They went to Shang Fu Tang, a century-old restaurant specializing in medicinal cuisine. Shen Xi Fan introduced it enthusiastically. “I love their chilled sweet osmanthus and black plum soup here. It’s refreshing, delicious, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy.”
When two bowls of the soup arrived, its fragrance was as enticing as promised. She took a sip and said, “Black plums are great for suppressing coughs, stopping diarrhea, and quenching thirst. In this humid weather, a bowl of this is just what you need. Don’t hold back—it’s my treat!”
Ling Yu Fan said nothing, but the quietness made Shen Xi Fan uneasy. “You know, you shouldn’t dwell on it too much. Business is like a battlefield—you win some, you lose some. I’m not great at comforting people, but sometimes, when you figure things out, you can move on. Life’s still pretty good.”
“What have you figured out?” he asked, suddenly looking up.
“What can someone like me, almost officially a ‘mature single woman,’ figure out? Just some stuff about relationships.” Shen Xi Fan caught the probing look in his eyes and realized she’d slipped up. “Hey, don’t try to dig anything more out of me. Just drink your soup—I need to get home.”
He blinked, then smiled mysteriously. “Shen Xi Fan, did you know one of your recommendation letters was from me?”
“I don’t recall asking for your help. You must have had plenty of free time!”
“Relax, I didn’t say anything bad about you. But if I were to write one now, I’d add a few more compliments. Anyway, thank you today, Shen Xi Fan. Honestly, I think you’re better off not being a manager. That lukewarm attitude of yours was always infuriating!”
“Ling Yu Fan, can you keep it down? The other customers are staring.”
“They’re staring because I’m handsome, okay?”
“Narcissist!”
* * *
The night had grown dark, and the city lights spread out gently, bathing everything in their warmth.
With her bag of preserved plums in hand, Shen Xi Fan got off the bus. She immediately spotted He Su Ye stepping off another bus just behind hers. It turned out they were on consecutive routes but had arrived home at the same time.
What an amusing coincidence.
He Su Ye instantly noticed the large bag of preserved plums. A faint hint of disapproval crossed his face. “Little girl, why are you eating junk food again? The plums I prescribed are black plums, not preserved ones.”
Shen Xi Fan grinned and held the bag out to him. “Want one? They’re great for suppressing coughs, stopping diarrhea, and quenching thirst—black plums, after all!”
He Su Ye hesitated mid-reach, then narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously. Finally, he chuckled. “Three days apart, and I barely recognize you. Looks like my little girl is making progress—you’ll be diagnosing yourself soon!”
Feigning humility, she replied, “Hardly! I’m just an amateur herbalist. Don’t overpraise me, Dr. He—I can’t live up to it.”
He squinted at her, amused. “You seem to be in a good mood.”
Shen Xi Fan nodded solemnly. “Absolutely! I just had a bowl of sweet osmanthus and black plum soup, and I feel fantastic!”
“Which place serves it? I’ve tried making it myself, but I can never get the sweetness quite right.”
“You can make it? Well, I’ll have to try your version someday!”
“Little girl, I asked which place has it.”
“Hehe, next time I’ll take you there—but you’re paying!”
Walking ahead of him, her ponytail bounced with every step. He Su Ye watched her and smiled softly, his right dimple deepening. “That would be my pleasure…”
His voice was barely audible, almost a whisper.
In that moment, all the streetlights in the neighborhood bloomed to life, illuminating the quiet night. The cool air carried a hint of serenity, like a gentle stream flowing under the stars.
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