Chapter 55

The few of them gathered and chatted idly. The conversation naturally drifted from the documentary to outdoor activities, and they discovered that they were all genuinely interested in that sort of thing.

Chi Chunxin had been born with a lively, sociable temperament, and since she was also intent on “probing” Jin Zijin, she eagerly suggested, “Since we all like running around in the mountains and wilderness, why don’t we really find time to go hiking at North Mountain together?”

“We can pitch tents at the campsite at night and even try ice fishing.”

The more she talked, the more feasible it sounded, and the more excited she became; her pace quickened noticeably. “Oh, I remember that near your Jin family’s hot spring resort in the suburbs, there’s a pretty big natural lake, right? It must be frozen solid by now.”

“The cold-water fish in there are so plump and delicious.”

Once she got to food, she was no longer elegant or artistic at all; she practically looked ready to drool. “Throw one on a charcoal fire and grill it, and it’ll sizzle with oil, crisp and fragrant.”

“Sprinkle on some chili powder, then have a sip of chilled Moutai… tsk tsk…”

“That’s about as good as life gets even in heaven.”

Wen Yan’s eyes moved slightly when she heard that.

Moutai?

She thought of the Moutai they had at the barbecue place last time, and of how familiar Jin Zijin had sounded when she mentioned vintages of Moutai from different years...

So that preference came from here.

From this carefree, unrestrained childhood friend.

She stayed silent and did not join in.

But Jin Zijin, who was beside her, had already spoken, her tone carrying a hint of scrutiny. “You want to go ice fishing? With all those exhibitions and project wrap-ups you’ve got before New Year, do you even have the time?”

Chi Chunxin looked completely at ease. “Lucky for me, I actually have a gap before New Year.”

“My mom assigned me a new job, filming a set of digital teaching videos for her.”

As she spoke, she seemed to suddenly remember something and turned to Wen Yan, a faintly meaningful smile on her face. “Oh, right, Dr. Wen, this might even have something to do with your specialty.”

Wen Yan blinked, looking a little puzzled. “With me?”

“Mm-hm.” Chi Chunxin smiled like a fox, but deliberately held back the answer. “There are too many people here right now; I won’t get into it yet.”

“Let’s add each other on WeChat later and talk in private?”

Wen Yan felt that was fine, so she nodded. “Okay.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Jin Zijin stepped half a pace forward, naturally placing herself between Wen Yan and Chi Chunxin.

Her face wore an impeccable smile as she said lightly, “If you have anything, Chunxin, just tell me directly. I’ll make sure to pass it on to Yan Yan completely and accurately.”

Chi Chunxin clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes with elegant exasperation. “Jin Zijin, you really are stingy.”

Jin Zijin lifted her chin slightly, open and unapologetic. “This is called properly protecting my wife’s privacy and social boundaries. Understand?”

Her tone was joking, but there was clearly seriousness beneath it, which made Ye Jianlan and Jin Ziyu both laugh softly.

Then Jin Zijin turned her head and let her gaze settle on Wen Yan’s face; her voice gentled, carrying a respectful question. “Yan Yan, is that okay?”

Wen Yan met her eyes. She felt no displeasure at all; instead, because of that obvious protectiveness, she felt a little warmed.

She nodded, her tone full of trust and compliance. “Mm, you decide.”

That kind of natural reliance and trust looked, in other people’s eyes, like seamless intimacy.

Yet Jiang Linyue, who had been standing quietly to the side the whole time, felt her eyes darken almost imperceptibly at the sight.

That flicker of gloom was like a stone dropped into deep water; it sent out a faint ripple before quickly settling back into calm, so fast it was almost impossible to catch.

But Ye Jianlan, who had been watching her closely, did not miss it.

She understood instantly, though she did not show it on her face. Keeping her gentle smile, she stepped in at just the right moment to smooth things over and steer the conversation back to something lighter. “I think Chunxin’s suggestion is pretty interesting.”

“Why wait for another day when today will do? Since everyone’s interested, why don’t we set a date?”

“How about next Sunday? Can everyone make time?”

She looked first at Jin Ziyu and asked, “What about Sister Ziyu?”

Jin Ziyu thought for a moment. “I don’t have any urgent arrangements before the end of the year. If everyone’s going, then of course I’m in.”

Ye Jianlan then turned to Jiang Linyue with a bright smile. “Dr. Jiang? Would you have time to come relax with us?”

Jiang Linyue had already regained her composure. She smiled and nodded. “Of course. If the timing works out, I’d be happy to join.”

“Dr. Wen?” Ye Jianlan’s gaze shifted to Wen Yan.

Wen Yan thought it over briefly.

She had originally been scheduled to be on duty on Sunday, but if it was to accompany Jin Zijin’s childhood friends and family, she was willing to; and should do her best to make time.

So she nodded. “I should be able to make it on my end.”

At last, everyone’s attention fell on Jin Zijin.

Seeing that everyone had made their positions clear, Jin Zijin made the decision briskly. “Since there’s no issue with anyone, I’ll arrange the itinerary and prepare the supplies. I guarantee you’ll all have a good time.”

Just then, a bright and lively voice chimed in. “Sis! Sister Zijin! Sister Wen Yan!”

Everyone turned toward the sound and saw Zhang Qingchi walking over with a girl hooked on her arm, both of them smiling brilliantly.

Zhang Qingchi was dressed in a playful short formal dress, like a happy little sprite.

When Wen Yan’s gaze fell on the girl beside Zhang Qingchi, she paused slightly.

This girl... she looked somewhat familiar.

Had she seen her in the outpatient clinic?

Right—her name was Song Yao. She had come to her office for sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

She hadn’t expected her to be Zhang Qingchi’s friend.

Zhang Qingchi led the girl over and greeted everyone sweetly one by one. “Sister Ziyu! Sister Jianlan! Sister Chunxin!”

When her eyes fell on Jiang Linyue, she paused, but still smiled brightly. “And this beautiful big sister!”

Song Yao, who followed behind her, had a quieter, shyer air.

She also greeted them softly, and when her gaze touched Jin Zijin, it lingered for a moment. Her voice was light and gentle. “Sister Zijin.”

Jin Zijin gave her a slight nod in response, as cool and polite as always.

Chi Chunxin and Ye Jianlan exchanged a look, each raising an eyebrow; amusement at the unfolding drama flashed in their eyes.

But Wen Yan’s brow knitted almost imperceptibly.

This Song Yao seemed to be looking at Jin Zijin a little too intently.

Were they really that familiar already?

She fell into brief thought.

Zhang Qingchi was already chattering away with Chi Chunxin. “Sister Chunxin, when did you come back to the country? Why didn’t you tell me!”

Chi Chunxin laughed and flicked her on the forehead. “I just got back this morning. I haven’t had time to announce it to the whole world yet.”

“And you? Didn’t your tour just end? Can you rest for a few days?”

“Ai, don’t even bring it up,” Zhang Qingchi said, her small face falling. “I’m dying of busyness. Next week I have to go out on the road with the troupe again; I’m basically working nonstop.”

“Well, that’s a pity,” Chi Chunxin said with a shrug. “We just agreed to go ice fishing and camping next Sunday. Looks like you, the little busybody, won’t make it.”

Zhang Qingchi waved a hand, looking completely indifferent. “Hey, that kind of wind-and-snow activity was never my thing anyway. You guys just have fun!”

Throughout the conversation, Song Yao had remained quietly by Zhang Qingchi’s side.

Yet her gaze seemed to have a mind of its own; every so often, it drifted toward Jin Zijin, lingered for a moment, then quietly withdrew.

Wen Yan silently took it all in, and that little, unexplained tightness in her chest seemed to be caught by an invisible hand and pulled even deeper.

She picked up the juice she had taken from a passing server and took a sip; beneath the sweetness there was a faint, unfamiliar sourness.

Not long after, Jin Linglong and Zhang Lijun entered together, and the charity banquet officially began.

Since most of the guests came from the art world, the atmosphere at the banquet was especially casual and unrestrained.

There were no rigid procedures binding anyone. People gathered in small groups to talk and laugh, and in the central area, impromptu small-scale artistic performances even began.

First came an elegant, moving classical dance and a string quartet; then, with a sudden change in style, it became a high-energy rock band and street dance battle.

The atmosphere was lively, with applause and laughter constantly rising; it felt more like a giant art party.

The charity auction at the end continued this easygoing spirit.

Most of the items were donated by the guests and carried a personal touch.

Bidding often had as much to do with sentiment and appreciation as with the objects themselves; if anyone was interested in a donor or their work, they would raise a placard and take the gift home.

It was a way to build goodwill and do some good for charity.

The process was bustling and warm.

The strand of jade bead necklace Jiang Linyue donated, beautiful and of excellent quality, was ultimately won by Ye Jianlan in a gentle yet firm manner.

Chi Chunxin immediately started teasing from the side, winking. “Old Ye, not bad. You’re giving the new friend so much face?”

Ye Jianlan sat upright, her smile graceful and composed, and replied flawlessly, “Dr. Jiang’s gift is elegant, and her charitable intent is even more precious; it deserves support.”

“Besides, aren’t we about to become hiking and camping companions?”

Everyone laughed at that, and the atmosphere remained harmonious.

It wasn’t until the night deepened and Jin Zijin noticed the faint weariness between Wen Yan’s brows that she politely excused them after greeting the elders and the close friends. Using the fact that Wen Yan still had an important surgery tomorrow, she took her leave early with Wen Yan.

Under the good-natured teasing and watchful eyes of Chi Chunxin and the others, the two walked out hand in hand, fingers interlaced.

In an unnoticed corner, Song Yao and Jiang Linyue had somehow ended up standing not far apart.

Their gazes, almost in unison, followed the departing backs of the two women until they could no longer be seen.

In the pale, slightly cool light, both of their faces wore a similar look of dimmed loneliness.

At some point, Zhang Qingchi had sidled up beside Song Yao and draped an arm loosely around her neck, forcibly turning her attention back.

The girl’s voice was very low, yet every word was clear. “Stop looking, Yao Yao.”

“Some dishes, no matter how much you like them, are still never going to be yours to put on your plate.”

Perhaps because Zhang Qingchi’s movement and words drew attention, Jiang Linyue slowly turned her head too.

Her gaze met Song Yao’s, who had just been forced to look away. In that instant, there was still a trace of dazed softness lingering in Song Yao’s eyes as their eyes met unexpectedly in midair.

For a moment, the same kind of desolation seemed to resonate between them in silence, subtle and bitter.

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Alright, now let’s see how many Shura fields there are [teary laugh]

TL Note:

Moutai (茅台) = a famous Chinese baijiu brand, often treated as a premium liquor.

Shura fields (修罗场) = a scene of awkward, high-tension romantic drama, often implying a love-triangle-style showdown.