Chapter 97
After the storm, life seemed to be slowed down. Su Rui and Shen Qingyuan's relationship entered a new, subtle and peaceful state.
They didn't see each other often, each busy with their own work. But Shen Qingyuan always managed to stay in touch in a way that wasn't burdensome. It could be a message sharing a photo of the sky on set, a quick phone call asking about Su Rui's schedule, or a silent yet timely presence of a network resource ready to help when he learned Su Rui had a minor hiccup on a filming project.
His concern was meticulous, yet never crossed the line. Remembering Su Rui's stomach issues, he'd send her warming herbal teas during the changing seasons. Knowing Su Rui's interest in a niche band, he'd just happen to have an extra ticket for their new album. He even sent a thoughtful gift to Su Rui's grandmother on her grandmother's birthday, using his studio's name.
These actions, like a trickle of water, slowly and continuously warmed Su Rui's once frostbitten heart. He clearly felt Shen Qingyuan's intentions, and the respect and understanding he showed were completely different from the past.
Su Rui's heart was filled with gratitude. He often thought that Shen Qingyuan had done so much for him, perhaps more out of kindness and loyalty, a sense of responsibility after sharing hardships. He didn't dare, nor did he want to, speculate further, fearing a misunderstanding and tainting this precious friendship. He attributed his inner throbbing to "touching" and carefully kept it to himself.
Shen Qingyuan, on the other hand, always maintained a friendly distance. He never made any ambiguous remarks or acted inappropriately. His companionship was like the warm sun on a winter's day, gentle but not scorching. He simply remained there, quietly and steadily, letting Su Rui know that he would always be there whenever she needed him.
But some things cannot be completely hidden.
Perhaps it was after work, Shen Qingyuan dropped Su Rui off on his way home. Soothing music played in the car, and the two of them were silent the entire way. Yet, the atmosphere wasn't awkward at all, but rather a comfortable tranquility. When they got out of the car, Shen Qingyuan naturally leaned over to unbuckle his seatbelt. In that moment, the distance between them closed, and they could feel each other's breath. Time seemed to slow down for a beat, then quickly return to normal.
Perhaps during a rare dinner together, if Su Rui accidentally got sauce on her, Shen Qingyuan would very naturally hand her a tissue, and his fingertips would inadvertently brush against the back of his hand, bringing a tiny, fleeting shudder.
Or perhaps, during a phone call, the two of them laughed at the same time because of a common funny point. After the laughter, there was a brief silence, and then Shen Qingyuan said in a voice a little softer than usual: "That's it for now, you should get some rest early."
This tacit and subtle tension that permeates the air is more heart-warming and unsettling than any straightforward confession.
They were both cautiously testing the waters, yet tacitly maintaining a surface of calm. It was like dancing an elegant, slow waltz, advancing and retreating, their eyes intertwined, their fingertips hovering just off the surface. Every subtle touch held infinite possibilities, yet they were reluctant to drop the final note.
Su Rui began to unconsciously think of Shen Qingyuan at certain moments. She remembered the steady tone of his voice, the fine lines at the corners of his eyes when he smiled, and the sense of security his quiet companionship brought. This longing, unlike the burning passion of the past, was a warm, long-lasting concern.
He knew something was quietly changing. That initial feeling of "touching" was fermenting unconsciously, mixing with more complex and tender emotions.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
