Yun Li hadn’t expected to mispronounce again, especially after practicing for over ten minutes. Seeing his lack of energy, she said sternly, “You don’t look very happy.”
Fu Shize found it amusing: “I am very happy.”
Unsatisfied, Yun Li insisted, “If you’re happy, you should show it.”
“How?”
On camera, Yun Li pressed her index and middle fingers together, touched them to her lips, and then lifted them upwards, blowing him a kiss. After demonstrating, she stared at him: “Show it like that.”
“…”
Fu Shize didn’t know how she came up with such an exaggerated gesture. Seeing her insistent stare, he made an excuse to refuse: “You didn’t even pronounce my name correctly.”
“…”
Caught out, Yun Li said awkwardly, “I’ll practice more and try to say it right next year.”
Fu Shize: “You still won’t get it right next year?”
“Well, I’ll celebrate your birthday every year. I’m bound to get it right eventually,” Yun Li said seriously. “Don’t underestimate me—”
Fu Shize thought she was going to mention her Mandarin, but Yun Li smiled and said, “I can be with you for a lifetime.”
So there should be many more chances.
“I’ll make up for your birthday when I get back. I’ll bake you a cake,” Yun Li said. She had only learned yesterday that his birthday was on New Year’s Eve and had hurriedly prepared a light display to congratulate him remotely.
“Those are secondary,” Fu Shize said dismissively, maintaining a calm facade but with a hint of urgency in his voice: “Come back soon.”
…
After meeting Yin Yunyi in Nanwu, Yun Yu spent most of his holiday studying. The siblings met for three meals a day.
Yun Yongchang and Yang Fang’s holiday wasn’t as long as the students’, so after the New Year, only the siblings remained at home.
Thinking of Fu Shize’s sensitive stomach, Yun Li took advantage of the winter break to learn some congee-making techniques, posting a series of congee videos on E-station.
Since deciding to improve her personality, Yun Li has been streaming for half an hour almost every night, mostly just chatting with fans about various topics.
Gradually, the number of regular viewers increased.
One fan in particular caught her attention. This “efe” never used the voice chat but often replied to her in the comments.
For example, Yun Li: “—The streamer is indecisive, taking half a day to say one thing to others.”
efe: [Wife is thoughtful]
Yun Li: “—The streamer often causes awkward silences when talking to unfamiliar people.”
efe: [Wife is perceptive]
Yun Li: “—The streamer is a bit socially anxious, always asking her brother to answer calls for deliveries and takeout.”
efe: [Wife is meticulous]
“…”
It was as if they could turn a rooster into a phoenix.
However, this self-disclosure resonated with many fans. They expressed similar dislike for making and receiving phone calls, especially with strangers.
Those incidents she had long used to judge herself happened to many people. The things she had always been insecure about now seemed ordinary.
She had been living in her world.
Arbitrarily categorizing herself as a special group, blindfolding herself with self-pity and sadness – wasn’t this also a form of arrogance?
Many fans shared their experiences of being introverted, some with relatives, some with colleagues, including many socially awkward stories. The comments were full of support and encouragement from others. Although they were all strangers, they were willing to comfort each other with warm words.
Yun Li felt a warmth in her heart as she watched.
The topic gradually drifted.
[Wife, where’s your brother?????]
[Salty fish’s social training is over, let’s have an exhibition for brother!]
[Brother, mommy loves you]
In Yun Li’s early videos, Yun Yu often appeared on camera. Over the past four years, many long-time fans had witnessed his growth, while she had watched for sixteen years. Yun Li had memories from the moment he was born.
She had watched him step by step, from a babbling two-foot-tall toddler to the lively teenager he was now. Yun Li fell into thought. If she stayed in Nanwu in the future, she would have few chances to see Yun Yu.
Yun Li ended the livestream.
After dinner today, Yun Yu had said his stomach hurt, and Yun Li had joked that Yang Fang’s cooking had poisoned him. He was now curled up in bed sleeping. Yun Li went in and stared at his sleeping face, ruffling his hair.
Yun Yu woke up, saw it was her, and turned his face away: “Go away, I want to sleep.”
Originally intending to be a good sister for a while, Yun Li now felt annoyed: “Fine, I’m leaving. I’m going back to Nanwu tomorrow.”
Yun Yu immediately sat up, “I told you to go away, not to leave.”
He frowned, “It’s only the 8th.”
Yun Li said, “I’m going back to make up for your brother-in-law’s birthday.” She deliberately added, “Oh, my little brother probably can’t understand, since I’m the one in a relationship.”
Unexpectedly fed dog food, Yun Yu wordlessly pulled the covers over himself. Yun Li dusted off her hands and stood up. Suddenly, Yun Yongchang’s cold voice came from behind, “Who are you in a relationship with?”
“…”
The house didn’t have great soundproofing, so Yun Li usually spoke quietly when calling Fu Shize, and Yun Yongchang hadn’t discovered their relationship.
Yun Yu peeked out from under the covers, giving her a sympathetic look. Yun Yongchang glared at him: “Well, well, your wings have grown strong. So you’ve been helping your sister deceive us.”
“…”
The quiet night brewed a surge of anger.
“Who is it?”
“My colleague.”
“How long have you been dating?”
“A month.”
“Where’s his family from?”
“Nanwu…”
Yun Yongchang’s face instantly darkened: “Not only are you running off to study in Nanwu, but you’re planning to marry there too? Are there no men left in Xifu?”
Having anticipated this outcome, Yun Li said gently, “Dad, can’t you give me a little more freedom in my love life…”
“What freedom! If someone bullies you in Nanwu, who will stand up for you when we’re not there?” As always, he made a unilateral decision: “Break up with that guy when you go back. How old are you anyway? If you want to find someone, find someone from Xifu.”
Yun Li felt a stab in her heart.
“I don’t need anyone to stand up for me. I can protect myself,” she said, her temper rising.
She didn’t understand. She had been cautious all her life and never caused Yun Yongchang any trouble, yet he always thought she was incapable.
Why did some parents always think their children should follow the life path they set out?
“I’ve met his parents. They’re reasonable people, both professors at West Science University.”
Originally intended to make Yun Yongchang more accepting of them, this statement only added fuel to the fire. He cursed angrily and stormed out, slamming the door.
Yun Li returned to pack her luggage with a cold expression, thinking about what he had said, feeling hurt.
—You even met his parents secretly?
—Do you have any consideration for me at all?
—Are you looking down on my education now and trying to marry up?
Yun Yongchang was unreasonable, and Yun Li didn’t submit as she had in the past. Coincidentally, a relative was hosting a first birthday celebration, so her parents left early in the morning to help. Yun Li took the opportunity to leave with her suitcase. Looking up, she saw Yun Yu just coming out of his room.
Seemingly just finished washing up, Yun Yu’s hair was messy and damp, with a faint sleep mark on his cheek. He drooped his eyelids and asked, “You’re leaving?”
Yun Li nodded.
Yun Yu stood in place with his hands in his pockets.
The hallway was narrow, the light dim.
The young man’s eyes were dark, he was tall, wearing an oversized baseball jacket.
Partings always produce some unnamed emotions. The atmosphere, heavily painted with silence and dim light, added another layer of meaning that didn’t originally exist.
Combined with the empty house, Yun Yu seemed to take on another identity at this moment.
—A left-behind child, albeit an older one.
Yun Li hesitated for a moment, then nagged, “Mom and Dad won’t be back until the day after tomorrow evening. You’ll be alone these two days, so eat out.”
Yun Yu looked at her: “Oh.”
Yun Li: “Or order takeout.”
Yun Yu: “Oh.”
Yun Li: “Or you could go to Aunt’s house to eat.”
Yun Yu: “Oh.”
“…” The three consecutive monosyllables seemed laden with emotion. Yun Li, not understanding the situation, asked with uncharacteristic patience, “Why only this response? Do you have any complaints about your sister?”
“No,” Yun Yu said, “Just feels like a holiday.”
“?”
Yun Yu tilted his head, slowly repeating: “Eat out, order takeout, eat at Aunt’s…” He paused, then asked, “Isn’t it amazing?”
Yun Li didn’t understand: “What?”
Yun Yu shrugged: “Now that you’re leaving, I don’t have to cook anymore.”
Yun Li: “…”
Suddenly mocked like this, Yun Li fell silent. Yun Yu took her suitcase and walked towards the entrance.
Yun Li truly hadn’t thought that making Yun Yu cook instant noodles twice could instill such deep resentment.
Downstairs, Yun Li checked her phone. Turning to Yun Yu, who was helping with the suitcase, she said, “Alright, I’m off. You go back and do your homework. It’s just a few steps to the station.”
“You’re taking the bus?” Yun Ye put down the suitcase. “You’re still dragging this luggage around.”
“It’s not heavy,” Yun Li replied.
“Aren’t you tired? I’ll drive you to the airport,” Yun Ye offered.
Yun Li chuckled. “How? Are you going to take the bus with me?”
“Of course not.” Yun Ye arrogantly raised an eyebrow, pulling out a set of car keys from his pocket and tossing them in his hand. “I’ll drive.”
“…”
His words were touching. However, if only Yun Ye were an adult, Yun Li would have felt even more moved.
She tapped his head in disbelief. “Where did you get Dad’s car keys again?”
Caught off guard, Yun Ye frowned. “They were on the table.”
“Then let them stay there,” Yun Li said, unable to resist tapping him again. “Did they wave at you, begging to be taken?”
“Can you stop hitting me?” Yun Ye suppressed his anger after being hit twice. “It’s not like I don’t know how to drive.”
Yun Ye wasn’t lying. Their father, Yun Yongchang, had been a driving instructor for over a decade. Yun Ye often hung around the driving school, picking up skills through observation over the years.
As they walked, Yun Li assumed her big sister role, earnestly educating Yun Ye about what he could and couldn’t do at his age.
Yun Ye remained silent throughout.
Reaching the bus stop, Yun Li finished her lecture. Noticing Yun Ye’s expressionless face, she wondered if she’d been too harsh.
Yun Li sighed. “I’m not trying to scold you, I’m just worried about your safety—”
Before she could finish, Yun Ye suddenly hailed a taxi.
Without responding, he opened the back door and ushered her in. Then he spoke to the driver, “Sir, could you open the trunk? We’re going to Xifu Airport.”
With a stranger present, Yun Li fell silent. Sitting on the left side, she awkwardly took out her phone and messaged Yun Ye: [?]
Yun Li: [???]
Soon, Yun Ye stored the luggage and got in.
Yun Li: [What are you doing?]
Yun Ye: [I’m paying for this taxi.]
Yun Li: [I could’ve gone by myself. The round-trip fare is such a waste.]
Yun Ye: [I’ll take the bus back.]
Yun Ye didn’t message further until they reached the check-in counter. Then he said, “Just stay in Nanwu. Only come back to Xifu if you’re really unhappy there.”
After a pause, he added, “Though, being with Dad is probably the most unpleasant option.”
“…”
At the arrival gate, Yun Li spotted Fu Shize waiting. Her two-day depression suddenly lifted. She ran towards him, luggage in tow, and crashed into his embrace.
Fu Shize stumbled back a step. “Easy there.”
Yun Li laughed. “Eat more meat, or people will say my boyfriend is delicate.”
“Delicate?” Fu Shize repeated the word. Yun Li had meant it as a joke, but seeing his concern, she was about to explain when he pulled her to a less crowded area.
Yun Li: “In broad daylight, you can’t…”
She didn’t finish.
Fu Shize had already lifted her chin, his dark eyes brimming with longing. He completed her sentence: “Can’t be romantic?”
“…”
In the car, Fu Shize asked, “You came back especially today?”
Yun Li: “Mm…”
A few old street lamps lined the road, car headlights frequently flashing ahead. Yun Li sat silently in the passenger seat, scenes of her argument with Yun Yongchang still swirling in her mind.
“Want to go to Qilixiang to pack your things first?” Fu Shize glanced at her a few times. Yun Li nodded absent-mindedly.
Despite not seeing each other for two weeks, Yun Li didn’t show the expected joy upon meeting him. Fu Shize parked beneath Qilixiang and asked, “Did something happen?”
“No, just tired from the flight,” Yun Li snapped back to reality. Looking at his face, she suddenly asked, “How long have we been together?”
Fu Shize: “46 days.”
Less than two months.
Perhaps it wasn’t time to worry about such things yet.
Back at the apartment, Yun Li only packed essential living items and clothes.
“The landlord said canceling the lease would cost three months’ deposit, which is like saving only two months’ rent. I thought we could keep this apartment. If we have early classes, we could sleep here.”
“Let’s bring some of your clothes to my place too. Although the stalker hasn’t been caught, he probably won’t show up if you’re with me.”
After Yun Li carefully arranged these matters, she noticed Fu Shize watching her from the sofa. She paused. “What’s wrong?”
Fu Shize: “There’s only one bed here.”
Yun Li: “I’m not asking you to sleep on the sofa.”
“…”
Fu Shize hesitated for a moment, then slowly asked, “We’re sleeping in the same bed?”
Yun Li nodded hesitantly. She trusted Fu Shize’s character, and they probably wouldn’t stay here often anyway.
As soon as they got in the car, he asked, “When do you have early classes?”
“…”
He asked this with a completely serious expression. Yun Li belatedly blushed, saying softly, “I haven’t finished selecting courses yet.”
At Jiangnan Yuan, Fu Shize went straight to the fridge to defrost some meat. He had become quite skilled at cooking and preparing dinner without Yun Li’s help.
Yun Li wanted some alcohol. Fu Shize opened a bottle of whiskey, pouring her a small glass mixed with Sprite.
The small night light illuminated the dining table.
Fu Shize watched Yun Li throughout the meal. She was lost in thought, often reacting half a beat late. After two small glasses, Yun Li’s face remained unchanged, but her eyes had become moist.
“…”
The night had barely begun, and Fu Shize didn’t want it to end so soon.
He reached for Yun Li’s glass, but she became angry: “You drink so much usually. If you dare stop me now, I’ll… I’ll…” She stumbled over her words.
Fu Shize, completely sober, looked at her. “You’ll what?”
“I’ll delete you from WeChat!”
“…”
This threat seemed to have an effect. He stopped trying to stop her. Yun Li stared at his calm face, feeling a strong urge to disrupt it. She grabbed his collar, pulling him onto the sofa.
“Why do you always have this expression?” she said irritably.
Fu Shize: “What expression should I have?”
Yun Li didn’t usually drink and never knew she not only had low alcohol tolerance but also became difficult when drunk. They remained at an impasse for a while. Unable to think of an answer, she stubbornly said, “Just not this one.”
The person on the sofa let her grip his collar, chuckling softly.
Seeming to hear contempt in his laugh, Yun Li stared at him intently, reaching out to squeeze his face at will.
“This is your home,” Yun Li straightened up, looking around. Fu Shize denied it: “It’s ours.”
When she tired, he pulled out a small box from behind him. “A gift.” Similar to the mother-of-pearl box he’d given her before, Yun Li stopped her drunken antics and took the box.
She tilted her head. “Is it my birthday?”
Fu Shize: “…”