Chapter 55

They gazed at each other and kissed tenderly for a while longer. When they parted, their noses touched, their lips were red and swollen, and their breaths were ragged.

Shen Tingwan exhaled softly and caressed her cheek. Thinking of how she’d teased this blockhead for so long, she playfully nipped at Sang Ning’s lip in retaliation. “Now do you know it’s different?”

Sang Ning’s flushed cheek pressed against Shen Tingwan’s palm. The kisses had left her body hot and limp. Shy and embarrassed, she buried her head against Shen Tingwan and hugged her tightly—she had no resistance to her at all…

Shen Tingwan laughed helplessly and restrained herself as she kissed her earlobe, holding her close to soothe her.

Sang Ning secretly licked her lips several times, still not recovered from the kisses.

Shen Tingwan said softly, “Let’s hug a bit longer.”

Sang Ning heard her and hugged her tightly, replying softly, “Okay.”

Shen Tingwan lowered her eyes with a smile. She was so obedient and sweet. She comfortably pulled her into her arms, using the embrace to ease the fatigue from walking all day.

Sang Ning noticed that Shen Tingwan really needed hugs when she was tired. She asked, “Are you tired today?”

Shen Tingwan didn’t open her eyes, fully relaxed. “Doesn’t a whole day of walking tire you out?”

Sang Ning often wandered the streets taking photos. “I’m okay. Probably used to it.”

Shen Tingwan chuckled lazily. “Mm, I don’t have your stamina.”

Sang Ning saw her eyes closed and stared down at her slightly swollen red lips. As she tidied her hair absentmindedly, her finger brushed against them…

The embrace was interrupted by a phone call.

Shen Tingwan didn’t let go.

Sang Ning muttered, “I need to take the call.”

Shen Tingwan was a bit willful. She grabbed the phone for her but kept holding on.

Sang Ning stared blankly for a moment, loving this occasionally petulant side of Shen Tingwan. It wasn’t like the image she’d once imagined, but she liked it anyway. She knew Shen Tingwan wouldn’t show this side to anyone else.

It was her Little Aunt calling, probably to wish her a happy birthday. Sang Ning had no choice but to lie back on the sofa, still hugging Shen Tingwan, as she answered.

“Ningning, happy birthday.” Sang Mingjing asked on the phone, “Did you eat something delicious?”

“We did…” Sang Ning replied softly. Answering this call felt so awkward.

After a few simple exchanges, Sang Mingjing sensed she wasn’t free to talk and casually asked, “What are you up to?”

Sang Mingjing’s question made Sang Ning even more awkward. She couldn’t exactly say she was hugging her girlfriend. Lying required an excuse, and excuses took time, so she paused first.

They were pressed close, so Shen Tingwan could hear the conversation. Seeing Sang Ning stuck, she whispered a reminder in her free ear, “Eating cake.”

With the assist, Sang Ning immediately replied, “Eating cake.”

Shen Tingwan heard and laughed quietly, rubbing her waist. Sang Ning was ticklish and let out a light laugh.

Sang Mingjing laughed on the other end. “So happy about eating cake?”

Sang Ning chatted with her in a daze for a few more sentences before ending the call. She set her phone down and saw Shen Tingwan had opened her eyes. She lay there lazily watching her, a beautiful smile curving her lips…

Shen Tingwan saw her suddenly sit up. “What’s wrong?”

Sang Ning mumbled, “…Want some water.”

Shen Tingwan got up to pour her a glass.

That evening, Sang Ning posted on Moments. She loved so many photos and took forever to choose. One was a candid shot taken by a passerby of her and Shen Tingwan sitting on a bench drinking coffee. She asked Shen Tingwan if she could post it.

Shen Tingwan smiled. “Of course.”

Sang Ning was satisfied.

It was a bit late when Sang Ning scrolled and saw Shen Tingwan had rarely posted on Moments too. She opened it and stared in a daze for a long time.

Shen Tingwan had posted several photos, all of Sang Ning’s back views around campus. She hadn’t even realized when Shen Tingwan took them.

The caption was “Happy birthday” followed by a long string of little suns.

Sang Ning stared at the photos for a long time, her eyes suddenly stinging again.

Wei Xue didn’t see Shen Tingwan’s post until noon the next day. It woke her right up. She messaged Shen Tingwan, but got no reply, so she called directly.

Shen Tingwan answered while preparing to go to Jiang Yunchun’s for dinner. Sang Ning couldn’t join her; she had shooting tasks on Christmas Eve and Christmas.

“What’s up?”

“What’s with your Moments?” Wei Xue wasn’t thrilled. “You never posted for my birthday!”

Shen Tingwan chuckled lightly.

Wei Xue recognized the back figure in the photos as Sang Ning. “You were celebrating our baby junior’s birthday yesterday?”

Shen Tingwan said “Mm.”

Wei Xue was shocked to hear her admit such a cheesy line and teased, “Admitting she’s your baby now?”

Shen Tingwan had no intention of hiding the relationship. Bluntly, she said, “We’re together.”

From the several seconds of silence, Wei Xue was clearly stunned. She knew Shen Tingwan liked Sang Ning, but hadn’t expected her to start dating so soon. She’d always thought this desireless, picky woman would end up alone…

Wei Xue recovered and asked, “When did you get together?”

“A few days ago.”

“You beat out her white moonlight?”

Shen Tingwan smiled. “Too complicated to explain right now.”

Wei Xue asked again, “No need for personal space anymore? Can you handle sharing a bed with her?”

Shen Tingwan calmly replied, “I can handle it just fine.”

The phrasing was a bit ambiguous, leading to another brief silence. Wei Xue suddenly laughed and asked, “So, how’s the junior’s technique?”

Shen Tingwan was at a loss for words and cut her off. “Can you think about something else?”

Wei Xue insisted, “This is important, okay.”

Shen Tingwan didn’t want to discuss risqué topics with her and made an excuse to end the call. She set her phone down, thinking of Sang Ning’s innocent blushing during their kisses, and smiled to herself… She’d probably have to teach her everything.

*

After her birthday, Sang Ning was swamped. She had a ton of gigs lined up and spent the end of the month rushing through work.

Yu Shuang shed her usual laziness and focused on efficient work. They were both all about making money— one last push before year-end for extra income.

Sang Ning finished a morning shoot and stepped out of the studio. The new studio employee, Lanlan, came bounding over excitedly.

Lanlan was a tabby cat who used to nap on their studio’s electric scooter out front, basking in the sun.

She’d gotten sick recently, and Sang Ning and Yu Shuang took her to the vet together. After treatment and bonding, Yu Shuang suggested keeping her as the studio’s lucky cat.

Sang Ning loved animals too, so they agreed.

Yu Shuang came back from outside and saw Sang Ning happily teasing the cat. She said sourly, “Got a girlfriend and you’re all cheery.”

Sang Ning smiled without denying it. It wasn’t that her life had been unhappy before—she was too calm, her joy always subdued. But the happiness Shen Tingwan brought was vivid, making her heart race.

Shen Tingwan had many business events at year-end too, equally busy. They hadn’t met since the birthday… Sang Ning missed her, though they hadn’t met often before. Now, it just wasn’t enough.

“Lanlan, meow.” Yu Shuang washed her hands and joined in teasing the cat. “Meow—”

Lanlan sat like a statue, unmoved.

Yu Shuang tried again. “Meow—”

Sang Ning watched quietly from the side. “You meow more than she does every day.”

Yu Shuang: “…”

“Sang Ning.”

Hearing Yu Shuang call her suddenly, Sang Ning looked over. “What?”

Yu Shuang asked curiously, “Is dating like this for you too?”

Sang Ning asked, “Like what?”

“You never react much.” Yu Shuang saw her as straight as a line, eerily calm. Even happy, she just smiled faintly—no excitement or losing control. If Sang Ning hadn’t confessed that day, she wouldn’t have guessed how deeply she loved Shen Tingwan.

Sang Ning was speechless. She didn’t react much to most things, but she did to Shen Tingwan.

…

After lunch, they talked on the phone. Hearing Shen Tingwan’s voice made Sang Ning’s heart itch, but she was too embarrassed to say she missed her all clingy-like.

“I have to attend the magazine’s New Year’s event. Can’t be together.”

“Mm, it’s fine.”

“You have zero reaction.” Shen Tingwan felt her own work was too demanding. Alone, it hadn’t bothered her, but now with two of them, they had to consider each other.

Sang Ning smiled. “I get it.”

After a moment, Shen Tingwan huffed lightly, “Blockhead.”

Sang Ning stood outside in the sun. That huff warmed her more, easing her fatigue.

Shen Tingwan heard her laugh and suddenly asked softly, “Do you miss me?”

Sang Ning’s heart skipped. She went quiet—she was terrible at saying stuff like that, even to the person she’d liked for years.

“Do you?” Shen Tingwan laughed and pressed. She’d always loved teasing her; now with legitimacy, no holding back.

The wind scattered golden ginkgo leaves, making the words in her ear even more romantic. Sang Ning couldn’t take it and hummed softly through pursed lips. “Mm.”

Shen Tingwan teased softly, “Doesn’t sound like you miss me much.”

Sang Ning explained, “I do.”

Shen Tingwan laughed for a bit.

Chatting idly in the sun felt so nice. Sang Ning said softly, “I’m shooting at the magazine tomorrow. All day.”

Shen Tingwan replied, “I’ll be at the company tomorrow. We can do lunch.”

Sang Ning’s little scheme worked. She grinned. “Okay.”

The next day’s shoot had a small hiccup.

Even with her hearing aid, Sang Ning sometimes faced communication barriers. Most people were patient once they knew she was hard of hearing, but not all.

Work started that morning, and she misheard something, delaying progress.

The client had a short fuse and vented directly, feeling dismissed by the magazine. Like a powder keg: “At least hire a photographer who can hear!”

It hit a sore spot, pretty hurtful.

Someone comforted her briefly, but Sang Ning was used to it. Her emotions stayed stable, not affecting her work.

The client was satisfied with the shots and shut up.

At noon, work wrapped for a break. Sang Ning got Shen Tingwan’s call. “Come to my office for lunch when you’re done.”

Her bad mood lifted. She took the elevator up, knocked on the office door, and Shen Tingwan opened it soon after.

Shen Tingwan looked at her with smiling eyes.

Sang Ning smiled unconsciously. Shen Tingwan’s makeup was soft today, her vibe mature, her smile sweet and alluring.

“Come in.” Shen Tingwan pulled her inside and locked the door to avoid interruptions.

There was a small rest table in the office. Sang Ning washed her hands, and they sat to eat.

Shen Tingwan stared at her face. “Why the long face?”

Sang Ning looked up. That obvious? She’d been smiling the whole time. “No such thing.”

Shen Tingwan noticed easily. Since dating, Sang Ning always smiled so sweetly at meetings. “Really nothing?”

Sang Ning figured she’d say no anyway. She encountered this often; nothing major, no need to mention.

They ate lunch together. With some rest time, Sang Ning lingered in the office. In winter, the south-facing floor-to-ceiling windows let in warm sun.

Lazing in the sunlight, Sang Ning heard Shen Tingwan suddenly ask, “Did the morning shoot go smoothly?”

Sang Ning smiled. “Smoothly.”

Shen Tingwan stared at her. “I just checked on it…”

Sang Ning’s smile faltered.

Shen Tingwan said, “Keeping it from me again?”

Sang Ning’s lips still curved in a relieved smile. “It’s nothing. Happens a lot; you get used to it and it doesn’t matter.”

Shen Tingwan often saw Sang Ning smile like this. She knew she was naturally optimistic, staying positive through lots of crap—rare and admirable. But it still hurt to see. “Getting used to it is still a grievance.”

Sang Ning paused. Usually, people praised her strength or toughness in these situations. No one had put it like that…

Shen Tingwan gazed into her gentle, stubborn eyes, aching for her. She pulled her close for a hug and soothed her softly by the ear. “You’ve got me now. No need to bottle it up alone anymore.”

Sang Ning hugged her tightly too, suddenly feeling the grievance. The hug came right on time.

Shen Tingwan ruffled her hair and kissed her forehead. She’d wanted to comfort her like this so many times, but hadn’t had the right before.

Sang Ning buried her face in her hair, clinging for a long while. Then she lifted her head, smiled at Shen Tingwan, and said, “All good now. No more grievance.”

A short hug fixed it. Shen Tingwan couldn’t help asking, “You’re this easy to coax?”

Sang Ning eyed her brows. “Isn’t easy to coax good?”

Shen Tingwan smiled and pinched her ear. “You can be greedier. However you want me to coax you, I will.”