Chapter 24: Unmasked

When Ji Pei received Dongri’s message, she was at an art exhibition, moving an oil painting.

Curator Shen Yuan, nearing forty, saw Ji Pei struggling alone and hurried to help.

Together, they easily hung the painting on the wall. Shen Yuan patted Ji Pei’s shoulder with a smile.

“Xiao Pei, thanks for all your help these days. Let’s grab dinner later—you can’t say no.”

Ji Pei grinned. “Alright, I’ll join after I’m done.”

Since quitting her designer job, Ji Pei spent most days eating, drinking, and having fun, with one key task: replying to Dongri’s messages.

To help with the exhibition, she’d silenced her phone, setting it to vibrate.

When her phone buzzed in her pocket, Ji Pei was holding a blue-and-white porcelain vase, about to place it in a glass case.

She pulled out her phone and saw Dongri’s message.

The moment she read it, Ji Pei thought her eyes were playing tricks.

Dongri: [Free tomorrow? I want to meet you.]

Ji Pei fumbled, nearly dropping the vase.

Shen Yuan approached, steadying it, and noticed Ji Pei’s distracted look. “What’s wrong?”

“Aunt Shen, I’m fine. Just zoned out.”

Ji Pei pocketed her phone, heart pounding, barely hearing what Shen Yuan said.

Shen Yuan saw a faint blush on Ji Pei’s face, thinking she might be feverish, and reached to check her forehead.

Ji Pei instinctively dodged, touching her own forehead. “No fever, just tired.”

Shen Yuan awkwardly withdrew her hand. “Rest then. I’ll handle this.”

Normally, Ji Pei would finish placing the ceramics before resting, but her heart was racing, itching to bolt.

“Alright, Aunt Shen, I’ll take a break.”

Ji Pei touched her phone in her pocket, lips pursed, a suspicious smile creeping out.

She found a small dark room, shut the door, and eagerly opened her phone.

Dongri: [Free tomorrow? I want to meet you.]

Ji Pei read it a dozen times, covering her face, grinning uncontrollably.

She quickly typed a reply.

Jifeng: [Yes.]

Feeling one word wasn’t enough, she added more.

Jifeng: [Totally free!]

Jifeng: [I’m free today too.]

Realizing she’d promised Shen Yuan dinner, Ji Pei backtracked.

Jifeng: [Let’s do tomorrow. I’m busy today.]

Her hands shook as she typed, a tingling current coursing through her. She leaned back in the chair, eyes squinting with joy.

Dongri was finally meeting her!

After the thrill, Ji Pei’s excitement calmed.

For their first meeting, she needed a proper gift.

In their online relationship, Dongri always sent gifts—some playful, others rare trinkets.

Ji Pei knew Dongri wasn’t short on money. With material needs met, what was appropriate?

Sighing, she opened a social app, searching for first-meeting gift ideas.

Commenters suggested checking the person’s profile background or avatar for clues.

For animal lovers, a stuffed toy; for nature fans, flowers—foolproof.

Ji Pei found this reasonable. She checked Dongri’s profile: a starry galaxy.

Pondering, she wondered if she should gift a spaceship to explore the cosmos.

The absurd thought made her laugh in the break room.

Scrolling further, someone suggested giving “your first time” as the perfect gift.

Ji Pei’s scalp tingled. Who thinks of that right away? What a beast.

She clicked the commenter’s profile—a guy—and blocked him.

Post-block, Ji Pei propped her chin, stumped. Necklace, bracelet, or bag?

Unsure if Dongri would like those, maybe flowers were best.

But which ones? Dongri sent roses before; sending red roses again might overlap.

Ji Pei messaged Ye Wenzhu.

Ji Pei: [Wenzhu, I have something to discuss. Let’s meet tonight.]

Ye Wenzhu: [So secretive. Don’t tell me you’re bankrupt and dodging creditors.]

Ji Pei: [Shut up. Come over tonight.]

Putting down her phone, Ji Pei grew happier, laughing out loud.

A knock came, followed by Shen Yuan’s puzzled voice. “Xiao Pei, you in there? Let’s head to dinner.”

“Okay, coming.”

Ji Pei agreed, typing to Dongri.

Jifeng: [Dear, I’m handling something. Let’s call tonight.]

***

When Jiang Xihan got Ji Pei’s message, she was strolling on the garden’s pebble path.

The caretaker followed, amazed at Jiang Xihan’s steady steps. “Professor Jiang, you’ve recovered so fast!”

Jiang Xihan paused, glancing at her healed ankle. “Even with a sprain, you’ve got to keep moving.”

She’d tried countless methods, even folk remedies, to heal her ankle quickly.

Heaven knew how desperately she wanted it to heal.

Reading Ji Pei’s message, Jiang Xihan felt a twinge of doubt and typed back.

Dongri: [What’re you doing?]

Sitting on the garden swing, she saw Ji Pei’s quick reply.

Jifeng: [Helping at the art gallery. The curator’s treating me to dinner tonight [giggle].]

Curator? Dinner?

Jiang Xihan’s eyes narrowed, her mole by her right eye flickering under her glasses.

Dongri: [How many people? Man or woman?]

Ji Pei emerged from the bathroom, wiping her hands, and saw Dongri’s message.

Noticing Dongri’s concern for her safety, Ji Pei smiled, happiness blooming.

Jifeng: [Just two. The curator’s a woman, very kind. Don’t worry, dear.]

Two beeps—Dongri sent another.

Dongri: [Why just you? No one else? Only you helping?]

Facing the mirror, Ji Pei read the message, sensing jealousy oozing from the screen.

Jifeng: [She’s my mom’s friend, over a decade older. Relax.]

Dongri: [Okay, stay safe.]

In the villa garden, the caretaker saw Jiang Xihan’s shifting expressions—smiling, then frowning—unsure what was up.

“Professor Jiang, let’s head back. It’s getting windy.”

“Mm.”

The caretaker reached to help, but Jiang Xihan waved her off. “No need, I can walk.”

Back in her room, Jiang Xihan checked the weather. Tomorrow would be cooler.

What to wear to meet Ji Pei?

***

In the car, Shen Yuan saw Ji Pei grinning at her phone, chuckling.

“Xiao Pei, what’s got you smiling at your phone?”

Ji Pei put it down, eyeing the old woven rabbit ornament in Shen Yuan’s car. “Messaging my partner.”

Shen Yuan’s eyes flashed with surprise. “You have a boyfriend?”

Ji Pei shook her head. “Girlfriend.”

She saw no need to hide her orientation. Shen Yuan was close to Liu Yanfen, her mom, and wouldn’t gossip.

Shen Yuan’s surprise deepened. “Girlfriend?”

But soon, her lips curved into a gentle smile. “Girls are great.”

Ji Pei paused. “Aunt Shen, you’re not… scared of me or think I’m weird?”

Shen Yuan shook her head. “Why would I? Love doesn’t have to be man and woman. I liked women when I was young, got kicked out, started my own life. Haven’t been home in over a decade.”

“Aunt Shen…”

Ji Pei never imagined Shen Yuan had such a story.

She’d worried her parents, Liu Yanfen and Ji Guoping, might scold her or demand she cut ties with Dongri.

Seeing Ji Pei’s shocked look, Shen Yuan saw her younger self—reckless yet passionate, unyielding even against a wall.

Shen Yuan comforted her. “Don’t worry. Your parents are laid-back. I know them. Love freely. If anything happens, I’ve got your back.”

Ji Pei’s parents were open-minded. Her mom, once a sharp businesswoman obsessed with money, changed after a near-death illness.

Liu Yanfen held the household reins; Ji Guoping stayed out of it, rarely speaking up.

Shen Yuan, too, had a story, but Ji Pei never heard her mention a partner.

During holidays, Shen Yuan visited alone.

Ji Pei noticed rings on both of Shen Yuan’s ring fingers, curiosity growing.

Why both hands? Could it be…

Shen Yuan caught Ji Pei’s gaze, steering with one hand, raising the other. “Wondering about my partner? She’s no longer with us.”

Ji Pei’s eyes widened, mouth opening, unsure what to say.

Shen Yuan smiled at the rabbit ornament. “She made that. Clever hands, right?”

“Sorry, Aunt Shen…”

Shen Yuan smiled calmly. “I should thank you for letting me say this. Death isn’t scary. As long as I remember her, she lives in my heart.”

Shen Yuan took Ji Pei to a Sichuan restaurant.

Ji Pei’s family loved spicy food, hiring Sichuan chefs for holidays, so Shen Yuan knew their tastes.

She asked about Ji Fan. “What’s Xiao Fan up to? Shall we invite her?”

Ji Pei nodded. “Let’s call her.”

She dialed, but Ji Fan mumbled about being busy.

Ji Pei shrugged. “She’s off somewhere with her friends.”

Thinking of tomorrow’s exhibition, Ji Pei hesitated. “Aunt Shen, about tomorrow’s exhibition… can I skip it?”

Shen Yuan guessed she had a date. “A date? If your girlfriend likes art, bring her to the exhibition. Support your Aunt Shen.”

Ji Pei leaned back. “Deal, we’ll come tomorrow!”

***

After dinner, Shen Yuan dropped Ji Pei home.

Ji Pei invited her in, but Shen Yuan declined, urging her to rest.

Opening the door, Ye Wenzhu, hugging her dog, tripped, muttering, “Ji Mao won’t let me pet him? Let’s see who’s back.”

Looking up, Ji Pei walked in, nearly hitting Ye Wenzhu’s head with the doorframe.

Ye Wenzhu saw Ji Pei, holding her rambunctious dog, Egg Yolk Pie. “Why’re you back so late? Who’d you date?”

“My mom’s friend, Aunt Shen. I helped her move stuff, and she treated me.”

Ji Pei hugged Egg Yolk Pie, nudging Ye Wenzhu’s leg with its head.

“You’re getting worse.”

Ye Wenzhu crossed her legs on the sofa, grabbing Xuemeiniang for a forced cuddle.

“Why’d you call me over? Dumped your girlfriend and now her ex is after you?”

Ji Pei kicked her shin.

“I’m meeting my online girlfriend tomorrow. Help me plan.”

Ye Wenzhu’s grin froze.

“Meeting tomorrow? I thought you two were already together.”

Ji Pei shook her head.

“Not yet. She said she was busy, free next month. Didn’t expect tomorrow.”

Ye Wenzhu smirked slyly.

“I’m coming to check her out.”

Ji Pei’s face flushed, feeling hot.

“Why? It’s not your date.”

Ye Wenzhu huffed.

“What? Am I not your best friend? If she’s a creep, I’ll grab you and run.”

“Don’t think of her like that…”

“You’re too naive. I’ve heard good voices in online dating often mean they’re unattractive. If they’re hot, why hide their face?”

Ji Pei thought Ye Wenzhu had a point.

“Fine, come along. If she’s not good-looking, don’t rub it in or blab, got it?”

Ye Wenzhu grumbled.

“I need to see what kind of saint your girlfriend is to deserve you.”

“Actually, I called you to help pick a gift for tomorrow.”

“I run a flower shop. Flowers, obviously.”

Finally in her element, Ye Wenzhu said,

“White roses. Red’s too romantic for a first meeting.”

“Pick me the freshest, prettiest bunch tomorrow.”

Ye Wenzhu wasn’t always reliable, but she never flaked when it mattered. Ji Pei trusted her.

“Freshest and prettiest, oh my!”

Ye Wenzhu teased dramatically. “All these years, when have you ever given me flowers?”

“You own a flower shop. Grow your own.”

The gift was settled, but what to wear tomorrow was a headache.

“What should I wear to meet her?”

Ye Wenzhu shrugged.

“I’m straight. You’re the one who’s into girls—you should know what they like.”

“I’ve never dated. This is my first girlfriend. I’ve never even kissed anyone.”

Ye Wenzhu leaned in, pinching Ji Pei’s chin, trying to kiss her, and got slapped.

She clutched her face, crouching dramatically. “I was helping with your first kiss!”

Ji Pei pointed at the door, deadpan. “Get out.”

***

At 9:00 p.m., Ji Pei showered. Ye Wenzhu was on the sofa, scrolling her phone.

Ji Pei nodded at her, lifting her chin. “Come, help pick tomorrow’s outfit.”

Ye Wenzhu entered Ji Pei’s walk-in closet, filled with her usual clothes.

Ji Pei’s style was simple and elegant. Ye Wenzhu eyed the long sleeves and pants, shaking her head. “No good, too plain…”

She grabbed a white shirt, saw the Chanel label, and put it back.

“I’m saying, you don’t even have a skirt? Dress sexier for your girlfriend.”

Ye Wenzhu opened a cabinet, spotting a low-cut long dress, eyes lighting up.

She held it against herself. “Not bad. I thought you were all about restraint, but you’ve got treasures like this.”

Ji Pei saw the red dress—Dongri’s gift—and blushed. “I didn’t buy it. She sent it.”

Ye Wenzhu’s eyes widened, a sly smile forming. “Ahem, I know what you should wear.”

Ji Pei, searching for clothes, asked without looking, “What?”

“A coat with nothing underneath, or maybe some spicy lingerie. She’ll be head over heels.”

As expected, Ye Wenzhu got another slap.

Ji Pei looked at skirts. Seeing Ye Wenzhu reach for the innermost cabinet, her pupils shrank. She grabbed a skirt and leapt to stop her.

“Wait!”

Ye Wenzhu pulled back, puzzled.

“What? Snake bite? You jumped so high.”

Ji Pei dragged her to the full-length mirror. “Help me see if this skirt works.”

Ye Wenzhu stumbled.

“Okay, okay, let me stand first.”

Ji Pei unbuttoned, noticing Ye Wenzhu’s staring. “Turn around, don’t look.”

“It’s not like I haven’t seen you. We showered together in school.”

“That’s different. I’m a taken woman now.”

“Fine, I won’t look.”

Ji Pei changed, adjusting the straps.

Ye Wenzhu stroked her chin.

“Your butt’s amazing.”

Ji Pei: “…”

Her wolfish nature never changed.

Ji Pei flipped her off.

“Just noticing now?”

Ye Wenzhu sat, eyeing Ji Pei’s hands.

Long, slender, beautiful—better than manga hands, pale with faintly pink knuckles.

“I just realized how long your fingers are. Your girlfriend’s in for a treat.”

Tying her waistband, Ji Pei said, “Clear out that dirty mind of yours.”

Ye Wenzhu argued, “What’d I say wrong? Your hands are gorgeous and useful. Even wiping your butt has a certain charm.”

Ji Pei: “…”

“Aren’t you straight? How do you know more than me, the queer one?”

Ye Wenzhu squirmed. “I’m worried for you. Being queer isn’t easy, so I researched… watched some… uh… videos…”

Ji Pei was touched by the first half, but the second half made her roll her eyes, expressionless.

“Does it look good?”

Ye Wenzhu nodded earnestly. “Looks great, nice figure, big chest, but not as perky as yours. Want me to send it?”

“I meant the skirt.”

Ye Wenzhu snapped photos. “Looks good. I’ll send them.”

Ji Pei shook her head. “I don’t look at that stuff.”

Ye Wenzhu scoffed at her seriousness, sharing the link. “It’s useful. Do you know how women work together? No experience—keep this.”

Ji Pei: “…”

Possessed, she saved the link.

Twirling the skirt in the mirror, she felt awkward. “Am I not suited for skirts?”

“You’re too tall for this one. You’d rock a custom gown.”

Ji Pei shook her head. “A gown for a first meeting? Too much. Maybe a coat, no skirt.”

Ye Wenzhu nodded. “Fair. You look good in anything. Maybe she likes the restrained vibe.”

***

Past 11:00 p.m., Ji Pei couldn’t resist, messaging Dongri.

Jifeng: [Dear, where are we meeting tomorrow?]

Dongri: [Nanjing Bridge.]

Seeing Dongri’s instant reply, Ji Pei paused.

Dongri’s routine was strict—bed by 10:00. Why was she up near midnight?

Was she nervous about tomorrow’s meeting too?

Jifeng: [What’ll you wear tomorrow?]

Ji Pei touched her racing heart, seeing another message.

Dongri: [You’ll see tomorrow.]

Full of mystery, Ji Pei grew more excited.

***

Ye Wenzhu slept over. At midnight, Ji Fan crept in, tiptoeing to her room, but ran into Ye Wenzhu getting water.

“Wenzhu-jie, why’re you here?”

Ye Wenzhu sipped. “Your sister’s meeting her girlfriend tomorrow. I’m her strategist.”

“What? Meeting?”

Ji Fan whispered, “My sister’s online dating too?”

Ye Wenzhu gulped. “Too? You mean…”

Seeing Ji Fan, Ye Wenzhu gasped. “What’s with you sisters? Stunning beauties, why online dating? Scarier than a blind box.”

Ji Fan pouted, looking hurt. “True, online dating’s risky. Meeting needs caution.”

Her eyes gleamed, grabbing Ye Wenzhu’s arm. “Wenzhu-jie, take me tomorrow! You’re the strategist, I’m the advisor.”

Ye Wenzhu set down her cup. “Fine, tomorrow I’ll bring gear. We’ll advise for Ji Pei.”

***

The next morning, Ji Pei, dressed, saw Ye Wenzhu and Ji Fan with binoculars, pinching her brow.

“Seriously, I’m meeting her, and you two are doing what?”

Ye Wenzhu lowered her binoculars, pulling a sapphire brooch-shaped bug from her bag, pinning it to Ji Pei’s collar.

“This is preparation. You don’t get it—just do it.”

Ji Pei stared at the brooch, wanting to rip it off. “I’m meeting her, not spying. Binoculars and bugs necessary?”

“Very necessary. How else do we know what’s happening?”

Ye Wenzhu fixed Ji Pei’s collar. “If she’s scarier than a kappa, tap the diamond twice. Ji Fan and I will drive to save you.”

Ji Fan eagerly leaned in. “Sis, I’m dying to see what she looks like.”

Ji Pei eyed Ji Fan’s excitement. “No class today?”

“I took a sick day. Let me come!”

Opening the garage, Ji Pei aimed for the Porsche, but Ye Wenzhu shook her head, grabbing the Rolls-Royce keys.

“Drive the fanciest one. It’s impressive.”

“What if she thinks I’m materialistic? I’ll take the cheap one.”

Ye Wenzhu opened the passenger door, pushing Ji Pei in, taking the driver’s seat.

“Materialistic? You’re meeting her—show some sincerity.”

Ye Wenzhu, eager, said, “I’ve never driven a Rolls-Royce. Let me have fun.”

The car started. Ji Pei opened navigation, clutching her phone, heart racing.

She brought a mirror, checking her face occasionally.

With light makeup, her pink lips, glossy from balm, were licked off in nerves.

“Don’t stress, we’re almost there. I’ll drop you at the bridge. Ji Fan and I will wait below.”

Ji Pei reapplied lip balm, pursing her lips. “Behave, don’t scare her.”

At 8:50 a.m., ten minutes until the meeting.

As the Rolls-Royce reached the bridge, Ye Wenzhu parked in a good spot.

A breeze hit. Ji Pei’s face burned. Not even meeting yet, and she was a mess. She cursed her lack of composure.

“Good spot. We can see the whole bridge with binoculars, faces clear.”

Ji Pei poked their heads. “Stay here. No moves without my signal.”

Getting out, Ji Pei opened her phone.

She wanted to call Dongri, but Fenbei was down for maintenance, so she messaged.

Jifeng: [Dear, I’m at the bridge. Where are you?]

With sharp eyesight, Ji Pei walked to the other end, seeing people walking dogs, her face blank.

She didn’t know Dongri’s features. The bridge was busy with all sorts.

Heading to the center, she passed cyclists and dog-walkers.

Which one was Dongri?

Her phone pinged. Heart leaping, she opened it.

Dongri: [I see you.]

Ji Pei looked up, scanning the bridge, locking onto a woman in a red dress.

At the bridge’s end, even with good vision, Ji Pei couldn’t see her face clearly.

Jifeng: [I think I see you. Red dress?]

Dongri: [Yes.]

Ji Pei touched her burning face and pounding heart, staring at the woman.

She ran toward her.

The Rolls-Royce window opened. Ye Wenzhu, with binoculars, saw Ji Pei run, tsking.

“She found her girlfriend. Look, faster than her 800-meter sprint.”

Nearing the bridge’s center, the woman, long hair to her waist, leaned on the railing, admiring the view.

In a thin dress, Ji Pei’s first thought was worry she’d be cold.

Ji Pei shed her coat, holding it, approaching.

As she neared, the woman turned, piercing eyes on Ji Pei’s face, her mole by her right eye stark against pale skin.

Ji Pei’s breath caught, her faint smile freezing.

Slender brows, narrow phoenix eyes, a face like a polished ink painting, curving slightly.

Those eyes made Ji Pei’s body tingle.

They locked eyes, neither speaking. Ji Pei forgot how to breathe.

The face matched her dream. She stepped back, gripping the railing, nails leaving white scratches.

“Professor… Jiang…”

Ji Pei didn’t know how she spoke.

Her hands, feet, and voice trembled.

A car sped by, lifting Ji Pei’s coat hem, hair blowing across her face, unbrushed.

Jiang Xihan approached, smoothing Ji Pei’s dark hair.

“What, don’t recognize me?”

Ji Pei’s mouth opened, throat blocked, blurting, “Does your foot still hurt?”

Jiang Xihan’s dark pupils shrank.

She’d imagined Ji Pei might angrily question her or, feeling betrayed, cut ties.

She never expected her first concern to be her sprained foot.

“A little.”

Jiang Xihan spoke honestly, seeing Ji Pei’s dodging gaze, her pink lips curving slightly.

She meant to apologize, but the next second, a warm coat enveloped her, wrapped in Ji Pei’s faint scent.

Jiang Xihan stared at Ji Pei draping the coat, thinking she was angry.

But seeing Ji Pei’s red ears, she realized it wasn’t anger—shyness.

“Professor Jiang…”

Ji Pei, in a fitted black turtleneck, exuded an undeniable aura, even looking down.

“Why… so little clothing? It’s chilly, you’ll catch cold.”

Jiang Xihan touched the peacock-blue brooch, meeting Ji Pei’s eyes.

“I knew you wouldn’t let me freeze.”

Ji Pei’s face reddened. Thankful for her light makeup, or she’d be too red to face anyone.

“Professor Jiang… I didn’t expect…”

Knowing the shock, Jiang Xihan wanted to touch her face but gently held her hand.

“Before, you called me ‘baby,’ ‘wife,’ ‘dear.’ Why stop now?”

Recalling her words, Ji Pei wanted to jump off the bridge to end it.

Jiang Xihan touched the cool brooch, lingering.

***

In the Rolls-Royce, an alarm sounded. Ye Wenzhu and Ji Fan went on high alert.

“Wenzhu-jie, the brooch! Is Sis with a creep?”

Ye Wenzhu grabbed binoculars. “I saw Ji Pei give her coat. Probably an accidental trigger.”

On the bridge, Ji Pei saw Jiang Xihan liked the brooch, nearly forgetting it was Ye Wenzhu’s bug.

“Professor Jiang, actually this…”

“If she’s a creep, your sister would’ve bolted…”

A clear voice came from the brooch. Jiang Xihan looked puzzled; Ji Pei bit her lip, silent.

Why’d the bug become a communicator?

Done for. She’d told them not to overdo it. How to explain to Jiang Xihan?

***

In the Rolls-Royce, Ye Wenzhu, with binoculars, eyed the pair, feeling something off.

“Fanfan, doesn’t your sister’s girlfriend look familiar?”

Ji Fan squinted through the window, adjusting her binoculars. Seeing the face, she nearly screamed.

“It’s Professor Jiang!”

“How’s it her?”

Ye Wenzhu’s pupils shrank, blinking, thinking it was a mistake.

“Jiang Xihan?”

“How’s it her?”

“We’re done! Your sister’s done!”

“I’m done! I skipped Jiang Xihan’s class! Aaaah!”

“Wait, is this bug broken? I hear nothing.”

“Forget it, let’s run!”

“No, Ji Pei’s still on the bridge…”

Panicked wails came from the brooch. Ji Pei stared at Jiang Xihan’s faint smile, trembling as she removed it.

“Professor Jiang, I can explain.”

Jiang Xihan found the button, pressing it. Her voice reached Ye Wenzhu’s phone.

Her smile stayed light. “That’s Ji Fan’s voice, right? I remember. The other is…”

The next second, Ji Pei heard two voices from the brooch.

“Holy sh*t! She can hear us!”

“She said my name! I’m dead!”

Ji Pei’s face paled, her shy flush turning to embarrassment.

Jiang Xihan turned off the bug, acting like nothing happened.

“This brooch is nice. Can I have it?”

Feeling Jiang Xihan’s warm palm, Ji Pei nodded, whispering, “Sure.”

She explained softly, “My sister and Wenzhu were worried I’d get scammed online, so they came to check, with this bug.”

Jiang Xihan’s fingertip grazed Ji Pei’s palm, glancing at the conspicuous Rolls-Royce. “No problem. Since they’re here, let me meet them.”

Holding Jiang Xihan’s hand, Ji Pei thought, this is it.

***

Ye Wenzhu ducked in the driver’s seat, seeing them approach hand-in-hand, shrinking back.

Ji Fan panicked, yelling, “Wenzhu-jie, raise the window!”

Ye Wenzhu hit the button, fled to the back, crouched, and shut the window, silent.

They stared at each other. A one-in-a-million chance, and they hit it.

How was it Jiang Xihan?

Ye Wenzhu couldn’t figure it out but recalled Ji Pei’s description.

Five-foot-eight, early thirties, intellectual, studied abroad, great voice.

Slumping in the back, Ye Wenzhu thought, perfect match.

***

Ji Pei opened the passenger door, helping Jiang Xihan in.

“Mind your feet.”

She took the driver’s seat, seeing the partition up, laughing, and locked the doors.

Hearing the click, Ye Wenzhu and Ji Fan’s hearts sank.

Ignoring the two hiding, Ji Pei turned to Jiang Xihan. “Professor Jiang, had breakfast?”

Jiang Xihan shook her head. “No, I was waiting for you.”

Ji Pei searched for restaurants. “Let’s go eat. I didn’t have much breakfast either.”

Jiang Xihan’s hand rested on Ji Pei’s thigh, her smile unwavering.

“Didn’t eat well because you were thinking of me?”

Ji Pei tensed, glancing subtly at the hand, holding her breath.

Seeing Ji Pei’s shy reaction, Jiang Xihan pushed further.

“Answer me. Were you too busy thinking of me to eat?”

“Yes!”

Ji Pei grabbed Jiang Xihan’s hand, slipping under her sweater, reluctant to let go.

But she regretted it as Jiang Xihan’s fingers grazed her stomach, pinching lightly.

Jiang Xihan’s husky, teasing voice whispered, “You said you’ve been working out. Can I see the results tonight?”

“Jiang Xihan!”

Ji Pei dodged, but Jiang Xihan withdrew her hand casually.

“Alright, I’ll stop teasing. Your face is so red.”

Ji Pei’s voice was small, pouting. “Teasing? That was…”

“What was it?”

Jiang Xihan pinched Ji Pei’s earlobe, smiling. “Tell me.”

Like a cornered kitten, Ji Pei gritted her teeth. “You jerk.”

***

Ye Wenzhu, hearing no sound, pressed her ear to the partition, but it was too soundproof.

“Wenzhu-jie, what do we do? Sis locked the doors.”

“Shh.”

Ye Wenzhu whispered, “What’re they doing up there? No movement, no sound. Are they sneaking kisses?”

Ji Fan pondered. “No way. Sis doesn’t seem that wild.”

“Your sister’s proper, but Jiang Xihan? After online dating so long, first meeting—she’s probably dying for it.”

Up front, Ji Pei found a Michelin restaurant, showing Jiang Xihan.

“Professor Jiang, let’s eat here.”

Jiang Xihan’s hand traced circles on Ji Pei’s shoulder through her sweater, sounding slightly displeased.

“You called me ‘dear’ before. Not used to this ‘Professor’ stuff.”

Ji Pei touched her burning cheeks, battling internally, then surrendered.

“Dear, let’s go eat.”

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