Sang Ning’s eyes grew hot, overwhelmed by Shen Tingwan’s barrage of questions, leaving her dazed and incredulous.
For twenty-six years, Sang Ning had always believed she had no connection to good fortune, so she constantly told herself not to fantasize about things beyond her reach.
She had placed Shen Tingwan in the “unreachable” category—a person she could not even dream of desiring. Shen Tingwan was like the moon in the sky; Sang Ning admired and yearned for her, but never imagined possessing her, nor did she ever hope her own feelings would be reciprocated.
She loved Shen Tingwan in her own way and was content with that.
Even though their interactions often felt ambiguous, Sang Ning never thought Shen Tingwan liked her back. Whenever such a thought bubbled up, she immediately snuffed it out.
She wasn’t oblivious or slow; she simply didn’t dare harbor such expectations, not even a tiny bit, because deep down, she knew she couldn’t bear the disappointment if they fell through.
Yet Shen Tingwan had truly confessed that she liked her.
Sang Ning stared blankly at Shen Tingwan, her breathing labored. The affection she thought would remain buried forever suddenly saw the light of day, and she had no idea what to do…
That look made Shen Tingwan’s heart ache with a mix of complex emotions, all melting into pure tenderness.
Sang Ning was at a loss—this was a scenario she had never anticipated—but Shen Tingwan was patient enough to help her sort through the turmoil, guiding her on what she could do.
Shen Tingwan said, “No rush to answer. Take your time, and I’ll wait for you.”
She added, “I’m heading out of town for a business trip later, so I came today to clear things up before I leave. I was afraid you’d overthink it alone.”
Every word was gentle, and Sang Ning’s heart throbbed painfully, her nose stinging with the urge to cry. Her gaze and voice trembled as she foolishly called out, “Senior Sister…”
Shen Tingwan’s eyes also grew warm. She smiled and ruffled her hair. “Silly girl.”
That afternoon, Shen Tingwan left Muyang and rushed off to her out-of-town event. Sang Ning had heard her mention the trip earlier.
Around five in the afternoon, Sang Ning received a WeChat from Shen Tingwan saying the plane had landed. Soon after, Shen Tingwan sent a photo of the evening banquet venue—her schedule was packed.
After dinner that evening, Sang Ning went upstairs early and lay by the windowsill, staring blankly at the leaves while replaying Shen Tingwan’s words. Her heart still felt adrift.
She thought about so many things, every moment with Shen Tingwan, and only then realized that all those ambiguous moments weren’t just her one-sided illusions—
Her feelings had been returned.
She confirmed it over and over in her mind.
Sang Ning zoned out for a long time, her cheeks flushed by the evening breeze, until Shen Tingwan called. She snapped back dazedly and answered, “Senior Sister.”
On the other end, Shen Tingwan softly acknowledged her. “Mm.”
Sang Ning asked softly, “Are you done with work?”
Shen Tingwan chuckled lowly. “Done. I can rest now.”
Sang Ning heard the fatigue in Shen Tingwan’s voice and secretly chided herself for her earlier cowardice and evasion. After all the hassle today, she must be exhausted. “Go to bed early tonight. You’re too tired.”
Hearing that tone softened Shen Tingwan’s heart. “Worried about me?”
Sang Ning ducked her head, her face heating up as she hummed. “Mm.”
Shen Tingwan let out a pleasant laugh. “Message received.”
Her soft, tender words melted Sang Ning’s heart, grounding her drifting emotions and giving them a sense of reality.
They fell into a quiet moment together. After baring their hearts, even the silence brimmed with intimacy. Sang Ning could almost hear her breathing. Staring at the swaying treetops, her heart stirred as she called, “Senior Sister…”
Shen Tingwan always responded patiently. “What is it?”
Sang Ning bit her lip, mustering her courage to ask proactively, “When are you coming back?”
Shen Tingwan paused briefly, her voice thickening with amusement. “The afternoon after tomorrow.”
Sang Ning felt a twinge of impatience but held it back, feigning calm. “Can I pick you up?”
Shen Tingwan laughed again. “Sure.”
*
Sang Ning didn’t stay home much longer before preparing to return to Birch City.
Sang Mingjuan watched her pack her suitcase. “Weren’t you going to rest at home a few more days? Your birthday’s coming up.”
“There’s some work stuff.” Sang Ning thought for a moment and added, “Mom, I’m not spending my birthday at home this year.”
Sang Mingjuan saw her rushing around and figured it was urgent, so she didn’t press.
Those dozens of hours at home felt endlessly long to Sang Ning. She waited and waited until Shen Tingwan finally boarded her flight back to Birch City.
Sang Ning headed to the airport early that afternoon, with still an hour until landing—another interminable wait.
Shen Tingwan hadn’t rested well for days. She had planned to nap on the plane, but today she felt no sleepiness. During the over-hour flight, she checked the time repeatedly.
The plane finally touched down at five, after what felt like an eternity.
Shen Tingwan was in first class and among the first to disembark. She walked briskly and soon spotted a familiar figure approaching. She froze—Sang Ning wore a warm, loose sweater, cradling a vibrant bouquet, her smile both warm and sweet.
Sang Ning had waited over an hour at the airport, her heart racing the whole time. The moment their eyes met, it peaked.
Shen Tingwan halted in place, a smile blooming on her lips. Seeing Sang Ning walk toward her quietly with the flowers, she fully tasted the thrill of a pounding heart.
Sang Ning’s breath came unevenly as she gazed greedily at her face.
Shen Tingwan met her warm gaze, her whole body enveloped in warmth.
Sang Ning earnestly offered the flowers. “Senior Sister, I’ve always liked you, and I want to keep liking you from now on.”
Her first words were the response she hadn’t given that day. She had simply been too stunned then, but once she recovered, she knew the answer without hesitation. She had wanted to say it on that evening call, but doing it in person felt more solemn.
Shen Tingwan looked into her eyes, seeing the familiar sincerity and softness that had never changed—Sang Ning had always looked at her this way. She took the flowers, too moved to speak.
Sang Ning wasn’t good with sweet words and felt her own sounded clumsy and foolish, but seeing Shen Tingwan happy made her happy too.
In the car backseat, Shen Tingwan struggled to stay awake from exhaustion. Sang Ning noticed and scooted closer. “Want to lean on me and sleep a bit?”
Shen Tingwan was a little surprised and laughed softly. “Getting the hang of it?”
Sang Ning wasn’t entirely passive. She had always wanted chances to care for Shen Tingwan but held back to maintain distance before. Things were different now.
Shen Tingwan naturally rested her head on her shoulder and fell asleep.
During the nearly hour-long drive, Sang Ning kept glancing at her face. Her heart probably wouldn’t calm down anytime soon. Without needing to restrain her feelings, the emotions surged freely.
Sang Ning frequently turned her head, stealing glances the whole way. Shen Tingwan caught her twice, and she instinctively averted her eyes.
Shen Tingwan just smiled and brushed her own hand against Sang Ning’s handback.
Sang Ning noticed her hand was slightly cool. After hesitating, she asked, “Want me to warm it up?”
Shen Tingwan gazed at her gently. “Mm.”
Sang Ning looked down and tentatively clasped her hand, warming it clumsily yet carefully with her palm.
Their slender fingers intertwined ambiguously and gently, never letting go the whole ride.
It was already dark when they got back.
The door closed, and the entryway light flicked on. As Sang Ning finished changing her shoes, a sudden warmth enveloped her—Shen Tingwan had hugged her from behind.
Face-to-face, Shen Tingwan pulled her into an embrace, her arms tightening around the slim waist as she murmured wearily, “Let me hold you for a bit first.”
Sang Ning was dazed but understanding. Her already restless heartbeat spun further out of control. She slowly came back to herself and lifted her arms to hug Shen Tingwan back. “Too tired?”
Shen Tingwan hummed. “Mm.”
Sang Ning took a deep breath, letting her hold on warmly and holding her just as warmly in return.
This embrace was far more intimate than the last. Their hearts pressed against each other, waists flush, cheeks fully buried in each other’s hair.
Sang Ning wanted to hold tighter. From Shen Tingwan’s confession that day to picking her up today, the past few days felt like a dream. But this deep hug made it all real. She nuzzled her face into Shen Tingwan’s hair and whispered, “Senior Sister…”
Shen Tingwan had always sensed that when Sang Ning called her “Senior Sister,” there were unspoken words behind it. Now she knew—the rest was a confession. Feeling Sang Ning’s unease, she hugged her tighter and rubbed the back of her head. “I’m here.”
Sang Ning held on reluctantly, loving it so much she wanted to grip as tightly as possible. After a long hug, she called again, “Senior Sister.”
Shen Tingwan responded as always. “Mm?”
Sang Ning rarely made requests. She mumbled, “…Can you say it again?”
Shen Tingwan leaned to her right ear. “Senior Sister likes you too.”
Sang Ning breathed deeply, her body trembling lightly.
Shen Tingwan’s heart ached repeatedly for her. She kissed her hair. “Want Senior Sister to be your girlfriend?”
Sang Ning didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
