Chapter 047　 We're not having sex tonight.

  *

  Su Xian burst into laughter, so much so that she couldn't even focus on the movie and had to hit pause. Seeing Li Chengshi looking at her coldly, she quickly composed herself, sat in a poised, lady-like manner, and pressed play to continue the movie.

  "Hmph. Acting all well-behaved on the outside, but inside you're definitely thinking: 'You little puppy, just wait and see how I torment you once I've got you.' Right?" Li Chengshi was not fooled by the facade.

  Su Xian hurried to reassure him: "Don't overthink it. You're the boyfriend I've pursued the longest; I will definitely cherish you doubly."

  "So you pursued all three of your ex-boyfriends?"

  "I pursued the first two. The third one approached me first, and we hit it off immediately."

  "How long did it take to pursue Zhao Nanfeng?"

  "Two weeks."

  "Two weeks until you... got into bed?"

  "Yeah."

  "Quite fast," he couldn't help but remark sarcastically.

  "At first, I thought it was because I was irresistibly charming. Later I realized that was just the limit of his endurance."

  He took her hand and held it tightly. "It's all in the past. You're not allowed to be angry because of him anymore."

  "I won't be. From now on, my heart only has room for my puppy."

  "That's more like it."

  **

  Although the Heidi project was lost, Zhao Nanfeng already had some concepts in mind. He decided to complete the design anyway; after all, he had plenty of time now. Su Xian brought all his tools to the hospital. Aside from discussing work during visiting hours, he spent the rest of his time thinking and creating.

  It was as if he were pursuing a pure ideal. Ideas were constantly formed, discarded, and elevated to new realms.

  Every time Su Xian visited, she found something new. She would take the drafts he threw away back to the office and have Honda pin them to the wall in the reception area as decoration.

  **

  December 6th was Su Xian's birthday.

  On the way to work, she sang along to the radio the whole time. Li Chengshi laughed and asked, "Are you really that happy?"

  "Of course! My puppy knows I love money most and gave me 200,000 yen."

  "200,000 yen is only about 10,000 RMB. You already have so much money, why do you still act like you've never seen a windfall before?"

  "It’s different. These 200,000 are the most beautiful 200,000 in my account balance. Every night before I sleep, I'll be struck by how gorgeous they look when I check my balance!"

  He couldn't help but laugh out loud. "This time last year, you were stationed at the construction site. I wanted to take you out for dinner, but Lao Zhang said you were so busy things were chaotic and told me not to play with fire."

  "Yeah," Su Xian smiled. "Birthdays are at the bottom of my priority list. If I have time, I'll eat with people; if not, I don't even mention it."

  "You have time today, so I booked a restaurant in Odaiba. Let's take Honda with us. We can have Italian food while looking at the Rainbow Bridge. Is that okay? If you don't want to go, I can cancel."

  "An Italian restaurant in Odaiba... wait, is it the one famous for its ham?!" She had seen it on TV a few days ago and mentioned taking him there sometime.

  "That's the one."

  "How thoughtful," she poked his leg. "But don't tell Honda it's my birthday, or she'll feel like she has to prepare a gift."

  "Okay." He felt relieved because Lao Zhang’s original words had been: She doesn't like birthdays; she hates anything associated with parents or family.

  **

  The nurse said that starting today, Zhao Nanfeng could go outside for brief activities. However, the hospital in the busy downtown area had no courtyard, so Su Xian helped him take the elevator to the rooftop. He had lost a significant amount of weight, and his hair had turned quite gray—a result of the massive blood loss and impaired liver function. Once he fully recovered, it should turn black again.

  There were many patients airing themselves out on the roof. Su Xian helped him to a bench.

  The weather was lovely—a warm, gentle early winter day in Tokyo. A flock of pigeons flew across the sky.

  "The doctor said if all goes well, I can be discharged after New Year’s."

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  "Then behave yourself and recover. Don't go seducing the doctors and nurses." Su Xian noticed fresh bouquets in his room every day.

  Zhao Nanfeng rolled his eyes at her. "Do you think I have the 'capability' for that right now?"

  Su Xian looked at him and teased at the right moment, "To be honest, you're quite charming when you're devoid of desire."

  He rolled his eyes at her again.

  *

  Since there was no work to discuss today, the two suddenly realized they had little to talk about.

  Su Xian looked up at the thin clouds and unconsciously whistled a few notes.

  "Still not celebrating your birthday this year?"

  "Li Chengshi booked a restaurant. The three of us—including Honda—are going to dinner."

  "You're going just because he asked?"

  "He's different from you. You would only bluntly tell me to go back and reconcile with my family. He warms me up with careful gentleness."

  "I see... so that's better?"

  Su Xian didn't answer. "Why are you still using my birthday as your computer password?"

  "It's just a habit. The password for the seal drawer is Mio's birthday. Don't read too much into it."

  While the reason was a bit forced, she replied, "Okay."

  "You don't need to come every day when there's no work. I don't want Li Chengshi getting jealous."

  "Wow, it's rare to see you being so considerate of others. Then I'll let Honda come tomorrow."

  "Sigh, last time she came, she accidentally yanked my IV tube out."

  "Hahahaha..."

  **

  The famous ham wasn't actually that extraordinary, but as the three of them raised their glasses, clusters of fireworks rose up on the sea, framing the beautiful Rainbow Bridge. Su Xian felt as if this were a blessing for her birthday, and for once, she could accept it joyfully.

  After dinner, Honda left early to go shopping at a nearby mall.

  The two of them walked along the outer gallery to gaze at the scenery. The night breeze turned the tips of their noses red.

  "Are you cold?" Su Xian turned to face Li Chengshi and swung her trench coat open. "Do you want to come into Sister's embrace?"

  He said with feigned disgust, "Sister, you're so 'sleazy'."

  "Hmph." Su Xian closed her coat again.

  Just as she was about to turn back to the view, Li Chengshi stepped forward, lifted her chin, and kissed her unexpectedly.

  *

  Happiness came so suddenly that both felt a bit shy afterward. They resumed looking at the scenery, though their minds were wandering.

  "Uh, cough," Su Xian turned her head. "So, tonight?"

  "We're not having sex tonight." He was as firm as ever.

  "Hmph." She turned back. The fireworks had faded, but the Rainbow Bridge was stunning. Her serious, restrained puppy had moments where he couldn't help himself too. His restraint and his passion each had their own kind of beauty.

  From today on, birthdays were something worth looking forward to again.

  *

  A few days later, in the afternoon, an unexpected guest arrived at the office. It was Department Manager Sato from the Yasuda Group—now promoted to General Manager.

  When Su Xian first arrived in Japan, Zhao Nanfeng had taken her to visit him once. He had been too busy to talk then, and they hadn't been in touch since. His appearance was a delightful surprise for Su Xian. As Zhao Nanfeng had feared, many clients who were sensitive about their public image had abandoned them. Sato's personal visit was a massive show of support.

  The office was quiet and lonely, but Su Xian hosted him as warmly as possible. He had seen the news and heard that the three thugs were beaten badly by a female employee. He asked if that was her handiwork. Su Xian proudly claimed it, telling him she had studied boxing and Sanda (kickboxing).

  Sato was deeply impressed and invited her to join the marathon next March.

  Su Xian admitted that the last time she ran a full marathon was years ago, and she might not have the endurance anymore.

  Sato laughed heartily and said he was in the same boat. They agreed to participate together, and Sato said he would handle the registration. Later, he asked Su Xian to take him to the hospital to visit Zhao Nanfeng.

  He brought good news: Yasuda Group was planning a CSR project—a large-scale elderly care facility in rural Chiba. He intended to convince the board to continue collaborating with Zhao Nanfeng.

  Su Xian immediately bowed to Sato. Even though Zhao Nanfeng tried to remain composed, a look of genuine joy crossed his face. If they could participate in a large-scale public welfare project, ToWa Design's reputation would have a chance to slowly recover.

  **