67. Strolling around campus
The car was completely silent, save for the faint hum of the air conditioner and the vague hustle and bustle of the city outside. Chi Jin leaned back in the passenger seat, her fingers unconsciously twisting the buttons of her coat. The embarrassment of her recent emotional outburst hadn't completely faded, and the upcoming conversation made her feel even more nervous.
Chen Yisheng didn't start the car immediately. He just looked at her sideways, his eyes calm and full of unmistakable concern, waiting patiently for her to speak.
Chi Jin took a deep breath, avoided his gaze, and said in a dry voice: "There have been some bad rumors in the company recently."
She paused, forming her words, trying to make her voice sound calm and as neutral as possible.
"They said...that you suddenly stopped wearing your ring because you were having a marriage crisis. They also said the person you were having an affair with was Zhong Xin's editor." She spoke with difficulty, each word like sand, making her throat ache. "The scope of the matter is limited to the four magazines you are in charge of: Autumn Letters, Sunday, Childhood, and the key suspect, Faces."
She almost whispered the last two words. She could feel Chen Yisheng's gaze fixed on her face, focused and silent, which made her feel even more at a loss.
"Especially 'Faces', because it's where you were born, and there's a lot of speculation." She lowered her head, staring at her slightly trembling fingertips. "Some of the words were harsh. I... I feel a little..."
She couldn't continue. The word "afraid" stuck in her throat, implying weakness. She didn't want to appear so cowardly in front of him.
Chen Yisheng didn't interrupt her until she stopped, and the car fell silent again. His face didn't show much emotion, but his eyes were a little darker than usual, and his fingertips tapped lightly on the steering wheel twice.
"Is that why?" he asked, his voice unrecognizable as either emotional or angry. "So you're avoiding me and ignoring my calls?"
Chi Jin suddenly looked up at him, somewhat unbelievable at his calmness. "Isn't this serious? They say you're that kind of person! Gossip can melt metal, and accumulated criticism can destroy a person! What if... what if someone with ulterior motives makes a fuss about it? What about your reputation? What about my job? All our efforts might be questioned!"
Seeing her excited expression, Chen Yisheng suddenly sighed softly, stretched out his hand, and brushed the corners of her eyes with his warm fingers to wipe away the moisture.
"So, you just hid away and let your imagination run wild, and then unilaterally decided to distance yourself from me? Chi Jin, in your heart, am I so easily defeated by rumors, or am I so irresponsible that I need you to protect me by avoiding me?"
Chi Jin was stunned. She hadn't thought he would ask that. She just subconsciously wanted to protect this relationship, to protect him, and to protect herself.
"That's not what I meant." She stammered.
"I know you're not." Chen Yisheng withdrew his hand and cast his gaze toward the endless stream of cars outside the window. The lines of his profile were a little blurred under the neon lights. "I've heard a little bit about the rumor. I just didn't expect it to be so outrageous, and you heard so much of it."
He turned back and looked at her, his eyes becoming serious and firm. "As for the ring, I told you the reason a long time ago. I took it off now simply because I no longer need that unnecessary 'label', that's all. As for the rest, it's pure nonsense."
"But they say it with all their might..."
Chi Jin couldn't help but retort that those whispers were like devilish sounds filling his ears and were not so easy to dispel.
"So you believe it?" Chen Yisheng raised his eyebrows.
"Of course I didn't!" Chi Jin denied immediately.
Chen Yisheng looked at her for a few seconds, then suddenly asked, "Is this the north of the city? Not far from Jingda University."
The topic changed so quickly that Chi Jin didn't react for a moment and nodded subconsciously: "Well, the interviewee's studio is nearby, about two or three subway stops from Jingda West Gate."
"Want to go back and take a look?" Chen Yisheng suddenly suggested, his voice slowing down. "I haven't been back to school in a while. It should be very quiet at this time."
Chi Jin looked at him in surprise. At this moment, discussing such a serious topic, he suddenly suggested going back to his alma mater for a walk?
But looking at his calm yet unquestionable eyes, and her own inner need for something to dispel the gloom, she nodded as if possessed.
At night, Jingcheng University fades from the day's bustle. The dim streetlights on Wutong Avenue cast a dappled light and shadow. Winter vacation has arrived, and with fewer students, the atmosphere feels especially peaceful. The air is filled with the cool, refreshing aroma of winter and the familiar scent of books and plants that belong to campus.
The two walked side by side along the familiar tree-lined avenue, their footsteps remarkably clear in the silence. Neither spoke first, but a strange sense of peace slowly permeated them.
Walking through the brightly lit library, I saw many people still buried in their studies. Passing by the old teaching building where they had all taken classes, the red brick walls looked particularly heavy in the night. Passing by the basketball court, a few boys were still running and shouting under the lights, the sound of their sneakers rubbing against the ground being particularly clear...
"Remember that little cafeteria over there?" Chen Yisheng suddenly spoke up, pointing to the end of a side road. "Their clay pot soup is incredible. In the winter, we rush over as soon as get out of class is over."
Chi Jin followed his gaze and raised the corner of his mouth unconsciously: "Remember. If you go too late, there will only be kelp left."
"It seems we have the same memories."
“It’s not even a few years.”
They strolled around the familiar campus, chatting about interesting things in the past. The anxiety and uneasiness about the rumors seemed to be temporarily soothed by the quiet night and the memories of the "wrong shot".
Walking to the edge of Mirror Lake, the winter surface seemed exceptionally tranquil, reflecting the lights of the street lamps and the administrative building on the shore, making the waves sparkle. A cold wind swept across the lake, bringing a hint of cold moisture.
Chen Yisheng stopped and faced the lake, his voice becoming quieter: "It's not that I don't care about what I just said."
Chi Jin's heart tightened slightly, and he turned his head to look at him. His profile was clearly outlined in the night, and his expression was focused.
"Those rumors are boring, but they're really hurtful," he continued, his tone steady and reasonable. "Especially about you. I don't want to see you dragged into this."
Chi Jin was silent, his nose a little sour. The first thing he considered was her situation.
"I need a moment." Chen Yisheng turned around and looked at her seriously. "You can't simply deny this publicly. That will only make things worse and might even put you in the spotlight. Ruthlessly suppressing all discussion isn't the best strategy either. It will only make you look guilty."
He paused, his tone strengthened, and he said with a hint of promise: "Trust me, I will take care of it."
The moonlight and the light intertwined and fell into his deep eyes, which contained a reassuring strength and confidence.
Chi Jin looked at him, and the fear and uncertainty in his heart were miraculously soothed again.
She was willing to trust him. He had always been the one in control of the situation.
"Yeah." She nodded gently. Although her voice was soft, she no longer hesitated.
Chen Yisheng watched her finally relax, a soft glint flickering across his eyes. He changed the subject, speaking in a more relaxed tone, "I wanted to ask you at noon, what are your plans for the New Year?"
"go home."
"Let's drive back together. You'll have a companion on the road, and you won't have to squeeze into the high-speed train."
She was still hesitating when Chen Yisheng made an even more tempting offer: "After finishing work at the end of the year, I can take two days of annual leave. If you can also make time, we can find a city to stop in along the way, stay overnight, and rest before continuing on our way."
"travel?"
Chi Jin originally wanted to say that he had no mood to travel right now.
But when I thought about the time and place of his proposal, which were very suitable, and I wouldn't meet any acquaintances, it seemed like there was no reason to refuse.
Imagine walking with him in the quiet alleys of the ancient town in winter, imagine the brief moments of solitude without having to care about anyone's eyes... Chi Jin's heart couldn't help but soar.
She raised her head and looked at Chen Yisheng.
Some concerns about rumors and risks were still swirling in her heart, but a greater desire - a desire to be with him, a desire for the peace and relaxation he promised - quickly prevailed.
She barely hesitated and nodded gently, her voice small but clear: "Okay."
The corners of Chen Yisheng's lips seemed to curl up slightly, and a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.
The two stood in silence for a moment, gazing at the tranquil lake side by side. A silent understanding and warmth flowed slowly through the air, dispelling the chill of the winter night.
After a while, Chen Yisheng slowly turned around and faced her.
Chi Jin seemed to notice something, his heart skipped a beat, and he drooped his eyelashes nervously.
He reached out and gently grasped her arm, his strength gentle but undeniable. Then, he lowered his head and placed a feather-light kiss on her lips, carrying the coolness of the winter night and his unique warmth.
It was very light and short, like a cautious confirmation and a solemn promise.
Instantly separate.
Chi Jin suddenly opened his eyes wide, his cheeks instantly felt hot, and his heart beat so fast that it seemed like it was about to burst out of his chest.
However, the anticipated further intimacy did not occur. Chen Yisheng simply stretched out his arms at this extremely close distance and gently, yet firmly, embraced her in his arms.
His coat carried the cold outside, but his embrace was warm and solid. He gently rested his chin on the top of her head, and his low voice rang in her ear, like the most reliable oath:
"I'm sorry, I have to let you suffer for a while." He paused, and tightened his arms a little, "But don't be afraid, I'll take care of everything."
Chi Jin's stiff body slowly softened under the sound of his steady heartbeat. She closed her eyes, reached out and hugged him back, burying her face deep in his chest.
All the anxiety, uneasiness and grievances seemed to be quietly dispelled in this hug.
The wind blowing from the lake was still cold, but his arms were like a safe haven, isolating him from all the wind and rain from the outside world.
At least at this moment, she was willing to believe that everything would be fine with him around.
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