ATLAS TRANSLATES

So, Zhao Binlin turned his head to look at Feng Ning again.

Before he could speak, Feng Ning obligingly said, “Sit down and talk, everyone is looking at you.”

Jiang Wen naturally continued feeding her porridge, but Feng Ning took the spoon, “I’ll eat by myself.”

Xi Gaoyuan finally reacted and plopped down across from them, “How long has this been going on?”

“It’s a long story.”

The others were still standing at the doorway peeking in. Zhao Binlin gave them a look, and several people moved to sit next to door amid playful shouts and pushing.

“Damn, you guys are really together?”

Jiang Wen: “What else?”

“Tsk, why does this still feel so unreal to me?” Xi Gaoyuan made a pained expression, “I raised this son for over ten years, how did he suddenly become someone else’s dog?”

This feeling of being teased by good friends felt both unfamiliar yet satisfying. Jiang Wen’s lips curved slightly.

Zhao Binlin called out loudly: “Jiang Wen finally made it, it wasn’t in vain—”

He caught himself after receiving a glare, almost letting something slip. He awkwardly changed topics, “Feng Ning, why aren’t you saying anything?”

“My throat hasn’t been feeling well lately.” She wasn’t very focused and didn’t notice anything unusual, pointing at her throat, “Sorry about that.”

“How strange, could it be because you’re dating now?”

Xi Gaoyuan leaned in closer, examining her, “Why do I feel like Feng Ning has become much gentler now?”

Feng Ning smiled.

They didn’t know about Feng Ning’s family situation, so they spoke freely. Jiang Wen pointed to the side, “You two.”

“Hm?”

“Go away.”

“What’s the rush? Can’t we chat with our sister-in-law?”

Zhao Binlin gave a meaningful look, “Sister-in-law, you’ve finally given our top student an official title. He’s always been sensitive, and these past two years he’s really been tortured by you until his heart nearly shattered.”

Feng Ning looked tired but played along with their jokes, saying seriously: “Don’t worry, I have super glue. If it breaks, I’ll glue it back together.”

Feng Ning had no appetite and was exhausted. She barely touched the porridge. Looking at the time, she took off her coat and gave it to Jiang Wen, “Go back to the dorm to change and get to class.”

“I’ll take a few days off to stay with you.”

Feng Ning pushed him, “I’ll call you if anything comes up, you focus on your studies.”

Jiang Wen glanced at her, “Your phone is on silent, you won’t get my calls.”

“Okay.” Feng Ning took out her phone and turned off silent mode in front of him, “Better?”

Jiang Wen was reluctantly satisfied.

Zhao Binlin couldn’t bear to watch him like this, whispering to Xi Gaoyuan, “Though Jiang Wen was slow to figure things out, once he started dating it’s like an old house on fire, burning wild and intense.”

“Right? Such a contrast.” Xi Gaoyuan was also a bit helpless, “You know how he usually acts like he’s doing people a favor just by speaking two extra words to them. Who knew he had another side in private, turns out he’s actually…”

He lowered his voice suggestively, “A little clingy one.”

The little clingy one Jiang Wen finally said goodbye to Feng Ning and left with Zhao Binlin and the others.

Feng Ning had never wasted food since she was young. Even though she had no appetite now, she persisted in finishing the porridge.

Just as she walked out, someone called from behind, “—Feng Ning.”

She turned around.

Pei Shurou smiled gracefully, “Can we talk?”

—

They went to a nearby boutique café. Pei Shurou was a regular here. She flipped through the menu and looked up to ask, “What would you like to drink?”

“Just order for yourself, I’ll have some warm water.”

Pei Shurou: “You don’t look well, how about some coffee?”

Feng Ning nodded, “Whatever is fine.”

“Don’t you have class?”

“I finished my art exam, so I have some free time now.”

Feng Ning made a sound of acknowledgment and took a small sip of coffee. The aroma was rich with a strong bitter taste. It was actually quite good. She put down the cup, “What did you want to talk about?”

Pei Shurou: “Just to chat.”

“Chat about what?” Feng Ning didn’t want to waste words or beat around the bush with her, “You want to talk about Jiang Wen?”

Pei Shurou asked unhurriedly: “Are you returning to school this year?”

Feng Ning thought for a moment: “Yes, probably.”

“…So you and Jiang Wen, you two are together now?”

“Yes.”

That was Feng Ning’s answer.

“Hmm, I can tell he really likes you.” Pei Shurou seemed lost in memories, “The first time I saw you was in first year of high school, when you and Jiang Wen were fighting over something in the classroom.”

Feng Ning actually had no memory of what she was talking about and said honestly: “Is that so? I don’t really remember.”

“Jiang Wen treated you differently from the beginning. Now that you’re together, as his friend, I’m happy for him.”

Pei Shurou moved elegantly, using a small spoon to stir her coffee. She met Feng Ning’s eyes, “I know this may not be the right time to say this, but in many ways, you and Jiang Wen, the two of you, may not be very suitable.”

Feng Ning nodded indifferently, “You’re right.”

“……”

Feng Ning’s expression was bland, “Is that all?”

Pei Shurou’s fine brows furrowed.

The coffee wasn’t very hot anymore. Feng Ning picked it up and gulped it down in one go. She grabbed a napkin and wiped her mouth, “Do you have anything else? If not, I need to go home and sleep.”

Slightly angered by her attitude, Pei Shurou’s expression changed slightly, “I know a bit about your family situation, single parent since childhood, and your mother passed away a few days ago, right?”

“Who told you?” Feng Ning paused and finally looked up at her, both amused and puzzled, asking: “You didn’t have someone investigate me, did you?”

Pei Shurou didn’t deny it.

Feng Ning shook her head lightly, purely finding it somewhat funny, “You think too highly of me.”

Pei Shurou let out a scoff. The meaning behind this laugh was easy to distinguish – it definitely wasn’t friendly. When she spoke, she habitually carried a sense of superiority, “I’m not looking down on you, but Jiang Wen was never meant to be with someone like you. He was born in the sunshine, his path has been paved by his family. Feng Ning, don’t drag him into your darkness, don’t be a stumbling block in his way.”

Feng Ning was tired of this kind of scene, saying mockingly: “First of all, I’m a person, not some rock. Secondly, does Jiang Wen need to photosynthesize? Why does he need so much sunlight? Can’t he live without it?”

“Are you always this comfortable being a burden to others?” Pei Shurou wasn’t annoyed by her sarcasm, “It seems you don’t know about Jiang Wen’s plan to repeat a year?”

There was about thirty seconds of silence before Feng Ning made a sound of acknowledgment, “Indeed, I didn’t know.”

“Now you do.”

Feng Ning nodded, thought for a few seconds, still maintaining complete composure, “Yes, I know now, so what? What do you want me to do? You want me to break up with him, not hinder his bright future, is that it?”

“Yes.”

“What’s your relationship with Jiang Wen, do you like him?”

“I’m his friend.” Pei Shurou paused, emphasizing, “A good friend who grew up with him since childhood.”

“Okay, you’re his friend, then let me ask you, what relationship do you have with me?”

Pei Shurou was stunned for a moment.

“Do I know you?”

Feng Ning looked at her clearly, “Since you’re just his friend, what right do you have to interfere in my business? You don’t want him to repeat a year, you want to save him, you hope he’ll return to the right path – then go talk to him directly. Why are you coming to me?”

“……”

Pei Shurou was left speechless.

“But since you came to find me, I’ll give you two pieces of advice.”

Feng Ning stood up and leaned closer to her, raising one finger, “First, mind your own business.”

Then, raising a second finger, “Second, take care of yourself.”

After saying this, Feng Ning efficiently gathered her things and stood up.

She went to the front desk to pay. She took the bill, glanced at it, left money for her coffee, and left.

Feng Ning planned to return to school in September, going straight into the third year of high school. She found part-time jobs for both day and night. One reason was because Qi Lan had borrowed some money while sick and she wanted to pay it back quickly, and second was because she didn’t want to let herself stop – as long as she kept busy, she wouldn’t have time to think about other things. Anyway, pain would gradually become numb and familiar with time.

Saturday night at Simple Sugar was crowded, and her phone rang several times before she could answer it. Finding a quiet moment during the busy period, she went to a quieter spot to return Jiang Wen’s call.

His voice sounded a bit stuffy, “I went to your house but didn’t see you.”

The third-year students at Qide only had Sundays off, most students only went home once a month, so there was no curfew on Saturday nights.

Feng Ning said: “I’m at work.”

“You’re not resting at home?”

“I’ve rested enough. If I don’t come out to work, should I just lie at home waiting to die?”

Jiang Wen was quiet for a moment, then said, “You could wait for me.”

Feng Ning laughed at his words, “Who taught you that? You’ve learned to make jokes now.”

“Is it at the previous bar? When do you get off? I’ll come find you.”

“No need to come, hurry back to school.”

Someone called out loudly for Feng Ning, and she held the phone away, “What is it?”

“There are some people at the front waiting to pay.”

“Okay, got it.” Feng Ning quickly said goodbye to Jiang Wen: “That’s all then, I’m busy right now, we’ll talk tomorrow if anything comes up.”

By two o’clock, there were far fewer customers in the bar. Tongtong had some free time and ran over to Feng Ning’s side, mysteriously saying, “There’s someone who’s been sitting outside for a long time, don’t know who they’re waiting for.”

“Let them sit, what’s so strange about that?” Feng Ning was wiping glasses, “Just another heartbroken person in this city.”

Tongtong gestured urgently, “No, it seems to be a high school student, super handsome. Xiao Xi and I have snuck peeks many times. We asked what he was doing, he said he’s waiting for someone.”

Feng Ning looked up, pausing her glass-wiping motion. She put things aside, “I’ll go take a look.”

This entire street was lined with bars, lively with voices at night, and the hanging signs all had warm-colored lights. Even at this late hour, it didn’t feel particularly desolate.

Feng Ning walked over step by step, standing in front of him, “Hey, handsome.”

Jiang Wen was wearing a white hoodie, staring at the wooden table in front of him, not even glancing at her.

Feng Ning reached out, using one finger to lift his chin, “Quite the temper, huh? Not talking to me?”

Jiang Wen’s chin was forced up, and he looked back at her.

They stared at each other for a few seconds.

Feng Ning had a slight smile, saying lightly, “Why are you sitting here without a word? Waiting for me to get off work?”

Jiang Wen still wouldn’t speak.

Feng Ning held his chin, wiggling it a couple times, “Gone mute?”

Jiang Wen lowered his head slightly, huffing angrily, and bit her finger.

Feng Ning’s fingertip felt wet, Jiang Wen’s tongue was soft. She tried to pull her hand back, but he wouldn’t let go.

“My hand is filthy.”

His eyelashes drooped slightly.

Feng Ning had to use her other hand to pinch his chin, “Alright, are you a dog? Stop biting.”

After a while of fussing, Jiang Wen let go, still angry, “You never tell me anything.”

“What, did you come all this way to fight with me?” Feng Ning ruffled his hair, “Wait a moment, let me tell the boss and I’ll come back to keep you company.”

Feng Ning took off her apron as she walked.

Several people had gathered at Simple Sugar’s entrance to watch, and Tongtong enviously said, “Damn, Ning, so that handsome guy was waiting for you?”

Feng Ning found their excitement amusing. She casually put her clothes aside, “He’s my friend, I’m going to talk to him for a bit, call me if it gets busy.”

“Go, go, go, what could possibly be busy now? Dating a handsome guy is most important.”

“Alright.” Just as Feng Ning was about to leave, Tongtong grabbed her, “Hey, hey, hey, by the way, what’s your relationship with this handsome guy?”

“It’s… the kind of relationship you’re thinking of.”

Feng Ning came out with a glass of bubble cocktail and sat down next to him.

Jiang Wen: “I don’t drink alcohol.”

“I mixed it myself, there’s no alcohol content, young master, please do me the honor of trying it.”

She rarely showed such consideration, so Jiang Wen reluctantly picked it up and took a sip.

“How does it taste?”

“It’s okay.” Jiang Wen put down the glass.

Feng Ning thought the situation had calmed down. But just two seconds into her relief, he started settling accounts: “If I hadn’t called you, how long were you planning to keep this from me?”

Feng Ning smiled sheepishly: “How am I keeping things from you? Didn’t I tell you as soon as you called?”

“Then why couldn’t you tell me on your own initiative?”

She admitted her fault: “Fine, my awareness wasn’t high enough.”

With her response like this, Jiang Wen couldn’t stay angry. After brooding for a while, he said, “If you need money, I can help you apply for a scholarship.”

Feng Ning’s expression was lacking, showing little reaction, “What, are you planning to have your family pull strings for me?”

Jiang Wen saw her mockery, “I’m serious.”

Feng Ning rested her chin on her hand, looking at him, “Perfect timing, let’s have a talk.”

“About what?”

“A few days ago, your friend came to see me. She said you’re planning to repeat a year?”

Jiang Wen’s expression changed slightly, and he didn’t immediately answer her question. After thinking, he asked, “Who told you?”

Feng Ning straightened up, surprised: “You actually really had this plan?”

Jiang Wen remained silent.

Feng Ning reached out, holding his head and shaking it back and forth.

He dodged backward, “What are you doing?”

Feng Ning gritted her teeth: “I’m shaking your head to see if there’s any water in there.”

Jiang Wen didn’t want to joke with her: “You want to stay alone in Nancheng?”

“What’s wrong with being alone?” Feng Ning became serious, “Don’t do this kind of thing for me, you have things you should be doing. Don’t act on impulse, everything can wait until after the college entrance exam.”

He acted nonchalant, “Even if I repeat a year, so what? The universities I could get into this year, I can still get into next year.”

“Then what’s the point of doing this?”

He blurted out: “To be with you.”

“I said, I don’t need that.” She sighed, looking at Jiang Wen calmly: “I don’t want you to be like this. I’m telling you very seriously, I don’t need anyone to accompany me. Don’t act on impulse, and for anything similar in the future, you must discuss it with me first. If there’s a next time, I’ll really be angry.”

Their relationship had been unequal from the start – he liked her, but she didn’t like him. Jiang Wen had been teased by her too many times, to the point where she always held onto one of his fragile nerves. As soon as Feng Ning spoke harshly, his emotions would immediately become unstable.

Jiang Wen’s breathing gradually became heavy, as if suppressing something, “So you just think I haven’t grown up, that I’m emotionally immature, that I have no ambition, is that it?”

Feng Ning controlled her temper, trying to soothe him: “I don’t think that way. I just want to discuss this matter properly with you. I don’t want to argue, please calm down.”

“Aren’t you worried I’ll forget about you when I go to university?” His voice carried a hint of anger.

Feng Ning made a wistful expression, “I’ll try my best to cope.”

“I know you won’t worry.” Jiang Wen said self-mockingly, “But I worry. I don’t want a long-distance relationship. I’m afraid you’ll forget about me, is that okay?”

Feng Ning: “?”

“You make me feel very insecure.”

“……”

Feng Ning let out a light breath, feeling drained, “Then what do I need to do for you to feel… secure?”

“I don’t know, just consider me being unreasonable.”

“Being unreasonable doesn’t mean you can skip the college entrance exam. How old are you to still be playing rebellious?”

Jiang Wen didn’t respond.

Feng Ning seemed to think for a moment. Suddenly, she moved.

Seeing her lean in, Jiang Wen instinctively tilted his head away.

Feng Ning placed her hands on either side of him, tilting her face up slightly, squinting as she examined Jiang Wen.

He pretended to be calm, his gaze wandering.

The blue lights reflected on his face. His eyes were clear, his nose defined, his lips thin – every feature was refined.

Just looking at this face could extinguish even the fiercest flames.

Suddenly feeling warmth on his lips, Feng Ning had kissed the corner of his mouth.

Jiang Wen’s expression froze slightly, still angry.

She tried to kiss, he tried to dodge.

After several attempts, he gripped her chin, his voice hoarse, “What are you doing, being a hooligan?”

Feng Ning’s eyes curved slightly, deliberately saying: “Kissing you, what, you don’t want it?”

“Forget it then.” Just as she was about to straighten up, almost instantly, Jiang Wen kissed her back.

His warm, soft tongue parted her lips, sliding between her teeth.

He closed his eyes, his long black eyelashes trembling rapidly, even his breathing somewhat urgent. Feng Ning kept her eyes open, watching him.

She suddenly broke into laughter.

Jiang Wen stopped, irritably opening his eyes. His dark eyes were covered with a layer of moisture, “What are you laughing at?”

“Study hard, okay? Don’t make me worry.”

Feng Ning moved closer, hanging onto Jiang Wen’s shoulders, her arms wrapping around his neck, “Did you hear me?”

He turned his face away, “No.”

Feng Ning kissed his earlobe, “How about now?”

“No.”

The kiss fell on his chin, “Now?”

“No.”

The kiss fell on his eyelid, “Now?”

“No.”

The kiss fell on his neck, “Now?”

“Feng Ning.” He grabbed one of her hands.

She was still smiling: “What?”

Jiang Wen lowered his head, mimicking her earlier actions, his lips touching her ear, “If you keep kissing me like this, I might not be able to control myself.”