The sudden parental meeting prompted Shen Tingwan to bring even more gifts this time, along with a large bouquet of fresh flowers.
Although Sang Mingjuan didn’t show much enthusiasm, she prepared several dishes that evening tailored to Shen Tingwan’s tastes.
Under the table, Sang Ning secretly held Shen Tingwan’s hand to reassure her.
During the meal, Shen Tingwan took the initiative to talk about her family. “My mother is a university teacher, and my father runs a business. I usually lived more with my grandmother, and she really likes Sang Ning.”
Sang Mingjuan listened attentively without a change in expression. She had never hoped for Sang Ning to find someone with exceptional status; she only wanted her daughter to be treated equally and respectfully, to live smoothly and happily.
“Will your family agree?” Sang Mingjuan finally spoke, voicing her greatest concern.
“I’ve already told them, though we haven’t met formally yet.” Shen Tingwan smiled faintly. “I make my own decisions about my life, and my family respects that.”
Sang Mingjuan nodded silently.
Shen Tingwan had heard many things about Sang Mingjuan from Sang Ning and understood her feelings. “Auntie, don’t worry. I won’t let Ningning suffer any grievances.”
“Good.” Sang Mingjuan’s nose tingled. She had always feared Sang Ning would be wronged, so she preferred her daughter to stay single rather than date, worrying about it for a long time. After hearing these words, her furrowed brows relaxed a bit. Sang Ning had mentioned Shen Tingwan many times in front of her before, and she knew this girl was gentle, kind-hearted, and of impeccable character.
The atmosphere at the table gradually eased, and Sang Mingjuan spoke more. “Eat more, both of you are too skinny.”
Sang Ning nodded. “Mm.”
Shen Tingwan smiled and added, “The braised beef and wontons from before were especially delicious. Thank you, Auntie.”
Sang Mingjuan smiled shyly. The girl was beautiful, spoke pleasantly, and even brought flowers for romance— no wonder her daughter liked her so much.
Sang Mingjing knew Sang Mingjuan well. She was clearly delighted but holding back. “If you’re happy, just smile. What’s there to be embarrassed about?”
Sang Mingjuan: “…”
Sang Ning’s lips curved up as she glanced at Shen Tingwan. “You’re not heading back to Birch City tonight, right? It’d be midnight by the time you get there, and driving would be tiring.”
“Mm, I have no plans this weekend.”
…
Shen Tingwan stayed over. She had rushed over in the afternoon without bringing clothes, so after her shower, she wore Sang Ning’s. The two often shared clothes anyway.
Sang Ning finished her shower and returned to the bedroom with her long hair still damp.
Shen Tingwan pulled her to sit on a chair, facing her as she blow-dried her hair.
Now alone in the bedroom at last, they could finally be affectionate. While Shen Tingwan dried her hair, Sang Ning wrapped her arms around her waist, tilting her head up to gaze at her, her dimples ever-present on her cheeks.
Shen Tingwan leaned down, smiling as she blow-dried, deliberately tousling Sang Ning’s hair into a mess.
Sang Ning let her tease, her gaze fixed entirely on the face she adored, affection spilling over.
Seeing those sparkling eyes full of sweetness, Shen Tingwan leaned down and kissed her.
Sang Ning tilted her head up for several kisses, hugging her waist tightly and nuzzling gently into her embrace.
Clingier than a cat, Shen Tingwan’s lips curved into a grin. She recalled last year’s situation— this person had grown so bold now, a complete transformation.
The small city’s night was serene and peaceful.
Sang Ning had carried worries these past days, but after opening up today, she finally relaxed. The two sat shoulder to shoulder on the bed, flipping through an old photo album.
Shen Tingwan looked through the photos with great interest. The Sang Ning of the past didn’t smile as much as she did now, but she was generally happy when with family.
Sang Ning had plenty of childhood photos. “Even though our family wasn’t well-off back then, my mom took me to get portraits every year.”
Shen Tingwan said, “Auntie is very gentle and treats you well.”
Sang Ning nodded with a smile. “From childhood to now, she’s always been especially afraid of me getting bullied, so she’s been really worried ever since she found out I’m dating.”
Shen Tingwan felt warmth in her heart. Sang Ning had endured many grievances, but fortunately, she had a warm and loving family. She stroked the back of Sang Ning’s neck. “Because she loves you so much.”
Sang Ning turned to look at her. “Mm.”
Shen Tingwan gazed into her eyes. “I love you too.”
Sang Ning’s heart trembled, happiness bringing a sting to her nose again. “Me too.”
Shen Tingwan’s gaze softened as she pressed, “Me too what?”
Sang Ning grew even gentler all over. “I love you.”
Shen Tingwan’s heart fluttered intensely. Though Sang Ning often conveyed those three words with her eyes, hearing them still moved her deeply.
That night, Sang Ning slept soundly. When she woke, her arm instinctively reached to her side, finding it empty before she opened her eyes.
Shen Tingwan was already up, freshening up in the bathroom on the second floor.
Sang Ning rolled out of bed in a daze and wandered out.
Shen Tingwan was preparing to wash her face when she spotted Sang Ning approaching in the mirror. Still half-asleep, Sang Ning hugged her from behind as usual, all clingy.
Sang Ning loved her scent, caressing her waist while burying her face in the crook of her neck, her nose brushing lightly.
Shen Tingwan was ticklish too and rubbed her cheek against Sang Ning’s head, whispering, “Don’t mess around.”
Sang Ning smiled and pretended not to hear, nuzzling her neck with intermittent kisses, her chest pressed to Shen Tingwan’s back, hugging tighter and tighter.
Faint footsteps approached—not loud. Sang Ning didn’t catch them this time and kept holding Shen Tingwan.
The noodle shop required early mornings, so Sang Mingjuan had been busy for a while. Taking a brief break, she came upstairs to grab something and unexpectedly walked in on the scene.
Shen Tingwan spotted Sang Mingjuan and awkwardly tugged at Sang Ning’s hand.
Once Sang Ning noticed her mother, sleepiness vanished instantly. She hurriedly released Shen Tingwan’s waist and straightened up into her usual proper demeanor.
Mother and daughter stared at each other, then both flushed red without a word.
“If you’re awake, come down for breakfast.” Sang Mingjuan finished and headed downstairs, forgetting to take the item.
Sang Ning’s face was still red.
Shen Tingwan turned around and laughed for a long time at her flushed cheeks.
Sang Ning: “…”
Because of the morning mishap, breakfast downstairs felt awkward for Sang Ning.
Sang Mingjuan felt a touch of melancholy. She realized her daughter had always been too sensible and well-behaved around her… But thinking of how Sang Ning and Shen Tingwan interacted, she felt some relief.
After breakfast, Sang Ning took Shen Tingwan strolling through Muyang’s streets. The small county wasn’t large; she had gone from kindergarten to high school without ever leaving.
She led Shen Tingwan along the streets she frequented as a student. Hand in hand, they wandered in the sun, sharing a milk tea, taking everything slow and leisurely.
Unknowingly, Shen Tingwan’s presence filled every corner of her life.
The weather had been good lately. Seizing the opportunity, Sang Ning suddenly suggested, “Want to go to Little Mi Mountain to watch the sunrise?”
Shen Tingwan followed her lead. “Sure.”
They set off right away.
As they prepared to head to Little Mi Mountain that afternoon, Sang Mingjuan handed Shen Tingwan a thick red envelope. Shen Tingwan felt it and said, “Thank you, Auntie.”
“Come play often.” Sang Mingjuan’s smile was much more open now. She could see how happy Sang Ning was with Shen Tingwan.
“Definitely,” Shen Tingwan replied with a bright smile. “Next time Auntie visits Birch City, stay longer. I’ll take you around properly.”
Sang Mingjuan nodded cheerfully.
Sang Ning watched her mother beam with joy. Teacher Shen really knew how to coax people.
*
Little Mi Mountain was nearby Muyang, about an hour’s drive.
Shen Tingwan used to travel with friends often, but the most comfortable trips were with Sang Ning leading the way. She liked following Sang Ning’s pace— life became simple, peaceful, and delightful.
To watch the sunrise, they naturally stayed overnight on the mountain. Liu Yang’s homestay was the most convenient.
They drove up in the evening. Sang Ning greeted Liu Yang familiarly upon seeing her. “Liu Yang Jie.”
“Brought your girlfriend to play.” Liu Yang smiled and chatted, efficiently handling the check-in.
Sang Ning’s voice carried a laugh. “Mm.”
Liu Yang glanced over teasingly. “People get sweeter once they’re in love.”
After chatting briefly, Sang Ning pulled Shen Tingwan upstairs. Familiar with the place, she chose a mountain-view room with great scenery. From the balcony, lush greenery stretched everywhere.
The sky hadn’t darkened yet; it was the tender, romantic hour of blue twilight.
Shen Tingwan saw her smiling nonstop and pinched her cheek. “Your smile is so sweet.”
Sang Ning was sensitive. She thought it was just a normal interaction with Liu Yang— no need for jealousy, right? But recalling the past… She looked at Shen Tingwan for a moment and asked timidly, “Jealous again?”
Shen Tingwan was at a loss for words but amused. She couldn’t help asking, “Am I that petty in your heart?”
Sang Ning hesitated for one or two seconds…
That hesitation said it all. Shen Tingwan helplessly pinched her cheek again. “Don’t sleep with me tonight. Get your own room.”
Sang Ning stayed quiet, silently hugging her and gazing softly— she had experience now and knew Shen Tingwan couldn’t resist that look.
Always this trick to coax her. Shen Tingwan pretended, “Not falling for it anymore.”
Sang Ning pursed her lips, blushed, and brushed her nose tip against Shen Tingwan’s, her gaze even softer.
Pure yet alluring, Shen Tingwan’s heart raced as she closed her eyes and leaned in.
The mountain breeze was gentle, their hot kiss lingering.
Sang Ning had restrained herself at home for two days. Now in their own world, she didn’t hold back, pressing Shen Tingwan against the glass railing, her embrace and kisses both lingering and intense.
Shen Tingwan gripped the back of her neck, kissing back with a hint of dominance. She adored this fervent passion; it never got old. She had thoroughly fallen for her junior.
Soon, Shen Tingwan asked hoarsely, “Want it?”
Facing the tempting tease, Sang Ning was shy yet direct. “Yes…”
Sang Ning’s previous visits to Little Mi Mountain had always been calm and quiet, unlike this time— everywhere was flushed cheeks and racing hearts. Being with Shen Tingwan always brought so many differences.
From dusk to nightfall.
They skipped dinner. After showering together in exhaustion, they went downstairs around nine for a late-night snack. With an early morning ahead, they just held each other to sleep.
The next day, they rose before dawn. Shen Tingwan followed Sang Ning to the mountaintop.
It was cold on the mountain. While waiting for the sunrise, Sang Ning hugged her to warm her hands. “Do you remember the sunrise I posted on my Moments before?”
Shen Tingwan basked in the warmth. “I do.”
Sang Ning said, “I took it for you.”
Shen Tingwan smiled, heart touched. Her memories held so much hidden romance from Sang Ning. “We’ll watch them together from now on.”
“Mm.” Sang Ning hugged her contentedly, no longer envious of others.
They waited patiently as a faint light gradually brightened the horizon, from hazy dawn glow to radiant warmth, until the world turned golden, draped in a soft, beautiful veil.
“Every time I watch a sunrise, I feel like life gets ‘refreshed.'” Sang Ning smiled happily. “Isn’t it beautiful?”
“Mm.” Shen Tingwan smiled at her profile, feeling like sunlight had fallen on sunlight itself.
Sang Ning turned back and realized Shen Tingwan had been watching her, just as she had stolen countless glances at Shen Tingwan before.
The last time at Little Mi Mountain, she had bitterly thought the person she liked could never like her back. She never considered herself lucky… “I must have used up all my luck to meet you.”
Shen Tingwan ruffled her hair. “Save some luck for yourself. I’m yours too.”
