yet, simply replying to Shen Yun, “Okay, I’ll try.”

Then, for the entire afternoon, Shen Yun kept asking her, “Did you add her yet?”

Jiang Siyi rarely checked her phone when she was working, and by the time she finally saw the messages, it was already the end of the workday.

She didn’t understand why Shen Yun was so anxious.

“Not yet, I’ll do it tonight.”

As soon as she sent the voice message, Shen Yun started urging her again, “Love waits for no one, don’t waste time.”

Hearing the first part, Jiang Siyi had a bad feeling and asked tentatively, “You mean, if I don’t hurry up, Shen Shiwu will fall for someone else?”

Meanwhile, Shen Yun was pacing around anxiously.

She looked at the messages from Shen Shiwu, feeling a headache coming on.

1:00 PM:

“She hasn’t added me.”

1:30 PM:

“Still hasn’t added me.”

…

4:50 PM:

“Why hasn’t she added me yet?”

After replying to her daughter, she switched back to Jiang Siyi’s chat. Seeing the question, she replied without hesitation, “Yes, that’s right, that’s why I told you to hurry up.”

Jiang Siyi, tired of standing, sat down on a bench by the roadside. A tall camphor tree towered above her, and she stared at it, seemingly lost in thought.

Forget about pride.

She was truly afraid of being scolded by Shen Shiwu.

After thinking for a while, Jiang Siyi sighed.

Let her scold her, then.

She could always… scold her back.

Feeling much better now,

Jiang Siyi opened WeChat, her expression serious. Closing her eyes, she finally sent the friend request.

Nervous, scared.

Just like waiting for her college entrance exam results.

But a few seconds later, the request was ruthlessly rejected.

Jiang Siyi’s heart sank.

She clutched her phone, feeling empty, as if a part of her had been eaten away.

But at least Shen Shiwu hadn’t scolded her.

Thinking this, Jiang Siyi marveled at her ability to rationalize things.

Really not accepting it? she grumbled inwardly.

They had only broken up a few days ago, she could have at least accepted the request and then deleted her again.

Disappointed and frustrated, Jiang Siyi gritted her teeth.

She wouldn’t give up.

Her hand moved faster than her brain, and in a split second, another friend request was sent.

This time, she chose not to look—at least not yet. Glancing at the time, realizing it was almost time for work, she stood up and walked towards the office building.

The camphor leaves rustled in the wind, some falling to the ground.

Jiang Siyi looked back, noticing that some of the leaves were starting to turn yellow.

She had been too busy lately, her mind preoccupied, and she hadn’t even checked the calendar on her phone. Only now, reminded by nature, did she realize,

Summer was almost over.

She sniffed, thinking she had to win Shen Shiwu back before winter arrived. Otherwise, the weather would be so cold, and she would have no one to warm her hands and feet, how miserable.

During their afternoon break, everyone was chatting, except for Kong Yin, who had gone downstairs to buy coffee.

“You just realized summer is almost over?” Lin Yusheng’s jaw dropped. “Did you just time travel here?”

Jiang Siyi ignored her, turning her back to her, leaning against the sofa.

“Speaking of time, Qixi Festival is coming soon,” Lin Yusheng said, then realized her mistake—Jiang Siyi had just broken up with her girlfriend.

She wanted to change the subject, but before she could, Jiang Siyi asked calmly, “When is it?”

Lin Yusheng told her the date. “Why, are you celebrating?”

“No, I’m not going anywhere that day, I’ll just sleep in after work.”

Her words made everyone laugh.

Her tone was normal, even joking. Lin Yusheng, relieved, continued the conversation.

“Xiao Xuan will definitely have to take a day off, she’ll lose her perfect attendance bonus,” Ah Yun said.

Xiao Xuan blushed and nodded slightly, and Ah Yun clicked her tongue. “See, relationships only hinder a woman’s ability to make money!”

Everyone agreed, chattering and laughing.

Only Jiang Siyi asked a different question: “Xiao Xuan, how did your girlfriend pursue you?”

The question was a bit abrupt, but understandable—everyone loved gossip.

Xiao Xuan hugged her knees. “Actually, I pursued her.”

Jiang Siyi’s eyes lit up, as if she had found her savior. “How?”

“My girlfriend was quite aloof before we started dating, so I pursued her relentlessly, sending her gifts and such,” Xiao Xuan said, a smile appearing on her lips as she recalled the past.

“I guess she got tired of me clinging to her, and after six months, she agreed to go out with me.” She became more and more embarrassed as she spoke, so she ended with a joke.

Hearing this, Lin Yusheng turned to Jiang Siyi, her expression smug. “See, I told you, persistence is key, but you didn’t believe me.”

Jiang Siyi ignored her and started thinking about her plan to win back Shen Shiwu.

Would it really work?

She had to try.

She took out her phone, opened WeChat, and saw that her friend request had been rejected again.

Heh.

So, for the next half hour, she and Shen Shiwu engaged in a silent war across the screen.

Send request, rejected.

Send again.

After countless attempts, Jiang Siyi finally succeeded in adding Shen Shiwu back on WeChat.

“Let’s go, back to work,” Lin Yusheng called out.

Jiang Siyi turned off her phone screen. “Coming.”

Meanwhile, Shen Shiwu was sitting in her office.

She couldn’t even focus on her work, checking her phone every few minutes.

But there were no new messages.

So persistent earlier, now silent. Shen Shiwu tossed her pen onto the desk, then, after a moment of silence, she sent Shen Yun a message.

“Tell her to harass me.”