Chapter 33

When the kiss ended, Chu Tong felt a bit unsteady on her feet. She clung to his shoulders, taking small, shallow breaths to steady herself.

Shao Yihuai said, "I thought you weren't coming."

Although he had told her beforehand that she didn't need to come, the young girl was someone who followed her heart. He had inevitably held a flicker of expectation, but as the time grew later, that sense of desolation had embedded itself deeper into his heart. Perhaps because of the hope that had been slowly sliced away by the void of disappointment, this year's birthday had been harder to endure than any before.

Chu Tong smiled, "I wanted to see you, too. Your thirtieth birthday—it’s so significant. It would be a shame not to see you."

Shao Yihuai didn't speak. His eyes lowered, a myriad of emotions swirling within them, finally settling into a gentle stroke of her hair.

"Oh, right, I have a gift for you."

Chu Tong turned to take off her backpack and pulled out a paper bag tied with a ribbon. It was bulging. "Want to open it?"

Shao Yihuai felt the weight of it and let out a low chuckle. He pulled the ribbon and took out the contents. It was indeed a scarf—an off-white, soft, and lightweight cashmere piece.

Chu Tong proudly announced, "I knitted it!"

She had started as soon as she got home, working on it whenever she had free time, for a full half-month. She knew he lacked for nothing, that everything he ate or wore was the best; anything she bought, no matter how expensive, would just be another trivial object to him. It was better to make something with her own hands.

"It’s beautiful. Thank you."

"Your skin is fair; this color suits you," she said. "Oh, and I embroidered something at the end. Take a look."

He pulled it to the end and, guided by the light of the streetlamp, carefully identified a single letter: 'S'.

"How special," he said with a faint smile. "Is it exclusively for me?"

Chu Tong nodded. "Shall I help you put it on?"

Shao Yihuai bowed his head slightly. She wrapped it twice around his neck and examined her work. "Even better than I imagined."

She looked at him, and he looked down at her, his eyes deep. He whispered, "Is my baby also exclusively for me?"

Chu Tong was too shy to speak, biting her lip and unable to meet his gaze. She stood there looking like a dazed little quail. Shao Yihuai seemed amused by her appearance; his smile blossomed, melting away the gloom that had accumulated throughout the day.

He raised his wrist to check his watch. "I have to see some friends. Want to come with me?"

They got into the car. Uncle Zong, the driver, laughed, "Sir told me to keep the engine running and wait here. I thought Miss Chu might not make it in time, but with all the WeChat messages and location sharing, you finally made it."

Chu Tong was clever and playful. She smiled at Uncle Zong, "Thank you, Uncle Zong. I checked the time several times along the way, and we finally decided to meet here."

Shao Yihuai let out a soft huff of laughter. "No wonder you planned the route for me so early today."

"Miss Chu is very thoughtful. Five hours on the high-speed train—that’s quite a journey."

"It's alright."

There was no high-speed rail station in Jiangcheng; she had to take a half-hour intercity bus to the city center, then transfer to a local bus to the station. She had set off in the afternoon and had been traveling until now.

"When are you heading back?" Shao Yihuai asked.

"The noon train tomorrow."

"Have you had dinner?"

"Not yet."

"There will be food in a bit," he reached over to pat her head, then pulled her close to kiss her forehead. "Don't put yourself through such trouble in the future. I’ll be the one to come find you."

Chu Tong gazed at him, foolishly happy.

When they arrived, she realized it was at Fu Ji. Pushing open the door to the private room, she saw four men and two women inside. There was only one familiar face: Ren Mingyuan.

Hearing the door open, Ren Mingyuan said, "The birthday boy is here!" He looked over and added, "Oh, the little one is here too."

Someone urged Shao Yihuai to cut the cake. Shao Yihuai took off his coat and unwound his scarf. "Let's eat first."

This gathering was different from others—there were no messy arrangements; it was a simple birthday celebration. As the dishes were served, everyone took their seats. Shao Yihuai rested his arm on the back of Chu Tong’s chair and leaned in to whisper, "These are my friends. Get to know their faces."

There were too many names. Aside from Ren Mingyuan, Chu Tong only remembered one woman’s name: Zhuang Wan. Her demeanor was so striking; as she leaned back in her chair smoking, she appeared remarkably languid, possessing an understated, mature composure that was impossible to forget. The other woman had a strange name—something like 'Xiaoxiao'—which sounded like a nickname.

Once the food was served, Shao Yihuai put some dishes on Chu Tong’s plate and asked, "Does this suit your taste?"

Chu Tong’s mouth was full, so she covered it and nodded. "I'm not a picky eater."

Shao Yihuai laughed. "So easy to feed?"

With so many people around, she felt a bit embarrassed. She poked his thigh under the table, but he simply pressed her hand down and held it within his palm, rubbing it gently. She struggled slightly, but couldn't pull away. Fearing that any further resistance would attract attention, she stopped moving and just threw him a sharp look. Shao Yihuai kept smiling, his eyes deep and unreadable.

He didn't eat much, only clinking glasses with his friends a few times. Chu Tong leaned in and whispered, "Aren't you hungry?"

Shao Yihuai shook his head slightly, cupping her head and whispering into her ear, "I've already eaten."

At that moment, someone across the table, clearly drunk, began making a loud scene, shouting for someone to kiss. Chu Tong thought she was being addressed and was startled. Looking up, she realized the person being called out was a man with a slight paunch and Xiaoxiao. From their demeanor, it seemed Xiaoxiao was brought there as his girlfriend, not as a friend of Shao Yihuai.

Xiaoxiao was very shy, burying her face in the man’s chest and pouting, "Honey, don't."

The man stood up and cursed, "Don't be so coy. It’s the first time we’ve met, don't ruin the mood."

The man didn't take no for an answer; he pressed her down and kissed her thoroughly. As he kissed her, he began to knead her bottom, and finally, he gave it a slap, laughing and scolding, "I’ll deal with you when we get back."

Chu Tong was stunned by the boldness of it. Her eyes widened as she looked at Shao Yihuai. Were all his friends like this? Treating their girlfriends and friends' girlfriends this way in public?

Shao Yihuai’s attention was entirely on her. He had been looking down at her face, and upon meeting her gaze, he asked, "What's wrong?"

Chu Tong opened her mouth, "They..." but she stopped, unable to continue.

Shao Yihuai vaguely sensed something. He looked up and glanced over, and the drunken man swayed and sat back down.

Even though she hadn't been drinking, Chu Tong felt dizzy. Despite being in a heated room, dressed in a sweater and jeans, she felt a chill, as if she had suddenly found herself in a strange, snowy wasteland.

When they were finished eating, everyone gathered to cut the cake. The waiter wheeled the cake cart in. Shao Yihuai cupped his hand to light a cigarette, then used it to light the candles. Someone said, "Make a wish."

Shao Yihuai shook his head and smiled. "I don't have any wishes."

"You say that every year," Zhuang Wan said with a smile. She glanced at Chu Tong, and Chu Tong smiled back at her.

He blew out the candles decisively. Then, with the cigarette still in his mouth, he cut the cake and gave the first piece to Chu Tong. Everyone watched, but no one dared to tease them. They all knew that the young girl he had brought was different.

While eating the cake, they moved to the sofa area behind a screen. Shao Yihuai sat with his legs crossed, and Chu Tong sat beside him, holding her cake. She took small bites, feeling distracted, unable to taste a thing.

Shao Yihuai held his cigarette, took a drag, and turned his head. "Is it good?"

Chu Tong came back to her senses, dug out a small piece, and held it up. "It's fine. Do you want to try some?"

Shao Yihuai parted his lips slightly. She fed him, and watching him eat it, she thought of something that made her face flush red. Shao Yihuai seemed oblivious, a low laugh vibrating in his throat. "What is it now?"

Chu Tong ignored him and focused on her cake. Friends came over to talk to him. Chu Tong looked at him from time to time. He leaned back in a lazy posture, a decorative branch lamp beside the sofa casting soft light onto his white shirt, which was unbuttoned at the top, and his profile. A faint, lingering smile played on his lips. Every so often, he raised his hand to take a drag of his cigarette, his eyes showing a touch of casual, tipsy indulgence.

She had never seen this side of him before. He was still elegant and distinguished, but there was a hint of superficial playfulness. It was charming, yet dangerous. The danger lay in a vague possibility: being controlled by him, only to be discarded like a toy whenever he pleased.

Could someone like him truly possess a loyal and dedicated heart? If she hadn't already felt his sincerity, she might have truly doubted him at this moment.

Seeming to notice her dazed gaze, Shao Yihuai looked over. His eyes roamed over her face for a few seconds before he asked, "Are you sleepy?"

Chu Tong nodded slowly.

Shao Yihuai checked his watch and said to the others, "That’s about it. Let’s call it a night."

Everyone rose one after another, wishing him a happy birthday and saying they would meet another time. Before leaving, Chu Tong went to the restroom. While washing her hands, she ran into Zhuang Wan, who was touching up her lipstick in the mirror. Chu Tong smiled and said, "Sister, what a coincidence."

Zhuang Wan looked to be about Shao Yihuai's age. She returned the smile and asked, "How long have you been with Shubai?"

Chu Tong ignored the term, answering, "Almost two months."

Zhuang Wan’s smile deepened. "How is Shubai to you?"

"Very good."

"You must be on winter break, right? Did you come all this way just to celebrate his birthday?"

"Yes," Chu Tong nodded.

"That's nice," Zhuang Wan looked her up and down. "We should have plenty of chances to meet in the future. See you then."

The two walked out together to the parking area outside the restaurant. Shao Yihuai was standing by the car with her knitted scarf hanging over his arm. He flipped open a metal lighter with a *clink* and a flame sprang up.

Zhuang Wan followed Chu Tong to say goodbye to Shao Yihuai. "Shubai, I'm heading off."

Shao Yihuai took the cigarette from his lips and nodded. He then pulled Chu Tong close and asked, "Did you and Zhuang Wan have much to talk about?"

"Nothing deep. She asked me how long I've been with you."

As they spoke, they got into the car. Shao Yihuai opened the window halfway and held the cigarette outside.

"You've smoked so much today. Are you drunk?"

Shao Yihuai let out an ambiguous laugh, his eyes fixed on her, his voice slightly hoarse. "Starting to manage my smoking habits?"

"I didn't mean it like that..."

He reached out and opened the armrest console, revealing a portable ashtray. He stubbed out his cigarette and closed it. Then, he raised the partition.

Chu Tong looked at him immediately, her expression asking, *What are you doing?*

Shao Yihuai loosened his tie, his voice low and slow. "I want to hold you, but I smell like smoke."

Back in this enclosed space, looking at his handsome, refined features, Chu Tong finally felt he was the one she knew. The heart that had been shaken by the scene in the private room drifted back to the ground, steady and safe.

She said cautiously, "Shall I... sit on your lap?"

Shao Yihuai didn't give her a chance to change her mind. He pulled her over and settled her onto his lap. He kissed the corner of her mouth and whispered, "Baby, I'm so happy you came today."

Chu Tong traced his chin with her fingers, feeling the stubble. She weighed her words, "Can I ask you one thing?"

"Of course."

"Just now in the room... was that girl named Xiaoxiao the girlfriend of your friend?"

Shao Yihuai probably hadn't expected her to ask about this. He gathered his thoughts for a moment. "Not exactly," he paused, "more like a lover, I suppose."

"He has a wife?"

"No, but he has a woman he's been with for many years, and they have a child together."

Chu Tong digested this before asking, "Do your friends often do this? Bringing lovers to see friends?"

Shao Yihuai went quiet for a moment. "You don't like it? I won't let him bring her next time."

Those two friends who had pulled that stunt weren't particularly close to him; they were just family friends with deep-rooted connections that couldn't be easily severed. In the end, his truly close friends were only Ren Mingyuan, Lu Zhiwen, and Zhuang Wan.

Chu Tong recalled what Ding Xue and Shang Yunmeng had said before. Now that those words had a real-world confirmation, they seemed even more unshakable. In this circle, everyone played this way; marriages were matters of interest, and there was no such thing as love or loyalty.

"Does your friend not like that woman anymore? That's why he keeps Xiaoxiao?"

"I'm not sure. Xiaoxiao was probably a gift from someone else—a matter of business interests. He accepted the favor to save face for the other party."

One could tell from the name that it wasn't her real name. Chu Tong was shocked again, lowering her lashes and falling silent.

Seeing her quiet, Shao Yihuai paused, his tone gentle, "Does it make you feel offended? Hmm?"

She shook her head.

"You are different from them," he said. "Don't compare yourself to them."

Chu Tong nodded. "I know."

"I won't let them bring those kinds of people around in the future, okay?" His voice was tender, full of reassurance.

Chu Tong said nothing, only wrapping her arms around his neck and calling his name softly, "Shao Yihuai."

"Hmm."

"I love you."

"Hmm."

What others did, or what the rules of the circle were, had nothing to do with her or him. Mr. Shao was special; he was clean, self-respecting, gentle, and considerate. He had a mature, masculine charm that she couldn't take her eyes off of. She loved him.

She thought to herself: what defined their relationship wasn't the surrounding environment, but their time together. No matter what happened around them, she firmly believed in that moment that her feelings for him had the power to split the greatest waves.

Back at Manhe, Shao Yihuai went straight to take a shower. Chu Tong said, "I have the smell of smoke on me too." She thought for a moment and added, "Oh, and you've had so much to drink, is it okay to shower?"

"I'm not drunk."

As he spoke, he paused while undoing his cuffs, lifting his eyes to look at her. "Want to join me?"

Chu Tong refused flatly, "No."

Shao Yihuai let out a huff of laughter and didn't give her any room to refuse. He grabbed her waist and carried her into the bathroom.

Warm water poured down from above, steam rising and fogging up the glass. In her panic, she had nowhere to look, daring only to stare at his shoulders. Before long, she could only see his broad back, and for fear of falling, she clung to him tightly, sobbing softly.

The warm water soaked his hair. He pushed it back with his hand, revealing his handsome forehead. His whole face was covered in water, his lashes damp. His wet eyes looked down at her, calling her name hoarsely, "Tongtong." "Baby."

Between his words, there were faint, low gasps. "Call me."

Chu Tong called his name. He expressed his dissatisfaction with his movements.

Her mouth moved faster than her brain, and she whispered weakly, "Husband."

As the word left her lips, she felt embarrassed and tried to turn her head away, but her chin was captured by his large hand. It was almost as if he were choking her, pressing her against the wall to kiss her.

She was breathless, crying, "I'm going to break, I'm going to die, I'm going to die."

Shao Yihuai’s voice was hoarse, "Then let’s break, shall we?"

Though it was already unbearable, she said, "Okay."

Shao Yihuai kissed her neck, "I don't want to let you go," he reached out to wipe the tears and water from her face, "I should just lock you up here."

"No, no."

"Didn't you think of this result when you came?" He said in an tone that allowed no argument, slowly and steadily increasing the pressure. "Forgot? We still have a debt to settle."