He rubbed her head without any gentleness as if he were scrubbing a rag. The warmth seemed to linger. Only after the door closed did Wen Yifan belatedly touch her head.
Wen Yifan stood in place for a while. After a long moment, she looked towards the coffee table.
The cake had already surprised Wen Yifan.
She never imagined there would be a gift as well.
The living room light was still on, the bright white light somewhat dazzling. The coffee table had been cleaned spotlessly, with only a thermos and a few cups placed on it, along with newspapers and several magazines nearby.
From this angle, she couldn’t see what was placed under the coffee table.
Wen Yifan walked back, crouching beside the coffee table to look inside.
There were many items inside, not arranged particularly neatly, all mixed. Among the pile of milk powder and fruit cereals, a powder blue bag was placed on the outside, looking particularly conspicuous.
The gift bag wasn’t a solid color but adorned with small white flowers, scattered sparsely, not too dense.
After staring at it for two seconds, Wen Yifan reached out to take it.
Wen Yifan peered inside the bag, where there was a deep black box. She stood up, oddly feeling as if the object in her hand was a hot potato, giving her the sensation of having taken something she shouldn’t have.
She didn’t open it immediately, first going to the entryway to turn off the light, and then returning to her room.
Wen Yifan placed the bag on the bed and took out the box inside.
It felt somewhat heavy, about a circle larger than her hand. Even before opening it, she could smell a faint fragrance, extremely unique, with a few traces of sweetness mixed in with the crisp scent.
After hesitating for a few seconds, Wen Yifan carefully opened it.
It was a bottle of perfume.
A transparent, pinkish square bottle with a dark ribbon tied around the neck.
Two English words were engraved in black on it.
— First frost.
Shuangjiang.
Her nickname.
Wen Yifan’s heart skipped a beat.
She wasn’t sure if this was a coincidence or something else, but Wen Yifan couldn’t help but think of how Sang Yan used to call her “Wen Shuangjiang” before. She licked her lips, pulled out her phone from her pocket, and searched online for this brand.
This perfume brand was quite niche, and not particularly famous.
Wen Yifan didn’t know much about these things, so she just briefly skimmed through it without looking further. Her gaze moved back to the perfume bottle, where the writing was clear and distinct as if carved by a knife.
Wen Yifan lightly rubbed her fingertips over it, which reminded her of things from the past.
It seemed to be during the first semester of her freshman year in high school.
In a casual conversation with classmates, Wen Yifan had mentioned that because she was born on the day of Frost’s Descent, her nickname was also Shuangjiang. The classmates present at the time just listened and moved on, not making a big deal out of it.
She didn’t pay much attention to it either.
It seemed only Sang Yan had taken note of this.
She couldn’t remember exactly when it started, but when they were alone together, Sang Yan stopped calling her “junior” or her full name, and changed to calling her “Wen Shuangjiang.”
This was the first time someone had called her by her nickname, even including her surname.
At first, Wen Yifan wasn’t used to it, but how Sang Yan chose to address her was his freedom, so she didn’t make a fuss about it. After hearing him call her that for a while, she got used to it, and occasionally even thought it sounded quite nice.
After their reunion, Wen Yifan had never heard Sang Yan call her that again.
She had thought he had long forgotten her nickname.
Putting the lid back on, Wen Yifan hugged the box and fell backward, lying completely on the bed. She stared at the bright, glaring ceiling for a good while, then freed a hand to touch her head again.
The man’s actions were rough yet intimate.
Wen Yifan recalled Sang Yan’s eyes when they were at eye level just now.
In that moment,
A very strong thought popped into Wen Yifan’s mind.
She suddenly wanted to be in a relationship.
With Sang Yan.
She thought she wanted to be in a relationship with Sang Yan.
Wen Yifan turned over, trying to calm her mind, but was completely unable to shake off this thought.
Her birthday wish this year hadn’t been too grand.
For many things, Wen Yifan felt they shouldn’t belong to her, so she didn’t want to forcefully ask for them. She only hoped that she could have enough courage, hoped that she could throw caution to the wind once, hoped that she could rush towards that person without considering anything else.
If that person was Sang Yan.
Wen Yifan felt she could try her best, and also become the passionate one as much as possible.
If because of this,
She could get the result she wanted.
That would be great, of course.
But if not,
Then she would just walk back.
It seemed it didn’t matter.
Just as Zhong Siqiao had said.
She wanted to pursue him.
She wanted to give it a try.
Wen Yifan sat up and picked up her phone.
Through the black screen, she noticed her lips had curved into a smile at some point. Wen Yifan was slightly stunned, reined it in a bit, opened her WeChat list, and found her chat window with Sang Yan.
After thinking for a long time,
Wen Yifan didn’t know what to say, so she just typed: [Thank you for your gift ^_^]
But then she felt the emoticon at the end looked a bit silly.
Wen Yifan raised her hand to delete it.
In the end, she only left the two words “Thank you.”
The reply came quickly from the other end.
Sang Yan: [?]
Sang Yan: [What time is it.]
Sang Yan: [Go to sleep.]
Wen Yifan: [Okay.]
After thinking for a moment, she replied again: [When it’s your birthday, I’ll give you a gift in return.]
That would be in January next year.
If he agreed, this statement meant that even if Sang Yan were to move out in the meantime, Wen Yifan could extend their relationship until then. After that, she would also have a reason to talk to him.
Sang Yan: [Oh.]
He just replied with this one word.
The conversation suddenly went cold.
Wen Yifan didn’t know what to reply, her fingertips moved on the screen for a moment, but in the end, she gave up. She put the phone aside and was about to get up to take a shower.
At that moment, her phone rang again.
She picked it up and looked.
Sang Yan had sent another voice message.
His tone was lazy, his voice slightly hoarse, his words tinged with a hint of weariness.
“69 days left.”
Wen Yifan listened to it several times, quite liking him sending her voice messages like this. After hesitating for a moment, she tentatively typed: [If possible, could you give me a countdown every day?]
Sang Yan: [?]
Wen Yifan made up an excuse: [I’m afraid I’ll forget.]
Three more voice messages.
Sang Yan seemed amused: “Where did you get such thick skin?”
Sang Yan: “Can you show a bit of sincerity?”
Sang Yan: “You should be keeping this in mind at all times, not having me remind you every day, understand?”
“…”
Because of his words, Wen Yifan immediately realized that her request was a bit unreasonable, and changed her tone: [I’m sorry.]
Wen Yifan: [I will keep it in mind.]
Putting down her phone, she pondered to herself for a while.
Although Wen Yifan had decided she wanted to pursue Sang Yan, she had never done such a thing before. So she had no idea how to go about it, or from which aspect to approach it.
If she only used words to probe and gradually reveal her intentions, Wen Yifan felt this might not be very effective. After all, Sang Yan had said plenty of such things.
Perhaps it would only make him think that she was fed up with his words and couldn’t help but retaliate similarly.
But if she directly approached him with actions…
Wen Yifan was afraid Sang Yan would think she was sexually harassing him.
Although she had learned from Sang Yan’s words that she had already done many actions close to sexual harassment while sleepwalking. But by doing such things while awake, Wen Yifan didn’t think Sang Yan would let her off so easily.
Judging from Sang Yan’s attitude towards Cui Jingyu in high school,
He didn’t seem to like openly passionate types.
After thinking for a long time, Wen Yifan still couldn’t figure out what to do.
…
The next morning at eight o’clock, Wen Yifan woke up naturally.
As usual, she habitually got up to wash up and change clothes. Just as she was about to leave the room, she suddenly caught sight of the mirror in front of the dressing table. Wen Yifan’s gaze fixed on it, staring at herself in the mirror.
The woman had fair skin, eyes with upturned corners, and lips as red as rouge. She wore no makeup, her face bare. Her hair was tied in a ponytail, and she wore a simple sports jacket and fitted pants.
Her appearance looked casual, yet she appeared alluring and sharp.
Wen Yifan silently sat down at the dressing table and applied some light makeup. Seeing the perfume from last night placed to the side, she picked it up, hesitated, and sprayed a little behind her ears and on her wrists.
After letting the scent dissipate a bit, Wen Yifan went out to the living room.
Today was the weekend, so Sang Yan didn’t have to go to work. But he was already up at this time, wearing simple casual clothes, cooking breakfast in the kitchen. He still looked like he was in a “don’t disturb me, I’m sleepy” state.
Noticing Wen Yifan’s movement, he glanced lightly.
And quickly stopped.
Sang Yan’s gaze was unabashed, openly appraising her. His hand rested on the counter, tapping twice lightly, and he casually asked, “What are you doing today?”
Wen Yifan looked into the pot and answered honestly, “Going to work.”
Sang Yan raised an eyebrow and stared at her for a while. Soon, he seemed to understand something, and the corner of his mouth curved slightly. He withdrew his gaze and let out a very deliberate, drawn-out “Oh.”
Wen Yifan maintained a calm expression, showing no sign of discomfort. As if she also felt it was only natural.
Sang Yan turned off the stove: “Get a bowl.”
“Oh.” Wen Yifan opened the nearby cabinet and added, “Then I’ll cook breakfast tomorrow?”
“Can you get up in time?”
“I should be able to…” Wen Yifan wasn’t too sure, and mentioned, “Your routine is quite healthy. Among the people I know, you’re the only one who eats breakfast every day without missing a single day.”
Sang Yan turned his head, his tone casual yet suggestive: “Why do you think I’m healthy?”
Feeling that his question seemed to repeat what she had just said, Wen Yifan still patiently and very cooperatively answered: “Because you eat breakfast every day.”
“…”
Sang Yan had simply cooked porridge and eggs.
It was still a bit hot, so Wen Yifan ate slowly. Sang Yan finished faster than her, and after eating, he got up and went back to his room to change clothes. When he came out, she looked up.
Again, all in black.
Looking cold and indifferent, like an assassin about to go on a mission.
Swallowing the last mouthful of porridge, Wen Yifan asked, “Are you going out?”
“Mm.” Sang Yan said, “Meeting a friend.”
Wen Yifan didn’t ask further, noticing that it was about time, she also stood up. She followed behind Sang Yan to the entryway. As he was putting on his shoes, she took the baseball cap from the coat rack and put it on her head.
The moment she put it on.
She noticed something was wrong.
This didn’t seem to be her cap.
It was much looser.
At the same time, Wen Yifan met Sang Yan’s face.
He first stared at the cap on her head, freezing for a few seconds, then his gaze slid down to meet her eyes.
As if carrying a reproachful meaning.
Wen Yifan suddenly understood something. She looked back towards the coat rack and indeed found another black cap there. She was silent for a moment, then reached up to take off the cap.
To return it to its rightful owner, Wen Yifan looked up, hesitantly putting the cap back on his head.
Following her movement, Sang Yan’s body naturally bent down.
The distance between them suddenly closed.
Everything around became blurred. His eyes were pure black, bottomless, with an extreme attractiveness. Wen Yifan’s eyes didn’t blink, clearly feeling his warm breath.
Ambiguity mixed into the air, fermenting uncontrollably, spreading outward in wisps.
Perhaps bewitched.
At some point, Wen Yifan moved her eyes away, as if possessed, raised her hand, and smoothed out the stray hairs on his forehead. When her eyes met his again, her movement stopped, and then she slowly withdrew her hand.
Wen Yifan stepped back, pretending to be calm, and said, “Your hair was messy, I helped you tidy it up.”
Sang Yan’s Adam’s apple slid slightly.
Before he could speak.
Wen Yifan lowered her eyes to put on her shoes, and managed to say, “You’re welcome.”
After another moment of silence.
“Oh.” Sang Yan suddenly smiled, “So, you mean I should thank you for this.”
“…”
Wen Yifan pretended not to hear, took the keys from the side, and said with a composed expression, “Then I’m off to work.”
But before she could walk out, Sang Yan suddenly stood up straight, blocking her path. He looked to the side, casually picked up the remaining cap from the coat rack, and as if returning the favor, put it on her head.
The movement was swift and decisive.
Wen Yifan’s head tilted up.
Sang Yan stared at her face, leisurely tucking the loose strands of hair on the side of her face behind her ear. Though it was just a matter of seconds, it felt like it had been stretched to minutes. After finishing, he lowered his eyelashes, his tone arrogant and casual, “Why aren’t you saying anything?”
“…”
“Still don’t know what to say?”
Wen Yifan came to her senses: “…Thank you.”
The two left together.
Sang Yan gave her a ride to Nanwu TV Station.
After getting out of the car, Wen Yifan composed herself and returned to the office. As soon as she sat down at her desk, she saw a bottle of strawberry milk and a small cake placed on it.
Wen Yifan turned to Su Tian: “Xiao Tian, whose is this?”
“Who else could it be,” Su Tian said in a low voice, “It’s from that puppy.”
“…”
“Are you two in the ambiguous stage now? Or is it just one-sided from him? His feelings for you are becoming more and more obvious.” Su Tian said, “Why don’t you give it a try? This puppy is quite obedient, and his looks aren’t bad either.”
Wen Yifan didn’t say anything, just stood up and walked toward Mu Chengyun’s seat.
There weren’t many people in the office at this time.
Mu Chengyun smiled and greeted her: “Sister Yifan, good morning.”
“Hmm, good morning.” Wēn Yǐfán placed the breakfast back on his desk and said warmly, “Thank you for the breakfast. But I always eat before coming to work, so I can’t eat now.”
Mù Chéngyǔn’s lips moved slightly.
Wēn Yǐfán smiled. “Go ahead and eat. You don’t need to buy breakfast for me anymore. Thank you.”
“…”
After saying that, Wēn Yǐfán returned to her seat.
Sū Tián leaned over, curious. “What did you say? Why does that little puppy look so dejected all of a sudden?”
Wēn Yǐfán shook her head. “I didn’t say much.”
“Still, he’s so passive—how can he pursue someone like that—oh.” It seemed she had discovered something. Sū Tián sniffed and changed the topic. “Yǐfán, did you wear perfume today? It smells nice.”
Wēn Yǐfán touched the back of her ear. “Yeah.”
Sū Tián stared at her. “You seem a bit off.”
“…”
“Are you in a relationship?”
“Not really,” Wēn Yǐfán denied. After thinking it over, she realized that Sū Tián didn’t know Sāng Yán, so she might not guess. She decided to be honest. “I’m the one pursuing someone.”
Sū Tián was stunned. “Huh? You’re pursuing someone?”
“Yep.”
“…Are you sure you even need to pursue it?” Sū Tián replied, “Yǐfán, you have to understand, that men are visual creatures. You just need to beckon with a finger; you don’t have to pursue. They’ll come to you.”
Wēn Yǐfán said, “No, he’s really good-looking.”
“Just how good-looking can he be?”
Given that they were near the area known as the “Decadent Street,” fearing Sū Tián might have heard the nickname “King of the Decadent Street,” Wēn Yǐfán thought for a moment and decided to rephrase. “Good enough that he could be—”
“Hmm?”
“The King of Ducks.”
“…”
When Wēn Yǐfán got home, Sāng Yán hadn’t returned yet. It was still not quite eight o’clock. She walked into the kitchen and received a WeChat message from Sāng Yán, saying he would be home late tonight.
She replied with a simple “Okay.”
After casually making instant noodles, Wēn Yǐfán sat at the dining table, chewing on the noodles while contemplating the day’s events.
Based on Sāng Yán’s behavior today, Wēn Yǐfán felt that he likely had feelings for her too, though she wasn’t sure how deep they ran. After all, he was the most unpredictable person she had ever met.
Further reflecting, Wēn Yǐfán considered that today’s events could also be explained by Sāng Yán’s thought process: “You took advantage of me, and I won’t let you off the hook.”
She wanted to be certain. If she were to clearly express her feelings and it turned out he didn’t share the same intention, they might not be able to continue sharing a place.
For some reason, Wēn Yǐfán found herself quite enjoying their current dynamic.
After finishing, she washed the dishes and returned to her room. After completing her bedtime routine, she lay down in bed, idly scrolling through various news apps.
After some time, Wēn Yǐfán finally opened Weibo.
Accidentally clicking on her message list, she noticed a post in the anonymous confessional and paused, then reached out to click on it. Staring at her previous submission, she hesitated before starting to type in the input box.
【Anonymous coding: How do you pursue someone you’ve offended in the past?】
After sending it, Wēn Yǐfán exited Weibo.
Setting her phone aside, she found herself lost in thought again. She curled up on her side, feeling sleepiness wash over her, enveloping her completely.
Just as she was about to drift into a dream, her phone vibrated, the sound particularly clear in the quiet room.
Wēn Yǐfán groggily opened her eyes and reached for her phone, glancing at it casually.
It was just a few minutes past midnight.
A voice message from Sāng Yán appeared. She wondered what he could want at this hour.
Half-closing her eyes, she leaned against her pillow and opened it.
Sāng Yán seemed to be outside; the background noise was a bit loud and chaotic. His voice was deep and slightly magnetic, cutting through the noise with surprising clarity.
“There are still 68 days.”