Luan Nian saw an utterly disheveled Shang Zhitao.

Outside, the freezing wind was biting, and she was just as sharp. For the first time, she didn’t stand straight in front of someone else, her waist slightly slouched.

Luke saw him and barked happily.

Luan Nian was especially angry, his eyes reddened as he scolded her:

“What the hell is wrong with you? You drove here alone?”

“Do you have a death wish? If you don’t want to live, just fucking tell me!”

“What’s the matter with you! How old are you?! You…”

Shang Zhitao walked over, grabbed his collar, bent his head down, and kissed him fiercely. Luan Nian used great effort to push her away, but she clung to him again. He could only pinch her face and say, “I have a cold.”

“Then let’s catch a cold together.” Shang Zhitao said with a smile. She felt somewhat like crying: “On the way here, I was thinking that I wanted to tell you in person that I love you just like before.”

Luan Nian thought this woman was truly stupid, so stupid that a thin layer of moisture formed in his eyes. His lips touched her forehead, not letting her see how moved he was, and he softly asked: “How long did you drive?”

“More than ten hours.”

“That’s very dangerous, do you know that?”

“I know. But I wanted to bring Luke to see you.” Shang Zhitao hugged Luan Nian tightly and asked softly: “Luan Nian, are you crying?”

“Nonsense.”

“Let me see.” Shang Zhitao suddenly looked up and saw Luan Nian’s reddened eyes. He turned away, not letting her see—it was too embarrassing. But Shang Zhitao jumped to look, and he kept dodging. She kept circling him until finally he stopped, and Shang Zhitao saw Luan Nian with tears welling in his eyes.

He surely didn’t know that when he cried, his eyes held sparkling stars.

Shang Zhitao’s heart was suddenly filled with him. Luan Nian wiped his face and pulled Shang Zhitao into his arms, hugging her tightly.

For some time, Luan Nian felt there was a slight distance between him and Shang Zhitao. In her heart, it seemed like everything was more important than him—work, family, Luke, friends. Luan Nian wasn’t a perfect partner; he had an extremely strong possessiveness and needed Shang Zhitao to prioritize him in her heart.

She did.

And he was reassured.

Shang Zhitao stood on tiptoes to kiss his chin. He was sick, staying at home, with bluish stubble sprouting on his face that scratched her face. Luan Nian looked at her face, reddened from the stubble, and suddenly remembered how in those first few years, she would always blush.

“Shang Zhitao.”

“Hmm?”

“Although I’m very angry, I’m happy that you came.”

Luan Nian held her as they lay in bed. Both were so tired, yet neither wanted to sleep. Shang Zhitao began chattering nonstop: “I met Zang Yao, you know, that year in the Guangzhou hotel lobby. She came looking for you in the middle of the night. So were you two dating then?”

“?” Luan Nian frowned. “Are you insane, Shang Zhitao? Do I date just anyone?”

“But she came looking for you in the middle of the night, you traveled together, and you even sent her flowers…”

Luan Nian sat up and looked at her seriously: “How did you know we traveled together?”

“She posted travel journals on the website, and I saw them. We had just had sex then, and I was very upset.”

“But you never asked me anything?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“I had no right to.”

Luan Nian suddenly felt a pang of heartache. He suddenly understood how much unmentionable grievance Shang Zhitao had suffered from him over all those years. Was that how her heart had gradually cooled? Mistakenly thinking he loved someone else, being rejected by him, and slowly losing the courage to be serious, to love him?

“So you think Sun Yuanzhu is most special to you?” Luan Nian asked her.

“Shang Zhitao, I’ve always been jealous of him. Because no matter what happens, you always think of him first. There was even a time when I thought you loved him.”

“So, did you ever love him?”

Hearing that name both distant and near, Shang Zhitao finally sat up and held Luan Nian’s hand: “Do you want to hear the truth, Luan Nian?”

“I want to tell you the truth.” Shang Zhitao’s eyes reddened slightly: “Back then, I lived in fear every day, always feeling inadequate, and faced one problem after another. He was always helping me, always caring for and protecting me. I trusted him like my own family. Sometimes I even felt he was more important than you because you were always out of reach, while family was right by my side.”

“So when he left, I was utterly devastated.” Shang Zhitao wiped away her tears: “At that time, I hated how you belittled us. Every word you said about him and me was a slander against our relationship.”

“He’s already gone, in that way. But there will always be a corner in my heart for him because we spent long years together.”

“Can you understand that?”

Shang Zhitao held his hand. She could lie to him, saying Sun Yuanzhu was just an ordinary friend, that his departure had no impact on her anymore. But Shang Zhitao didn’t want to do that. If she lied, it would be a desecration of her friendship with Sun Yuanzhu. It would also be a desecration of her relationship with Luan Nian.

She didn’t want that.

She hoped for a clean slate between them, without suspicion and insecurity. She hoped they could completely start over from this night.

“Do you believe me?” she asked again.

Luan Nian’s lips touched her forehead: “I believe you, Ms. Shang Zhitao.”

“I’m a bit tired.” Shang Zhitao pulled him down to lie beside her. “Are you still feverish? Are you feeling better?”

“Can we sleep in tomorrow?”

“What shall we do tomorrow?”

“I’m not going back, you know. I want to spend the New Year here…”

“Sleep.” Luan Nian turned off the light, reaching out but finding space. The mattress moved slightly, and then a burning, naked body pressed against him. Luan Nian held his breath. Shang Zhitao’s body was hot, but her hands were cold. Those icy hands moved downward. Luan Nian’s body contracted slightly as he grabbed her hands: “You’ll catch it from me.”

“How nice to catch a cold together. If you still have the energy.” Shang Zhitao’s lips pressed against his ear: “You don’t even have to move.”

She mimicked his tone, almost perfectly, breaking the sensual atmosphere.

But she quickly became serious again and continued exploring.

She felt they had to do this today, to use up whatever energy they had left together. Luan Nian was provoked by her challenge; he suddenly flipped over and thrust into her. He wouldn’t even allow Shang Zhitao to make a complete sound, his lips and tongue blocking hers firmly.

When she finally caught her breath, she heard Luan Nian say in her ear: “Shang Zhitao, I love you.”

His breathing was unsteady, his voice hoarse. Shang Zhitao closed her eyes, feeling like he had taken her to a fantastic realm. His sweet nothings filled her ears—he had never spoken so many beautiful words in his life. His lips and hands praised whichever part of her they touched, occasionally saying “I love you.”

Just when Shang Zhitao thought he was being too gentle to be himself, he changed back to his usual self, dragging her out of that fantasy, not allowing her to think wildly, only letting her feel him.

Intense, explosive, trembling.

Their foreheads pressed together; she tilted her head to drink in his sweat, only to be pushed back onto the pillow. He wouldn’t let her move, making her endure everything fully.

Finally, exhaustion.

Shang Zhitao slept soundly, her limbs entangled with his all night. No matter what position he took, she would squeeze next to him. Even in her sleep, she wanted him to hold her. If he pulled his arm away, she would be dissatisfied.

They had never been like this before, sleeping in the same bed with almost no space between them.

When Luan Nian opened his eyes the next day, he suddenly reached a strange conclusion: that sex cures colds, because he was completely better. His mind was clear, his body light. Shang Zhitao, in his arms, was like a small furnace, warming him, making his body hot.

He wanted to do something, but heard Luke scratching at the door—he was about to burst.

Luan Nian hastily put on clothes and opened the door. Luke barked at him twice, then turned and ran. Luan Nian grabbed the leash and caught up, taking him out as quickly as possible to relieve himself. After urinating, Luke was no longer agitated, walking proudly around the community like a victorious hunting dog.

Dr. Liang called, and Luan Nian answered: “What is it?”

“What time are you coming back to shop for New Year supplies with us?” she asked.

“I need to go to the company to get something, then I’ll come back.” Luan Nian said: “Also, I’ll probably bring someone back.”

“Bring someone? Who?”

Luan Nian didn’t speak, waiting for Dr. Liang to realize. After a moment, Dr. Liang finally said: “Shang Zhitao?”

“Yes.”

Luan Nian heard Dr. Liang’s hearty laugh. She even turned to Luan’s father and said: “What did I tell you? Our son wouldn’t mess up this time!”

Luan’s father snorted, though his happiness was evident.

“I should prepare some gifts for the girl, it’s her first time visiting our home. What should I prepare? A handbag?”

“No.” Luan Nian hurried to stop her. If Dr. Liang also gave Shang Zhitao a bag, she would think giving bags was a family tradition, and she wouldn’t like that.

“A bag won’t do… then a red envelope? I’ll withdraw some cash later. Fifty thousand? A hundred thousand?”

“No need. Why are you so nervous?” Luan Nian asked her: “Mom, you’ve seen plenty of important occasions.”

“Shut up. I’m afraid that if I don’t try hard, relying on you alone, you’ll drive my daughter-in-law away. If I’m nice to the girl, later if she wants to dump you, she might think of her future mother-in-law and soften…” Dr. Liang hung up while still chattering.

Luan Nian looked at Luke, raising an eyebrow: “I’ll take you back too. It would be too pitiful to leave you home alone.”

Shang Zhitao didn’t refuse to go to Luan Nian’s home, but she felt she couldn’t go empty-handed. However, she had no gifts.

She secretly asked Lu Mi: “I’m meeting his parents. What should I bring?”

“No need for anything fancy. Just buy some pastries. It’s polite and presentable. There’ll be plenty of time in the future.”

“Okay. I’ll go with him to get things from his company later. Do you want to come down and meet me?”

“Holy shit! You’re here? Of course!” Lu Mi finally realized.

It had been some years since Shang Zhitao left Ling Mei.

Luan Nian’s car was parked in the underground garage. He went up to get his things while she went up to ground level. The coffee shop was still open. With the New Year approaching, it seemed a bit desolate inside.

Shang Zhitao pushed the door open and saw that the waiters from those days were gone, replaced by newer, younger faces, but the coffee was still rich and fragrant.

She watched people hurrying by outside, remembering the six years she had spent here.

She was very grateful that she hadn’t wasted a single day of those six years. Looking back now, they were all weighty memories.

She felt somewhat emotional, so much so that when Lu Mi saw her, her first words were: “How is it? Revisiting old places—feeling sentimental?”

“Yes!” Shang Zhitao pushed the coffee toward her: “Your favorite.”

Neither spoke. Shang Zhitao imitated Lu Mi, relaxing against the sofa as they both looked at the withered tree outside.

A cycle of growth and decay.

Ten more annual rings added.

Luan Nian called her: “Come up and help me find something. I can’t find it.”

“Is that appropriate?”

“What’s inappropriate about it? Hurry up.” He hung up without giving her a chance to negotiate.

“Be brave, Shang Zhitao. What are you afraid of? You still have me, right? If anyone dares to gossip, I’ll just beat them up! Let’s go!” Lu Mi stood up, pulling Shang Zhitao along: “Head high, chest out, be proud: Yes! I’ve been sleeping with your dream boy Luke! For several years!” Lu Mi strode forward while talking, with Shang Zhitao following behind, unable to hold back her laughter.

Everyone changes, but not Lu Mi. She was the same now as she had been before. Living freely and transparently.

But when she filled out the visitor information and walked into Ling Mei, her legs still weakened for a moment.

The elevator doors opened, and she immediately saw the familiar office area. Past years rushed toward her. It was as if she could see her younger self hurrying to the meeting room with a laptop, always in a rush. Those countless meetings, those endless nights of overtime, those repeated setbacks—all had become medals pinned to her chest.

Some colleagues recognized her and called out excitedly: “Flora!”

Shang Zhitao also called their names and embraced them. Others heard the name and stood up, seeing the once earnest and brave girl. Ling Mei had many stories about her. After she left, colleagues would talk about her and say: “That girl was great.”

Everyone was excited, surrounding her to catch up, asking where she was now, what she was doing, and why she had suddenly come to the company.

Luan Nian stood at the office door watching for a while before finally calling out: “Shang Zhitao.”

Everyone turned to look at Luan Nian in surprise.

“There’s no time. Help me find it.” Luan Nian smiled at everyone: “Leave work early today. Happy New Year in advance.” Then he said to Shang Zhitao: “Hurry up, we still need to go to the supermarket.”

Shang Zhitao’s face turned bright red.

“Go on.” Lu Mi gave her a push. What are you afraid of? The whole world should know you’re together!

Luan Nian’s gaze met Shang Zhitao’s, showing no sign of restraint. It was rumored in the company that he liked men, and the men in his circle were all handsome. Others spread rumors that he had countless girlfriends, a different one each month. But no one had ever seen his girlfriend. He was never afraid of rumors, but today he suddenly wanted to introduce Shang Zhitao to them as his girlfriend.

Shang Zhitao stood at his office door, just like in the old days. His office was still cold and sparse, and the floor-to-ceiling window behind him was still clean.

“What are we looking for?”

“Found it already.”

Luan Nian had a mischievous smile: “Sit there and wait for me. I need to send an email.”

“Oh.”

Shang Zhitao sat down on his sofa, which made a rough sound, like countless ambiguous moments from the past.

Luan Nian’s ears and neck turned slightly red, but he maintained a poker face while handling his email.

As they were leaving, Shang Zhitao suddenly asked him: “Is Tracy here?”

“She should be in a meeting.”

“Can I see her?”

“Go ahead.”

Shang Zhitao ran to Tracy’s office door, took a deep breath, and finally knocked.

“Come in.” Tracy’s voice was still so gentle.

She gently pushed the door open and saw Tracy still on the phone. Tracy looked up, looked down, then quickly looked up again, suddenly smiling: “I have a guest here. We’ll discuss this matter later.”

She hung up the phone and stood to embrace her. Shang Zhitao hugged her back.

“Where have you been all these years?”

“I went back to Ice City. I’ve been doing very well.” Shang Zhitao pointed toward Luan Nian’s office, her expression apologetic.

Tracy stopped her: “I know, Flora. No need to apologize to me. Love, who can make sense of it?”

“Tracy, I want to say a few words to you.” Shang Zhitao stood straight: “I want to thank you for giving me an opportunity back then. I know I was very ordinary, and if I hadn’t met you, my life might have taken a different path. Thank you for choosing to believe in me no matter what, thank you for helping me.”

“I will forever be grateful.”

Grateful for having met so many wonderful people.

She was incredibly fortunate.