Chapter 15

Every time she saw a message from Shen Tingwan, Sang Ning would pause for a moment. This time, the message from Shen Tingwan wasn’t about work.

Sang Ning tapped on the suddenly received photo. Her first reaction was, Did she send it to the wrong person?

【Shen Tingwan】Cute?

Sang Ning stared at the text message that followed closely. It probably wasn’t a mistake. She hesitated to reply instantly, afraid it would seem too eager, so she lingered on the chat interface for a bit before responding with “Cute.”

Shen Tingwan stroked Pi Pi’s chin and took a short video, then sent it over.

Sang Ning eagerly opened the video. Her attention first focused on the slender, beautiful fingers, their movements gentle and soft.

【Shen Tingwan】Pi Pi really likes you. Come play again next time.

Sang Ning’s heart pounded as she stared at the message. She replied with a versatile emoji.

She waited a long time again.

Shen Tingwan didn’t send any more messages, and the short chat ended.

Sang Ning saved both the photo and the video. She opened the video again and watched it silly-like many times, smiling as she went, truly charmed by the little dog.

The fact that she had become friends with Shen Tingwan felt increasingly real.

Her good mood lasted until the next day. So much so that when she arrived at the studio the following day, Yu Shuang asked her, “Why are you so happy today? Something good happen?”

Sang Ning asked her, “Am I usually unhappy?”

Yu Shuang teased, “You just seem a bit more alive than usual.”

More alive? Sang Ning just smiled, knowing what Yu Shuang meant. Normally, even when she was in a good mood, it was calm and understated. But happiness related to Shen Tingwan made her noticeably more bubbly.

Her life had always been peaceful, as if only encountering Shen Tingwan created little ripples. She liked these ripples, even if they led nowhere.

In a good mood, her shooting efficiency was high too. After finishing a set of photos in the morning, Sang Ning walked out of the studio lightly. She saw Yu Shuang pacing around the office, talking on the phone with a client.

Yu Shuang wasn’t in a sunny mood today; this client had worn her out. After hanging up, she looked deflated.

Sang Ning sipped her water. “What happened?”

Yu Shuang couldn’t help rolling her eyes. “They keep revising, but the first version was the best.”

Sang Ning stifled a laugh. This was routine—no matter if the client liked the first version, they always nitpicked, or they’d feel like they weren’t getting their money’s worth.

“Ah, just hold on one more week, and we can go play,” Yu Shuang plopped into her office chair, hyping herself up. “Shuang-jie is the best.”

Sang Ning chuckled and said, “Hang in there.”

After a short break, Sang Ning swapped out her camera battery and continued shooting. She rarely touched her phone while working, so it wasn’t until lunchtime that she saw Shen Tingwan had messaged her again on WeChat.

Shen Tingwan said she wanted to go out this weekend and asked if there were any scenic spots around Birch City suitable for a leisurely stroll.

Sang Ning’s first thought was Little Mi Mountain. The scenery was great day or night, and it wasn’t overly touristy—perfect for a short trip to unwind. She replied meticulously and even sent over a travel guide.

Shen Tingwan finished lunch and returned to her office, lounging on the sofa for a rest. She saw Sang Ning’s reply right away. Her workload was light this week, with no social obligations for once, so she had the weekend free. She wanted to get out, stroll around, and shake off the office funk.

She had originally planned to ask Wei Xue for recommendations but then thought a photographer like Sang Ning would know the best scenic spots. Sang Ning often posted landscape photos anyway.

Shen Tingwan opened the travel guide Sang Ning sent. It did look like a good spot to relax.

【Shen Tingwan】Never been there. Looks good.

【Sang Ning】Not far. Perfect for the weekend.

Sang Ning thought for a moment and added: I’m planning to go camping with friends.

【Shen Tingwan】This weekend? Together?

Sang Ning figured Shen Tingwan was free this weekend. Her mind raced through her work schedule, but she didn’t hesitate long before replying “Sure.”

Yu Shuang saw Sang Ning not eating for ages and thought she was busy with a client. She grumbled, “Workaholic, you gonna eat lunch or not?”

Sang Ning snapped back and glanced at Yu Shuang. She was busy this week; their plan with friends was for next week at Little Mi Mountain. “Yu Shuang.”

Yu Shuang puffed her cheeks. “What?”

Sang Ning suggested, “How about we go to Little Mi Mountain this weekend instead?”

“Huh?” Yu Shuang blinked in surprise. “This week? Weren’t we doing next week?”

Sang Ning said, “Haven’t you been wanting to go forever? You were nagging about it every day before.”

“You sure you can manage with your workload?” Yu Shuang asked. They’d scheduled for next week because Sang Ning had a lot on her plate this week.

Sang Ning replied, “I thought it over. I can pull an extra shift.”

Yu Shuang really wanted to go sooner. The surprise was too sudden; she looked at Sang Ning with mock shock. “You’re pulling overtime just to hang out with me? Sis, you’re too good to me. What do I do? I’m gonna cry from the emotion.”

Sang Ning: “……”

No need to get that emotional.

After changing plans, Sang Ning worked overtime for three straight days. Yu Shuang felt guilty, but Sang Ning just said it was fine.

There were seven or eight people going to Little Mi Mountain this time. Camping and barbecuing were more fun with a crowd, and Yu Shuang loved the bustle, so she’d invited more friends.

They set off Saturday afternoon, driving themselves in two cars.

The weather forecast was spot on—clear skies, not a cloud in sight.

At one in the afternoon, Sang Ning got a message from Wei Xue saying she was downstairs. Wei Xue was going too; she and Yu Shuang were riding with her.

Sang Ning went down and spotted a flashy red SUV, impossible to miss.

She greeted Wei Xue first, then loaded her photography gear into the trunk. Pulling open the door, she saw Shen Tingwan in the back seat…

Wei Xue, sunglasses perched on her nose, glanced back. “Hey, are you all treating me like a chauffeur? Everyone piling into the back.”

Sang Ning hadn’t noticed the front passenger seat was empty; it did feel awkward. She hesitated on the spot, wondering if she should take the front.

Shen Tingwan laughed easily. “It’s fine. Leave the front for Yu Shuang.” She couldn’t stand Wei Xue’s nonstop chatter while driving, so she’d chosen the back.

Wei Xue pouted. “Sang Ning, you don’t think I’m too chatty either, right? Sit up front with me.”

Sang Ning: “No.”

Shen Tingwan cut in. “Don’t tease her.”

Wei Xue: “……”

Sang Ning settled into the back seat. The SUV was spacious, with a seat between her and Shen Tingwan.

Shen Tingwan was dressed casually today—a cropped sleeveless T-shirt and joggers. The top hugged her figure, outlining beautiful curves with clear signs of a fitness routine.

No flaws even in her figure, Sang Ning thought quietly.

Wei Xue hit the gas. Ten minutes later, they picked up Yu Shuang and headed to the destination. Once Yu Shuang was in, the two chatterboxes up front ensured the car never went quiet again.

“Sister Wei, your car is so flashy.”

“Isn’t it? Matches my vibe perfectly.”

“Totally matches.”

…

Thanks to the two show-offs up front, the trip was full of laughs.

It took over two hours on the highway to the scenic area, plus another hour on winding mountain roads—pretty tiring. After nearly two hours, Shen Tingwan offered, “Stop at the next service area. I’ll take over.”

“No need. You’re a big shot finally free this weekend. I’ll be your free driver.” Wei Xue huffed. “Pretty nice of me, huh?”

Yu Shuang overheard and glanced back at Sang Ning, suddenly sensing something.

Shen Tingwan smiled. She knew Wei Xue too well for polite refusals like “don’t overwork yourself.”

Most of the ride, Sang Ning and Shen Tingwan watched the scenery out the window. Noticing Sang Ning’s silence, Shen Tingwan leaned in and asked softly, “Carsick?”

Sang Ning looked at her. “Not carsick.”

Shen Tingwan: “Say if you are. Don’t push yourself.”

Sang Ning: “Really not.”

…

Yu Shuang caught the quiet murmurs from the back and felt an inexplicable ambiguity. She was puzzled why Sang Ning had suddenly changed plans—Sang Ning hated switching schedules. At first, she’d thought it was for her, but then Sang Ning casually mentioned bringing Shen Tingwan along…

Sang Ning rarely invited friends proactively.

At the service area, Wei Xue pulled over anyway.

Yu Shuang felt bad for the free ride and planned to grab some snacks and drinks.

Sang Ning got out too, to keep her company.

They browsed the service area supermarket and lined up at the checkout. Yu Shuang winked at Sang Ning.

Sang Ning stared, confused.

“I’ve been wondering why you’ve been off,” Yu Shuang narrowed her eyes gossipily. “Hey, what’s the deal with you two?”

Sang Ning: “What?”

“I got all emotional for nothing.” Yu Shuang felt like she’d cracked the case and said bluntly, “You’ve been working overtime every day this week just to clear your weekend for your senior, right? Why else push it to this week when we planned for next…”

Sang Ning was stumped. When she saw Shen Tingwan walk in too, she went even quieter.