Hidden Love

Sang Yan was in his third year of university.

He had graduated so many years ago.

Such a distant event—when he brought it up, Sang Zhi couldn't quite recall it immediately. Just then, the elevator arrived, and she stepped inside, baffled. "What move to the dorm?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, before Sang Yan could respond, memories flooded back to Sang Zhi in an instant.

During Sang Yan's third year, his campus had relocated near her school. Eager to see Duan Jiaxu again, the young Sang Zhi had a sudden whim to use this as an opportunity to create a chance for a meeting.

Sang Zhi also remembered the plush toy she had brought back from Duan Jiaxu's dorm and the homework she had neglected because of it.

Which led to another meeting.

Sang Yan followed her into the elevator without replying.

Sang Zhi's expression stiffened slightly as she silently pressed the close button. She couldn't help glancing in Sang Yan's direction and muttered under her breath, "How old was I when you were in your third year? I don't remember."

Seemingly just making casual conversation, Sang Yan responded with an indifferent "Oh."

Seeing this, Sang Zhi relaxed. She lowered her head and sent a message to Duan Jiaxu: 【My brother and Qian Fei are going for a late-night snack. Are you coming?】

Duan Jiaxu: 【No.】

"..."

Sang Zhi instantly felt the urge to go back.

Duan Jiaxu: 【Are you going?】

Sang Zhi felt she had wasted her effort and might have even let Sang Yan notice something he shouldn't have. Frustrated, she typed back emphatically: 【Then I'm going back now.】

Just as Sang Zhi was about to tell Sang Yan, Duan Jiaxu called.

Sang Zhi glanced down and answered.

Duan Jiaxu's voice came through the phone, carrying his usual hint of laughter. "Why go back?"

After exiting the elevator, Sang Zhi trailed behind Sang Yan and whispered, "If you're not going, why should I?"

There was some rustling on the other end, as if he was changing clothes. Duan Jiaxu's tone lifted slightly, patient as ever. "I thought you couldn't get out."

Sang Zhi: "Then what were you planning to do originally?"

"Stay in the hotel," Duan Jiaxu said. "Chat with you for a bit, then sleep."

"Sounds pretty pitiful," Sang Zhi blinked, smiling. "Then you should come out after all."

They got into Sang Yan's car.

Sang Zhi sat in the back seat, fastening her seatbelt as she asked, "Where are we going for barbecue?"

Sang Yan started the car. "Nearby."

After a brief silence, Sang Zhi cleared her throat politely and suggested, "Then let's pick up Brother Jiaxu first."

Sang Yan didn't say much, driving toward the hotel.

Afraid he might not know, Sang Zhi added the name of Duan Jiaxu's hotel.

As they neared the hotel, Sang Yan suddenly spoke up. "Should I just drop you off at the hotel entrance?"

Sang Zhi, who had been playing on her phone, was taken aback. "Weren't we going for barbecue?"

Weighing the options in her mind, she suddenly felt Sang Yan's suggestion might be better than her original plan. Sang Zhi pressed her lips together, feigning composure. "That works too."

"That works?" Sang Yan sneered. "Dream on."

"..."

Sang Yan found it embarrassing. "Can you be a little more reserved?"

Realizing he had teased her, Sang Zhi exhaled in annoyance. "Is it not reserved to see my boyfriend?"

Sang Yan abruptly changed the subject. "Did Duan Jiaxu really pursue you?"

Sang Zhi widened her eyes. "What do you mean?""I'm just asking," Sang Yan drove near the hotel and happened to spot Duan Jiaxu's figure. He parked the car, rolled down the window, and said, "Tell Duan Jiaxu to get in."

"Wait, explain what you mean first." Sang Zhi was furious, deeply concerned about her pride. "Do you think I'm lying to you? He was the one who pursued me! And how am I not reserved? I've just been busy these past few days! He's asked me out hundreds of times—it's not like he hasn't been trying!"

Duan Jiaxu noticed them and opened the rear door.

Hearing Sang Zhi's words, he chuckled softly. "What's all the arguing about?"

"..." Sang Zhi immediately fell silent.

Sang Yan couldn't be bothered with the two of them and started driving again.

Sang Zhi subtly glanced at Duan Jiaxu.

He seemed to have just showered, carrying the scent of hotel shampoo, his hair still slightly fluffy. His clothes were casual, as if he'd thrown them on hastily, giving him a clean and gentle appearance.

Duan Jiaxu shifted closer, sitting right next to Sang Zhi, then turned his head to gaze at her.

The car's interior lights were off, leaving it dim.

At first, Sang Zhi couldn't quite make out his features clearly, but with the reduced distance, everything became sharp and vivid. His eyelashes were long, his pupils dark in the faint light, giving him an unintentionally affectionate look.

He was simply watching her, without any extra movements.

Just as Sang Zhi was about to say something,

Sang Yan spoke up from the front. "Please don't do anything inappropriate in my car."

"..."

His words shattered the intimate atmosphere between them. Duan Jiaxu's eyelids flickered as he glanced toward Sang Yan. Without a word, he extended his hand and placed it in front of Sang Zhi.

Sang Zhi paused for a moment, then instinctively placed her hand in his.

A smile tugged at Duan Jiaxu's lips as he clasped her hand, habitually playing with her fingertips. He glanced out the window, his brow lifting slightly before he finally spoke. "Brother."

"..."

"Could you drop us off somewhere up ahead?"

Sang Yan pretended not to hear.

Only when they reached the vicinity of the barbecue joint did Sang Yan pull over and turn off the engine. He turned to Duan Jiaxu with a mocking smile. "Am I your chauffeur now?"

Duan Jiaxu grinned. "Didn't I just call you 'brother'?"

Sang Zhi gently scratched his palm. "Let's just go for barbecue."

Duan Jiaxu looked her way. "Alright."

There wasn't any particular reason.

It was late, and there weren't many places to go. Besides, Sang Zhi felt that if she actually went for barbecue with Sang Yan, it would make what she'd told Li Ping seem true—like she hadn't been lying.

If they asked about it later, she wouldn't have to feel guilty.

The restaurant was near Qian Fei's place, a casual open-air eatery.

The three of them got out of the car and headed toward the shop.

Sang Zhi felt a bit awkward being too intimate with her brother's best friend in front of him, even holding hands. But since they hadn't seen each other for days, she didn't want to pull away, so she simply acted as if Sang Yan weren't there.

Sang Yan wasn't paying much attention to them either, focused on his phone.

Before long, Sang Yan looked up and noticed their linked hands. His eyebrows rose, and he recalled their earlier conversation, lazily remarking, "Duan Jiaxu, let me ask you something."

Duan Jiaxu responded, "Hmm?"

Sang Yan continued, "Do you remember back in our junior year when we were moving dorms, my sister—"

"..."

It was clear he was about to bring up that topic again.Sang Zhi's breath hitched, and she immediately pulled her hand free from Duan Jiaxu's grasp. Clearly agitated, she reached out to swat Sang Yan's arm, her voice tinged with irritation: "Brother! Can you just shut up!"

Sang Yan retracted his words, seeming somewhat puzzled: "Why are you so worked up?"

Sang Zhi was genuinely annoyed: "Say what you want, but don't bring me into it."

Duan Jiaxu, having no siblings, didn't quite understand the dynamic between them or what they were talking about, but found it amusing: "Why are you two arguing again?"

Sang Yan glanced at Sang Zhi and didn't mention it further.

"It's nothing."—

Qian Fei had arrived early to secure seats. Besides him, several men were already seated. Sang Zhi had seen them at Qian Fei's wedding before but couldn't recall their names, only knowing they were all university classmates of Duan Jiaxu and Sang Yan.

She was the only woman present.

Sang Zhi sat between Sang Yan and Duan Jiaxu, quietly tearing the wrapper off her rice bowl.

Noticing Sang Zhi, one of the men casually asked, "Sang Yan, is this your sister?"

Sang Yan: "Yeah."

"Oh, I saw her at Qian Fei's wedding last time, still have some impression." Sang Zhi looked young for her age, so the man waved at her and casually greeted, "Hey there, little sister."

Sang Zhi nodded: "Hello."

The others also greeted her.

Sang Zhi nodded again. Worried that Duan Jiaxu might feel awkward, she hesitated, then tried to withdraw her hand from his grasp under the table, only for him to catch it back the next second.

Then, she heard Duan Jiaxu leisurely add: "Why call her 'little sister'? Call her sister-in-law."

"..."

Sang Zhi nearly choked, turning her head to look at him.

Qian Fei quietly explained the situation: "Sang Yan's sister is also Duan Jiaxu's, um... that, partner."

The others didn't find it a big deal. The table fell silent for a few seconds before erupting into teasing cheers. The men were just momentarily surprised and asked a few gossipy questions.

However, another man seemed astonished: "Duan Jiaxu, you're something else. I remember this girl—wasn't she there when we took our graduation photos? The three of us even took a picture together, and didn't you say back then she was your sister?"

Duan Jiaxu chuckled lowly, shamelessly replying: "I don't remember that."

Sang Zhi didn't join their conversation, lowering her head to drink water.

Duan Jiaxu turned to look at her, his peach blossom eyes gazing down at her slightly pursed lips, then said leisurely: "I only remember now—this girl is my partner."—

Having a few strangers at the dinner table made Sang Zhi feel somewhat uncomfortable. Moreover, they weren't in the same age group; these grown men had been working for years, and their topics of conversation were different.

Sang Zhi quietly nibbled on her chicken strips, hardly speaking.

She felt as if she were from a different world, watching them toast each other with random excuses, forcing drinks, and downing glasses one after another. Even Sang Yan, who had driven over, couldn't avoid it.

Strangely, Duan Jiaxu was the only one not pressured much to drink. If anyone offered, he declined.

Miraculously, he didn't drink a single glass.

Sang Zhi also picked up a can of beer, drinking it to amuse herself.

Perhaps noticing Sang Zhi's boredom, Duan Jiaxu soon leaned over and asked her: "Are you full?"

Sang Zhi nodded.Afterward, Duan Jiaxu stood up and casually made up an excuse. With a girl present, the others couldn't really let loose either, so they didn't try to keep them, only saying goodbye to Sang Zhi.

Sang Zhi breathed a sigh of relief, picked up her backpack, and reminded Sang Yan, "Brother, don't drink too much."

Sang Yan responded with a nonchalant "Mm."

The two went to wait for the bus nearby.

Sang Zhi hadn't drunk much, but her face was still flushed. She freed one hand to cover her cheek and suddenly remembered that Duan Jiaxu hadn't touched alcohol the entire time. Thinking back over the years, she realized she'd genuinely never seen him drink.

When she'd asked about it before, he'd claimed to have an alcohol allergy.

For some reason, Sang Zhi recalled what he'd said about his father causing a fatal accident while driving under the influence. At this thought, she looked up at him and hesitantly asked, "Are you really allergic to alcohol?"

"Hm?" Duan Jiaxu laughed. "I'm not really sure either."

"..."

Sang Zhi instantly understood and softly replied, "Oh."

Duan Jiaxu added, "Want to test it out?"

"Ah?" Sang Zhi said. "Do you want to drink?"

"Mm, I'll have some later."

"..."

Sang Zhi completely couldn't figure out what was going through this person's mind.

Suddenly, she felt like she might have misunderstood him again.

It wasn't far from Sang Zhi's home, just two bus stops away. After getting off the bus, they made idle conversation as they entered the residential complex where Sang Zhi lived.

When they were almost at the building where Sang Zhi lived, Duan Jiaxu stopped walking.

Sang Zhi stopped as well.

Then, Duan Jiaxu pulled Sang Zhi into his embrace.

The lighting here was dim, with several cars parked nearby and few people on the road. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, their shadows swaying on the ground.

He bent down, lifted her chin with his fingers, and said in a low, husky voice, "Let's test if I'm allergic."

Before Sang Zhi could process what he meant, Duan Jiaxu's kiss descended.

Her mouth still carried a faint taste of alcohol, but it felt like a highly potent liquor, making both of them feel slightly intoxicated. More intense than any previous kiss, his tongue pushed past her teeth, entwining with hers, sucking and licking every corner.

His movements were delicate and lingering, yet forceful and rough.

Sang Zhi felt her lips beginning to ache and gently bit the tip of his tongue.

Duan Jiaxu paused, then bit her lip in return before quickly releasing her. Under the streetlight, his eyes seemed to gleam as he drawled, "Seems like I'm not allergic."

After saying this, he chuckled and added, "I think I can kiss you a few more times."

Sang Zhi muttered, "How would that prove anything?"

A moment of silence passed.

"Doesn't feel quite right," Duan Jiaxu stared at her, rubbing the corner of her mouth with his thumb—not too lightly, not too heavily, as if wanting to hurt her yet afraid of doing so. "Feels like I need to see you every day."

"..."

"Miss you like crazy," his lips reddened from rubbing against hers, Duan Jiaxu kissed her again, "if I don't see you for just one day."

Doing something like this near her home still made Sang Zhi feel guilty, afraid of being discovered. With only about ten meters left to her building, she felt particularly nervous.

Although she thought it was unlikely Li Ping and Sang Rong would come out at this hour, she still didn't let Duan Jiaxu accompany her further, wanting to say goodbye here.

Her nervous demeanor amused Duan Jiaxu, but he obligingly stopped where he was.Sang Zhi jogged to the entrance of her building, then turned her head and noticed Duan Jiaxu still standing where she had left him. She waved at him again, signaling for him to head back quickly.

Duan Jiaxu waved back at her, seemingly smiling, before turning and walking away.

Sang Zhi unlocked the door with her key and stepped inside.

She entered the elevator lobby, pressed the up button, and lowered her head to check her phone.

Shortly after, she heard the main door open again, followed by footsteps. Instinctively, she glanced toward the sound and met Li Ping’s eyes. Startled, she asked, “Mom, why are you out so late?”

Li Ping looked at her, smiled faintly, and said calmly, “Just came down to take out the trash.”

Unsure whether her mother had seen Duan Jiaxu, Sang Zhi felt a bit uneasy and didn’t press further, nodding sheepishly.

As expected.

The next moment, Li Ping spoke again, “I just saw—did your brother’s friend bring you home?”

Sang Zhi scratched her head, “…Yeah.”

“Duan Jiaxu?” Li Ping said, “Isn’t he in Yihe? Did he come back with you for National Day?”