Chapter 17

Familiar memories flooded back all at once.

The DV footage played continuously, accompanied by the innocent voices of children and the light and graceful movements of women.

"Come on, put on your shoes and look here at Mommy."

In the video, Guan Nan awkwardly searches for the camera.

"Guan, you're going to class tomorrow, aren't you excited?"

"Happy~"

In the picture, young Guan Nan is wearing a pink princess dress, her eyes crinkling as she looks at the camera, holding a blonde, blue-eyed doll in her hands.

Suddenly, the young Guan Weimin burst in and picked up little Guan Nan.

"I'm happy! Dad asked me last night why I wasn't happy."

"Ugh, Daddy's a bad guy."

Guan Weimin rubbed his stubble against her face, and Xiao Guannan frowned and pushed him away. The woman was laughing happily off-camera.

The camera pans around, and Guan Weimin embraces the woman, kisses her, and says with a smile.

"With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?"

......

The next frame is a photo of the young and radiant Ran Mingju and Guan Weimin holding little Guan Nan, taking a group photo in the middle of the "Citizens' Art Training Center".

The "Citizens' Art Training Center" in the photo looks exactly like the "Fuwai Gift City".

The only difference was that the lettering on the iron frame at the entrance had changed.

It was at this moment that Guan Nan finally understood where her superficial familiarity with Fuwai Gift City came from; before it was Fuwai Gift City, she often frequented this place.

The DV camera records Ran Mingju's tireless efforts to pick up and drop off her child at school every day, rain or shine, recording phrases like, "Guan Guan, study hard, Mom is waiting for you outside," "Class is over, come pick up my little princess to go home," and "Is my little princess happy today?"

And every time Guan Nan rushed over and said, "Mom," "I learned something today," "My teacher praised me today, I'm so happy," "Mom, I love you," and so on.

"Mom, I miss you so much."

......

The next day, Guan Nan got up early and prepared breakfast for the three people who were on holiday.

Just then, Zhang Guilian came out, still sleepy-eyed: "Oh, I forgot, you have the day off today. So the meals are yours to take care of. You just need to make sure your dad and Zhaozhao are eating. I'll go out for lunch."

"..." As the time drew closer, Guan Nan paused for two seconds, then said somewhat embarrassedly, "Auntie, I have a part-time job today and won't be back until tonight."

Zhang Guilian realized what was happening, stared at her for a while, her expression not very pleasant, "Then forget it, I'll have your dad take Zhaozhao out to eat."

After saying that, she didn't even ask if she had lunch, turned around and went back to her bedroom. It was so early in the morning that they started making noise. It was very sudden. The volume wasn't loud, but the room wasn't soundproof. Some of the words were very harsh and sharp. I don't know if they were said to her.

Guan Nan quietly packed up, took the eggs and corn, changed her shoes, and went out.

......

The square is crowded during holidays. Today, she works part-time as a tea bartender, which means standing in front of the milk tea shop all day with a tray in her uniform, guiding interested people into the shop to order.

Qi Yang, who was in charge of finding part-time jobs, also had to check on and greet the part-time workers in various positions.

By afternoon, her face was covered in sweat from the sun. Qi Yang walked over and said, "Go get a drink of water. I'll cover for you for a while."

“No need,” Guan Nan shook her head and refused, “It’s only a few hours left.”

Qi Yang took out cash from his pocket and handed her 180 yuan. "I'll settle this for you first. When the time comes, you can just leave without signing in."

"This is too much." Previously, it was calculated at 100 per day, but later when she worked part-time with Qi Yang, it was calculated at 150 per day. This time, Guan Nan refused to accept the extra amount he offered.

“The boss gave a lot this time, take it.” Qi Yang placed it on the tray, worried that her stubbornness would come out, and said in a soft voice, “200 per person, I’ll take 20 from you, and the others will be paid 150 as usual.”

The implication is that everyone receives a different amount of money, and she gets less of the "water" (i.e., less of the money).

Guan Nan understood that this meant she shouldn't tell anyone.

After hesitating for two seconds, she accepted the money and said softly, "Thank you, Brother Qiyang."

A pair of girls walked towards them, and Guan Nan immediately went up to them and asked them in a low voice if they wanted to try the food. The girls thought it was good and suggested that they try this place. Guan Nan then asked Guan Nan which flavor she would recommend.

Seeing this, Qi Yang waved to her.

Guan Nan had just thrown a pile of tasting cups into the trash can when her phone vibrated.

She took it out and looked at it; the caller ID showed...

——My deskmate

Why call her at this time?

It must have been typed incorrectly.

Guan Nan thought about it and hung up without further consideration.

The phone rang again the next second.

Guan Nan, carrying the tray, glanced at the busy shop again, and hesitantly answered the call: "Hello, you've dialed the wrong number—"

"Guan Nan." Jiang Li called her name before she could finish speaking.

Guan Nan subconsciously replied, "Mm."

"Turn around."

Upon hearing this, Guan Nan paused for a moment, straightened up, and turned around to look.

There was a person leaning against the marble pillar behind him. He had always been wearing his school uniform before, and this was the first time I had seen him without it.

The boy was tall and had long legs. He was wearing a white graffiti T-shirt and ripped jeans, and he was leaning against the wall in a casual and relaxed posture.

The bold and individualistic street style is full of a sense of freedom.

Guan Nan looked around, as if afraid of being seen, and jogged over to him.

Then, I noticed the clasp necklace around his neck, which was hooked onto his sunglasses and jeans.

"What are you doing here?" Guan Nan asked, noticing the three rings on his hand.

Jiang Li curved his lips into a smile, his gaze fixed on her, his smile confident yet understated: "Upstairs."

"......"

Seeing her suspicious look, Jiang Li added, "Practicing singing."

Listening to his words, Guan Nan wondered in confusion, "What song should I practice?"

Then, I suddenly remembered that there was a branch of a music store upstairs, where bands often performed.

Guan Nan nodded hesitantly, "Oh."

"And you?" Jiang Li raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing?"

Guan Nan pursed her lips and answered him, "Part-time job."

I've long been used to this kind of life, always working during holidays, but today I met Jiang Li.

That indescribable sense of frustration and shame crept back into my heart once again.

Hearing this, Jiang Li lowered her head, holding the tray in her hands, a nonchalant smile on her face, "Do you get a commission if I drink it?"

"No," Guan Nan replied honestly.

Jiang Li tugged at the necklace around her neck and asked lazily, "Standing here the whole time?"

Guan Nan nodded: "Mm."

How long do we have to stand there?

“It will be at 6:30 PM,” Guan Nan replied.

Just as Guan Nan was about to check the time, a girl in work clothes ran out of the store, looked around, and waved to her, saying, "Hey, don't go too far, it's right at the door."

Seeing this, Guan Nan didn't linger any longer and picked up the plate to leave: "I'll go first."

"Okay." Jiang Li raised his chin. "Go ahead."

As she walked away, she approached people one by one to ask for samples, but unfortunately, few people paid her any attention.

After making a phone call, Jiang Li walked slowly towards her with his hands in his pockets.

Which flavor tastes better?

Guan Nan instinctively wanted to say "either is fine," but when she looked up and met those deep, dark eyes, the words caught in her throat. After a two-second silence, she asked, "Do you prefer it with a stronger milk flavor or a stronger tea flavor?"

Jiang Li said casually, "I don't drink it often. Tell me what's different about it."

Guan Nan glanced at him again, then led Jiang Li to the display table and introduced the flavors of the products to him one by one. He took a small sip and frowned.

This one has a very strong milky and sweet flavor.

There's more inside—

It also contains fruit tea, which is not too sweet or greasy and tastes very refreshing.

However, Jiang Li then asked, "Which one do you think tastes better? Which flavor do you prefer?"

Upon hearing this, Guan Nan said somewhat awkwardly, "I...I haven't drunk it."

"Oh," Jiang Li said dismissively, "I'll go in and take a look."

Guan Nan nodded silently.

She tidied up the table, refilled the empty plastic cups, and continued working with the tray.

After a long while, a group of people arrived, carrying several cups of milk tea. They passed by Jiang Li's seat and chatted jokingly.

Jiang Li nodded simply and didn't say anything.

After they left, Jiang Li picked up the milk tea bag that had been packed on the table and went out the door.

“Try it,” he said, placing the bag on the tray. “Half sugar, not sweet.”

Guan Nan paused for two seconds, then lowered her eyes and said softly, "Thank you."

He waved his hand dismissively.

“Jiang Li,” Guan Nan called out to him, and when he turned around and their eyes met, she suddenly stammered, “I… this afternoon… there was a wonton shop next door, it was really delicious.”

His panic, anxiety, and tension were palpable.

Jiang Li raised an eyebrow slightly, as if gesturing for her to continue.

"Well, let me treat you to this," Guan Nan said calmly.

Jiang Li suddenly laughed out loud, then asked, "Why?"

To Guan Nan at that moment, his "why" sounded like, "You're already working part-time and your finances are so tight, why are you still hiring me?"

A hint of embarrassment and awkwardness flashed across Guan Nan's face.

She stared at the tray, her voice muffled: "Thank you for what happened that day."

"Which day?"

Jiang Li stared straight at her, his gaze meaningful: "How did you know it was me?"

After a two-second silence, Guan Nan said, "There's no one here."

Her voice wasn't loud, but her tone was very firm.

Jiang Li smiled after hearing this, neither confirming nor denying, and glanced at the time.

He said, "I'll come down at 6:00 PM."

At 18:20, part-time staff gradually left the stage and all personnel gathered at the parking lot on the right side of the square, handing over the work badges distributed in the morning.

Guan Nan was no exception; she joined everyone else, holding her work clothes and name tag, waiting to sign out.

While they were still waiting for the mobile transfer to be settled, Guan Nan finished signing her name, said goodbye to Qi Yang, and left first.

......

Guan Nan led him out of the south gate of the square with ease.

Walk straight along the road, then turn around after 200 meters, and Ren Tiangui's handkerchief will be right in front of you.

"Um..." Guan Nan looked at the sweat dripping from his head and couldn't help but tear off two tissues to wipe his damp hair.

The next second, Jiang Li pressed down on the hand that was pressed against his forehead.

Subtle, restrained, yet irresistible.

My palms touched the backs of my hands, and a chill ran through me.

Guan Nan clearly noticed her heartbeat had become erratic and her breathing was slightly trembling.

This shouldn't be happening.

That's not right.

She instinctively tried to pull her hand back.

As if sensing her intention, the other person flipped their hand over and took out the tissue that was stuck to her forehead.

As his hand withdrew, his fingertips brushed against his eyelashes as they slipped down.

The fine electric current felt like it was about to burn through her skin.

Facing him, Guan Nan felt extremely uncomfortable, but she forced herself to remain calm and said, "I'll go get some water."

She quickly got up and walked to the freezer. Seeing her flushed face reflected in the light, she took a deep breath, adjusted her breathing to calm her heartbeat, and made sure she was back to normal.

Guan Nan placed a bowl of water in front of him, along with a bottle of drinking water and Sprite in her other hand.

"I'm sorry," Guan Nan said gently, ignoring what had just happened, "I didn't know you couldn't eat spicy food."

Jiang Li opened a bottle of Sprite, his voice laced with laughter: "Occasionally or twice."

After listening, Guan Nan didn't say anything more. She took another pair of chopsticks, picked out the wontons covered in red oil, rolled them in water to remove the oil completely, and then placed them on a plate on the table.

A layer of red oil floated on the clear water, a sight that was shocking to behold.

Jiang Li picked up another one and put it in his mouth. He ate the whole plate, not knowing if the spiciness had been washed away under the water.

On the way back, her phone vibrated, and Guan Nan glanced at Jiang Li.

The caller is Qi Yang. The call is connected.

"Brother Qiyang."

Qi Yang asked, "Have you eaten? Do you want to come over—"

"I've eaten." Guan Nan was a little embarrassed to lie in front of Jiang Li. "I'm on my way back now."

Knowing that she had gone back, Qi Yang didn't say anything more.

Before hanging up, he patiently reminded her to be careful and reminded her that there was another event tomorrow at the same place.

Jiang Li raised an eyebrow slightly, his misinterpretation quite obvious: "Brother Qiang?"

“It’s Qi Yang,” Guan Nan corrected him, and then, for reasons unknown, explained the other person’s identity, “We are neighbors.”

"oh."

Jiang Li then asked, "What about A-Guan?"

"......"

Guan Nan glanced at him subtly and noticed that his expression didn't seem fake.

After a pause, Guan Nan said in a deep voice, "My name."

"Your name." Jiang Li smiled mischievously.

"Yes," Guan Nan explained, "It's a nickname my mother gave me."

"Oh," Jiang Li said meaningfully.

Guan Nan's face tightened, but her ears turned red.

In the blink of an eye, she saw this person take out his phone in front of her, unlock it, open his contacts, edit a string of gibberish, and solemnly change it to "Ah Guan".

Guan Nan noticed that the number of people in his contact list could be counted on one hand.

Jiang Siyao, President Jiang, Mom, Liang Jie.

And "Ah Guan".

The abrupt note, separated by pinyin letters, seemed to have intruded into unfamiliar territory, completely unrelated to her.

For a moment, Guan Nan was at a loss and didn't know how to react.

Jiang Li put away his phone, acting as if nothing had happened, but as they approached the bus stop, he asked, "Are you coming again tomorrow?"

"They're coming." Guan Nan nodded.

"That Qi Yang from today," Jiang Li suddenly brought up an old grudge, asking in return, "does he like you?"

He speaks directly and without beating around the bush, without any probing or warning.

"Huh?" Guan Nan was instantly dumbfounded.

But Jiang Li stood by the platform, his dark, deep eyes fixed on her face, without saying a word.

The air was quiet, with only the fountain water flowing.

"......"

After a moment of silence, Guan Nan said in a muffled voice, "No, it won't happen."

"Nobody will like me."

She is a burden to everyone.

This was a fact she had already recognized.

After saying that, she lowered her eyes and sat down on the bench at the station.

The advertising lights shone on her, and Jiang Li inexplicably saw a sense of loneliness and desolation in her, like an abandoned kitten with its head drooping.

In a daze, his heart skipped a beat, a slight, tingling sensation.

When the car arrived, neither of them left first; they sat side by side on the bench.

After a long while, Jiang Li spoke first, slowly calling her name: "Guan Nan".

"I'm sorry." Guan Nan snapped out of her daze, realizing her overreaction and the barbed words she had uttered. She shouldn't have spoken to him like that.

There was a two-second silence.

Jiang Li turned his head away, speaking slowly:

"You don't have to be so polite with me, Guan."