Chapter 25

“……Xiao Yan will be thrilled. She just mentioned you,” Sang Ning explained unhurriedly. “She’s the little girl who gave us the keychains last time.”

Shen Tingwan’s voice carried a hint of laughter. “Mm, I’m coming over now. Send me your location.”

“Okay.”

Compared to messaging on WeChat, Sang Ning preferred calling Shen Tingwan. Her voice felt like it was whispered right by her ear, even filtered through the phone.

Sang Ning shared the Deaf-Mute School’s address with Shen Tingwan on WeChat and returned to the classroom. She would go pick her up once Shen Tingwan arrived—the school had strict management and didn’t let people in casually.

Around four o’clock, Shen Tingwan called her again. Sang Ning knew she had arrived.

The wind was strong that day, and Sang Ning felt a chill as she stepped outside. It seemed summer had vanished just like that.

As soon as she walked out the school gate, Sang Ning spotted a familiar figure.

Shen Tingwan leaned against her car, dressed in a long trench coat that cinched at her slim waist. The wind tousled her long hair and the coat’s hem, making her look like a model on a magazine cover.

Sang Ning stared for a beat before calling out, “Senior Sister.”

Shen Tingwan turned at the sound, her red lips curving into a smile. Sang Ning wore a light-colored sweater today, giving her a warm, cozy vibe.

Sang Ning said, “I’ll take you there.”

Shen Tingwan walked beside her the whole way.

They entered the activity classroom. The painting class was already halfway done. The volunteer teacher distributed watercolor paints to the kids and taught them simple watercolor techniques.

Sang Ning led Shen Tingwan to sit by Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan had known Shen Tingwan was coming and lit up with a crescent-moon smile the moment she saw her.

Shen Tingwan patted the girl’s head and pulled out a pair of plush toys from her bag as a gift.

Xiao Yan beamed even more. Her cheeks flushed pink at the head pat, and she signed quickly.

Shen Tingwan understood it was a thank-you this time and signed back you’re welcome, adding that she was adorable.

Sang Ning had meant to explain, but seeing Shen Tingwan understand and respond, she stayed quiet. Thoughtful as always. She whispered, “Did you just buy those?”

Shen Tingwan replied, “Mm, do you want some too?”

“No,” Sang Ning stammered, “I’m not a kid.”

Shen Tingwan laughed at her reaction.

The class was full of younger kids, all fascinated by the vibrant watercolors—mixing colors created new ones like magic.

Sang Ning helped Xiao Yan paint flowers while Shen Tingwan joined in, dabbing paint on the paper with a brush.

Soon, Sang Ning spotted a delicate cluster of orchids on the page, with smooth, elegant lines. Clearly, Shen Tingwan had training. “You can paint too?”

Shen Tingwan said, “I studied Chinese painting and calligraphy for a few years.”

Sang Ning recalled that Shen Tingwan also played piano and violin. So many talents… She asked, “All hobbies?”

“My family made me learn them.”

The Shen family believed in elite education, strict with kids from a young age. Shen Tingwan knew many things, but few brought her joy.

Sang Ning fell silent, catching the helplessness in her tone—no happiness there. Mastering so much must be exhausting. She’d heard plenty about Shen Tingwan, but everyone only talked about her excellence…

Shen Tingwan guided Xiao Yan hand-over-hand, and soon the girl’s painting took shape. She grinned ear to ear.

Xiao Yan started painting on her own.

Shen Tingwan turned to Sang Ning during a lull. “When did you start doing charity work?”

Sang Ning snapped back. “College.”

“Any particular reason?”

Sang Ning thought for a moment. “Sometimes a little kindness can help someone. Just doing my small part.”

Shen Tingwan nodded in agreement. Sang Ning’s sincerity was touching—sincerity always was.

Sang Ning checked Xiao Yan’s painting but didn’t admit that her own trigger had been Shen Tingwan’s kindness back then.

After class, the kids washed their hands and moved to snack time. The little egg cakes made their eyes sparkle.

Several kids brought cakes to Sang Ning, who only took two.

Shen Tingwan noticed. “So popular?”

Sang Ning smiled and handed her one.

The animal-shaped cakes were adorable, topped with swirls of cream.

Xiao Yan loved sweets and devoured hers, getting cream on her nose. Sang Ning noticed and gently wiped it with a napkin.

Shen Tingwan watched sidelong. Sang Ning’s lashes were long; with her eyes downcast, she looked quiet, pretty, and a bit obedient.

Sang Ning sensed it and turned slightly.

Their eyes met. Shen Tingwan didn’t look away—instead, she smiled, holding the gaze.

Sang Ning felt an inexplicable awkwardness. “What?”

Shen Tingwan had meant to pass her a napkin but leaned in instead, wiping cream from Sang Ning’s lip corner with her own—like that afternoon.

The gesture was undeniably intimate. Friends might wipe each other’s mouths, but… Sang Ning forgot to breathe, freezing in place to feign calm.

Her fingertip brushed Sang Ning’s soft lip unintentionally. Shen Tingwan glanced down, feeling the intimacy too. That day had been special; she usually avoided such boundary-crossing acts. But here she was…

She wiped the cream clean and murmured softly, “There.”

The sensation lingered on Sang Ning’s lips. She composed herself, hiding the surge of emotions behind a serene expression.

They held each other’s gaze silently. Shen Tingwan noted Sang Ning’s prim demeanor now and recalled her bold stares before, how she’d cozied up that day—shameless then.

Sang Ning’s breath was still hot, her ears too.

Shen Tingwan spotted the flush and chuckled softly. “Acting like a kid?”

Sang Ning looked at her. “Hm?”

Shen Tingwan said, “You blush so easily.”

Sang Ning: “……”

She kept eating her cake, tasting nothing.

Shen Tingwan couldn’t help laughing. “Ignoring me now?”

Sang Ning frowned helplessly. “No.”

Shen Tingwan’s gentle, beautiful smile filled her view. Sang Ning managed a smile too, as warm tingles raced through her heart, teasing her budding feelings. She could only suppress it again and again.

After some banter, Shen Tingwan asked, “Dinner together tonight?”

Sang Ning started to reply.

Shen Tingwan guessed. “Okay, your treat.”

Sang Ning smiled, lips pursed, her mood soaring yet tinged with unease. She’s so good at reading people.

They didn’t end up eating together that night. After the event, Shen Tingwan got a call—something urgent. Rescheduling didn’t work.

Sang Ning said proactively, “It’s fine, go handle it.”

“Sorry.” Shen Tingwan sounded helpless. An important partner had arrived in Birch City, and since they’d notified her, she had to meet.

“No problem.” Sang Ning’s eyes sparkled with a smile, no trace of disappointment.

Back at her apartment, Sang Ning boiled noodles for dinner. She’d skipped her friends’ gathering expecting to dine with Shen Tingwan. But she was used to eating alone.

After eating, she scrolled her phone. News was all about the typhoon; Birch City was affected.

The forecast showed rain for days ahead.

……

Shen Tingwan got home past ten, tossed her bag aside, and sank onto the sofa to rest. Wei Xue called. She asked, “What’s up?”

Wei Xue had nothing major—just chatty, rambling about family gossip and mutual friends.

Shen Tingwan grew drowsy and cut her off. “Let’s talk another time.”

Lulled by the wind, she dozed off on the sofa. Her sleep was light, and she dreamed. Of that afternoon—Sang Ning’s improper gaze fixed on her, calling “Senior Sister” over and over…

Shen Tingwan woke with shallow breaths, her chest rising and falling. She’d had wine that evening; her lips felt dry, her body faintly warm.

She checked her phone—nearly half an hour gone.

She lingered on the sofa. Bored, she stared at her phone and dialed a number from her recent calls.

No answer.

After a few rings, she hung up.

Sang Ning emerged from the bathroom and paused at Shen Tingwan’s missed call. It rang six times, no message—probably accidental.

She called back. “Senior Sister…”

Shen Tingwan smiled at the familiar tone. At first, it had felt odd, but now she was used to it—liked it, even. Always soft and earnest.

“Didn’t pick up earlier,” Sang Ning said gently. “What’s wrong? Need something?”

Shen Tingwan had dialed on impulse, nothing specific—just chat to unwind. The call felt random now. She laughed. “Hit it by accident.”

Freshly awake, her voice was lazy.

As expected. Sang Ning probed, “Just got home from work?”

“Mm.” Shen Tingwan hummed. Since they were talking, she asked casually, “Were you busy?”

“No, I was just showering…” Sang Ning’s voice trailed off into the quiet night. She felt awkward—not straightforward with Shen Tingwan, who surely wouldn’t overthink.

In the late-night hush, after her shallow dream, Shen Tingwan felt a flicker of unintended ambiguity.

She went silent for seconds. Sang Ning intuited, “Did you drink?”

“A little,” Shen Tingwan admitted. “Not drunk.”

Sang Ning wanted the call to last but said, “Rest if you’re tired.”

So considerate again. Shen Tingwan recalled Sang Ning’s soft, heated gaze that day, her “Senior Sister” growing softer each time. Hard not to overthink… Everything sounded flirtatious now. She teased lightly, “So concerned about your senior sister?”