The principal noticed her and cheerfully introduced her to Yi Zhuo: "This is Assistant Chang from our institution. She's from the same school as you—both of you went to the Central Academy of Fine Arts."
"Don't let her youth fool you; her skills are extraordinary. Truly a promising young talent..."
Chang Xuyu turned around, only to meet Yi Zhuo's eyes. Staring at his sharp features, she froze.
The man's brow bone was high and straight, his short hair neatly against his forehead. His thin lips were pressed together, pale in color. His face resembled an unmelted iceberg, carrying an inexplicable sense of distance.
It felt familiar, as if she had seen him somewhere before...
Hearing this, Yi Zhuo raised an eyebrow and took two steps closer to Chang Xuyu.
She instinctively stepped back, adjusted her glasses that were about to fall off, and said softly out of politeness, "What a coincidence..."
The man stopped, slightly leaning in to examine her.
She was 163 cm tall, but perhaps because she was so thin, she appeared especially petite before him.
Especially today, wearing a loose dark green sweater and jeans.
After a moment, Yi Zhuo suddenly laughed.
"Fate," he extended a hand. "Teacher Chang, a pleasure to meet you. I'm Yi Zhuo."
Chang Xuyu pressed her lips together, looked at the hand offered to her, thought it over, and finally shook it.
"Hello, Yi... Zhuo. I'm Chang Xuyu."
Although she didn't know the exact characters for "yi zhuo," it felt very familiar. Perhaps it was a well-chosen name—easy to pronounce and remember.
She let out a breath. Lifting her eyes inadvertently, she met the man's amused gaze.
...
After enduring until the end of her shift, Chang Xuyu locked the art room door and received a call from her mother.
"Xuyu, tomorrow's the weekend. I've arranged a blind date for you. Remember to come home!"
She frowned, remembering that Saturday there was a quiz at the art studio.
"Mom, I'm busy on Saturday..."
The phone erupted with displeased scolding: "Just ask for leave from your boss occasionally! You've been working for a few years and still don't know how to be flexible?"
Her mother was truly exasperated with her daughter. She hadn't supervised her much over the years, and Chang Xuyu was becoming more and more outrageous—all because of her aunt's influence! When she was little, she was so well-behaved. Thinking about it gave her a headache.
She should marry her off as soon as possible. Could a girl go without dating or getting married forever?
Another lecture ensued. Chang Xuyu pressed her lips together, hands in her pockets, listening as she walked.
The staircase was dark and silent, the only sound her own footsteps.
"Alright, you're twenty-four now. Some things I've said until your ears are calloused, but you still don't listen. Just remember to come back this weekend."
"Mm, I know."
She hung up, stood still, let out a long sigh, and decided to go eat some barbecue by herself.
When Saturday came, she had already asked for leave, bought a bunch of things, and took a cab home.
Her mother opened the door, beaming as she pulled her inside.
"Xuyu, let me introduce you. This is Yi Zhuo."
Hearing the name, Chang Xuyu was startled.
On the living room sofa, Yi Zhuo sat upright, wearing a dark overcoat. Seeing her, a hint of a smile appeared on his face.
"Fancy meeting you again, Teacher Chang."
She caught her breath.
*
End of January.
It was 4:30 in the morning. Chang Xuyu had a habit of getting up to drink water at night.
By the floor-to-ceiling window, a touch of frost slipped in with a chill. Cup in hand, she approached and took a slow sip.
Her parched throat found relief.
The man in bed, perhaps sensing her absence, frowned and opened his eyes. Catching sight of her silhouette, he felt a bit more at ease.
Then, a flannel blanket settled on her shoulders.
"It's cold at night."
His voice was hoarse, with a hint of post-coital satisfaction.
Yi Zhuo's palms were broad; they rested gently on the blanket, the warmth seeping through to warm her cold shoulders.
As their distance grew closer, Chang Xuyu took a deep breath, inexplicably nervous.
Although they had just ended an intimate encounter, this sober proximity made her uncomfortable.
She turned around, stepping away from him, and muttered a thank you.
Then she quickly finished her water, set down the cup, and got into bed.