Somehow, the moment Wen Xin took hold of Shi Qianyu’s hand, the staircase beneath her feet suddenly seemed to stretch on endlessly once more.
Shi Qianyu’s hand felt incredibly soft—softer even than Wen Xin’s own. Each finger was slender and elegant. She naturally ran a bit cool to the touch, her palm lacking the usual warmth of most people’s, which only made the sensation more vivid and impossible to ignore.
Wen Xin led her slowly upward, step by step, her own cheeks growing warmer by the moment. Shi Qianyu was too good at acting spoiled, too clingy. She seemed genuinely exhausted, leaning her full weight against Wen Xin, forcing her to bear part of the burden. Every step felt impossibly heavy.
“I actually really like these shoes,” Shi Qianyu murmured softly, her lips parting just a little. Being so close, even her warm breath brushed against Wen Xin’s face. “Too bad. Looks like I’ll have to toss them now.”
“Mm.” Wen Xin nodded, trying her best not to let it show how affected she was. “If they don’t fit right, just get a new pair.”
“Any brands you recommend?” Shi Qianyu kept chatting idly. “Something pretty, good quality, comfortable to wear.”
“None.” Wen Xin instinctively glanced down at her own little white sneakers—the cheap kind you could find anywhere on Taobao, nothing like what Shi Qianyu would wear. “I don’t really wear high heels.”
“Flats are fine too.” Shi Qianyu wasn’t picky. She even started eyeing Wen Xin’s shoes. “I think yours look great.”
It was definitely just consolation.
Wen Xin fell silent. As they climbed the stairs, Shi Qianyu seemed to draw even closer, and she began to worry that the other woman might hear her pounding heartbeat.
Fortunately, the private room was just ahead. The man reached the top of the stairs first, striding ahead to push the door open. “Here we go—this is the room I saved for you two.”
“The food will be out soon. I’ve got stuff to handle, so I can’t stay to eat with you. Make yourselves at home—eat plenty, okay?” His gaze swept over their joined hands, and he remarked casually, “You two are really close.”
“Yeah, best friends,” Shi Qianyu replied with a smile, deliberately drawing out the word “best.”
One simple sentence, and Wen Xin’s cheeks heated up again.
The man didn’t pick up on anything amiss. He chatted with Shi Qianyu about a few other things before finally turning to leave. The room soon fell quiet. Shi Qianyu released her hand and, with lowered eyes, pulled out a chair for Wen Xin.
Then she looked around the room before leaning down to sit right beside her.
“?
Wen Xin gave her a puzzled glance. The private room was spacious enough for at least eight people. There were plenty of other seats—why here?
“My feet hurt. I don’t want to walk anymore.” Shi Qianyu seemed to read her confusion, her lips curving in a light smile. “Sister won’t mind, right?”
“…It’s fine.” Wen Xin shook her head and looked away, afraid Shi Qianyu might tease her more. Thankfully, the other woman said nothing else, simply picking up a glass to pour her some water.
Before long, all the dishes arrived.
“You must be starving.” Shi Qianyu turned the meat platter toward her, positioning it right in front of Wen Xin. “Try it—see if it’s good.”
“Okay.” Wen Xin nodded and picked up a piece of meat, popping it into her mouth. She hadn’t eaten all day, so even bad food would have tasted heavenly right then—and this was genuinely delicious.
“Director Shi, you eat too.” A wave of contentment washed over her. Wen Xin focused on her meal, head down like an obedient, adorable little hamster.
“Mm.” Shi Qianyu smiled, took a wet wipe to clean her hands thoroughly, then lowered her gaze to start peeling shrimp. She did each one quickly and completely, leaving them pristine.
Once the shrimp were done, she moved on to the crab. Wen Xin had loved seafood since she was little but hated getting her hands messy. She was too lazy to shell it herself and always begged her mother for help. When her mother wasn’t around, she’d gaze pleadingly at Shi Qianyu, hoping she’d pitch in.
Back then, Wen Xin hadn’t been as introverted. She’d picked up some cutesy, wheedling tricks somewhere, chirping “Thank you, Sister! You’re the best!” sweetly with every shrimp she got.
Remembering Wen Xin as a child, Shi Qianyu’s eyes softened with amusement. She placed a perfectly peeled shrimp in front of her, looking at her expectantly like a child seeking praise. “Try this one. I already peeled it for you.”
Wen Xin was stunned. “No need, really—no need.”
“You eat it.” Mortified, she pushed the plate back. No matter what, she couldn’t let her boss peel shrimp for her. “I can do it myself.”
“Too bad I’m allergic to seafood.” Shi Qianyu blinked innocently, lying without a shred of shame. “If you don’t want it, just toss it. It’s a waste, sure, but I wouldn’t force you to eat something you don’t like.”
With that, she actually reached to take the plate away.
“Don’t throw it—I’ll eat it! I’ll eat!” Wen Xin hated waste, especially with such pricey ingredients. In her panic, her fingertips instinctively grabbed Shi Qianyu’s wrist, pulling her hand back.
A moment later, Shi Qianyu drawled playfully, “Ooh, Sister’s so bossy~”
Wen Xin: “…”
“Thank you, Director Shi.” Ignoring the teasing, she thanked her sincerely, face flushed. Shi Qianyu was a pro at peeling shrimp—each one perfect. Wen Xin almost hated to eat them. She hadn’t had much seafood since her mother left.
“Is it good?” The woman beside her asked softly.
Wen Xin nodded. “Delicious.”
Shi Qianyu smiled again. Whatever she was thinking, her gaze turned even gentler.
She called her name. “Wen Xin.”
Then she added, “Want me to peel shrimp for you from now on?”
~~~
By the time they left the hotel, it was very late.
Wen Xin was thoughtful. Remembering Shi Qianyu’s sore feet, she took the initiative this time, offering her arm without being asked and guiding her slowly out to the car.
“I’ll drive you.” Shi Qianyu opened the passenger door. “It’s too late—you shouldn’t go back alone. Not safe.”
“Okay.” Wen Xin finally stopped refusing, settling obediently into the seat. “Thank you, Shi—”
“That’s nine times.” Shi Qianyu cut her off, frowning in mild annoyance. “How many more thanks do you plan to give?”
“No need to be so polite with me all the time.” She started the engine. “Buckle your seatbelt.”
“Got it.” Wen Xin wasn’t sure why she was upset but complied anyway.
Shi Qianyu turned the car around and drove into the night. Wen Xin’s place wasn’t far—a ten-minute drive at most.
Perhaps because of her feet, though, Shi Qianyu drove extra slowly, taking a good fifteen minutes before pulling up at the residential complex gate.
Wen Xin pushed the door open and waved goodbye.
“And it’s late—you should head back and rest soon. Thanks for driving me ho—”
Seeing Shi Qianyu’s expression sour again, she remembered their earlier talk and swallowed the thanks, switching to, “Good night.”
“Good night,” she said. “Get some sleep soon.”
Sure enough, Shi Qianyu’s frown eased.
Wen Xin let out a relieved breath, shut the door, and walked toward the complex entrance. Just before going in, she glanced back furtively.
She wanted to check if Shi Qianyu had left, but the car hadn’t even started. The old neighborhood was lit only by a few dim streetlamps, casting a hazy, strangely beautiful glow.
Shi Qianyu had rolled down the window and was leaning out, head propped on her arm. The night breeze tousled her silky hair. Shadows and light played across her face, with the soft moonlight dancing in her strands.
Her eyes stayed fixed on Wen Xin’s retreating figure, so intently that she caught the glance immediately. The moment their gazes met, she smiled.
Wen Xin froze, then belatedly raised her hand in a wave.
Shi Qianyu mirrored the gesture, waving back in farewell. Her lips even parted, murmuring something softly.
Wen Xin couldn’t quite hear, but she somehow read the words on those lips.
“Good night, sweet dreams~”
