Chapter 11 — Snow, Confessions, and Unspoken Bonds
Frost drifted softly outside as Sang Zhi lingered just inside the shopping mall, fingers curled around a plush toy shaped like a dog. She and Jiang Ming had both won one from the claw machine—two identical prizes that felt like perfect metaphors for their awkward symmetry. Still, when he suggested grabbing dinner, she shook her head—schoolwork and exhaustion kept her tethered to home.
Later, back in her dorm, her roommates—Ning Wei, Yu Xin, and Wang—planned a New Year's Eve outing to the crowded Central Plaza. They teased that Sang Zhi needed to loosen up. But the cold and crowds didn't appeal to her: she stayed behind. Watching them leave, Jiang Ming's disappointed look pinched her chest.
Then, a call from Duan Jiaxu changed everything. His company was hosting a New Year's Eve dinner, and he invited her—to be his guest. Shocked, Sang Zhi demurred, insisting she wasn't family and had already eaten. But Jiaxu was unrelenting, reminding her she still owed him that meal—and since he was already nearby, he made a reservation. She had no choice but to get ready.
At dinner, amidst the low hum of celebration, Jiaxu asked why she'd skipped the evening out. When she explained she wasn't skipping friendship—just the cold—he seized on the hurt flattening her gaze and reassured her gently. He admitted he teased her at the hospital and wanted to apologize. She waved it off, but he insisted on covering the bill—softly reminding her this wasn't goodbye.
Their private moment shattered when Jiang Ying stormed in, drenched with rage and accusations. She hurled water at Duan Jiaxu, demanding repayment for old debts. Instinctively, Sang Zhi retaliated—flinging water back in defense. Jiaxu shielded her as tension mounted.
Once Jiang Ying was calm, Sang Zhi gently wiped Jiaxu's face and asked whose debt it was. Calmly, he responded that Jiang Ying was a creditor to his late father—not him personally. Memories resurfaced of seeing her harass him when he was vulnerable, sick. Concern for him bloomed warmer within Sang Zhi's chest.
Snow began drifting past the restaurant window—tiny diamonds shimmering in the glow. Under its hush, Sang Zhi closed her eyes and made a silent wish: May he be happy, and may I become the one who brings him that happiness. Jiaxu, noticing her gesture, murmured his own wish: for her health and happiness, too. It was the first snow in Yihe since her high school days; he felt lucky to share it with her.
Later, scenes played out in their separate worlds: fireworks burst overhead and Sang Zhi and Jiaxu exchanged New Year's greetings over text. He toyed—silently—with changing her contact name to something dearer, but refrained. Back in their chat, Qian Fei excitedly revealed his engagement, elated and bubbly. Jiaxu's response was quiet—his thoughts drifting irreversibly toward Sang Zhi.
Sometime later, Sang Zhi told her roommates that she had some "stationery" to drop by Jiaxu's office. Meanwhile, he was managing a few crises—including Jiang Ying stalking his building. He intercepted Sang Zhi as she arrived—firm, protective. He told her clearly: Don't come to my company or apartment without telling me first. She nodded, confused but understanding. She handed him the "stationery"—in truth, an electronic peephole camera she'd chosen for him—then slipped away before emotions could muddy the moment.
End of Chapter 11