Red Wine and Ginger Sugar

Qin Huairen threw out a harsh line and slammed the door as she left.

The cold night wind, fierce and cutting, shattered into fragments and slipped through the cracks of the windows, letting out an eerie, whining sound.

The midnight chimes of the restaurant rang loudly, breaking the silence of the hall.

Wen Yuzhi picked up the phone from the table and walked toward the door, the sharp tapping of her high heels against the floor steady and unhurried.

Everyone present held their breath, only daring to watch from afar, until the heavy door closed softly.

Only then did someone let out a long breath, clutching their chest and muttering, “My god, that was terrifying.”

Chen Mingsheng stood there in a daze.

He was completely confused as well.

The Wen Yuzhi in front of Qin Huairen tonight had been almost overly gentle and obedient.

Yet the person who had slammed Gu Tianyu into the sink, yanked his hair, and forced him to kneel in the restroom was also Wen Yuzhi.

The contrast was extreme.

Chen Mingsheng still remembered the first time he saw Wen Yuzhi.

She and Qin Huairen had been tied for first place among the incoming freshmen.

As the student representative, she stood at the center of the podium, lofty and aloof.

In Wen Yuzhi’s eyes was a kind of cold detachment unique to a certain class.

Polite yet distant.

Graceful and elegant, but also proud, radiating an aura that kept others away.

Back then, almost all the boys in the department—no, in the entire school—were chasing after her.

Only Qin Huairen didn’t spare her a glance.

Chen Mingsheng had once thought they were simply incompatible by nature.

Equally outstanding, inevitably competitive, so it was natural they didn’t get along.

But tonight’s Wen Yuzhi left him perplexed.

The long-quiet student group chat suddenly became extremely active.

Wen Yuzhi had never joined the group.

Qin Huairen had quit the moment she graduated.

And Gu Tianyu had silently exited the group tonight.

So everyone was openly discussing the matter.

Chen Mingsheng roughly pieced together what had happened.

They said that after Wen Yuzhi returned from the restroom and sat back beside Qin Huairen, several people had planned to gather their courage and go toast them together.

But before they even reached the table, they noticed Qin Huairen’s expression had soured.

Her voice grew louder.

The atmosphere instantly became tense.

Qin Huairen kept asking Wen Yuzhi why she had done it.

Wen Yuzhi spoke very softly, and from a distance no one could hear clearly.

No one knew the exact details.

The enraged Qin Huairen was like a roaring storm.

Wen Yuzhi, on the other hand, was as calm as a dead sea with no ripples.

That contrast only seemed to anger Qin Huairen further.

That was why it escalated into Qin Huairen splashing red wine and then laying hands on her.

She had clutched Wen Yuzhi by the throat and demanded, “You did it on purpose, didn’t you?”

To be honest, everyone found it strange.

Qin Huairen had a fiery temper, but she wasn’t a bad-tempered person.

On the contrary, in everyone’s eyes, Qin Huairen was emotionally stable, straightforward, loyal to friends, and generous.

Most importantly, she never acted superior because of her beauty or excellence.

And yet, whenever she faced Wen Yuzhi, Qin Huairen always “lost control.”

Yes.

The moment Qin Huairen stepped out of the restaurant, the cold wind swept over her and she instantly sobered up a great deal.

She was asking herself the same question.

They hadn’t seen each other for years.

So why was she still so easily provoked by Wen Yuzhi?

Wrapped in a long dress, she shivered violently from the cold.

Just as she hugged her arms tightly, she heard the sound of high heels behind her.

Qin Huairen didn’t turn around.

Her intuition told her that the person behind her was Wen Yuzhi.

So she faced the biting wind head-on.

Her long dress fluttered like unfurled banners.

That damned competitive streak made her blood boil, and she suddenly didn’t feel that cold anymore.

“I’ll take you home.”

As expected, it was Wen Yuzhi.

Qin Huairen didn’t turn her head and didn’t respond.

A rustling sound came from behind.

Qin Huairen instinctively became alert.

The footsteps stopped behind her, and a familiar, faint fragrance rushed into her nose.

It was the calm, woody scent she liked.

What was infuriating was that Wen Yuzhi seemed to like this scent too and had never changed it.

A coat was draped over her shoulders.

Qin Huairen lifted her hand in disgust to block it, her tone harsh.

“Don’t bother with this act.”

At the same time, a Rolls-Royce glided to a stop in front of them.

A woman dressed in OL-style clothing stepped out of the car.

On closer look, Qin Huairen recognized her as Wen Yuzhi’s assistant, Yan Qing.

Yan Qing jogged over to open the door.

When she saw the red stain on Wen Yuzhi’s dress, she jumped in fright.

“Huairen, it’s really cold out here.

You and President Wen should get in the car first and talk.”

Qin Huairen glanced toward the Mercedes that had arrived behind them.

She could already vaguely see a familiar figure waving at her.

Without turning back, she walked away, casually saying, “No need.”

Yan Qing watched as President Wen’s face grew even paler.

Feeling distressed yet awkwardly stuck in the middle, she called out softly, “President Wen.”

“Yan Qing.”

Qin Huairen suddenly called her name.

Yan Qing turned around.

Qin Huairen was standing beside the Mercedes.

The man in a crisp suit holding the car door open for her was Lin Zhixun—once Qin Huairen’s most ardent pursuer.

Qin Huairen’s previously indifferent face curved into a faint smile.

“Long time no see, Yan Qing.”

That smile was bright as the moon.

It was indeed beautiful.

Yan Qing instinctively looked at Wen Yuzhi.

President Wen’s face appeared calm, but Yan Qing understood the turbulent emotions rolling in her eyes.

She quickly stepped to Wen Yuzhi’s side and greeted Qin Huairen.

“Long time no see.”

“We should have a meal together sometime.”

After saying that, Qin Huairen bent down and got into the car.

The man thoughtfully shielded her head and greeted Wen Yuzhi.

“President Wen, drive safe.”

The Mercedes disappeared into the night in an instant.

Yan Qing took the coat from Wen Yuzhi’s hand and was about to drape it over her, but Wen Yuzhi stopped her.

Oh no.

Every time she saw Qin Huairen, President Wen’s emotional barometer turned unpredictable.

Yan Qing hurried into the car and proactively asked, “Are we heading back to Swan Lake tonight?”

Swan Lake was one of Wen Yuzhi’s private residences.

Whenever she didn’t feel like returning to the old family home, she would stay there.

“No.”

Wen Yuzhi gazed out the window.

Her reflection in the glass frowned slightly.

“Follow that Mercedes.”

Yan Qing wanted to advise against following them several times, but ultimately gave up.

President Wen was not someone she could persuade.

At the next turn, the Rolls-Royce spotted the Mercedes at the end of the road.

Yan Qing glanced sideways.

Suddenly, Wen Yuzhi spoke.

“When did you two become so close?”

“Huh?”

Yan Qing didn’t understand at first.

Wen Yuzhi continued coolly.

“Close enough to arrange private dinners.”

Yan Qing’s heart raced.

She hurried to explain.

“I was surprised too.

But Huairen is very well-mannered.

It was just polite courtesy.”

“Well-mannered?”

Whenever Wen Yuzhi repeated something in a questioning tone, it meant she was displeased.

In the company, once she issued an order, no one dared ask a second time.

Yan Qing knew this well and replied carefully.

“She’s always very courteous with people she isn’t close to.”

Wen Yuzhi didn’t speak again.

Yan Qing nearly broke out in sweat.

Qin Huairen returning to Jingzhou should have been a good thing.

So why did her own days suddenly feel like she’d entered troubled waters again?

On both sides of the road, lush greenery lined the way.

Red lanterns swayed wildly in the wind.

Heart-shaped floral designs, like someone’s unsettled heart.

Wen Yuzhi stared at the sea of red outside the window.

It reminded her of the red stain on her dress.

A well-mannered person.

Splashing red wine on her.

She lowered her gaze to her dress.

The red wine had spread out, resembling a field of peach blossoms in full bloom.

Yan Qing thought she must be seeing things.

But she really did catch a faint curve at the corner of Wen Yuzhi’s lips.

The emotional weather shifted.

Cloudy turned to clear.

Yan Qing let out a quiet sigh of relief.

The Mercedes eventually stopped in front of a hotel.

Qin Huairen thanked him.

“Thanks for the trouble.

You don’t need to come pick me up next time.”

Just as she was about to push the door open, Lin Zhixun locked the car.

Qin Huairen’s brows drew together as she turned back to look at him coldly.

“Don’t be angry.”

Lin Zhixun retrieved an exquisite gift bag from the back seat and handed it to her.

“Tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day.

If I ask you out, you’ll say you’re busy again.

So I’ll give you the gift early.”

Qin Huairen didn’t take it.

Her voice was flat.

“I remember I made myself very clear back then.”

“It’s been so many years.

You’re still mad?”

Lin Zhixun smiled apologetically.

“I was immature then and did some impulsive things.

I’m sorry.

I’m mature now.

Really.

Let’s just start as friends.”

Qin Huairen rested her hand on the car door.

She didn’t spare him another glance.

“Friends don’t need gifts.

Open the door.”

Lin Zhixun sighed helplessly and gave in.

But he insisted on escorting her upstairs.

He took off his suit jacket and draped it over Qin Huairen.

She couldn’t be bothered to argue and let it be.

“The place isn’t renovated yet?”

Lin Zhixun suddenly asked.

Qin Huairen gave a quiet “mm,” subtly stepping aside to put distance between them.

“Did Ningning tell you?”

Qin Huairen’s return to Jingzhou had been sudden.

She had been preparing for the preliminary museum exam and wasn’t sure she’d stay.

So she stayed in a cheap hotel at first.

Unexpectedly, someone tried to pry open the hotel door in the middle of the night.

Terrified, she immediately moved to another hotel.

After passing both the preliminary and final museum exams and finishing the public notice period, she decided to stay in Jingzhou and start looking for a place.

Housing prices near the museum were high, and she was busy with work.

After much selection, she bought a second-hand apartment with a layout she liked.

Most things were in place when the upstairs unit suddenly flooded.

She planned to fix it simply, but Xu Jianing directly hired people to do a full renovation.

Xu Jianing suggested she move back home.

She refused and continued staying at the hotel, close to home, occasionally returning to pick up daily necessities.

“I have empty places at home.

Just stay there.

We’re not outsiders,” Lin Zhixun had suggested several times.

Qin Huairen’s attitude remained firm.

He sighed, helpless.

The elevator was brightly lit.

Qin Huairen lowered her head slightly.

Lin Zhixun looked at her reflection in the mirrored walls.

Even in a suit, her delicate beauty couldn’t be concealed.

Her hair, tousled by the wind, gave her a touch of disheveled elegance.

His heart warmed as he watched—

Until Qin Huairen suddenly looked up and their eyes met in the reflection.

Lin Zhixun hurriedly looked away and coughed, changing the subject to Wen Yuzhi.

He had seen today’s trending news online and also heard from Xu Jianing that Wen Yuzhi might be behind it.

He said somewhat exasperatedly.

“People like Wen Yuzhi look cold and detached, like they don’t care about anything.

But it’s probably all an act.

Just a persona.

What do you think?”

Qin Huairen glanced at him.

“What are you trying to say?”

“I mean, what do you think of Wen Yuzhi?”

Lin Zhixun continued.

“You’ve had the most dealings with her.”

As he finished speaking, the elevator doors opened.

Qin Huairen stepped out first, pulled off the suit jacket, and handed it back to him.

Her voice was cool.

“From the sound of it, you want me to say she’s terrible.”

Lin Zhixun looked surprised.

He took the jacket and smiled, stepping out of the elevator.

Qin Huairen blocked his path, held down the door-open button, and said in a flat, cold tone.

“On the contrary.

Compared to most people, she’s actually quite decent.”

The elevator prompted that it was closing.

Lin Zhixun tried again to step out.

Qin Huairen directly pressed the close button.

“My conflict with her was never because she was bad.”

The doors slowly closed.

The surprise and confusion in Lin Zhixun’s eyes hadn’t faded yet.

Qin Huairen turned and left.

Back in her room, she texted Xu Jianing to say she was safe.

Next time don’t arrange for someone to pick me up, especially Lin Zhixun.

I don’t want to see him again.

Xu Jianing called.

Qin Huairen rejected it and sent another message.

I’m tired.

Going to shower.

That souvenir gift Chen Laoshi asked me to pass to you is in Lin Zhixun’s car.

I’m sure he’ll be happy to deliver it for you.

Xu Jianing called again.

No answer.

Only then did she reply.

Are you angry?

I’ll apologize first.

I’ll treat you to a meal later to make up for it.

Qin Huairen thought for a moment.

In the end, she still didn’t ask why Xu Jianing had hidden the invitation.

She didn’t reply.

Xu Jianing sent another message.

You’ve been busy all day.

You must be tired.

Let’s talk about anything else tomorrow.

Qin Huairen let out a long breath, tossed her phone aside, and went to shower.

By the time she came out of the bathroom, it was already late at night.

She rubbed her nose.

It was a bit stuffy.

Rationally, she knew she should drink hot water, preferably brown sugar ginger tea to ward off the cold.

But she was too tired to move and curled up on the sofa instead.

She opened Weibo.

At the top of the trending list were the words “Wen Yuzhi” followed by “young entrepreneur.”

Qin Huairen shut it immediately, as if she’d seen a ghost.

She was in the mood to watch a show for once.

But as soon as she opened it, the bullet comments mentioned Wen Yuzhi again.

Saying Wen Yuzhi would definitely explode in popularity if she debuted.

Qin Huairen muttered “bad luck” and closed it.

In the end, she logged into the “Cultural Relics Talk” app.

She shared plenty of knowledge about cultural relics and restoration there.

Her followers were nearing a million.

She had ten fan groups.

The moment she went online, the fans who were still awake exploded with excitement, begging her to go live.

With nothing better to do, Qin Huairen turned on her computer and started a livestream, chatting casually with everyone.

She omitted key details and mentioned the argument she had with Wen Yuzhi tonight.

The fans chattered endlessly, analyzing it for her.

Some said “W” was a petty villain who couldn’t stand to see her do well.

Others said someone as outstanding as W wouldn’t stoop so low and probably had her own reasons.

Some even chimed in that Qin Huairen had splashed wine and grabbed her throat, yet W hadn’t gotten angry, which meant her temper was extraordinarily good.

Qin Huairen skimmed through the comments.

Suddenly, a particularly long and abnormal message popped up.

It was impossible to ignore.

She simply took a screenshot and read it carefully.

It said—

I might be your anti-fan.

I think this whole thing isn’t how you imagine it.

Your way of thinking is off…

Followed by a long stretch of self-righteous nonsense.

Qin Huairen felt her temper flare.

She directly replied on the livestream.

“This fan called ‘Lily of My Hometown,’ you’re completely wrong.

You don’t understand W at all.

I’ve known her for a long time.

She was different from others from the start.

Later I realized she targets me at every turn.

As long as it involves me, she stirs up trouble and makes things difficult…”

At that moment, someone knocked on the door.

Bang bang bang bang bang—

Urgent and rapid.

“Who is it?

Don’t knock the door down.

Wait a sec.”

Qin Huairen muttered as she walked over.

She peered through the peephole and froze.

It was Wen Yuzhi.

She opened the door a crack, warily asking.

“Why are you here?

How do you know I’m here?

What do you want?”

“Can I come in and talk?”

Wen Yuzhi’s face was pale, as if she were frozen.

“I want to explain what happened tonight to you in person.”

Qin Huairen frowned.

Wen Yuzhi’s voice was hoarse.

“I’ll leave after I’m done.”

Only then did Qin Huairen open the door.

As Wen Yuzhi brushed past her, she caught a strong smell of alcohol and frowned.

She closed the door and turned around, nearly bumping into Wen Yuzhi.

Her irritation flared.

“Why are you standing so close?

You—”

“Here.”

Wen Yuzhi suddenly raised her hand.

She was holding a paper-wrapped box.

“Brown sugar ginger tea.

Drink it while it’s hot.”

Qin Huairen froze.

She looked Wen Yuzhi up and down, interpreting it with the worst possible intent.

“What?

Did you poison it?”

Wen Yuzhi’s pale, almost sickly face curved into a smile.

“Then should I take a sip first?”

The ginger tea was very hot.

It made Wen Yuzhi blow on it.

Qin Huairen even caught a glimpse of her pink tongue.

A wave of discomfort rose in her chest.

Her patience snapped.

“What exactly do you want?

Did you do something wrong and now you’re here to make up for it?”

“What happened tonight is related to me, but I didn’t arrange it.

I promise I’ll handle it properly.

It won’t happen again.”

The room was warm from the heater.

Wen Yuzhi had just taken another sip of ginger tea.

A flush crept onto her cheeks.

Strands of hair at her temples were slightly disheveled.

She lifted her hand to tuck the loose hair behind her ear.

Her face looked even thinner.

Her obsidian-like eyes flickered with what seemed like sincerity.

She promised.

“Once this is resolved, someone will apologize to you.

If you want, I can also apologize myself.

In whatever way you like…”

Wen Yuzhi’s face grew redder and redder.

A rosy blush spread across her cheeks, as if she were shy to the extreme.

Qin Huairen endured it for a long while before finally interrupting, baffled.

“Just talk.

Why are you blushing?”

“I…”

Wen Yuzhi seemed startled by the reminder.

She touched her cheek.

“My face is really that red?”

“Go look in the mirror yourself.”

Qin Huairen stepped aside.

Wen Yuzhi walked toward the bathroom.

Her hand pressed to her chest, only then realizing how violently her heart was pounding.

Qin Huairen muttered something about how absurd this all was.

As she walked back to the desk, she suddenly realized she’d forgotten to turn off the livestream.

She was just about to close it when she heard Wen Yuzhi call her from the bathroom, voice trembling.

“Ah-Ren!”

Ah-Ren, Ah-Ren—

Each call louder, each one softer.

Qin Huairen had already moved the mouse.

Then she heard a loud crash from the bathroom, followed by clattering sounds, like something had shattered.

She hastily clicked to close the stream and rushed toward the bathroom.

What she didn’t know was that the livestream hadn’t been closed.

It had only been minimized.

The fans in the livestream were like raccoon dogs in a melon field.

They sniffed excitedly, catching an unusual scent.

Very soon, indescribable sounds came through.

Urgent.

Intense.

Scorching hot.