Didn’t Expect That, Did You?

Don’t Forget I’m Here Too

Shao Cixin had a relatively quiet late-night meal with Wen Zhihan.

After eating, Shao Cixin yawned, feeling drowsy.

“Thank you for taking me out for a late-night meal today,” Shao Cixin said, yawning in the passenger seat with tears glistening in her eyes from the yawn.

Seeing this, Wen Zhihan softly asked, “Tired?”

Shao Cixin rubbed her eyes and nodded.

Wen Zhihan: “Then let’s go home and sleep.”

Shao Cixin nodded again, leaning her head back and looking out at the night view of Feng City.

Snow was still falling.

The quiet, luminous snowflakes floated down, landing under the streetlights, and disappeared into the light in a blink of an eye.

There was no sound of wind, no noise. Every household was engulfed in the darkness of night, peacefully asleep.

For some reason, Shao Cixin suddenly remembered the scene she saw when she opened the door earlier.

At that time, Wen Zhihan was looking up at the snow, then turned to look at her.

She smiled at her, a flawless smile.

Then she remembered their hands intertwined, the photo she showed Wen Zhihan, and the words Wen Zhihan had said.

— They lacked an agreement, while we… lacked affection.

A very realistic and clear-headed sentence.

Wen Zhihan had always known what she was doing, and understood the boundaries between them that shouldn’t be crossed.

Sometimes, being clear-headed is a form of rejection.

This was good.

Their agreement wasn’t broken. Shao Cixin didn’t have to struggle over a relationship, wondering how to handle changing emotions.

They were partners, friends, and that’s all.

Yet, she didn’t understand why there was a moment when she couldn’t bear it.

She couldn’t bear to look into Wen Zhihan’s eyes, couldn’t continue that clear-headed conversation.

She pinched her brow in exhaustion.

Perhaps she was just too tired and was having illusions…

She had indeed been very tired these past few days, because there was more than one performance to rehearse. With time pressing, she had to spend a lot of time rehearsing, even her rest time was taken away.

Fortunately, the New Year’s holiday was coming soon.

She decided that during the New Year she would sleep as long as she wanted!

Thinking of Wen Zhihan who had just finished work, she turned to look at her, “Are you tired? Don’t drive when you’re exhausted. Should we pull over and call a designated driver?”

Wen Zhihan just smiled, “It’s okay, I’m not tired.”

Shao Cixin hesitated for a moment, “Then I’ll keep you company.”

Wen Zhihan responded, “Alright.”

Shao Cixin could always come up with a topic, talking about the fun things she encountered during rehearsals.

Her tone was lively, making even the most mundane stories interesting.

Wen Zhihan was engrossed, only speaking once Shao finished.

“Just dancing and skits? No other performances?”

“Nothing else. This is all I can do.”

Shao Cixin adjusted her sitting position.

“I can’t possibly sing, right? I have some foundation in dancing, but singing, no way. Singing privately and performing on stage are two different things. If I don’t have the skills, I won’t take on the task.”^[1]

It wasn’t just that she couldn’t sing, even if she could lip sync she still wouldn’t want to do it.

She was tone-deaf. She couldn’t sing, and she didn’t want to use lip-syncing as a cover-up, only to become a laughingstock.

Anyway, she had other talents and didn’t need to force herself to do things she wasn’t good at.

“By the way, Wen Zhihan, did you know I can dance?”

“I did,” Wen Zhihan suddenly said, “I saw you dance in high school.”

Shao Cixin was taken aback and then remembered.

Their high school held an art festival every year where students could participate and perform any item. If selected, they could perform on stage during the festival.

She had danced on stage back then.

“You remember?” Shao Cixin was somewhat surprised.

She thought Wen Zhihan might have forgotten about it from so long ago.

Wen Zhihan gave a slight smile, “I remember.”

Back then, her close friend Xu Zhouzhou happened to be one of the student council members responsible for the program selection.

After the selections, Xu Zhouzhou eagerly praised Shao Cixin.

“Even though it was a short piece, her posture and everything was just perfect. Absolutely amazing.

“You must not miss her performance on the day of the art festival; I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!”

On the day of the art festival, just as Xu Zhouzhou had said, Shao Cixin didn’t disappoint anyone.

She danced under the spotlight, her expressions captivating, her movements graceful and composed, as if the world was under her command.

Back then, she shone so brightly, as if she was born for the stage.

So, it was no surprise to Wen Zhihan when Shao Cixin later became an actress.

“You danced beautifully,” said Wen Zhihan.

Though the compliment came many years late, she still wanted to express it.

Some people are inherently radiant, and no matter how much time passes, their brilliance will never be overshadowed.

They shine on stage, in life, and even deep within someone’s heart.

In Wen Zhihan’s heart, Shao Cixin was one of those people.

After all, following that art festival, the number of people pursuing Shao Cixin skyrocketed. Wen Zhihan even stumbled upon a few instances of people confessing their feelings to Shao Cixin.

Adolescent infatuations are full of naivety and fearlessness, innocent and pure.

Such affections may later turn into a passing breeze, occasionally rustling through one’s life, reminding them of the time they were deeply enthralled by someone.

So, who can say for sure that among those people, none saw Shao Cixin as the most dazzling ray of light during their youth?

Hearing the compliment, Shao Cixin lifted her head proudly, “Of course! Who do you think I am?”

Wen Zhihan, hearing her self-praise, could imagine the expression on her face even without seeing it.

It must be full of confidence and pride.

With a smile, Wen Zhihan steered the car towards home.

The annual Lunar New Year’s Eve arrived on schedule.

The entire Feng City was immersed in the festive atmosphere of the New Year.

Both the Wen and Shao families resided in Fengcheng. The families decided that this year they would celebrate New Year’s Eve and the first day of the New Year at the Wen residence and the following year at the Shao residence, making it lively.

Shao Cixin and Wen Zhihan planned to spend a few days with their families before returning to their own homes to continue their usual routines.

That evening, Shao Cixin finally finished her last recording.

She bid the staff farewell and saw that many of them were staying back for overtime. She asked Rong Ya to use her money to order something delicious for everyone, only leaving after everything was settled.

Today, she was supposed to be picked up by a driver from the Wen family. Lan Na mentioned that someone was sent to fetch her.

When the driver arrived and the car window rolled down, she realized who the driver was.

“Get in,” Wen Zhihan, sitting in the driver’s seat, said with a gentle smile.

Recognizing the face, a trace of unexpected joy leaped in Shao Cixin’s heart, the delight evident in her eyes.

She happily opened the passenger door, settled in, and buckled her seatbelt, “I’m really embarrassed to trouble CEO Wen to pick me up personally.”

“It’s my duty,” Wen Zhihan replied.

Shao Cixin adjusted her hair, “You always come to pick me up; it’s really embarrassing. Next time, I’ll—” She paused mid-sentence.

Ever since her rebirth, she hadn’t touched the steering wheel. She wasn’t sure if her trauma had dissipated. It would be bad if something happened, better to forget it.

“I’ll send my driver to pick you up,” she swiftly changed her words.

However, Wen Zhihan gently chuckled, “Cixin, I remember you can drive.”

The underlying message being, why didn’t she come to pick up Wen Zhihan herself?

Shao Cixin scratched her face, pondering for a moment, then said, “I can, but I’ve quit.”

Wen Zhihan, puzzled, “Quit?”

She had heard of quitting smoking and drinking, but this was the first time hearing about quitting driving.

“Why?” she asked out of curiosity.

Shao Cixin, hearing the question, turned to face her, imitating Wen Zhihan’s gesture, and gently swept up her long hair, “You don’t need to be curious about this.”

Wen Zhihan, somewhat perplexed, recognized the familiar sensation.

Shao Cixin excitedly asked, “How was it? Did I mimic you well?”

Wen Zhihan was amused, “Did I say that line?”

Shao Cixin: “You did.”

Wen Zhihan replied, “Did I?…”

She didn’t recall, but she’d accept she said it.

What she didn’t expect was for her words to be remembered by Shao Cixin for so long…

“We should head back; our parents are waiting for us.”

Both sets of parents had already become close friends.

Shao Cixin felt that it didn’t matter whether there were children around at home or not. After all, the older generation could entertain themselves. They never lacked participants for a game of mahjong.

After the reunion dinner and a bath, Shao Cixin went downstairs to watch TV with the parents.

Wen Xingyun specifically switched the TV to the channel that had invited Shao Cixin, preparing to watch his daughter-in-law’s program to celebrate the New Year’s Eve.

Shao Cixin was used to this. In previous years, her parents did the same. As a result, she had become more and more thick-skinned.

If her parents asked her to perform in front of relatives, she could now even perform a chest-smashing act without flinching^[2].

On the TV screen, performers dressed in festive red outfits were everywhere. The accompanying music was lively and filled with joy.

The atmosphere in the living room was wonderful, harmonious and full of warmth.

After a while, Wen Zhihan suddenly felt a weight on her shoulder.

She turned her head to find a drowsy junior sister.

Shao Cixin, having just finished recording her program, was exhausted. The moment she relaxed, she felt overwhelmingly sleepy.

Unintentionally, her head leaned against Wen Zhihan’s shoulder. She was struggling to keep her eyes open, wanting to sleep but not daring to, forcing herself to stay up with the family for the New Year celebration.

Seeing this, Wen Zhihan leaned over and whispered gently, “Cixin, are you tired? How about we go upstairs to sleep?”

Being already so sleepy, Shao Cixin found Wen Zhihan’s voice as gentle as a spring breeze, extremely soothing.

But she replied, “No, I need to stay with our parents for New Year’s Eve…” she said softly.

The sound of the TV drowned out their conversation.

Both families were engrossed in the program and didn’t notice the two women’s subtle interaction.

However, Wen Yu noticed. She wanted to care for Shao Cixin, but with Wen Zhihan in the way, she could do nothing but sit there feeling frustrated.

“It’s okay,” Wen Zhihan whispered to the nearly sleeping woman, “It’s okay if we’re not here. Wen Yu is here with the parents.”

Wen Yu, hearing this, was taken aback: “?”

Struggling to keep her eyes open, Shao Cixin said, “You make a good point…”

Wen Zhihan: “Then let me accompany you to sleep.”

Shao Cixin: “Alright…”

Wen Zhihan then took her hand and stood up, addressing both sets of parents, “Mom, Dad, Cixin and I are going to bed first. She’s very tired today. Please let Wen Yu accompany you tonight.”

Seeing their daughter struggling to stay awake, Shao Heng and his wife quickly told them to rest, feeling relieved and glad to see their strong bond.

Wen Xingyun and his spouse had no objections and readily agreed.

Joanna even thoughtfully turned down the volume of the TV.

“Rest well. We have Wen Yu with us,” Wen Xingyun said.

Wen Yu was completely speechless.

So, am I just a tool for you two to show off your love?

Back in the room, Shao Cixin lay on the bed.

The overpowering sleepiness made her mumble, “Wen Zhihan, you don’t really need to be with me…”

Wen Zhihan smiled gently, covering her with a blanket, “If I didn’t accompany you, you’d feel bad about coming up to sleep alone, wouldn’t you?”

Shao Cixin, always valuing family ties, wouldn’t want to let her parents down.

And this being the first New Year since their families were united, it was important to maintain face. If she had to go upstairs to sleep by herself in front of Wen Xingyun and his wife, she certainly wouldn’t want to.

Shao Cixin was surprised yet not too shocked that Wen Zhihan was so considerate.

Wen Zhihan always was a thoughtful person…

“Wen Zhihan, you’re so good,” Shao Cixin murmured with closed eyes, “If you like someone, she definitely won’t be able to escape you…”

Her voice faded as she spoke, and she soon fell asleep.

Wen Zhihan sat on the edge of the bed, silently watching her serene face.

Gently brushing Shao Cixin’s long hair, she whispered, “Cixin, I’m not as good as you think I am.”

Shao Cixin slept soundly and woke up in a good mood the next day, ready to greet the new year.

In order to be a good sister-in-law, she had even prepared a red envelope for her younger sister-in-law.

— Money wasn’t the issue; as long as it vexed that despicable woman, it was worth it!

However, early in the morning, she stumbled upon the Wen sisters engaged in an unpleasant conversation.

The topic mainly revolved around Wen Yu not wanting to work, and Wen Zhihan was responsible for refuting her desire to abstain.

The conversation ended on a sour note, with both parties showing their displeasure.

Wen Zhihan turned and went inside.

Wen Yu, not wanting to follow her sister, turned to go in another direction. Then, unexpectedly, she saw Shao Cixin not too far away and immediately lit up with joy: “Cixin!”

Upon realizing she had been spotted, Shao Cixin confidently approached, continuing on her path of showing concern.

She first pushed the red envelope into Wen Yu’s hands: “Here, younger sister-in-law, this red envelope is from your sister-in-law.”

She then raised her hand, hovering it over Wen Yu’s shoulder, and gave it an air pat.

She then spoke in a comforting tone: “If your sister doesn’t like you, it’s okay. Don’t forget I’m here too.”

Wen Yu’s eyes sparkled slightly.

Shao Cixin said, “And I don’t like you either.”

Wen Yu: “…”

You really have a unique way of comforting people.

The author has something to say: Today, [she’s] still the considerate sister-in-law.

Have you learned [something]?

1. ^[1] “If I don’t have the skills, I won’t take on the task” (Chinese: 没这个金刚钻，就没必要硬揽这个瓷器活): This is a colloquial expression meaning “If you don’t have the right tool, don’t take on the task.” In this context, Shao Cixin uses it to say that if she doesn’t have the talent for singing, she won’t take it up, especially for a public performance.
2. ^[2] The act of “chest-smashing” is probably a figure of speech, meaning she can confidently perform any act without feeling embarrassed or pressured.

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