In the sudden change of spring in March, the air became unusually damp, with a persistent mist hanging in the sky, enveloping everything, making even breathing difficult.
Shen Xifan had recently developed strange little bumps on her arms that were extremely itchy. She had tried many ointments but to no avail.
She hadn’t seen He Suye in a long time. According to Qiu Tian, he was busier than ever, working on a new medicine and exhausted every day. Holding her medical records, she sighed, deciding not to trouble him, and went straight to the dermatology department.
However, she regretted it as soon as she arrived at the dermatology department. The doctor glanced at her, and quickly scribbled a prescription, and she felt a chill in her heart. Could this prescription cure her illness? She had no confidence.
Standing in front of the payment counter in confusion, someone suddenly called her. Shen Xifan turned around to see Qiu Tian, wearing a white coat and holding medical records, walking towards her. This image indeed had a touch of the aura of a healer. Unfortunately, it was still far from He Suye.
Qiu Tian approached and asked, “What’s wrong? Headache, fever, cold?”
Shen Xifan shook her head and rolled up her sleeves. “Can you take a look at this for me? It’s so itchy!”
Qiu Tian was puzzled. “Why didn’t you go to see Jianjian? This is eczema. Take three doses of Chinese medicine, and it’ll be fine. These steroid medications are not good, and you shouldn’t use them regularly.”
“Can’t you prescribe it for me?” She handed him the medical records directly. “He Suye has been busy lately. I don’t dare to bother him!”
Qiu Tian’s face twitched. “Miss, I’m in the cardiology department. Honestly, I’m not good at traditional Chinese medicine. Asking me to prescribe medicine for you is deliberately embarrassing me. Jianjian is in the school laboratory. Just cross the street, and you’ll find it. Send him a message, and he’ll rush out to see you.”
Shen Xifan smiled. “If he scolds me and accuses me of disrupting official duties, I’ll come to you!”
He blinked and muttered, “Go ahead, go ahead. He’ll be thrilled…”
It was her first time coming to He Suye’s school. The old campus was dilapidated, weeds grew everywhere, and several school buses were parked by the roadside, with elderly professors chatting inside. She walked while observing, curious, and ended up wandering from the Bai Cao Corridor to the dormitory area.
But after wandering, Shen Xifan was at a loss. The buildings in the old campus were not labeled, and although two buildings looked like laboratories, which one was it? She took out her phone to message He Suye, but there was no response.
Suddenly, a familiar figure passed by in the corridor. When he saw her, he stopped in surprise. “Something wrong?”
Shen Xifan felt embarrassed, pointing to the left building and then the right one. “Fang Kexin, which building is the laboratory?”
Fang Kexin realized, “Are you here to find Big Brother? The laboratory is on the right, but usually, people aren’t allowed in. Did you call him?”
“I texted him, but He Suye didn’t reply.”
“Oh, I see. Let me go in and call him for you. Wait a moment.”
Soon, He Suye came out with Fang Kexin. His face looked tired, his originally bright eyes now deep with fatigue, and there were faint dark circles under his eyes.
Initially, Shen Xifan felt like laughing, but when he stood before her with a smile, she inexplicably felt a pang of bitterness.
He Suye smiled and asked, “What’s up? “
“Oh—it’s like this.” Shen Xifan hurriedly pointed to her arm. “I went to the dermatology department, and Qiu Tian said this traditional Chinese medicine works better. He told me to find you. Also, I’ve been losing my appetite recently and don’t feel like eating.”
That Qiu Tian, what a cunning guy! He Suye felt secretly pleased but kept his composure as he carefully examined her. “Oh, it’s eczema. The weather has been humid lately. Do you want an external application or an internal medicine?”
Fang Kexin interrupted from the side, “I have something to do, so I’ll leave first.”
“Never seen anyone so fond of Chinese medicine.” He Suye chuckled as he wrote, “30 grams of licorice, 10 grams of huangcen, 10 grams of madder root, 10 grams of magnolia flower, 10 grams of xu Changqing, 10 grams of Poria cocos, 2 plums. Go to the pharmacy and buy the ready-made formula.”
Shen Xifan pouted, “Since I met you, I seem to have developed an affinity for Chinese medicine. I feel like I’m being drowned in it.”
He Suye squinted and glanced at her, “Who told you to be so frail and sickly? With such a poor constitution, no one will dare to marry you in the future.”
She turned away, “Ah stop talking about more depressing topics than being sick. I’m feeling annoyed!”
He Suye smiled helplessly, “Little girl, let me take you for a walk to relax.”
It turned out that there was a large Chinese herbal medicine plantation in the backyard of his school, called Bai Cao Yuan.
Walking along the bluestone path and stepping over the tall threshold, Shen Xifan realized that all these lush green plants were Chinese herbs. She didn’t recognize any of them and could only stare at them curiously.
These plants were truly diverse in form. Even He Suye couldn’t recognize them all. He smiled and explained, “I know the names, but keeping them alive is another story. Those who study pharmacy are talented. Last time they came, they talked so fast and complicated that I got confused.”
Tiny leaves rolled with droplets of water. Shen Xifan carefully reached out to touch them. “He Suye, if I damage them, will I have to pay?”
“Hmm.” He Suye leaned in to look. “I’m not sure. There are a few invaluable medicinal herbs here…”
Shen Xifan quickly withdrew her hand, watching him vigilantly. Unexpectedly, He Suye picked a few leaves and grinned, “Consider them yours. This is indigo, more commonly known as Banlangen.”
“Banlangen is made from these leaves?”
As they walked, He Suye explained, “Banlangen, Banlangen, is made from the stems and roots. Little girl, isn’t the air nice here? Everywhere you look is green, and after the rain, there’s the fragrant smell of soil. I used to love coming here.”
As he wandered off to tend to mysterious flowers in a corner, Shen Xifan squatted by a pot of plants, murmuring, “Your perilla, also known as suye.” I kind of like you a little bit. How do you feel about me?”
The deep purple hue shone through the green leaves, becoming even more radiant with the mist. She gently swayed the branches and leaves, revealing a happy smile.
When Shen Xifan returned home, her father was engrossed in reading a magazine, while her mother called from the kitchen, “Fanfan, come and help. I can’t manage everything with just my two hands.”
After washing her hands, she went to chop vegetables. Her mother put rice into the pot and let out a long sigh of relief. “Fanfan, tell me about how things are going with that doctor?”
She felt a pang of worry. Li Jie was about to get married, and she wouldn’t have her acting partner anymore. She forced a smile, “What can I say? It’s just the usual.”
Her mother nodded. “The usual is best. You’re going abroad soon. If this holds you back, it won’t be good. Last time, your Aunt Yang wanted to introduce someone to you, but I declined. It would be great if you brought back a foreign son-in-law!”
Shen Xifan silently thanked the heavens and planned to light incense for her elders tomorrow.
After dinner, she went to her room to surf the internet, but her father pushed the door open, holding a magazine with a serious expression. Shen Xifan was puzzled. Her father laid the magazine in front of her and whispered, “Is this person Dai Heng?”
It was a column from a financial magazine titled “Business Battles in the Electronics Industry, Zhongyu Emerges as the Biggest Winner,” accompanied by a photo of Yan Heng. The entire page was filled with introductions about him and his company. Shen Xifan looked at it for about half a minute and uttered, “Yes, it’s Dai Heng, but he changed his name to Yan Heng now.”
Her father frowned. “Fanfan, about you now… I mean, are you still in touch with him?”
Shen Xifan smiled, “Dad, he’s staying at our hotel now.”
Her father pulled up a chair and sat down. “As a father, I rarely interfere in my daughter’s major life decisions. I always believe that whoever my daughter likes won’t be bad. So, I’ve never intervened. But three years ago, I was really worried about that matter.”
She lowered her head and whispered, “Dad, I’ve been wanting to talk to you about this. I did meet Dai Heng, and not just once or twice. He even asked me if there’s still a chance between us.”
Her father was stunned, then burst into laughter. “I always said my daughter wouldn’t be left without someone wanting her. Your mother worries all the time. How about it? Have you thought about it?”
“I don’t know, Dad. I can’t tell what I feel about him.” Shen Xifan propped her head and pondered for a moment. “Since I found out he’s staying at our hotel, I’ve been avoiding him. If he doesn’t come to find me, I won’t go to him. I just hope this situation continues, without thinking about it or dwelling on it.”
“Considering his proposal for reconciliation, I won’t intervene. Just remember two things: understand your feelings for him and consider his special status.” Shen Xifan looked up. “Dad, your advice is always golden.”
Her father grinned proudly. “Of course, of course. Your old man’s speeches at meetings are always concise and exemplary.”
“Dad…” Shen Xifan felt a bit embarrassed. “I don’t want to get married. It would be great if I could live with you guys forever.”
“Daughter, if you get married, your old man will be reluctant to part with you.”
“I won’t get married then!”
“What! How dare you not get married!” Shen’s mother’s booming voice echoed from the living room. “What are you two doing hiding in the room? Planning a rebellion? Let me tell you, Old Shen, don’t instill bad ideas into your daughter.”
Shen’s father’s face immediately fell, while Shen Xifan stifled her laughter under the covers. She felt her home was warm and happy. Her dad always gave her advice at the right times, and her mom, despite seeming nagging, cared for her more than anyone.
As for her and Yan Heng, she finally made up her mind to face it.
The next day, when she went to the hotel, she was puzzled by the stream of luxurious cars. She grabbed Lin Yishen standing nearby and asked, “Senior, what’s going on? Shooting an idol drama?”
Lin Yishen tapped her head with his notebook. “A few days away from work, and you come back looking different? It’s dangerous here. Hurry back to Mars!”
Xu Xiangya smiled, “Zhongyu is holding a new product launch event. See, it’s famous now, and people are coming in waves!”
A secretary approached. “Mr. Cheng wants Manager Shen and Manager Lin to go to the venue.”
He stepped onto the stage, introducing Zhongyu’s corporate culture while unveiling ten new laptops. The lighting gradually dimmed, focusing on him. This man, who dominated the electronics industry, exuded confidence. His deep, rich voice was trustworthy.
Shen Xifan squinted slightly, feeling the scene was familiar. Yan Heng, when he was the vice president of the Student Union, stood in front of everyone, vying for the position of president. She stood in the corner of the small auditorium, watching countless people stand up and applaud, his young face full of vitality.
He had always been a dazzling figure. Back then, she felt she was far from him. Now, even further.
Suddenly, Shen Xifan recalled her father’s advice, “Considering his current status, you must tread carefully.” It turned out that this man was no longer within her control.
In his presence, she often felt inferior, constantly striving to please him, fearing his departure. But now, their statuses differed. She asked herself, would she be content to forever live in his shadow?
All along, she had been trying to prove her existence. Unintentionally, the hurt and setbacks had brought her pride and self-esteem.
The lights kept changing, but she felt clear inside.
If there’s no feeling for someone, even a tiny grievance is unacceptable. If there’s still love, any hardship can be endured.
Love isn’t about being worthy or not, it’s about willingness.
It turns out, she could look at him so calmly. It turns out, those confusing feelings had dissipated unknowingly. Understanding emotions was simple.
It had always been her needless worries.
Lost in thought, she couldn’t help but smile. Lin Yishen looked at her strangely. “Junior sister, what are you smiling about?”
“Nothing!” Shen Xifan turned to look at the corner. “The hygiene here is good. I’ll go praise them when I get back.”
Walking to the bus stop with her bag on her back, Shen Xifan felt incredibly light. Even though the air was still humid and gloomy, she felt at ease. She pinched a piece of preserved plum, chewing and spitting it out.
Suddenly, she caught sight of a familiar figure sitting on a bench in the street garden not far from the hotel. Even in a simple white shirt, he couldn’t hide his charm. If it wasn’t Ling Yufan, who else could it be?
How could the big young master be out for a stroll? Truly a miracle after being away for a few days!
As Shen Xifan approached him, Ling Yufan noticed and raised an eyebrow mockingly. “Shen Xifan, why aren’t you at Zhongyu’s celebration banquet? Surely, you have some connection with Yan Heng!”
Sure enough, the big young master was in a bad mood, having been hit by the opponent. Shen Xifan rolled her eyes. “I’m not Manager Shen now, and you’re not my guest. If you provoke me, I won’t speak nicely to you.”
Ling Yufan laughed, his peach blossom eyes dancing. “I’d rather you speak to me a little rudely. You always have that lukewarm attitude, which gets on my nerves!”
Shen Xifan sighed. “I’d love to give you a piece of my mind, but you’re the God here, untouchable. Luckily, I bumped into you outside today, or else I wouldn’t have had a chance.”
He lowered his head. “Shen Xifan, if you want to vent, go ahead. I’m feeling pretty depressed right now, so I don’t care if you bring me down.”
Shen Xifan felt secretly surprised. When did the spirited young master become like this? It seemed that Zhongyu’s blow to him was significant. Thinking this, she obediently kept quiet and handed him half a bag of preserved plums. “Want some?”
Ling Yufan glanced at her. “You’re still eating preserved plums at your age? Childish.” He reached out, grabbed two, and tossed them into his mouth. “Not bad, it’s okay to have them occasionally.”
He was such a peculiar young master. Shen Xifan patted his shoulder. “Forget it, I won’t argue with you about the past. Let’s go, I’ll treat you to something to eat.”
Shangfutang was a century-old shop specializing in medicinal cuisine. Shen Xifan introduced, “I love their chilled osmanthus and plum soup the most. It’s refreshing and delicious, with a hint of sweetness and sourness.”
Two teacups were brought over, indeed emitting a fragrant aroma. She sipped the soup and said, “Plums can clear the lungs, stop coughing, astringe the intestines to stop diarrhea, and quench thirst. In this damp weather, drinking a bowl of this is the most comfortable. Don’t be polite, it’s my treat!”
Ling Yufan remained silent. Unable to stand the quietness, Shen Xifan said, “Actually, you shouldn’t be too depressed. The business world is like a battlefield, with victories and defeats. Hmm, I’m not very good at comforting people, but once you understand some things, you can move on. Life is still pretty good.”
“What have you figured out?” he suddenly asked, looking up.
“What could someone like me, rapidly approaching the ranks of older single women, figure out? Just relationship issues,” Shen Xifan replied, meeting his probing gaze and realizing she had spoken too much. “Hey, don’t try to pry more out of me. Drink up, I have to go home.”
He blinked, pretending to be mysterious. “Shen Xifan one of the recommendation letters is written by me.”
“I don’t remember asking you for it. You have a lot of free time!”
“Don’t worry, I didn’t say anything bad about you. But if I were to write it today, I’d include more positive points. Anyway, thanks today, Shen Xifan. It’s better if you don’t become a manager. Your lukewarm attitude annoys me!”
“Ling Yufan, could you keep it down? Everyone is watching you.”
“They’re watching how handsome I am!”
“Narcissist!”
The sky had turned dark, and the city’s dim lights spread gently.
She held the bag of preserved plums, got off the bus, and immediately saw He Suye coming out of the bus behind her, carrying a bag. It turned out that they missed the same bus but arrived home at the same time.
What an interesting coincidence.
He Suye immediately noticed the large bag of preserved plums and looked slightly displeased. “Little girl, why do you keep eating random things? I prescribed plums, not preserved plums.”
Shen Xifan grinned and offered, “Do you want one? Speaking of which, these plums can clear the lungs, stop coughing, astringe the intestines to stop diarrhea, and quench thirst.”
He Suye’s outstretched hand paused, looking at her with suspicion, then gently smiled. “The apprentice surpasses the master in three days, huh? Little girl, you’ve improved quite a bit. You can treat yourself for ailments in the future!”
She felt embarrassed. “Where, where, I’m just a quack doctor. Doctor He, don’t overpraise me, I can’t handle it.”
He Suye squinted. “Looks like you’re in a good mood?”
“Of course, of course, I just had osmanthus and plum soup, and I feel refreshed!”
“Where can I get some? I always feel like my homemade version lacks authenticity, the sweetness is always lacking a bit.”
“You can make it? I’ll go try it sometime!”
“Girl, I’m asking you where I can get it.”
“Hehe, I’ll take you next time, and of course, you’re treating!”
He Suye watched Shen Xifan walking ahead, her ponytail bouncing up and down, and smiled gently. The dimple on her right side deepened. “Can’t ask for more…”
His voice was so soft, almost inaudible.
In an instant, all the streetlights in the neighborhood burst into bloom. The night was cool as water.