Spending time with Xu Zhi was effortless.
She was sharp—unlike Su Nisheng, whose broad horizons made her thoughtful. Xu Zhi understood people because she’d seen so many kinds.
Everyone needs one or two true friends just to keep going in this world.
Lin Ran returned with ice-cold Pepsi in glass bottles—the kind that fizzed best. Xu Zhi nibbled her straw, peeling seafood with gloved hands. They ate in comfortable silence.
“What’s next for the photoshoot?”
“Let’s make it a series. Princess Wind Chime next.”
“I know her! Saw it last—” Xu Zhi’s voice dipped, confidence fading the moment she switched to “work mode.”
Lin Ran grinned. “Read the comments calling you gorgeous. That’ll fix your confidence.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Xu Zhi waved it off, then looked up. “My sister’s turning eighteen. What should I get her?”
“Ask what she wants?”
“We both love surprises. Asking ruins the fun.”
“You know her better than I do.”
“I’m drawing a blank.”
“I’d grab a giant teddy bear from the mall.” Lin Ran shrugged—simple was best.
“Jewelry, maybe?”
“She’s still a student.”
“Hmm…” Xu Zhi hesitated, watching Lin Ran think. After a pause, he ventured, “High heels?”
Xu Zhi’s eyes lit up. “Perfect.” She wiped her mouth, then stood. Leaning close, she gently dabbed oil from Lin Ran’s lips with a tissue.
He watched her face—serious, a trace of shyness in her eyes, trying so hard to seem casual.
“Wanna hit the mall after?” she asked casually.
“Sure.”
“Window-shopping only, hahaha!” They locked eyes and burst into easy laughter.
………………………………
The mall was fun—strong AC, flat shoes, no fatigue. They browsed but bought nothing.
Lin Ran’s bank account held barely over ten grand. Enough for daily life, not for this place.
Xu Zhi had zero urge to splurge. Spending three thousand on a dress? Five thousand on a bag? *Insane.* She knew her limits.
They wandered into a high-heel store. Xu Zhi held Lin Ran’s hand tighter, drawing courage. She knew Xu Mo’s size. Her eyes landed on silver heels—delicate, girlish, priced at ¥1,288.
“What about these?” she whispered near his ear.
“Pretty.” Lin Ran wasn’t picky.
“Sold.”
She bought them. The clerk handed her the bag. A slight pinch in her chest, but joy won out—it was for her sister. Lin Ran would grab his teddy later; carrying it now was a hassle.
At the supermarket, Xu Zhi stocked up on snacks and soda. Lin Ran restocked instant noodles. They paid a small fee to ship everything home.
Evening.
They sat on the plaza steps, watching teens skate under streetlights. Lin Ran lit a cigarette. Xu Zhi leaned against him. A cool breeze lifted her gray dress, clinging to her slender curves.
A flower girl approached. Lin Ran stood, bought a paper-wrapped bundle of baby’s breath, and placed it in Xu Zhi’s hands.
“Photo?” he smiled.
“Yeah.” She posed under a lamppost, holding the flowers.
Lin Ran crouched, snapping a shot.
Wind tousled her hair, strands brushing her lips. Her eyes held his—no hiding now, no flinching. Just bright, blazing warmth, like the North Star.
Afterward, Xu Zhi peeked at the photo on his phone. She uploaded it. Likes flooded in. Comments asked, *“Where is this? Gotta ‘accidentally’ meet you!”* They laughed together.
Top comment: *“You’re in love. That’s how you look at someone you adore.”*
Xu Zhi scrolled past it quickly, as if nothing happened. Lin Ran had seen it too.
“Drinks later?”
“A little.”
“Planning to get me drunk?”
“Walking you home’s a hassle.”
“There’s a hotel nearby.”
“…”
Her smile was innocent yet sly. She stood, thrust the white flowers into his arms, and led him to a hidden bar on the twelfth floor.
Xu Zhi glanced at the prices and stuck out her tongue. “You fed me. I’ll treat you to drinks.”
She ordered a mojito, handed him the menu. Lin Ran chose a Negroni.
Candlelight flickered. Xu Zhi loved this quiet calm—better than chaotic nightclubs. Not that she disliked them; she’d just seen too many tears and wild nights. People were complicated.
Her mojito arrived. She sipped, then passed it to Lin Ran. He turned the glass, took a sip, handed it back.
Refreshing—summer mint and crisp white rum.
When his Negroni came, Xu Zhi tried it and made a face. “Bitter.”
Lin Ran chuckled.
“But good,” she added.
They whispered about pasts and futures, clinking glasses. Lin Ran shared stories behind classic cocktails.
Xu Zhi swayed slightly. Five cigarette butts filled the ashtray. Lin Ran stood, meeting her eyes. “Time to go?”
“Mm.” She stayed seated.
He offered his hand. She took it, leaning into him. His arm slid naturally around her shoulders as they rode the elevator down.
Moonlight silvered the streets. City lights blurred past.
Lin Ran hailed a taxi. Xu Zhi clung to his sleeve, murmuring, “Mom’s getting suspicious.”
“Hmm?”
“I never stay out all night.”
“You want me at your place? Or you at mine?”
“Yours.”
“Okay.” They slid into the back seat. Xu Zhi rested her head on his lap, eyes closed.
Lin Ran stroked her hair until the taxi stopped. By then, her dizziness had faded. He walked her upstairs. Lights were on. Xu Mo opened the door.
Xu Zhi’s mother sat on the sofa watching TV. “Back already? Come in, Lin Ran.”
Xu Mo fetched slippers—new ones Xu Zhi had bought.
Xu Zhi shuffled to her mom. “Sleeping now. So tired.”
“You young folks…” Her mother smiled. “Off to bed.” She turned to Lin Ran. “Staying over tonight, Xiao Lin?”
Lin Ran caught the hint. Or maybe he imagined it. Xu Zhi bit her lip, watching him. He smiled. “Whatever works.”
“Stay then. Xu Zhi’s bed’s big enough.”
“Sure.”
Lin Ran followed Xu Zhi to her room. She closed the door behind them.
……………………
In the living room, Xu Mo sat with her mother, TV glowing.
Xu Mo kept glancing at her sister’s shut door. Her mother turned off the TV. “Bedtime, Xiao Mo.”
“Mm.” Xu Mo nodded slowly, retreating to her room. She pulled the covers tight.
Faint sounds drifted from next door.
“Keep it down. Walls are thin.”
“What for? We’re not doing anything bad.”
“Hmm?”
“Huh?”
“I don’t care. From now on, you’re not a man.”
“What am I then?”
“My little eunuch. Ho ho ho!”
“…You’re asking for trouble.”
“Then trouble me. Nyaah.”
Xu Zhi’s laughter burst through—unstoppable, then pleading. “Stop! I’m sorry! Lin Ran-gege, mercy! Hahaha!”
Xu Mo yanked the blanket over her ears and squeezed her eyes shut.
