Love Finds Its Time - Chapter 13

Shi Qingqiu returned to the dining hall just in time to see Wen Qinghan, still composed, being toasted by her assistant Meng Siqi.

Wen Qinghan tilted her head slightly back; from her profile to her jawline and down to her neck, the elegant contours caught Shi Qingqiu’s gaze. She drank slowly and steadily. When she set down the glass, no drop stained her lips. The faint lift at the corner of her mouth made her seem untouched by the bustle of the banquet.

“Qinghan, how much have you had?” Shi Qingqiu sat down again, frowning.

“Not much, just a few glasses. Don’t worry.” Wen Qinghan turned her head, meeting Shi Qingqiu’s eyes, clearly seeing the concern there.

With Wen Qinghan’s current status, it would be impossible for her not to handle alcohol at all. But Shi Qingqiu rarely involved herself in her work and naturally had no idea how much Wen Qinghan could drink now.

Before they could say more, Jian Yizhi spoke. “That’s enough for tonight. It’s not a weekend, and everyone has work tomorrow. Let’s call it.” Besides, Jian Yizhi had brought Fu Anran along; they couldn’t stay late. And with work the next day, no one could afford to drink till midnight.

Chen Yi, his face flushed, still shouted, “One more, one more and I’ll stop! Come on, bosses, beauties—and goddess, don’t forget to sign for me!”

Beside him, Li Wenxiao grabbed his arm with exasperation. “Drink like this again and I’ll have to call you a cab.”

The remaining women at the table hadn’t drunk much. Seeing this, they burst into laughter at Chen Yi again.

Wen Qinghan poured herself another glass, stood, and raised it. That commanding presence—decisive and unshakable—slowly gathered around her. Her voice was soft, but carried authority. “Let’s end it here. One last glass. To our continued progress—may we encourage each other.”

The group sobered, raised their glasses, and drank with her.

When the gathering finally dispersed, the law firm staff went home. Jian Yizhi and Fu Anran left together. Wen Qinghan returned to her room, fetched a change of clothes, switched off the light, and took the elevator down with Shi Qingqiu.

Shi Qingqiu drove them back to Phoenix City, insisting Wen Qinghan sit in the passenger seat since she’d been drinking.

It was past ten when they parked. As Shi Qingqiu unfastened her seatbelt, Wen Qinghan said quietly, “Qingqiu, rest early. Good night.”

Shi Qingqiu smiled. “You’re not heading back there, are you? It’s too far. Stay at Uncle and Auntie’s tonight.”

“No. I’ll check into a hotel. Tomorrow I’ll have the housekeeper tidy up that place.” Wen Qinghan handed Shi Qingqiu her bag as she spoke.

Shi Qingqiu was momentarily stunned. “Why? Afraid of disturbing your parents?”

Wen Qinghan gave a soft “Mm,” then added calmly, “I usually stay there during weekends. If I suddenly go back tonight, my parents will find it strange. It wouldn’t be hard to explain, but there’s no need to trouble them.”

She said it lightly, but Shi Qingqiu thought otherwise: if she had driven herself earlier, Wen Qinghan wouldn’t have had to make such twists and turns now. Why had she agreed to indulge her laziness and come pick her up in the first place?

Why indulge her so much? Couldn’t they have simply discussed it?

Shi Qingqiu wanted to laugh but couldn’t. Something unnamable stirred in her chest. Looking into Wen Qinghan’s calm eyes, she said, “Qinghan, stay at my place tonight. My mom’s probably still watching TV; it won’t bother her.”

“…Hm?” Wen Qinghan’s brows rose, clearly surprised.

Shi Qingqiu cut the engine, pulled out the key, and gave no room for refusal. “Hm what? Get out. Come with me.”

In the dim yellow light of the garage, Wen Qinghan’s features looked unusually gentle. Meeting Shi Qingqiu’s insistent gaze, she finally nodded. It wasn’t her first time spending the night at Shi Qingqiu’s home, but such occasions were rare, usually only when her parents were away, leaving the Shi family to look after her. And even during those short stays, she and Shi Qingqiu—reserved as she was—had only ever exchanged the polite words of ordinary friends.

But tonight was different. For the first time, Shi Qingqiu herself had asked her to stay.

Sure enough, the living room was still lit. Shi Jinghui lay on the chaise watching a popular drama on the wall-mounted TV.

Seeing her daughter enter with Wen Qinghan, she rubbed her eyes in surprise. “Qinghan? What brings you here?”

Wen Qinghan nodded politely in greeting. Shi Qingqiu explained, “There was a dinner for Qinghan’s law firm tonight. It’s not convenient for her to go home after sending me back, and she didn’t want to disturb Uncle and Auntie, so she’s staying here.”

Shi Jinghui let go of any doubt and stood quickly. “Did you two drink? Do you need something to sober up?”

Shi Qingqiu glanced back at Wen Qinghan, smiling. “I’m fine. Qinghan could use it, though, or she’ll feel unwell in the morning.”

“It’s really not necessary,” Wen Qinghan murmured.

But Shi Jinghui was already calling out, “Little He, bring some sobering tea.”

From inside, Aunt He answered, “Alright, I’ll get it.”

Behind her back, Wen Qinghan’s hands clenched, then released. Her pale lips curved in a small smile. “Then I’ll trouble you tonight, Auntie. Please rest soon.”

Shi Jinghui glanced at the clock. It was late indeed. She walked over and reminded gently, “After the tea, go to bed. You can take the room next to Qingqiu’s—it’s the one you’ve stayed in before. If you need anything, ask Qingqiu or Aunt He.” The Shi and Wen families were old friends. Tang Honglang and Zhao Chengxuan had grown up together, and their families remained close. Beyond their parents’ hope for marriage, both families had long treated the other’s child like their own.

Wen Qinghan nodded with a smile. “Alright. Good night, Auntie.”

Satisfied, Shi Jinghui retired. Silence settled once she was gone. Shi Qingqiu tugged Wen Qinghan’s wrist. “Come on, shower first; you reek of hotpot.”

The night was deep. Wen Qinghan’s throat was dry, perhaps from the alcohol. Shi Qingqiu nudged her into the guest room she’d used before and handed her a white bathrobe. 

“We’re about the same size—it’ll fit. It’s new, I’ve never worn it. Towels and toothbrush are inside. Go on.” She gave her a playful shove into the bathroom.

Warm water cascaded over Wen Qinghan. Her thoughts drifted into the next room, then further back into memory.

Her earliest memory of Shi Qingqiu wasn’t even their first meeting. Their families had been close since birth; they were together before either could form memories. Her faintest recollections dated to kindergarten: Shi Qingqiu already bright and lively, so different from her own quiet self. While Shi Qingqiu played with many children, Wen Qinghan only watched from afar. As they grew, ponytails tied behind their heads, classmates in the same school and same class, both became outstanding. Shi Qingqiu’s warmth and kindness spread quickly, built on her wide friendships and courteous manners. Wen Qinghan’s aloofness and excellence, meanwhile, only fueled her reputation for being cold and distant.

Until university, Shi Qingqiu had never dated. The interest from others always carried the pride of “winning Shi Qingqiu,” greed they couldn’t quite hide.

It was Qi Yue’s direct, candid admiration that finally moved her.

Wen Qinghan shook her head, shutting down the thought. She turned off the water, dried her hair, slipped into the bathrobe, and stepped out. Opening the door, she paused—startled.

Shi Qingqiu stood outside holding a cup of sobering tea, as if she’d been waiting some time. In a pale lavender silk robe that clung softly to her figure, neckline slightly open to reveal graceful collarbones, hair still damp, eyes misty, she looked dreamlike.

“Aren’t you going to let me in? I’ve been waiting here forever.” Shi Qingqiu smiled.

Wen Qinghan blinked back to herself, opened the door wider. “Come in.”

Shi Qingqiu handed her the cup. “Drink it while it’s warm. It’s just right.”

Wen Qinghan accepted without hesitation, sipping slowly. Shi Qingqiu watched her in the robe, a faint smile curving her lips.

White suited Wen Qinghan. Elegant, untouchable, always above the dust of the world. Even in a plain silk shirt, she carried that air. But now, in this robe, there was a softer grace.

This time, a trace of tea lingered on her lips. After finishing, she pressed them together, then handed back the cup. “I’m done.”

Shi Qingqiu took it but didn’t leave. She sat on the bed, patting the space beside her. “Qinghan, are you sleepy? Sit with me a while?”

“Not sleepy.” Wen Qinghan sat down next to her. Never before had she stayed at the Shi house like this. Fresh from a bath, side by side, so close.

Silence stretched. 

“Qinghan, I feel that…” Shi Qingqiu hesitated, then met her eyes. “You’re… being too nice to me?”

Wen Qinghan sat a fist’s width away, lips pressing lightly. She nodded. “Yes.” Then smiled faintly. “We’re married. Isn’t it natural that I treat you well?”

The reason was logical enough. Shi Qingqiu smiled, clutching the empty cup, eyes clouded with something Wen Qinghan couldn’t read. She murmured, “Yes, we’re married. But… are we really at that stage? I don’t even know what you like, what habits you have. I still think of living with you as if we’re just friends…”

Married, their closeness was expected by reason. But by feeling? Their warmth had not yet caught up. She realized she knew Wen Qinghan so little. Her face, maybe, but not her heart.

Not wanting her to spiral, Wen Qinghan reached for her wrist, hesitation flickering in her eyes before sinking away. Sourness welled up, and she whispered, “Then let’s start now. Forget the past, think of the future. We can still get along as before, but remember, you’re not alone anymore. Try— From now on, accept it.” Try it. Try liking me. We agreed, didn’t we? The words she almost said caught in her throat. Lips pressed tight, her whole body taut, temples aching as if every nerve might snap. Her brows pinched, and for once her calm eyes swirled with unreadable emotion.

Shi Qingqiu’s lips curved faintly. She lowered her head, pressing the cup against her knee, voice husky. “We’ll support each other like anyone else. But unlike them, we’ll have no reason to part. Right?”

Their relationship was unique: every reason to be together, none to break apart. If neither wished to seek others, then they were the best choice for each other.

“Yes.” Wen Qinghan’s brows eased. Carefully, firmly, she said, “We have no reason to part.”

A tear slipped from Shi Qingqiu’s eye, her sockets aching. Why was it that the simplest thing she wanted—once denied by those who spoke a thousand sweet words—was now given, but felt somehow changed?

Tentatively, Wen Qinghan drew her into her arms. Shi Qingqiu couldn’t see the tenderness that welled in her eyes.

A long-missed sense of peace seeped into Shi Qingqiu’s chest, more steadying than past thrills. Wen Qinghan’s heartbeat, steady in the night, seemed to stitch back the cold emptiness of her past years.