A Clash in the Cold Night

Little Waterdrop: “Hello?”

At the very last second, Yu Qingkong typed a single word: “Yes.”

Little Waterdrop: “Great! Could you send a quick voice message so I can confirm your gender?”

Yu Qingkong held the bottom of her phone to her lips, her voice low and steady. “Hello.”

Little Waterdrop: “Got it! Regarding the fee, which payment method would you prefer?”

Yu Qingkong didn’t waste time with words; she simply transferred the money through the chat window.

Little Waterdrop: “Received! Remember to be there by 5:00 PM sharp tomorrow. Please leave your name and phone number for the check-in list.”

Yu Qingkong sent her details and then fell silent, staring out at the night sky, which was as thick and dark as ink. She took a slow sip of water, stood up to snap the curtains shut, and headed to the bathroom.

As she looked at the lingering marks on her skin—reminders of Lin Wanzhao—she reached for the showerhead and turned the water on high.

*********************************

The next afternoon, shortly after 4:00 PM.

Yu Qingkong packed her things, threw on a casual black coat, and headed out. The temperature in Shengcheng was dropping steadily, hovering around 14°C or 15°C. It was fine as long as the wind didn’t blow, but the moment a breeze picked up, it felt like winter had arrived without warning.

Arriving at Mingguang Tea House, she checked the time, unbuckled her seatbelt, and stepped out of the car.

Though her vision wasn’t terrible, she had decided to wear a pair of black-rimmed glasses and a mask today. She had no desire to be recognized by anyone she might know.

Inside, after the staff verified her identity, she turned to scan the room. The restaurant was filled entirely with women—androgynous, cute, pure, cold, seductive; every “type” was represented, and many were quite beautiful.

But honestly, looking at their faces, Yu Qingkong felt nothing. No matter who smiled at her, her heart remained as calm and flat as a stagnant pond.

The plan for the evening was dinner followed by group games, so the center of the room had been cleared, with dining tables pushed to the sides.

As Yu Qingkong stood there, bored and observant, a voice suddenly drifted from across the room: “Wow, a total beauty!”

Yu Qingkong turned toward the entrance. In an instant, she froze, paralyzed by disbelief.

There stood Lin Wanzhao, dressed with effortless elegance. Nearly every eye in the room was already gravitating toward her.

Lin Wanzhao let her gaze wander casually over the crowd until it landed directly on Yu Qingkong. Their eyes locked, and both women stood as if struck by lightning. Neither had expected to see the other in a place like this.

“Yu Qingkong…” Lin Wanzhao whispered, beginning to walk toward her.

Yu Qingkong’s hands clenched into tight fists.

– I never would have guessed… that you would be here.

Lin Wanzhao looked at her thoughtfully.

Yu Qingkong regained her composure and met her gaze. “I’m here with a friend.”

– Really?

Lin Wanzhao glanced around the room.

– And where is this friend?

“I’m not sure where she went. Excuse me, I have things to do. I’m leaving.” Plans changed; with Lin Wanzhao here, Yu Qingkong couldn’t stay a second longer. She turned to make her exit.

– Wait—

Lin Wanzhao reached out to grab her, but Yu Qingkong brushed past her so quickly that Lin Wanzhao caught only empty air.

Watching her go, Lin Wanzhao swallowed hard, biting her lower lip.

“Who was that?” Lu Fen asked, jogging up to Lin Wanzhao’s side and looking curiously after the retreating figure.

Lin Wanzhao didn’t answer.

“Hey, beautiful, want a drink?” A green-haired woman who was already clearly intoxicated stumbled over and grabbed Lin Wanzhao’s arm.

– No thanks, I’m allergic to alcohol. Sorry, I’m actually leaving.

Lin Wanzhao tried to step aside.

“Aww, you just got here! Why leave? Just one drink, it won’t hurt.” The woman reached out and gripped Lin Wanzhao’s shoulder.

– Don’t do that.

Lin Wanzhao’s brow furrowed as she pulled the woman’s hand off her.

“Come on, just one glass. Or half a sip. How about half a sip…?” The green-haired woman grabbed her arm again.

– I said I don’t want any! Can’t you understand?!

Lin Wanzhao finally snapped, her voice ringing out through the room. The people nearby fell silent, startled. Lu Fen stood by, looking flustered and unsure what to do.

Yu Qingkong, who had been halfway to the door, stopped in her tracks. She squeezed her eyes shut for a second, then turned back and marched over to Lin Wanzhao. She grabbed the drunk woman’s wrist with a firm, iron grip.

“Let go,” she said, her voice dropping to a dangerous low.

Perhaps it was the sheer intensity in Yu Qingkong’s expression, but the green-haired woman seemed to sober up instantly. She let go of Lin Wanzhao’s arm immediately.

Yu Qingkong glanced at her once, then grabbed Lin Wanzhao’s wrist and led her out of the restaurant. She didn’t let go until they were outside, then she turned and started walking toward the elevator.

Lin Wanzhao rubbed her wrist and followed her into the elevator. She looked at Yu Qingkong’s profile and waited for a moment before speaking.

– I thought you didn’t want anything to do with me? Why turn back to help?

“It’s not that I don’t want to talk to you, I just…” Yu Qingkong pressed the elevator button.

– Is that so? Because the second you saw me today, you looked like you’d seen the plague. Do you hate me?

Lin Wanzhao needed to know.

“CEO Lin, is this fun for you?” Yu Qingkong suddenly turned to face her.

– What do you mean?

The elevator doors opened, and Yu Qingkong stepped out.

“Explain yourself!” Lin Wanzhao hurried after her. Her heels were starting to blister her feet, but she didn’t care.

“Are you collecting items? Does it make you happy to sleep with anyone, regardless of gender? One moment you’re seducing me, and the next you’re going in and out of hotels with a man… is it a game?” Finally reaching her car, Yu Qingkong pulled the door open, then slammed it shut, turning to hurl the question at her.

– What man? What are you talking about? Hotels… you mean… wait.

Lin Wanzhao stared at her, stunned for a beat before letting out a sharp, angry laugh.

– That’s the kind of person you think I am?

“Whatever the case, let’s keep our boundaries clear from now on,” Yu Qingkong said, lowering her head. “And if you find my words too harsh, feel free to fire me.”

– I…

Lin Wanzhao felt as if a heavy stone had been placed on her chest, making it hard to breathe.

“I’m going home. Goodbye. You should head back soon, too.” Yu Qingkong opened the car door and sat inside. If she fires me, she fires me.

– I don’t have a car. I came with a friend.

Lin Wanzhao’s voice was thick with anger.

“Then call a cab. Watch your safety on the road.” Yu Qingkong started the engine.

Lin Wanzhao watched the car pull away. She wanted to call out, to stop her, but her throat felt constricted, and not a single sound came out.

The night really was cold. Inexplicably, goosebumps broke out across Lin Wanzhao’s skin, and a shiver ran through her body.

Inside the car, Yu Qingkong’s breathing was erratic. She didn’t understand why she was so furious, but she couldn’t suppress the resentment.

She drove a short distance before glancing in the rearview mirror. She saw Lin Wanzhao standing alone, arms wrapped around herself, walking slowly. She saw her stumble slightly on her heels—she looked like a lost, small animal. Suddenly, she looked incredibly pitiable.

Yu Qingkong let out a long, frustrated breath. She slowed down, shifted into reverse, and pulled up alongside Lin Wanzhao. She rolled down the window.

Lin Wanzhao froze. She stared at Yu Qingkong for a long moment, a sudden wave of grievance washing over her. She turned her head away, staring blankly ahead.

– Didn’t you have ‘things to do’? Why come back? Don’t worry, I won’t bother you or annoy you ever again.

“Get in. I’ll take you home.” Yu Qingkong ignored the jab.

Lin Wanzhao kept her arms crossed and her lips pressed tight. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She was beyond angry now; she was just hurt.

Yu Qingkong took a deep breath, and when she spoke again, her voice had softened significantly.

“Be good. Get in the car.”