Chapter 27
The winter rain pattered against the windowpanes like the rhythmic beat of drums. The apartment was silent, the only sound being the gentle hiss of the radiator. Xia Wan sat at her desk, the glow of her computer screen illuminating her serene profile. After finishing her last work email, she clicked send, then leaned back in her chair and breathed a long sigh of relief.
The sound of rain outside the window seemed even clearer. Her eyes unconsciously cast towards the coat rack in the entrance hall – the dark grey coat was still hanging there. The black umbrella downstairs should be standing quietly at the door of the unit at this moment, temporarily shielding everyone returning home late from the wind and rain.
After several days of intense work and the chilling winter rain, my chaotic emotions seemed to settle, no longer as sharp and piercing as they had been at the beginning. The impact of Jiang Yu's words, "I've waited ten years," was like the devastating ruins left on a beach after a tsunami, revealing a deeper, more solid foundation.
Atop the ruins lay not only despair. There was also his bitter regret, his clumsy yet resolute "vision," and... the distant protection represented by the umbrella silently held open in the rain. These fragments, like glimmers of light scattered across the ruins, though faint, persisted stubbornly, guiding a vague direction.
She no longer rushed for answers, no longer forced herself to immediately decide to "forgive" or "accept." The weight of ten years took time to digest; rebuilding the ruins required even more patience and caution. She chose to hide the diary, choosing to temporarily preserve the secret of the past. This wasn't an escape, but a protection—protection of the dignity of her pure, secret love, and the nascent possibility of "starting over."
The phone vibrated on the table, and the screen lit up. It was a message from an unfamiliar number. The content was concise:
"The draft data report for the third phase of the accelerated aging experiment for new composite materials has been sent to the project's shared cloud drive. Please check. Also, there is an ambiguity in the JG-1927-05 report regarding the ratio of glutinous rice mortar. It is recommended to refer to the supplementary explanation in JG-1927-03. Jiang."
It’s Jiangyu.
No small talk, no probing, just pure work information. Precise and timely, just like every other time he'd provided professional support. He even noted any subtle ambiguities she might have encountered while studying the rare reports and offered specific guidance.
Xia Wan stared at the message, her fingertips pausing for a few seconds on the cold screen. The faint warmth in her heart seemed to quietly brighten again. He hadn't crossed the line of "classmate" because of what they'd said in the restaurant that night, nor had he disturbed her needed space with guilt or confessions. He continued to use the method he knew best, the one she could most accept—professional partnership and support—to draw closer, to prove that his "seeing" wasn't just a momentary impulse.
She clicked on the cloud drive link and downloaded the data report, which still included the laboratory temperature data. She then flipped through the "Records of Internal Structural Engineers of the Bank of the Republic of China (1927-05)" and, as expected, discovered a vague and potentially ambiguous note regarding the ratio of glutinous rice mortar. Comparing this with the JG-1927-03 he mentioned, the problem was easily resolved.
This silent support, this unspoken understanding within the professional world, was like a solid brick, quietly building upon the ruins of her heart. It involved no emotion, but it gave her a sense of security and assurance far greater than any confession of emotion.
She replied, "Received. Data downloaded. Ambiguities clarified with reference to the 03 report. Thanks for the reminder. Xia."
Just as concise, just as professional, as if the storm in the restaurant that night had never happened.
The message was sent successfully. Xia Wan put down her phone and looked out the window again. The rain continued to fall, and the night was dark. But her mood was much brighter than on the rainy night.
In the following days, a new, delicate balance quietly formed between the two.
Jiang Yu's messages still appeared regularly, and their content was limited to project progress, information sharing, or reminders of key milestones. He no longer "dropped by" at the door of the project department after she worked overtime late at night, but Xia Wan knew that the black umbrella placed on the inside of the unit door always appeared on time before it rained, like a silent, thoughtful weather forecast. Occasionally, she would briefly meet his eyes across the crowd during a break in the Special Collections Department or a professional forum. He would nod slightly, his eyes calm and focused, with a tacit respect, as if to say, "I'm here, but I won't cross the line."
Xia Wan gradually grew accustomed to this pattern. She immersed herself in the old bank building project, where testing of the new composite material progressed smoothly and the details of the reinforcement plan were constantly being refined. She continued to receive his precise messages of support and to use the black umbrella when it rained. She responded to his messages, maintaining the same professionalism and distance. They both tacitly chose to put aside the confession they had made that night and the weight of the past ten years.
They are like two ships that briefly meet in the professional ocean and then move forward separately, keeping a safe distance but sharing the waves and starlight of the same sea.
Lin Wei keenly captured this calmness.
"Wanwan, you seem different lately." Lin Wei stirred her latte in a weekend cafe, eyeing Xia Wan suspiciously. Xia Wan looked much better than she had a while ago, the fatigue and confusion in her eyes lessened. While still thin, a quiet, restrained strength lingered between her brows.
"What's the difference?" Xia Wan took a sip of black tea and said in a flat tone.
"I can't really explain it," Lin Wei tilted her head. "It's just... I feel less tense. Before, when you mentioned Jiang Yu, you were like a hedgehog. Now... you seem a lot calmer? Are you... okay?"
"What could it be?" Xia Wan put down the cup, her eyes fixed on the rain-washed sycamore tree trunks lining the street outside the window. "It's just a normal relationship between classmates, working together on a project."
"Tsk, you're kidding!" Lin Wei rolled her eyes. "He's just a classmate, sending you work information every day? He even sends you an umbrella when it rains? Why don't I have a 'classmate' like that?" She leaned closer, lowering her voice with gossipy excitement, "Did he... finally come to his senses? Did he confess to you?"
Xia Wan's heart tightened slightly, but her expression remained calm: "No. You think too much."
"Really?" Lin Wei was clearly unconvinced, but seeing Xia Wan's frank expression, she didn't seem to be lying, so she leaned back in her chair in frustration. "Alright, alright, if you say we're classmates, then we're classmates. But Wanwan," she said seriously, "regardless of your relationship now, I can see that you're in better shape than before. That's enough."
Xia Wan smiled but didn't respond. She was indeed feeling better. No longer entangled in "forgiveness" or "acceptance," no longer overwhelmed by the heavy and chaotic emotions of the past. She accepted the current situation—the ruins were there, but life had to go on. She focused on the path she was walking, on the professional field she could control. As for Jiang Yu... his remorse and protection were real, and his professional support was reliable. That was enough. The rest, leave it to time.
Time is indeed quietly changing some things.
One afternoon, Xia Wan was working on the final reinforcement plan drawings at the project department when her phone vibrated. It was a message from Jiang Yu, but the content was a little different:
"The Municipal Museum has a special exhibition on the woodworking techniques of ancient Jiangnan architecture. Tomorrow is the last day. The curator is Mr. Li Zeru, and he asked me to ask if you'd be interested in discussing the application of several mortise and tenon joint structures in load-bearing transfer. If you're free, come to the west side of the exhibition hall at 3:00 PM."
It wasn't just a simple information sharing, but more of a professional invitation based on a shared interest. Furthermore, the highly respected Li Zeru, a highly respected leader in ancient architecture restoration, was mentioned. Such an alluring offer, well-reasoned, and difficult to refuse.
Xia Wan read the message, her fingertips tapping lightly on the screen. She was naturally interested in the special exhibition, particularly the innovative application of traditional woodworking techniques in modern structural reinforcement. Li Zeru's invitation was a rare opportunity. But... did this mean Jiang Yu was trying, in a more natural way, to extend his "perception" beyond his profession, into areas of shared interest?
After a moment's hesitation, she replied, "Thank you, Mr. Jiang and Mr. Li Zeru. I'm very interested in the mechanical applications of mortise and tenon joints. I'll be there on time tomorrow afternoon at 3:00. Xia."
The new building of the Municipal Museum features a vast glass dome that lets in natural light, creating a spacious and bright space. A special exhibition on the woodworking techniques of Jiangnan's ancient architecture is meticulously presented, with each exquisitely crafted wooden component, with its mortise and tenon joints, a work of art that transcends nature, silently revealing millennia of wisdom.
Xia Wan arrived ten minutes early at the west side of the exhibition hall. This relatively secluded area showcased several models of complex mortise and tenon joints used for the transitions between critical load-bearing joints. She was concentrating on an anatomical model of a "hook-and-tenon" joint, studying how its precise articulation transmitted immense pressure.
Steady footsteps sounded behind him. Xia Wan didn't turn around, but she knew who it was.
Jiang Yu walked over to her, standing at a polite distance. He was wearing a dark casual suit with a light gray cashmere sweater underneath, which made him look less aloof and more refined. He didn't speak immediately, but his eyes fell on the delicate mortise and tenon model.
"Mr. Li has an urgent meeting and won't be here until later." He explained in a low voice, his voice remarkably clear in the quiet exhibition hall. "Shall we take a look first?"
"Okay." Xia Wan responded, his eyes still fixed on the model.
The two stood side by side, quietly admiring the masterpiece before them. There were no forced greetings, no awkward silences. Just pure admiration for the exquisite craftsmanship before them and a tacit peace born of a shared interest.
"This 'hook and palm' technique," Jiang Yu suddenly said in a low, steady voice, pointing to a key joint on the model. "It may seem simple, but it actually requires extremely high levels of wood hardness and drying. Ancient craftsmen didn't have modern instruments, relying entirely on experience and feel, yet they were able to achieve extremely small errors and perfectly transfer loads."
"Yes," Xia Wan resonated with his words and continued naturally, "And look at the bevel design here. It not only ensures a tight fit, but also cleverly guides the direction of force and reduces stress concentration. This understanding and application of force is simply an art."
"That's right." Jiang Yu tilted his head, his gaze fixed on her eyes, which were slightly shining with concentration. The corners of his mouth seemed to curve ever so slightly. "In modern structural reinforcement, many engineers pursue the strength of materials and the accuracy of calculations, but often overlook the understanding and guidance of the essence of 'force flow'. Sometimes, the simplest wisdom can solve the most complex problems."
His perspective precisely struck a chord with Xia Wan, who had been pondering this very thought. She couldn't help but tilt her head to meet his gaze. In the quiet exhibition hall, their eyes met through the glass of the display case. There was no ambiguity or tentativeness in their gaze, only a pure appreciation and resonance of professional wisdom, like two travelers who had stumbled upon each other in a temple of knowledge, pausing to marvel at the same scenery.
This moment has nothing to do with the past, nothing to do with guilt, and nothing to do with that heavy "decade." It's just this moment, this place, where two souls share a shared vision and admiration for ancient wisdom.
Li Zeru later arrived to join the discussion. The three engaged in a lively and in-depth discussion on the application of mortise and tenon joints in modern reinforcement. Xia Wan benefited greatly from the discussion, and Jiang Yu's insights impressed her. He was not only proficient in modern structural theory, but also had a profound understanding of traditional craftsmanship.
It was almost dusk when we left the museum, and the winter sunset cast a warm golden hue over the city.
"Thank you, Mr. Jiang, for the introduction. I have gained a lot today." Xia Wan said to Jiang Yu with a sincere tone while standing on the steps of the museum.
"You're welcome. Mr. Li has always admired your ideas." Jiang Yu nodded slightly, his eyes fixed on her profile, which was tinged with a warm glow from the setting sun. "Your proposal actually incorporates a lot of this kind of thinking about guiding 'force flow'."
"Still exploring." Xia Wan smiled.
The two walked side by side down the long steps. The setting sun stretched their shadows, overlapping and separating on the polished stone steps. The atmosphere was peaceful and natural, with a sense of satisfaction after communication.
When I walked to the side of the road, Jiang Yu's car was already waiting there.
"Back to the city?" he asked.
"Yeah." Xia Wan nodded.
"Together?" He invited, his tone natural, just like the previous "on my way".
Xia Wan looked at the familiar car, then at the man beside her, bathed in the golden afterglow. The lines of his face softened in the sunset, and his deep eyes lost their usual gloom, revealing only a peaceful aftertaste after their conversation.
This time, she nodded calmly: "Okay."
The car merged smoothly into the evening traffic. Soothing classical music played inside. Neither of them spoke, each gazing out the window at the city's twilight. The golden glow of the setting sun filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow across the interior.
A strange, peaceful atmosphere permeated the air. There was none of the thrill of that night in the restaurant, none of the rigorous restraint of work conversations, and none of the deliberate distance. There was only the lingering aftertaste of communication, the peaceful satisfaction of admiring the landscape of wisdom side by side.
Xia Wan leaned back in the comfortable seat, feeling the warmth of the setting sun and the perfect temperature inside the train. A sense of peace washed over her. Amidst this peaceful exchange based on shared interests and the warmth of the setting sun, a hint of green seemed to be quietly sprouting above the ruins.
The car stopped downstairs of Xia Wan's apartment building. The last rays of sunset had sunk into the horizon, and the sky was a deep blue-purple.
"Thank you, Mr. Jiang." Xia Wan unbuckled her seat belt.
"You're welcome." Jiang Yu replied.
Xia Wan pushed open the car door and got out. The cool evening breeze blew away the warmth inside the car. She stood by the car, looking at Jiang Yu in the driver's seat. He turned his head, his deep eyes appearing particularly calm in the dim light.
"Today... is very pleasant." Xia Wan said softly, and this sentence came from the heart.
Jiang Yu looked at her, and something seemed to flicker in his calm eyes. He nodded, his voice low and clear: "Yeah, me too."
Xia Wan gave him a faint smile, then turned and walked towards the apartment building.
Just as she was about to push open the door to her apartment, Jiang Yu's voice came from behind her. It wasn't loud, but it was clear enough to penetrate the evening breeze:
"good evening."
Xia Wan paused slightly. She didn't turn around, but her fingers gripping the doorknob tightened imperceptibly. A subtle warmth, like the tiny ripples caused by a stone dropped into the lake of her heart, spread quietly.
She didn't respond to the "good night", but just opened the door and walked in.
The sensor light came on as she sounded her footsteps. She stood in the hallway, not turning on the light immediately. Her eyes subconsciously flicked out the window downstairs. The black car was still parked there, not leaving immediately.
She walked to the window and gently lifted a corner of the curtain. Under the dim streetlight, Jiang Yu was still sitting in the driver's seat, his profile blurred in the shadows. He seemed to be looking in the direction of her apartment, but also seemed to be lost in thought.
Xia Wan lowered the curtains and leaned against the wall. The unspoken "good night" was like a small, warm seed, gently falling into the new green that was quietly sprouting on the ruins.
She knew the road ahead was still long, and the clearing and reconstruction of the ruins was far from complete. But at least, at this moment, a glimmer of real, warm light appeared above the ruins, illuminated by the setting sun and shared wisdom. Though faint, it was enough to dispel the deepest darkness of the cold night and to sustain her as she continued to move forward.
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