Chapter 25: Sunset Glow

"Work is going very well. I recently took on an off-site assignment and even received praise from my team leader. Getting a permanent position should be no problem at all."

Li Guifang’s voice sounded relieved. "That’s good, that’s good. You’re all alone over there, and I’ve been worried you wouldn't adjust to the work."

"Don't worry, Mom."

Yu Youchu chatted with her mother a bit more about household matters.

"By the way, you and Ah-Wang... how have things been lately?"

Li Guifang asked cautiously, trying to probe Yu Youchu’s feelings.

Yu Youchu was taken aback. She had been so dizzyingly busy lately that she had almost completely forgotten about Shen Wang. She knew her mother wanted her to have someone to keep her company, but she had already let go of Shen Wang entirely. Besides, given his past behavior, he could hardly be considered a person worthy of trust.

She said helplessly, "Mom, he and I have absolutely nothing to do with each other anymore."

"This..."

"Mom, please don't worry. I can take care of myself."

"Alright then. If anything happens, you must tell me. Don't try to bear it all alone, do you hear me?"

A warmth spread through Yu Youchu’s heart.

"I will. You and Dad take care of yourselves, too. I’m almost home, so I’ll hang up now."

After finishing the call with her mother, Yu Youchu’s mood improved significantly. At the very least, she now had the motivation to finish tonight’s work. What was one long, sleepless night? It wasn't as if she hadn't pulled them before.

Yu Youchu thought for a moment; there should still be tea at home. She could surely make it through the night. Pei Jiayin didn't like coffee, so the house was always stocked with a wide variety of teas. The last time she asked him about it at home, he had specifically introduced her to several types, forcing her to cram some knowledge about tea. He had even told her that whenever she was interested, she could have the housekeeper brew some for her to try. However, Yu Youchu had never had the time and had never gotten around to it.

Yu Youchu calculated the time. If she took a taxi back, the housekeeper should still be there. Even if she had left, she could brew it herself; it shouldn't be that different. Yu Youchu touched her nose, feeling a bit guilty. Pei Jiayin’s teas were all top-tier; her way of drinking them could only be described as a cow chewing on peonies. It would be better to just stop at a nearby convenience store and buy some instant coffee.

Yu Youchu looked up at the sky over Beijing. It had been hazy for the past few days, with dark gray clouds covering the entire sky like a blanket, pressing down until it was hard to breathe.

She snapped a photo. Under the cover of the car window, the whole of Beijing seemed even gloomier, much like the pressure and anxiety in her heart.

[Really longing for the day I can get off work and see a sunset.]

She posted this with the photo to her Moments. After doing that, Yu Youchu browsed through some perfume advertisements on her phone, hoping to find a spark of inspiration, when a message popped up.

[Are you home yet?]

It was a message from Pei Jiayin. Yu Youchu scrolled up; the previous message was from him, telling her to eat well and not overthink things. Her fingertips tapped the screen a few times.

[Not yet.]

After sending that reply, no further messages followed. Even though they weren't communicating face-to-face, Yu Youchu felt a familiar awkwardness lingering in her heart.

[Is something the matter?]

[No.]

Yu Youchu was almost amused to the point of laughter by Pei Jiayin’s reply. She simply returned to other apps to look at perfume ads. After waiting a while and noticing Yu Youchu didn't reply, Pei Jiayin realized belatedly that he should have kept the conversation going. It was true that he had messaged her on a whim. Having been on a business trip for a day, he found himself thinking of her involuntarily, and he kept recalling the way she had called out for Shen Wang while running a high fever.

He didn't know how to respond to this feeling of his. From childhood, whatever he wanted was always delivered to his hands; there was nothing he wasn't confident in obtaining. But Yu Youchu was an anomaly. The more he cared, the further away he felt she drifted. Yet, he still couldn't help but message her, wanting to know how she was doing.

Yu Youchu saw the "iceberg" man pop up with another message.

[I asked the housekeeper to make you dinner and leave it in the thermal box.]

[I saw it yesterday.]

[Then take care of yourself.]

Seeing this message, Yu Youchu’s expression softened.

[When are you coming home?]

Home... Pei Jiayin looked at these words. Even though he knew Yu Youchu was sending this message in the context of being roommates, a flicker of excitement couldn't help but bubble up.

[The day after tomorrow.]

Two more days, huh... Yu Youchu was stunned by her own thoughts. Was she looking forward to Pei Jiayin’s return? No, no, no, Yu Youchu shook her head. It must be that she was just tired of commuting. It really is easy to go from frugality to luxury, but hard to go from luxury to frugality... She had to work hard and earn enough money to buy her own car!

[But thank you anyway for having the housekeeper cook; it saved me a lot of time.]

Yu Youchu had always been clear-headed; she wouldn't comfortably take advantage of others. In an instant, she was already considering what would be a good gift to send Pei Jiayin.

[But once this project is back, you don't need to have the housekeeper come over anymore. I have time.]

[Okay.]

Pei Jiayin replied with a single word, and then there was silence; no "is typing" indicator appeared. Still, the cold war between them... was it over? Yu Youchu wondered to herself.

Just as she thought Pei Jiayin had gone back to work and wouldn't reply again, he suddenly sent a video. The cover was black; she couldn't tell what the content was. The "big boss" wouldn't be pranking her, would he? Yu Youchu thought for a moment, then dismissed the idea. Not everyone was like Mu Chuan, who liked to be annoying; at the very least, Pei Jiayin shouldn't be that bored.

To watch video ads, Yu Youchu always wore earphones. She tapped on the video. The sound of wind rushed into her ears. The image shook violently at first, then cleared. Inside the frame, vast stretches of sunset clouds swept across the entire sky and sea. The crimson color was reflected in Yu Youchu’s eyes. As Pei Jiayin moved the camera, the dazzling, brilliant setting sun hung high above the horizon, slowly sinking into the depths of the sea.

Clouds like fish scales rippled layer upon layer at the edge of the sky. Seagulls darted like arrows, their clear cries echoing between heaven and earth, rushing urgently into the golden waves. Pink surf lapped against the hull of the boat Pei Jiayin was on; the sound of the water was so clear. The background noise of the video even captured the bustle of a nearby port, a low rumble at the very bottom, like a harmonious symphony playing the prosperity and ease of the seaside.

The video was only ten seconds long, yet it made Yu Youchu feel as if the sea breeze had blown into her stuffy car, refreshing her entire being and lifting her spirits.

[Saw you wanted to see a sunset on your Moments. It just so happens that Guangdong has one right now.]

[After you become a permanent employee at Huasheng, would you like to come and experience it in person?]

[I’ll cover all the expenses. Consider it your onboarding gift.]