Because of his words, Shu Nian remained silent for a while, choosing not to comment on what he said. She felt that bringing up the height topic herself was simply inviting humiliation, but she wasn’t angry about it.

Though she felt somewhat embarrassed, Shu Nian good-naturedly pretended not to hear his words.

The spacious room suddenly fell silent.

Only the occasional reminder from the rehabilitation therapist could be heard.

Shu Nian couldn’t help, she could only stand by and watch.

She didn’t know how Xie Ruhe felt during rehabilitation.

Would it hurt?

Sometimes those sudden world-weary emotions he displayed, those reasons for not wanting to persevere—were they because he felt that despite all his hard work and effort, the results he had imagined hadn’t materialized at all?

What a powerless feeling that must be.

Shu Nian squeezed her fist tightly and called out to him: “Xie Ruhe.”

Xie Ruhe, breathing slightly heavily with fine beads of sweat on his forehead, responded: “Mm?”

“After you can stand up, is there anything you want to do?”

Hearing this, Xie Ruhe looked over at her. Sweat from his hair tips slid down his cheeks, falling from his jaw. Perhaps due to the heat, his cheeks had gained some color, and his eyes glistened with moisture from the sweat.

He answered honestly: “Yes.”

Shu Nian asked: “What do you want to do?”

Xie Ruhe didn’t respond, just quietly looked at her. Though he stood in a higher position with the advantage of height, looking down at her, there was no sense of pressure at all.

Shu Nian didn’t mind his aloofness.

“When that time comes,” at this point, Shu Nian stood on tiptoe and patted his shoulder, as if comforting him, looking inexplicably righteous, “I can accompany you.”

Hearing this, Xie Ruhe curved his lips, his almond eyes narrowing slightly before his expression relaxed. This time, he no longer spoke word by word as before.

Because he was panting, his voice carried a certain sensuality, filled with an overwhelming crisp clarity.

“It’s a promise,” he said.

By the time Xie Ruhe finished his rehabilitation, the hour hand on the wall clock had turned to ten.

Shu Nian returned with him to the sixteenth floor, planning to gather her things and go home.

Probably because it was New Year’s Eve, fireworks were being set off outside, making lively popping sounds. The sky was bright, with luminous flowers blooming in the night sky. From this high floor, the view was excellent, and one could see most of Ruchuan City’s night scenery.

Shu Nian watched for a while, but didn’t stay much longer: “Then I’ll be going home?”

Xie Ruhe had no reason to keep her that late, so he nodded: “Be careful.”

Shu Nian responded with an “Okay,” and repeated once more: “Happy birthday.”

“Mm.”

But Shu Nian wasn’t going back alone. Just like before, Fang Wencheng drove her home.

The two walked to the entryway, changed their shoes, and were just about to leave when Xie Ruhe suddenly came from the living room, holding a bag.

Shu Nian blinked: “What is it?”

He handed the bag to Shu Nian.

Shu Nian was slightly taken aback. Looking down, she realized it was the bag that Fang Wencheng had brought back earlier.

Xie Ruhe said: “For you.”

Shu Nian took it, somewhat confused: “What is it?”

The bag wasn’t small, and it felt quite heavy when lifted as if it contained many items. The opaque plastic bag made it impossible for her to guess what was inside.

Xie Ruhe didn’t hide it, honestly saying: “Cold medicine.”

“…”

Although Shu Nian had told him she had a cold recently, she couldn’t think of a reason why Xie Ruhe would suddenly give her a big bag of cold medicine. She could only regard it as his New Year’s gift to her.

Thinking about it, apart from buying a cake for Xie Ruhe today, she hadn’t given him a gift either.

Instead, the birthday boy had given her something.

Shu Nian felt a bit guilty and planned to make up for it with a belated birthday gift in a few days. After getting into the car, she hesitantly asked Fang Wencheng: “Is there anything Xie Ruhe wants?”

Fang Wencheng started the car: “Anything he wants?”

“Yes.”

“I haven’t heard him mention anything.” Fang Wencheng pondered hard for a while before quickly concluding, “The teacher doesn’t lack anything; if he wants something, he’ll buy it himself.”

“Ah.” Shu Nian scratched her head dejectedly, “Then if I were to buy him a gift, what would be appropriate?”

It happened to be a red light, and Fang Wencheng stopped the car, waving his hand at her.

“No need to buy anything, it’s unnecessary.”

“Is it not necessary…”

“Yeah.” Fang Wencheng said very seriously, “Previously on the teacher’s birthday, Old Mr. Ji said he wanted to buy him a house, but he refused. He doesn’t like receiving things from others.”

“…”

“Don’t bother with it.” Fang Wencheng sighed, unconsciously changing his term of address for Xie Ruhe, “The young master is a bit moody; who knows, he might even be unhappy if you give him a gift.”

Shu Nian had heard him call Xie Ruhe “young master” before, and now understood who he was referring to. She was a bit confused and explained: “But I wouldn’t give him anything strange.”

“You never know.” Fang Wencheng, with the air of someone experienced, shared his insights from being around Xie Ruhe for so long, “Anyway, just do what needs to be done. It’s best not to take initiative on things the young master hasn’t requested.”

Shu Nian was discouraged by his words: “But wouldn’t it be inappropriate not to give anything?”

“Not at all.”

Shu Nian was still conflicted. She turned to look out the window and suddenly realized the road seemed unfamiliar. She asked uncertainly: “Did you pass the subway station?”

“Yes,” Fang Wencheng said, “It’s too late now, the young master asked me to drive you directly home.”

Since they had already passed the station, Shu Nian didn’t refuse and gave him her address.

Shu Nian looked at her phone for a while, then quickly asked: “Assistant Fang, how long have you been Teacher Ah He’s assistant?”

“I was originally Old Mr. Ji’s assistant,” Fang Wencheng answered honestly, not concealing anything, “After the young master returned from France, I was transferred to be his assistant.”

Not expecting such an answer, Shu Nian asked curiously: “Does that count as changing bosses?”

“It does.”

“Wasn’t it difficult to adjust?”

“Not really,” Fang Wencheng smiled, “Both Old Mr. Ji and the young master are quite good.”

Shu Nian recalled his interactions with Xie Ruhe but didn’t comment on his statement, only pondering whether she would resign if she had such a boss.

As if sensing her thoughts, Fang Wencheng glanced at her, then cleared his throat, slightly adjusting his demeanor: “Actually, the young master isn’t as cold as he appears on the surface. His thoughts are very sensitive, and he cares a lot about the people around him. Though his temper isn’t good, he wouldn’t do anything bad, he’s just sharp with his words.”

Shu Nian agreed: “Mm.”

She was about to say “I think so too.” Before she could speak, the next moment, Fang Wencheng continued with emotion: “Most importantly, the young master is generous, the salary he pays is high.”

“…”

From her conversation with Fang Wencheng, Shu Nian could roughly guess why Xie Ruhe’s attitude toward him was so unfriendly.

Fang Wencheng was probably the type of good-tempered, low-EQ honest person who didn’t know how to flatter. When his words upset others, he couldn’t pinpoint why they were angry.

They didn’t chat further after that.

Fang Wencheng dropped Shu Nian off outside her residential area and left.

Shu Nian was walking to her building when she happened to see He You coming out. He looked like he had just woken up, his hair was still messy, there were sleep marks on his face, and he appeared casual and unkempt.

He You yawned, curled his lips, and said nonchalantly: “Back from a date?”

Shu Nian didn’t respond to this, instead asking: “Are you going out?”

“Yeah.” He You rubbed his face hard and clicked his tongue, “I’m dead tired, just took a short nap.”

Shu Nian said earnestly: “That must be tough.”

“Alright.” He You couldn’t stand such sentimental talk, stepped forward, and then, as if remembering something, turned back to remind her, “Hey! Be careful recently, there have been many burglaries in the area lately. Remember to lock your door at night.”

Shu Nian nodded quickly: “Okay, thank you.”

After entering her home.

Because of what He You had just said, Shu Nian nervously checked her entire apartment, and only after confirming there were no signs of anyone having entered did she reluctantly relax and sit on the sofa.

Shu Nian opened the bag of medicine Xie Ruhe had given her, randomly took out a box, and examined the instructions.

The small print was densely packed together, making it a bit difficult to read.

Shu Nian unconsciously drifted off in thought, and when she came back to her senses, she found that the time was approaching midnight of the next day. She stretched lazily, obediently put everything away, and went to the bathroom to shower.

By the time Shu Nian lay in bed, the new year had already arrived half an hour ago.

Shu Nian wasn’t very sleepy and wanted to play with her phone before going to sleep. She lit up the screen and only then discovered that her WeChat had many messages, mostly just four-word “Happy New Year” greetings, obviously mass-sent.

Shu Nian replied to each one: [Thank you, Happy New Year.]

Until the last one, Shu Nian looked at the time—whether it was a coincidence or intentional, it was sent exactly at midnight.

It was from Xie Ruhe.

[Shu Nian, Happy New Year.]

It was a new year, which also meant the arrival of a new life.

Shu Nian curved her lips: [Happy New Year.]

Afraid he might think it was a mass message, Shu Nian thought for a moment and added: [Xie Ruhe]

Xie Ruhe: [What is it?]

Looking at the conversation, Shu Nian could guess that he had misunderstood, thinking she was calling him: [Nothing, I’m just proving that I’m not sending mass messages.]

Xie Ruhe asked: [How do you prove it?]

Shu Nian: [Adding a name proves it.]

There was a pause for a few seconds on the other end, then another message came: [How do you prove it? Shu Nian.]

Not understanding why he repeated the question, Shu Nian responded blankly: [Huh?]

Xie Ruhe replied quickly: [I’m also proving it.]