【Senior, it's noon. Have you eaten yet?】
The message came through, followed shortly by a cute sticker of a snake forming a heart with its body.
Yu Zhiling hesitated, typing out several words only to delete them again. After several minutes of internal debate, she still hadn't figured out how to reply.
A knock sounded at her door. "Niannian, are you awake?" Yu Xiangrong called from outside.
Rubbing her temples, Yu Zhiling set her phone down and raised her voice. "Yeah, Mom. I'm up."
She got out of bed and opened the door. It was already 5 PM—Jiang Yingchen would have long left for work. Yu Xiangrong was about to head out as well, her bag slung over her shoulder. She pinched Yu Zhiling’s cheek affectionately when she saw her.
"Where did you go drinking last night? I made hangover soup—go drink some. I’m on duty tonight, so I’ll be back late. Just eat with your dad when he gets home. No need to wait for me."
Yu Zhiling kissed her mother’s cheek. "Got it, got it."
Once Yu Xiangrong left, the house was empty except for her.
The smell of alcohol clung to her. She’d been so drunk last night that her mother had to help her change clothes.
Ignoring Mo Zhu’s message for now, she headed to the bathroom for a shower. After brushing her teeth and washing her face, she went to the kitchen and poured herself a bowl of hangover soup. Only after finishing it did she allow herself to think about last night’s events.
She never blacked out when drunk—her words remained clear, but her brain lost all ability to think critically. She acted purely on instinct, agreeing with whatever anyone said. And no girl could resist a handsome face—Mo Zhu’s looks had already earned him full marks in her book.
She remembered his confession. She also remembered her own drunken ramblings and reckless actions.
They had kissed for a long time, only stopping when Yu Zhiling, shivering, mumbled that she was cold. Mo Zhu had then carried her on his back, hailed a cab, and taken her home. He’d rung the doorbell before hiding in the stairwell, ensuring that when Yu Xiangrong opened the door, she only saw her drunk daughter—none the wiser that a boy had brought her back.
Yu Zhiling understood his reasoning. If he’d been seen, her mother would’ve assumed she’d gone drinking alone with a guy—especially since Yu Zhiling had only mentioned "hanging out with friends," omitting the fact that it was with a boy.
Now, with a throbbing headache, she had no idea how to face him. Her phone lay untouched on the table.
Mo Zhu had only slept for three hours. After dropping her off last night, he hadn’t returned to his hotel until midnight. By the time he showered and got ready for bed, it was already 1 AM. Lying awake, he scrolled through her social media posts over and over.
That kiss—awkward at first, then deepening—left him restless. He waited until 11 AM, assuming she’d be awake by then, before sending her a message. No reply came.
By the afternoon, he sent another, asking if she’d eaten, softening the text with a cute sticker.
Seeing the "typing…" indicator flicker on and off, he knew she hadn’t forgotten last night—and that she was struggling with how to respond.
Not wanting to pressure her, he resisted sending more messages, patiently waiting for her reply. But as time dragged on with no word, he spun his phone in his hands, reminding himself to be patient. Still, the silence gnawed at him.
By late afternoon, she still hadn’t answered.
Refusing to spiral into overthinking, Mo Zhu abruptly sat up, threw on his clothes, and took a cab straight to her apartment.
It was 5:30 PM. Seeing no response from the "little turtle," he sent another message.
【Senior, I bought food. I’m downstairs.】
Snow was falling, but now that he was here, Yu Zhiling couldn’t just leave him hanging.
Three minutes later, a figure bundled in a long down coat rushed out of the building.
Mo Zhu lifted the takeout bag. "Senior, over here."
Yu Zhiling hurried to him, noticing the snow melting on his shoulders. Frowning, she took the food from him. "Why did you come? It’s snowing—aren’t you freezing? Come inside."
Without hesitation, he followed her into the elevator. At her door, Yu Zhiling unlocked it with her fingerprint and pulled out a pair of unused slippers from the shoe cabinet.
"These are for my dad, but he hasn’t worn them yet. Put them on."
"Thanks, Senior."
He changed into the slippers while Yu Zhiling set the food down and shrugged off her coat. The apartment’s underfloor heating made it warm enough to lounge in pajamas. Glancing back, she saw Mo Zhu had also taken off his coat, hanging it on the entryway rack.
Underneath, he wore only a thin, loose sweatshirt, seemingly unfazed by the cold. He moved familiarly to the dining table and began unpacking the takeout.
"Senior, it’s still warm. Let’s eat."
Yu Zhiling sat across from him, avoiding eye contact. Just seeing him brought back memories of last night, but since he wasn’t bringing it up, she pretended nothing had happened.
"You eat. I’m not that hungry."
Mo Zhu pushed a container toward her. "I got two servings—one for each of us."
"...Thanks."
He’d bought lean pork congee and steamed dumplings—light dishes suitable for someone recovering from a hangover. Clearly, he’d considered her stomach and avoided her usual spicy preferences.
Yu Zhiling chewed mechanically. Across from her, Mo Zhu ate in silence. Neither spoke. She stole a glance at him—he seemed completely unfazed, as if nothing had happened between them.
No questions about last night. No mention of her ignoring his messages.
When she finished, Mo Zhu stood and cleared the table, wiping it down without prompting.
Yu Zhiling lingered by the sink as he washed his hands. "Mo Zhu… don’t you have plans today?"
He turned off the tap and faced her. "Let’s be direct, Senior. You remember everything, don’t you?"
Her fingers curled slightly at her sides. She hadn’t expected him to cut to the chase.
In the silence, Mo Zhu took a step closer, closing the distance between them.
"I made myself clear last night. The ‘vacation’ was just an excuse—I came here to pursue you. Sightseeing doesn’t matter. But we need to talk."
Yu Zhiling instinctively retreated a step. "...Yeah. We should."
Mo Zhu pressed forward. "So what do you want to say, Senior?"
She forced a calm tone. "You know I was drunk."
"I know," he replied. "But I wasn’t. Everything I did was deliberate. No matter what happens, I’ll take full responsibility for my actions."
He towered over her at this distance, forcing her to look up. "We’re both adults. A kiss isn’t that big a deal—it’s not like we need to talk about responsibility yet..."
Her voice grew softer as she spoke, noticing the unusual expression on Mo Zhu's face. Combined with her own guilty conscience, she felt like she was somehow taking advantage of him.
Her lower back pressed against the edge of the dining table, leaving her with no room to retreat. She glanced behind her, about to step aside, when a shadow fell over her—Mo Zhu blocked her path.
His left knee gently nudged forward, parting her legs as he leaned in, his arms braced on either side of her, sealing off any escape.
Yu Zhiling flustered, asked, "Then what do you want?"
Mo Zhu remained calm, his tone light. "What do you think of me, senior?"
What does he mean? In what way? What is he asking?
"You… you…"
Yu Zhiling’s thoughts strayed, her cheeks warming as she pressed her hands against his chest.
Mo Zhu spoke again before she could finish. "What do you think of me as a person?"
Yu Zhiling: "…You’re fine."
Mo Zhu lowered his head, closing the distance between them, his voice almost hypnotic. "What about my looks?"
"…Handsome, of course."
"And my personality?"
"…Seems good so far."
Mo Zhu’s hand, resting near her waist, slid subtly around her back, pulling her closer. A startled gasp escaped her lips.
"My family situation is something you already know. I’m an only child, financially stable, with good parents. I’ve never been in a relationship, so no ex-related complications. I’m not the flirty type either, so don’t overthink it, senior."
Yu Zhiling’s face flushed with embarrassment. She turned away, coughing lightly. "I… I know."
The words she had spoken last night were now being thrown back at her.
Mo Zhu continued, "My grades are good, my education is solid, and I’ll likely work in this field after graduation—stable income, decent salary."
Yu Zhiling wasn’t sure why he was listing all this, but she listened politely.
"My temper isn’t bad. I’m usually quiet, but I don’t have violent tendencies or bad habits—and I won’t develop any. I’m healthy, and there are no hidden genetic issues in my family for three generations."
Yu Zhiling: "…I get it."
Mo Zhu met her gaze directly, cutting to the chase. "I think I’d make a suitable partner—better than most."
Yu Zhiling finally understood the purpose behind his words.
Her mind was in turmoil. She tilted her head slightly, avoiding his eyes, and murmured, "Are you trying to pursue me?"
"Yes."
"What do you like about me?"
"Everything."
"Mo Zhu, I’m five years older than you." Yu Zhiling looked straight at him, voicing her concern. "Five years. I might not even stay in Beicheng long-term. You’ve only known me for a few days—you don’t really know my personality. We might not be compatible."
Mo Zhu responded without hesitation. "I don’t care about age, and neither does my family. Personalities can adjust. I don’t see any flaws in you, senior. Besides, I’m not asking for an answer right now—just a chance to win you over."
What he feared was her shutting him out—ignoring his messages, avoiding him.
Mo Zhu stepped back, giving her space.
He stood a pace away, watching as she straightened up, still tense in front of him.
"Think it over, senior. Treat it as a trial period. Take as long as you need. If you decide I’m right for you, say yes. If there’s something you don’t like, tell me—I’ll work on it. Just don’t ignore me or run away."
He didn’t push further. Pressuring her would only push her away. Knowing she needed time to sort her thoughts, he took the initiative to leave.
After changing his shoes and grabbing his jacket, he paused at the doorway. Yu Zhiling was still rooted in place in the living room.
"Senior, I’m heading out. I booked the hotel for ten days, and my return ticket is on the 27th. I’m not leaving yet. According to your itinerary, today was supposed to be North Valley, so we’ll do that tomorrow instead."
"Doesn’t look like we’re going today. I already bought the tickets—two for tomorrow. I’ll leave at eight, should arrive by nine."
The door opened and closed. Once again, she was alone.
Mo Zhu hadn’t demanded an answer—just asked her to consider it. As if his only purpose today had been to bring her a meal and ask her not to avoid him.
His parting words were clear enough. Even unspoken, Yu Zhiling understood.
He intended to stay for the full ten days as planned. The tickets were bought. After what had just happened, whether she still wanted to be his guide was entirely up to her. The choice was hers.
Yu Zhiling unlocked her phone. The chat log was filled with his messages.
The earliest was from last night at ten, after he’d seen her home.
MZ: Senior, I’m back at the hotel. Get some rest.
Then, at eleven this morning:
MZ: Senior, are you awake?
She had been, but she hadn’t replied.
At 11:30, he asked: Is your stomach bothering you?
By 12:30: Senior, it’s lunchtime. Have you eaten?
A small snake sticker followed.
Five hours passed without a response from her.
At five in the afternoon, he showed up at her apartment complex.
Senior, I brought food. I’m downstairs.
Five messages—all left unanswered.
Now, another notification appeared.
MZ: [Image]
A QR code for the tickets.
