161: Doing work

Zhou Mengqi sat back in her seat with a smile, picking up a piece of mouth-watering chicken with her chopsticks.

She chewed slowly, glancing at Yu Heng out of the corner of her eye while wondering which set of lingerie she should wear tonight.

That black lace set she bought last time hadn't been opened yet; it would be perfect for tonight.

She'd been taking that medicine for two weeks, so it should be fine; there was no need for protection today.

Ning Yutong and Shen Yueling were still chatting. Yu Heng leaned against the back of his chair, his left hand resting on his leg. The tablecloth was long, hanging down and obscuring most of the view.

His eyes were on Zhou Mengqi and Wang Luyu as they spoke, but his hand slowly moved to the left, his palm pressing fully against the outside of her thigh.

Ning Yutong pursed her lips tightly and poked her chopsticks into her bowl. She didn't dare move, afraid that a large movement would be noticed by Shen Yueling.

Thinking about what happened in the car, she instinctively pressed her legs together a bit tighter.

"Yu Tong?" Shen Yueling called her.

"Ah?" Ning Yutong snapped back to reality.

"You're holding your chopsticks backwards," Shen Yueling said.

Ning Yutong looked down and saw she was using the thick end of the chopsticks to pick up food.

She quickly flipped them over, her face feeling a bit hot.

Yu Heng's fingers tapped lightly on her leg, as if keeping a beat.

Bai Xinran stood up to refill everyone's tea. When she walked over to Ning Yutong, Ning Yutong tensed up, sitting bolt upright.

After pouring the tea, Bai Xinran glanced at the faint silhouette under the tablecloth. She said nothing and continued pouring for Shen Yueling.

Yu Heng withdrew his hand and picked up a tissue to wipe his mouth.

Ning Yutong breathed a sigh of relief, but felt a bit empty inside.

She picked up her cup and took a sip of tea. The water was a bit hot, making her tongue go numb.

—

The dinner gathering was mostly over.

Zhou Mengqi picked up her bag, winked at Yu Heng, and left first with Wang Luyu.

Ning Yutong stood at the door putting on her coat. Shen Yueling walked over and helped her straighten her scarf.

Yu Heng came out after settling the bill. Shen Yueling and Bai Xinran were waiting for him in the hallway.

The others had also left in groups of twos and threes.

"You guys head back first," Yu Heng said, looking at the two of them. "I'm not going back to the Villa tonight."

Shen Yueling was looking down while zipping up her jacket. She stopped, looked up at him, and asked, "Where are you going?"

"I have some things to do." Yu Heng put his hands in his pockets.

"What things?" Shen Yueling stared at his face.

"Work-related things." Yu Heng's tone was casual. "Discussing the next script with Zhou Mengqi."

"Discussing a script? In the middle of the night?" The corner of Shen Yueling's mouth twitched. "Discussing it in bed, I suppose?"

"Deep communication is the only way to spark inspiration!" Yu Heng said with a chuckle.

"Go wherever you want!" Shen Yueling gave him a dirty look.

"You can bring Yu Tong along," Yu Heng continued. "You can all stay at the Villa together; there are plenty of rooms anyway."

"Bring Yu Tong along?" Shen Yueling looked up at him, seeing through his intentions. "We have to help you do the work too?"

"I didn't say that." Yu Heng smiled. "I just think you have a good relationship and should spend more time together."

"Whatever." Shen Yueling turned her head away, looking out the window. "I'll ask her in a bit. Whether she goes or not is up to her."

Ning Yutong came out of the restroom and saw the three of them standing in the hallway. Her pace slowed down.

"Yu Tong," Shen Yueling called her, "do you have plans tonight?"

"Ah?" Ning Yutong was stunned for a moment. "No... why?"

"Come stay at the Villa," Shen Yueling said. "Yu Heng isn't coming back tonight."

Ning Yutong instinctively looked at Yu Heng.

Yu Heng nodded to her. "Go on. The three of you can keep each other company."

Ning Yutong pursed her lips and didn't speak.

Shen Yueling looked at her. "Are you going?"

"I..." Ning Yutong's fingers twisted the end of her scarf. "I didn't bring a change of clothes..."

"Wear mine," Shen Yueling said. "I have new ones."

Ning Yutong looked at Yu Heng again.

Yu Heng had already turned to walk out. "I'm off. Be careful on the road."

Shen Yueling stared at his back until he pushed open the restaurant's glass door and disappeared into the night.

"Sister Yueling," Bai Xinran said softly, "shall we go?"

"Let's go." Shen Yueling picked up her bag. "Time to head back!"

The three of them walked side-by-side toward the Villa. Shen Yueling walked in the middle, wondering how they should talk tonight.

Bai Xinran walked quietly, thinking that Master would probably enjoy himself tonight.

Ning Yutong kept her head down, thinking that today might be an opportunity to talk things through with Shen Yueling.

She hadn't been ignoring Shen Yueling on purpose these past few days; she just hadn't figured out how to face this relationship.

If Shen Yueling didn't like Yu Heng, she could treat her like a normal best friend, confiding in her or even seeking comfort.

But they weren't that "normal."

Waiting for the red light at the intersection, Shen Yueling suddenly spoke: "Yu Tong."

"Hmm?" Ning Yutong looked up.

"Yu Heng is just like that," Shen Yueling watched the red light numbers countdown on the other side of the street. "You'll get used to it."

Ning Yutong's ears felt a bit hot. She said softly, "Yue Ling, I..."

"It's fine," Shen Yueling interrupted her. "No need to explain."

The light turned green, and the three of them crossed the street.

Arriving at the Villa door, Shen Yueling took out her keys to open it.

The heating inside was very strong; a wave of warmth hit them as soon as they entered.

"Make yourself at home," Shen Yueling took off her coat and hung it on the rack. "A Ling, sorry to trouble you, but could you boil some water for tea?"

"Okay." Bai Xinran responded and headed toward the kitchen.

Ning Yutong stood in the living room, feeling a bit stiff.

This wasn't her first time here, but it felt different this time.

Before, Yu Heng was there. Now, there were only the three girls, and she faintly felt as if she was the only one who was different.

"Sit down," Shen Yueling sat on the sofa and patted the spot next to her. "Why are you standing?"

Ning Yutong walked over and sat down, her hands on her knees.

Bai Xinran came over with the teapot and cups, pouring a cup for each of them.

Shen Yueling picked up her teacup, blew on it, took a small sip, then set it down and looked at Ning Yutong.

"Yu Tong," she said, "we've known each other for so many years."

Ning Yutong nodded. "Yeah."

"So no matter what," Shen Yueling's tone was calm, "our relationship won't change."

Ning Yutong pursed her lips and didn't speak.

"We've never had a frank talk before," Shen Yueling smiled slightly. "We both like Yu Heng."

"I..." Ning Yutong started. "I've already been rejected."

"I know." Shen Yueling said. "The things he said to you, he actually said to me a long time ago."

"Huh?" Ning Yutong looked up. "So you can accept it?"

"Yes," Shen Yueling nodded. "I've accepted it. But whether you accept it or not is your choice. Don't let this matter affect us."

"I know..." her voice was very small. "I just... can't control it. I keep thinking..."

Thinking about him, thinking about being with him. Even though he rejected her and she said she wouldn't bother him.

But every time she thought of him, those thoughts still came up.

"I know. I can't control it either." Shen Yueling was silent for a few seconds. "So I accepted it. I don't feel wronged; in fact, I find it quite interesting."

These words were so frank that Ning Yutong looked up at her.

The two girls met each other's eyes and then looked away.

Bai Xinran stood up. "I'll go boil some more water."

She walked into the kitchen, leaving the space to Shen Yueling and Ning Yutong.