Jiang Yunchun saw that Sang Ning was a friend Shen Tingwan had brought home, so they must be very close. She didn’t stand on ceremony and directly suggested that Sang Ning share a room with Shen Tingwan.
Shen Tingwan had boundaries and would only bring longtime friends home—this time was an exception.
When Sang Ning heard Jiang Yunchun’s words, her neck heated up. She quickly said, “No… that’s not necessary.”
Shen Tingwan found Sang Ning’s reaction amusing, as if she were afraid Shen Tingwan would devour her. She figured Sang Ning wasn’t used to getting too close to others. “There’s a guest room. It’s late—don’t go back.”
Jiang Yunchun said enthusiastically, “Grandma will make you pancakes for breakfast tomorrow.”
Sang Ning’s heart warmed at Jiang Yunchun’s words. Her own grandmother favored boys over girls and had never been this kindly to her.
Shen Tingwan smiled. “We’re in for a treat.”
Jiang Yunchun: “Of course.”
Sang Ning glanced at Shen Tingwan and, harboring a selfish thought, didn’t refuse again.
Shen Tingwan greeted the family’s housekeeper. “Auntie Zeng, tidy up the guest room next to mine.”
“Okay.”
Since she wasn’t leaving, Jiang Yunchun continued pulling Sang Ning to look at photos. “Teacher Sang, what do you think? Any progress?”
Sang Ning smiled and praised her. “Yes, they’re great.”
Jiang Yunchun joked, “You’re not just consoling this old lady, are you?”
Sang Ning said earnestly, “No, they’re really good.”
Jiang Yunchun liked this sincere and beautiful girl very much. She quietly asked Sang Ning, “Has Wanwan been drinking a lot lately?”
Sang Ning didn’t know how to answer. She had only recently learned that Shen Tingwan liked to drink, and while Jiang Yunchun assumed they were close, they weren’t—not yet. She didn’t know how to explain.
Jiang Yunchun said, “Help me keep an eye on her usually. Tell her not to drink before bed. It’s a bad habit.”
Sang Ning was even more at a loss for words. How could she manage Shen Tingwan’s bedtime habits? But seeing the old lady’s earnest gaze, she went along with it. “Okay.”
Shen Tingwan poured a glass of water in the kitchen and came out to see them chatting. She casually asked, “What are you two talking about?”
Jiang Yunchun looked up with a childish tone. “Talking bad about you.”
Sang Ning laughed, finding it adorable.
Shen Tingwan walked over and coaxed her like a child. “Teacher Jiang, time to rest. We can play tomorrow.”
It was getting late, and Jiang Yunchun didn’t want to keep Sang Ning up. “Alright, tomorrow then. Good night, Teacher Sang.”
Sang Ning was charmed by the old lady again. “Good night, Grandma.”
Hearing “Grandma” like that felt wonderful, making Jiang Yunchun wish she had another granddaughter.
The old Western-style house had three floors. Jiang Yunchun’s legs weren’t great, so she lived on the first floor. Shen Tingwan often stayed here too, with her bedroom on the second floor.
After bidding the old lady good night, Sang Ning and Shen Tingwan went upstairs. Auntie Zeng had already prepared the guest room, with fresh bedding on the bed.
Shen Tingwan went back to her room briefly and soon came out with a towel and pajamas. She handed them to Sang Ning. “The towel and toothbrush are new. The pajamas are mine—I’ve only worn them once…”
Sang Ning paused when she took the pajamas.
Shen Tingwan noticed. “Do you mind?”
“No.” Sang Ning took the items. “Thanks, Senior.”
“Don’t keep saying it’s trouble.” Shen Tingwan pointed to the guest bathroom nearby. “The bathroom’s there. Get some rest.”
Sang Ning: “You too. Good night.”
Shen Tingwan turned and went back to her room.
Their builds were similar, so the pajamas fit Sang Ning well after her shower. But wearing something Shen Tingwan had worn made her toss and turn in bed—she wouldn’t sleep tonight.
Unknowingly, it turned midnight.
The old neighborhood had good greenery, and the cicadas chirped through the night.
Sang Ning had removed her hearing aid before showering, so she couldn’t hear faint sounds. She flipped over a few times and vaguely heard barking, like something scratching at the door.
She turned on the light and went to the door. There was indeed noise—probably the little dog acting up. She opened the bedroom door. The hallway light was on. She smiled down at the dog, then looked up and saw Shen Tingwan approaching—barefaced, in a spaghetti-strap nightgown.
Shen Tingwan also saw Sang Ning standing at the door in pajamas, her loose long hair hanging down, making her look a bit more mature than usual.
Their gazes met and lingered silently for two seconds.
The Shiba Inu Pi Pi wagged its tail playfully.
Shen Tingwan reached the door. “Did we wake you?”
Sang Ning shook her head, staring at her distractedly. “Not asleep yet?”
Shen Tingwan was used to her insomnia by now. She squatted down and rubbed Pi Pi’s head with a smile. “Be good. No fussing late at night.”
Sang Ning smiled and looked down, inadvertently glimpsing a hint of something at the strap’s neckline. She hastily looked away.
Pi Pi was thrilled and nuzzled into Shen Tingwan’s arms. Shen Tingwan helplessly picked up the hefty furball. “Happy we have a guest? Want to play with you.”
Sang Ning had her hearing aid off, so she heard only muffled sounds. Her eyes fixed on Shen Tingwan’s lips, but staring made her zone out, unsure what to say.
Shen Tingwan asked, “Want to hold it? Pi Pi’s friendly.”
Sang Ning read that clearly. “Sure, I’ll try.”
Sang Ning imitated her and took Pi Pi into her arms. The little one was well-behaved, not struggling, and even rubbed against her enthusiastically.
Shen Tingwan watched from the side, chuckling. “Such a clingy one.”
Sang Ning looked down and called the dog’s name. “Pi Pi.”
It responded immediately.
Sang Ning smiled happily. She loved cats and dogs but was too busy with work to keep one properly. As she looked down, her long hair fell over her eyes, and she had no free hands.
Shen Tingwan leaned in closer and gently tucked the hair behind her ear…
Her fingers brushed Sang Ning’s ear root like a tender caress. Sang Ning flinched sensitively.
Shen Tingwan noticed and laughed softly. “Ticklish?”
They stood close, so Sang Ning heard that. Looking up, she still habitually watched Shen Tingwan’s lips. She tried to suppress her unease, her voice soft. “A little.”
Shen Tingwan’s gaze paused briefly. Staring at her lips must be for lip-reading. She stayed quiet, noticing the other’s ears turn red despite her calm face, and couldn’t help lowering her eyes with a smile.
Pi Pi wriggled in her arms—it was too heavy. Sang Ning set it down.
Shen Tingwan quickly stopped the dog from darting into the guest room. Pi Pi obediently backed out.
It was the middle of the night now. After the little interlude, Shen Tingwan said, “Good night.”
Sang Ning replied, “Good night,” and watched Shen Tingwan’s retreating back. Now she really wouldn’t sleep.
Sure enough, she burrowed under the covers. Closing her eyes brought images of Shen Tingwan in the strap dress approaching her—her heart raced restlessly.
She thought of the evening’s events, feeling an illusion of closeness to Shen Tingwan. But Shen Tingwan would help anyone kindly, right?
It took a long time for drowsiness to set in, and she finally drifted off.
The next morning around seven, Sang Ning got up. Downstairs, she found Jiang Yunchun busy in the kitchen herself. The air was filled with the aroma of egg pancakes.
“Little Ning, up so early?”
“Grandma’s earlier.” Sang Ning offered proactively. “Let me help.”
“No need, almost ready.”
Sang Ning hadn’t seen Shen Tingwan that morning. Jiang Yunchun said she had gone on a business trip abroad without even eating breakfast.
“Hasn’t rested properly since returning. Always so busy— she’s lost weight.” Jiang Yunchun grumbled heartbrokenly over breakfast.
Shen Tingwan had flown abroad for work. Her biological clock was off after returning, and she hadn’t slept well for days.
After work that day, she drove to Jiang Yunchun’s again. She’d been coming frequently lately, so Jiang Yunchun said upon seeing her, “You’re here again?”
“Can’t I come?” Shen Tingwan had bought fruit and set it on the coffee table.
“It’s not that.” Jiang Yunchun adjusted her reading glasses and asked with concern, “Tired lately?”
Shen Tingwan sat beside her. “I’m fine.”
“Don’t pretend with me.” Jiang Yunchun knew her granddaughter’s temperament well. Shen Tingwan’s parents were strict, demanding excellence in everything. She’d grown up under immense pressure.
They’d raised her successfully—everyone praised Shen Tingwan, finding no faults. But Jiang Yunchun knew she wasn’t as carefree as she seemed. No one was perfect; being too flawless wasn’t good.
When stressed or tired, Shen Tingwan always came to her. She’d done so since childhood. Sometimes Jiang Yunchun wasn’t thrilled to see her.
Jiang Yunchun sighed. “Always coming here—what will you do when this old lady’s gone?”
Shen Tingwan hugged her shoulders. “Don’t talk nonsense.”
Jiang Yunchun chuckled ruefully—it was inevitable, and she wasn’t superstitious. She patted Shen Tingwan’s hand. “Want some advice from Teacher Jiang?”
Shen Tingwan: “Sure, Teacher Jiang.”
“Take a vacation, go out and see new sights, breathe fresh air.” Jiang Yunchun smiled. “Don’t be less lively than this old lady at your age.”
Shen Tingwan laughed. “No one can compare to you. Most people aren’t as vibrant.”
Jiang Yunchun played along. “With such good genes, you could’ve inherited more.”
Shen Tingwan burst out laughing.
Seeing her tired, Jiang Yunchun didn’t chat long. “Sleep early tonight. I’ll make you something tasty tomorrow.”
“Mm.” Shen Tingwan went upstairs, took a hot shower to ease her fatigue, then lay in bed scrolling her phone. It wasn’t late yet. She hadn’t relaxed in ages. Thinking of relaxation, a person flashed in her mind…
They hadn’t met since that night.
She never initiated contact.
Shen Tingwan heard movement at the door—Pi Pi pushing in. She beckoned it over, and Pi Pi trotted up, tail wagging.
So cute. Shen Tingwan snapped a photo casually. She meant to set her phone down and sleep but hesitated, then sent the photo.
To her slight surprise, the reply came promptly.
