Chapter 14 — Clarity, Courage, and Quiet Understandings
Sang Zhi stared at the delicate bracelet resting in her palm, its engraved name catching the morning light. Yet when she looked up the meaning behind it, her heart sank—its inscription whispered warmth as though from an older brother, not the confession she had secretly hoped for. A soft ache of disappointment tugged at her chest.
Later that night, she informed her parents with casual surprise that Jiaxu would pick her up early the next morning for their flight to Yihe, allowing them a moment of rest. They laughed, content with how naturally his presence had woven into their family's support.
Early Morning Connections
Before dawn, Jiaxu appeared at her door, arms laden with breakfast and sleepy concern. His gaze flickered to the missing bracelet—she'd forgotten to wear it—and she caught the subtle disappointment in his eyes, a silent reminder of her conflicted emotions.
At the airport, fate intervened in the form of Yuan Lang, Jiaxu's old classmate. His presence sparked a casual question: "Is she your girlfriend?" It forced Sang Zhi to confront how others perceived their bond. When rumors of a relationship with Jiang Ying surfaced, Jiaxu denied them gently, reminding Sang Zhi of his promise: he would introduce any future girlfriend to her first. It dawned on her then—he had never lied to her.
At the Dorm — Unspoken Feelings
Back at her dorm, Sang Zhi stood on her balcony, watching Jiaxu disappear into the distance. Ning Wei pulled her aside, curiosity in her eyes. Sang Zhi admitted something daring yet uncertain: "He's been acting differently… like he might actually like me." But fear swirled—that their fundamental age difference might erase any possibility. Ning Wei shook her head, reassuring her that if he made a move, she must meet him halfway.
Meanwhile, Jiaxu reached out for advice. A confession had bubbled up — "She's the one I really like." He asked Qian Fei how to pursue her properly — because Sang Zi believed he could never care for her in that way.
The Invitation — A Turning Tide
That evening, Jiaxu called Sang Zhi. The tone was different — inviting her to dinner on Friday. The excitement from her roommates was palpable as she answered, their teasing "finally!" spilling into her stunned delight.
On Friday, they both dressed with intention. In the car, Jiaxu hinted he wanted to introduce someone to her. Panic fluttered—did this mean he had moved on? He noticed her hesitation and gently guided her to sit beside him, a wordless reassurance of closeness.
Shattering Misunderstandings
At the restaurant, she was introduced to Siyun — not a girlfriend, but Jiaxu's superior and colleague. Siyaun calmly explained the earlier airport encounter: she had accompanied him then because he was ill, not due to any romantic involvement. Jiaxu had asked Siyun to clarify the misunderstanding so Sang Zhi wouldn't be hurt.
Smiles replaced doubt as he returned with colleagues, introducing Sang Zhi simply as his friend — a marked shift from being his "sister" or "relative's child." The moment carried all the subtlety and courage of unspoken feelings beginning to breathe.
End of Chapter 14