Chapter 23: Self-Consistency Part 4

Miao Zhu didn’t know what was wrong with her. Tonight’s meeting had felt like a dark cloud hanging over her heart the whole time.

But Mu Shanyi wasn’t angry, and they had kissed. Everything was past—why did it still feel this way?

Miao Zhu wished Mu Shanyi would say something more, but Mu Shanyi only reminded her, “Tomorrow’s flight is long. It’ll be tiring. Get some rest.”

Miao Zhu nodded wistfully. In her peripheral vision, a supercar with its high beams on pulled up behind the nanny van.

Sheng Xingran got out of the car.

“Longlong~” Sheng Xingran had spotted Miao Zhu and pulled over. She jogged over with a smile but quickly recognized Mu Shanyi’s car, so she restrained herself. Standing by the door like Miao Zhu, she said politely, “Sis, you gave Longlong a ride home?”

In a flash, Mu Shanyi and Miao Zhu exchanged glances. Miao Zhu froze, and Mu Shanyi’s gaze shifted from her face to Sheng Xingran’s. “Mm,” she said. “Text me when you land tomorrow.”

Sheng Xingran: “Got it.”

Mu Shanyi didn’t look at them again. She told Lu Zheng, “Let’s go.”

Sheng Xingran draped an arm over Miao Zhu’s shoulder and stepped back a couple paces, waiting for the nanny van to drive off. Then, in that same posture, she led Miao Zhu to her own car.

“Aunt Huang made soup dumplings. You love those, right? I was going to bring some tomorrow when I pick you up, but they’re best fresh out of the steamer. She’ll make you some in the morning.” Sheng Xingran opened the passenger door for Miao Zhu. After a delayed reaction, she finally circled back: “Eh? Why was she dropping you off?”

Miao Zhu looked toward the direction Mu Shanyi had gone; the nanny van’s taillights were already out of sight.

“Ran into colleagues at karaoke. Sister A-Heng had a work thing too. I drank beer, so I couldn’t drive.”

At least she didn’t have to lie to Sheng Xingran in front of Mu Shanyi, Miao Zhu thought—realizing she had done it before, over the phone.

Lying to Sheng Xingran right in front of Mu Shanyi wouldn’t matter anyway. Mu Shanyi had said more than once not to worry about her feelings.

“Did she say something to you?” Sheng Xingran suddenly sniffed at the back of Miao Zhu’s neck.

Miao Zhu: “Say what?”

“This scent…” Sheng Xingran frowned. “How much perfume does she spray in her car? You’re covered in it.”

Miao Zhu: “…”

Sheng Xingran huffed awkwardly. “Whatever.”

Miao Zhu vaguely caught on. “Xingran, I don’t get what you mean. What did Sister A-Heng say to me?”

“I transferred you some money. Check it.” Sheng Xingran walked around to the driver’s seat. “She covers all the expenses. We split pocket money halfsies.”

Miao Zhu opened her phone. Sure enough, there was a bank notification. The AC was blasting cold air, and she stared blankly at the eight-figure deposit, her mind going numb.

“…She—Sister A-Heng—didn’t say anything to me.” Miao Zhu found her voice, her unease a perfectly reasonable reaction. “How can I take her money?”

“Just take it.” Sheng Xingran shrugged it off. “Pretend it’s from me. It was between her and me anyway… The flight I booked had a layover. She got us a direct one on her private jet tomorrow.”

Miao Zhu’s heart plummeted. Applying for a flight route took time. Mu Shanyi must have known days ago—maybe even from their meeting that Wednesday.

Sheng Xingran dropped Miao Zhu off outside the courtyard. Annoyed by Miao Ling’s nagging, she confirmed tomorrow’s pickup time with Miao Zhu and left straight away.

Miao Zhu got out with the soup dumplings and realized she still had them when she reached her room. She went back downstairs to put them in the fridge.

“Have you packed your luggage?” Miao Ling chased her out from the living room. “Make sure Xingran has a happy trip, got it?”

Miao Zhu barely remembered how she replied. She returned to her room, drew a bath, and submerged herself for a long time.

Mu Shanyi had done those things not necessarily for her sake. Sheng Xingran was her sister; Mu Shanyi had always cared for her growing up.

And Mu Shanyi’s indulgence toward her—no demands—because they were just physical. They clicked in bed; no need for emotional support.

Logic screamed this at her desperately, but Miao Zhu’s mind kept replaying her moments with Mu Shanyi.

What had Mu Shanyi felt watching her stumble over her words?

During their walk, while smoking, kissing in the ice cream shop… what was on Mu Shanyi’s mind?

Had Mu Shanyi felt even a little wronged, making arrangements without a word?

Her flawless lover would probably just say none of it mattered, as long as she was happy.

In that instant, she couldn’t suppress the growing reluctance in her chest. Miao Zhu got up, wrapped herself in a bathrobe, and dialed Mu Shanyi’s number.

After a few rings, Mu Shanyi’s voice came through. “Not asleep yet?”

Hearing Mu Shanyi’s voice cracked open the already fragile dam of her emotions. Her eyes heated, nose stung, throat tightened. “Sister A-Heng…”

Mu Shanyi heard the choke in her voice and paused silently. “Did I make you cry?”

“…Sorry.” Miao Zhu sniffled. “Did I disappoint you?”

Mu Shanyi said, “No disappointment. No need to apologize. No matter the reason, making you cry was never my intention.”

Miao Zhu understood it all now. Her hesitation, her inability to speak—it wasn’t just fear of wearing out Mu Shanyi’s goodwill.

It was because she cared about Mu Shanyi’s feelings. She felt guilty toward Mu Shanyi.

She shouldn’t have made this call. There were no emotional entAngelments between them. Yet Miao Zhu was bewitched; she had to confirm: “Can we still be together?”

“We are together.” Mu Shanyi gave her a firm answer. Then, silence stretched in the receiver before Mu Shanyi’s voice returned. “I just need some time to make peace with it myself.”