When Shen Tingwan got angry, her aura was incredibly strong. With a cold expression, Sang Ning couldn’t see any trace of her usual calm gentleness.
The evening ended unhappily.
As they walked out of the noisy bar, Shen Tingwan was still in low spirits. Sang Ning glanced at her and silently tightened her grip on her hand.
Shen Tingwan stopped, pulled her into an embrace, and gently stroked her hair to soothe her.
Sang Ning thought about how Shen Tingwan had just protected her, and with this hug, tears suddenly welled up in her eyes. She rarely lost control of her tears like this, but now they kept overflowing from her sockets.
Shen Tingwan patiently said, “It’s not like she said. Don’t overthink it.”
“I’m not overthinking.” Sang Ning hugged her waist tightly and mumbled in reply.
She understood that even if Wei Zi hadn’t said it out loud, others might think the same—wondering why Shen Tingwan liked her, feeling they weren’t a good match… She wouldn’t let outsiders’ opinions get to her. Their feelings for each other were clear to them alone.
Hearing the sob in her voice, Shen Tingwan lifted her cheeks and saw her eyes brimming with tears, her face streaked with them. She frowned, her heart aching as she gently wiped the damp corners with her fingertips. “Then why are you crying?”
Sang Ning sniffled, her eyes red as she looked at her. “You’re too good to me.”
Seeing her cry like this, Shen Tingwan’s own eyes grew wet. She laughed at her silliness. “If I’m not good to you, who should I be good to?”
Sang Ning grinned through her tears, but they still wouldn’t stop.
As Shen Tingwan wiped them away, she asked, “Really not overthinking?”
“No.” Sang Ning’s eyes were full of trust. At first, she had overthought things too, wondering if Shen Tingwan should be with someone better and what she saw in her. But as they spent time together, the answer came naturally—love was love, and Shen Tingwan’s eyes held the same tenderness for her.
After they got together, Shen Tingwan had been so careful with her, giving her a sense of security and fearing her sensitivity and insecurity. She didn’t want Shen Tingwan to have to be so cautious…
With tears in her eyes, Sang Ning smiled brightly. “I know I’m great, and I know Shen Tingwan really likes me.”
Shen Tingwan looked into her sparkling eyes and smiled radiantly too.
Sang Ning’s heart fluttered. The evening breeze blew, streets bustled with people—ordinary yet lively—and in the midst of it, they shared their own passionate romance in each other’s arms.
They didn’t get home until late at night. After Shen Tingwan showered, the scent of body wash replaced the alcohol on her. As she was about to blow-dry her hair, Sang Ning came over.
Sang Ning skillfully blow-dried her damp hair for her.
Shen Tingwan smiled, enjoying the thoughtful service. Once her long hair was dry, she turned around. “So good to your wife?”
Sang Ning felt sweet but awkwardly smiled.
Shen Tingwan saw through her awkwardness. “Last time you were drunk, you clung to me calling me ‘wife.’ Don’t you remember?”
Sang Ning: “…”
Shen Tingwan laughed outright.
Sang Ning tickled her waist in retaliation, teasing her back.
Shen Tingwan twisted away with a shiver.
The two played around childishly, filling the bedroom with joyful laughter. Finally, Sang Ning impulsively tackled Shen Tingwan onto the bed.
Lying on her back, Shen Tingwan stared at the willful, beautiful smile on Sang Ning’s face—no more of the old caution or humility. She wrapped her arms around her and pulled her close.
Sang Ning relaxed into her embrace and planted a kiss on the corner of her mouth.
Life inevitably had its unpleasant moments, but as long as they were happy together, that was enough.
The temperature rose bit by bit.
The studio hired a new assistant—a cheerful girl with good taste who learned quickly and got along well with Yu Shuang, making the place livelier.
Sang Ning busied herself in the studio for most of the afternoon when Yu Shuang came in and asked, “Wanna go out for dinner tonight?”
Sang Ning replied, “Eating at home tonight.”
Yu Shuang grumbled, stuffed full of dog food. “Having a partner sure changes things.”
Sang Ning smiled.
Curious, Yu Shuang asked, “Do you ever feel pressured?”
Sang Ning asked, “About what?”
“Someone like your senior—tons of people must chase her, right?” Yu Shuang added quickly, “But she doesn’t see anyone else; it’s only you in her eyes.”
Being with Shen Tingwan, Sang Ning never felt pressured. Shen Tingwan gave her plenty of security and had changed her in many ways.
The last time Shen Tingwan’s family pushed her to go on a blind date, she’d casually said, “I have a girlfriend.” Sang Ning wasn’t surprised; she knew she could fully trust Shen Tingwan.
“You used to say you’d spend your life with your camera—I almost believed you,” Yu Shuang teased.
“…” Sang Ning changed the subject. “Let’s eat together another day.”
Yu Shuang laughed heartily, genuinely happy for her friend. It was clear Sang Ning was living blissfully now.
That evening after work, Shen Tingwan picked her up from the studio. They went grocery shopping at the supermarket together. On days without overtime, they usually cooked for themselves.
Soon after dinner, Sang Ning got a call from Sang Mingjuan. Her little aunt’s birthday was coming up; would she come back?
It had been a while since she’d gone home. Her work schedule was flexible and not too busy, so she said yes.
Sang Mingjuan mentioned mailing her something.
Sang Ning had already terminated her apartment lease. “Mom, send it to the studio…”
There was a pause on Sang Mingjuan’s end. “You moved?”
Sang Ning: “Yeah.”
Sang Mingjuan was silent even longer, her voice low. “Living with your partner already? So impatient…”
Sang Ning was at a loss for words. She could tell Sang Mingjuan was worried; her calls had increased since the New Year. Softly, she said, “I’m living with my senior now.”
Sang Mingjuan didn’t say much after that, just told her to take good care of herself before hanging up.
Seeing the worry in Sang Ning’s expression, Shen Tingwan patted her head. “What did Auntie say?”
Sang Ning leaned lazily against Shen Tingwan. “She guessed I’m dating.”
Shen Tingwan didn’t want her under too much pressure. “If you’re not ready, we don’t have to say anything yet. Take it slow. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.”
Sang Ning smiled with crinkled eyes. They discussed everything with each other, and including one another in their future plans felt reassuring and solid.
*
On Sang Mingjing’s birthday, Sang Ning returned to Muyang with gifts. Sang Mingjuan was cooking a birthday meal, and Sang Ning had bought a big cake for her little aunt.
Just the three of them celebrated; Sang Mingjing didn’t want other relatives around to avoid the hassle.
Sang Ning carefully lit the birthday candles. “Little Aunt, make a wish.”
Sang Mingjing closed her eyes, made her wish, blew out the candles, and urged with a smile, “Cake time, cake time.”
Sang Mingjuan ate her cake quietly, saying nothing.
Sang Mingjing saw it all and couldn’t help laughing at her. “She’s dating someone—do you really need to worry this much? Ningning’s grown up; she’s not a kid anymore. She can take care of herself.”
Sang Mingjing had said this many times to comfort her, but Sang Mingjuan just couldn’t relax. Sang Mingjing understood—Sang Mingjuan never said much, but she treasured her daughter like the apple of her eye.
Sang Ning was on vacation and stayed an extra day. The next day after lunch, after some thought, she stopped her preoccupied mother. “Mom, there’s something I want to tell you.”
Sang Mingjuan looked at her daughter. “Go ahead.”
Sang Ning said, “Don’t worry. She’s really good to me.”
Sang Mingjuan fell silent.
Sang Ning rarely opened up about her feelings, but today she shared a lot. “I had a crush on her back in college, secretly liked her for years. Being with her now makes me so happy and fulfilled.”
Seeing her daughter’s eyes redden as she spoke, Sang Mingjuan felt a pang of heartache…
Sang Ning took a light breath and confessed, “She’s a girl too.”
As expected, the words brought utter silence to the table.
Sang Mingjing’s eyes widened instantly.
Sang Mingjuan’s expression didn’t change much—surprised yet not. After a long pause, she looked at her daughter’s reddened eyes. “Your senior.”
Sang Ning nodded, anxious yet resolute.
Sang Mingjuan said nothing, having suspected as much when Sang Ning mentioned living with Shen Tingwan. A college classmate with work collaborations, and she’d refused to show her photo…
Sang Ning didn’t want to hide anymore—one part to give Shen Tingwan more security, another to stop Sang Mingjuan’s constant worrying.
Sang Mingjuan’s brows furrowed deeply. Ten minutes passed without a word—no outburst of opposition, no acceptance, just brooding.
Sang Mingjing held her breath tensely. Women liking women wasn’t easily accepted in a small place like this.
Sang Ning stayed silent too; the family needed time to process.
About half an hour later, Sang Mingjuan asked in a trembling voice, “Can her family accept it?”
Sang Ning breathed a slight sigh of relief. “She’s already told them.”
“Her family’s probably well-off, right?” Sang Mingjuan continued. “Isn’t the gap too big…”
“What are you saying? Our Ningning’s no slouch either—can’t she have an outstanding partner?” Sang Mingjing interjected. “Little Aunt supports you.”
Though surprised, Sang Mingjing accepted it quickly. Life was short; live happily, no need for rigidity.
Sang Ning relaxed.
Sang Mingjuan sighed softly. Still worried, but knowing it was Shen Tingwan eased her a bit. She’d met the girl—gentle, beautiful, with great poise.
Sang Ning stared straight at Sang Mingjuan and softly called, “Mom…”
After a long while, Sang Mingjuan said helplessly, “As long as you like her.”
Sang Ning smiled through red eyes, knowing the family would respect her choice no matter what. She let out a heavy sigh of relief—this weight was finally off her chest.
She’d planned to tell Shen Tingwan in person back in Birch City, but she was too happy and couldn’t resist messaging her.
Shen Tingwan called back immediately, worried. “Why’d you tell her suddenly?”
“We have to eventually. I didn’t want to hide it anymore, and it just came up in conversation.” Sang Ning laughed. “Don’t worry, Mom’s reasonable. It’s fine.”
Shen Tingwan paused for half a second; from her voice, she could tell Sang Ning had cried. Softly, she said, “I’ll come over later.”
Sang Ning was stunned.
After finishing a meeting, Shen Tingwan took leave and got off work three hours early.
She arrived in Muyang around six, at dusk, when golden sunlight bathed the old streets in serene warmth.
Shen Tingwan parked by the noodle shop’s camphor tree. As she got out, she saw Sang Ning running toward her with a smile, her face glowing in the beautiful sunset.
Sang Ning jogged up and hugged her first.
Shen Tingwan felt the gentle impact of the embrace, stroked Sang Ning’s back, and only relaxed once she confirmed everything was okay.
Sang Ning took her hand and eagerly pulled her toward the house.
Shen Tingwan followed her light steps, smiling all the way.
Entering the room, Sang Ning still held Shen Tingwan’s hand tightly and introduced her openly with a grin. “This is my girlfriend.”
Shen Tingwan smiled and greeted them—this time as her girlfriend.
Sang Mingjuan was at a loss, as if suddenly gaining another daughter. “Why’d you bring stuff again?”
Shen Tingwan replied graciously, “It’s only right.”
Sang Mingjuan said, “It was a few hours’ drive—must be tiring. Wash up and eat.”
Sang Ning tugged Shen Tingwan’s hand, beaming at her. “We made your favorite dishes.”
Sang Mingjuan was taken aback; she could hear her daughter acting spoiled.
