Solitary Toss of Tenderness

Jiang Huaixi’s ears turned red in an instant

The chosen location for Jiang Huaixi was perfect, nestled by the window with an empty table across the aisle, creating a serene and natural ambiance.

When it came to ordering, Lu Zizheng entrusted Jiang Huaixi without hesitation. Having gone out to eat together countless times, Jiang Huaixi always managed to accurately cater to her taste buds. However, this time Lu Zizheng noticed that Jiang Huaixi had omitted ordering any dessert.

“Did you forget something?” Lu Zizheng gently reminded Jiang Huaixi. Lu Zizheng had a sweet tooth, and whenever they dined out, she would never miss the opportunity for dessert.

Without lifting her head, Jiang Huaixi responded, “Didn’t I just tell you? I’m not planning on getting any cake.”

Lu Zizheng gritted her teeth and flagged down the departing waiter, saying, “I’ll have a serving of…”

Before Lu Zizheng could finish her sentence, Jiang Huaixi interrupted her, saying, “It’s alright, that’s all we need…” The waiter looked at them both with hesitation, and Jiang Huaixi nodded at her, gesturing again, “It’s fine now…” Reluctantly, the waiter took a step back and left.

Just from a casual joke, Jiang Huaixi had responded so seriously that Lu Zizheng didn’t expect it at all.

Feeling unsatisfied with her appetite, Lu Zizheng turned her head to look out the window, ignoring Jiang Huaixi, pretending to be aloof and distant.

In the reflection on the window glass, she faintly saw Jiang Huaixi smiling as she pushed a red box towards her.

“If you don’t turn around soon, I’ll throw it in the trash. After all, no one else wants it,” Jiang Huaixi’s usually composed voice carried a hint of intentional grievance. It was rare to hear Jiang Huaixi speak in such a tone. Unable to resist, Lu Zizheng turned her head back, wanting to see her expression.

Unfortunately, Jiang Huaixi’s expression remained unchanged, as serene as ever, making Lu Zizheng think that she would rarely show a cute side.

Opening the red box, she discovered a stylish watch with a wide strap inside. It wasn’t a high-end brand, but it was generous and beautiful, perfectly suiting Lu Zizheng’s taste.

Perhaps Jiang Huaixi was considerate, as over the years, she had never given Lu Zizheng anything too valuable that she couldn’t afford. To some extent, it could be said that Jiang Huaixi understood the art of their relationship, having a great sense of balance, making it impossible for Lu Zizheng to refuse, even if she resisted initially.

From the moment Lu Zizheng opened the box, Jiang Huaixi had been observing her expression attentively. It was only when she noticed a smile forming unconsciously on Lu Zizheng’s lips that she also felt relieved, experiencing a sense of lightness.

Jiang Huaixi had gifted Lu Zizheng many watches in the past, and except for the first one that Lu Zizheng hadn’t worn, each time she gave her a new watch, Lu Zizheng would replace the one she was currently wearing.

The first time she gave her a watch was simply because she felt that Lu Zizheng’s current watch looked a bit outdated. However, she was disappointed to see that after receiving the watch, Lu Zizheng never wore it, not even once. This left her feeling a sense of loss.

However, in an inadvertent moment when she caught a glimpse of a long scar on the inner side of Lu Zizheng’s wrist, she instantly understood why the watch had fallen out of favor. It was because the watch strap was delicately thin, unable to conceal the past that Lu Zizheng didn’t want others to know.

She had never asked Lu Zizheng about the backstory behind that scar, but from then on, she continued to give her watches with wider straps, finally witnessing one watch after another appearing on Lu Zizheng’s wrist.

But today seemed a little different.

For the first time in her presence, Lu Zizheng took off her old watch and replaced it with the new one. The scar on the inner side of her wrist was clearly visible, and Lu Zizheng showed no intention of hiding it. Instead, she extended her hand openly, allowing Jiang Huaixi to admire the watch, and with a smile, she asked, “Do you think it looks good?”

Jiang Huaixi playfully held her chin and replied with a smile, “It looks good.” Pausing for a moment, she added, “The watch I chose would still be beautiful even on your ugly hand. The key is that I have good taste.”

Lu Zizheng couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh, saying, “Your words might not bite your tongue, but they certainly carry hidden meanings.”

Jiang Huaixi blinked her eyes and said, “I’m sorry, I’ve always been honest. My mother taught me from a young age that lying is not good.”

Lu Zizheng looked at Jiang Huaixi, feeling somewhat helpless. It seemed like she had never received a single compliment without a sting from her. Was it so difficult for her to praise her once?!

However, as she lowered her head and looked at the wide watch strap carefully covering the scar, Lu Zizheng’s heart softened. From the first thin strap to every subsequent wide strap, she gradually understood the silent tenderness and thoughtfulness of Jiang Huaixi.

In life, it’s rare to have someone treat you with such tenderness.

She gazed at Jiang Huaixi, her eyes filled with indescribable sincerity and gentleness. “Huaixi, thank you, really.”

Then, to her surprise, she saw Jiang Huaixi blush in an instant, nervously knocking over a glass as she hurriedly released her hand from under her chin. It caused her sleeve to become wet.

It was uncommon to see Jiang Huaixi in such a flustered state, but Lu Zizheng simply smiled and admired her, watching as Jiang Huaixi clumsily wiped her sleeve with tissue, her ears turning redder and redder.

Fortunately, the waiter promptly served the dishes, saving Jiang Huaixi from her embarrassment. In an instant, she regained her composure, returning to her usual calm demeanor.

Lu Zizheng’s gentleness was enchanting, and Jiang Huaixi was instantly captivated. Fine wine is a rare pleasure, savored occasionally and intoxicating from the first sip.

Both Jiang Huaixi and Lu Zizheng were not particularly talkative, but being familiar with each other, even in moments of silence, they didn’t feel awkward. They felt at ease and content, sensing a pleasant atmosphere.

However, this comfortable dining ambiance was ruthlessly shattered when the owner of the empty seat next to them arrived.

Lian Xuan entered the restaurant accompanied by a distinguished gentleman in a sharp suit. They walked past Lu Zizheng, and the gentleman considerately pulled out a chair for Lian Xuan, attentively taking care of her every need.

Lu Zizheng had her back turned towards the entrance, so she didn’t notice Lian Xuan’s arrival.

Lu Zizheng casually glanced at the arrival at the neighboring table, as if out of habit. Following the gentleman who pulled out the chair, who then walked to the opposite side of the table, where she was met with the familiar yet unfamiliar profile of Lian Xuan.

Lian Xuan inadvertently looked up and instantly locked eyes with Lu Zizheng.

Both of them were momentarily stunned by the encounter.

Jiang Huaixi, noticing Lu Zizheng’s sudden stillness and puzzled by her gaze, followed her line of sight. When Jiang Huaixi saw Lian Xuan at the adjacent table, the faint smile that had been on her lips vanished without a trace.

Lian Xuan’s momentary distraction quickly passed, and she naturally noticed Jiang Huaixi sitting across from Lu Zizheng. As Jiang Huaixi looked towards her, Lian Xuan greeted her with a gentle and polite smile, nodding as a form of greeting.

Jiang Huaixi politely nodded and returned the smile, then casually turned her attention back to the food in front of her, as if nothing had happened.

Lu Zizheng also lowered her head and resumed her actions.

Everything remained as it was, and Lian Xuan was nothing more than a familiar stranger they happened to encounter during their meal.

However, Lian Xuan had no intention of letting them off so easily.

Not long after, during a moment when the gentleman was briefly away from the table, she stood gracefully beside Lu Zizheng and Jiang Huaixi, holding a tall glass in her hand. Her voice was warm and pleasant as she spoke, “What a coincidence to meet Miss Jiang and Zizheng here. It seems we are destined to cross paths.” She extended her hand, slightly tilting the glass, preparing for a toast. “I wish you both a Merry Christmas.” Yet, her gaze remained fixed on Lu Zizheng, unwavering.

Jiang Huaixi calmly raised her glass and clinked it with Lian Xuan’s, saying lightly, “I also wish CEO Lian and Mr. Zhou a Merry Christmas and an enjoyable meal.”

Lu Zizheng followed Jiang Huaixi’s gesture and lightly touched her glass, remaining silent.

Lian Xuan’s meaningful gaze remained fixed on Lu Zizheng as she took a sip from her glass, seemingly intending to say something more. However, Jiang Huaixi intercepted her, calmly interjecting, “I heard that CEO Lian and Mr. Zhou are soon to be engaged. Allow me to extend my congratulations in advance, wishing you a lifetime of happiness together.” She raised her glass slightly and gave Lian Xuan a gentle smile, then drank all the contents in one sip.

Lian Xuan noticed the momentary flicker of unease in Lu Zizheng’s eyes, her smile fading slightly, and her complexion turning somewhat unpleasant. However, she maintained her composure and politely responded, “Thank you for your kind words, Miss Jiang.”

As Zhou Shao, the person mentioned by Jiang Huaixi, returned, Lian Xuan signaled her departure, not lingering any longer, and returned to her own seat.

Lu Zizheng turned her head and looked out the window, feeling slightly absent-minded.

The atmosphere at the dining table reached its freezing point, and the current silence lacked the previous understanding, giving rise to subtle awkwardness.

In the lonely night sky, colorful fireworks suddenly bloomed, one after another, dazzling the eyes. Looking down from the window, the dark earth was covered in glistening snow, while the pitch-black night sky sparkled with scattered fireworks. These festivities, however, only served to accentuate the sense of loneliness.

Despite the short distance across the aisle, there lay a river called time that could never be crossed again, so wide, so vast, seemingly endless.

On that Christmas Eve during their freshman year, Lu Zizheng and Lian Xuan were both quietly studying in the peaceful classroom. Suddenly, fireworks burst outside, startling Lu Zizheng, who had been focused on her homework.

She turned her head, mesmerized by the blooming fireworks, one after another, each opening up and dispersing, only to be replaced by another, however brief their existence, each displaying its own brilliant spectacle…

A note was passed from the other side of the aisle, and Lian Xuan smiled, teasingly gesturing towards her.

Lu Zizheng unfolded the note, finding Lian Xuan playfully commenting: “You seem distracted while doing your homework. On such a special day, are you lost in your thoughts?”

Her face turned slightly red as she lowered her head and earnestly responded, word by word: “I just think the fireworks are beautiful, but it’s a pity that I can’t fully enjoy them.”

Lian Xuan received the note but didn’t respond for a while, as if she had returned to focusing on her work, leaving no room for further interaction.

As the evening self-study session was coming to an end, suddenly, a large piece of paper was passed across the narrow aisle.

On the paper was a drawing, depicting two long-haired girls lying side by side on a pristine snowy ground, snowflakes falling onto their intertwined black hair. Brilliant fireworks bloomed one after another in the enchanting night sky.

In that moment, the fireworks in the sky had long faded away, leaving a silent ambiance. Lu Zizheng could only hear her own voice, her heart blossoming with joy.

Ji Yao stood by Lian Xuan’s desk, impatiently waiting, while Lian Xuan leisurely picked up her backpack, tilting her head slightly towards Lu Zizheng. She wore a gentle and adorable expression, saying, “Fireworks are fleeting, and I wasn’t particularly fond of them. But if it’s something you want to see, how about next Christmas we find a nice place, and I’ll arrange a show just for you? It seems like a nice idea when I think about it.”

When she smiled, her eyebrows and eyes curved, revealing a faint dimple on her cheek, a sweetness that would make Lu Zizheng smile in her dreams.

However, Lian Xuan’s foresight proved true. Fireworks are ephemeral, and relationships are fragile. The fireworks between them had barely blossomed before vanishing without a trace. Before the arrival of the second Christmas, they had already dispersed to distant lands.

That sweet smile transformed in an instant into the bitter tears that Lu Zizheng had once soaked her pillow with night after night.

In this world, there is nowhere free from crisis amidst tranquility. Happiness in one moment hides the pain of the next. The sweeter it was once, the more bitter it becomes in the future. Expectations always have the potential to turn into hurt. A still heart feels no pain, for avoiding hurt lies in not placing expectations on others.

This was a precious lesson that Lian Xuan imparted to Lu Zizheng, one that she would never forget in this lifetime.