When entering the venue, Fei Ni didn't see Su Jing, who had invited her to watch the same screening, but she did spot Su Yu.
Although Su Yu hadn't collaborated with Fang Muyang recently, she had read all the sequential pictures he published. However, when she browsed through the reviews of sequential pictures in the newspaper, she couldn't find any written by Tian Xueying—probably because Fang Muyang's sequential pictures had gained some fame and no longer needed such relentless promotion from his own family.
She specifically called the hat factory to inquire about Tian Xueying's situation. Tian Xueying was indeed an employee of the hat factory, but she had already retired. Su Yu speculated two possibilities: first, the "Tian Xueying" in the newspaper was truly Fang Muyang's mother-in-law; second, the pen name "Tian Xueying" was merely a cover, and the actual author of the review was either Fang Muyang himself or his wife, using a different name to avoid the obvious appearance of self-promotion.
Upon seeing Fang Muyang and Fei Ni, Su Yu took the initiative to greet Fei Ni first, and only then did she acknowledge Fang Muyang. She was very careful to maintain boundaries with young married men, especially since she had briefly taken a liking to Fang Muyang. To prove she had no lingering feelings for him, she was far more enthusiastic toward Fei Ni than toward Fang Muyang. Moreover, she felt that Fei Ni was closer to the identity of "Tian Xueying."
Su Yu had recently written a new script for the drama society and was eager to see "Tian Xueying's" review.
She told Fei Ni that she was quite disappointed not to see "Tian Xueying's" reviews in the newspaper lately and wanted to convey through Fei Ni that, aside from Fang Muyang's sequential pictures, she could also write reviews for other books. She expressed a desire to visit Auntie Tian this week and wondered if she would be available.
Fei Ni naturally couldn't let Su Yu visit her mother. Her mother, Mrs. Xueying, preferred discussing topics like how to pickle vegetables or different knitting methods for sweaters, and she would have absolutely no interest in what Su Yu wanted to talk about.
Yet Fei Ni didn't want to admit that she was the one who had written the reviews, as self-praise would undermine the credibility of her articles. In truth, even if Fang Muyang weren't her husband, she still thought his work was excellent.
Seeing Fei Ni hesitate, Fang Muyang directly admitted it on her behalf, telling Su Yu, "The person you want to visit is right in front of you."
Fei Ni smiled awkwardly.
Intrigued by Fei Ni's special connection to "Tian Xueying," Su Yu was very keen to chat with her.
As they talked, Su Yu asked Fei Ni, "Have you considered changing jobs? I might be able to help a little." She couldn't guarantee success, but if Fei Ni was interested, she could try to think of something, given her wider network.
Fei Ni was grateful for Su Yu's kindness, even though it was just an attempt and not certain to work out. After thanking her, Fei Ni told Su Yu that she had taken the college entrance exam a couple of days ago and, barring any surprises, she should be able to attend school, so she wouldn't need to trouble Su Yu for help.
Su Yu looked Fei Ni up and down and agreed that school was indeed more suitable for her than other places.
Su Yu then asked if Fei Ni had seen any plays recently. Fei Ni initially said no, but she quickly understood Su Yu's intention and asked if she had any recommendations.
Only then did Su Yu mention that the drama troupe was currently performing a play she had written, and if Fei Ni was interested, she could give her two tickets.
Fei Ni said, "That would be wonderful." She was also willing to see the new plays nowadays, as she had already memorized all the old classics.When intimate scenes appeared in the movie, although Su Yu had never even been in a formal relationship, she had watched enough internal movies to adapt quite well to such scenes, watching with complete composure. Fei Ni, however, was not as natural as her.
Fei Ni sat with Su Yu on her left and Fang Muyang on her right. Earlier, there had been a power outage, and Fang Muyang took the opportunity to grasp Fei Ni's hand, his fingers lightly scratching her palm, subtle yet enough to make her itch. Though she tried to pull away, she couldn't break free. Even though the gesture was discreet, Fei Ni kept worrying that Su Yu might turn her head and see. During the passionate scenes in the movie, her heart raced uncontrollably. Despite it being winter, her palms grew sweaty.
The movie was excellent, unlike any Fei Ni had seen before. After it ended, she and Su Yu exchanged their thoughts. Su Yu and Fei Ni had always had plenty to talk about, and since Su Yu kept her distance from Fang Muyang, she didn't engage him in conversation. Fei Ni, considering Fang Muyang one of her own and too familiar with him, didn't bother to include him out of politeness. Thus, Fang Muyang remained completely silent throughout their discussion.
Fang Muyang took the opportunity to recall the film's composition, thinking to himself that the director must have a solid foundation in art. His thoughts didn't hinder his actions; worried that Fei Ni's hands might get cold, he tucked her hand into his pocket, warming it for her inside.
After talking for a while longer, Fei Ni finally bid Su Yu goodbye and hopped onto the back seat of the bicycle.
Fang Muyang said to her, "I thought you'd forgotten about me."
Fei Ni ignored his remark, thinking to herself that even if she wanted to forget him, he wouldn't allow it. Her palm was warm from his touch.
"During the movie, why didn't you listen to me?" She had wanted him to let go, but he kept holding on.
"Listen to what?"
"Pretending you don't understand again."
"There was one scene I really liked, and I was afraid I'd forget it, so I traced it on your hand."
Recalling the sensation, Fei Ni realized Fang Muyang had indeed been drawing something.
"Why didn't you trace it on your own palm?"
"Because I thought you'd like it too."
"You're so shameless." Fei Ni couldn't help but laugh. She really had no way to deal with Fang Muyang.
"Will you teach me how to draw?"
For the first lesson, Fang Muyang told Fei Ni to draw freely, however she liked, so he could tailor his teaching to her style.
"Then I'll draw you." Fei Ni opened the bottle of wine she had bought the day before and poured herself a small half-glass. She took a big sip and began sketching Fang Muyang's features on the canvas. Under the pretense of observing him, she looked at him more boldly than ever before. Yet Fang Muyang met her gaze without the slightest hesitation. Fortunately, she had been drinking; otherwise, she would have been too embarrassed under his stare.
"Why don't you ever blush?"
"You just haven't noticed."
Fei Ni took another small sip of wine. "If it doesn't happen, no matter how closely I watch, it won't make a difference."
"That's a flawed argument. You'd have to exhaust all possibilities to prove it doesn't exist. In fact, if you took the initiative to kiss me, you'd find out how easily flustered I am."
"It's not like I haven't..."
She had taken the initiative to kiss him before.
Fang Muyang laughed. "We've been married for over a year now, and I've improved a bit. I wouldn't blush over something like this anymore. You'll have to be a little more proactive."Fei Ni walked over and proactively used Fang Muyang as a chair. When drunk, she was always bolder than usual. Sitting on her new chair, she kissed Fang Muyang’s cheek, then carefully examined the color of his face. She reached out and gently brushed his ear with her finger. "You’re not blushing at all right now—even your ears are the same color as usual..."
"Really?" Without a mirror, Fang Muyang could only use Fei Ni’s eyes as one, trying hard to see the color of his own face reflected in them. But no matter how he looked, he couldn’t see anything.
The two gazed at each other. Fei Ni cupped Fang Muyang’s face in her hands, carefully pressed her lips to his, and kissed him. She observed his face after one kiss, then kissed him again and looked once more—still no blush. Fang Muyang pinched Fei Ni’s cheek, and her face turned red instead, likely due to the alcohol.
"See? I told you—you’re just not the blushing type."
"Try kissing somewhere else." Fang Muyang took Fei Ni’s hand and guided it to where he wanted her to try.
Fei Ni’s face immediately flushed much redder than before.
Fang Muyang brushed his finger across her cheek. "Your face is redder than mine now. I was just teasing you."
He asked Fei Ni, "Didn’t you want to draw? I’ll teach you."
Fei Ni broke free from his embrace. "No need. Go get your violin." She wanted to hear him play. He had bought the violin a few days ago when she was sick. She had long intended to buy one for him, but her studies had delayed it. Fang Muyang had probably bought it to cheer her up while she was ill, playing the tunes she wanted to hear. But with limited study time, she only listened for a short while each time before urging him to return to his books. Now, at last, she could listen as long as she liked.
Fei Ni didn’t pick up a brush. She simply watched Fang Muyang, finally having a legitimate reason to look at him properly. Though they had been married for over a year, staring at him for a long time still felt strange.
Fei Ni drank her wine while watching Fang Muyang, as if observing a figure in a painting. The only difference was that painted figures could only be looked at, while Fang Muyang could look back at her.
Suddenly, the lights went out, leaving the room illuminated only by the faint light from the window.
Another power outage.
Fei Ni could no longer continue her drawing. She finished the last of the wine in her glass but didn’t ask Fang Muyang to stop playing.
She asked him, "Do you remember what piece you played on our wedding day? I’d like to hear it again." She had remembered it all these days, but despite listening to many records recently, she hadn’t come across that particular tune.
The piece was simple, composed by Fang Muyang himself—not a famous work, something a beginner could learn to play.
But in Fei Ni’s heart, it was like a masterpiece.
Neither of them suggested lighting a candle.
Fei Ni and Fang Muyang sat facing each other in the dim light, drinking. She poured herself another half-glass, but as soon as she took a sip, Fang Muyang snatched her glass and finished it.
"You’re stealing my wine again."
"Didn’t you say I could do anything I wanted tonight?"
Fei Ni laughed. She might be a little drunk, but her memory was still sharp. "Didn’t you say you just wanted me to rest well? I want to sleep now. Bring the pillow and blankets over. Let’s sleep here tonight—we can see the stars as soon as we open our eyes."After speaking, Fei Ni closed her eyes, waiting for Fang Muyang to bring over the cushion, quilt, and pillow. She poured herself a little more wine—even when three-tenths intoxicated, she remained fully aware that one must not drink excessively. Tilting her head back, she swallowed the small amount of wine; sometimes, she needed the courage that wine could bring.
Fei Ni rested her head on Fang Muyang’s arm, gazing at the stars in the sky. Fang Muyang watched alongside her, occasionally leaning in to kiss her. A few days earlier, Fei Ni had worried about passing her illness to him and had strictly forbidden him from touching her face. Now that she had recovered, she allowed Fang Muyang to kiss her freely, responding to him from time to time while still peering through the skylight at the stars. Perhaps because her exams had ended that day, her eyes brimmed with laughter. Fang Muyang reached out to tickle her, and Fei Ni squirmed and rolled in the quilt, pleading for mercy as she tried to evade him, but he still managed to catch her. Whenever her ticklish spots were targeted, she became utterly defenseless, unable to even control her laughter. The light from the skylight spilled onto the ginger-yellow gardenia-patterned silk quilt, shattering into fragments amid her laughter. The laughter ended abruptly—after a short burst, it transformed into something else, and the sounds that followed, like the scattered light, became fragmented and chaotic.
Later, Fei Ni curled up entirely under the quilt, leaving Fang Muyang alone outside. She could no longer see the stars, nor could she tell if Fang Muyang’s face had truly flushed red.
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