After Fu Shize went downstairs, he sat to Yun Li’s left, with Xu Qingsong sitting next to him. Yun Li felt the presence of the person on her left too strongly and unconsciously leaned closer to Fu Zhengchu.
Fu Zhengchu asked, “Sister Lili, why are you sitting so close?”
Yun Li replied softly, “I feel more at ease sitting next to you.”
When Xia Congsheng saw Fu Shize, he exclaimed in shock, “Uncle, you look so handsome today! I never knew Qingsong’s clothes would suit you so well.”
Though Yun Li agreed they suited him, she wondered why he suddenly dressed this way.
Fu Shize provided a reasonable explanation: “I didn’t bring a change of clothes.”
“I think they suit you too,” Xu Qingsong smiled. “Have you decided what game to play?”
Xia Congsheng replied, “We just opened a deck of Uno cards.”
“Sounds good,” Xu Qingsong nodded.
Chen Renran suggested, “Let’s play ‘Grab Zero’ for more excitement.”
Everyone except Yun Li seemed to understand the rules and agreed readily.
Noticing Yun Li’s confused expression, Chen Renran explained, “When someone plays a ‘0’ card, everyone must quickly cover the cards with their hands. The last person to do so draws two cards.”
The game proceeded smoothly. Yun Li found it quite simple once she got the hang of it, following the previous player by matching either color or number.
When the first “0” card was played, everyone quickly covered their hands on the pile. Yun Li didn’t react in time and had to draw two cards.
After drawing cards twice, Yun Li became more vigilant. She closely watched others’ plays until someone played a “0” in the second round. This time, Yun Li swiftly covered her hand, as did the others.
Lu Yu’s reaction was about as fast as Yun Li’s, covering his hand just after hers.
This time, Fu Shize was the last to cover.
Yun Li silently applauded herself for her quick reaction.
Once again, Yun Li played a “0” card herself and quickly covered it. Fu Shize followed immediately after. Until the last person was determined, their hands remained in contact, palm to back.
Yun Li could feel Fu Shize’s hand hovering lightly on hers. Even this slight touch made her heart race.
She stole a glance at Fu Shize, whose expression remained as calm as water.
In the next two rounds, Fu Shize always covered his hand right after Yun Li.
Feeling her heart couldn’t take much more, Yun Li wanted to quit after this round.
Before she could speak, Fu Shize said, “Let’s change games.”
Yun Li stared at him in surprise.
The close friends in the group respected his suggestion and agreed immediately.
Chen Renran, unsatisfied, asked, “Why? Weren’t we playing well?”
Fu Shize rested his chin on one hand and replied casually, “I’m used to counting cards. Winning too quickly ruins the game experience.”
Chen Renran and the others were speechless.
Chen Renran asked, “Well if we’re not playing Uno, what should we play?”
Deng Chuqi suggested, “How about drawing cards? The person who draws the highest card can ask anyone in the group a question.”
Everyone agreed.
“Oh, right,” Chen Renran said, “Since we’re playing this, let’s have some drinks to liven things up. I brought two bottles of alcohol. I’ll go get them.”
Chen Renran returned with the alcohol, handed one bottle to Lu Yu, and poured drinks for those on his side.
When he reached Fu Shize, Fu Shize declined, “No, thank you.”
Yun Li was surprised by his refusal, as in her impression, Fu Shize and alcohol were almost inseparable.
The game began, and every one revealed their cards. Yun Li drew a low card and secretly felt relieved. She didn’t want to ask or be asked questions.
Chen Renran exclaimed after looking at his card, “I have the highest!” He revealed his card.
King of Spades. Indeed, there was nothing higher.
Xia Congsheng said, “Then choose someone to ask.”
Chen Renran, with clear intent, asked Yun Li, “Is there anyone here you have feelings for?”
Suddenly, all eyes were on Yun Li.
Unable to withstand the stares, Yun Li answered, “No.”
Chen Renran quickly followed up, “What if you had to choose one?”
Yun Li was speechless.
Xia Congsheng interrupted, “That’s not allowed. Only one question per turn.”
Chen Renran shrugged, “Fine.”
As the game continued, others drew the highest card, but their questions were mostly about past embarrassing incidents.
Finally, Lu Yu drew the highest card. Wanting to help Chen Renran, he thought for a moment and asked, “Who do you think is the most handsome person here?”
Chen Renran was exasperated and secretly stepped on Lu Yu’s foot.
Yun Li, feeling cornered by their persistence, struggled for a moment before fixing her gaze on Fu Zhengchu: “Fu Zhengchu.”
Fu Zhengchu’s eyes widened, and he said shyly, “Really?”
Suddenly feeling guilty, Yun Li affirmed, “Of course.”
After answering, Yun Li felt relieved. She reached for her drink but found her orange juice empty. She eyed the newly poured alcohol beside her, hesitating.
Suddenly, a hand entered her field of vision.
Fu Shize moved her alcohol away and placed his untouched orange juice in front of her.
He downed her glass of alcohol in one go and said, “You all keep playing. I’m going for a smoke.”
After Fu Shize left, Yun Li played distractedly.
She stared at the orange juice in front of her, feeling blank.
Noticing her unusual behavior, Deng Chuqi smoothed things over, “It’s getting late. Why don’t we take a break?”
Xia Congsheng agreed, “Indeed. Plus, there are hot springs in the rooms. Let’s all go back and relax.”
The group dispersed.
Xia Congsheng went to find her parents first. Back in their room, Yun Li headed to the balcony to add water to the outdoor hot spring pool. In the low temperature, the water steamed as it flowed into the pool.
Deng Chuqi removed her makeup in front of the mirror, musing, “That ice prince in a floral shirt looked like a young master today. I thought only Xu Qingsong had that air about him.”
Yun Li sat next to her in a chair, also removing her makeup.
Seeing her lost in thought, Deng Chuqi nudged her, “Hey, don’t tell me you’re smitten just because he changed his clothes?”
“I’m not that shallow,” Yun Li glanced at her, then headed to the balcony with her bathrobe.
The two undressed and entered the pool.
As warm water enveloped her body, Yun Li poured water over her shoulders. The mist seemed to hit the wooden partition, making her thoughts hazy.
She moved closer to Deng Chuqi and whispered, “Remember I told you he was planning to date a girl he’s known for many years?”
Deng Chuqi replied, “Yes, that’s right…”
Yun Li leaned her head back on the marble edge, saying uncertainly, “But when I asked Fu Zhengchu, he said all the women Fu Shize has known for a long time are blood relatives…”
Not quite understanding her point, Deng Chuqi pondered for a while, “Is Xia’s uncle into that sort of thing?”
“…”
Unsure of what Deng Chuqi was imagining, Yun Li denied, “That’s not what I meant.” She asked hesitantly, “I mean, do you think I might have misunderstood him?”
Deng Chuqi placed a towel behind her back to avoid the cold corners of the pool. She disagreed, “Even if it was a misunderstanding, the fact that he’s always rejected you remains.”
Deng Chuqi continued, “Lili, my colleague likes you. You should know you’re very popular.”
Yun Li protested, “Don’t mention your colleague…”
Deng Chuqi suggested, “Why don’t you just ask him directly? All this guessing only hurts you.”
Yun Li covered her eyes with a towel, “After being rejected so many times, how could I dare to ask? It would just be humiliating myself.”
Immersed in the warm water, with her pores expanding from the heat, Yun Li’s whole body relaxed, briefly forgetting the troubles of the past month.
Fu Shize’s image flashed before her eyes, and Yun Li snapped back to reality. She propped herself up on the marble edge, intending to get out and reach for a towel.
As soon as she felt the cold air outside, she quickly slipped back into the pool with a splash.
Deng Chuqi eyed her mischievously, “Lili, your figure these past few years…”
Before she could finish, there were two sudden knocks on the wooden partition.
“…”
The two fell silent.
Deng Chuqi asked, “Did you hear something just now?”
Yun Li: “…”
In unspoken agreement, they quickly climbed out of the hot spring, put on their bathrobes, and rushed back into the room, tightly closing the balcony windows.
Yun Li felt a chill down her spine, “Our neighbors are…”
Deng Chuqi: “Oh god…”
…
When Xu Qingsong returned to the room, Fu Shize was lying on the edge of the pool, playing with his phone. Seeing Fu Shize’s mood, Xu Qingsong laughed and splashed water directly on his head.
Fu Shize used a towel to wipe the water from his eyes, remaining silent as he moved to the side to continue playing on his phone.
Seeing Fu’s lack of response, Xu Qingsong didn’t press further. He undressed and soaked in the hot spring pool. After a tiring day, he began to feel drowsy within minutes.
When the adjacent room started running water, every sound was audible through the wooden partition.
Their peaceful moment was suddenly interrupted by the sound of chatting voices.
It was Yuan Li and Deng Chuqi.
Fu Shize tilted his head towards the source of the sound. He shifted closer to the partition and knocked on the wooden board.
Immediately after, they heard Yuan Li and Deng Chuqi hurriedly leave the pool and retreat to their room.
Now fully awake, Xu Qingsong leaned against the edge of the pool, watching Fu Shize with amusement.
Though Yuan Li and Deng Chuqi hadn’t mentioned any names, Xu Qingsong hadn’t been paying close attention. However, he could guess what the conversation was about. He smiled slightly but didn’t inquire further.
Noticing Xu’s amused expression, Fu Shize glanced at him reproachfully and said, “About what I asked you earlier regarding the restaurant…”
Xu Qingsong, who hadn’t considered this before, was momentarily taken aback. “Did Xiao He tell Yuan Li?”
He splashed some water playfully and chuckled, “Isn’t it convenient that it helps deflect some unwanted attention from you?”
Fu Shize closed his eyes briefly, choosing not to engage further.
Inwardly, he contemplated what Fu Zhengchu had told him earlier that day, as well as the conversation between Yuan Li and Deng Chuqi he had just overheard.
What an absurd misunderstanding.
…
Back in her room, Yuan Li was in a state of complete distress.
As she desperately toweled her dripping hair, Deng Chuqi tried to console her: “Don’t overthink it. Maybe they didn’t hear anything… Even if they did, it’s not a big deal…”
If they truly hadn’t heard anything, there would have been no need to knock on the partition as a warning.
Yuan Li hung her head in frustration: “Just kill me now.”
After comforting Yuan Li for a while, Deng Chuqi mentioned that Chen Renran had invited them to play mahjong downstairs. Extremely self-conscious, Yuan Li curled up on the bed, staring at her phone, and dejectedly replied, “I’ll pass.”
The next morning, Yuan Li woke up at eight, intending to invite Xia Congsheng and Deng Chuqi for breakfast. However, the two had been out drinking until one or two in the morning and were still sound asleep.
Left with no choice, Yuan Li ventured out alone. Shortly after closing her door, she heard another door closing behind her. Turning around, she saw Fu Shize emerging from his room.
Fu Shize asked, “Going for breakfast?”
Yuan Li nodded, “Mm…”
Fu Shize said, “Let’s go together.”
The restaurant was in another building. The self-service breakfast only offered simple equipment like a toaster and an egg cooker, with the rest being Chinese breakfast items kept warm in thermal containers.
“Want some toast?” Fu Shize stood beside her. Yuan Li nodded, and he took the tongs from her hand, picking up two slices of bread and placing them in the toaster.
As Yuan Li waited nearby, Fu Shize glanced at her and said, “Go find a seat first.”
After setting her breakfast on the table, Yuan Li sat down. Before she could get comfortable, Chen Renran and Lu Yu, carrying their trays, moved from another table to Yuan Li’s and asked, “May we join you?”
Yuan Li nodded, “Fu Shize is waiting for the toast over there…”
She looked up at his figure as he waited, eventually transferring the toasted bread to his plate.
Chen Renran tentatively asked, “Oh, are you two in the early stages of dating?”
Yuan Li choked momentarily, quickly shaking her head, “No…”
This response made Chen Renran feel he still had a chance. He placed his tray opposite Yuan Li and, noticing her nearly empty plate, asked, “Haven’t you gotten anything to drink? I’ll get something for you. What would you like?”
Before Yuan Li could decline, Fu Shize returned with his tray. He sat down next to her and answered on her behalf, “No need, I’ve got it covered.”
After sitting down, Fu Shize transferred two pieces of toast from his plate to hers, along with a poached egg.
He opened the milk carton, pierced the foil seal with the straw, and handed it to Yuan Li.
The milk was warm.
He explained calmly, “I warmed it in hot water for a while, which took some extra time.”
His breakfast consisted of only two slices of toast and an Americano.
Chen Renran observed their intimate interaction, recalling Yuan Li’s earlier denial, and his expression became somewhat perplexed.
The group exchanged only a few words throughout breakfast. As they were leaving, Yuan Li realized she had left her small bag at the table. Fu Shize told her to wait outside while he went back to retrieve it.
Since yesterday, Chen Renran had felt that Fu Shize was overly protective of Yuan Li. Despite Deng Chuqi’s repeated assurances that there was no romantic involvement between them, he couldn’t help but remain suspicious.
Seizing this opportunity, he asked Yuan Li again, “Are you sure you and Congsheng’s uncle aren’t in the early stages of dating? Or are you already in a relationship?”
Yuan Li shook her head.
Chen Renran felt somewhat uncomfortable. Disregarding Lu Yu’s presence, he confessed honestly, “Yuan Li, I have feelings for you. If you’re not interested in pursuing anything, you can just tell me directly. There’s no need to use Congsheng’s uncle to discourage me.”
These words left Yuan Li bewildered. She stammered, “What?”
“You and Congsheng’s uncle don’t seem to be just ordinary friends. If you’re acting intimate with him in front of me to reject me, it’s not necessary.”
Yuan Li had given up on pursuing Fu Shize for some time now, and she wasn’t sure if there were still lingering feelings in her interactions with him that she wasn’t aware of, leading Chen Renran to this conclusion. After a pause, she asked, “Why do you say we’re not ordinary friends?”
Chen Renran felt increasingly that Yuan Li was trying to conceal her intentions. He laughed bitterly, “Ordinary friends don’t interact the way you two do.”
Fu Shize returned at that moment. Unaware of the conversation topic, he simply said to Yuan Li, “Let’s go.”
Unable to sleep well the previous night due to the hot spring incident and now troubled by Chen Renran’s words, Yuan Li was lost in thought.
Fu Shize glanced at her and asked, “What are you thinking about?”
Yuan Li was startled, then replied offhandedly, “I’m wondering how ordinary friends should interact…”
This response carried a different meaning to Fu Shize’s ears.
He remained silent for a moment, then pointed in a direction and said, “It’s Christmas Eve tonight. There are light decorations over there.”
Faint strings of lights and Christmas ornaments could be seen on the trees. Fu Shize paused briefly before continuing, “They’ll turn on the lights after 9 PM.”
Yuan Li nodded absent-mindedly.
Deng Chuqi and Xia Congsheng slept until the afternoon, so Yuan Li didn’t go out. When they woke up, Yuan Li learned that Fu Zhengchu had also drunk too much the night before.
After recovering, the group discussed plans to play cards downstairs that evening. Yuan Li, not comfortable with such drinking gatherings and feeling awkward around Chen Renran, made an excuse about needing to edit a video.
Deng Chuqi, likely having heard something from Chen Renran, didn’t insist.
By ten o’clock, Yuan Li was bored in her room. Occasional laughter drifted up from downstairs, but she couldn’t fall asleep early. Remembering what Fu Shize had mentioned earlier, she got up, changed her clothes, and grabbed her camera.
Checking the temperature outside, which was only one degree Celsius, Yuan Li filled a hand warmer with hot water, wrapped it in fleece, and held it as she left the room.
At the doorway, she could hear classical music coming from Fu Shize’s room.
Unsure who was inside, Yuan Li went downstairs. The group was playing cards and chatting, but neither Fu Shize nor Xu Qingsong were present. Avoiding Chen Renran’s gaze, she quickly greeted everyone and left, using the excuse of photographing the villa’s exterior. She declined Fu Zhengchu’s offer to accompany her.
Once outside, Yuan Li walked in the direction Fu Shize had mentioned earlier.
The light decorations were near the restaurant, several hundred meters from their villa. As she approached the woods, Yuan Li could already see the warm yellow lights winding through the treetops.
In the distance, the sky was a grayish-blue, with clouds like splattered ink.
She turned on her camera and took a photo from afar.
Yuan Li pulled her coat tighter and moved closer, clutching her hand warmer.
A hammock hung from a thick tree branch, about half a meter off the ground. As Yuan Li approached, the hammock swayed slightly.
She paused.
The person lying in the hammock briefly illuminated their phone screen before setting it aside. Though the moment was brief, Yuan Li recognized Fu Shize.
She hesitated for a moment before slowly walking closer.
He was curled up in the hammock, sleeping. Beside him was a bottle of alcohol and a glass, with only half the bottle remaining.
Despite the low temperature, he wasn’t dressed warmly, and his lips were pale.
Yuan Li felt a pang in her heart.
She crouched down next to him and gently poked his shoulder.
Fu Shize opened his eyes and looked at her, his gaze drowsy. He sat up and said softly, “You came.”
“You came?” The phrase sounded as if they had planned to meet tonight.
The outside temperature was extremely low, and Yuan Li could see frost forming on the tree trunk. Fu Shize now looked up at her, his eyes clear, different from his usual demeanor. The sharpness in his eyes had softened, making him appear more like a young boy.
He lowered his gaze to the space beside him and said quietly, “Sit for a while.”
Yuan Li remained standing.
After a moment, she spoke, “You’re drunk.”
Yuan Li offered him the hand warmer. Fu Shize stared at it for a while before accepting it. His hands, previously numb from the cold, began to regain some sensation. He insisted, “Sit for a while.”
Not wanting to argue with a drunk person, Yuan Li reluctantly sat down next to him.
The hammock formed an inverted triangle under their weight, forcing them closer together.
Fu Shize lowered his gaze and took her wrist, placing the hand warmer back in her palm. The warmth from the hand warmer contrasted sharply with the coldness of his touch on her wrist, but Yuan Li’s attention was entirely focused on that icy sensation.
Fu Shize didn’t let go.
He took Yuan Li’s other hand and placed it on top of the hand warmer.
Time seemed to freeze at that moment.
She saw the young man she had first met seven years ago looking at her.
He slowly leaned in, his lips close to her right ear.
“Have you stopped pursuing me?”