Chapter 62: Butterfly Wings

As the saying goes, the core of comedy is tragedy.

Though this movie was full of laughter from start to finish, with utterly absurd dialogue and even some black humor thrown in, the overall plot and ending still left people sighing with emotion, laughing through tears, both hilarious and touching.

Especially the family dynamics and related scenes, which were depicted so realistically.

Although Chu Susu hadn’t gone through what the protagonist had, she instantly thought of her own family relationship with Chu Zhen and couldn’t help feeling a deep empathy.

When the two of them walked out together, there was still a faint redness at the corners of her eyes.

Han Xuan didn’t ask if she wanted tissue. Instead, she gently wiped away the trace at the corner of her eye with her sleeve, making Chu Susu feel like a sappy little girl, suddenly a bit embarrassed.

“I didn’t cry,” she said softly, not wanting to show any vulnerability in front of others.

Han Xuan still didn’t say anything, just stared at her with curved eyes and a smile.

After saying that, and being looked at like this, Chu Susu suddenly realized she was making it worse, and a wave of annoyance at herself welled up in her heart.

Damn it, how did she end up seeming even more like a little girl.

…Whatever, no more explaining. Time to go eat.

She quickly changed the subject, boldly pulling Han Xuan toward the escalator:

“Shall we go eat grilled fish? There’s a famous grilled fish place on the second floor. I booked a table in advance.”

Han Xuan followed passively behind her, her tone rising at the end: “Oh? Didn’t you say you don’t like fish?”

The family scenes from the movie were still replaying in Chu Susu’s mind. When those words entered her ears, she suddenly recalled a time when she went home for dinner, and the table was full of seafood that was hard to swallow.

Chu Zhen had frowned, apparently not remembering at all that she didn’t like it, and impatiently scolded her for being so troublesome.

“Eat it if you like it, or get lost if you don’t.”

Whatever, what was the point of thinking about that?

Chu Susu shook off the threads of irritation: “Hm? Did I ever tell you?”

She remembered they had never eaten seafood together.

“You mentioned it during chat.”

Had she? Chu Susu had no impression of it at all and couldn’t remember.

“That place is called grilled fish, but their other stuff is great too, like grilled meat, veggies, and such.”

Before she knew it, they had arrived at the door of the restaurant she mentioned. “If you have no dietary restrictions, wanna try it?”

“Mm, sure.”

Chu Susu handed her pre-booked phone number to the server, who quickly led them to the reserved spot.

The grill pan was already brushed with oil, with aromatic dipping sauces beside it, making one’s mouth water.

While Han Xuan went to the bathroom, she smoothly placed the order like a regular. When the server came to confirm the dishes, Chu Susu glanced down at the paper slip handed over, only to see her phone screen flash.

Several WeChat messages popped up one after another as soon as her eyes landed on it.

Kong Zhizhen: “Hi~”

Kong Zhizhen: “I’m right next to you.”

Kong Zhizhen: “Look up.”

They had chosen a spot by the glass. Chu Susu instinctively looked over as told, and saw a figure outside the glass playfully winking at her.

Despite the weather heading into winter, that woman wore a sapphire blue bodycon skirt and long boots, seemingly unafraid of the cold at all, with only a short fur piece wrapped around her upper body.

Probably to match the outfit, she had on shimmering navy blue eyeshadow, making her look casual yet eye-catching. The way she raised her hand to wave was like a peacock fanning its tail.

The last time Chu Susu had seen this name was a few months ago. They hadn’t been in touch since. It was only after taking in her unique makeup and style that she realized who it was.

That girl from the music festival, the one like a little peacock.

Kong Zhizhen strode in confidently. Without waiting for Chu Susu to respond, she plopped down right across from her:

“Hi, long time no see. Mind if I join you?”

She had sunglasses perched on her head, looking in good spirits—as if her previous troubles had been resolved.

Seeing the third person arrive, the server said before leaving, “Shall I add a seat for you?”

“Add a seat?”

Kong Zhizhen raised her brows, then noticed the small bag beside them. “I thought you were alone. Yeah, grilling meat by yourself would be way too lonely.”

Normally, if they bumped into each other here, Chu Susu wouldn’t mind eating together, but today she was with Han Xuan.

She didn’t know if Han Xuan would mind, but having a third wheel join midway clearly wasn’t appropriate.

“I’m here with…”

She frowned, about to speak, when a clear voice called from afar.

“Susu.”

Han Xuan walked over slowly and stopped by the table, right between Chu Susu and Kong Zhizhen.

There were still a few water droplets on her fingertips that she hadn’t dried. Her arms hung at her sides, her expression seeming a bit at a loss.

Her gaze flicked back and forth between the two once, finally landing on Chu Susu.

After just a bathroom break, her seat had been taken. With Han Xuan’s temperament, she wouldn’t get mad, but she smiled and said, “And this is?”

“Hm?”

At the same time, Kong Zhizhen quickly scanned Han Xuan from head to toe, revealing a smile with unclear meaning.

That gesture would normally seem impolite, but on her, it came off as lively and spirited, so natural that no one could even call her out on it.

Her eyes grew intrigued as she said lightly, “Won’t you introduce us?”

The surprise on Han Xuan’s face was perfectly measured—not rude, yet not overly welcoming.

It was the most appropriate reaction, but Chu Susu somehow read a hint of distortion in those calm, unwavering eyes.

Looking more closely, though, it vanished without a trace.

Must be an illusion.

Chu Susu shot an displeased glance at the woman across from her, feeling that Kong Zhizhen was overstepping.

They’d only met once; they weren’t that close. This presumptuousness felt very rude to her.

But with Han Xuan still standing there, to avoid awkwardness, she gave a quick mutual introduction: “…Han Xuan, Kong Zhizhen.”

Kong Zhizhen smiled brightly: “Han Xuan—what a nice name. Hi.”

Han Xuan gave a slight nod and a soft “Hi,” showing no other emotions.

Chu Susu pondered how to express her lack of welcome, then said tactfully, “We were planning to eat just the two of us.”

The meaning was obvious—her midway insertion had interrupted their date.

This time, it was Kong Zhizhen’s gaze darting between them. She let out an “Ah,” as if just realizing they were on a date, and exaggeratedly covered her mouth with her hand:

“Ah, sorry, I didn’t read the room. At first, from outside the glass, I saw Susu sitting here alone and thought she came by herself, no company.”

With that, she wrapped her fur tighter and started to stand, looking like she really planned to leave:

“Oh, and don’t get the wrong idea. I actually came here with my friends too. I saw Susu alone and thought about inviting her to join. Sorry, I took your seat.”

Kong Zhizhen pointed outside. Sure enough, a few guys and girls had trickled in earlier and were sitting at a large table, occasionally glancing over, seemingly waiting for her.

Her apology seemed sincere enough, and it didn’t look like she was deliberately intruding, so Chu Susu let it go with a nod and a polite, “Mm, it’s fine. We can hang out next time when we’re free.”

Of course, as for exactly when “next time” would be, that was another story.

Just then, the server brought over a chair. Seeing Kong Zhizhen already standing, he asked, “Excuse me, do you still need the chair?”

Kong Zhizhen was about to say, “No need…”

“Put it here.”

Han Xuan suddenly cut in with a charming smile. “Susu, this is the first time I’ve met your friend. Why don’t we have Kong miss join us? What do you think?”

Her eyes were full of sincerity and friendliness: “Kong miss, your other friends won’t mind, right?”

“Of course not…” Kong Zhizhen hesitated, “As long as you and Susu don’t mind, I’d be delighted.”

“Perfect then.”

Han Xuan calmly sat down on the third chair the server brought. “Let’s eat together.”

With both of them like this in front of her, Chu Susu naturally couldn’t say they weren’t actually close.

Besides, Kong Zhizhen had once tried to proposition her for a 419 hookup. Though she’d refused, Chu Susu didn’t really want these two interacting from the bottom of her heart. Plus, having a third wheel crash their date was disappointing enough.

But with Han Xuan putting it that way, refusing would make her seem guilty of something—

Like she had some shady relationship with Kong Zhizhen.

“You sure?”

“Mm, of course.”

Chu Susu felt Han Xuan’s reaction was a bit off, but her expression showed nothing amiss, leaving her with more doubts and wondering if she was overthinking.

She also didn’t get why Han Xuan wanted to keep Kong Zhizhen around. Was it thin-skinned politeness, not wanting to refuse?

Or did she really want to meet her friend, like she said?

Anyway, over there, Kong Zhizhen went back to say hi to her other friends, then smoothly took her seat.

The barbecue and dishes were served quickly. Han Xuan proactively took the barbecue tongs and placed slices of meat on the grill, flipping and roasting them. It was clear her technique was highly skilled, and the meat came out with perfect texture.

Kong Zhizhen had a very chatty personality. Even though the atmosphere was a bit awkward right now, she still casually picked topics to chat about here and there.

Staring at Han Xuan’s slender, fair neck, she suddenly turned her head and smiled at Chu Susu. “So, you like this type of girl.”

Before the words even finished, the smile at the corner of Chu Susu’s mouth froze, and her gaze abruptly changed.

Was it an illusion? She hadn’t pegged Kong Zhizhen as someone who spoke without a filter before. Why did her words now carry such a barbed edge?

She was just about to open her mouth when the barbecue tongs clashed crisply against the grill. Han Xuan set them down, raised her head, and shot a puzzled look her way.

“What kind?” Han Xuan asked with a smile. “I don’t even know what type I am.”

Propping her chin on her hand, Kong Zhizhen seemed utterly oblivious to any ambiguity in her words as she cheerfully explained:

“A very obedient, very virtuous good girl—who even takes the initiative to help grill the meat, and grills it so perfectly too. She must be great in the kitchen usually, right?”

Her words and demeanor were all natural, like sincere praise straight from the heart.

If she hadn’t snuck her phone under the table and sent a WeChat message, Chu Susu might have almost believed it.

Kong Zhizhen: “Just didn’t expect your taste to be so bland.”