After working for over a month, Xun Xun received her first salary. Being in the probationary period, her after-tax income was barely satisfactory. However, since she hadn’t owned such legitimate money of her own for three years, every penny felt weighty to her.
She withdrew all her salary and returned home, giving half of it to Sister Yan Li. Sister Yan Li, who was watching a soap opera, took the money, her expression softening slightly. She slowly counted it once, put it in her pocket, and said pensively, “Tell me, you worked for a month and only earned this much? If we’d known this earlier, why bother? You know how expensive everything is nowadays. Money isn’t worth much – it looks like a lot but doesn’t go far. With rent, food, and everything else, who knows if it’s enough…”
After hearing this, Xun Xun waited a moment, took out what she needed for living expenses, and handed the remainder to Sister Yan Li again. “Whether it’s enough or not, this is all there is.”
Sister Yan Li said, “Actually, I wasn’t planning to take your money. Haven’t I raised you without you paying a single penny? Just give it to me, and I’ll keep it safe for you.”
Xun Xun took it as a joke.
The rental payment for the apartment had been paid six months ago, though it had never passed through her hands. Besides the money she couldn’t touch except in emergencies, she wasn’t flush with cash. After work today, her colleagues had planned to celebrate payday with a Dutch treat dinner and karaoke, but Xun Xun didn’t join. Chi Cheng had specifically taken the opportunity to mock her, saying that occasional fun wouldn’t prevent her from saving money for retirement and funeral expenses, but she pretended not to hear.
Just after taking a shower, Zeng Yu called Xun Xun, inviting her to “hang out.” Since they had different interests and rarely spent time together without reason, Xun Xun asked who else would be there. Zeng Yu initially mentioned Lian Quan, but perhaps realizing this wasn’t convincing enough, she finally admitted there would be one of Lian Quan’s colleagues, a man.
Xun Xun said, “I thought this was a habit of us married women, but you’ve caught it early.”
Zeng Yu laughed, “You’re not exactly ‘married’ anymore. Nobody’s arranging your marriage, and since you’re single, it’s good to meet more people. Whether it works out or not, it’s better to have more options.”
It had been nearly four months since her divorce from Xie Ping Ning. From the moment she made up her mind, Xun Xun hadn’t considered the possibility of reconciliation with him, and given the current situation, even if she wanted to, he might not be willing. Although she hadn’t thought about finding someone new so quickly, deep down she knew she had a long life ahead, and spending it alone wasn’t realistic or what she wanted – remarriage was inevitable. She heard movement outside her room, turned around, and saw Sister Yan Li’s glamorous skirt swishing past – she had put on her dancing outfit, seemingly preparing to go out. Even people from the older generation knew life needed to start anew, so why should she age prematurely?
[Translation continues in next part due to length – the completion remains as one continuous piece]
Zeng Yu had already boasted about Xun Xun to Lian Quan’s colleague, insisting that she dress up well to avoid disappointing expectations. When Xun Xun arrived at the meeting place, they were already there. She had met Lian Quan before, so the remaining person must be the male lead Zeng Yu was eagerly introducing today.
The male colleague appeared a few years older than Lian Quan. While his features weren’t particularly striking, he had a steady demeanor that carried the charm of a mature man. He stood up to pull out a chair for Xun Xun, and after she sat down, Lian Quan introduced him as Zhang Yu Cheng, his former boss and current partner.
Zhang Yu Cheng was quite talkative, with an active mind and substantial conversation. They chatted freely about various topics, and it was evident that his first impression of Xun Xun was quite favorable.
Seeing the timing was right, perhaps thinking it was time for him and Zeng Yu to make a graceful exit, Lian Quan patted his companion’s hand, “We’ll take our leave first, I have something I’d like to discuss with you privately.”
Zeng Yu, still caught up in her debate with Zhang Yu Cheng about property tax collection, suddenly came to her senses, repeatedly saying “Right, right, right.” She rose with a smile to leave with him, deliberately winking at Xun Xun before leaving, as if afraid others might miss it.
Watching them leave, Zhang Yu Cheng said to Xun Xun, “I’m old-fashioned, so I often don’t understand too trendy concepts. In my view, they’re perfect for each other, I don’t know why they insist on drawing a line between them. It’s normal for men and women to be attracted to each other without marriage, but isn’t it more normal to marry when things progress naturally? I’d love to see them have an open-hearted conversation, it would make everything easier going forward.”
Xun Xun said, “But often, opening up is the hardest thing.”
“You’re right about that.”
It was only eight in the evening, still early. Zhang Yu Cheng suggested visiting his friend’s tea house to sit and taste some tea, and Xun Xun didn’t refuse.
Just as she got into Zhang Yu Cheng’s car, she received a phone call. Chi Cheng hadn’t given up on persuading her to join the colleague gathering, saying he could cover her share and asking her to come quickly.
Xun Xun replied that she was busy.
After she hung up, Zhang Yu Cheng asked with a smile, “I hope I’m not taking up too much of your time?”
“No, just colleagues.”
“Mm, actually it’s good to relax occasionally after work. I used to be too uptight, always thinking I could enjoy life after my career was on track. Who knew that while my career went well, my wife filed for divorce because I didn’t pay enough attention to her… By the way, if you don’t mind me asking, why did you get divorced? I feel you must have been a good wife.”
“I…” Xun Xun didn’t know how to answer this question. Should she say it was because her husband had an affair, or because of her improper behavior? Both seemed true, yet neither seemed quite right.
While she was hesitating, that annoying phone rang again.
Chi Cheng said, “Zhao Xun Xun, don’t you know that colleague gatherings count as company collective activities? You’re being…”
This time Xun Xun couldn’t be bothered to waste words with him and hung up directly, even though she could imagine Chi Cheng’s irritated expression.
“There wasn’t any major reason. After being together, we felt our feelings weren’t compatible, so it was better to part ways,” she told Zhang Yu Cheng.
“Then have you thought about what kind of partner you’d like to find next?”
“Someone who makes me feel secure, someone who won’t make me anxious about tomorrow.”
After she said this, she fell into thought – wasn’t the former Xie Ping Ning exactly that kind of person?
“I understand. I heard you still have a mother at home, and your stepfather recently passed away, right?”
“Yes, I… I’m sorry.” She was being driven crazy by that ringtone, but restrained herself from showing it due to the person beside her, answering the person on the phone with patience: “I really can’t come right now!”
“Chen Zhou is completely drunk, almost threw up on me. Come quickly, who else will take her home?”
“Aren’t there any other people there?”
Chi Cheng said impatiently, “None of the women meet her standards, and the men are afraid she’ll take advantage of them. You don’t know how terrible she is when drunk. I told her you’d come, that’s the only reason she went to throw up in the bathroom. If you don’t come, you’ll have to deal with it yourself at the office tomorrow.”
“Seems like you’re busy tonight,” Zhang Yu Cheng said with a smile.
Xun Xun looked at her phone, now silent, and said to him dejectedly, “I’m sorry, my colleague is drunk. Perhaps we can try your friend’s good tea another day.”
Seeing the situation, Zhang Yu Cheng didn’t say much but insisted on not letting her get out halfway, asked for the location, and turned around to drive her to the colleagues’ gathering spot.
When they reached the main entrance of the entertainment center, Xun Xun had barely pushed open the car door, not even having time to thank Zhang Yu Cheng, when she saw the person waiting at the entrance with a gloomy face.
Chi Cheng approached, bending down to look at the person in the car. “Oh, so this is why you said you were busy. Nice car.” He even casually greeted Zhang Yu Cheng in the driver’s seat. Watching Xun Xun get out of the car, he clicked his tongue, “Look at you, the difference in effort is obvious. You could be Little Red Riding Hood, but why do you insist on showing me the Big Bad Wolf’s grandmother’s side?”
Xun Xun said to Zhang Yu Cheng, “Thank you, goodbye, drive carefully.”
After she finished speaking, Zhang Yu Cheng made a goodbye gesture, but the car didn’t start – it turned out Chi Cheng’s hand was still intentionally or unintentionally resting on the open window of the passenger seat.
“Don’t be so stingy, won’t you even introduce us?” he said with a smile to Zhang Yu Cheng, who was observing quietly. “Our little Zhao is quite popular at the company. Manager Sun will be disappointed when he finds out.”
Xun Xun wished Zhang Yu Cheng would drop his courtesy and just drive away, maybe teaching this tactless person a lesson in the process.
“Isn’t that right, Little Zhao?”
Even at this moment, Xun Xun still found the term “Little Zhao” stuck in her throat. She said coldly, “Normal people add ‘Little’ before someone’s surname when that person is younger than them. If you were born a few years earlier, calling me Little Zhao would be appropriate.”
Chi Cheng brazenly replied, “For me, ‘Big’ and ‘Little’ aren’t really about age, but about position. You’re my subordinate, so calling you Little Zhao isn’t inappropriate at all.”
“Fine, Director Chi, what else do you need?”
“Don’t be upset. You’re the one who said you wanted to maintain a purely professional superior-subordinate relationship.” He bent down again to address the person in the car: “Don’t mind this, there’s nothing between us anymore. My assistant, Mr. Sun, is the one interested in her now.”
Xun Xun’s face turned ashen. She hadn’t known he could cause such chaos with just his mouth.
Zhang Yu Cheng raised his eyebrows noncommittally.
“Oh!” Chi Cheng turned to face Xun Xun, his face showing feigned remorse. “Did I say something wrong? Haven’t you told him why you got divorced?”
Xun Xun forcefully removed his hand from the car.
“I’m truly sorry, it was nice meeting you, goodbye… and I don’t think we need to meet again,” she said to Zhang Yu Cheng.
Zhang Yu Cheng gave an enigmatic smile, shook his head, and slowly drove away. As a worldly person, he understood many things without them being said. At this moment, leaving without saying anything was the greatest kindness he could show to this woman who had initially given him a good impression.
“Don’t make that face, as if I just ruined a good match. It was just a blind date – were you so sure he’d marry you?”
“Where’s Chen Zhou?” Xun Xun asked with a livid face, barely controlling herself and getting straight to the point.
“I had Sun Yi Fan personally take her home,” Chi Cheng said casually. “Since she’s called Sister Zhou, why not create an opportunity for a beautiful relationship… What, did I accidentally ruin another chance for you?”
Xun Xun remained silent, her breathing quickening. She knew that if she flew into a rage now, it would be exactly what he wanted, and she would never give him that satisfaction.
She said slowly to Chi Cheng: “You think what you’re doing is impressive? I’ll tell you again, the more you act like this, the less likely I am to be with you. I despise you, listen, not hate, but despise! Like a bedbug – I’d be worried about dirtying my shoes if I stepped on you!”
Chi Cheng tried to grab her hand but she violently shook him off, the disgust on her face unbearable to him. Pointing at Xun Xun’s retreating, he shouted: “Go ahead, leave! Do you think men who part ways peacefully with you are gentlemanly? That’s all fake! I’m telling you, someday you’ll understand that the fool who’s willing to stay and waste time arguing with you, willing to waste expressions fighting with you, is the one who truly loves you!”
When Xun Xun returned home, she still felt like she couldn’t catch her breath. Sister Yan Li came out of her room, surprised as she looked at her daughter: “I thought you went on a date, why do you look like your father just died?”
Sister Yan Li was wearing an even more dazzling pair of earrings.
Xun Xun threw her bag onto the sofa. “I beg you to respect my privacy. It’s just a pair of earrings and some flattery – did you have to be so eager to sell me out?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Sister Yan Li denied, but the guilt on her face completely betrayed her. “Even if I did do it, wasn’t it for your good? Did I want to harm you?”
“Pushing me toward Chi Cheng is no different from harming me.”
“He wants to harm you? Why would anyone waste their time trying to harm you when they could be doing something else? Are you incredibly wealthy or as beautiful as a celestial maiden?”
During their argument, Sister Yan Li kept brushing back her long hair from her neck. Xun Xun noticed that on her still, fair, and delicate wrist was a new, dull silver bracelet.
After waiting a while and seeing her daughter had stopped talking, Sister Yan Li sat beside her, openly showing off her new accessory. “See this? I bet you don’t know its value. This is a Qing Dynasty bracelet, thousands of years old – it’s an antique!”
Xun Xun looked at the bracelet, then at her mother. “Who told you that?”
“Zhou Rui Sheng, Chi Cheng’s uncle. He’s such an interesting person, wealthy and generous. This bracelet is worth more than Chow Tai Fook, TSL, and Chow Sang Sang combined!”
“Did you go dancing with him today?”
“Oh, he’s such a good dancer…” Sister Yan Li finally caught the doubt in Xun Xun’s voice and said unhappily, “What do you mean? Am I too old to make new friends? Can’t a widow go dancing with ordinary friends?”
“I didn’t say that!” Xun Xun decided to retreat from the conflict and find a quieter place. She went back to her room, closed the door, then opened it again.
“I just want to say one thing – the Qing Dynasty was established only about five hundred years ago until now. I’m not saying your new friend is lying to you, this thousands-of-years-old bracelet must have been prepared for you through time travel. By the way, thousands of years ago, humans didn’t call these bracelets – they were called shackles then.”
While washing up haphazardly, when Xun Xun closed her eyes and let the water flow over her face, somehow Chi Cheng’s hateful and infuriating face still appeared before her. He had put in the effort, wasted time, and expressions, just to make her life miserable.
When the phone rang again, Xun Xun wished she could throw it back to the Qing Dynasty thousands of years ago. Fortunately, she looked at it once more – it was Zeng Yu calling. Usually, at this time, she would be immersed in romance, and death to anyone who disturbed her, so why would she think to call Xun Xun?
Xun Xun expected she was probably asking about her “progress” with Zhang Yu Cheng. She sighed internally and answered the phone, only to hear an even more intense sigh.
“Even he has to leave, am I cursed to be alone?”
“Who’s leaving? Lian Quan?”
It turned out that earlier when Lian Quan led Zeng Yu away early, it wasn’t just to create an opportunity for a first-time meeting between a man and woman. He truly had something to tell Zeng Yu – he was being transferred to the firm’s new office in another province, which meant their readily accessible “friendly cooperation” had to come to an end.
“I must have had a grudge against the God of Marriage in my previous life,” Zeng Yu said dejectedly.
“You weren’t planning to marry him anyway, don’t wrongly accuse the God of Marriage,” Xun Xun said. “Don’t hold back – if you don’t want him to leave, then keep him here. Aren’t you a modern career woman? Don’t you have that much courage?”
“The problem is, what position am I in to keep him here? I’m not his girlfriend. Should I say: don’t go, I don’t want to find a new casual partner?”
“You brought this on yourself. Who told you to insist on only talking about sex and nothing else? How did he respond?”
“Well, he did ask if I wanted to go with him…”
Xun Xun was startled. Selfishly, she didn’t want Zeng Yu to leave – if she left, Xun Xun wouldn’t even have an incompatible companion left. But she still advised, “If you can’t bear to part, then go with him. Your father is gone too, there’s nothing worth staying for here.”
Zeng Yu sighed, “Don’t laugh at me, but at that moment, I did consider just going with him. But I had only thought about it for a few seconds when he told me he was joking and said I shouldn’t give up my life and work for him. Good thing I had already told him our relationship hadn’t reached that level, or I would have lost face. Now I’m stuck in midair – even if I want to throw caution to the wind, it depends on whether someone’s willing to catch me.”
“Close your eyes and jump – either he catches you or you die. Either way, it’s better than now.”
“Zhao Xun Xun, you make it sound so easy. Would you dare if it were you?”
“I’m an unfortunate divorced woman, of course, I wouldn’t dare.”
“I was just thinking about it. If he asked me to go with him, I don’t know if I could take that step. Anyway, neither of us said it was over – it’s just a matter of plane tickets, right? To make things feel more beautiful, you necessarily have to be further apart. Oh, I almost forgot to ask, how did things go with his colleague later?”
“Ruined!” Xun Xun said concisely.
Zeng Yu laughed, “I take back what I said earlier. I’m not cursed to be alone – even in this lonely universe, I have you, an equally unfortunate planet beside me. Moreover, this planet’s resources are even more depleted than mine.”