Sang Zhi remembered Duan Jiaxu helping her meet with parents, but had long forgotten Fu Zhengchu was also present that day. Counting back, it had been seven or eight years - her memory had faded considerably.
Yet at Duan Jiaxu's mention, Sang Zhi's recollection surfaced instantly.
She remained silent for a few seconds: "Did you just remember this?"
Duan Jiaxu gave a light cough but said nothing.
His reaction caused Sang Zhi's expression to crack as she immediately understood. She stared at him for a long moment, her tone carrying disbelief as she murmured dazedly: "Then why didn't you explain earlier?"
Duan Jiaxu laughed: "I was afraid I might be overthinking it."
Utterly unapologetic.
Yet he had clearly guessed Fu Zhengchu's misunderstanding.
Sang Zhi took a deep breath, unable to resist pinching his waist: "Stop pretending."
Her touch was light, almost like tickling him. Duan Jiaxu didn't evade, as if genuinely ticklish. He laughed breathlessly, his words carrying soft exhales: "Your classmate has quite the imagination."
Sang Zhi also found it utterly absurd: "What was he thinking?"
"But it's quite an interesting assumption."
"..." Sang Zhi felt a lump in her chest, unable to rise or fall. She didn't want to engage with him anymore and looked at her phone. When she tried to find her chat with Fu Zhengchu, she discovered he had already sent a series of messages.
Fu Zhengchu: 【You...】
Fu Zhengchu: 【With so many people around earlier, and right in front of both of you, I was too embarrassed to say.】
Fu Zhengchu: 【This isn't right. If your parents found out, wouldn't they go crazy? And this goes against moral ethics anyway. As your friend, I'll just advise you - turn back before it's too late.】
Fu Zhengchu: 【Your introduction was way too bold. Aren't you afraid someone will see? Honestly, I'm starting to wonder if I'm the one with the problem.】
After a few minutes.
Fu Zhengchu: 【The more I think about it...】
Fu Zhengchu: 【Just think it over carefully. Don't worry, I'm not a blabbermouth. I won't tell anyone.】
Sang Zhi's temple twitched as she replied: 【It's not what you think. He's not my brother, he's my brother's friend. He was just helping my brother meet with my teacher that time.】
After sending the message, Sang Zhi put away her phone and glanced at Duan Jiaxu.
Perhaps afraid she was angry, Duan Jiaxu had restrained his smile and was watching her.
But Sang Zhi didn't bring up the earlier matter again. Spotting Duan Jiaxu's car, she said slowly: "Let's go eat."-
Duan Jiaxu drove to the area near his company.
They hadn't seen each other for nearly a month. After parking, he didn't rush to get out, instead leaning over to unbuckle Sang Zhi's seatbelt. The distance suddenly shortened as his gaze fixed on her, drawing closer and closer.
An unmistakable suggestion.
Duan Jiaxu tilted his head slightly, his nose brushing against the skin beneath her eyes. Carrying scorching breath and the familiar, pleasant scent of tobacco. His lips seemed about to meet hers but paused at that moment.
A distance of tantalizing proximity.
Ambiguity fermented in the air.
Duan Jiaxu's Adam's apple moved slightly. His features were softened by the light from outside the window, his light-colored pupils shimmering. He caressed her face tenderly, chuckled softly, and continued lowering his head.
The posture held an inexplicable sensuality.
All emotions seemed poised to intensify and surge with this movement.
But none had time to manifest.Because Sang Zhi suddenly raised her hand and covered his mouth.
Duan Jiaxu’s body visibly stiffened for a moment. He lifted his eyes, silently watching her. His expression seemed devoid of any emotion, yet it inexplicably carried a hint of danger.
Sang Zhi spoke up, "You’d better not kiss me for now."
Duan Jiaxu didn’t pull her hand away. As he spoke, his warm breath brushed against her palm, tingling like an electric current. "Why?"
"I remembered what my classmate said earlier." Sang Zhi, holding a grudge, deliberately added, "I can’t remember who you are. Honestly, seeing you feels like seeing my brother. You should keep your distance from me."
Duan Jiaxu mused thoughtfully, "That serious?"
Sang Zhi put on a stern face and nodded.
His eyelashes fluttered slightly as his gaze dropped, lingering on her lips before quickly rising to meet her eyes.
The silence didn’t last long.
In an instant, Duan Jiaxu pulled her hand down, pressing it against his chest, and drew her entire body closer. Before Sang Zhi could react, his lips were already pressed against hers.
His tongue pushed past the seam of her lips, sweeping inward along her teeth, tangling with her tongue, fiercely intertwining and licking.
Sang Zhi’s eyes remained open, her mouth parted, allowing him to take what he wanted.
When kissing, he always liked to pinch her earlobes or stroke the skin at the nape of her neck. With meticulous patience, his lips and tongue invaded every corner of her mouth, yet his movements were somewhat forceful, not exactly gentle.
It was as if he wanted to tear her apart bit by bit, savor her slowly, and then devour her whole.
She tried to push him away, but he gripped her chin, domineeringly sweeping deeper into her mouth.
Sang Zhi’s mind went blank, and her head tilted upward involuntarily, yielding to him.
After who knows how long, Duan Jiaxu bit her lower lip, gave it a light lick, and then pulled back. The light hadn’t changed, yet his pupils seemed inexplicably darker, his lips crimson and glistening with a suggestive wetness.
All of Sang Zhi’s pent-up frustration vanished in that moment, utterly and spinelessly.
Then, Sang Zhi heard him speak: "Now—"
She lifted her eyes.
Duan Jiaxu curved his lips, his peach blossom eyes narrowing as he smiled, looking like a devastatingly charming troublemaker.
"Remember who I am now?"
With a heavy rain, the season shifted from summer to autumn, the oppressive heat in the air dissipating somewhat, replaced by dampness. As the leaves withered and fell, the temperature plummeted, ushering in a new year.
A cold wave swept through, bringing a large-scale invasion of chilly air.
Unlike the cold in the north, winter in the south was both wet and frigid. No matter how many layers one wore, the cold seemed to seep through some unseen crevice, penetrating pores, seeping deep into the bones.
The year 2017 was the coldest winter Duan Jiaxu had experienced during all his years in Nanwu.
It was also the first time in many years that he once again genuinely felt it.
The New Year ought to be a lively and joyous occasion.
That familiar yet strange feeling.
Duan Jiaxu spent the New Year at the Sang family’s home.
Perhaps afraid he might feel awkward or uneasy about not being invited, Sang Rong had brought up the topic a month before the Spring Festival, during one of Duan Jiaxu’s visits for dinner.
Li Ping even put on an act, suggesting that if he didn’t come, she would likely be upset.
At first, Duan Jiaxu did have the thought that he didn’t want to intrude on their family celebration. But hearing them speak this way, he felt at ease and didn’t hide his feelings, agreeing with a smile.
He mentioned this to Sang Zhi.
Although she knew her parents would definitely invite him to celebrate the New Year together, hearing it still made Sang Zhi incredibly happy.After returning from school, Sang Zhi had been clinging to her parents for several days because of this matter. Later, when she found Duan Jiaxu free, she dragged him out shopping.
She had already prepared New Year gifts for her family.
This outing was mainly to help Duan Jiaxu buy some new clothes.
After getting together, most of Duan Jiaxu's clothes were bought by Sang Zhi.
Duan Jiaxu didn't pay much attention to these things. When he was single, if he needed clothes, he'd just go to a menswear store and randomly pick a few items, spending less than ten minutes in total. When he was too busy to spare any time, he'd simply buy them online.
But because he was good-looking, everything looked good on him. So it didn't really matter much.
Feeling that he didn't take good care of himself, Sang Zhi loved fussing over these things for him, showing more enthusiasm than when buying clothes for herself. Even when shopping with friends, she often found herself wandering into menswear stores.
The two entered a menswear store.
While browsing clothes, Sang Zhi asked for his opinion.
Duan Jiaxu replied with a smile, "Anything you think looks good is fine."
Sang Zhi picked up a dark red sweater and held it up in front of him, carefully sizing it while murmuring, "For the New Year, it's nice to wear something festive. What do you think?"
Duan Jiaxu gazed at her and said softly, "Okay."
"Then go try it on."
"Okay."
While he was in the fitting room, Sang Zhi picked out a few more clothes and held them in her arms. She glanced to the side, freed a hand to browse through the coats nearby, and took one down as well. Calculating the time, she then headed toward the fitting rooms.
Duan Jiaxu happened to come out just then.
The store lighting was bright, making Duan Jiaxu's fair skin seem to glow. Though he had dark circles under his eyes from frequent late nights, his naturally rosy lips kept him from looking tired.
The sweater's neckline was slightly low, revealing a section of his collarbone. Most of his clothes were dark-colored, so wearing this rare hue made his appearance even more striking and captivating. Even standing quietly, he seemed to be teasingly attractive.
Duan Jiaxu walked up to her and asked, "How is it?"
Sang Zhi's eyes seemed unable to look away as she honestly replied, "It looks good."
Duan Jiaxu: "Then we'll take this one."
Sang Zhi couldn't help adding, "How are you so good-looking?"
"Hmm?" Duan Jiaxu leaned down to meet her eyes and said playfully, "Then say 'Brother Ji Xu is the most handsome in the world.'"
"..." Sang Zhi pretended not to hear and handed him the clothes in her hands, "Do you want to try these on?"
"No need," Duan Jiaxu said, "Let's just buy them all."
"Oh."
"I'll go change back into my clothes."
Sang Zhi made a sound of protest and awkwardly suggested, "Why don't you just wear this one out?"
Hearing this, Duan Jiaxu raised an eyebrow and chuckled softly, "Is your brother really that good-looking?"
Sang Zhi didn't answer, instead hugging the clothes and walking toward the checkout counter, saying, "Let's go pay."
Duan Jiaxu didn't tease her further, just followed behind her with a smile.
After paying, they left the store.
Sang Zhi pondered, "Should we buy a suit?"
Duan Jiaxu: "We can buy one when we get married."
"..."
Sang Zhi glanced at him and added, "Then let's go buy shoes. You've been wearing these for a long time."
Duan Jiaxu pointed to a nearby women's clothing store: "Let's go buy some for you."
"I've bought a lot of clothes recently."
"Mm," Duan Jiaxu said, "I'll still buy some for you."
When it came to picking out clothes for herself, Sang Zhi felt somewhat uninterested.Duan Jiaxu seemed quite interested in helping her pick out clothes. But unlike when Sang Zhi picked clothes for him—where he’d wear whatever she chose—Sang Zhi had high standards. Every piece he held up, she’d complain about with dissatisfaction.
"This one makes me look too dark."
"This dress is too long; it’ll make me look like I’m only one and a half meters tall."
"This pattern is so tacky."
"Not this one."
In the end, not a single item was chosen.
Gradually, Sang Zhi also noticed that the girls around them seemed to be stealing glances at Duan Jiaxu. She paused and looked at him too, her gaze fixed on his collarbone exposed to the air.
After a few seconds of silence, her expression darkened slightly.
Duan Jiaxu said good-naturedly, "Let’s try another store."
Sang Zhi raised her eyes, stared into his, and oddly blurted out, "What kind of man—"
Duan Jiaxu: "Hmm?"
"Wears something so indecent."
"…"
On New Year’s Eve, Duan Jiaxu arrived at the Sang family’s home by noon.
Their family had their New Year’s Eve dinner quite early, starting as early as four in the afternoon. Since he had nothing to do at home, he decided to come over early to help.
Sang Zhi was the one who opened the door for him.
As soon as he stepped inside, Duan Jiaxu could hear Li Ping scolding Sang Yan. He could also smell the rich, homely aroma of home-cooked dishes. The girl before him smiled with curved eyes, happily handed him a pair of slippers, and seemed to be in high spirits.
Duan Jiaxu ruffled her hair. "Why so happy?"
"My brother’s getting scolded," Sang Zhi replied, her dimples deepening as she grinned foolishly. "Just hearing it makes me happy."
"…"
Sang Rong was sitting in the living room reading the newspaper.
Hearing the commotion, he looked up and greeted Duan Jiaxu warmly.
Duan Jiaxu smiled and said, "Uncle, Happy New Year."
Li Ping and Sang Yan both seemed to be in the kitchen.
After chatting with Sang Rong for a bit, Duan Jiaxu was tugged into the kitchen by Sang Zhi. At that moment, Sang Yan was standing by the countertop, impatiently washing vegetables, while Li Ping frowned and said, "What’s with that expression? Can’t your mother ask you to help out?"
Sang Yan stopped what he was doing. "Mom, how many times have you said that already?"
Duan Jiaxu spoke up politely, "Auntie."
Hearing his voice, Li Ping turned around. When she saw Duan Jiaxu, her face instantly lit up as if she were seeing her own son. "Jiaxu, you’re here! Go sit for a while; Auntie will cut some fruit for you."
Ever since their last conversation, Duan Jiaxu had visited the Sang family quite often—at least once a week. More frequently than Sang Yan, their actual son.
As they spent more time together, Sang Rong and Li Ping’s impression of him grew increasingly favorable.
Because of this contrast, they found Sang Yan—who rarely came home—increasingly irritating, and their attitudes toward the two young men became worlds apart.
"No need," Duan Jiaxu quickly said. "Let me help you."
"Let this brat do it himself," Li Ping said, turning back to Sang Yan and continuing to lecture him. "With that attitude, learn more skills. I’m afraid Yifan might not want to be with you in the future."
Sang Yan pointed at Sang Zhi. "So someone like her can get married?"
Sang Zhi, annoyed, hid behind Duan Jiaxu and peeked out. Before she could say anything, Duan Jiaxu spoke up gently, "It’s alright, Auntie. I can cook."
She stared at Sang Yan and added provocatively, "Sorry, but my boyfriend can."Li Ping said with exasperation, "Look at other people."
Sang Yan suppressed his irritation, "Mom, who's your real son?"
Li Ping replied, "Are you asking me to choose?"
"..." Sang Yan understood the implication behind her words.
Fully aware of his own standing, he didn’t press further. He simply shot Duan Jiaxu an expressionless glance and sneered coldly, "Fine."
After the New Year’s Eve dinner, the family gathered on the sofa to chat and watch the Spring Festival Gala.
The Sang family had the tradition of staying up late on New Year’s Eve. Though feeling sleepy, everyone managed to stay awake until midnight. As the clock struck twelve, Sang Rong handed each of the three a Red Packet, accompanied by some affectionate nagging.
With age, staying up late had become more challenging.
Soon after, Sang Rong and Li Ping returned to their room.
Duan Jiaxu and Sang Yan began cleaning up the mess on the coffee table.
Sang Zhi was also tired, but she forced her eyes open, yawning repeatedly as she helped. Seeing this, Duan Jiaxu leaned over and kissed her forehead, smiling as he said, "Go to sleep."
"I’ll help you," Sang Zhi mumbled. "It’s not too messy anyway—it won’t take long."
Sang Yan gave them a cool stare. "Have I changed my name to Sang Invisible?"
"..."
Duan Jiaxu chuckled. "Go to sleep. Your brother and I can handle this."
"Oh, then remember to ask my brother for a new toothbrush and towel," Sang Zhi murmured, her drowsiness making her somewhat incoherent. She kissed his cheek and added, "Happy New Year."
With that, she stood up and hurried back to her room.
Sang Yan swept the peanut shells on the table into the trash bin and suddenly remarked, "Why do I feel like you’re getting more and more annoying?"
Duan Jiaxu raised an eyebrow. "Brother, what do you mean by that?"
Sang Yan responded by throwing a handful of peanut shells at him.
"Hey, man," Duan Jiaxu chuckled, stifling a laugh. "You made a mess on the floor. Go get a broom."
"..."
Duan Jiaxu was staying at the Sang residence that night, sharing a room with Sang Yan.
They had both taken showers earlier, so once they returned to the room, they prepared to sleep. Sang Yan tossed a pillow onto the sofa and repeated his usual line matter-of-factly, "Sorry, I don’t sleep with men."
At this hour, Duan Jiaxu wasn’t very sleepy either. He sat on the sofa, rummaged through his pocket, and pulled out the Red Packet Sang Rong had given him earlier. He gazed at it for a while, smiled faintly, and didn’t even check how much money was inside.
Sang Yan looked at him strangely. "What’s with that expression? It’s just a Red Packet."
Duan Jiaxu placed it on the table, casually picking up a cigarette from the table as he replied offhandedly, "I haven’t received many of these."
"..."
Not long after, a Red Packet came flying from Sang Yan’s direction.
Duan Jiaxu caught it instinctively, only to hear Sang Yan snort and say, "That’s why you ’80s kids are different from us ’90s kids. You’re really too old to be receiving Red Packets."
"..."
"Out of respect for the elderly, I’ll give you my share."
Duan Jiaxu tossed it back onto the table, smirking. "Well, aren’t you a young ’90s kid."
Sang Yan retorted, "You think I need you to tell me that?"
Duan Jiaxu didn’t respond further. He reached into his pocket for his phone but suddenly remembered he had changed pants. Still, his fingers brushed against something. He pulled it out and discovered another Red Packet.
It looked exactly like the two already on the table.
He had no idea when Sang Zhi had slipped it into his pocket.
He froze for a moment, then broke into an inexplicable smile.
He lined up the three Red Packets side by side.
Outside, an icy wind howled, as if roaring, weeping, and beating against the windows.
Just the sound of it was enough to make one feel the chill.Yet it was the warmest New Year Duan Jiaxu had experienced in so many years.
Having known him for so many years, Sang Zhi had rarely seen Duan Jiaxu lose his temper. On the rare occasions when he did get angry, it would dissipate quickly—his temper was so good it seemed almost abnormal.
Sang Zhi never imagined that one day she would witness what this Buddha-like person had described:
"Have you ever seen your brother lose his temper? It's terrifying."
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