Chapter 11

Wei Xue left, but Sang Ning had thought Shen Tingwan would go with her. The shoot was almost over, yet Shen Tingwan still sat by the window, flipping through her book.

Sang Ning packed up her camera equipment, thinking she should say goodbye before leaving. Before she could speak, she saw Shen Tingwan look up at her.

“All done?”

Sang Ning tugged at her backpack strap. “Yeah, I’m heading out.”

Shen Tingwan followed up smoothly. “Can I come to the art exhibition?”

Sang Ning paused, then said, “Of course.”

The charity art exhibition was open to the public anyway. She’d even posted promotional posters on her Moments. The whole point of the event was to raise social awareness, so the more people who came, the better.

Shen Tingwan closed her book. “I’ll go with you.”

Sang Ning was still processing. “Aren’t you going to keep Sister Wei company?”

“Nah, I’m free this afternoon.” Shen Tingwan replied lightly. It was more relaxing to visit the exhibition than to deal with Wei Xue’s antics, and she hadn’t left with her earlier.

*

The event was hosted by the Birch City School for the Deaf and Mute and a local charity organization. It was held at an art gallery on the second ring road—not too far away.

Sang Ning hitched another ride with Shen Tingwan.

The two of them together again—Sang Ning felt a sense of unreality. She never imagined she’d spend so much time with Shen Tingwan, almost like friends…

Were they friends?

It was a beautiful day, with the sun shining brightly.

When they arrived, Sang Ning grabbed her camera, put on her volunteer badge, and led Shen Tingwan inside.

They were greeted right away.

“Sang Ning.”

“Little Sang, you’re here.”

Shen Tingwan noticed how at ease Sang Ning seemed. “Do you do charity events often?”

“Not regularly, just whenever I have time.” Sang Ning had done volunteer work in university and made some like-minded friends. Even after starting work, they stayed in touch, notifying each other about events and helping out.

“Sang Ning.” Another person came up to greet her and glanced at Shen Tingwan beside her. “Who’s this…?”

Sang Ning thought for a moment and introduced her. “My senior alumna.”

Still “senior alumna.” Shen Tingwan glanced at her discreetly. Not even friends?

“We’ll leave the event photos to you.”

They entered the art gallery and followed the directional signs around a few corners to the entrance.

Sang Ning took a few extra shots at the entrance. She saw Shen Tingwan standing to the side waiting and said softly, “You don’t have to wait for me.”

Shen Tingwan replied casually, “I’ll take my time looking around. You do your thing.”

The exhibition hall was quiet, with colorful paintings hanging on the display walls. The brushstrokes were childish yet wildly imaginative, full of a vitality adults couldn’t replicate.

Shen Tingwan scanned the paintings carefully and occasionally glanced at the photographer. Wei Xue was right—Sang Ning looked pleasing to the eye when she worked, with a clean, artistic vibe.

Sang Ning’s task wasn’t heavy; she mainly needed to capture some on-site photos for promotion. Not too many—just shots with character and memorable moments.

The two kept some distance, but Shen Tingwan always stayed within her line of sight.

Sang Ning photographed her way along, and as she turned the lens, a profile shot accidentally entered the frame—high, elegant nose bridge, refined lip shape. She froze and couldn’t resist pressing the shutter.

Shen Tingwan sensed something and turned back to the lens. “Taking my picture?”

Sang Ning blurted out, “…No.”

Shen Tingwan smiled. She was being presumptuous.

The exhibition could be browsed in half an hour. Outside, there was a charity bazaar to check out. It was Saturday, so it was crowded and lively.

Sang Ning headed over to take some photos.

Shen Tingwan went with her.

A bunch of kids from the Deaf-Mute School were helping at the bazaar, the little volunteers wearing medals and looking absolutely adorable.

The stalls mainly sold cultural merchandise like keychains, fridge magnets, and postcards.

Sang Ning introduced them to Shen Tingwan like a staff member. “The designs are all created by the kids. The proceeds go to help children in need at the Deaf-Mute School.”

Shen Tingwan almost smiled at how seriously she explained it, like she was receiving a customer. Seeing that Sang Ning had finished her photos, she said, “Give me the camera.”

Sang Ning asked, “What’s up?”

Shen Tingwan said, “You’ve been holding it so long—you’re not tired?”

Sang Ning came back to herself and didn’t hand it over—it was pretty heavy. “I’m not tired.”

Shen Tingwan was a bit impressed by her stamina. She’d been shooting all afternoon without a break.

Passing a stall, a little girl waved enthusiastically at Sang Ning, her eyes sparkling, two playful pigtails bouncing.

Sang Ning didn’t notice.

Shen Tingwan reminded her. “She’s waving at you.”

Sang Ning turned and saw it was a little girl she’d met while volunteering at the school.

The girl was deaf and mute. Seeing Sang Ning notice her, she greeted her excitedly in sign language.

Sang Ning wanted to respond, but the camera in her hands made it inconvenient. Just then, Shen Tingwan smoothly took it from her.

Sang Ning looked at her.

Shen Tingwan said, “I’ll hold it.”

Always so thoughtful.

Sang Ning signed back to the little girl.

Shen Tingwan asked, “You know sign language?”

Sang Ning replied, “I learned some basics a while ago. Enough for simple conversations.”

Shen Tingwan was curious. “What did she just say?”

Sang Ning translated their chat. “She said lots of people liked her bunny painting and that she’s giving us two.”

Shen Tingwan saw the girl hand over a pair of bunny keychains. She smiled and took them, then asked Sang Ning, “How do I say thank you?”

Sang Ning made a fist with her thumb up, then bent it twice.

Shen Tingwan imitated her.

The girl grinned widely.

Shen Tingwan said, “Tell her she’s cute, and so are the bunnies.”

Her pleasant voice reached Sang Ning’s ear. Probably worried the noisy environment would make it hard for her to hear, Shen Tingwan leaned in closer.

Sang Ning got it and signed to the girl, who replied right away.

Shen Tingwan asked, “What’d she say?”

Sang Ning said, “She said she’s glad we like them. She’s happy.”

So sensible. Shen Tingwan’s lips curved up as she bent down to pat the girl’s head. The girl instantly blushed and ducked her head shyly.

Sang Ning found it adorable and explained to Shen Tingwan, “She likes pretty aunties. She gets shy around them.”

It was rare to hear such words from Sang Ning. Shen Tingwan turned to face her directly and teased on impulse, “You think I’m pretty?”

Sang Ning froze at the question. She’d always known Shen Tingwan as gentle and polite—never realized she had this playful side.

Shen Tingwan couldn’t help laughing. So serious, so easy to tease.

Sang Ning saw her laugh and smiled along.

Their shared smile suddenly bridged the gap between them. They’d known each other for years, but only now did they start feeling truly at ease.

They accepted the girl’s gift of the bunny keychains and bought a few other trinkets.

After the photos, Sang Ning helped with the bazaar sales. She called out to Shen Tingwan, “Senior.”

Shen Tingwan turned to her.

“I have to stay and help. You can go if you have something to do.”

“Can I join?”

She always spoke so politely, tactfully checking if it was convenient. Sang Ning explained, “It’ll take a while—probably over an hour.”

Shen Tingwan stayed anyway.

Sang Ning was surprised but also thought Shen Tingwan probably didn’t find her boring.

By sunset, the bazaar wrapped up with great success.

Sang Ning’s volunteer friends called her over. “Sang Ning, once you’re done, let’s grab dinner. I’m starving. Bring your senior too.”

They’d planned the evening gathering in advance, but bringing Shen Tingwan along caught her off guard. She wasn’t sure if Shen Tingwan had time or wanted to.

She looked at Shen Tingwan, about to ask…

Shen Tingwan replied directly, “I’m free.”

Sang Ning’s unasked question stuck in her throat—Shen Tingwan had answered preemptively.

Shen Tingwan smiled again. “Aren’t you supposed to bring me?”

“Yeah.” Sang Ning went along with it, then remembered something. “I still owe you a meal…”

Shen Tingwan was at a loss for words. Always hung up on repaying favors. She laughed and said, “You kept me company for my birthday last time. We’re even.”

“…”

Sang Ning said nothing more.

The art gallery was by a lake, and their dinner was at an open-air restaurant on the lakeside. The lake breeze felt great, like camping.

There weren’t many people—just five or six girls Sang Ning had met through charity work.

Sang Ning and Shen Tingwan sat side by side, and she noticed Shen Tingwan had chosen her right side again.

After work wrapped up, they chatted casually. One girl pulled Sang Ning and gushed, “Sang Ning, your senior is such a goddess.”

“I was stunned by her beauty the moment I saw her this afternoon.”

The topic suddenly turned to praising Shen Tingwan.

It was all about Shen Tingwan, but Sang Ning felt embarrassed listening. Everyone kept calling her “your senior.”

Plenty of pretty women existed, but Shen Tingwan’s aura was exceptional—it really did stun people at first sight.

Shen Tingwan graciously said thank you and blended into the vibe effortlessly. She thrived in such settings.

Sang Ning envied that skill, so during gatherings, her attention always drifted secretly to Shen Tingwan.

Before long, Shen Tingwan was chatting familiarly with the others.

Shen Tingwan appeared distant at first glance, but her gentle politeness created a delightful contrast—that’s why she was so popular in school. No one disliked her.

“Sang Ning, beer or cola?”

Sang Ning grabbed her own. “Cola for me.”

Shen Tingwan noticed she never drank, not even beer. “You don’t drink?”

“Not at all.” Sang Ning admitted honestly. She asked Shen Tingwan, “Do you want some? I have my license—I can drive.”

Shen Tingwan said, “No alcohol for me.”

Sang Ning was about to get her an iced cola…

Then Shen Tingwan added, “Plain water’s fine.”

Sang Ning quietly withdrew her hand.

Once the food arrived, they clinked glasses and chatted freely. Sang Ning mostly listened, chiming in occasionally—she was always the quietest one.

“Sang Ning, there’s a hand-drawing event at the school end of the month. You free?”

“Probably not. Work’s busy this month.” Sang Ning chatted with the girl across from her, then turned to glance at Shen Tingwan.

Shen Tingwan looked back, as if expecting her to say something.

Sang Ning whispered, “Your period?”

Shen Tingwan was mildly surprised. How’d she guess? Probably from the wine yesterday—it had come early, and it hurt a bit.

Sang Ning knew Shen Tingwan loved iced drinks, always with ice. Today was out of character, so it was easy to figure out. Seeing her discomfort, Sang Ning asked as casually as possible, “Does it hurt?”

Shen Tingwan said, “It’s okay. No big deal.”

“Mm.” Sang Ning glanced at Shen Tingwan’s wrists and hands—several mosquito bites, red and swollen. Summer by the lake meant bugs.

A girl slapped at one and complained, “Bitten again, damn mosquitoes.”

Sang Ning heard and said steadily, “I’ll go buy some repellent.”

The girl said, “No need, too much hassle.”

Sang Ning was already standing. “It’s no trouble.”

Shen Tingwan said, “I’ll come with you.”

“No need.” Sang Ning said simply. “There’s a pharmacy next door. Be right back.”

Before going, Sang Ning told the restaurant owner to add some electric mosquito repellents.

Ten minutes later, Shen Tingwan saw Sang Ning return with a pharmacy bag and pass out repellent to everyone.

“Sang Ning, you’re the best.”

“Love you so much.”

“Thanks, thanks.”

Sang Ning said, “You’re welcome.”

Shen Tingwan saw sweat on her forehead and handed her a tissue. “Why’d you rush? You’re sweating.”

“It’s too hot.” Sang Ning sat down and casually gave the remaining items to Shen Tingwan. “Here.”

Shen Tingwan looked: disinfectant wipes, repellent, anti-itch cream… and a box of painkillers. She paused, then asked softly, “This thoughtful?”

Sang Ning just smiled plainly, echoing what Shen Tingwan had once said to her. “All in a day’s work.”