Chapter 97: Afterward, Make Up

Cheng Jiu had only come back once last year because of Xin Gan, and he’d left after just a few days. He returned in haste and left just as quickly, never really settling down to stay at home. This time, though, everything felt different; the meaning and his state of mind were unlike before.

After showering, Cheng Jiu didn’t bother with a shirt, baring his strong, muscular frame, crisscrossed with scars both old and new. He didn't mind—men, after all, were expected to carry a few scars. But whenever Xin Gan caught sight of them, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of worry and tenderness.

By the time Xin Gan finished her own shower, it was past midnight. She’d washed her hair and was blow-drying it in the bathroom, unable to hear the phone call Cheng Jiu was making out on the room’s balcony. Now that he’d finally found a moment, he called Director Meng to let him know he was safe. At first, he intended only to send a text, but the moment Director Meng saw the message, he called back.

“Even now that you’re home, don’t let yourself slack off,” Director Meng said. “No need for more words. If you ever have time to come back to Beiyu, you should visit.”

Cheng Jiu chuckled, teasing, “Director Meng, can’t bear to part with me?”

“Impudent brat, who the hell can’t bear to part with you, you damn rascal? If you were still my subordinate, I’d have you running fifty laps with a load.”

Cheng Jiu grinned, “Then save it for next time—if I’m ever your subordinate again, you can punish me then.”

Director Meng laughed and cursed a bit more before saying he was off to bed and wouldn’t banter any longer. Cheng Jiu wished him good health, waited for the line to go dead, then turned off his phone. He finished his cigarette before returning to the bedroom.

Xin Gan had been drying her hair for ages, but the ends were still damp. The bathroom door opened as she was checking her reflection, and she saw Cheng Jiu watching her with a look she couldn’t quite decipher.

“I thought you’d fallen asleep,” he said, a cigarette dangling from his lips, the ember trembling as he spoke.

Xin Gan shot him a look. With the hair dryer roaring, how could anyone possibly sleep?

“Still not dry?” he asked.

“The ends are still wet. It’ll take a bit longer,” she replied.

Cheng Jiu walked over, picked up the hair dryer, and switched it on, deftly taking over the task. Xin Gan stood awkwardly, hands braced on the porcelain sink, watching him in the mirror. He dried her hair with practiced patience, never once hurting her.

Long hair, after all, was always a bit troublesome.

She didn’t know how to describe the scene—a man who looked every bit the rogue, cigarette between his teeth, not the type to be gentle, yet here he was, quietly drying her hair.

Five or six minutes later, he finished. Xin Gan breathed a sigh of relief. Before she could react, a warm chest pressed against her back, his arms wrapping around her. Cheng Jiu leaned down and kissed her shoulder blade, murmuring, “Now that your hair’s dry, let’s do something else.”

Her face flushed. She couldn’t say no to him. Nor did she want to.

...

After the storm had passed, Cheng Jiu asked if she was thirsty. She admitted she was; her throat was dry.

He ruffled her hair, his smile deepening.

Xin Gan struggled to open her eyes, caught by the look in his. Cheng Jiu slipped on some clothes and went downstairs for water. On his way back up, he saw Cheng Hui racing to the attic, oblivious to his presence.

When he returned and Xin Gan finished her water, he patted her shoulder. “Get some sleep. Cheng Hui just went up to the attic alone. I’ll go see what she’s up to.”

“Alright, go check on her,” Xin Gan mumbled. She was exhausted; it was nearly three in the morning. If she hadn’t been so tired, she wouldn’t have let Cheng Jiu handle it.

He tucked her in, switched off the main light, left the bedside lamp on, and left the room.

On the attic floor, he pushed open the storage room door to find Cheng Hui squatting, muttering nonstop. As he approached, he realized—she was meowing, over and over.

“What are you doing, meowing in the middle of the night instead of sleeping?”

Cheng Hui jumped, startled pale. Seeing it was Cheng Jiu, she patted her chest, still shaken. “What are you doing, scaring me like that in the dead of night?”

Cheng Jiu smirked. “I should be the one asking. Do you know what time it is? Why aren’t you asleep?”

Cheng Hui pouted, a hint of defiance in her eyes as she shielded the kitten in her arms, protesting, “Aren’t you up, too? You come back and immediately scold me. I’m telling Xin Xin on you.”

“Won’t do any good. What are you hiding?”

Knowing she couldn’t get away, Cheng Hui turned around, showing him the kitten. “Mom won’t let me have pets. I was afraid she’d find out, so I hid the kitten in the attic. It’s hard to sneak up here during the day, so I wait until everyone’s asleep to feed it.”

“Where did you get the cat?”

“Found it on the street.”

“How many?”

One in her arms, one at her feet, and another in the corner—three kittens altogether.

Madam Cheng was allergic to animal fur, so the family never kept pets. If she found out Cheng Hui had brought cats home, she’d be furious.

That’s why Cheng Hui was hiding them in the attic.

“Don’t tell Mom, or I’m doomed,” she pleaded.

Cheng Jiu studied her for a moment. “It’s just a small thing. I thought you were sleepwalking or something.”

“Big brother, you’re the best.”

“But you can’t just leave them in the attic forever.”

Cheng Hui’s face fell. “My roommate doesn’t like cats, so I can’t keep them at school. If I can’t keep them at home, I’ll have to find someone to adopt them. But they’re so pitiful. If possible, I want to keep them myself.”

They were siblings, after all; Cheng Jiu couldn’t just ignore her. After a moment, he said, “Leave them with me for now. Tomorrow, I’ll take them to my place.”

“Awesome! You really are the best big brother. I knew thinking about you wasn’t a waste.”

With the kittens’ fate settled, Cheng Hui’s heart finally rested easy. After feeding them goat’s milk and tidying their little nest, she closed the door and trotted downstairs after Cheng Jiu.

At her bedroom door, she asked, “Why are you still up so late? Where’s Xin Xin?”

“Mind your own business. Too many questions.”

Cheng Hui made a face, poking her head around the door. “One piece of advice, big brother—check for bite marks on your neck. It’d be awkward if Mom and Dad saw.”

With that, she slammed the door before he could catch her.

...

Cheng Jiu frowned, went to check in the mirror, but saw no such bite marks. The kid was messing with him.

He couldn’t help but laugh.

...

The next morning, Xin Gan woke after nine. The spot beside her was already empty; Cheng Jiu had been up for a while.

For a moment, she was disoriented, realizing this wasn’t her home but Cheng Jiu’s. It was her first night at his place, and she’d overslept—how embarrassing. She hurried to wash up.

Cheng Hui had also slept in, rubbing her eyes as she drifted out of her room and bumped into Xin Gan.

“Good morning, Xin Xin. You’re up so early—it’s only nine.”

Xin Gan smiled. “Did you stay up very late?”

“Yeah, I’m exhausted. Can barely stand.”

Cheng Hui promptly leaned on Xin Gan. “Xin Xin, give me a hand.”

Downstairs, Madam Cheng was talking to Cheng Jiu in the sitting room, mostly peppering him with questions as he watched the morning news, only half-listening.

“When do you plan to hold the wedding? We need to find an auspicious date. Now that you’re back, we should invite your in-laws for dinner—can’t be rude. The new house needs renovations, too. There’s a lot to do.”

She rattled on, but Cheng Jiu already had his own ideas and didn’t need her interference.

“Let’s arrange a dinner with the in-laws first. I’ll pick the place—needs to be quiet and proper, or else we’ll look disrespectful.”

Regardless of whether he agreed, Madam Cheng summoned the housekeeper to make reservations.

As Xin Gan and Cheng Hui came downstairs, Madam Cheng glanced at her daughter, still half-asleep, and scolded her. Cheng Hui pouted, refusing to speak.

Cheng Jiu ignored her; she’d be fine after a while. When he saw Xin Gan, he stood up at once. “Come, let’s have breakfast.”

“Me too!” Cheng Hui chimed in.

“No one’s stopping you. Why shout?” He shot her a sidelong glance.

“Is this really my brother?” Cheng Hui thought. “He’s completely forgotten his sister for a woman—typical man.”

Xin Gan felt embarrassed for sleeping in so late. They’d all been up for hours and must have already eaten.

She lowered her head over her porridge, whispering, “Why didn’t you wake me? I’m so embarrassed.”

Cheng Jiu leaned in, pinching her earlobe. “It’s fine to sleep in. No one minds.”

“I still feel bad.”

“It’s alright. This is your home now, too. Relax—just be yourself, no need for so many rules.”

He was right, of course, but Xin Gan couldn’t help but feel like an outsider, worried that his family might not like her.

The relationship between a woman and her in-laws could be trickier than one imagined.

Cheng Jiu, naturally, couldn’t fully understand her unease.

But he seemed to sense something, saying, “Don’t worry. I’ll handle it.”

Xin Gan smiled gently.

...

Across the table, Cheng Hui watched them whispering and felt a strange mix of emotions. She never expected her brother to have such a tender side. The youthful arrogance in his nature had been worn away by time; now, he was utterly devoted to his wife. He even insisted on keeping her company through breakfast.

Cheng Hui was both moved and a little envious—envious of Xin Gan.

After breakfast, Cheng Jiu informed Madam Cheng he’d be taking Xin Gan home for a while. Madam Cheng, ever thoughtful, loaded him with gifts to take to the Xin family.

Cheng Hui didn’t forget to sneak the three kittens from the attic, slipping them into Cheng Jiu’s car while Madam Cheng was distracted.

Xin Gan noticed the kittens and asked about them. After hearing the explanation, she agreed to help out. She liked animals and didn’t see any harm in it.

Cheng Jiu dropped Xin Gan off at her family home, and also visited her mother. He helped carry her suitcase upstairs, Xin Gan’s mother smiling as she watched them go.

Xin Gan’s room was unmistakably feminine, so obvious the moment one entered. Once inside, she subconsciously closed the door, then felt awkward and tried to open it again, only for Cheng Jiu to stop her. He gazed at her, licking his teeth. “Can you move in with me anytime?”

Her mother had just said they should live together after the wedding.

Cheng Jiu was impatient; he didn’t want to wait. The thought of not seeing her every day was unbearable.

Xin Gan played dumb, avoiding his eyes. “My mom said after the wedding.”

Cheng Jiu gritted his teeth. “And you agree?”

She nodded.

He licked his lips, voice serious. “But I can’t wait.”

“So what should we do?”

“I want you—right now.”

It was broad daylight, and her mother was downstairs. Xin Gan didn’t have the nerve to mess around. She quickly pushed him away. “No, and besides, last night was enough… I’m still sore.”

Her legs were still trembling when she walked.

Cheng Jiu wasn’t that depraved—he was only teasing. “Can’t you tell I’m joking?”

She flushed.

“Or do you want to?”

His question made her restless. She blushed and said nothing.

“Could you handle another round?” he teased, eyes wandering downward. “You’ll get your fill later. I’ll let you off for now.”

Xin Gan coughed in embarrassment, pushing him away.

...

She went to the dressing room to change and wash her face, applying moisturizer as she glanced at Cheng Jiu inspecting her bookshelf.

One wall was lined with books, some quite obscure—unlike what one might expect her to read.

Emerging from the bathroom, she asked, “What is it?”

Cheng Jiu leafed through a volume. “Didn’t expect you to read these.”

“I read all kinds. It passes the time.”

“Just to pass the time?”

“Yeah. I don’t have many friends. When I’m home for holidays, there’s not much to do, so I read. Time passes quickly with a book, and I don’t have to think about anything else.”

“Not many friends?”

“Very few. Mom says I’m too quiet, not sociable. I studied overseas. I barely know anyone in Yongcheng. As a kid, I played with my cousin, but after she got married and had a child, I felt awkward visiting her too often.”

Cheng Jiu’s school days had been the opposite—never a moment’s peace, running wild with He Chuan and the others, always causing trouble. But people grew up; after years in Beiyu, he’d become more mature and steady.

He stroked her cheek. “I saw you once, when you graduated high school.”

“When? Was it the photo my mom sent your mom?”

“No.”

“You came home that summer and visited He Chuan’s house, didn’t you?”

Xin Gan remembered. “Aunt He said her son was going abroad, and since I was in London, she asked my mom to have me look after him. I didn’t know it was He Cheng, though—I went to her house, but didn’t see him.”

“I was there. I was upstairs with He Chuan. You didn’t see me, but I saw you.”

Xin Gan was startled. She’d almost forgotten, never imagining they had already met.

“I have to be honest,” Cheng Jiu said. “I knew about you then, but I didn’t want the family engagement, so I never took it seriously. After university, I dated someone else.”

Xin Gan’s breath caught, her gaze dropping to a book on the shelf.

Cheng Jiu hesitated, but he had to say it. He couldn’t deceive her—not about this.

He watched her closely, searching her face for a reaction as he inched closer, hand half-raised as if to touch her, but she turned away just in time.

His hand fell, the light in his eyes dimming. He regretted mentioning it.

Xin Gan’s voice was calm, neutral. “Did you pursue her or did she pursue you?”

She was a woman, after all; she couldn’t help but mind that he’d had a girlfriend before.

He answered nervously, “Honestly, she pursued me.”

“But you agreed.”

“...”

“Which means you liked her.”

“I liked her—back then,” he emphasized the past.

“Why did you break up?”

“I went to Beiyu after graduation. She didn’t want to go. We broke up amicably.”

Xin Gan pressed, “If she’d agreed to go with you, then the person beside you today might not be me.”

“There are no what-ifs. Xin Gan, you’re the one here now. You’re the one I like.”

She responded with a flat “oh,” picked up a book, and ignored him.

Cheng Jiu couldn’t tell if she was upset, or how to ask. If he’d understood her better before, they wouldn’t have wasted so much time.

The housekeeper knocked. “Miss, madam asked me to bring some fruit. Are you inside?”

Xin Gan set her book down and went to open the door. The housekeeper glanced around, left the fruit, and departed. Xin Gan placed the fruit on the table, neither offering nor asking if he wanted any, then sat back down with her book.

Cheng Jiu felt awkward—standing, sitting, neither seemed right. Finally, he snatched the book from her hands, lifted her onto the bed, pinning her there.

“Are you angry?”

She lay there, breath ragged but composed. She shook her head.

“Then why are you ignoring me?”

“I’m not.”

“Why aren’t you talking to me, then?”

She smiled. “Aren’t I talking to you now?”

He was exasperated. “You’re doing it on purpose, aren’t you?”

“No, you’re the one making me mad. You saw me back then, but you still dated someone else in college. I never dated anyone—it’s not fair. And then you went to Beiyu, and there were girls who liked you, stayed by your side… Compared to them, I’ve barely known you at all.”

She admitted, “I’m a little jealous. Don’t mind me—it’ll pass.”

When she hadn’t cared about him, it didn’t matter how many girls liked him. But now that she did, every little detail was magnified, brewing into jealousy.

Cheng Jiu pinched her nose. “I’m sorry. That was my fault.”

“No need to apologize. I understand—it’s just that I’m not happy about it now. I’m jealous, envious. I know it’s in the past, but I still care.”

He sighed softly, his heart growing tender. He kissed her forehead—words were useless.

Xin Gan hugged his shoulders, mumbling, “What if you run into your ex someday and she wants to get back together—would you…”

“Like hell!” he snapped. “Don’t even think about it. I can’t even remember what she looks like, let alone get back together.”

“You…”

He truly didn’t remember. He was a bit face-blind, especially since so many girls these days looked the same. Few left any impression—Xin Gan was the exception.

That was thanks to her years abroad, untouched by the warped standards of domestic beauty, unaltered, wholly natural. Abroad, diversity was valued; at home, everything was too monotonous. Beauty without soul was just an empty shell.

“Don’t even entertain such thoughts. It’s absolutely impossible.”

He was so serious that Xin Gan had to laugh. Her mood lightened, and she turned the page, dropping the subject.

The two of them spent a while in the room, undisturbed and utterly at ease. This time, it was Xin Gan who took the initiative, kissing him first.

...

Cheng Jiu stayed for lunch at the Xin house. Afterward, Xin Gan needed to go to her studio, tired though she was.

The new year had long since passed, and the studio had resumed business. Xin Gan’s assistant had been handling things in her absence, contacting her by message when needed.

That afternoon, He Chuan called Cheng Jiu out. When Xin Gan overheard, she told him not to bother taking her to the studio.

He asked if she’d be alright. She shot him a look. “I’m not that fragile—I have hands and feet. Go see He Chuan. Don’t keep him waiting.”

He praised her for being sensible, then gave her the kittens to take to the studio until he could bring them home later.

Xin Gan took the kitten carrier to the studio. Since the students were at school, only the assistant and two tutors were there. The assistant was delighted to see her. “Boss, you’re finally back! I thought this place would collapse without you.”

Xin Gan laughed and greeted everyone.

The studio was just as she’d left it; everything was in order. To celebrate, she treated everyone to milk tea.

...

He Chuan met Cheng Jiu at their usual spot. He poured him a drink, but Cheng Jiu waved it away. “I’m driving—no thanks.”

He Chuan didn’t insist, offering a cigarette instead. “How long are you staying?”

“For a while,” Cheng Jiu replied.

“How long is ‘a while’?”

“Not sure yet.” He didn’t commit, lighting his cigarette.

He Chuan’s gaze drifted. “Why not just quit? Don’t torment yourself in that godforsaken place. Come back, take the civil service exam. With your background, a few years of hard work and you’ll move up quickly.”

Cheng Jiu’s eyes darkened, and he didn’t reply.

He Chuan tried again. “If you don’t want that, come work with me. Start a company, do some projects. You know your cousin-in-law, Song Chen—started from nothing, built everything himself.”

Cheng Jiu considered. “What’s with you, He Chuan? You never used to talk like this. Something happen?”

He Chuan fell silent, downed another glass, and forced a smile. “Just looking out for you. But you’ve just come back—take your time.”

Cheng Jiu narrowed his eyes. “You’re hiding something—out with it.”

“Can’t even give you advice without suspicion? Some brother you are.”

“Are you drunk?”

He Chuan smiled, taking another drag.

After a while, he asked, “How’s Cheng Hui?”

“Up in the attic last night, feeding cats. I thought she was up to something.”

He Chuan went quiet, finishing another drink. “Since when does she keep cats?”

“Said she picked them up. Family won’t let her keep them, so she asked me.”

“I’d have helped her myself if she’d told me.”

“You spoil her too much.”

He Chuan muttered, “If she’d let me, I’d give her everything.”

Cheng Jiu caught only the first half, missing the rest. He frowned. “You’re drunk—day drinking, really?”

...

That afternoon, Xin Gan painted a scene inspired by the night before, of Cheng Jiu drying her hair as she watched in the mirror. She hadn’t finished when he arrived at the studio.

It was his first time there. He’d only heard about it, had imagined it to be fairly large.

The receptionist, who’d never seen him before, assumed he was a student’s parent, but his looks and demeanor set him apart. He was handsome, tall, and polite, so she stopped him to ask his business.

“I’m here for Xin Gan,” he said.

“And what is your business with her?”

“I’m here to take her home.”

The receptionist misunderstood, smiling. “Sorry, our boss hasn’t mentioned anything.”

“Could you ask her for me? My name is Cheng Jiu.”

The receptionist adjusted her glasses, giving him a knowing look. “Sorry, no matter your name, if you’re pretending to be a parent to hit on our boss, I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to leave. Our boss has a boyfriend.”

He realized she must deal with plenty of “student parents” trying to get close to Xin Gan.

They stared each other down.

“No use staring,” she said. “You may be good-looking, but that doesn’t mean our boss will dump her boyfriend for you. Don’t waste your time. We’re a proper studio, not for shenanigans.”

Clearly, this had happened before, and she was well-practiced at handling it.

Cheng Jiu smiled. “Are there many people like ‘me’?”

“Glad you know yourself. Of course! Otherwise, how would I see through you? The door’s right there—take care!”

He nodded. “I’ll just make a call.”

...

Xin Gan was talking with her assistant when she got Cheng Jiu’s call. “I’m at the entrance to your studio.”

“Come in. I’m still busy—just wait for me inside.”

“I can’t get in.”

“Why not?”

“Never mind, finish your work. I’ll wait outside.”

Puzzled, Xin Gan told her assistant, “Hold on, my friend’s here. I’ll go let him in.”

She hurried out to find Cheng Jiu waiting by the door. “Why can’t you get in? The door’s right here.”

He smiled. “Now I can.”

“What do you mean?” she asked, clueless.

The receptionist stared, speechless, eyes wide and blinking rapidly. Cheng Jiu glanced at her, explaining, “Sorry, I’m not who you think I am.”

Xin Gan looked from one to the other, still at a loss.

...

In the office, the assistant saw her boss walk in with a man, her hand resting on his arm, the two of them close and at ease.

“Wait here,” Xin Gan told him. “If you go inside, my assistant will get nervous.”

He nodded. “Alright. Go ahead.”

She paused, glancing back. “Be sure to explain to me later—why couldn’t you get in?”

He just smiled.

Xin Gan went back to work. Forty minutes later, with business finished, it was time to close up. She called Cheng Jiu inside.

As her assistant left the office, she noticed the door closing behind her. The receptionist hurried over, pulling her aside.

“I’m done for! Xiaoye, you have to help me. Do you know who that man was?”

“You mean the one the boss brought in?”

“That’s him!”

“I think that’s her boyfriend…”

“Don’t think—be sure. Her boyfriend! And I just insulted him to his face. I think I’ll have to quit…”