Sang Ning didn’t know when Shen Tingwan had arrived or if she had overheard. Seeing the person they were just discussing suddenly appear, Yu Shuang’s gossipy mouth shut abruptly.
A moment of awkward silence followed, with only the beeping of the cashier scanning items in her ears.
“Have you all finished shopping?” Shen Tingwan asked with an easy smile.
Sang Ning feigned composure. “Is there anything else we need to get?”
Shen Tingwan replied, “We’re out of wet wipes in the car, so I came to buy some.”
Yu Shuang laughed. “You could’ve just messaged us on WeChat. No need to come over specially.”
Shen Tingwan smiled faintly. “I was just stepping out for some fresh air anyway.”
It was the height of summer, and outside was scorching hot, the air thick with heat waves. After buying their things, they hurried back to the car, eager to teleport to the mountains.
Shen Tingwan said nothing.
She probably hadn’t heard, Sang Ning thought, easing some of the awkwardness as she sipped her drink in small gulps.
Shen Tingwan twisted open a bottle of iced tea, took a sip, and subtly glanced at the person beside her with her peripheral vision, acting as if nothing had happened. When she lowered her head, the corners of her mouth curved up slightly.
The car continued toward their destination.
Sang Ning saw that Yu Shuang had messaged her: just four words, Confess and get leniency. She replied to Yu Shuang with four words of her own: You’re overthinking it.
The car navigated several sharp bends, winding around the mountain road as the elevation rose and the temperature finally dropped.
With the windows down, cool natural breeze rushed in, leaving the noise and heat behind. Everyone’s mood lightened.
Little Mi Mountain sat at nearly two thousand meters, with daytime temperatures in the low twenties, cool and comfortable—a perfect summer escape.
Once up the mountain, they all added jackets. Sang Ning noticed Shen Tingwan wore a thin one over a tank top, fine for the day but potentially chilly at night.
Little Mi Mountain’s scenery was best at night and early morning, so they had set out in the afternoon to arrive near dusk. The car finally parked beside a homestay at a high elevation, just a ten-minute walk from the summit, which had a camping site. Considering the weekend crowds, they decided to stay at the homestay.
Sang Ning had booked it; the owner was an acquaintance named Liu Yang. She always stayed here on visits to Little Mi Mountain—the location was great for stargazing at night and waking to sunrise and sea of clouds.
Sang Ning entered the first floor and greeted a young woman. “Liu Yang Jie.”
“You’re here,” Liu Yang welcomed her warmly. “Quite a crowd this time.”
Shen Tingwan could tell Sang Ning and Liu Yang were close; Liu Yang kept calling her “Ningning,” and Sang Ning smiled back familiarly.
Everyone returned to their rooms to unpack. They had standard rooms, with Sang Ning sharing one with Yu Shuang. The moment they entered, Yu Shuang couldn’t wait and grabbed Sang Ning. “Finally wised up? Got a crush on your senior?”
Sang Ning denied it immediately. “No, don’t talk nonsense.”
“Then why the hassle? It’s all to hang out with your senior, right? Don’t say it’s for me—I won’t buy it.” Yu Shuang sounded a bit hurt about their “cheap” friendship.
“Last time, she helped me out of a bind, so I’m returning the favor.” Sang Ning told Yu Shuang about the incident with Zheng Cheng.
Yu Shuang was half-believing. “That’s it?”
Sang Ning said flatly, “Yeah.”
Yu Shuang puzzled, “Returning a favor—you went this far for that?”
They hadn’t chatted long when a friend knocked, signaling it was time for dinner.
That evening, they barbecued outdoors. Liu Yang had staff set up the charcoal grills in advance. Everyone except Sang Ning could hold their liquor, so they ordered plenty of alcohol.
Dusk fell in a blue hour, the forest plunging into a sea of deep blue.
The air felt leisurely. Sang Ning couldn’t resist snapping photos with her camera, filled with simple joy, away from the city’s clamor, enjoying light chatter with friends. When her lens passed over Shen Tingwan, her happiness quietly swelled.
“Stop shooting and eat some meat.” Yu Shuang’s loud voice pulled Sang Ning back to reality.
They gathered around the grill. Night had cooled the air further, but the charcoal fire kept them warm.
Though the others drank, Sang Ning didn’t push herself. She explained openly, “I don’t drink—soda’s fine for me.”
Wei Xue said, “It’s just beer.”
Sang Ning still refused. “Can’t do it.”
Wei Xue insisted, “We’re all friends here—no one’s judging if you get tipsy.”
Shen Tingwan took the beer from Wei Xue’s hand, glanced at Sang Ning, and said, “Drink whatever you want. Don’t listen to her nonsense.”
Sang Ning smiled. This was probably why being around Shen Tingwan felt so reassuring—she was so gentle and considerate, even to casual friends. Anyone close to her must be truly happy…
A sudden pang of inexplicable jealousy hit her, and she lowered her head, feeling the emotion was wrong.
They barbecued and chatted idly, time flying by.
Before they knew it, night deepened. Sang Ning looked up at the sky—clear with no clouds, stars twinkling overhead.
Little Mi Mountain was a Level 3 light pollution area, the best among mediocre spots around Birch City for stargazing.
After dinner, Wei Xue pulled out a deck of cards for fun. With so many people, they played Texas Hold’em.
Sang Ning wasn’t into cards. She stood. “You guys play—I’m going to take some photos.”
A friend teased, “Don’t you get enough shooting at work?”
Sang Ning laughed and headed to her room for her tripod.
Shen Tingwan got dragged into poker by Wei Xue, who shuffled aggressively. “Shen Tingwan, just wait—I’m winning tonight.”
The bolder Wei Xue’s trash talk, the worse she lost, blaming her luck.
After another round, most players folded uncertainly, leaving only Shen Tingwan and Wei Xue.
Shen Tingwan calmly raised the bet and asked if Wei Xue would follow.
Wei Xue agonized, then slammed her cards down. “Fold.”
Shen Tingwan revealed her hand: just a pair of threes. Wei Xue pounded the table in fury. “Damn, you bluffed me again.”
Everyone’s hands were weak—it was pure mind games.
Shen Tingwan smiled faintly. Unlike Wei Xue’s hot temper, she rarely showed her real emotions, making her a great bluffer at cards. She actually envied Wei Xue’s straightforward nature—no pressures, always carefree.
The evening wind picked up.
Shen Tingwan rubbed her arms and glanced toward the grassy area on the other side. Compared to the lively sky-watching spot, Sang Ning stood quietly in the night, her back serene.
Wei Xue urged, “One more, come on.”
Shen Tingwan turned. “I’m done.”
Wei Xue protested, “I haven’t won a single hand!”
Shen Tingwan said, “You guys keep going.”
…
Sang Ning had been here many times and knew the best photo spots inside out. She positioned for the Milky Way, set up her tripod, and shot.
Shen Tingwan walked slowly across the grass against the wind and saw Sang Ning chatting with Liu Yang.
Liu Yang spotted Shen Tingwan first and alerted Sang Ning. “Your friend’s here.”
Sang Ning turned. Shen Tingwan’s long hair was tousled by the breeze, her smile lazy and warm.
“By the way, that jam you made last time was delicious—it’s almost gone,” Liu Yang chatted with Sang Ning.
Sang Ning replied, “Glad you liked it.”
Shen Tingwan approached. “You make jam too?”
Sang Ning said, “It’s simple.”
“She’s amazing—great cook too, her dishes are delicious,” Liu Yang praised nonstop.
Shen Tingwan asked, “Really?”
Sang Ning demurred, “Just average.”
Liu Yang didn’t linger outside long—shop duties called.
Shen Tingwan sat in a nearby camping chair. “You’re that close? Jam one time, cooking the next.”
“Liu Yang Jie went to Birch University too, Economics and Management College senior.” Sang Ning explained. As alumni, Liu Yang always looked out for her.
Seeing Sang Ning warmer toward Liu Yang, Shen Tingwan couldn’t help teasing, “Both seniors—why play favorites?”
Sang Ning’s hand stiffened on the camera.
Shen Tingwan’s lips curved again, brushing off the joke with a smile.
Sang Ning fumbled for words. “Not playing cards anymore?”
Shen Tingwan’s voice was lazy. “Tired. They’re still at it.”
Sang Ning noted Shen Tingwan still wore her daytime jacket—probably no thicker one, despite the reminder. People often underestimated mountain nights.
She zoned out.
“Sang Ning.”
“Hm?” Sang Ning saw her staring.
Shen Tingwan asked evenly, “You came specially to keep me company this time?”
So direct—Sang Ning realized she’d overheard. She met Shen Tingwan’s gaze calmly, though inwardly mortified and wanting to vanish.
Shen Tingwan watched her. Clearly deliberate, yet she played it cool. Anyone else would’ve bragged about it endlessly.
Sang Ning thought, then answered logically, “You kept me company last time too, Senior.”
Shen Tingwan laughed helplessly, as if afraid to owe her. “You always have to reciprocate everything?”
“Shen Tingwan!” Wei Xue called from behind. “Come drink with me.”
Shen Tingwan sighed, turning to Sang Ning. “Help me fend her off.”
Sang Ning faced the approaching Wei Xue and improvised. “Senior’s… not feeling well. Can’t drink.”
Wei Xue peered down. “Where? You okay?”
Sang Ning said, “It’s nothing—rest and she’ll be fine.”
The lame excuse worked; Wei Xue left. Afterward, Shen Tingwan looked up, laughing for a while.
Sang Ning asked, “What’s so funny?”
Shen Tingwan replied, “You’re terrible at lying.”
Caught again.
Sang Ning was speechless. “Then why make me do it?”
Feeling aggrieved, Shen Tingwan studied her quietly, her smile and voice softening. “Yeah, Senior’s fault.”
Sang Ning: “…”
Another cold gust blew. Shen Tingwan hugged her arms.
Sang Ning noticed and asked softly, “Cold?”
The tone felt intimate; Shen Tingwan paused slightly.
Sang Ning fidgeted. “Wait here.”
Shen Tingwan watched her head toward the homestay.
Soon, Sang Ning returned with a beige windbreaker. “Wear mine—it’s padded and warmer.”
Shen Tingwan tilted her head up slightly, eyes smiling as she looked at her, sensing the genuine care, unlike her earlier distance.
Sang Ning acted naturally. As friends now, she could be a bit nicer without overstepping.
