Pulling silk

She had promised herself before: immerse in her work, and never let herself fall into the tangled mess of an unrequited crush.

But Jiang Chen’s allure was simply too overwhelming.

Even after a year had passed, seeing him again was enough to stir her heart with ease.

The moon on the western horizon revealed its outline.

Ye Mian tossed and turned.

Just as before, she was conflicted—she didn’t want to feel this way, yet part of her savored it. Despite the hidden bitterness, a sweetness blossomed from deep within.

—

The next morning dawned brighter than ever.

The sky was a deep azure, the clouds grew gentle.

As expected, Ye Mian lingered in bed.

She hadn’t fallen asleep until nearly three in the morning. Normally, her sleep was sound, but once insomnia struck, exhaustion colored her face; only by sleeping in could she regain her vigor.

Ye Haisheng didn’t call her up; he’d gone out early for his morning exercise.

It was noon by the time Ye Mian finally answered a call from an advertiser and groggily climbed out of bed.

This year, her business had matured completely. There was much to oversee in the company, but she no longer had to handle every detail herself.

After washing up,

She quickly organized a brief meeting in the work group chat, then leisurely sat at the dining table, savoring her breakfast bite by bite.

It had to be said—having her father at home made life utterly enjoyable.

She woke to a hot meal waiting for her.

Today’s menu was lean pork and preserved egg congee, fragrant pan-seared ham slices, and two soy sauce eggs.

Simple, yet Ye Mian felt deeply satisfied.

Yesterday, returning to First High, she remembered she’d come back to Jiangcheng and should call Jiang Yuan.

They used to be close friends, and she didn’t want university to let their connection fade.

Summer sunlight blazed across the land. Ye Mian set down her bowl and walked to the balcony, the gentle sun warming her face. She squinted comfortably.

She pulled out her phone, selected Jiang Yuan’s number, and dialed.

“Beep beep beep—”

After three rings, Jiang Yuan answered, her voice familiar yet a shade more mature.

“Hello? Miss Ye? What brings you to me?”

Her tone was cool, tinged with a hint of complaint.

Ye Mian couldn’t help but grin ear to ear. Clearing her throat, she playfully adopted a formal manner: “Ahem, here’s the thing—I’d like to book Miss Jiang’s afternoon, to stroll the streets together. Does Miss Jiang have time?”

Jiang Yuan replied, “How could I not? You didn’t contact me right away when you got back—I barely dare to be angry.”

Looking out at the endless cityscape, Ye Mian touched her nose, feeling inexplicably guilty.

She truly hadn’t reached out to Jiang Yuan immediately.

As a close friend, that was indeed inexcusable.

If you’re wrong, admit it; if you’re to be scolded, stand at attention.

She apologized sincerely: “I’m sorry. Today, let me take you out for something delicious to make up for it.”

“That’ll do.” Jiang Yuan finally broke into a smile. “At least you have a conscience, Little Ye Mian. Shall I come find you now?”

“Sure.” Ye Mian thought for a moment, then added, “I have a cousin, she’s recently returned to the country and wants to hang out today too. Do you mind?”

“Not at all, let’s all go together. Wait for me, see you soon.”

After a busy tone, Ye Mian hung up.

She sent a message to Ye Qingqing.

When her cousin replied, less than ten minutes later, the door was knocked.

“Bang—bang bang.”

Ye Mian quickly slipped on her slippers and opened the door—the first arrived was Jiang Yuan.

It made sense; though they lived in the same complex, Jiang Yuan’s home was closer.

After changing her shoes, Jiang Yuan immediately gave Ye Mian a big bear hug.

Her lips curled up slightly as she whispered, “Long time no see, Little Ye Mian.”

“Yes, Little Jiang Yuan.”

Ye Mian patted her friend’s back, basking in the embrace of her old companion, her mood soaring.

Such is the nature of girls’ friendships.

Once forged, no matter how much time passes, meeting again always feels intimate and warm.

A few seconds later,

Jiang Yuan let go and glanced around the home, “Where are your cousin and uncle?”

Ye Mian replied, “Qingqing hasn’t arrived yet, my dad’s out having tea with his classmates.”

Jiang Yuan nodded. With nobody else around, she suddenly turned mischievously to Ye Mian, “By the way, you… and Jiang Chen, what about you two?”

Ye Mian, puzzled, wondered how the topic suddenly shifted to Jiang Chen. “Huh, what about me and Jiang Chen?”

“You’re together?” Her gossiping expression was impossible to hide.

“No.” Ye Mian’s cheeks flushed instantly.

“How could you not be!”

“Why would we be?”

“…”

Jiang Yuan blinked in disbelief, whispering, “If you’re not, did I see a ghost last night? I clearly saw you get out of Jiang Chen’s car during my walk, and the way you two looked at each other—there was practically a spark between you!”

The room was bright and spotless, yet strangely quiet.

Ye Mian was sure she hadn’t misheard, but “spark” was an ambiguous term that made her ears burn.

No wonder Jiang Yuan immediately asked about Jiang Chen and knew she hadn’t contacted her right away.

So she saw her.

—

Such serendipity is truly wondrous.

Seeing the shocked look on her friend’s face, Jiang Yuan knew she hadn’t been mistaken. “Your cousin will be here soon, so I’ll let you off for now. Tonight, you’ll tell me all about it.”

Ye Mian nodded helplessly and smiled gently, “Alright, I’ll tell you tonight.”

With the two together, conversation flowed endlessly. When Ye Qingqing arrived, half an hour had passed.

Today, Ye Qingqing was dressed with special care, perhaps because she was going out. She was fully made up.

The Ye family had good genes; a little grooming transformed them into radiant beauties, drawing attention wherever they went.

Ye Mian briefly introduced their names and identities.

After the two became acquainted, they set off together.

July days are scorching. Jiang Yuan had gotten her driver’s license as a freshman, her parents had even provided her with a car, so she drove them to the mall.

Jiangcheng’s malls were bustling, equipped with everything; shopping, resting, dining—all at one stop.

The three first watched a romance film.

When they emerged, Ye Qingqing’s tears flowed freely as usual, moved to sobbing.

Ye Mian and Jiang Yuan had no choice but to take her to a dessert shop to cheer her up.

Jiang Yuan volunteered to order.

While she was gone, Ye Mian pulled out her phone to check.

Ever since knowing Jiang Chen had returned, she couldn’t help but glance at her phone, wondering if he’d reach out.

But he hadn’t. He seemed genuinely busy, not finding even a moment to contact her all day.

Thinking about it, she took a fierce bite of the cherry atop her cake.

If the mountain won’t come to me, I’ll go to the mountain.

She opened their chat and typed.

[Good Sleep: Jiang the Ace, have you eaten yet?]

“Bang!”

As she set down her phone, a collision sounded ahead, accompanied by the clang of a metal spoon hitting the floor and the shattering of a porcelain plate.

(End of chapter)