Chapter 6

Shen Tingwan’s WeChat profile picture hadn’t changed in years.

They shared a group chat, and Sang Ning had secretly clicked on that profile picture many times back then, but she’d never mustered the courage to send a friend request.

Until one evening during her freshman year, she suddenly received a friend request from Shen Tingwan. She was still in class at the time, staring at the verification message as her heart pounded like a drum. She was stunned for a long time.

Once she accepted, she cautiously sent a “Hello, senior.”

She spent the entire evening unable to focus on the lecture, checking her phone over and over.

Nearly an hour later, Shen Tingwan replied, discussing details about participating in the campus photography exhibition.

Sang Ning thanked her politely and properly.

That was their only conversation.

With her hair still damp, Sang Ning checked the WeChat message from Shen Tingwan right away, reminiscent of that time years ago.

It was business again.

【Shen Tingwan】Are you interested in the ceramic-themed interior photoshoot for the magazine?

Sang Ning collected herself, remembering what Yu Shuang had said that afternoon. She first messaged Yu Shuang to ask if she’d contacted Shen Tingwan.

【Yu Shuang】No, what’s up?

【Sang Ning】Why did she suddenly message me about magazine collaboration?

A moment later.

【Yu Shuang】It means your senior thinks your skills are good and has taken a liking to you.

“…”

Sang Ning exited the chat with Yu Shuang, thought for a moment, and replied to Shen Tingwan.

Shen Tingwan had just returned from the hospital and hadn’t been home long. She was exhausted all over. When she received Sang Ning’s reply, she leaned on the sofa sipping iced wine. She usually had a drink in the evenings to relax and sleep better.

Her grandmother couldn’t stand seeing her like this and often said it was a bad habit, but habits were habits precisely because they were hard to break.

【Sang Ning】Interested.

【Sang Ning】Am I suitable?

Shen Tingwan saw it and replied casually: Suitable, if you’re willing.

The next issue’s layout had been missing a photographer who fit the theme of purity and naturalness. Shen Tingwan had immediately thought of Sang Ning and recommended her to the visual director, who also thought it was a good fit.

The reply came quickly.

【Sang Ning】Willing.

Shen Tingwan noticed “the other person is typing,” took a gentle sip of her wine, and stared at the screen, waiting as if guessing what was coming.

Sure enough.

【Sang Ning】Thank you, senior.

She’d guessed right. Shen Tingwan inexplicably smiled. The most she’d ever said to her was “senior.”

A few exchanges, and the chat ended again.

Sang Ning smiled quietly for a long time, her mood unexpectedly uplifted. The air conditioning made her sneeze, reminding her that her hair still wasn’t dry.

Soon after blow-drying her hair, Sang Ning received a call from Sang Mingjuan. She held the phone to her right ear. “Mom.”

Sang Ning called home once a week. Muyang wasn’t far from Birch City, and she often went back when she had time. Birch City’s fast pace made returning to the small county feel like a breath of fresh air.

Sang Mingjuan asked, “Did you work overtime again today?”

Sang Ning laughed. “No, I got off on time. Can’t do it every day.”

“Were the peaches sweet?”

“Sweet.” Sang Ning sat on the sofa, hugging a pillow. “You sent too many. I can’t eat them all.”

Sang Mingjuan: “Give the extras to friends or colleagues.”

Sang Ning felt a warmth in her heart. Sang Mingjuan had deliberately prepared extra portions for others—she was always worried Sang Ning would be wronged or bullied away from home, or that she wouldn’t have friends.

“I went out with friends a few days ago and made some new ones. They’re all really nice to me.”

“Good.” Sang Mingjuan’s voice carried obvious delight.

Sang Mingjuan wasn’t the nagging type of mother. She didn’t lecture or get sentimental, staying quietly reserved, but her actions always spoke louder than words.

As a child, Sang Ning had felt like her mother didn’t care about her. It wasn’t until her hearing failed that she saw the usually strong Sang Mingjuan cry secretly all night. When others called her “little deaf girl,” Sang Mingjuan would argue fiercely with them, red-faced and unyielding, like a different person…

“And,” Sang Ning continued, as she always shared happy things during their calls to keep Sang Mingjuan from worrying that she was suffering outside, just like when she was little.

“At the gathering last time, I ran into a senior. She gave me a ride home in the rain that evening.” Sang Ning’s voice softened. “Today, she even introduced me to a collaboration with the magazine.”

“That’s so nice.”

“Yeah.” Sang Ning smiled, hugging the pillow tighter. “She’s really great.”

Sang Mingjuan thought for a moment. “If she’s taking such good care of you, shouldn’t you treat her to a meal?”

It was reasonable to show thanks with a meal—it wouldn’t be intrusive… Sang Ning had considered it. She bit her lip gently, but Shen Tingwan would probably just politely decline.

*

The next day, Sang Ning brought a big bag of honey peaches to the studio.

“Wow, Auntie’s feeding me again.” Yu Shuang sidled up, saying cheesily, “Tell Auntie I love her the most.”

Sang Ning smiled helplessly. “She mailed a ton. Fruit for the next few days will all be peaches.”

“That’s fine—way better than store-bought.” Yu Shuang, mouth watering, rushed to wash some.

Sang Ning wasn’t very hungry and nibbled on a peach for breakfast.

The morning wasn’t too busy, leaving time for idle chit-chat. Yu Shuang leaned against Sang Ning’s desk, eating a peach. “Your senior reached out for collaboration so quickly?”

Sang Ning glanced up. “Yeah.”

Yu Shuang: “I told you she likes you. You didn’t believe me.”

“Might just be a good fit.” Sang Ning’s fingers were sticky with juice. She wiped them with a wet wipe.

Yu Shuang: “She still thought of you first.”

Sang Ning had no reply and opened her computer to work.

“You’re amazing, Sang Ning.” Yu Shuang sighed fangirlishly. “If I had a beautiful, kind, gentle senior like that, I’d fall for her in a heartbeat.”

Sang Ning stared at her screen, pretending not to hear.

The collaboration was set for later, and she’d coordinate with staff from Observation’s visual department. Shen Tingwan had only recommended her; they hadn’t been in touch since.

Magazine work was more meticulous and tedious—not just matching the theme’s style, but aligning with the overall tone. It was like dancing in shackles, with stricter control over every aspect.

Before the official shoot, Sang Ning received notice for a discussion meeting.

That afternoon two days later, she made time to visit Observation headquarters. A receptionist guided her.

High heels clicked hurriedly on the floor amid brisk, polished figures everywhere. The air buzzed with fast-paced energy. Having left corporate life over a year ago, Sang Ning was increasingly unaccustomed to it, grown lazy.

“Right here. They haven’t arrived yet—have a seat and wait.”

“Thanks.”

Sang Ning was led into a small all-glass conference room. Punctual as always, she arrived early.

An admin brought red tea. Sang Ning sipped it while surveying the space. A top-tier magazine’s office had impeccable aesthetics.

She flipped through a magazine on the table. After about half a cup of tea, staff trickled in. She stood and greeted them politely.

Discussion meetings usually involved people from all relevant departments, including editors. Sang Ning glanced around peripherally—Shen Tingwan probably wouldn’t attend such a small one.

“Everyone’s here. Let’s start.”

As expected, no sign of her.

Sang Ning had her recording app open beforehand. In group settings, she might miss details, so she recorded to transcribe and review later—a longstanding habit.

Focused, the half-hour flew by.

Sang Ning worked intently, rarely distracted. She jotted a few keywords in her notebook, then looked up—drawn by a figure outside the glass wall.

Just a back view, but she recognized it instantly. She knew Shen Tingwan’s silhouette too well.

Shen Tingwan wore a black shirt today, sleeves rolled up, long hair to her back, then a slim waist and long legs. She stood elegantly relaxed, chatting with someone.

It didn’t last long. The black figure turned, striding briskly forward while glancing indifferently toward the conference room.

Sang Ning promptly lowered her head, the motion practiced, her pen scratching the paper.

Others in the room noticed too.

“Who was that stunning beauty just now?”

“The new Editor Shen.”

…

Sang Ning vaguely heard them discussing Shen Tingwan—the voices too soft to catch fully. She only picked up the woman to her right saying, “…Editor Shen. I swear, she kills me with her beauty every day.”

After the meeting, everyone sighed with relief, muttering “off work, off work.”

Sang Ning had no other plans, free to head back to her apartment. She slowly packed her materials, peeking toward the door several times.

Lingering too long would seem odd. As she prepared to leave, she spotted Shen Tingwan emerging from an office, a bag slung over her shoulder.

Sang Ning stuffed her materials into her bag, left the conference room, and headed toward the elevators.

She walked quietly, debating whether to catch up to the figure ahead.

Someone called out to Shen Tingwan. “Not working late today, big shot?”

Shen Tingwan turned sideways to chat. “Yeah, what about you, President Xu? Still not off?”

“Got work tonight.”

Seeing Shen Tingwan walking with someone else, Sang Ning slowed her pace instinctively, not approaching. The short walk to the elevators felt leisurely.

At the elevators, she found the doors open. Looking up, Shen Tingwan was holding it for her…

Their eyes met.

Sang Ning snapped back, hurrying in without making her wait. She murmured a faint “thanks.”

With a third person there, they just exchanged faint smiles, tacitly saying nothing more.

The elevator descended two floors, and President Xu got off for overtime.

Suddenly alone, they stood diagonally opposite, like galaxies apart. Approaching deliberately would be awkward, so Sang Ning stayed put.

Shen Tingwan stood in her corner too, unmoving. “Here for a meeting?”

Sang Ning’s gaze brushed her face. “Yeah, just finished.”

Shen Tingwan smiled at her.

A polite smile, but Sang Ning’s heart rippled. The black shirt with red lips gave off queenly vibes—she agreed with that girl’s comment from the meeting room. Shen Tingwan’s style varied but always shone.

The elevator kept descending.

A few seconds later, Sang Ning looked at her again. “Senior…”

Shen Tingwan heard her initiative, a rarity. “What?”

“Are you free tonight?” Sang Ning tried to sound casual and generous. “I’d like to treat you to dinner.”

Shen Tingwan arched a brow lightly. So forward?