How could she possibly throw it away? Xu Sui’s outstretched hand withdrew again.

After arriving home, Xu Sui felt completely relieved and collapsed on the sofa, drowsily sleeping for a while. When she woke up, it was already ten o’clock at night.

Xu Sui took a shower, ate something, then watched TV for a while, only to find she couldn’t concentrate at all. She simply turned off the TV and went to sleep.

Perhaps because she had napped earlier, Xu Sui tossed and turned in bed until late at night, unable to fall asleep no matter what.

Her mind kept returning to the events of the day.

It turned out that when they broke up back then, Zhou Jingze wasn’t as indifferent and carefree as he appeared on the surface – he also cared about their relationship.

And that world map.

So many markings, all pointing to cities where she studied and worked.

Had he come to see her many times?

Why didn’t he ever appear?

These questions hidden in her heart – Xu Sui wanted to ask but didn’t dare. Finally, she picked up her phone from beside her pillow and opened a Q&A app. This was her first time posting a question:

—Asking everyone, if you and your ex-boyfriend broke up years ago, but recently you suddenly discovered he actually never let go of the relationship, and he happens to be pursuing you again, but you’re still afraid to try again, what should you do?

Perhaps because Xu Sui posted so late, almost no one replied. At 2 AM, there was only one response from an anonymous account:

Then give him the cold shoulder for a while and listen carefully to your own heart – whether you truly have the courage to try again.

Xu Sui stared at this reply for a long time, feeling it made sense, and her heart finally had some direction.

Over the next few days, when Zhou Jingze sent her messages, Xu Sui rarely replied, because whenever she chatted with him, her resolve would waver.

And her thoughts would become unclear.

However, Zhou Jingze didn’t seem to notice the change. He seemed very busy lately. When he occasionally sent voice messages, his voice sounded tired, but he still cared about her daily life as usual.

On the weekend, Xu Sui finally got to attend the premiere release event for a movie she’d been wanting to see.

She had actually seen this movie during her studies in Hong Kong. It was called “Back Street Girls,” adapted from a bestselling Italian novel.

Xu Sui loved this film, and she was extremely happy it was being rereleased.

Most exciting of all, her favorite lead actress would be there for promotion.

Xu Sui was particularly captivated by one scene in the movie. The female lead, Clarissa, wearing a sea-colored shirt and red shorts, walked through the gray, dusty, filthy back streets, through dark tunnels, across highways, determinedly walking toward her sea.

In anticipation of this release event, Xu Sui had specially brought a green soft-cover copy of the original novel and a movie poster, planning to get them signed.

Saturday afternoon at three o’clock, Liang Shuang appeared downstairs in her car.

After Xu Sui got in, Liang Shuang locked the doors and handed her a bag of pastries, saying: “Here, I bought these specially for you.”

“Thank you.”

Xu Sui opened the paper bag and took out a croissant.

Liang Shuang started the car while talking to Xu Sui, saying with a smile: “I’ve never seen a celebrity before. I hope there’ll be some blue-eyed, blonde handsome guys!”

“There are blue-eyed blonde beauties, this is basically a female-led film, though there are a few male supporting actors who are all quite good-looking.” Xu Sui tore off a piece of bread and put it in her mouth.

About forty minutes later, they arrived at the International Convention Center and entered with their tickets. The release event was held in an extremely large cinema hall.

The program started with the audience watching the film, followed by the creative team coming out for discussion and promotion.

When the film began, Xu Sui specifically put her phone on silent and watched the movie attentively. Li Yang had saved them seats right in the center of the middle-back rows – the optimal viewing position.

Xu Sui remained completely focused throughout, and even when the movie was nearing its end, she hadn’t emerged from the story. It wasn’t until there was a “snap” and the cinema lights came on, flooding the room with brightness, that people were drawn out of the story’s atmosphere.

At the same time, various media outlets positioned their cameras waiting for the creative team to appear, and the stage lights also blazed on with a “boom.”

The creative team appeared on stage together. Xu Sui sat in her chair somewhat excited, taking out her phone from her bag to photograph her favorite actress.

The host stood to the side asking the audience for their thoughts after watching the film. Xu Sui rested her elbow on the armrest, listening attentively to audience questions and actor responses, occasionally laughing along when the host made jokes.

She strongly agreed with some of the viewpoints about the film.

Later, there was an interactive game segment where audience members could go on stage with the lead actors, and afterward receive signed photos from the actors.

Xu Sui’s heart stirred, but she still didn’t make a move – she wasn’t the active type.

She thought there would be another chance later. Didn’t Li Yang say that after the screening, staff would take them backstage for autographs?

After the screening ended, Xu Sui messaged Li Yang: [Hey, where’s your staff friend? The release event is over now, and I want to go backstage for an autograph.]

Soon her phone screen lit up with Li Yang’s reply: [Sweetheart, sorry, my friend took sick leave. You probably won’t be able to get that autograph.]

As the audience gradually left, Xu Sui remained seated, showing the phone message to Liang Shuang.

“Ah, what does that mean? It fell through? Li Yang is so unreliable,” Liang Shuang frowned, returning the phone to her. “Sui Sui, how about we try our luck backstage? Isn’t that what you came here for?”

“Alright.” Xu Sui hesitated for a moment, then nodded and stood up.

The two held hands and left the cinema hall one after the other, sneaking to the actors’ lounge. For some reason, Xu Sui felt nervous doing this for the first time, her heart pounding. Her eyes swept past dressing rooms and lounges, finally stopping at the door of actress Clarissa’s rest room.

Just as Liang Shuang was about to knock, a stern voice came from behind: “What are you two doing?”

Xu Sui turned around to see a staff member not far away walking toward them with a very severe expression.

“Hello, could we go in for an autograph?” Xu Sui asked.

The other person made a shooing gesture and said rigidly: “Please leave. That’s not allowed.”

“Then… could we wait here for a moment, and if we happen to see her come out, could we ask for an autograph then?” Xu Sui’s tone was pleading, hoping this staff member might be flexible.

But the person was completely unsympathetic, with the attitude of someone who’d seen plenty of crazy fans, looking thoroughly annoyed: “Don’t disturb the actress’s rest. If you don’t leave now, we’ll call security to ‘escort’ you out.”

Liang Shuang got angry hearing him speak so rigidly and was about to start scolding when Xu Sui grabbed her hand to stop her.

She felt somewhat deflated, thinking her first attempt at celebrity chasing had failed.

“Sorry for bothering you.” Xu Sui said to the staff member.

Just as Xu Sui was pulling Liang Shuang away, a low, magnetic voice suddenly came from behind: “Xu Sui?”

Xu Sui turned around and stared at the man not far away for three seconds.

He wore a well-tailored black cashmere coat, tall and imposing, with slightly short hair, distinctive features, and a deeply sculpted face, looking at her.

His assistant behind him was holding his coffee and documents.

She reacted, her voice full of pleasant surprise: “Professor Bai?”

Liang Shuang was seeing this type of gentle, handsome gentleman for the first time. Excited and nervous, she quietly nudged with her elbow: “What what, is this your exchange professor from Hong Kong?”

Bai Yushi kept one hand in his coat pocket, walked toward them, and when he smiled, fine lines appeared at the corners of his eyes:

“Long time no see, young lady.”

“Long time no see, Professor Bai. I didn’t expect to run into you here,” Xu Sui couldn’t help but smile too, then remembered to say, “This is my friend, Liang Shuang.”

“Hello.” Bai Yushi extended his hand and smiled again.

Liang Shuang was completely stunned, lost in his smile, her voice stammering: “He… hello.”

Bai Yushi gave her hand a very light shake before withdrawing, the whole process considerate and gentlemanly. He raised his eyelids and guessed correctly: “Want an autograph?”

“Yes, we thought we’d try our luck.” Xu Sui felt a bit embarrassed.

Bai Yushi nodded and gave a look to his assistant behind him. The assistant immediately understood, knocked on the door, and said to the nearby staff member: “This is Professor Bai’s friend.”

“Ah, sorry.” The staff member looked momentarily panicked and hurriedly apologized.

Bai Yushi didn’t make things difficult for him, waving him away.

After the door opened, Bai Yushi went in. Xu Sui stood at the doorway, faintly hearing Bai Yushi speaking inside. He was speaking Italian, with a slight roll to his tongue, each word clearly pronounced, reminiscent of beautiful violin strings at dusk.

Soon the assistant let them in. After Xu Sui entered, she successfully got the signed photo, and the actress even hugged her, saying: “Thank you for your support. It’s an honor.”

Xu Sui’s face was very red and her heart was beating fast, so much so that she still felt happy after coming out.

Bai Yushi stayed behind to chat with the actress for a few sentences, finally giving her a farewell cheek kiss.

Xu Sui waited outside the door for Bai Yushi to come out, saying: “Thank you, Professor Bai, but what a coincidence running into you at this film.”

“Because I did the dubbing for this movie.” Bai Yushi explained simply.

“You’re so amazing, Professor Bai!” Liang Shuang seized the opportunity to praise.

“Just a hobby,” Bai Yushi raised his hand to check his watch, smiling. “I have some things to handle, but if you don’t mind waiting ten minutes for me, shall we have dinner together?”

“Sure.” Xu Sui nodded.

After Bai Yushi left, the pleasant, comfortable sandalwood scent from his person also disappeared into the air.

The two sat backstage waiting for Bai Yushi. Liang Shuang linked arms with her and asked: “Sui Bao, how did you two meet?”

“Seeing him today, I suddenly understood the charm of mature men.”

“There’s a bit of history. I’ll tell you about it another time.” Xu Sui explained.

Bai Yushi came out shortly after, appearing in the corridor and waving to them.

Xu Sui and Liang Shuang walked over and got into Bai Yushi’s car. Bai Yushi gave the driver an address, and the car headed toward Jingnan Road.

Xu Sui and Liang Shuang sat in the back seat. The car had a faint cedar scent, clean and cool. Finding the car ride somewhat boring, Bai Yushi put on music – soothing piano sounds flowing like water, clear and melodious.

Liang Shuang sat in the car looking around idly when she sharp-eyed noticed that in this obviously masculine car, there was actually an old pink paper crane on the dashboard – really not his style at all.

“Professor Bai, do you like origami?” Liang Shuang asked.

Bai Yushi was resting with his eyes closed in the passenger seat. Hearing this, he opened his eyes and looked toward the small paper crane in front of the car.

His narrow eyes suddenly filled with intense darkness, but it was only for an instant before returning to calm. He said lightly: “It’s nothing important.”

The car veered away from the city center and stopped at Wutong Intersection. The driver got out and came around to open the door. A pair of long legs stepped out, and Bai Yushi buttoned the second button of his coat, raising his hand to stop the driver and giving him a look.

The driver immediately understood and went to open the door for the two ladies.

Professor Bai took them to a French restaurant, walking to one side, his voice gentle: “A friend recommended this place as quite good. If the food isn’t good, we can change restaurants.”

Liang Shuang had been a local all her life, living nearly thirty years, yet didn’t know there was actually an art gallery restaurant behind Wutong Intersection.

Whether from its exterior, interior design, or overall atmosphere, the restaurant looked exactly like an art gallery. Throughout the meal, Bai Yushi was the host, attending to every detail with perfect etiquette.

Instead, they became the guests while Bai Yushi became the host. Xu Sui felt a bit embarrassed and said: “Professor Bai, since you’ve come to Jingbei, I should be the one treating you to dinner.”

Bai Yushi took a sip of red wine and spoke. His Mandarin carried a Hong Kong accent, low and pleasant to hear: “I’m here on business for a week. I’ll have to trouble you to show me around these next few days.”

This one sentence eliminated Xu Sui’s pressure and put them both on equal footing. Xu Sui breathed a sigh of relief and smiled gently: “Absolutely.”

Liang Shuang sat to the side, eating while admiring the scenery outside the window, feeling comfortable and relaxed. She took photos with her phone – one of a cat jumping onto a rooftop outside, and another of their dining scene.

None of their faces appeared in the photos, only Bai Yushi’s hand positioned on the wine glass stem and Xu Sui’s sleeve riding up as she lowered her head to eat fruit, revealing a section of her fair wrist.

Liang Shuang posted these two photos on social media with the caption: [Following my Sui Bao for a free meal, hehe~]

Xu Sui had no idea about this. She chatted with Bai Yushi about recent developments and learned he was still teaching at Hong Kong University B.

After eating, Bai Yushi drove them home. Liang Shuang’s house was closer, so she got out first. Bai Yushi, sitting in the passenger seat, suddenly remembered something and pulled out two tickets from his wallet, turning around to ask: “Foreign Modern Film Poster Exhibition – do you have time in a couple of days?”

Xu Sui took them for a look, resting her hands on her knees and nodding: “Yes, but this time I must be the one to treat you to dinner.”

Bai Yushi smiled, the attractive fine lines at his eyes crinkling as passing streetlight swept across his temples.

The car slowly stopped downstairs at Xu Sui’s building. Bai Yushi proactively got out first to open Xu Sui’s car door. As Xu Sui got out carrying her handbag, her heel accidentally twisted.

Xu Sui let out a small cry of surprise, uncontrollably falling forward, but a pair of hands steadily caught her at the elbows. Bai Yushi’s voice sounded especially gentle in the darkness: “Careful.”

After Xu Sui steadied herself, she put some distance between them and said: “Thank you.”

“Go on in. I’ll watch you go inside.” Bai Yushi stood in front of her, pulling out a cigar from his coat pocket, rolling it between his fingers.

Xu Sui thought about the exhibition date and said: “Alright, see you the day after tomorrow, Professor Bai.”

After speaking, Xu Sui smiled and turned around. Inadvertently looking up, she discovered Zhou Jingze standing not far away, looking at them. His whole figure was half-hidden in darkness, wearing a black parka, one hand in his pants pocket, the other holding a cigarette, staring motionlessly at the two of them.

Gray-white smoke exhaled, Zhou Jingze’s eyes like a beast that had been lurking in darkness for a long time – dark, unfathomable, like ice blades scraping her heart with a tremor.

Xu Sui was pinned in place by Zhou Jingze’s gaze, unable to move. She felt a moment of guilt, though they had done nothing wrong.

“Won’t you introduce us?” Zhou Jingze extinguished his cigarette butt, his voice heavy, eyes fixed on her.