Chapter 18

Shen Tingwan hadn’t expected Sang Ning to say that. She laughed. “Not too much trouble?”

“Not at all.”

After Sang Ning replied, the line went quiet for a moment. Perhaps Shen Tingwan’s subtext was that it wasn’t necessary, leaving Sang Ning at a loss for words as she fell silent too. She thought Shen Tingwan would say “No need” next…

“It might take another hour.”

Sang Ning replied cheerfully, “Okay, send me the address. I’ll bring the jam over after I’m done.”

Shen Tingwan thought for a moment and finally murmured a soft “Alright.” The hotel wasn’t far from Sang Ning’s studio, or she wouldn’t have felt right about it.

After hanging up, Sang Ning saw Shen Tingwan share a location pin—a nearby five-star hotel. She stayed a bit longer at the studio.

…

Shen Tingwan hurriedly ended the call and walked back to the banquet hall with a beaming smile.

Lately, work had hit a snag that had bothered her for days. A brand wanted to add more ad space, but the ad department was wary of offending a long-time sponsor. They’d vaguely said it was negotiable, but the content team had principles they wouldn’t budge on. Some things couldn’t just change on a whim. After all the back-and-forth, they hadn’t made any concessions.

This left them in a tough spot with the brand. Logically, it was the ad department’s mess to clean up—they should take full responsibility—but now that they couldn’t handle it, they’d dragged her out to smooth things over. After all, it was a major long-term partner; they couldn’t afford to sour the relationship.

That evening, she’d smiled plenty and drunk her share too. Shen Tingwan had powered through without showing her exhaustion.

“Since Teacher Shen is so sincere, we understand. It’s not a big deal.”

“We’ll prioritize good opportunities with President Xu next time.”

“You’re too kind. Cheers.”

…

Shen Tingwan nursed a few more drinks alongside them, and the matter finally wrapped up amicably. As the socializing ended, she checked her phone—it was just shy of nine o’clock. The timing was spot on.

She stepped out of the hall.

“Tingwan, we owe you big time this time. Thank you so much.”

Shen Tingwan glanced at Xie Yu and said helplessly, “Don’t let this happen again.”

Xie Yu smiled sheepishly. “Yeah, it was a one-off accident.”

Shen Tingwan smiled faintly. “Mm, I’m heading out.”

Xie Yu kept pace with her. “You drank a lot tonight—are you okay?”

Shen Tingwan replied, “I’m fine. I can hold my liquor.”

Xie Yu turned to gaze at her. “That dress really suits your figure. It looks amazing on you.”

Shen Tingwan said indifferently, “Thanks.”

They took the elevator down. Shen Tingwan headed to the first-floor lobby, where she’d arranged to meet Sang Ning. Seeing Xie Yu follow, she asked, “Director Xie, not leaving yet?”

“I’ll walk you home.” Xie Yu leaned in. “I’m worried—you’ve had too much to drink.”

Shen Tingwan immediately put some distance between them, feeling uncomfortable. Xie Yu was the ad director at the magazine, someone she’d met a couple of times before—the woman who’d confessed to her so passionately, claiming love at first sight.

She’d turned Xie Yu down right then.

Xie Yu had asked why.

She’d said she didn’t like people who fell in love with her at first sight.

Shen Tingwan knew she usually wore a mask around others, and she didn’t like that side of herself. She was especially averse to those who fell for her at first glance. She scoffed at the idea of love at first sight anyway—what caught the eye was just looks and figure. To declare undying love based on that alone felt too superficial.

Xie Yu had joked, “Not to the point of avoiding me like this, right?”

They were both adults—Shen Tingwan could sense the flirtatious intent. “I’m a lone wolf, like I told you.”

While “lone wolf” was an excuse she’d used to brush people off, over the years, it had become her reality. She hadn’t met anyone she wanted to let into her life.

Xie Yu pressed, “What if we give it a try? Give me a chance—I might change your mind…”

Shen Tingwan cut her off politely but firmly. “You’re great, but not my type. So I won’t consider it.”

Xie Yu asked curiously, “Then what is your type?”

It was pointless chatter. Shen Tingwan just wanted to bid her colleague farewell and end the workday. She glanced up and spotted a familiar figure at the entrance. Smiling lightly at Xie Yu, she said, “The person I’m interested in is here to pick me up. See you.”

That shut Xie Yu up instantly.

…

Sang Ning waited off to the side. Seeing Shen Tingwan talking with someone, she didn’t interrupt. She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but she could guess. The way the other woman looked at Shen Tingwan was full of ambiguous affection, and her smile turned dejected—she clearly hadn’t gotten the answer she wanted.

Whether man or woman, Sang Ning had never seen anyone successfully confess to Shen Tingwan.

After parting with Xie Yu, Shen Tingwan finally caught her breath. The socializing had been exhausting enough, and this back-and-forth entanglement had worn her out even more.

Sang Ning watched the approaching figure intently. She noticed Shen Tingwan’s slightly unsteady steps—still in high heels—and moved closer, worried she might trip. She figured Shen Tingwan had drunk quite a bit that night; even through her makeup, her face was flushed with intoxication.

Shen Tingwan asked, “How long have you been waiting?”

“Not long.” Sang Ning was sensitive to alcohol and caught a strong whiff of it. She lifted the paper bag in her hand. “I brought the jam.”

Shen Tingwan glanced at the kraft paper bag and couldn’t help but smile. So earnest, making a special trip like this.

Sang Ning saw the obvious drunken haze in her eyes and lazy smile. She ventured, “Are you drunk?”

“No.” Shen Tingwan sighed softly. She had a good tolerance, but tonight she’d overdone it a bit, and with the fatigue, her head spun faintly.

Sang Ning could tell otherwise. After all that drinking, she couldn’t just hand over the jam and leave. Out of concern—and a touch of selfishness—she said, “Senior Sister.”

Shen Tingwan was growing used to hearing “Senior Sister” like this. “What?”

Sang Ning didn’t hand over the bag. Instead, she said earnestly, “Let me take you home?”

Shen Tingwan tilted her head to look at her. “Not too tired?”

Sang Ning shook her head. Hearing no outright refusal, she knew it was okay. She stepped forward, took the bag from Shen Tingwan’s hand, and held it for her.

So quietly thoughtful again, Shen Tingwan thought with an inward smile. She rarely imposed on others like this… She looked at Sang Ning for a moment, then said, “Car keys are in the bag.”

“Got it.” Sang Ning opened the bag to retrieve them and pulled out a rabbit keychain. She stared at it, surprised—Shen Tingwan actually used something like that.

Shen Tingwan caught her surprise. “It’s pretty cute.”

In the parking garage, Sang Ning walked slowly the whole way, afraid Shen Tingwan’s thin high heels would twist an ankle.

Once in the car, Sang Ning asked for the address and punched it into the navigation. Shen Tingwan gave her the address of her rented flat. Going to Jiang Yunchun’s like this would earn her a half-month lecture from the old lady, at least.

Sang Ning buckled up and focused on driving.

Shen Tingwan went quiet too, leaning lazily back in her seat like a bowstring finally released after a day of tension.

After a few traffic lights, Sang Ning glanced over from the corner of her eye and realized Shen Tingwan had fallen asleep against the seat. She didn’t wake until Sang Ning parked in the underground garage of her building.

Sang Ning turned to look. Shen Tingwan’s face showed deep fatigue and a hint of weariness—the first time Sang Ning had seen her like this. Back at the hotel, she’d clearly been holding it together.

She didn’t wake her right away. Staring at the pale face, she couldn’t help lingering a moment, then worried about neck strain from sleeping like that. “Senior Sister.”

Shen Tingwan’s eyes stayed closed.

Sang Ning didn’t lean in but raised her voice a bit. “Senior Sister, we’re here.”

Shen Tingwan lazily opened her eyes and looked at her, murmuring softly, “Already?”

The words were so quiet that Sang Ning had to watch her lips to understand. She replied with an “Mm,” her gaze quietly shifting from the red lips elsewhere. Reading Shen Tingwan’s lip movements always distracted her.

Only then did Shen Tingwan realize she’d slept the whole ride—with someone else in the car, no less. She pushed open the door and got out.

Sang Ning hesitated but decided to walk Shen Tingwan upstairs.

Shen Tingwan preferred open views and had chosen a high floor. By the twenties, Sang Ning accompanied her out of the elevator and all the way to her door.

The door opened, and the once-dark space lit up automatically. Sang Ning stood at the threshold, wondering if entering would be too intrusive…

Shen Tingwan smiled at her and urged softly, “What are you standing there for? Come in.”

The living room was spacious, with a few night-lights casting a perfect glow—soft, warm, atmospheric in the vast space. High floor, great view: floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked Birch City’s most stunning, bustling nightscape.

Tonight was the first time Shen Tingwan had brought a friend here—even Wei Xue hadn’t been over. Standing in the entryway, she wanted to change out of her high heels but wobbled, losing balance for a second.

Sang Ning steadied her arm in time and helped her swap shoes. “Sit down first. I’ll get you some water.”

Shen Tingwan smiled. She didn’t think she needed caretaking yet, but she was truly worn out tonight. Without protesting, she said softly, “Okay.”

The kitchen was open-plan, with clean glasses on the island. Sang Ning grabbed one—and spotted the jam. She added a bit to some water for sobering up.

Shen Tingwan lounged on the sofa, glancing toward the kitchen. It was odd: though they’d known each other a while, their actual interactions were limited. Yet she inexplicably trusted Sang Ning, or she wouldn’t have asked her to drive her home.

Sang Ning handed her the glass. “Here.”

“Thanks.” Shen Tingwan took it and smiled. “Don’t just stand there like a fool.”

Standing felt awkward, so Sang Ning sat on the sofa too.

Shen Tingwan sipped the water—slightly sweet, with a fresh peach aroma. Refreshing and perfect for settling her stomach. “You added your jam?”

Sang Ning: “Yeah. Drinkable?”

“Delicious.” Shen Tingwan looked at her and said offhandedly, “No wonder your senior sister raves about you.”

Sang Ning paused half a beat before realizing “senior sister” meant Liu Yang. “As long as it tastes good. I put the jam in the fridge—best to finish it within a month.”

After that offhand “favoritism” remark earlier, she’d made jam just for her. Shen Tingwan couldn’t help asking curiously, “Made it specially for me?”

Sang Ning said stiffly, “Happened to have extra peaches.”

Shen Tingwan saw through it and raised a brow with a soft laugh. “Oh, really?”

“…”

Sang Ning was speechless and simply clammed up.

Seeing her reaction, Shen Tingwan’s smile deepened, lips curving.

Maybe it was the alcohol, but her smile was more alluring than usual, almost teasing. Sang Ning lightly pressed her own lips together, steadying herself. “I should go. Get some rest.”

Shen Tingwan stood too, but rising suddenly made her head swim worse. She bowed her head, dizziness intensifying.

Sang Ning asked calmly, masking her worry, “You okay?”

When exhausted, Shen Tingwan preferred solitude—it felt less relaxing with others around. But with Sang Ning, it was easy. Seeing her pause and look back, she asked, a bit tipsy, “Want to stay and keep me company?”