Chapter 35: You Always Love To Joke

Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=5310224
This translation was originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com

Jiang Shu found that Ji Lianxing could bring her good mood. It was that kind of joy that came from the heart.  

So after finishing that dance that wasn't like a dance, Jiang Shu began to really think about one question. Could it be that she really couldn't have feelings for others?  

A person who had decided to grow old alone, a person who had decided to find one hundred lovers, was now starting to think about what love is.  

She looked at Ji Lianxing’s face. It was a face that gave her freshness and short bursts of liking. But how long could that freshness last, she didn't know herself.  

After a few seconds of thought, Jiang Shu felt that joy and love were two different things. She ended that absurd thought in her head at once.  

Later they ate breakfast together. During it, Ji Lianxing’s roommate came back from work and met Jiang Shu.  

Ji Lianxing told her roommate that Jiang Shu was her older sister. After a few polite words, the roommate didn't think much and went to the bathroom to shower.  

“Today is my brother’s death anniversary. I'm going to the graveyard with Xiaotan. Do you want to come?”  

“I can.”

Speaking of Jiang Shu’s brother, Ji Lianxing felt a bit curious. After what happened last time, she kind of knew Jiang Shu’s brother died by accident. And from Jiang Shu’s tone last time, it seemed like she also felt a bit guilty.  

“Then after breakfast, let’s go pick up Jiang Xiaotan from my parents’ place.”  

After breakfast, Ji Lianxing sat in Jiang Shu’s car. The two went to the suburbs.  

The weather was good today. Ji Lianxing sat in the passenger seat, looking out the window. The sunlight came through the glass onto her cheek, bringing some warmth. Ji Lianxing squinted her eyes in comfort. She thought sunny days were better than cloudy ones.  

“By the way, Jiang Xiaotan seems to like you a lot.” Jiang Shu spoke casually.  

“Really?” Ji Lianxing glanced at her. “Actually, I like her too.”  

“This kid should be able to feel it. She has sharp observation.” Jiang Shu purposely glanced at Ji Lianxing. She found that whether in looks or personality, Jiang Xiaotan was a bit like Ji Lianxing when she was young.  

“By the way, President Jiang.” Ji Lianxing hesitated a little, but still asked. “What about Xiaotan’s mom?”

When she first entered the company, everyone said Li Xiangyan and Jiang Shu were already married, and their kid was Jiang Xiaotan.  

Later Ji Lianxing found out Xiaotan was Jiang Shu’s brother’s daughter.  

Today was Jiang Shu’s brother’s death anniversary, but there was no word about Jiang Shu’s sister-in-law, so she couldn’t help but feel curious.  

“Xiaotan’s mom also passed away.” Jiang Shu held the steering wheel. Her fingers tapped on it a few times, like she was thinking. “Actually she’s adopted by my brother.”  

“Ah?!”  

Jiang Shu wasn’t surprised by the shock. She explained. “My grandpa was a soldier, my brother too. Xiaotan is my brother’s comrade’s daughter. That comrade once saved my brother’s life.”  

“What happened later to the comrade?”  

“He passed away. A pretty serious fire accident, it was even on the news. In their family, only Jiang Xiaotan survived. She was just eight months old then. My brother went through the legal process to adopt her. From that day on, she was our family.”  

Ji Lianxing thought for a bit. She remembered her first impression of Jiang Xiaotan. A very sunny and cheerful child. She could feel Xiaotan grew up in a warm family. But she didn’t expect Xiaotan was also like her, having lost both parents.  

“Then does Xiaotan know?”  

“She doesn’t know. We’re planning to tell her after she becomes an adult. She’s too young now, it’s not right.”

Ji Lianxing nodded, agreeing with that view. Kids may be small and don’t understand many things, but they’re actually pretty sensitive. Especially with this kind of matter, you can’t be careless. You need to be cautious, to avoid problems in their growth.  

The car drove out of the city and entered the suburbs.  

“Right, later my parents might invite you to our house for a bit.”  

“Ah?” Ji Lianxing instantly got nervous. What Jiang Shu said reminded her, she’s about to meet the parents!!!  

“I forgot to buy something!!!”  

Ji Lianxing looked outside. The car had already left the city. Around them were single-story houses, with few places selling things.  

“No need to buy, nothing at all. My parents don’t care about that.” Jiang Shu noticed Ji Lianxing seemed a little nervous. She comforted her. “My parents both have good tempers. Later I’ll just introduce you as my friend.”  

Jiang Shu said it lightly, but Ji Lianxing’s nervousness only grew.  

Maybe it was because she lacked experience being around elders, Ji Lianxing always felt scared.  

Like back in high school, when she went to Yu Meng’s home. Yu Meng’s parents were obviously very nice and warm, but Ji Lianxing was scared. She was even scared to the point her voice shook when she spoke.  

Subconsciously she feared she’d do badly, leaving a bad impression on elders. This had built up over time, and it was very hard to change.  

“Don’t be nervous, little hedgehog. We won’t stay long, just ten minutes or so then we’ll leave.”  

“Mm.”  

After nearly half an hour, they finally reached a small villa on the edge of the suburbs. The design of the villa was elegant. It was clear the owner had fine taste.  

The small garden by the gate really surprised Ji Lianxing. The life in those plants was too strong. When she pushed open the door, she felt like she had stepped into a sea of flowers, as if in a dream.  

“My parents just love raising flowers.” Jiang Shu pointed to a corner of the fence. “Look at this box of gem flowers, when I came back last week they had just planted them.”  

“gem flowers!” Ji Lianxing crouched down, reaching out to lightly touch the pale purple petals. “My house used to have many too. They grew so lush, the whole rooftop terrace was full of them.”  

Jiang Shu looked at her and smiled. “Do you like them? If you do, take them back with you.”  

Ji Lianxing pulled back her hand and shook her head. “They’re perfect here, with their companions it feels lively. With me they’d only seem lonely.”  

“Shushu!!! Sister Hedgehog!!!”

Before seeing her, they first heard her voice.  

Jiang Xiaotan's childish voice was very loud. Right after, she came running in a yellow jacket.  

She opened her arms and ran to them. Laughter came out of her throat. She stepped on the small pebbles and ran faster and faster.  

"Slow down!" Jiang Shu called, but the words had not reached her ears. Jiang Xiaotan stumbled and fell hard on the stones.  

Her smile turned into tears right away.  

"Ah wa wa wa wa wu wu wu wu..."  

Jiang Shu and Ji Lianxing ran to her at the same time. They lifted her up together. But she still cried. Her loud crying went into their ears like three layers of orchestra playing together.  

"There there, don't cry..." Jiang Shu patted her back.  

"Uuuhh... it, it hurts... I can't stop!!!"  

"Be strong, let me see." Jiang Shu lifted her pant leg. Luckily she wore thick pants, so it was only a small scratch.  

But children cannot stand pain well. Jiang Xiaotan kept crying. Jiang Shu was not good at coaxing, so she only said a few words and had nothing more.  

Ji Lianxing was more patient. She held Jiang Xiaotan's hand and pulled her into her arms.  

"Does it still hurt a lot?" Her voice was soft. Children listened well to this.  

Jiang Xiaotan's eyes were full of tears. She nodded hard. "It hurts."

"Sister will blow on it, ok?"  

"Ok."  

"If I blow, it won't hurt." Ji Lianxing blew a few times on Jiang Xiaotan's knee. Jiang Xiaotan felt cool. After blowing, Ji Lianxing added, "Those blows were medicine for you. You'll get better soon."  

Fooled but serious, Jiang Xiaotan nodded. She felt it really hurt less.  

Jiang Shu was stunned at the side. It seemed Ji Lianxing was better at coaxing kids.  

"It doesn't hurt now, right? If it doesn't hurt, let's go inside." Jiang Shu reached out to take Jiang Xiaotan's hand. But Jiang Xiaotan pulled back and threw herself into Ji Lianxing's arms.  

Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=5310224
This translation was originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com

"Sister Hedgehog, hug me!"  

Ji Lianxing felt a little awkward at being called Sister Hedgehog. She didn't know where Jiang Xiaotan had heard it. But no one can refuse a child acting cute. So she held her in her arms again.  

"Ok, sister will hug you."  

At the side, Jiang Shu frowned. Jiang Xiaotan was happy in Ji Lianxing's arms. Holding hands, hugging. Ji Lianxing had never treated her this well.  

"Jiang Xiaotan, you sure know how to act spoiled!" Jiang Shu opened her arms, wanting to take her.  

"Shushu, I don't need you to hug me. I want sister to hug me." The chubby hands held Ji Lianxing's neck tight. Her cheek pressed against hers.

Jiang Shu pulled back her hand that hung in the air. She felt Jiang Xiaotan was acting spoiled too much. That was her Little Hedgehog!  

"Where are Grandpa and Grandma?" Jiang Shu's voice had a little strange tone.  

"In the kitchen making breakfast!"  

Jiang Shu peeked at Ji Lianxing, then at Jiang Xiaotan.  

"Go inside, hurry."  

Ji Lianxing followed right away. Her steps were fast because she could hardly hold Xiaotan. Xiaotan was really heavy.  

Lucky, when they reached the entrance, Jiang Shu took Xiaotan into her arms. If not, Ji Lianxing's strength was not enough.  

"Dad, Mom, I'm back!" Jiang Shu waved at Ji Lianxing and pulled her closer. She said to the two elders in the kitchen, "This is the friend I told you about."  

Standing next to Jiang Shu, Ji Lianxing looked at the kitchen hall. Soon two people came out from the glass door. The one with the spatula was Jiang Yidong. The one in apron was Zhou Xuelan.  

"Hello Uncle, Auntie~"  

"Hey, hello hello!" Jiang Yidong shook the spatula in his hand and greeted Ji Lianxing. His face was very kind, which made Ji Lianxing much less nervous.  

Zhou Xuelan was not as lively as Jiang Yidong. Her nature was a little quiet. But the smile on her face did not fade. A soft smile hung by her lips as she welcomed them inside.  

Come in quick, sit~ Did you eat breakfast?

"We’ve eaten." Jiang Shu and Ji Lianxing said together. The two turned their heads, looked at each other, and smiled. Jiang Shu whispered, "We do have some tacit understanding, huh?"  

She pulled Ji Lianxing to sit on the sofa.  

From the kitchen came a faint corn smell. The two elders seemed to be making corn cakes for Jiang Xiaotan.  

A few seconds later, Jiang Yidong stuck his head out again and laughed, "You really ate already? Do you want to eat a little more?"  

Ji Lianxing happened to meet his eyes. She didn’t know how to say no, but she truly wasn’t hungry.  

Jiang Shu answered first, "Dad, we really can’t eat anymore. Hurry and feed Xiaotan. We still have to go see brother later."  

When she said "brother," the smile on Jiang Yidong’s face froze. Just for a second, then he returned to normal.  

"Even if you don’t eat cakes, at least drink some porridge. It’ll be ready soon."  

Five minutes later, Jiang Xiaotan sat at the table eating. Her breakfast was rich, with porridge, cakes, yogurt, and fruit. That was what you call a balanced diet.  

The adults didn’t seem to have much appetite, but the kid ate with gusto.  

"Take the flowers I prepared for your brother when you leave. They’re white chrysanthemums I planted last year," Zhou Xuelan said.  

"Okay. By the way Mom, the gem flowers by the gate look pretty. Later, pick one for me. I’ll raise it back home."  

When Jiang Shu said this, Ji Lianxing couldn’t help but look at her. Her eyes met Jiang Shu’s, and in Jiang Shu’s gaze she saw the answer. The gem flower was for her.

"Like it? If you like it, take the whole box." Zhou Xuelan was bold. She never held back when it came to her children.  

Ji Lianxing stayed quiet, listening while sipping porridge, though she wasn’t hungry.  

She had secretly observed Zhou Xuelan and felt she had a graceful air, very clean, not fake or pretentious. This elder gave her a nice feeling.  

"Right, Jiang Shu, why don’t you introduce this friend of yours?" Zhou Xuelan looked up at Ji Lianxing and smiled.  

The sudden shift of topic caught Ji Lianxing off guard. She hurried to introduce herself. "Auntie, my last name is Ji. Ji Lianxing. You can just call me Xiao Ji."  

"Oh, Xiao Ji. That’s good. You and Jiang Shu just got together not long ago, right?" Zhou Xuelan asked so casually.  

But that one simple line completely threw Ji Lianxing.  

If she remembered right, when Jiang Shu came in, she had said "friend," right? Between friends, do you say "got together"?  

Wait. Got together! Could it be that Jiang Shu’s mom knows—  

Ji Lianxing turned her eyes to Jiang Shu for help. She didn’t know how to answer.  

"Pft, Mom." Jiang Shu placed a hand on Zhou Xuelan’s, giving it a pat. "I just said, Xiao Ji is my friend."

"Ohhh." Zhou Xuelan showed an apologetic look. "I misunderstood your relationship."  

Jiang Yidong had been busy feeding Jiang Xiaotan the whole time. When this topic came up, he finally spoke.  

"Speaking of which, you’ll be thirty in two years. Isn’t it time you had a steady relationship? At least bring home a girlfriend?"  

"I know, but I can’t find someone I like." Jiang Shu blurted out.  

The spoon in Ji Lianxing’s hand shook. She pressed her lips tight and lowered her head to sip porridge.  

Just now Jiang Shu’s face looked so natural, her feelings for her family so real. So that line, "can’t find someone I like," must’ve come straight from the heart, right?  

She truly was nothing but a bed partner in Jiang Shu’s eyes. Even though she already knew that, hearing it for real still stung inside.  

Jiang Shu seemed to realize something. She quickly looked at Ji Lianxing and noticed her face wasn’t right, then realized she might’ve spoken too fast.  

"Mom, Dad, stop worrying about me." Jiang Shu sounded a bit impatient as she glanced at Jiang Xiaotan. "Are you done eating yet? If you’re done, we’re heading out."  

Jiang Xiaotan put down her bowl and chopsticks, showing she was very excited to go out. "I’m done done done!!!!"

****

It was autumn. The sun was bright. Sunlight poured down on the palm trees along the road, painting their trunks with gold.  

The car sped along the asphalt road. Jiang Xiaotan sat in the front seat, holding Jiang Shu’s phone, watching cartoons.  

Ji Lianxing sat in the back seat. She had asked for it.  

In the suburbs the car ran faster than in the city. Ji Lianxing turned her head to the window. One palm tree after another rushed past. The sunlight slipped through the gaps in the leaves, falling like a shining galaxy.  

Jiang Shu didn’t speak. Ji Lianxing didn’t either.  

Their silence started from that line, "can’t find someone I like."  

How long was this road?  

Ji Lianxing looked at the straight asphalt, like it had no end.  

And her? This vague thing with Jiang Shu, that looked like love but wasn’t, how long could it last?  

Ji Lianxing knew she still had hope for Jiang Shu.  

In those moments, kissing her, holding her in bed, she really had that illusion.  

She even thought, maybe Jiang Shu liked her a little.  

Sure enough, once you lose clarity, you start to daydream. How could it be? Finding true love in a game was like looking for a flower inside a fig.  

"Little Hedgehog." Jiang Shu spoke first.  

She had already looked at Ji Lianxing many times through the rearview mirror, not knowing what she was thinking. Maybe it was about that matter just now.  

"Mm?"  

"What are you thinking about?"

Ji Lianxing propped her chin with one hand and kept looking out the window. "I’m not thinking about anything, just empty."  

The cartoon on Jiang Xiaotan's screen made childish fight sounds. She was deep in the cartoon world, not understanding the mood between the two adults at all.  

"Don't get me wrong."  

"I won't."  

So the air got even more silent.  

After half an hour, when they reached the graveyard, Ji Lianxing felt a bit tired. She suddenly grew sleepy, wanting to knock out for a long nap.  

Jiang Shu took two bouquets from the trunk, both fresh white chrysanthemums in full bloom.  

"Little Hedgehog." Jiang Shu called to Ji Lianxing. "Don't be dazed come on."  

The graveyard was modern, neat, and planned well. It had workers to clean and needed regular fees, so it stayed tidy.  

The air carried the smell of smoke and dust. Jiang Xiaotan walked between the two adults, curious like a little explorer, looking here and there, not scared at all.  

"Shushu, how much longer?"  

"Up ahead, almost there."  

"You didn't bring me last year, hmph."  

"Last year you were sick, how could I bring you." Jiang Shu stopped in front of a tombstone. It held a black and white photo of a man, handsome, his brows and eyes looking quite a bit like Jiang Shu's.

"Dad!" Jiang Xiaotan called to the man in the photo. Then her eyes moved to the tombstone beside it, and she called again, "Dad!"  

Jiang Shu handed her the two bouquets of white chrysanthemums, letting her place them in front of the two graves.  

"Shushu, why are both of them my dad?"  

"I'll tell you when you grow up."  

"Then why don't Grandpa and Grandma ever come?"  

"They get sad."  

"Then why don't you get sad?"  

Jiang Shu patted Jiang Xiaotan's head, showing a helpless smile. "You're like a hundred thousand whys."  

Standing aside, Ji Lianxing felt uneasy. A hundred thousand whys made her think of last night, the dreamy night that was just as pale and powerless in its essence.  

The mood in the graveyard grew heavy. Ji Lianxing had no desire to speak. She thought of her uncle, or rather, of her mother. Looking at the photo on the tombstone, she began to wonder, was a tombstone a kind of shackle for the dead? Pressed under narrow soil, sleeping underground, maybe turning into ashes would be freer.  

"You don't seem in a good mood." Jiang Shu said.  

"A little." Ji Lianxing pressed her lips, her face pale.  

"Sorry, I shouldn't have brought you here. It made you recall unhappy things."  

"It's not because of that." Ji Lianxing lowered her head. She tried to ignore the feeling of loss, but it still crept up her heart, no way to shake it off.

"So it’s because of that sentence," Jiang Shu said straight out. "That’s why you’re upset."  

"No." Ji Lianxing’s lips went pale, her palms damp with sweat. "I might just be a little carsick."  

"Of course I like you." Jiang Shu set a hand on her shoulder, giving her comfort. "Don’t think too much."  

"President Jiang, you don’t have to."  

Jiang Xiaotan, sharp-eared, caught that and laughed. "I like you both too!!!"  

A child’s world is so perfect—just look how happy she smiles.

****

At night, Ji Lianxing still went to the bar to sing. Saturday was usually her main stage, and the day she made the most money.  

Same old place, same songs she’d heard too many times, the ones that left her throat tired. Ji Lianxing was getting sick of this life. When would it end?  

"Hi everyone, I’m Bella. Long time no see, do you still remember me?"  

Even her opening lines never changed. The few diehard fans below screamed like crazy. Ji Lianxing sang one song after another, until fireworks burst on the screen behind her.  

Mr. Zhang in the VIP booth had thrown another twenty fireworks. Same guy as last week, Zhang Mingyue.  

"Mr. Zhang, what song do you want to hear?"  

From his seat, Zhang Mingyue raised a hand and waved at her.  

"I like anything you sing."  

The crowd cheered, but some scoffed.  

"She’s ours, Bella’s ours. Just listen to the songs, order if you want, stop acting greasy!"  

Next to Zhang Mingyue, VP Wang got loud. He yelled at the students downstairs, "You punk brats, believe it or not I can bury you with money?"  

"So what if you’re rich!"  

So Zhang Mingyue threw another twenty fireworks. He laughed and asked the boy below,  

"Is that your living expenses for one semester?"  

"Hahahahaha!!!"  

"Damn, that’s a fatal hit!!!"  

"Crazy rich, does whatever he wants!"

The guys downstairs started hollering, the scene slipping out of control. Ji Lianxing felt a headache coming on. To stop a pointless fight, she blew into the mic.  

"Then Mr. Zhang, a song for you. ‘Wish You Happiness Every Day’."  

The mood eased a little. Ji Lianxing forced herself through the song and headed backstage for a break.  

Willow took the stage after her. She was the one who had introduced Jiang Shu to her. The two brushed past each other. Ji Lianxing sat on a stool with a bottle of water. These days she tried not to talk to Willow, since it only felt awkward.  

But Willow called after her.  

"Xiao Ji, need to talk."  

"What?"  

"Mr. Zhang wants your WeChat."  

"Tell him no, thanks."  

"He said he wants to buy you dinner. You wanna think about it?"  

"No."  

"Alright."  

Willow walked off, not too happy, her face saying “are you sure about that?”

Ji Lianxing pretended to drink water and did not look at Willow's face. She felt sad, Willow probably already put her in that group of girls who only need money to be happy. Otherwise she would not bring Zhang Mingyue to her.

Going to meet Jiang Shu that time was the choice Ji Lianxing regretted most. Rich, gentle, a woman, so she went. Later she felt she was very foolish.

The bar music went booming again and again. The harsh sound hit her ears. The feeling she did not belong here grew stronger. She wanted to leave, but there was money. Money, always money.

She drank water and went into the rest room. After some time, a man came in.

He looked around thirty. He wore a suit and shiny shoes. He looked like he just got off work. He was tall but thin. His face looked sharp. His hair had gel. The lights made it look greasy.

He walked toward Ji Lianxing. When he was five or six meters away, she saw it was the man who gave her gifts, Zhang Mingyue.

"Mr. Zhang." Ji Lianxing put down her water and stood up.

"Hello, beautiful." Zhang Mingyue took off his sunglasses. His small eyes showed a sly light. He reached out his hand. He wanted to shake hands.

Ji Lianxing did not shake hands. She stepped back a little to keep distance. "Hello, what do you want?"

"Did you think about that thing?"

That thing, mm, very stinky.  

When he spoke his mouth smelled of garlic. Ji Lianxing almost could not breathe. She saw his smile and her stomach turned like waves, she felt sick.

"Sorry, I have a partner." Ji Lianxing held her phone and looked around. There were people near the makeup table, and a guard at the door. Zhang Mingyue should not dare to do anything.

"I heard you went to hotels before, not long ago. Does your boyfriend know?" His smile looked proud.

Ji Lianxing knew in one second that Willow told him. She kept silent. She did not want to explain.

"No problem, you can still think about it." Zhang Mingyue smiled. "I like you. If you do not like the price, I can change it."

"Mr. Zhang, I said it clear, right?" Ji Lianxing almost could not hold it. She was afraid she might slap him.

"I see, you know how to act." Zhang Mingyue tried to come close. Ji Lianxing stepped back fast.

"This is our work room. You disturb my work. There is a guard at the door."

Zhang Mingyue opened his small eyes wide. He was not happy, like he failed to insult Ji Lianxing. He turned and saw there was really a guard at the door.

"Think about it. 150,000. More than you make singing."

"Guard, please handle this." Ji Lianxing waved at the security. The man came in at once and took Zhang Mingyue out.

"Yo, you really can act. I like it." Zhang Mingyue shouted before leaving. The air was full of garlic smell he left behind.

Ji Lianxing felt worse. Her mood was already bad today, and Zhang Mingyue dragged it to the bottom.

After she sang the second half, she walked out of the bar tired. It was raining. At the door many people waited for taxis. The app showed more than 100 in line. She knew she could not get a ride soon.

Ji Lianxing went to the shop across the street and bought an umbrella. She planned to walk to Jiang Shu's home. It would take about ten minutes.

The rain wasn't heavy and not a downpour. The air was wet, and the temperature was low.

Raindrops hit the umbrella, pattering. Cold wind went into her sleeves. Her body was icy.

In her head she still saw Zhang Mingyue's face. It was as disgusting as Ji Siyu. The longer she worked singing in bars, the more she saw men like him. This made Ji Lianxing sure. She must earn money, stand strong, never depend on others.

"I'm not drunk! You think I can't drink two more bottles? Easy!!!" A drunk man shouted across the street.

Yes, besides lust, they also liked to make noise and brag.

Ji Lianxing looked down and walked faster. Her eyes stayed on the ground, on her feet going forward, forward, forward. She didn’t want to stop even for a second.

Her steps got faster, the ground clattering. At the corner of the street, she bumped into a chest. A clean scent went into her nose.

"Walking so fast and not looking at the road?"

Ji Lianxing looked up. Her eyes met deep brown pupils, soft as the sea. It was Jiang Shu.

"It’s raining." Ji Lianxing lifted the umbrella over Jiang Shu’s head. "Why don’t you use an umbrella?"

"It wasn’t raining when I came to pick you up." Jiang Shu took the umbrella, then held it for Ji Lianxing. The umbrella leaned more to her side.

"Why pick me up?"

They walked side by side. Jiang Shu put one hand on Ji Lianxing’s shoulder, pulling her close. The other hand held the umbrella. It was clear she was keeping Ji Lianxing dry.

"Silly, why pick you up. To take you home of course."

"I can go home without you picking me." Ji Lianxing’s tone was cold. She felt like a little girl, still mad about the morning, and she couldn’t help it.

"I wanted to pick you up. You’re safer this way." Jiang Shu’s eyes held a smile. She noticed Ji Lianxing’s red nose tip. She was wearing too little, maybe cold. "You’re still mad about what happened this morning?"

"No, what happened this morning?" Ji Lianxing admired her own lie.

"Pfft." Jiang Shu pinched Ji Lianxing’s cheek. "Your face looks fake when you lie."

Ji Lianxing stayed quiet.

But inside, she was happy. Because Jiang Shu came to get her.

"Actually in the morning I said that to fool my mom. She keeps nagging me about dating."  

"Oh."  

"Next time should I tell her you’re my girlfriend?"  

"No." Ji Lianxing’s voice shook from the cold.  

Jiang Shu pulled her into the coat, she was as cold as ice.  

"See, you don’t want it again."  

"We’re not even a couple. Why say I’m your girlfriend."  

"Actually I quite like you, Little Hedgehog."  

Ji Lianxing’s heart trembled. She felt moved by Jiang Shu’s words, but also thought most likely it was fake.  

"You always joke."  

"I’m not joking."  

"I don’t believe it."  

Just then a taxi sped by. Water splashed onto Jiang Shu’s pants.  

"See, even the taxi doesn’t believe it."  

"Eh? I got wet, and you still talk cold words, Little Hedgehog."  

"Then you’re wet. It’s not me who made you wet."  

"Hm?" Jiang Shu gave her a look.

Ji Lianxing caught the signal. She realized something and regretted blurting out without thinking.  

"Almost home, rain’s getting heavy." Ji Lianxing sped up, her cheeks burning.  

Jiang Shu didn’t follow. She shook the water from the umbrella onto her on purpose.  

Ji Lianxing stopped, shocked. "President Jiang! You made me wet!!!"  

"Sorry, my fault."  

"You did it on purpose."  

Jiang Shu laughed. "I didn’t."

Author's Note:

Here’s the third update, this one is three-in-one.  

Quietly stepping back.