Chapter 35

“I’m done with work now. I’m heading back.”

Shen Tingwan spoke into her phone, sent the voice message, then pulled on her seatbelt and drove out of the underground garage.

The meeting had been postponed by an hour, and she finished work close to eight o’clock. The streets were now ablaze with brilliant lights.

Shen Tingwan drove along the familiar roads. Unlike her usual exhausted and calm state after work, today she felt a touch of anticipation.

When she got home and unlocked the door with her fingerprint, she wasn’t greeted by the usual pitch-black silence. The lights were on in the house, and from the entryway, she could hear faint sounds coming from the kitchen.

Shen Tingwan gently closed the door, changed into slippers, and walked inside. Raising her head, she saw the slender back of Sang Ning busy in the kitchen, with the aroma of food filling the air.

She lingered on the sight for a moment. It was a heartwarming scene that even warmed up the room. Life with two people isn’t bad, she thought again.

Sang Ning had come over in the evening. They had agreed she would cook potato beef for Shen Tingwan tonight, but since Shen Tingwan hadn’t gotten off work on time, Sang Ning had started preparing it anyway.

The kitchen was a bit far from the entryway, so Sang Ning didn’t hear the door open and close.

Shen Tingwan called out, “Sang Ning.”

Her voice was drowned out by the rushing sound of water. Sang Ning still didn’t hear.

Shen Tingwan walked into the kitchen and, on a whim, reached around from behind with her right hand, gently covering Sang Ning’s eyes with her palm.

Sang Ning was washing her hands and started to turn at the sound, but her eyes were suddenly and softly covered. A familiar fragrance enveloped her—

Shen Tingwan let out a light laugh, amused at how childish her own action was.

The laughter sounded in her ear, and Sang Ning stiffened her back, her heart tingling with numbness. Her breathing and heartbeat fell into chaos. She stood there dumbly for a long while before her voice came out with a slight tremble. “Senior Sister…”

Shen Tingwan moved her hand away, her eyes curving into a beautiful, gentle arc with her smile.

Sang Ning turned to look at her, staring even more intently, her eyes filled with the smile of someone in love. She had always been proper with Shen Tingwan, even reining in her own thoughts, but at that moment, she really wanted to pull her close, hug her, kiss her lips…

Seeing her reaction, Shen Tingwan chuckled lightly and asked, “Did I scare you?”

Sang Ning swallowed, her throat dry, and shook her head dazedly. “…Just stir-fry some asparagus, and we can eat.”

Shen Tingwan felt a bit guilty. She had mentioned wanting to eat tonight, and Sang Ning had come over to cook for her. “Do you always do whatever I want?”

Yes, Sang Ning answered in her heart.

Shen Tingwan took off her jacket, rolled up her sleeves, and washed her hands. “Let me do it.”

Sang Ning blinked. “Huh?”

“Teach your senior sister,” Shen Tingwan said.

Sang Ning said it wasn’t necessary, but Shen Tingwan insisted on learning. Unable to argue, Sang Ning let her handle the final dish—asparagus stir-fry—and stood by watching.

Following Sang Ning’s instructions, Shen Tingwan blanched the asparagus first, then heated oil in the wok to stir-fry.

The blanched asparagus hit the hot oil and popped and crackled. Shen Tingwan panicked and stepped back.

Sang Ning stared at first, then couldn’t help laughing. She had thought Shen Tingwan was always composed and unflappable.

Shen Tingwan indeed never lost her poise in front of others—this was a first. She didn’t mind letting loose around Sang Ning. She glanced sideways at Sang Ning, who was silently laughing with crinkled eyes. “Laughing at how clumsy I am?”

Sang Ning immediately pursed her lips to suppress it. “No.”

Shen Tingwan laughed and raised an eyebrow. “Where’s the ‘no’ in that?”

Sang Ning’s smile deepened at the corners of her mouth.

Shen Tingwan felt sweetened by that smile and stared for a while.

Sang Ning hesitated. “…What?”

“Your smile is so sweet,” Shen Tingwan said.

The two finished preparing dinner together. The asparagus was a bit overcooked, but it tasted fine. Sang Ning had made potato beef and simmered pork rib winter melon soup. It was quite a feast for two.

Sang Ning swapped the potato beef in front of her. “Try it and see if it’s good.”

Shen Tingwan took a bite. Sang Ning’s earlier “it’s okay” was pure modesty—it was leagues better than the lunch version. “Delicious. It rivals Grandma’s cooking.”

High praise. Sang Ning smiled faintly.

It’s not just for me, is it…? Shen Tingwan thought as she ate. She hadn’t eaten much at lunch and was hungry now, so she ate more than usual.

The two polished off the potato beef and asparagus, leaving only a bit of the rib soup—they really couldn’t eat more.

The painkiller’s effect must have worn off. After dinner, Sang Ning felt her lower abdomen aching more. Her periods depended on luck—sometimes fine, sometimes agonizing. This time, luck wasn’t on her side.

Sang Ning knew she wasn’t in good shape, and with nothing else to do, she looked at Shen Tingwan. “Senior Sister, if there’s nothing else, I’ll head back.”

“Aren’t you free tonight?” Shen Tingwan asked.

Sang Ning caught the implication and said, “I am.”

Shen Tingwan thought for a moment. “Can you stay a bit longer? I’ll drive you back later.”

“Okay…” Sang Ning agreed.

Shen Tingwan smiled. She hadn’t expected to ever need company like this, but she was starting to enjoy the warmth of two people together.

There was fruit in the fridge. Shen Tingwan took it out, and they ate it while watching a variety show to pass the time.

Sang Ning sat on the sofa for a while, but her condition didn’t improve—her face started looking pale.

“Why aren’t you eating?” Shen Tingwan turned back and noticed her poor complexion at a glance. She stared at her face. “Are you feeling unwell? Your face looks awful.”

“It’s my period. It’s fine,” Sang Ning said.

Even if she pretended otherwise, Shen Tingwan could see she was in bad shape. “…On your period today?”

Sang Ning replied flatly, “Yeah.”

Shen Tingwan was silent for a moment, then asked worriedly, “Does it hurt a lot?”

Sang Ning said lightly, “A pill will fix it.”

Shen Tingwan immediately got up and poured a cup of warm water, handing it to her. Sang Ning had painkillers in her bag just in case, and they came in handy.

“Why didn’t you tell me you weren’t feeling well?” Shen Tingwan’s voice was low. “And you still came to cook…”

Sang Ning didn’t want her feeling bad. “I was okay this afternoon. If it got worse, I wouldn’t have come.”

Shen Tingwan wasn’t sure if that was true. She had probably been about to leave earlier because of it. She asked softly, “Do you never refuse anyone?”

Only you, Sang Ning thought. Seeing her worry, she quickly said, “I’m really fine. Don’t worry.”

Shen Tingwan was at a loss. “Still being stubborn. Look in the mirror. How can you endure so much?”

Sang Ning fell silent.

“Don’t sit there. Go rest,” Shen Tingwan said.

Sang Ning knew Shen Tingwan wouldn’t want her company like this. “Then I’ll head back.”

Shen Tingwan grabbed her hand.

Sang Ning figured she was going to drive her…

“Don’t go back tonight. Stay here,” Shen Tingwan said.

It was unexpected. Sang Ning’s first thought was that it wasn’t appropriate—they’d have to share a bed again. She stammered, “No… I didn’t bring clothes, and it’s inconvenient.”

“Wear mine,” Shen Tingwan said.

Sang Ning still hesitated.

Shen Tingwan was direct. “I’m not at ease letting you go. I can take care of you here.”

“It’s not that serious.” Sang Ning smiled and explained, “I’ve handled it alone before…”

“I’m just not at ease with you,” Shen Tingwan interrupted softly. “What do we do?”

Sang Ning’s smile froze, and she was speechless for a moment.

Shen Tingwan paused too, then after the silence, said, “Don’t leave. Stay here.”

Sang Ning mumbled back in a daze, “Okay.”

They ordered some toiletries online, which arrived soon after. Shen Tingwan gave Sang Ning her pajamas.

Sang Ning had to shower before bed. After her shower, Shen Tingwan urged her to get under the covers and rest. This time, her nose was filled with that heart-flustering fragrance, and her mind replayed Shen Tingwan’s words: I’m just not at ease with you.

Of course, she wouldn’t think of it in a romantic way. Just the care between friends was enough to satisfy her.

Painkillers always made Sang Ning drowsy after eating. Curled up in bed, the sleepiness offset some of her wandering thoughts.

Sang Ning was in the bedroom, and Shen Tingwan showered in the guest bathroom tonight. The master bath still held lingering warmth and the scent of body wash from Sang Ning’s recent shower.

She stripped off her clothes and stood under the showerhead, lost in thought.

Twenty minutes later, Shen Tingwan finished showering, changed into pajamas, and returned to the bedroom. The person on the bed lay quietly on her side, slightly curled up, as if in discomfort.

Sang Ning was having a tougher time than usual this period. She was in a half-asleep, half-awake state; the evening painkiller hadn’t worked well, and the ache lingered faintly.

Shen Tingwan got into bed.

Sang Ning woke hazily and glanced at her.

Seeing her like that, Shen Tingwan felt heartbroken. “Still hurting?”

Sang Ning’s voice was soft. “Better now.”

Shen Tingwan didn’t quite believe her anymore—she was too good at hiding it. She soothed patiently, “If it hurts, say so. It’s okay to say it.”

“Why do you endure everything?” Shen Tingwan couldn’t help asking.

“Afraid of troubling others,” Sang Ning said candidly for once. She didn’t mind opening up to Shen Tingwan. She’d been tolerant and sensible since childhood, especially terrified of being a burden after losing partial hearing.

Little deaf girl, if you’re not well-behaved, your mom won’t want you. Talking to Sang Ning is such a hassle… She often heard things like that. If she wasn’t well-behaved, she’d be even more isolated.

So from childhood to now, she’d never acted out. When wronged or upset, she stayed silent and dealt with it herself. Over time, her ability to self-soothe grew strong.

“You don’t have to with me,” Shen Tingwan said upon hearing this. “I’m not ‘others.'”

Sang Ning’s heart warmed, tinged with sourness. She hummed softly to Shen Tingwan, “Mm.”

Shen Tingwan looked down at her. “If it’s too bad, we’ll go to the hospital. Not a hassle.”

Sang Ning said, “Just a little pain left. No need for the hospital.”

Seeing she wasn’t stubborn anymore, Shen Tingwan relaxed. “Sleep then. Call me if you need anything. I’m turning off the light.”

“Mm.”

A while after the lights went out, Sang Ning was still awake. Unable to resist, she softly called, “Senior Sister…”

Shen Tingwan responded, “What’s up?”

Sang Ning’s mind went blank—she’d thought Shen Tingwan was asleep. Without answering, perhaps emboldened by the gentle night, she rested her head on Shen Tingwan’s shoulder.

In the darkness, Shen Tingwan felt it and took the initiative to close the distance, letting her lean closer.

Sang Ning told herself to be content. But she wasn’t fully; she wanted more— to hug her, bury her face in her neck’s fragrance… For the first time, her secret crush brought a dense bitterness. Before, her feelings for Shen Tingwan had been like a dream floating in the clouds, beautiful from afar. Now, they felt real and surging, craving more.

Both slept properly. When they woke the next morning, their bodies were closer, but their positions hadn’t changed much.

Sang Ning still had her head gently against Shen Tingwan’s shoulder, just like all night. Opening her eyes to the person she liked felt like pure happiness.

She wanted to savor the happiness longer, so her gaze was fervent and greedy, lingering on her brows, nose tip, and lips.

Perhaps her slight movement from turning woke the other. Shen Tingwan opened her eyes and found Sang Ning staring at her.

Sang Ning wanted to look away but had been caught.

Neither averted their eyes. The gaze stretched in silence, making the atmosphere ambiguous.

Shen Tingwan couldn’t stand being looked at like that by Sang Ning—sticky and sweet. Her breathing quickened, but she didn’t pull away. With a husky laugh, she asked, “Had enough looking?”