Chapter 31

Sang Ning couldn’t hold back and still revealed how much she cared.

No matter the situation, Shen Tingwan always handled things with ease, but seeing Sang Ning’s serious expression now, she didn’t know what to say.

She truly couldn’t imagine Sang Ning losing her temper with someone—especially over her…

Sang Ning gazed at the rippling river surface. She hadn’t expected herself to be so impulsive either. She’d endured everything from childhood to now, but she couldn’t tolerate anyone badmouthing Shen Tingwan—not even a little bit.

This stretch was Birch City’s most bustling and beautiful scenic belt. Across the river, the Giant Ferris Wheel known as the Birch City Star turned slowly, casting romantic lights in the night sky.

Shen Tingwan’s long hair was slightly tousled by the wind. She never lacked for thoughtful care, but she knew most of it came with ulterior motives. Yet with Sang Ning, it felt completely pure—and always so quietly given.

They stood side by side for a moment before Shen Tingwan turned slightly and asked, “Do you ever lose your temper?”

“…” Sang Ning huffed. “I couldn’t stand it.”

Shen Tingwan now realized that someone who seemed so calm on the surface wasn’t always so detached. Her heart softened a bit, and her voice grew gentler. “Silly or not?”

Sang Ning didn’t know how to react to Shen Tingwan. She wanted to show her the most caring side of herself but feared revealing too much, so she ended up standing there in silence.

Shen Tingwan thought for a moment. “In the future, try not to do that. What if a conflict breaks out and you get hurt…”

Sang Ning didn’t want her to worry. “Mm.”

Shen Tingwan glanced at her again. She really could be so quiet.

Sang Ning stared blankly at the colorful giant circular structure in the distance. When she was in a bad mood, it showed—through excessive quietness. She was usually skilled at processing negative emotions and never let herself stay down for long, but tonight was an exception. The mood lingered.

Standing by the river in the wind for too long could lead to catching a chill. Shen Tingwan’s gaze shifted to the opposite shore. “Afraid of heights?”

Sang Ning shook her head.

On a whim, Shen Tingwan suggested, “Want to go for a ride?”

Not long after Sang Ning said “Sure,” Shen Tingwan received a work call. Sang Ning’s mood dimmed again. From the conversation, she vaguely guessed that Shen Tingwan had pushed aside work tonight to accompany her.

Shen Tingwan usually prioritized work. She controlled her own schedule and could adjust it easily, but tonight, she hadn’t put work first.

Sang Ning waited for her to finish the call. “Senior sister, go ahead with your work.”

Hearing her being shooed off to work overtime, Shen Tingwan looked at her helplessly. “Let your senior sister rest a bit, okay?”

Sang Ning couldn’t help but smile.

Shen Tingwan urged her on. “Let’s go.”

Sang Ning understood and followed her steps in perfect sync. There was a sense of steadiness in walking with Shen Tingwan—perhaps because from their first meeting, she’d thoughtfully shown her the way.

The Birch City Star was Birch City’s landmark attraction. They skirted a nearby bridge and arrived quickly by car. Sang Ning had come here years ago with friends during a holiday, when it was overcrowded and the experience wasn’t great. Shen Tingwan had never ridden it; she generally had no interest in things that required long lines.

Fortunately, it wasn’t a weekend, so there were no massive queues.

The area near the park’s visitor center was crowded and noisy, which easily triggered Sang Ning’s tinnitus. It flared up now, weakening her ability to locate sounds. The muffled hearing made her irritable and insecure.

A bicycle whizzed by suddenly, and Sang Ning didn’t hear the bell. She nearly got clipped, but Shen Tingwan timely grabbed her hand and pulled her back.

Sang Ning let out a breath of relief.

Shen Tingwan asked, “Ears bothering you?”

Sang Ning explained, “Sometimes I get tinnitus and can’t hear clearly.”

Shen Tingwan: “Is it bad?”

Sang Ning was used to it. “It’s fine.”

Seeing this, Shen Tingwan kept holding her hand without letting go. “Come on.”

Being led by the hand instantly grounded Sang Ning, though her heart raced. She didn’t say she didn’t need it, selfishly letting Shen Tingwan lead her all the way. She thought to herself silently that this affection seemed endless…

They wove through the crowd, surrounded by couples entering and exiting in pairs, making them look like one too. Sang Ning didn’t let that bold thought linger.

Warmth emanated from Shen Tingwan’s palm. She didn’t seem cold or aloof, yet she felt so warm. Sang Ning inexplicably smiled, remembering that night they’d shared a bed.

They entered a fully transparent glass cabin, and only then did she let go. It wasn’t too crowded this time, so they could have a cabin to themselves.

The environment quieted.

Shen Tingwan asked, “Still tinnitus?”

Sang Ning: “Better now.”

Shen Tingwan relaxed.

Shielded from the evening breeze, the cabin was much warmer. They sat side by side on the sofa. As it slowly rose, more and more of the nightscape came into view.

They enjoyed the night colors in mutual companionship. Shen Tingwan started to savor this atmosphere—it was warmer than being alone, more peaceful than with a group. She turned and saw a slight curve at the corner of Sang Ning’s mouth; she wasn’t frowning anymore.

After more than ten minutes, at the highest point, the neon lights of the entire city sparkled below. Sang Ning gazed out, smiling as she took some photos.

Shen Tingwan leaned over to look at her shots. “Nice angle.”

Sang Ning’s peripheral vision briefly flicked to her. “Mm.”

Shen Tingwan looked up.

Sang Ning’s gaze quickly shifted elsewhere.

Shen Tingwan asked, “Feeling better now?”

Sang Ning: “Hm?”

Shen Tingwan’s eyes softened as she ruffled her hair. “Don’t be upset anymore.”

Sang Ning looked at her silently, her heart quietly aflame.

Shen Tingwan quieted too. She usually offered polite comfort but not such intimate coaxing. With Sang Ning, though, there always seemed to be exceptions.

Sang Ning lifted the corner of her lips and smiled at her. The sour secret stayed hidden in her heart, so her smile was purely sweet.

Shen Tingwan smiled back. “Really happy now?”

Sang Ning’s eyes still held laughter as she nodded earnestly—no lies. A little coaxing from her erased any bad mood. With Shen Tingwan, she was especially easy to please and satisfy.

The smile was so sweet that Shen Tingwan’s heartbeat stuttered. The way she looked at her was so soft, like it brimmed with affection…

As the Ferris wheel descended, they occasionally chatted, but mostly admired the view.

Shen Tingwan thought about all of Sang Ning’s gestures toward her. “Do you do this with all your friends?”

Sang Ning’s gaze drifted briefly to her lips. “…What?”

Shen Tingwan’s red lips parted slightly; the question had come out of nowhere. She added, “So thoughtful?”

Sang Ning had imagined Shen Tingwan asking this and was prepared, showing no fluster. “It’s what friends should do.”

It’s what they should do. Shen Tingwan smiled faintly. She really did have a good temper—treating friends like this. What would she be like with a lover? She recalled Sang Ning drunk and waking up, imagining her in love: clingy and sweet…

Sang Ning slowly turned to the nightscape outside the glass. She couldn’t look at her anymore.

They quietly completed the Ferris wheel ride without wandering elsewhere. Shen Tingwan knew Sang Ning’s afternoon shoot had been intense; she must be tired.

Sang Ning actually wasn’t tired and wanted to spend more time together, but she quietly went along with Shen Tingwan, agreeing to whatever she said.

*

On Friday afternoon, the magazine’s editorial and advertising departments held a joint meeting. After discussing routine work, Shen Tingwan held everyone back. “Just a few more minutes of your time.”

“If you have any opinions or suggestions about my work, feel free to voice them openly for efficient communication—don’t waste time. The fuss last time was unnecessary.”

The room fell silent at her words, everyone exchanging glances.

After her opening remarks, Shen Tingwan calmly turned to the instigator from that day, naming him directly. “Go on, what did you want to say to me? Lay it out in front of both departments today. If there’s merit, I’ll change; if not, I’ll take it as encouragement.”

“Ah?” The man was stunned, stammering and bowing obsequiously. “Editor Shen… actually, that day was all a misunderstanding…”

Shen Tingwan cut him off coldly. “Is it that hard to repeat what you said?”

The man was speechless.

Shen Tingwan felt weary and fed up. This two-faced behavior was all too common, especially for women in high positions who inexplicably bore extra rumors and gossip, wasting time on needless drama.

“Instead of spreading unseemly rumors, improve your skills. The company doesn’t keep idlers—if you don’t want to work, leave!” This wasn’t the first time Shen Tingwan had faced this, but it was the first time she’d lost her temper so badly, her face completely cold.

The meeting room was deathly quiet. Shen Tingwan was usually gentle and approachable; seeing her like this shocked everyone.

…

Sang Ning wasn’t busy. After finishing a product shoot that afternoon, she had free time. Her body felt stiff from prolonged shooting, and her eyes were tired, so she stepped outside the studio for fresh air.

The typhoon had passed, leaving sunny weather that warmed everyone pleasantly.

Outside the studio, a stray cat lounged on an electric scooter, basking in the sun with ultimate relaxation. Sang Ning found it amusing and snapped photos with her phone.

After a few shots, she got pinged in a WeChat group. It was the private chat from the magazine side.

[Colleague 1] The rumor-monger finally got what’s coming.

[Colleague 2] Celebration time.

[Colleague 3] First time seeing Editor Shen lose her temper.

[Colleague 3] Someone’s got your back @Sang Ning

[Colleague 1] Even Editor Shen’s cold face is captivating.

Sang Ning scrolled through the chat and quickly pieced together what happened.

…

Back in her office, Shen Tingwan still wore a sullen expression—rare for her to wear her emotions so openly.

Someone knocked.

Shen Tingwan softened slightly. “Come in.”

It was Xie Yu, head of advertising. She smiled apologetically. “Sorry, Shen. I didn’t manage my team well. Their skills were lacking anyway; HR’s handling the dismissal.”

Shen Tingwan smiled faintly.

“First time seeing you that mad today—cool off.” Xie Yu approached. “Drinks tonight? My treat. Wei Xue said you drink when you’re in a bad mood.”

Shen Tingwan: “No need.”

“Just friends.” Xie Yu pressed. “Won’t you get bored alone?”

Shen Tingwan: “No need. When I’m in a bad mood, I like being alone.”

Xie Yu was out of words. Wei Xue was right; someone like Shen Tingwan was impossible to pursue—no openings at all.

After Director Xie left, Shen Tingwan checked her phone and saw several proactive WeChat messages from someone. So eager?

[Sang Ning] So cute

[Sang Ning] [Picture]

[Sang Ning] There’s a great dessert place

[Sang Ning] Want to try? I’ll order for you

Shen Tingwan opened the picture: a goofy sleeping cat photo. She laughed.

Sang Ning waited ages without a reply, growing anxious. Maybe Shen Tingwan, when angry, didn’t want to talk to anyone.

Forty minutes later, she finally got a response: Shen Tingwan wanted some.

Sang Ning breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, immediately placing the order.

Near quitting time, Shen Tingwan enjoyed the surprisingly delightful dessert. She thought for a moment and called Sang Ning.

Sang Ning noticed Shen Tingwan liked calling. “Senior sister?”

Shen Tingwan: “Got the cake. It’s good.”

Sang Ning: “Mm.”

“Also,” Shen Tingwan added casually, “the rumor-spreader from that day has been fired.”

“Mm, I saw in the group.” Sang Ning wasn’t as good at comforting as Shen Tingwan. She mulled it over. “Senior sister…”

“What?”

“Don’t get mad over people like that anymore.”

Shen Tingwan looked at the cake, realizing belatedly, “Were you trying to cheer me up this afternoon?”

Sang Ning was caught by the direct question.

Shen Tingwan patiently smiled and pressed, “Were you?”

Sang Ning admitted softly, “Yes.”

That admission should make Shen Tingwan even happier.