Sheng Chenjin's fingers were slender, with well-defined joints and smooth skin, possessing a warm touch.
After wiping his hands, Sheng Chenjin put the tissue away and then placed Shi Xinxin's hands on his face.
Shi Xinxin: "......"
A scene suddenly flashed in her mind.
They were nestled together on the sofa, his hand resting on her head, while she leaned on his shoulder, watching a movie on television together.
The plot on screen had reached its most exciting part.
Yet, the two of them were laughing brilliantly beside it.
A prickle of sadness welled up in Shi Xinxin's nose.
"Brother Chen, thank you."
"What for? Do we need to be polite with each other?" Sheng Chenjin's lips curved into an arc, "You rest well now. I'll go buy some congee and bring it to you later."
"En, thank you."
After Sheng Chenjin left, Shi Xinxin closed her eyes, forcing herself to fall asleep.
Sheng Chenjin had left, but Shi Xinxin hadn't fallen asleep.
She lay on the bed, her mind filled with Sheng Chenjin's figure and face.
She didn't know why she thought of him, and even when she missed him, she would inexplicably feel like crying.
But no matter how hard she tried, tears refused to fall from her eyes.
Sheng Chenjin, you don't know... how much I like you.
How much I love you.
......
Sheng Family Mansion.
As soon as Sheng Chenjin returned to the villa, he heard Mrs. Sheng's voice, "Ah Jin, why are you only returning now? Do you know your phone has been ringing off the hook?"
"Mom, what is it?"
Sheng Chenjin asked as he walked towards his room.
"It's Xiao Yao. She said something about you going shopping today..."
"Mom, I know. Aren't I back now?"
"You child! Haven't you sorted things out with Xiao Yao yet?"
Mrs. Sheng's tone was somewhat stern, "Xiao Yao has sacrificed so much for you over the years. She even delayed her studies for you! And you, you've been playing hide-and-seek! Now you're still going to find that woman?"
Mrs. Sheng became more agitated as she spoke.
"You don't need to concern yourself with my affairs," Sheng Chenjin replied indifferently.
"I wouldn't want to, but your father..." Mrs. Sheng sighed, "He's already urging you to marry Xiao Yao."
"Mom, I have my own plans for marriage," Sheng Chenjin's tone grew even colder.
"What plans do you have!" Mrs. Sheng exclaimed in exasperation, "Don't you know how much Xiao Yao likes you? How can you just give up like that!"
"Mom, please don't force me," Sheng Chenjin frowned, "I will resolve the matter between Xiao Yao and me myself. That's all."
With that, he walked straight into the room.
Mrs. Sheng watched Sheng Chenjin's retreating back, shaking her head in disappointment.
Sheng Chenjin returned to his room and sat on the bed, looking out the window.
His gaze was somewhat vacant.
For some reason, he felt something was not quite right.
But what exactly was wrong?
He couldn't quite figure it out for the moment.
......
As Sheng Chenjin walked onto the balcony, he happened to see Shi Xinxin coming down from another building.
Sheng Chenjin immediately went to greet her, "Xinxin, why did you come down?"
"I..." Shi Xinxin bit her lip, "I'm hungry."
"Oh, I'll cook," Sheng Chenjin said, "What do you want to eat? Sweet and sour pork ribs, or boiled fish? Or stir-fried pork with vegetables? Or something else?"
"I don't want any of that," Shi Xinxin pouted, "I want to eat the food you make."
Sheng Chenjin's expression changed.
He looked at Shi Xinxin, silent for a long moment, and finally said, "Alright, whatever you want to eat, I'll make it for you."
"Really?"
"Of course."
"Then... I'll trouble you."
"It's nothing." Sheng Chenjin turned and walked towards the kitchen.
Watching Sheng Chenjin's retreating figure, a hint of bitterness appeared in Shi Xinxin's eyes.
She didn't understand why she felt so miserable, but... she didn't want him to know what was making her miserable.
Because she was afraid she wouldn't be able to control herself and tell him how much she liked him.
"I will not treat you as a substitute for anyone."
Shi Xinxin secretly made up her mind, yet still felt a sense of unwillingness in her heart.
She was unwilling to lose like this to another woman.
Unwilling to be overshadowed.
Shi Xinxin vowed in her heart: she would make everyone look at her with new eyes.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
One noon, Sheng Chenjin and Shi Xinxin were eating in the living room when the doorbell rang.
Sheng Chenjin went to open the door.
"May I ask who you're looking for?"
"Hello, is this Sheng Chenjin's home?"
"Yes."
"Hello, I'm Shi Xinxin's classmate. Is Shi Xinxin at home?"
"Xinxin isn't here. I'm Shi Xinxin's friend," Sheng Chenjin said.
"Oh..." The other person sounded disappointed, "Then is she home?"
"She should be," Sheng Chenjin said, "Why don't you come in and sit down?"
"Okay, thank you."
The person walked inside.
"Please have some tea."
"No need to be so polite."
"No need to be so polite."
Shi Xinxin narrowed her eyes upon seeing the visitor.
"Hello," Shi Xinxin extended her hand first, "What's your name?"
"My name is Su Man, I'm your high school classmate."