Chapter 98

Zhenzhen stared blankly with wide eyes, and Zhang Renzhe turned to ask Xi Junjie, “Are you willing to pay her debt for her?”

Xi Junjie rubbed his nose. “Since it’s Zhenzhen’s debt, of course I have no problem.”

Zhenzhen finally came back to her senses and began pounding her chest and stomping her feet. “Sir, you’re way too sneaky!”

“Not at all. People as generous as me are rare these days,” Zhang Renzhe pointed at the jar of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup. “I’m not asking for much—just come to my house every two weeks and make me a pot of this soup. I’ll provide all the ingredients, just need your cooking skills. Deal?”

Xi Junjie smiled. “If sir likes it, I’d be happy to cook it for you often.”

Looking at the smug expression on Zhang Renzhe’s face, Zhenzhen couldn’t help but complain, “Weren’t you the one always telling me to eat healthy, cut down on meat, and live to a ripe old age?”

Zhang Renzhe put on an innocent face. “Cutting down on meat doesn’t mean not eating it at all. There’s meat in medicinal soups too. Worst case, I’ll give those up and just eat this.”

“You’re really not acting like a proper doctor,” Zhenzhen sighed and asked, “Is food really that important to you?”

“Shouldn’t you ask yourself that? Who’s the one always showing up at my place with wild rabbits and pheasants to grill?” Zhang Renzhe shot back, and seeing Zhenzhen shrink in defeat, he smugly let her off the hook and turned to Xi Junjie. “I’m having some old friends over for dinner this Sunday. Make sure to prepare a pot of that soup in advance for me.” He passed over paper and pen. “Write down everything you need. If I don’t have something, I’ll need to buy it. Can’t let dinner be ruined.”

Xi Junjie immediately took the pen and wrote down all the ingredients. Zhenzhen poked Zhang Renzhe. “Let’s get something straight. Junjie cooking for you is fine, but you’re not allowed to tell Mr. Wangwo, Mr. Su Weiran, or Mr. Xie Shurang that my boyfriend made it. Otherwise, I’m afraid Junjie will end up ‘repaying debts’ at everyone’s house.”

Hearing the names come out of Zhenzhen’s mouth, Grandma Xi and Ling Xiulan were both quite stunned. They had already been wondering how a young girl from another province had connections with Zhang Renzhe, a national treasure-level doctor that even officials couldn’t easily befriend. Now hearing her mention names like the country’s first Nobel laureate in literature, a master of Chinese painting, and a Peking opera maestro—each a giant in their field—it was clear Zhenzhen knew them well.

“I’ll definitely keep it a secret,” Zhang Renzhe said, suppressing a laugh. “But once they taste it, I bet they’ll all come to my house to steal my soup. Junjie will have to make me two more pots to make up for it.”

“You’re shameless,” Zhenzhen said, speechless.

Zhang Renzhe laughed heartily. “Otherwise how could I be your teacher?”

Grandma Xi put down her teacup with a smile. “Did Zhenzhen also receive guidance in painting from Master Su Weiran? No wonder she can paint so well at such a young age.”

“Mr. Su has taught me,” Zhenzhen smiled, knowing people would be curious about how someone like her came to know so many esteemed figures. She cast a glance at Zhang Renzhe for help. He immediately offered the backstory they had agreed on earlier. “A while back, a few of us old men were swimming in a lake in the outskirts, being stubborn about aging. But halfway across, we all cramped up. Zhenzhen happened to pass by and saved us.”

As he refilled everyone’s tea, Zhang Renzhe sighed. “Don’t be fooled by her youth—Zhenzhen is a lifesaver to us old geezers.”

Zhenzhen gave an awkward laugh. “Just a coincidence, really. Let’s not talk about it anymore, I’m embarrassed.”

Seeing that she truly didn’t want to dwell on it, Grandma Xi and Ling Xiulan tactfully didn’t ask further. Glancing at the time and realizing they’d stayed quite a while, they stood to take their leave. “We’ve troubled you enough, sir. Thank you so much.”

“No need to thank me. We’re family now,” Zhang Renzhe waved casually. “Bring Grandma back in a month to check her pulse again. If anyone at home feels unwell, just come over—no need to treat me as an outsider.”

After more thanks, they finally put on their coats and prepared to leave. Zhenzhen looked at Zhang Renzhe. “Want me to stay and have lunch with you?”

“No way,” he refused immediately. “You’ll eat half my soup. I’m not falling for that. Get going.”

“Hmph, I’ve got some at home too,” Zhenzhen grumbled as she got dressed. Just as she stepped outside, she remembered something, took a rolled-up newspaper from her pocket, and shoved it into his hand. “Almost forgot. You’re out of liquor—this is for infusing.”

“What is it?” Zhang Renzhe mumbled as he unrolled the paper. A wild ginseng root fell out. Seeing its scraggly, fragile tendrils, Zhang Renzhe’s face twisted in pain. He dashed to the door, flung it open, and shouted after her, “You wasteful child!”

Zhenzhen waved without turning back and casually shut the door.

Since Grandma Xi rarely went out, Ling Xiulan had her stay over for two days—one reason was to let Junjie cook her medicinal meals, and the other was just to help her relax.

Junjie took the recipe and went to the kitchen. Grandma Xi reclined in her chair and sipped tea. “Zhenzhen is a lucky girl. Every year many people fall into water, but she comes to the capital and rescues a whole group—each one a famous figure. That means she brings good fortune, blessed from birth.”

Ling Xiulan was knitting a sweater. As she smoothed the yarn, she said, “I just learned she knows so many people. She really knows how to keep things to herself. That’s a good trait—not flighty.”

“Junjie used to be so quiet and indifferent to everyone. But since dating Zhenzhen, he’s opened up. I haven’t seen him without a smile all morning,” Grandma Xi put her cup down and adjusted the blanket over her lap. “You can tell he truly likes her.”

“And Zhenzhen genuinely cares for Junjie too. If they weren’t still in school, I’d be thinking about their wedding already,” Ling Xiulan said as she picked up the half-finished sweater and showed it to Grandma Xi. “Mom, I’m knitting this for Zhenzhen. What do you think?”

She had picked a creamy wool yarn since she knew Zhenzhen liked light colors, and added a simple yellow chrysanthemum pattern. Ling Xiulan had lived in France for years and had a strong fashion sense. She designed it to be mid-length with a cinched waist.

“It looks lovely,” Grandma Xi nodded approvingly. “You’ve got good taste and skill—it’s bound to turn out great.”

“I want to finish it before New Year’s,” said Ling Xiulan. “She can wear it under a coat in spring.”

With a smile, Grandma Xi added, “Zhenzhen is thoughtful, and you’re kind. You two will surely get along well.”

“I only have Junjie. Whoever he likes, I’ll like too—especially since Zhenzhen is so lovable.” Ling Xiulan suddenly laughed. “Mom, you don’t know—Junjie used to always have a poker face. I worried he’d never find someone to love. But after meeting Zhenzhen, he smiles more than anyone. I really worried for nothing.”

“Our kid’s a good one,” Grandma Xi said. “Where else can you find someone this young who cooks for his parents and grandma? Not easy to find.”

The two women praised Junjie and Zhenzhen for a while. After about an hour of rest, Junjie had lunch ready. He served the remaining jar of soup from the morning, and added a nourishing broth, chicken-braised shredded tofu, and a dish of vegetables in superior stock—meat, veggies, and soup, just enough for three people.

After lunch, Grandma Xi and Ling Xiulan went for a nap. Junjie quietly dressed and slipped out. After about five minutes by the river, he saw Zhenzhen’s head peek out from behind the gate, wrapped in a thick down coat. He reached out with a smile, and as soon as her small hand touched his, he clasped it tightly and pulled her into a run. They didn’t stop until they reached a quiet spot.

“This feels like we’re eloping,” Zhenzhen laughed, eyes curving as she covered her mouth. Xi Junjie glanced around, and seeing no one nearby, quickly kissed her on the forehead. “No way. For a girl as beautiful as Zhenzhen, I’ll bring an entire bridal procession to marry you properly.”

“Oh my, sweet-talker today?” Zhenzhen pinched his chin. “Let me see—did you have honey before you left?”

“Half a jar,” Junjie whispered in her ear, then leaned in near her lips and winked flirtatiously. “Want a taste?”

Zhenzhen leaned back a little, looking at him with suspicion. “Why do you seem a bit thick-skinned today? Not like your usual red-eared self.”

Just as she finished speaking, she saw Xi Junjie’s ears turn red at a speed visible to the naked eye. She burst into laughter. Embarrassed and angry, Xi Junjie dragged Zhenzhen into a deserted alley, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her deeply.

His kiss was passionate with a hint of clumsiness, fervent yet shy. He kissed her lips and tongue over and over, as if tasting the sweetest honey in the world. Zhenzhen was swept up in his intensity. She wrapped her arms around his neck, stood on tiptoe, and responded eagerly to his kiss. They finally pulled apart, breathless, after what felt like an eternity.

Xi Junjie kissed her again lightly on the lips, satisfied, holding her in his arms with a tender smile. Zhenzhen lay against him, gently brushing his Adam’s apple with her finger. “Why do I feel like you missed me a lot?”

“I did miss you a lot,” Xi Junjie said, kissing her forehead. “It’s been ages since we went out together, just the two of us.”

“This is what you call taking me out to have fun?” Zhenzhen looked up at him suspiciously. “Feels more like you want to spend the whole afternoon in this alley.”

“You saw right through me.” Xi Junjie sighed with mock regret, then chuckled and patted her head. “Come on, I’ll take you somewhere fun.”

Caught off guard, Zhenzhen was once again pulled along as Xi Junjie ran out. They reached a bus stop, and just as they got there, a bus arrived. He bought two tickets, and they found seats in the last row.

There weren’t many people on the bus, just a few scattered in the front. In the back, it was only the two of them. Looking at the girl beside him, Xi Junjie smiled and slyly brushed his finger against Zhenzhen’s palm. As she turned to look at him, he held her hand.

The bus stopped at the Forbidden City. Xi Junjie bought tickets, and they entered together. On a winter afternoon, the vast palace was nearly empty. Even the patrolling staff stayed indoors to avoid the cold. Aside from them, not a single soul was in sight.

“The Forbidden City—the imperial palace of the past.” Xi Junjie took off his backpack, pulled out a film camera, quickly removed the lens cap, and before Zhenzhen could react, clicked the shutter, capturing the blue sky, white clouds, thick snow, majestic palace, and the girl’s radiant smile in one frame.

“Ah! I wasn’t ready. What if it came out ugly?” Zhenzhen reached out to check the photo, only to remember that this was a film camera—no instant preview.

“Oh come on, how could a pretty girl like you even worry about looking ugly?” Xi Junjie grinned at her flattered expression and added cheekily, “Me, on the other hand—I never worry. I look good from every angle.”

Zhenzhen’s smile froze. She turned to him. “Are you saying you’re better-looking than me?”

“Isn’t that what you said before?” he replied with mock innocence.

“You’re asking for it.” Zhenzhen quickly crouched down, made a snowball, and threw it at him. Xi Junjie tried to dodge coolly, but the snowball hit him squarely on the back of the head like it had eyes.

Seeing his stunned expression, Zhenzhen laughed so hard she bent over. “I grew up in snow—I never lose a snowball fight.”

Xi Junjie set down his camera and bag, made a snowball and threw it at her. They started chasing each other across the square in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, snowballs flying back and forth. Soon, Xi Junjie was covered in snow.

“I give up! I give up!” he bent over, gasping with laughter. “Your Majesty the Snow Queen, I concede defeat.”

Zhenzhen ran over and jumped on his back. As she wrapped her arms around his neck, his legs gave out, and they both tumbled into the thick snow.

Wearing warm down jackets, lying in the snow didn’t feel cold at all. Zhenzhen propped her head with one hand and pinched Xi Junjie’s cheek with the other. “Why’d you fall? Am I too heavy?”

“Yeah, yeah, maybe you’ve been eating too much meat lately,” he teased, grinning, letting her do as she pleased with his face.

Zhenzhen made a fierce face and grabbed both his cheeks. “Are you calling me fat?”

“Hahaha! Do you know how cute you are when you make that face?” Xi Junjie suddenly hugged her tightly, and Zhenzhen toppled onto him.

Their eyes met. The affection in Xi Junjie’s gaze was like spring sunshine, wrapping Zhenzhen from head to toe—warm and full of comfort.

“How could I think you’re fat?” he whispered, holding her close. “My life goal is to feed you well.”

“I won’t get fat.” Zhenzhen patted his hand at her waist, rolled off him, and lay back in the snow. Staring at the blinding blue sky, they both fell silent. In the quiet of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, only their breathing could be heard.

“Xi Junjie, do you really like me?” Zhenzhen asked suddenly, her face soft with contentment.

Xi Junjie held her hand, turned his head to look at her. “Nope!” Just as Zhenzhen was about to jump up, he added calmly, “’Like’ doesn’t even begin to express how I feel about you. I love you.”

That sentence hit like a spell. Zhenzhen instantly melted, her whole body tingling. Though he said it so casually, in his eyes she saw sincerity, determination, and a promise.

Under his gaze, shyness crept up inside her. Her cheeks turned red. Just as Xi Junjie was about to speak again, Zhenzhen covered her face and muttered through her fingers, “Don’t talk. I’m embarrassed.”

“Hahaha…” Xi Junjie laughed so hard he couldn’t lie still. He sat up and looked at her curled up, hiding her face. “How can you be this cute?”

Just then, someone came in through the Gate of Supreme Harmony. He nudged her quickly. “Someone’s coming. Get up.”

Zhenzhen forgot all about her embarrassment. She sprang up from the snow and ran off, Xi Junjie laughing as he chased after her. After a few steps, he remembered his camera and backpack and ran back for them. Catching up, they ran until they were out of sight before stopping.

Zhenzhen leaned against the palace wall, her cheeks flushed red. Under the eaves hung rows of icicles, sparkling in the sun. She slid down to the ground, one leg outstretched and the other bent, gazing into the distance at the palace, lost in thought.

Xi Junjie raised the camera and found the perfect angle to capture her profile with the snow-covered Forbidden City as the backdrop.

Click. The shutter snapped, snapping Zhenzhen out of her daze. She stood up and casually brushed snow from her coat. “Do they have any treasure exhibitions? I want to check them out.”

“They do,” Xi Junjie replied immediately. “I remember you took that elective on ancient artifacts. You can finally match what you learned with the real thing.”

Zhenzhen followed him toward the Eastern Palaces. “Actually, I’ve got a pretty big antique collection myself. I just want to see if they’ve got anything I don’t.”

They often joked and exaggerated, so Xi Junjie didn’t take her words seriously. He led her into a hall displaying antiques. The moment they entered, Zhenzhen spotted a Kangxi-era blue-and-white fish-tail vase decorated with flowers and birds. She rushed over excitedly, startling the nearby staff member, who watched her warily for a long moment. Once it was clear she was just an overexcited enthusiast, he relaxed.

Xi Junjie knew nothing about antiques. Seeing Zhenzhen’s sparkling eyes and practically drooling expression, he leaned closer and studied the vase. “Is it really that beautiful?”

“Of course! It’s even better looking than you!” Zhenzhen pressed her face to the glass, unable to look away. “This is Kangxi-era blue-and-white with a unique emerald-blue glaze, the crown jewel of porcelain art through the dynasties. Isn’t it just stunning?”

Xi Junjie didn’t hear anything past the first sentence. His mind kept looping that one line: Better looking than me? He suddenly had a crisis—could his future romantic rival be not a guy, but these antiques she loved more than him?