Chapter 35: Candlelight Confessions

A faint oolong tea scent invaded her senses.

“I didn’t know you were behind,” Jiang Yule mumbled, voice softer than a mosquito, muffled in Su Yubai’s embrace.

“Oh.”

Jiang Yule pulled away, saying softly, “I’m not scared of you.”

As if to prove it, her voice grew brighter.
“Sister Yubai, why no lights?”

Her tone was cheerful, masking some guilt.

Before Su Yubai could reply, Jiang Yule reached for the switch on the wall, fumbling, finding a corner—then a hand grabbed hers.

“Don’t move.”

She froze, not out of fear, but because Su Yubai pressed against her back, pinning her in place.

Her hand was pulled from the wall, held by warm, strong fingers, distinct knuckles.

Breathing unevenly, her heart raced uncontrollably.
Swallowing, the sound echoed in the quiet night.

Heart tightening, she blurted to cover her embarrassment, “Sister Yubai, why aren’t you asleep?”

“Waiting for you.”

“For what?”
Her guilt deepened.

“You don’t know?”
Su Yubai stopped, guiding her.

Blind in the dark, Jiang Yule felt her gaze.

Connecting waiting with sleep felt… off.

No reply came.
Su Yubai led her forward.

Not turning at the bedroom, Jiang Yule exhaled.

She’d overthought.

“Sit.”
Su Yubai brought her to the sofa.

Catching the oolong tea scent, Jiang Yule wondered if Su Yubai meant to share a poetic tea moment—sans wine, sans moonlight.

Puzzled, she heard a click.
A flame flickered, startling her.

Candles lit one by one, her lashes trembling.

On the coffee table sat a cake with butterflies and roses—her favorite style.

Su Yubai knew it was her birthday, knew she hadn’t invited her.

Yet she prepared a cake.

Guilt stabbed Jiang Yule’s heart.

By candlelight, she glanced at Su Yubai.
“Did Senior Yuxin send you a photo?”

No answer.
“Make a wish,” Su Yubai said, tone calm, as always.

Facing the candles, Jiang Yule closed her eyes, wishing more earnestly than at dinner.

Opening them, she turned.
“Sister Yubai, can you blow out the candles with me?”

Su Yubai didn’t look.
“You blow.”

“But my wish involves you.”
Her voice carried disappointment.

Sighing softly, Su Yubai leaned in, blowing out the candles with her.

Jiang Yule loved the feeling of their heads close, extinguishing the flames.

Su Yubai stood, turned on the light, sat back, and asked quietly, “What’d you wish for?”

Grinning slyly, “Not telling.”

“No telling, no birthday gift.”
Su Yubai produced a gift box.

Heart leaping, “A gift too!”

Reaching for it, Su Yubai lifted it higher.
Jiang Yule nearly fell onto her, unable to grab it.

Their eyes met; Jiang Yule glanced at her lips, quickly looking away.
“Just… hoped all your wishes come true.”

Sitting up, Su Yubai handed her the box, saying softly, “I hope mine do too.”

Taking it, curiosity overriding embarrassment, “Can I open it now?”

“Yes.”

Inside was a delicate silver quartz watch, daintier than Su Yubai’s.

“Like yours?”

“No, smaller.”

Tentatively, “A matching pair?”

Su Yubai gazed at her.
“You kept staring at my watch. Guessed you liked it.”

Cheeks warming, “No, it just looked familiar.”

“Don’t like it?”

Clutching it, “Love it!”

Struggling to put it on, her right hand fumbled.

Su Yubai reached over, skin brushing hers.

Itchy, ticklish.
“Sister Yubai, is it on?”

“Mm.”

Blinking, Jiang Yule saw her stand, heading to the kitchen.

Heart skipping, she followed, seeing Su Yubai carry a bowl.
“Longevity noodles?”

“Mm.”

Moved, guilt deepening, “You’re too good, Sister Yubai.”

Eyeing the cake, “But we haven’t eaten the cake.”

“Didn’t you eat one outside?”
Her tone was calm.

Eyebrows twitching—Huang Yuxin snitched.

“Maybe we were too full at dinner, no one had room for cake.”

“Now…”
Su Yubai glanced at the noodles.

Taking the bowl, “I can still eat!”

“Cake in the fridge for tomorrow?”

“Sure.”

The noodles were light, with greens and a poached egg—her style.

Eating on the sofa, Su Yubai sat close, pouring tea.

Noticing plain water in her cup, clearly prepared, Jiang Yule asked, “Sister Yubai, waited long?”

Setting down her cup, Su Yubai glanced at the study.
“Working, waiting on the side.”

Muffling, “But downstairs, your place was dark.”

“Oh, checked my lights?”
She watched her eat.

More guilt.
Setting down chopsticks, “Sorry, Sister Yubai.”

“No need. Who you invite is your choice.”
Her tone was flat, staring at a clock.

Worried she misunderstood, “No, I was afraid…”

“I know.”
Su Yubai’s gaze met hers.

Seeing her pause, “Eat.”

Still looking, “Know what?”

“You’re afraid my birthday memories would upset me.”

She guessed it.

Avoiding her eyes, staring at the noodles, “I thought… after that day, you didn’t like birthdays.”

“Not that I dislike them.”

Jiang Yule looked up.
“Hm?”

Her eyes seemed empty.

“That day wasn’t my birthday.”

Stunned, Jiang Yule heard, “From the moment I left the Su family, my birthday changed.”

Her tone was calm, like it wasn’t her story.

Sadness hit Jiang Yule, worse than not inviting her.

Snapping back, Su Yubai saw her red eyes, gently touching her hair.

Heart trembling—why was the tragic heroine comforting her?

Su Yubai’s hand stayed, rubbing softly, but Jiang Yule hugged her suddenly.

Her hand froze, hearing, “When’s your birthday then?”

“Mid-Autumn Festival.”

“Soon! Can I celebrate with you?”

Her soft, sweet voice was irresistible.

Su Yubai’s left hand lifted, right leaving her hair, grazing her neck, then back to her hair, rubbing gently.
“Okay.”

Then, “Why avoid me? Scared?”

Reflecting on her impulsive hug, Jiang Yule pulled back, not meeting her eyes.
“Not scared.”

Su Yubai’s hand stiffened, dropping naturally.

“Maybe… nervous about inviting you. Or not.”

Her lips curved faintly at the last part.

“Noodles are getting cold.”

Jiang Yule ate, even drinking the broth.

“Done.”

“Mm.”

Washing the bowl in the kitchen, she turned to find Su Yubai at the doorway, expression neutral.

Approaching, Su Yubai didn’t step back—heart racing again.

After a long look, Su Yubai stepped aside.

Passing her to the entrance, Jiang Yule realized she hadn’t changed shoes.
Turning, “This was my happiest birthday.”

Adding, “Your noodles were great, the cake’s lovely, and I love the watch.”

“Thanks, Sister Yubai. Good night!”

Following her to the door, Su Yubai said softly, “Good night…”

“No good-night kiss?”

Eyes widening, “Huh?”

Su Yubai stayed silent.
Confused but obliging, Jiang Yule closed her eyes gently.