Chapter 24

Shen Tingwan was caught off guard by the message at first, but then Sang Ning sent two more right after.

【Sang Ning】I made meatball soup and vegetable porridge.

【Sang Ning】Want me to bring some over?

Shen Tingwan stared at the messages and thought for a moment. This time, she didn’t refuse. It was clear this meal had been made especially for her.

Sang Ning packed up the food, didn’t have time to clean the kitchen, and headed straight out the door with the bags. The nighttime temperature hovered around twenty degrees with a breeze blowing—it was a bit chilly without a jacket.

It wasn’t too far, about a half-hour taxi ride.

Shen Tingwan glanced out the window. It had gotten dark, and not long after nightfall, the doorbell rang. She got up to answer it.

Sang Ning stood at the door with her long hair loose, holding a handheld bag. The warm light fell on her as she looked at Shen Tingwan, breathing a little quickly—from rushing over, and from other reasons too.

Shen Tingwan didn’t even know what to say when she saw her.

They looked at each other quietly for a moment, face to face.

Shen Tingwan said softly and helplessly, “Come in.”

“Mm.” Sang Ning heard her voice and knew her inflamed throat must be serious. She followed Shen Tingwan inside.

Shen Tingwan hadn’t gone out all day. She wore a simple long cardigan over her slip dress, no makeup, and her complexion wasn’t great—her lips were a bit pale too.

“Has the medicine not helped yet?”

“My throat still hurts a little.” Shen Tingwan coughed lightly. Being sick always meant some hassle; medicine didn’t work instantly.

Sang Ning asked again, “Do you need to go to the hospital?”

Shen Tingwan replied, “No need for that.”

They walked inside while talking.

When they reached the dining room, Sang Ning took out the packed dinner and set it on the table.

Shen Tingwan saw the lunch boxes and thermos containers. “This much?”

“One soup, one porridge, and some pear water.” As Sang Ning spoke, she handed the pear water to Shen Tingwan. “Drink this; it’ll soothe your throat.”

Shen Tingwan didn’t respond, just looked at her quietly.

Sang Ning looked up and met her gaze. “Don’t like it?”

Shen Tingwan shook her head, still staring at her face. She laughed hoarsely. “I never realized I had such a thoughtful junior.”

Out of politeness, Shen Tingwan always looked people in the eye during conversations, but Sang Ning felt her heart heat up under the stare. She forced herself to stay calm and replied evenly, “Senior’s thoughtful too.”

Shen Tingwan: “Hm?”

“Yu Shuang said that when I was drunk that day, Senior stayed with me all afternoon.” Sang Ning said it calmly, as if reasonably explaining her actions today. She’d prepared this excuse before calling Shen Tingwan.

Tit for tat again? Shen Tingwan just smiled, looked at the invalid meal on the table, then at Sang Ning. It seemed like for every bit of kindness she showed her, Sang Ning returned tenfold.

Sang Ning felt much more at ease after saying it. “Let’s eat before it gets cold.”

There was enough on the table for two. “You haven’t eaten either, right?”

Sang Ning: “Mm.”

Shen Tingwan went to get utensils from the kitchen.

“I’ll get them. You rest.”

Sang Ning stopped her in time and headed to the kitchen herself.

Shen Tingwan smiled. It wasn’t that serious. She watched the quiet back ahead of her—usually so aloof, but surprisingly good at caring for others… Afraid Sang Ning wouldn’t find things, she called toward the kitchen, “The bowl rack is next to the oven.”

“Okay.”

Shen Tingwan called her again: “Sang Ning.”

“What?”

“There’s fruit in the fridge if you want some.”

Shen Tingwan sipped the pear water—warm and sweet, soothing her throat considerably. She glanced at the person in the kitchen. Even if it was just returning the favor, this was too attentive. She thought of that “I’ve rested” message and curved her lips. Rushing over right after her trip to take care of her—if it were anyone else being this eager, she’d suspect ulterior motives…

Sang Ning opened the fridge and saw a box of watermelon. She also noticed the peach jam was down to half a jar. She must eat it every day to go through it that fast.

The meatball soup in the thermos was still hot. Sang Ning carefully ladled a bowl and brought it over.

Shen Tingwan saw it was her favorite soup. “You made meatball soup specially?”

“I wanted some myself, so I made it.” Sang Ning ladled a bowl for herself too, responding naturally. “Try it. It’s definitely not as good as Grandma’s.”

She was getting good at lying through practice—all because of Shen Tingwan.

Shen Tingwan took a small sip. It was fresh and sweet; the meatballs tasted just like Jiang Yunchun’s. “Such strong learning ability? It’s almost as good as Grandma’s. Delicious.”

Sang Ning’s mind worked quickly; she picked things up fast. She felt quietly pleased and sat down across from Shen Tingwan to eat her porridge.

Shen Tingwan hadn’t had much appetite, but everything Sang Ning made tasted great and was throat-friendly. Before she knew it, she’d eaten quite a bit.

Sang Ning saw she was eating well and relaxed.

Shen Tingwan took another sip of porridge—light and smooth, perfectly cooked. She saw Liu Yang’s Moments post; Sang Ning had cooked for her last night too. So thoughtful and great at cooking—no wonder Senior liked her.

“When did you learn to cook?”

Sang Ning paused mid-sip. “Junior high. After my mom divorced, she raised me alone and was busy with work, so I helped out and gradually learned.”

Aside from the secret she couldn’t share, Sang Ning had no trouble talking to Shen Tingwan about most things. Shen Tingwan was so respectful and tolerant. She usually didn’t go into detail with others, but she was willing to share more with her.

Shen Tingwan said, “Your cooking is really good. Everything tastes great.”

A faint smile tugged at Sang Ning’s lips, but inside, she beamed.

She accidentally spilled a bit of soup on the table. Just as she reached for a napkin, Shen Tingwan handed one over promptly. As Sang Ning took it, “Thank you…”

Shen Tingwan pulled the napkin back just enough to leave her grasping air, looking at her with a half-smile.

Sang Ning got it and swallowed the word.

Only then did Shen Tingwan hand over the napkin, laughing outright.

Sang Ning couldn’t help laughing too. She found Shen Tingwan a bit childish at times—different from the Shen Tingwan others described.

They continued eating quietly. Shen Tingwan occasionally glanced across; Sang Ning ate neatly and heartily—rare to have both.

After dinner, Shen Tingwan remembered something and said to Sang Ning, “I have a little gift for you.”

Sang Ning: “Hm?”

Shen Tingwan went to her room and came back with it—a rabbit plush she’d bought while shopping last time. She’d gotten it thinking of Sang Ning, but giving it suddenly seemed odd. Now that Sang Ning was here, it was perfect.

Sang Ning took it and looked. A rabbit holding a camera, brand new with the tag still on.

Shen Tingwan smiled. “It looks just like you.”

Sang Ning didn’t say “thanks” and smiled back. “Cute.”

Shen Tingwan laughed. “Complimenting yourself?”

Sang Ning: “…”

Shen Tingwan laughed brightly after teasing her, her eyes sparkling.

Sang Ning didn’t dare stare at her smile too long. She hesitated, then said, “Senior, I should go.” She hadn’t planned to stay long. Shen Tingwan was fine aside from her hoarse throat; no need for constant watching. She worried her presence might keep Shen Tingwan from resting well.

Shen Tingwan didn’t ask her to stay longer. From the moment they met, she’d noticed Sang Ning’s complexion wasn’t great either—fatigue showed on her bare face.

At the entryway.

Sang Ning changed her shoes and glanced at Shen Tingwan. “No need to see me out.”

Shen Tingwan had thought of driving her but knew she’d refuse, so she didn’t mention it. She looked at Sang Ning’s face again and said softly, “Really rest well when you get back.”

Sang Ning heard the concern in her tone—maybe even distress. She paused, then smiled easily. “I’m not tired.”

“Still being stubborn.” Shen Tingwan hadn’t said it outright tonight, but she’d called around three in the afternoon; by six, dinner was ready and delivered. How could she have rested?

Sang Ning fell quiet, her eyes fixed on Shen Tingwan speaking to her so gently. She nodded.

Shen Tingwan walked her to the elevator.

They said goodbye once Sang Ning was inside.

Sang Ning hadn’t felt it while eating with Shen Tingwan, but once downstairs, exhaustion hit her whole body. She’d gotten up early, traveled back to Birch City—pretending it wasn’t tiring would be a lie.

That night at home, she hugged the pillow Shen Tingwan gave her and slept soundly.

Sang Ning recovered her energy quickly. After a full night’s sleep, she was back to full vitality the next day, full of energy for work.

The next day, Shen Tingwan wasn’t coughing anymore, though her throat still hurt slightly. Her assistant ordered porridge for lunch, but it wasn’t as good as last night’s. While eating, she snapped a photo and sent it to Sang Ning. She’d meant to say it wasn’t as good as hers but thought better of it—afraid Sang Ning would take it seriously and brew more without complaint.

Sang Ning was eating lunch too. Seeing Shen Tingwan’s photo with an office background, she typed: Feeling better?

【Shen Tingwan】Better.

A moment later.

【Shen Tingwan】What are you having for lunch?

Sang Ning’s lunch was a boxed set meal. She took a close-up photo of the red-braised pork ribs and string beans and sent it to Shen Tingwan.

Such a serious photo and reply made Shen Tingwan smile. Always so responsive.

Yu Shuang bit her chopsticks, seeing Sang Ning’s odd vibe. “Who’re you sending that to?”

Sang Ning put down her phone. “Just snapped it casually.”

From then on, every few days, Sang Ning received lunch photos from Shen Tingwan, and she sent some back. They didn’t chat about anything else—just inexplicably exchanged lunch pics.

Judging from the lunches, Shen Tingwan really had a lot of social engagements.

Yu Shuang noticed Sang Ning’s great mood lately and couldn’t help guessing, “Sang Ning, are you dating someone?”

Sang Ning replied calmly, “No.”

Yu Shuang finally asked outright, “Then who do you report your meals to? You’re so into it?”

If she said Shen Tingwan, Yu Shuang would never shut up. Sang Ning squeezed out two words: “My mom.”

Yu Shuang: “…”

*

Near month’s end, Sang Ning got a message from a friend about a charity painting class at the Deaf-Mute School and asked if she had time. She did that day, so she agreed.

Affected by the typhoon, Birch City had a big cool-down over the weekend. Sang Ning always planned ahead; she checked the weather and dressed warmly before heading out.

Sang Ning took some photos of the charity class when a little girl tugged playfully at her clothes. She turned and saw it was Xiao Yan from the bazaar.

Having finished her photos, Sang Ning sat down to draw with her.

After a bit, Xiao Yan signed: Why didn’t the pretty auntie from last time come?

Sang Ning knew she meant Shen Tingwan. She really liked pretty aunties and still remembered.

Xiao Yan signed again: Can teacher bring the pretty auntie next time?

The girl’s eyes sparkled with expectation. Sang Ning hesitated; she couldn’t promise casually or drag Shen Tingwan into charity events just for a kid’s wish. After thinking, she replied: Auntie is busy with work.

Xiao Yan looked a bit disappointed but was a sensible child. She nodded obediently and kept drawing, then showed Sang Ning her finished cartoon sketch.

Sang Ning smiled and signed: Great job.

She recognized it at a glance: herself and Shen Tingwan. Xiao Yan was observant; she’d met her once and captured her features, like the pretty wavy hair.

Sang Ning looked at the girl, snapped a photo of the sketch with her phone, and sent it to Shen Tingwan, telling her it was drawn by the little girl from the bazaar.

Shen Tingwan was probably busy and didn’t reply.

Because she knew sign language, Sang Ning was popular at the Deaf-Mute School. Other kids came over to greet her one after another.

Half an hour later, her phone vibrated with a call from Shen Tingwan. She’d replied to the WeChat ten minutes ago, but Sang Ning hadn’t noticed.

She stepped out to the hallway to answer. “Senior.”

“Another charity event?”

“Mm…”

“Can I come over?”

Sang Ning stared out the window in surprise. Xiao Yan would be thrilled if Shen Tingwan came—she’d just been thinking of her. Sang Ning smiled immediately. “Of course.”

Shen Tingwan heard the delight in her voice, paused, then laughed too. “That happy, huh?”