Chapter 32

Sang Ning didn’t ask if Shen Tingwan needed company. She knew that Shen Tingwan liked to be alone when she was in a bad mood—something she’d heard her say during a club reunion five years ago.

She didn’t know much about Shen Tingwan, but every detail she did know was etched firmly in her mind, even without deliberate effort. It was the same with her feelings for Shen Tingwan; she hadn’t clung to them on purpose, but they persisted anyway, beyond her control.

Shen Tingwan did indeed prefer solitude when her mood soured, or a visit to Jiang Yunchun’s place. She wasn’t used to showing her negative side to others. Only when alone or with Jiang Yunchun could she let go completely and relax.

That was why Jiang Yunchun often worried that, if she were gone, Shen Tingwan wouldn’t have anyone to confide in or keep her company.

That evening, Shen Tingwan had planned to have dinner at Jiang Yunchun’s.

Once they’d said what needed saying, Sang Ning habitually waited for Shen Tingwan to hang up first. But Shen Tingwan didn’t, so she called out again, “Senior?”

Shen Tingwan smiled. Sang Ning’s way of saying “senior” was actually quite sweet. After a moment’s thought, she asked, “Are you free tonight?”

Sang Ning paused.

Shen Tingwan continued, “Want to come to Grandma’s for dinner?”

Sang Ning replied, “Sure.”

After ending the call, Sang Ning reflected that some of Shen Tingwan’s old habits must have changed.

Shen Tingwan clocked out on time and drove to the studio. Sang Ning was relieved that Yu Shuang had already left for the day; otherwise, explanations would have been endless.

They arrived at the old Western-style house just before seven.

Upon entering, Shen Tingwan saw Jiang Yunchun cooking in the kitchen herself and realized the housekeeper auntie had taken the day off.

Worried about the old lady’s health, Shen Tingwan said, “Why didn’t you tell me? I wouldn’t have come tonight and let you tire yourself out.”

“I’m not that useless yet. I can still manage a meal,” Jiang Yunchun replied, steadying her back. Her body wasn’t as strong as before; she couldn’t stand for long.

Seeing this, Sang Ning quickly offered, “Grandma, let me take over. You go rest.”

Jiang Yunchun wasn’t one for formalities, but it didn’t feel right to have the younger ones cook after a full day of work. She waved them off. “Just two or three dishes left. It’ll be quick.”

Shen Tingwan insisted, “Go rest. Don’t strain your back.”

Jiang Yunchun sighed. “…”

In the end, she relented, and Sang Ning and Shen Tingwan stayed in the kitchen while she went to rest.

Shen Tingwan knew nothing about cooking. She eyed the ingredients on the counter, then glanced at Sang Ning. “Teach me how to stir-fry. I could use the practice.”

Sang Ning said, “I can handle it.”

Considering her own lack of skill, Shen Tingwan offered, “I’ll chop the vegetables then.”

Sang Ning shook her head. “No need.”

Still, Shen Tingwan stayed to help. “You stir-fry; I’m afraid mine would be inedible.”

Jiang Yunchun sat on the sofa resting and peeked into the kitchen. She smiled contentedly. It was clear Shen Tingwan treated Sang Ning differently—like a true confidante, someone she’d bring home even on a bad day.

It was Shen Tingwan’s first time watching Sang Ning cook. She was proficient and skilled, even mastering the timing perfectly. In just minutes, she’d whipped up a plate of stir-fried beef with green peppers.

Sang Ning finished the beef and then reduced the sauce on the red-braised pork ribs that had been simmering earlier.

Shen Tingwan asked, “You can make everything?”

Sang Ning answered earnestly, “Most home-style dishes, yeah. If I don’t know one, I learn it quick.”

The dish looked, smelled, and tasted perfect. The aroma drew Shen Tingwan in. She looked at Sang Ning. “This good?”

Sang Ning smiled quietly.

Shen Tingwan washed some fruit and cut it into a platter. Her knife skills weren’t great, so she went carefully—but still slipped.

Sang Ning turned off the heat immediately and checked. It was just a shallow cut, but it bled. She hurried to the living room. “Grandma, do you have any Band-Aids?”

“Yes. Cut your hand? Badly?” Jiang Yunchun stood and rummaged in the medicine box.

“It’s fine; a Band-Aid will do.” Sang Ning took it and headed back to the kitchen.

Shen Tingwan had already rinsed her hand under cold water.

Without a word, Sang Ning dried her fingers gently, tore open the Band-Aid, and applied it with care.

Shen Tingwan watched her face, a little dazed. Was she really this worried?

Sang Ning noticed the stare and looked up, asking softly, “…Does it hurt?”

Shen Tingwan smiled at her and murmured, “It’ll heal by the time the Band-Aid comes off.”

Sang Ning fell silent.

Soon, it was time to eat. After tasting Sang Ning’s cooking, Jiang Yunchun turned into a praise machine. “Teacher Sang, this is incredible. The beef is delicious, the ribs too. Grandma’s in for a treat tonight.”

Sang Ning smiled. “The ribs were all thanks to your braising, Grandma.”

Jiang Yunchun nodded sagely. “You nailed the sauce reduction. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have that flavor.”

Shen Tingwan listened to their mutual compliments with a smile. It was impossible to stay down around Jiang Yunchun; she always lifted spirits.

Glancing at Shen Tingwan’s good appetite, Jiang Yunchun grinned. “Like it?”

“Hm?” Shen Tingwan snapped back. “Yeah, I like it.”

“If you like it, eat more,” Jiang Yunchun said, praising Sang Ning again. “Teacher Sang is just too capable.”

Sang Ning smiled silently. She liked making it for her—and could do so often. But she kept that thought to herself; saying it aloud felt too intimate.

After dinner, Shen Tingwan leashed Pi Pi. Auntie Zeng usually walked the dog, but she wasn’t there today. If they didn’t take it out, Pi Pi would probably wreck the house all night.

Jiang Yunchun petted the cat on the sofa and turned on the TV to play games. “I won’t go. My legs are a bit tired today.”

Shen Tingwan warned, “Don’t game too long either. Watch your back.”

Jiang Yunchun replied, “Got it.”

Sang Ning was startled to see Jiang Yunchun gaming with reading glasses on. Such a youthful mindset.

Shen Tingwan turned to Sang Ning. “Shall we walk the dog?”

Sang Ning glanced at Jiang Yunchun, wondering if someone should stay with her.

Jiang Yunchun waved them off casually. “Go on. I’m gaming—no need to babysit.”

Shen Tingwan laughed. “Her gaming addiction is bad; she’ll ignore everyone once she starts.”

Jiang Yunchun tsked. “You, badmouthing me right to my face?”

Shen Tingwan grinned. “Alright, we’re heading out.”

Outside the yard, the evening breeze was cooler than expected. Shen Tingwan eyed Sang Ning’s outfit. “Cold? Go back for a thicker jacket if you are.”

Sang Ning said, “I’m not cold.”

Shen Tingwan naturally touched her hand—it was warm. “How are you so toasty?”

The light touch sent a tingle through Sang Ning’s hand. “Um… yeah, I run warm.”

Shen Tingwan found her straightforward answer amusing.

The neighborhood was spacious, full of tree-lined paths—perfect for dog-walking.

Pi Pi waddled ahead, twisting its butt. Shen Tingwan held the leash, and the two matched the dog’s erratic pace, sometimes quick, sometimes slow.

The night felt lazy. They chatted idly now and then.

“Did you hear I lost my temper this afternoon?”

“Yeah.”

Shen Tingwan glanced at her. “That’s why you sent those desserts.”

Sang Ning: “…” Some things were embarrassing to say face-to-face.

They strolled aimlessly along the path, streetlights stretching their shadows. Shen Tingwan watched their figures side by side. She’d pulled Sang Ning into her routine again tonight—and it felt comfortable.

Pi Pi, cooped up all afternoon, went wild outside and bolted forward. Shen Tingwan struggled to hold on and had to jog. She glanced back with a smile.

Sang Ning caught on and hurried to keep up.

Pi Pi trotted along until something caught its eye, and it stopped abruptly. Shen Tingwan slowed suddenly. Sang Ning, caught off guard, bumped lightly into her back.

Their bodies met softly, breaths hitching.

Shen Tingwan paused, then laughed.

Sang Ning’s mind blanked for a second. Seeing Shen Tingwan laugh, she laughed too, carefree.

They smiled at each other for a while, not even sure why. A passerby walking their dog must have thought they were nuts.

Shen Tingwan steadied herself and looked at the face before her. “Hurt from the bump?”

In the night light, she seemed especially gentle—her voice and eyes both. Sang Ning replied dazedly, “No.”

Seeing Shen Tingwan happy now, Sang Ning whispered, “…Feeling better?”

Shen Tingwan paused half a second. “Yeah, all better.”

Sang Ning nodded solemnly. “Good.”

Shen Tingwan smiled to herself. Who knew she was so good at coaxing? It melted her heart.

Shen Tingwan smiled. Found someone more of a workaholic than me.

Sang Ning smiled. Her words are always so warm.

They chatted more. Sang Ning relaxed until the box drew: Have you liked someone for many years?*

Sang Ning tensed.

Shen Tingwan glanced casually sideways.

Some said yes, more said no. Wei Xue shocked everyone by saying yes but brushed it off as “black history” she didn’t want to revisit.

Shen Tingwan wasn’t surprised; she knew all about Wei Xue’s story. When asked, she said flatly, “No.”

“Sang Ning?”

Sang Ning gripped her juice can. This was her deepest secret; she couldn’t dismiss it lightly. Under everyone’s eyes, she hesitated first.

Someone teased, “That reaction says yes. So devoted!”

Sang Ning didn’t deny it, just smiled it off.

Shen Tingwan tilted her head, gave her a shallow glance, and quietly sipped her drink.