Chapter 78: Primrose

Jiang City’s massive downpour came out of nowhere, wreaking havoc on the day’s traffic. Many areas were flooded, causing blockages throughout the entire city.

Fortunately, it didn’t last long and couldn’t be called a disaster.

Chu Susu arrived at the hotel. After the others poured out of the elevator, she spotted Rebecca waiting anxiously by the side.

Seeing her finally back, the other woman broke into a relieved smile.

“You’re finally back.”

She was still in her hotel pajamas, having rushed out without fixing her appearance. With some worry, she said, “Susu, I was really afraid you’d get stuck there. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

Only after saying this did Rebecca notice the person behind Chu Susu.

Everyone else had left, leaving only that one person standing behind her.

Both were holding umbrellas, with water stains on their pant legs and sleeves—clearly splashed by rain before getting in the car.

Rebecca naturally knew who it was. After all, not long ago at lunch, she’d been praising this person to Chu Susu for being young and accomplished—

Fucheng’s Eldest Miss, Han Yao.

Rebecca’s brows furrowed slightly, as if wondering if the two knew each other or had some special relationship. They were standing very close, like they’d just been talking.

But before her gaze could linger, Han Yao walked right past without saying a word.

“…”

So Rebecca didn’t think much of it, quickly withdrawing her gaze and continuing to ask with concern if Chu Susu had caught a chill.

Chu Susu answered her while walking with her toward the suite.

In a brief glance upward, she saw Han Yao standing at a nearby door, pulling out her keycard to enter. But suddenly, Han Yao shot her an amused look.

Chu Susu couldn’t quite figure out what that meant. Puzzled, she paused for a second, hesitating on what she’d been about to say to Rebecca.

“What’s wrong?” Rebecca asked.

Chu Susu quickly snapped back, smiling as she said, “Nothing.”

When she looked again, Han Yao had already gone inside, the door shutting with a “bang,” leaving the doorway empty once more.

That spectator-like gaze from before seemed like nothing but an illusion.

…Whatever. Chu Susu couldn’t be bothered to figure out what she meant.

The rain stopped in the evening but picked up again the next day. The summit’s schedule was delayed by several days, and Chu Susu and Rebecca’s flight back to the Imperial Capital suffered the same fate.

There was nothing to be done—planes couldn’t take off in such vile weather.

The organizers extended their hotel stays and, to avoid boredom, specially arranged guides to take them to some of Jiang City’s famous landmarks and historic sites.

Those who wanted free time could keep their tickets, with all expenses reimbursed by the organizers.

Chu Susu figured idle time was idle time, so playing around Jiang City was a nice opportunity.

With no work for the next few days, it was perfect for relaxing.

On the day of the initial downpour, Rebecca had feared catching a cold and passing it to her daughter, so she’d gone back early—leaving Chu Susu alone and trapped in the venue.

She seemed deeply guilty about it, apologizing repeatedly and blaming herself. Sitting in the suite’s living room, a hint of fragility appeared on her face.

Chu Susu didn’t take it to heart and shook her head. “It’s not your fault. Who could’ve predicted a sudden storm? Besides, I was only stuck inside for less than an hour. No big deal.”

At her words, Rebecca managed a smile, but it was clear she still blamed herself.

This reaction wasn’t like her usual self. Chu Susu felt like something must have happened to make her so sensitive these past few days.

Maybe something to do with her daughter, Feng Zhilan?

“Let’s not talk about that,” Rebecca said. “Let’s relax today and go out. What do you want to eat? My treat.”

“That wouldn’t feel right…”

Rebecca didn’t give her a chance to refuse. “No worries. I’m leaving the job soon anyway. Emotionally and rationally, we should have a proper meal together.”

She pulled out her phone, searched online for recommended restaurants, and quickly found a few well-reviewed ones. She held the screen in front of Chu Susu for her to pick.

Pushing back further would seem distant, so Chu Susu chose a spot famous for Jiang City-style barbecue.

Decision made, they called a car and headed straight there for dinner.

Jiang City was a big place, as crowded as the Imperial Capital—even in the ongoing rain. Pedestrians hurried past with umbrellas, brushing shoulders.

It was right around quitting time, with plenty of office workers emerging from subway stations, faces full of world-weary exhaustion.

Seeing them, Chu Susu felt a pang of sympathy and smiled at Rebecca. “That’s probably my face after work every day.”

Since this was personal time, neither had dressed too formally.

Afraid of splashing mud on her legs in the rain, Chu Susu wore black pants and Martin boots. Her look wasn’t the approachable type to begin with—especially with sunglasses, giving off strong “strangers keep out” vibes.

Rebecca, rarely, was in a skirt.

She was always in crisp professional suits at the office, immaculate. Now in a velvet maxi dress with her hair pinned back, she seemed to have let down her guard, exuding gentle intellectuality.

It almost made one overlook the faint traces of time on her face.

“Is that so?” Rebecca glanced at her and smiled too. “You have a car—no crowded subways. Your mood should be better than theirs.”

Chu Susu sighed in mock distress. “But the dread of going to work is the same.”

That said, she wasn’t like most corporate drones, slaving away daily. Foreign companies had top-tier benefits anyway, and as an Imperial Capital local, she had no pressure of drifting elsewhere.

Maybe it was the especially humid air today, but Rebecca’s big wavy hair lay smoother against the back of her head—graceful and inviting.

Come to think of it, Chu Susu occasionally scrolled yuri bloggers’ posts about romance online, and nine out of ten griped about “older sisters.”

Plenty seemed to go for the mature, intellectual big-sis type—and Rebecca fit perfectly. If she weren’t straight, she’d probably be super popular.

Chu Susu could appreciate her too, of course—but only appreciate. She wasn’t sure why it didn’t go further.

Like two magnets with the same poles—never attracting.

The barbecue place was busy but had seats available.

They’d just sat down when the server handed over menus with a cheerful smile.

“Hello, ladies. We have a family event today—any blood-related family members dining get 30% off! If you don’t have ID, past photos or Moments posts proving your relationship work too.”

“Ah, no need,” Chu Susu explained. “We’re not family.”

The server replied, “Got it. Too bad you can’t join then. We’ll comp you some meat instead.”

“Oh? Thanks.”

Even if she wasn’t paying, learning about free food still lifted Chu Susu’s mood.

Smiling at Rebecca, she saw her expression frozen, a touch of melancholy in her eyes.

“Susu, go ahead and order,” she said, not lightly. “I have no restrictions.”

Chu Susu wasn’t tone-deaf enough to pry then. She quickly placed the order and, only after the server left, hesitated on whether to speak up.

Rebecca gave a wry smile and shook her head. After a pause, she took the initiative. “Sorry, am I killing the vibe?”

“Got something bothering you?”

“No, just… suddenly thought of Zhilan.”

Rebecca’s phone screen lit up—her lock screen was a photo of her and her daughter, the kid beaming innocently and adorably.

She caressed Zhilan’s face on the screen with a fingertip, full of fondness.

“Kids love novel things. Once she saw a barbecue place outside and threw a fit wanting to try it. But her health is poor—these might upset her stomach. She’s never had any.”

Chu Susu had long guessed Feng Zhilan was a sickly child, so she wasn’t surprised. She just followed along. “Plenty of chances when she grows up. No rush.”

“Mm.”

At that, Rebecca finally smiled again, genuinely.

The meal passed pleasantly. They didn’t bring up Zhilan again, instead chatting a lot about work.

Rebecca had far more experience and offered sharp insights— just a couple pointers left Chu Susu enlightened.

The vibe lasted until they returned to the hotel.

Sitting in the living room continuing the conversation, Rebecca’s phone suddenly rang.

The ringtone had changed—it wasn’t the one from when they’d first met.

Rebecca hadn’t saved a contact name but clearly recognized the number at a glance.

“Sorry, I need to take this call.”

She turned and went into her room, locking the door behind her.

Rebecca’s emotions were very intense during the phone call. Even though Chu Susu had returned to her own room, separated by the entire living room, she could still hear Rebecca’s suppressed sobs and intermittent questions.

It lasted a full half hour.

The situation sounded somewhat tense, and most of the conversation was about her daughter Zhilan. Clearly, it was the divorce case with her ex-husband again. The reason they were so deadlocked was largely related to Zhilan.

Rebecca would rather tear her face off than give up her daughter.

When the sounds finally stopped, it suddenly became unusually quiet outside the door.

Chu Susu wanted to go out and knock to check on Rebecca’s condition, but her own door was knocked on first.

Tear stains lingered on Rebecca’s face, her eyes somewhat swollen. She wore a suspender nightgown and held a glass of wine.

It was late at night. The dim light filtered through the window onto her profile, like a reed swaying in the wind—seemingly resilient, yet fragile enough to snap at the slightest bend.

Rebecca leaned against the doorframe, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her heart, and asked:

“Want to have a drink with me?”