“My girlfriend scratched it.”
Lan Yan slept a particularly deep and comfortable sleep.
The air conditioner was set on a timer and shut off at the appointed time, but she did not feel cold at all, because a constant heat source held her, more soothing than any man-made heating device.
She opened her eyes and met a pair of open eyes, very clear, not knowing how long they had been watching her.
The daylight filtered through the half-shading curtains, like a dim evening in the wilderness.
Lan Yan blinked. “Why are you in my bed?”
“Maybe because you slept with me last night?”
“…” Lan Yan wanted to say something harsh, but she laughed first, her ears heating up.
“Aren’t you getting up?” she asked.
“I’ll get up when you do.”
“I’m taking the day off today, planning to lie in bed all day.”
“Then I’ll take the day off too, to lie with you all day.”
“…”
Lan Yan got up and went to the bathroom to freshen up. Yawning, she squeezed toothpaste, and Liang Jingchuan followed her in. This bathroom was smaller than the one at home; with one more person, there was no space to turn around.
“Do you have to squeeze in with me?” Lan Yan moved aside.
“I have a meeting in the morning; I’m a bit short on time.”
“What were you doing so early?”
“Watching you.”
Lan Yan lifted her foot and kicked his ankle lightly. He chuckled but did not dodge.
The mirror reflected two faces, both with messy hair.
Lan Yan inevitably thought of high school days. Every time she got up, Liang Jingchuan was already about to head out, his backpack slung over one shoulder. He brushed past her in the hallway, the air filled with the fresh scent of toothpaste, lemon or ylang-ylang.
He always left his hair until last to fix, scratching it casually on the way. Sometimes he had not made it to the barber, and his hair grew a bit long, with bangs falling over his eyes. When he bent down to change shoes, his brows furrowed deeply, his skin fair and features beautiful, his school uniform hanging on a slender frame.
Perhaps, she had actually liked him much earlier.
“What are you thinking?” Liang Jingchuan asked vaguely.
“…Some other guy.”
“Are my love rivals infinite respawns like map mobs?”
Lan Yan laughed so hard she nearly choked on toothpaste foam.
“Who exactly?”
“Some jerk.” Her gaze fixed on his face in the mirror.
“Me? I’m right here.”
“The high school version.”
“…Think I’m old now?”
Lan Yan spat out the toothpaste foam. “A bit. First time, half a minute…”
Liang Jingchuan directly reached out, wrapped his arm around her neck, and pulled her back. She could not break free and kicked him laughing. “Isn’t that the truth?”
Liang Jingchuan lowered his head, his voice close to her ear, low enough for only her to hear. “You being too tight is also the truth.”
“…”
Liang Jingchuan released his arm and smugly watched her freeze in place, face red and ears burning.
They left the house together.
Because they could not resist kissing after brushing teeth, which delayed them, breakfast had to be takeout. They took a car, dropping Lan Yan off at Mend Orchid Studio first, then heading to Liang Jingchuan’s company.
The R&D department’s morning meeting was hosted by Luo Shan, all routine work reports.
After it ended, Luo Shan complained to Liang Jingchuan alone. “If only CEO Chen approved a bit more budget—materials, equipment, hiring… everything has to be scrimped on.”
“I talked to him last time. He said he’d consider tilting more funds to the R&D department.”
“He says that, but who knows when it’ll actually happen…”
Luo Shan complained, but she still worked diligently. She also knew that the direction she led had already taken the lion’s share of the entire R&D department’s resources.
The company was still in its growth phase, needing money everywhere. Decision-makers had their own considerations, and balancing everything was no easy task.
Leaving the conference room, Liang Jingchuan headed to Chen Boyu’s office, but the man was not there. His assistant said he was talking with the head of the marketing department.
Liang Jingchuan returned to his own office and handled some work. The glass door was lightly knocked.
“Come in.”
Chen Boyu pushed the door open. “Looking for me?”
“Yeah. Wait a bit; we’ll go to your office to talk.”
After the last round of financing, the office space had expanded again. Now Liang Jingchuan and Chen Boyu no longer shared one office divided in two; each had their own independent space.
“Can’t we talk here? What’s the difference…” Chen Boyu’s tone shifted. “Did you go fooling around last night?”
Liang Jingchuan paused, lifting his eyes to look at the man who walked around the desk and sat on the opposite sofa.
Chen Boyu pointed to his own nape. “You’ve got scratches here—don’t say it was the cat.”
Liang Jingchuan: “My girlfriend scratched it.”
Chen Boyu was quite surprised. “…When did you get out of singlehood?”
“Valentine’s Day.”
“That’s only three days… Moving so fast?” Chen Boyu joked. “Who’s the other person? The one you mentioned last time? When are you bringing her out for a meal?”
The two rarely talked about relationships, mainly because Liang Jingchuan was deeply serious and reticent on this topic. It had been that way since high school; no one could pry a word about his private life from him.
“When there’s a chance.” Liang Jingchuan said only that, set down the mouse, and stood up. “Let’s talk business.”
“Talk away.”
Liang Jingchuan walked to the window and pulled up the blinds. “On my trip to North City, I found two people for you. Both have impressive resumes.”
“…I don’t need to hire anyone. What for?”
“To replace me.”
Chen Boyu was stunned.
“I was planning to mention it before the New Year, but I hadn’t found the right people yet. I was afraid no one would take over, and your work wouldn’t go smoothly.”
“Liang Jingchuan, what joke are you making?”
Liang Jingchuan continued calmly. “I’ve already planned the work for the next two quarters ahead of time. There’s also a two-year R&D plan that needs substantial funding. Consider it carefully, but if it succeeds, the company can establish a professional barrier…”
“I’m asking, what joke are you making?” Chen Boyu shot to his feet. “…Right when things are going strong, you want to split up with me?”
“Precisely because it’s on track now, anyone can do my job. Replacing me with someone who meshes better with you means the team won’t tear apart easily…”
“You’re unhappy I rejected the R&D department’s requests?”
“I’m not that petty. Boyu, you can think about it calmly too. To be honest, I now think friends partnering to start a business isn’t a wise decision. Because of the friendship, every decision feels constrained. I bet you feel the same…”
“There’s nothing to discuss.” Chen Boyu flicked his sleeve and left. “I won’t agree. No room for negotiation.”
Liang Jingchuan was not surprised by Chen Boyu’s reaction and did not expect a result right away. Today he just proposed the resolution, letting Chen Boyu digest it slowly.
Chen Boyu could not digest it.
Even after calming down for two days, he was still dominated by a deep sense of betrayal. He could only go vent to Chen Boyao.
Chen Boyao’s divorce proceedings with Yuan Qianyun had hit a stalemate. The company was also setting up an office in East City. He had been frazzled by these matters lately. Only for their father’s birthday did he make time to go home.
Clear Source Creation’s last round, led by Radiant Chess’s investment, had yielded impressive results. Their self-developed materials were paying off, with frequent breakthroughs this half-year. The CRDMO model was on track, and they were investing in their own GMP production line…
Chen Boyao had buried the hatchet with his younger brother and planned to participate deeply in the next round of financing.
As both shareholder and older brother, Chen Boyao was naturally the best confidant. After the birthday banquet ended, the brothers found a quiet spot to chat over tea.
After hearing the story, Chen Boyao pondered. “Jingchuan plays a big role. You should still try your best to keep him.”
“Bro, you know him. He doesn’t make decisions on a whim. Back when I pulled him in, I don’t know how many rounds of talks it took to convince him. If he’s saying he wants to leave now, it’s definitely not offhand.”
“What if you compromise a bit?”
“No use. He says it’s different work philosophies. Better to part amicably than explode in conflict later.”
“Has he found a new place?”
Chen Boyu shook his head. “I had people check. Plenty want him, but he hasn’t contacted any.”
“Jingchuan has a rather aloof personality. Working with friends probably does feel constraining. In terms of rank, you’re his superior; he has to follow your decisions. But because of the friendship, he can’t speak freely when he disagrees.”
“So what you’re saying, big bro…”
“If he’s determined to go, try to negotiate a win-win. You’re friends, after all; best to part on good terms. Pragmatically, you’re both in this field—cooperation might happen down the line.”
“How? If he goes elsewhere, we become competitors.”
“Competition and cooperation are relative.” Chen Boyao, being older and more experienced, had a longer view. “The biggest issue now is his leaving might affect your next valuation, so better early than late. Your field hinges on tech and results. Get a replacement in position soon for a smooth transition, minimizing losses.”
Chen Boyu nodded.
Chen Boyao patted his shoulder. “Don’t be so resistant. From what I’ve seen in cases, splitting early might not be bad. Later, when prepping for IPO or you want to cash out, Jingchuan holds plenty of equity and sway. Clashing then would be truly damaging.”
“Got it, bro. I’ll talk to him again.”
After business, they talked private matters. Chen Boyu asked Chen Boyao if things with Big Sis-in-Law were truly irreconcilable.
Chen Boyao just sighed.
“You and Big Sis-in-Law always had a good relationship. Actually…”
“It’s not that I must have kids. What gets me is she didn’t even try before giving up outright. Everything could have been discussed, but she was so resolute, like our years together meant nothing…”
Chen Boyu felt a stab and fell silent.
Lan Yan’s birthday was on March 3rd.
South City had clear weather for days; entering March brought the first signs of early spring.
Her birthday fell on a Monday, so the family said to celebrate a day early, Sunday night, so she could arrange gatherings with colleagues and friends on the actual day.
On Sunday daytime, Liang Jingchuan spent the whole day fooling around at Lan Yan’s place. In the evening, the two finally headed out to go home.
In the two weeks since they got together, Liang Jingchuan often stayed overnight at Lan Yan’s. When work was busy, he could not clock out on time every day. Sometimes he needed to pull all-nighters monitoring the lab, so he would go to her place first, grab a casual night snack together, then rush to the company.
They finally had a free weekend for both. Liang Jingchuan had been a bit rough on her, forcing some boundary-pushing words from her at the last moment, so much so that her face still looked off when they went out.
Liang Jingchuan walked behind Lan Yan, draping his arm over her shoulders like a train. He laughed. “Don’t be mad.”
“I’ll ignore you again and you’re a dog.”
“…Me?”
Lan Yan slanted him a glance.
“Fine, fine, I am. So what breed do you like?”
“…”
They walked to the entryway to change shoes. Lan Yan grabbed her keys, then thought of something and pulled open the drawer.
“Give me your key.” Her tone was icy.
Liang Jingchuan fished it out of his pocket and handed it over.
His apartment used a code lock; the keychain only held the building access card.
Liang Jingchuan saw her holding something and pried her fingers open, revealing two keychains: blue fish blowing bubbles.
“When did you buy this?”
“None of your business.”
Lan Yan attached the keychain, then brought up an old topic. “So what exactly is your profile picture?”
“High school National Day, we went to the aquarium. Remember?”
Lan Yan nodded.
“You were looking at the fish. A little boy nearby said, ‘Why is that gray little fish all alone in the rock? So antisocial…'”
“I remember now…”
Back then, Lan Yan glared at the boy. “How do you know it doesn’t like quiet, finds the school too noisy and annoying, so chose to be alone?”
She was fierce, her tone cold. The boy found her baffling and did not dare retort, pouting as he walked away.
“You stood there alone, looking at it for a long time. That day I finally understood why you always clashed with me.”
Lan Yan was stunned.
“But you forgot it.” Liang Jingchuan shrugged.
“I… I was probably just spacing out, not really looking at it.”
“It won’t blame you. African cichlids only remember 12 days; it doesn’t remember you anymore either.”
“…Thanks for remembering for me.”
“You’re welcome. It’s what I should do.”
Lan Yan couldn’t help but smile.
Liang Jingchuan saw her hang up the keychain, then removed a key from his own front door and strung it onto his keyring.
“…For me?” Liang Jingchuan’s lips curved slightly upward.
His memory was pretty good, so when she broke up with Chen Boyu back then, he remembered every single one of Chen Boyu’s long string of accusations against her clearly.
“…I don’t want to have to crawl out of bed at eleven next time to open the door for you.”
“Oh. Sorry.” He took the key, but there wasn’t the slightest hint of apology in his tone.
They went downstairs, and Liang Jingchuan drove Lan Yan home.
As they neared the front door, Lan Yan stopped in her tracks and turned to warn Liang Jingchuan, “Behave yourself at home.”
Liang Jingchuan smiled and said okay. His attitude wasn’t very serious.
Lan Junwen had rested for quite a while, but this time, because it was his daughter’s birthday, he insisted on cooking himself. By the time they entered, the house was already filled with rich aromas.
Liang Xiaoxia presented the birthday gift—a shawl-style jacket custom-made by one of her fashion designer friends. Spring days had big temperature swings between day and night, so it was perfect to drape over herself at work when it got cold. The collar could be buttoned up, and the sleeves had ties to keep them from dragging and getting in the way.
The fabric was thin and soft, a gentle gray-green that matched her tote bag perfectly. Lan Yan loved it and put it on right away.
Liang Xiaoxia beamed at her. “What did Jingchuan give you?”
“…He hasn’t given it yet.”
Liang Xiaoxia turned to Liang Jingchuan. “No preparation?”
“Left it at home.”
“What kind of memory is that.”
Liang Jingchuan smiled. “I’ll make a trip to Mend Orchid Studio tomorrow and bring it over.”
Lan Yan said, “No need to make a special trip. Just bring it next time you have the chance.”
“That works too.”
Lan Yan walked into the kitchen and chatted with Lan Junwen for a couple sentences, telling him not to make too many dishes—every time before, he’d made a full table and they’d ended up with leftovers. “You should eat less leftover food from now on. Best not to eat it at all.”
Lan Junwen smiled and said, “Got it. Just a few of your favorites.”
They soon sat down to eat. Lan Yan went into the kitchen to help serve the dishes. She carried out two plates, and Liang Jingchuan walked in too.
She shifted left, and he shifted left too; she shifted right, and so did he.
Lan Yan said in a low voice, “You stand still and don’t move.”
Liang Jingchuan smiled and stood in place. Lan Yan went around him.
Once all the dishes were on the table, everyone took their usual seats.
Lan Junwen had to strictly avoid tobacco, alcohol, meat, and pungent foods, so they all drank juice and raised their glasses to wish Lan Yan a happy birthday.
After eating for a bit, Liang Xiaoxia suddenly said, “Jingchuan, that Auntie Xie I mentioned to you last time—her daughter. I had dinner with them yesterday.”
“How was it?”
“She’s really pretty, and her personality is great too.”
Liang Jingchuan smiled. “Why are you so eager to play matchmaker for me this year?”
“You’re not exactly young anymore. I’m not saying you have to go on blind dates, but you should at least interact more with girls.” Liang Xiaoxia smiled at Lan Yan. “Yanyan, help persuade him?”
Lan Yan said, “Auntie is right. Why don’t you have dinner with her?”
Liang Jingchuan gave a half-smile. “Then you come along and vet her for me?”
“Sure.”
Liang Xiaoxia glanced at Liang Jingchuan, then at Lan Yan, still smiling as she said, “Then should I set it up?”
“I’m kidding. Mom, just tell them clearly—I have no interest. Don’t waste her time.”
“You’re right that you’re picky.” Liang Xiaoxia smiled. “After all, you have a benchmark like Yanyan right by your side, huh?”
Lan Yan’s heart skipped a beat. She looked at Liang Xiaoxia, who still wore that same beaming expression, nothing unusual about it.
After dinner, cleaning the kitchen was usually the job of the two youngsters, but this time Lan Yan was the birthday girl, so Liang Jingchuan did all the grunt work alone.
He rolled up his sleeves to wash the dishes when he heard footsteps behind him. He turned and saw it was Liang Xiaoxia.
She held an apple. Liang Jingchuan stepped aside to make room for her at the sink.
As Liang Xiaoxia washed the apple, she sniffed lightly. “You’re a boy—why use laundry detergent that smells this good?”
“…Bought it on impulse. Didn’t notice.”
Liang Xiaoxia didn’t say anything more and left after washing the apple.
By a little past nine, Lan Junwen prepared to wash up. Nowadays, he went to bed at ten. Even a minor surgery drained his vitality, not to mention his age.
“Yanyan staying over tonight?” Liang Xiaoxia asked.
“I made plans with Lu Ying to see a movie, then I’ll crash at her place.” Lan Yan noticed Liang Jingchuan glance at her.
“What about Jingchuan?”
“…Back to the company for something.”
“Then give her a ride on the way.”
Liang Jingchuan nodded.
Lan Yan grabbed her gifts and left with Liang Jingchuan.
In the stairwell, Liang Jingchuan couldn’t hold back and asked, “When did you make plans with Lu Ying?”
“Just now, while you were washing dishes.”
“…We’ve never gone to a movie together.”
“Who told you not to ask me.”
“…”
In the car, Liang Jingchuan tossed his phone to Lan Yan and told her to navigate to whatever theater.
“Stingy. You already occupy all my after-work time every day, and now you’re mad I want to see a movie with my best friend on my birthday.”
Liang Jingchuan said nothing.
Until the navigation announced “Navigation started,” when Liang Jingchuan glanced at the screen.
The destination was his house.
Lan Yan had already turned her face away, propping her arm on the car window, her shoulders shaking slightly with laughter.
“Fun playing me like that?”
“Yep.”