“What happened afterward?”

“Afterward…” She thought for a moment. “After he left, I left that city, then went to S City for university, then graduated…”

You Lele sat cross-legged on the bed, enthusiastically continuing to probe. “So what happened with you and your first love?”

“What do you mean ‘what happened’?” Xu You tilted her head, holding the hairdryer, her five fingers grasping and shaking her hair.

“Do you still have contact with him?”

After a few seconds, the roar of the hairdryer came to an abrupt halt. Xu You got up and unplugged the black cord.

“No.”

“None at all?” You Lele kept digging. If she hadn’t heard Xu You say it herself, she really couldn’t imagine that her seemingly well-behaved roommate had experienced such a vigorous youth.

“Well… there is some, I suppose.” Xu You paused a few seconds before answering. “He sent me letters.”

When she was in university, she often received postcards from various places.

Simple sentences written in black fountain pen. She recognized Xie Ci’s handwriting. Sometimes there wasn’t a single sentence—just blank space.

When it came to relationship experience, You Lele definitely had much more than Xu You, but truly none had left a deep impression on her. She suddenly seemed to remember something and had an epiphany: “I was wondering why you haven’t dated anyone even though you have plenty of pursuers. Could it be you can’t forget that person after all these years?”

Before Xu You could speak, You Lele thoughtfully sighed. “Eh… no wonder… What’s that saying? When you’re young, you can’t meet someone too stunning, right?”

“……..”

“Our café is planning a first love themed event recently. I feel like you could participate with this story. As the owner, I could make you the predetermined winner. Tempted?”

Xu You didn’t want to continue this topic, so she said, “I’m going on a business trip tomorrow. Handle dinner yourself.”

“Another business trip?!”

You Lele collapsed on the bed as if hearing terrible news, sighing toward the ceiling. “How is your news agency so busy? Business trips every few days…”

“There’s been a lot going on recently.”

Xu You picked up the laptop beside her to check work emails. She pressed the mouse and scrolled down.

Seeing Xu You working so seriously, You Lele sensibly didn’t continue to disturb her. She rolled around on the bed and took out her phone to chat on WeChat with her boyfriend.

On this side, after Xu You had been busy for a long time, she finally realized she was somewhat hungry.

“I’m going to the kitchen to make some noodles. Want some?” She closed her computer, stood up, and turned to ask You Lele.

You Lele’s gaze moved from her phone and glanced at her. “This late, you’re tempting me again.”

There weren’t many ingredients in the fridge. Both their tastes were on the lighter side. Xu You considered for a while and took out two eggs.

You Lele put down her phone and leaned against the counter edge, watching Xu You carefully chop scallions.

With some free time, the two chatted sporadically.

“Scallion and egg noodles?”

“Mm.”

“My mouth is practically drooling.” You Lele chuckled. “With your cooking skills, your future husband will be blessed.”

The water in the pot beside them started bubbling. Xu You glanced at it distractedly and instructed, “Put the dried noodles in.”

“By the way, when are you coming back?” You Lele put a chopstick of noodles in her mouth and mumbled incoherently from the heat. “Hiss, is there any vinegar?”

Xu You handed her the vinegar nearby. “Day after tomorrow. I’m driving—it’s not far.”

“Didn’t your car have problems last time? Did you get it fixed?”

“It’s fine.” Xu You finished eating first in a few bites, stood up to clean the dishes, and said, “I’m going to sleep. You should sleep early too. When you’re done eating, leave it on the table. I’ll clean up when I wake up tomorrow.”

“Wait, wait!” You Lele called out to Xu You. “I haven’t finished talking to you!”

“What is it?”

You Lele really couldn’t suppress her curiosity. “You still haven’t answered me. Is the reason you haven’t had a boyfriend these past few years because you can’t forget your first love?”

Xu You’s left hand held a water glass. Her bare feet stepped on the wooden floor as she frowned slightly. She knew that if she didn’t resolve this issue tonight, given You Lele’s personality, she would ask her a thousand times in the future.

“Whatever you want to ask, ask it all at once.”

“Actually about your breakup, I still don’t quite understand. Did he dump you or did you dump him?”

“Is that very important?”

You Lele poked at the noodles with her chopsticks. “Not really, I’m just very curious. You were so well-behaved back then—how did you end up together with him? Are all first loves especially unforgettable? Otherwise, why can’t you let go even now? When did you start to realize he was actually still very important to you?”

“He… to me?” Xu You leaned against the dining table, as if recalling something. She didn’t make a sound for quite a while.

If she absolutely had to pull out that period related to him, Xie Ci was perhaps an indescribable episode in her youth that she couldn’t forget later on either.

If she had to explain cause and effect—why she still remembered even now—she couldn’t say specifically.

It was probably because at that time, she truly liked him.

It was just that too many things happened then. Her capacity to endure was still limited, so she selectively and temporarily avoided her feelings for Xie Ci.

As for later…

“I don’t know either. Probably because none of the men I met later were as handsome as him?” Xu You answered with a smile, half-truthfully.

But who could say for certain about liking someone?

After so many years, Xu You had also thought about why she fell for Xie Ci back then.

Liked him so much that even though he left without saying goodbye, she could support that love alone for so long.

“Xu You, I didn’t expect you to look so refined yet be someone who judges by appearances. You’re making such bold claims—do you have photos?” You Lele wrinkled her nose. Combined with that messy short hair, she looked quite mischievous. “You know what? A friend told me that people who can’t forget their first love are generally very anxious inside. No wonder you’re so cold.”

Xu You pretended to be angry and glared at her. “You’re the cold one.”

—

After brushing her teeth in the morning, Xu You looked at herself in the mirror and paused in her movements.

After spacing out for a while, she bent down, scooped up a handful of cold water, and splashed it on her face, thinking in her mind.

How many years had it been…

How long does it take to erase the traces of a person’s existence?

One year, two years, or three years? Were six or seven years enough?

Perhaps it needed to be longer…

Why bring him up again? Xu You picked up the soft towel beside her, closed her eyes, and covered her face with it.

Last night at the convenience store buying things, through the glass, she saw a guy in a black jacket and T-shirt leaning outside smoking. Behind him, the endless stream of traffic on the road, neon lights lighting up one after another.

In just one second, memories violently crashed into her mind. Loneliness seemed to suddenly sweep through her entire body. Xu You thought of the night before last, sitting in the KTV, a friend holding a can of beer, sitting beside her and singing.

…

You shine for a moment

I’m dazzled for a lifetime

…

Xie Ci.

She wondered if he had taken good care of his dark eyes and picky stomach.

But it seemed someone said it right.

People who have cried while eating can keep going.

She could keep going.

—

To the neighboring city—just over an hour’s drive.

Xu You checked her things, left You Lele a note, and went out. The car reached the road and was waiting at a red light. The phone in her bag rang.

She answered while pressing down the car window.

The slightly cool breeze blew on her face, making her a bit more alert.

The caller was Zhang Lili, who was on the business trip with her. The two exchanged a few casual words. The light turned green, and Xu You hung up.

But she really fell victim to You Lele’s jinx—just as the car was about to get on the highway, the warning light on the dashboard lit up. An abnormal noise came from somewhere.

Xu You didn’t dare drive too far. Nervously, she slowed down and randomly found a nearby 4S shop to stop.

She didn’t know what day it was, but the shop was especially crowded.

Seeing Xu You come in, a staff member came forward. “Hello, miss. Is there anything you need?”

“My car broke down. Can you fix it for me now?”

“I’m sorry, miss. Do you have an appointment?”

“No…”

“It’s like this—our shop is very busy today and can’t spare anyone. Can you wait a while?”

“How long would I have to wait?”

The staff member showed a troubled expression. “Um… that depends on the situation.”

Xu You raised her wrist to check her watch and nodded. “Never mind then. I have something this afternoon… I’m pressed for time.”

Just as she turned around, she was stopped by a surprised male voice.

“—Hey hey hey, wait!!”

Xu You turned her head to see a somewhat unfamiliar man quickly rushing toward her.

“Xu You?!” That man excitedly called out her name.

Seeing Xu You’s blank expression, clearly not remembering who he was, that man became even more excited, loudly introducing himself. “Top student! I’m Li Xiaoqiang! Do you remember me?! We were in the same class before!!”

“……”

“Really no impression at all?”

“………”

Although she still couldn’t remember, seeing his appearance, Xu You couldn’t help but laugh.

She smiled very faintly, lips curving up slightly.

The clerk standing on the side said with a smile, “So you’re the boss’s classmate.”

“Why are you just standing there? Go pour some water!” Li Xiaoqiang urged.

Hearing this, Xu You quickly waved her hand. “No need. I still have something to do. I’ll leave after fixing my car.”

“What’s wrong with your car?” Li Xiaoqiang said attentively. “How about this—leave your car at the shop to fix, and I’ll treat you to a meal?”

“Your shop seems pretty busy. I have a business trip this afternoon. I’ll go find a place to fix the car first, and we can contact each other when I get back, okay?”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Our shop can—” Halfway through his words, Li Xiaoqiang suddenly stopped.

After a long pause, he spoke again. “Oh right, if you’re in a hurry, I’ll take you to a nearby shop to fix it. They probably aren’t busy.”

The ‘shop’ Li Xiaoqiang mentioned wasn’t far. Xu You’s car had problems and she didn’t dare drive too fast, so she nervously followed behind that black Mercedes.

After a few turns at the intersection, they stopped.

Xu You parked the car properly, opened the door, got out, and surveyed the repair shop before her.

There wasn’t even a proper sign. The outside wall was casually spray-painted with a few Xs and Ys in black paint. The rolling shutter at the main entrance was half-pulled down. Inside was all gray cement floor. The walls weren’t painted either—it looked more like an abandoned warehouse converted into a car repair shop.

Xu You followed behind Li Xiaoqiang, looking around.

Several large fans overhead slowly rotated with a whooshing sound. Only after entering did she discover the space inside was actually quite large. Speaking a few words seemed to produce an echo. Various modified cars she didn’t recognize were parked randomly everywhere.

They had barely taken two steps when Li Xiaoqiang’s phone rang. His ringtone was “Lady Luxury” by the Phoenix Legend, and the volume was especially loud. He glanced at the caller ID and quickly walked to the side to answer.

Xu You stood alone in place, bored, looking around. She wondered silently… How could this repair shop not even have an employee come out to receive customers?

Just as she was thinking this, two people opened a door to the side and walked out. One of the men was dressed very fastidiously—suit pants and pointed leather shoes. He had both hands in his pockets, wearing dark sunglasses, completely out of place here.

After walking two steps, Lu Hanxiao stopped and said to the person beside him, “Oh right, also do a pink topcoat.”

“Yes, Mr. Lu.” That person nodded.

“Then stud the rearview mirror frame with rhinestones.”

“……..”

Lu Hanxiao lowered his head slightly, sliding his sunglasses down that straight nose bridge, his eyes glancing over. “Call your best craftsman here.”

“……..” That person’s expression was a bit stiff. “Mr. Lu, I’m really sorry… everyone here is quite young…”

“Huh?”

Lu Hanxiao frowned. “Then have your boss do it, okay?” He didn’t dare make mistakes. This car was for his young lady, only because she had casually mentioned once seeing a very pretty pink convertible at the school gate.

Later during a meal, he mentioned this to a friend. The friend slapped his thigh and told him: “Let me recommend a shop to you. It’s a bit far, but many of my racing friends like to get repairs at that shop. But it seems quite hard to get an appointment.”

“Our boss generally doesn’t work on this type of car… depends on his mood.”

Lu Hanxiao laughed and continued walking forward. “Still depends on mood—your boss isn’t that old but has quite a temper, huh? Fine, I’ll come pick up the car later. Do it well.”

Xu You silently moved her feet to the side to let them pass. She quietly stayed to the side until someone came forward to inquire.

“Hello, miss… are you here to?”

Xu You quickly said, “Oh, I’m here to fix my car. Do you have time?”

“Fix a car?!” That person seemed choked. “The Audi A4 parked outside?”

Seeing his somewhat shocked expression, Xu You was baffled. “Ah… yes. Don’t you repair cars here? My friend brought me…”

“Uh… we do repair them, but we…”

“—We can fix it, we can fix it. We can fix any car.”

Someone beside them suddenly interrupted their conversation. Li Xiaoqiang had just hung up the phone and rushed over, telling that man with an “iron cannot be made into steel” tone, “A’Li, what nonsense are you saying!”

Dropping the ball at the critical moment!

A’Li was pulled to the side.

“Brother Qiang, what’s going on?”

Li Xiaoqiang’s eyes were full of expectation. “Where’s Brother Ci?”

He couldn’t wait to see what Xie Ci’s reaction would be when he saw Xu You. He might as well take out his phone later to photograph it and post it in the class group chat.

“Still sleeping probably, but he’ll be up soon.”

“Pulled an all-nighter again?”

“Not sure.”

“Go wake him up now. Just tell him, if he doesn’t come out, he’ll regret it for the rest of his life.”

“Seriously?” A’Li was really confused. Before leaving, he asked again, “That’s pretty scary to say.”

“Won’t scare you to death.”

A’Li suddenly had a flash of insight and glanced at that fair and tender woman. “This one, Brother Ci knew her before?”

“More than knew her. Move fast.” Li Xiaoqiang urged.

All the way, A’Li pondered in his mind. He went up to the second floor and was just about to knock on the door when it was pulled open from inside.

The man who emerged looked exhausted, his complexion not very good. He had a freshly lit cigarette between his lips. His eyes were narrow and pitch black, but heavy shadows beneath them.

“Ci… Brother Ci.” A’Li stepped back. “Brother Qiang said there’s someone downstairs you know.”

Xie Ci casually ruffled his hair.

He held the cigarette in his mouth, hands propped on the railing, and asked unclearly, “Where?”

“There.” A’Li pointed in a direction. “Standing in Area A9.”

Then, after a few seconds.

A’Li watched his usually unflappable boss’s face suddenly change.

—

Xu You was in a hurry and couldn’t help taking out her phone to check the time again. Just as she locked the screen, Zhang Lili’s call came through.

Either it was noisy over there or the signal was bad—the voice was unclear.

“Where are you? I can’t hear you.” Xu You moved to a different spot.

Seemingly having changed locations, the voice suddenly became much clearer and louder. Zhang Lili asked, “Have you arrived at X City?”

“Not yet. I’m still getting my car fixed. It suddenly broke down.”

“How about this—I’ll come pick you up. I’ve already made the appointment. We can have dinner together tonight when you arrive?”

“Wait, let me see if the car can be fixed first.”

Over these years because of work, no matter where she went, she would subconsciously look around and remember details.

This place was clearly not an ordinary repair shop—it had two floors. Not much decoration, reeking of paint, repair tools placed randomly, walls the simplest white, like an abandoned factory converted.

The iron gate was wide open with several hanging lights suspended. Looking around, all luxury cars were parked, but this repair shop was really decorated quite plainly.

She thought distractedly.

—

Sensing Xie Ci’s abnormality, A’Li didn’t know what to feel.

He silently waited on the side without making a sound, watching to see when Xie Ci would snap out of it.

The face of that woman downstairs flashed through his mind.

He had just seen her up close. She shouldn’t be very old, a bare face without makeup, beautiful features.

Not the ubiquitous pointy chin but a very classical oval face, which instead had an indescribable clean temperament. Her voice was also low and soft.

However, there had been various rumors before about why Xie Ci hadn’t had any women around him these past few years.

At first, everyone thought Xie Ci was used to being casual and didn’t like being controlled.

But as time passed, many people later discovered Xie Ci really didn’t seem interested in women.

His family had money and he could afford to play with anything, plus he had handsome looks. Often quite a few people would tactfully inquire about what type he liked.

But no one knew for certain—there were all sorts of messy claims. However, his fair-weather friends all concluded one thing: Xie Ci particularly went for women who were a bit quiet and gentle.

A bit quiet?

A bit gentle…

A light bulb suddenly went off in A’Li’s mind.

“—Brother Ci.”

Someone nearby rushed over, around thirty years old, face full of helplessness. “The car sent to Huayun this morning was returned.”

Xie Ci’s voice was very low, clearly distracted, eyes looking elsewhere. “Why?”

“They want the color resprayed.”

Cheng Fei was also a bit speechless. That Huayun CEO—the person seemed quiet but turned out to have a lot of demands. Their employee came over saying their CEO Chen’s girlfriend didn’t like the spray-painted color, so they sent it back for changes.

If it weren’t for their big connections, he would have almost blurted out sarcastically: Should we spray a photo of CEO Chen’s girlfriend on the car too?

But the people below also had it hard, saying their boss wanted to please his girlfriend. Besides the color, the seats also needed adjustment—uncomfortable for sleeping.

Uncomfortable for sleeping…

Might as well say uncomfortable for having sex.

Getting a car modified just for car sex. Cheng Fei thought of the brief encounter with their boss before, though they had barely chatted. But that cold face—really couldn’t tell that guy was so horny.

“So much bullshit.” Xie Ci threw the unfinished cigarette on the ground and casually commented. He lowered his eyes and stepped on it. There seemed to be shadows under his eyelids. “Get someone to do it.”

“Oh right, A’Li.” Xie Ci turned his head.

“Mm?”

“Don’t let her leave.” His tone was very light.

Who this “her” was, A’Li didn’t dare ask much. He could only knowingly nod.

After giving instructions, Xie Ci quickly headed back to his room. Gone was his usual lazy appearance—even his back showed an inexplicably urgent air.

The door was half-open. One could still vaguely see the room was full of carelessly thrown clothes, with several empty wine bottles rolled on the floor.

—

After entering the room, Xie Ci took a breath.

After sitting for a while, he looked at the calendar on the desk, picked up a pen, and marked today’s date with a stroke.

Then he started spacing out again.

Just now looking from behind, Xu You had grown taller. Her hair was neither long nor short, just falling to her shoulders.

Soft, with a bit of endearingly messy.

He casually bit open the cap of a red wine glass on the bedside table and tilted his head back to pour a few mouthfuls down his throat.