“How long has it been since we last saw each other?”

“Six years. You’re still as beautiful as ever, Teacher.”

Two steaming black coffees sat between them on the table. Wisps of white vapor rose, softening the air and blurring their outlines.

“Is that so? Still as beautiful as before, huh?”

Gu Zhi’s narrow eyes curved gently at the corners. She pressed her crimson lips together, a smile dancing in her gaze—breathtakingly beautiful.

Her words always carried the warmth of a spring breeze, yet her upturned almond eyes held the allure of a bewitching white fox. A glance could captivate, yet beneath the charm lingered a faint, unsettling coolness.

“But your sister’s nearly at the age where people start calling her ‘auntie.’ Not like you, Xiao Yu. Six years… you’ve grown so tall. And your looks have become… even more beautiful.”

Gu Zhi slightly narrowed her eyes, studying Su Yu. Her slender fingertip traced the coquettish mole beneath her eye. A single tear glistened on her skin.

“How embarrassing. Your sister even shed a tear. I’ve always cherished those elementary school days teaching you. Time really flies.”

Gu Zhi’s eyes shimmered with genuine warmth—whether from seeing Su Yu or memories of the past, it was hard to tell. She tilted her slender neck; her waterfall of hair cascaded down, softly curled ends resting on the table. “Xiao Yu… have you ever thought of your sister?”

“I…”

Su Yu hesitated. The café’s amber light washed the walls. Gu Zhi sat half-shadowed behind the curtain, her serene smile achingly familiar—just like their first meeting. That quiet, elegant grace could disarm anyone’s guard.

“Did Gu Chuan say something to you?”

Gu Zhi’s brows furrowed slightly, her tone cooling. “Did he tell you… to keep your distance from me?”

“No. Gu Chuan was just worried. He said there’s a power struggle in your family and feared I’d get caught in the crossfire. He meant no harm.”

Su Yu shook his head. He *was* happy—truly, deeply—to see her. She’d been so kind to him back then. If he’d carried regrets into his past life’s end, not thanking Gu Zhi was one of them.

“I see…” Gu Zhi murmured, almost to herself. “Xiao Yu, why do *you* think I left?”

“Family matters?”

“Heh… yes. Family matters.” Her thick lashes lowered, hiding a flicker of resentment. “They pretend to want me back in power—but force me to marry. Just a pawn on their gambling table.”

“Teacher, you—”

“Don’t call me Teacher anymore. Call me Sister, like before. I like it. It feels closer.”

“Mm. Sister.”

“Hehe, such a good boy.”

Gu Zhi’s bright smile dimmed slightly at the restraint in Su Yu’s expression. “Don’t worry. Your sister isn’t married yet. No one in the Gu family dares meddle with me now. You don’t need to avoid me.”

A faint blush rose on Su Yu’s cheeks. He shook his head quickly. “I didn’t mean that. I just… thought these years must’ve been hard for you. Being alone at school, far from home.”

“That’s good. I worried you’d resent me for leaving so suddenly, without a proper goodbye.”

“How could I? I was just a kid. After middle school… things got better. I made friends.”

“Then your sister is truly happy for you. No wonder Xiao Yu’s so popular now—surrounded by pretty girls.”

Gu Zhi’s lips curved teasingly, like an elder sister fond of her flustered little brother. Yet her trailing tone carried a barely perceptible chill.

“They’re just university friends.”

Su Yu smiled, brushing it off as playful teasing. Glancing at his phone, memory struck—he was nearly certain now: the woman at the bar *was* Gu Zhi. Dim lighting, bold makeup, years of separation… he simply hadn’t recognized her.

“Sister… during orientation week, did you go to that bar near campus?”

“Of course. I was in a bad mood. Had a drink.”

Gu Zhi answered without pause. She swiped open her phone, found Su Yu in contacts. A tremor of emotion flickered in her eyes.

“You’ve changed so much, Xiao Yu. I didn’t recognize you either. I wanted to message you first… but worried you might’ve forgotten your sister. So I came myself.”

“I’ve never seen Sister like that. It felt… strange. Cold. Like someone else.”

“So since Xiao Yu didn’t recognize me… you were asking *other* girls for contacts? Tsk… you’ve learned bad habits.”

Her scolding held no real anger—only doting warmth. Her smile widened, yet floated shallowly in her eyes, fragile as duckweed on water.

“Were you unhappy that day, Sister?” Su Yu pressed gently.

“Yes. I went on a blind date—family-arranged. They’re desperate to marry me off… one less person fighting for the pie.”

“Didn’t like him? Or… do you have someone you like?”

“Of course not. And I’m not ready to marry. As for someone I like…”

Gu Zhi sipped the cooling coffee. She licked her lips, exhaled a coffee-scented wisp. Her mole-dusted eyes traced Su Yu’s unchanged face. The soft allure in her gaze softened further—just enough to melt the ice around her heart.

“I don’t know yet… Maybe soon. Or never.”

“I don’t understand your world… but couldn’t you find a quieter city? Start over?”

“I’ve dreamed of it. Being ordinary. Teaching at a small elementary school. A simple life wouldn’t be so bad.”

Gu Zhi held him in her dark gaze, suppressing the urge to touch his eye. Her voice turned hoarse. “But we can’t go back, Xiao Yu. We can’t.”

“…”

Su Yu sipped the bitter black coffee—Gu Zhi’s choice. He’d drunk plenty during his past job; he could handle it.

“See? Xiao Yu’s grown. Back then, sneaking a sip made you cry. Now you don’t even blink.”

A slow smile spread across Gu Zhi’s face. The blade she turned inward stayed buried—hidden from all.

“Um… it’s getting late. I have class. Let’s talk again soon.”

“Okay~ Your sister will wait. Next time, I’ll treat you.” Gu Zhi nodded, the very picture of a doting elder sister.

Stepping from the dim café, Su Yu squinted against the noon sun.

Just as the coffee scent on his clothes faded, another fragrance drifted close from behind.

“Goodbye, Xiao Yu. Today… made your sister very happy.”

Gu Zhi wrapped her arms loosely around his chest from behind, cheek resting gently in the crook of his neck. The same perfume as always—orange blossom: fresh, tender, never cloying.

“You—”

Su Yu slipped free, stepping back two paces, startled.

“I’m sorry. I thought it was like before.” Gu Zhi’s eyes brimmed with apology. “I didn’t realize Xiao Yu’s grown. Truly sorry.”

“It’s fine. Just sudden. But… please don’t. You’re a young woman, Sister. Others might see.”

“Mm. No next time.” She lowered her lashes, nodding.

“Then… I’m off. Class waits. Goodbye.”

Su Yu turned, quickening his steps. Something felt off—unplaceable. *Just the long separation*, he told himself.

…

Sunlight still blazed, brilliant and sharp.

Gu Zhi watched until he vanished. A smile lingered on her lips—warm to the eye, cold to the bone.

Truly grown up now…