Volume One, Chapter 2: Shen Nianchi, Have You Really Started Dating?

In the dead of night, Wen Zhi awoke from her sleep and took a shower, only then remembering she had forgotten to return Qin Yi’s call.

She picked up her phone from the nightstand; the lock screen showed over ninety-nine WeChat messages. Opening them, she found every single one was from Qin Yi.

They were all about Shen Nianchi’s rumored romance. Suddenly, she felt she couldn’t breathe, her eyes reddened, her heartbeat faltered, and her fingertips unconsciously slid across the chat screen until she came upon a photograph. Wen Zhi’s gaze flickered to the red thread around her wrist, then to the photo on her phone.

The girl in the photo wore a red thread on her wrist as well.

The thread was identical to hers… The clothing matched what she wore that day, back turned to the camera, face unseen.

Her fingertips trembled as she gripped her phone tightly, taking a deep breath, murmuring uncertainly to herself, “Is the person in the photo… me?”

Wen Zhi lowered her eyes and stared at the red thread on her wrist, gently brushing it with her fingers. It was Shen Nianchi’s eighteenth birthday gift to her, adorned with a golden bead.

The photo was pushed up by three new messages.

Qin Yi: [It’s been half an hour, and Shen Nianchi’s studio hasn’t denied anything. Before, they’d refute rumors in three seconds flat. This romance must be real.]

Qin Yi: [There’s no clear photo of the face, I’m dying to know who that girl is! There’s not a shred of information about her online!]

Qin Yi: [I won’t ask you out tonight. Get some rest. See you tomorrow night—there’s a surprise.]

Wen Zhi pressed her lips together, fingers typing rapidly, deleting and rewriting, finally sending only five words.

Wen Zhi: [Hmm, probably fake.]

Qin Yi didn’t reply. Wen Zhi glanced at the time—midnight. He should be home by now?

This time, the paparazzi’s photos were especially clear. Though Wen Zhi’s face was hidden, the atmosphere in every shot was palpable: the two of them moved like lovers deeply in love.

The photos were skillfully captured.

Perhaps that was why no official denial had come yet; only statements from the two involved would be convincing.

He hadn’t come—was he afraid of disturbing her rest?

Wen Zhi speculated as she put down her phone, opened the door, and stepped out. She saw light and voices from the stairwell and hesitated a few seconds before heading downstairs.

Standing at the foot of the stairs, she discovered that besides Shen Nianchi, there were two strangers seated on the sofa. Hearing her approach, all eyes turned to her.

The air fell abruptly silent, the atmosphere subtly awkward.

The man in the single armchair was the first to break the silence, his tone full of surprise: “Shen Nianchi, you really are dating someone?”

No wonder he chose to let things cool off this time!

He’d finally let himself feel, finally bloomed after years of being stone-hearted!

Shen Nianchi’s brows furrowed slightly as he turned to the two, “Let the trending topic cool off. It’s late—you should see yourselves out.”

His intent was clear—a dismissal.

The woman on the sofa suddenly stood, preparing to approach Wen Zhi, but Shen Nianchi rose and blocked her, finally unable to help laughing, “Already so protective?”

“You two should leave,” Shen Nianchi said coldly.

The pair exchanged glances, unfazed, and walked toward the entryway.

When the door closed behind them, Shen Nianchi turned to look at Wen Zhi standing at the stairs. She wore pale blue velvet pajamas, her hair in a bun, barefoot on the floor, one hand gripping the banister as though afraid she might stumble.

He glanced at her feet, his brows knitting tighter, and walked toward her.

His face, clear and close, filled Wen Zhi’s view; her breathing grew shallow, yet she couldn’t help but stare at him.

He hadn’t denied the other’s words just now—what did that mean?

“Are you cold?” Shen Nianchi’s voice was gentle, his tone a deep cello that stirred the heart, though his eyes were chillingly cold.

Wen Zhi paused, stepping forward and feeling the cold floor beneath her feet.

This time, she dared not look up into his eyes; her heart thudded wildly, breath ragged, ears burning hot.

Biting her lower lip, she murmured, “I’m fine…”

No sooner had she spoken than Shen Nianchi scooped her up, carrying her to the sofa.

She instinctively clung to his neck, her face pressed against his shoulder, her heart beating so fiercely she feared it might burst from her chest; she could hear his faint, rough breaths close by.

Wen Zhi dared not look at him; he seemed a little angry…

Shen Nianchi lowered his gaze to Wen Zhi sitting on his lap, cupping the back of her head to force her to meet his eyes. His lips moved, voice hoarse, “Where are your shoes?”

“Huh?” Wen Zhi blinked, not understanding.

“Your shoes!” he repeated.

“I just showered—I forgot to put them on…” she said softly.

Shen Nianchi’s brows tightened further as he grabbed a nearby blanket and draped it over her feet.

It was over ten degrees below zero that night, the floor heating wasn’t on, and she was barefoot?

Was she not cold?

She’d been like this since childhood, always catching colds, making him worry endlessly.

“Do you want to get sick?”

“I’m sorry, I don’t…” she said, her tone bordering on a plea.

Shen Nianchi raised his brow, leaned in, his lips nearly touching hers.

Wen Zhi cried out in alarm, instinctively pressing her hand against his mouth, “Don’t!”

Her voice was tinged with panic.

Shen Nianchi arched an eyebrow, his lips curling with amusement, “Don’t what? Hmm?”

Wen Zhi lowered her eyes, her hand dropping, fingers nervously twisting her clothes, cheeks flushed crimson. She wanted to say she’d misunderstood, but couldn’t bring herself to, afraid he’d notice something. So she changed the subject, “Should I post something to clarify the trending rumor?”

“There’s no need. Just ignore it.”

His voice was gentle, with not the slightest intention to clarify.

Wen Zhi was stunned, but quickly recovered. Their relationship was that of siblings; they’d agreed to draw a clear boundary. She had to remember her place—it was best to clarify, to end her secret crush once and for all.

After a moment’s silence, Wen Zhi said, “It’s better to clarify, since we’re… siblings…”

At her words, Shen Nianchi’s gaze darkened, his voice faint, “No blood relation… What kind of siblings are we, hmm?”

“…”

“Shengsheng?”

Wen Zhi’s breath hitched, unsure how to respond.

Both fell silent, the atmosphere growing awkward.

Wen Zhi lowered her eyes, long lashes hiding her emotions. Inside, she was in turmoil—what was wrong with him tonight?

After a long time, Shen Nianchi restrained his expression, a hint of complexity in his gaze, and spoke, “Shengsheng hasn’t contacted her brother for four years, never replies to his messages. She’s grown up and doesn’t want her brother anymore.”