Love Finds Its Time - Chapter 22

Before Pan Jiawen could no longer resist calling Shi Qingqiu, Shi Qingqiu had already taken a shower and reassured her in time, telling her in a melodious tone that her friend Wen Qinghan would be accompanying her to the recording of Inside and Outside the Drama.

Pan Jiawen scolded her playfully, then reminded her to get her mind in order tomorrow, lest she oversleep and miss the commercial shoot the day after.

She lazed at home for an entire day, hardly contacting Wen Qinghan. From Wen Qinghan’s messages, she gathered that Wen was busy dealing with post-conference work and setting aside time off to accompany her for the program recording. If the people at Wen Qinghan’s firm knew their boss was taking leave just to record a show, they’d probably jump three feet high in shock.

On the morning of the commercial shoot, the company car arrived at Shi Qingqiu’s home to pick her up. Yang Xiao, whom she hadn’t seen in half a month, looked well-rested from her own vacation, glowing with energy—even carrying Shi Qingqiu’s bag with a beaming smile.

The shoot didn’t take much effort. Shi Qingqiu’s naturally gentle looks, paired with a faint smile, made her eyes and brows even more delicate and striking. Every gesture exuded a unique feminine grace.

When her fair fingers held the phone lightly to her ear, her lips curved in a faint smile. Her eyes seemed pure and spotless yet carried a trace of allure. With her chin slightly raised, there was even a subtle air of cold pride.

The photographer seized the moment, freezing frame after frame in rapid succession.

One set of promotional photos after another quickly came out fresh. Yang Xiao’s eyes nearly lit up—these were raw, unedited shots, yet every single one looked stunning. She almost wanted to ask the photographer to send her a full package.

But one glance at his thick-bearded face, reminiscent of the photo board in the leadership column, made her swallow the thought.

By the time filming wrapped, it was already past dinner. Shi Qingqiu lit up her new phone screen—having endorsed the brand, she naturally had to use it within the specified period. The first thing she saw was a WeChat message from Wen Qinghan, sent half an hour ago.

“Done with the shoot?”

“Mm, about to leave.”

The reply came quickly: “Want to grab something to eat?”

Shi Qingqiu pursed her lips in thought, then typed with quick fingers. “Sure, perfect timing, tonight’s takeout was awful [about to cry].”

“Send me your location.”

Shi Qingqiu shared her location from the set. No reply followed.

Turning, she saw Yang Xiao emerging with their things packed. “A-Xiao, no need to call the company car. My friend’s coming to get me.”

“Eh, is it that ice face?” Yang Xiao asked, tucking Shi Qingqiu’s old phone into her bag and zipping it, then looking up curiously.

The nickname made Shi Qingqiu chuckle again. Walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Yang Xiao, she said, “She’s not actually that hard to get along with. Try saying hi—you’ll see.”

But just looking at Wen Qinghan’s face killed Yang Xiao’s urge to talk. Weren’t girls supposed to at least greet each other when first meeting? Maybe chat a little, and if they got along, exchange WeChat? But Wen Qinghan’s demeanor—completely immune to warmth or force—made it impossible. Who would even know how to carry a conversation with her?

“I’m not doing it. I’d last three sentences at best. She doesn’t look like someone who can chat—more like someone who kills the mood.” Yang Xiao pouted, recalling Wen Qinghan’s face. Still, she thought secretly, If only she were a bit more cheerful, plenty of people would flock to her. After all, who doesn’t like a beauty that smiles?

With Yang Xiao’s description, Shi Qingqiu also pictured Wen Qinghan’s reserved, indifferent expression. First impressions indeed might not seem approachable. And truthfully, Wen Qinghan wasn’t much of a conversationalist. When others talked, she usually just listened, answering passively here and there.

Shi Qingqiu smiled. “That’s fine. Even if she can’t chat, she can listen.”

That much was true. If not for their long acquaintance, Shi Qingqiu herself might’ve hit a wall with Wen Qinghan.

Thinking back, Wen Qinghan could only really chat with Jian Yizhi, her old college roommate. They shared many perspectives and could dive into legal case discussions with stern seriousness. Though Wen Qinghan’s face barely shifted, she at least spoke more when with Jian Yizhi.

As the two chatted, they reached the entrance. It was darker now, with few pedestrians around. Shi Qingqiu didn’t bother wearing a mask, standing on the steps talking casually with Yang Xiao.

“Hey, Shi-jie, I can tell Ice Face is pretty close with you,” Yang Xiao remarked. Every time she saw Wen Qinghan pick Shi Qingqiu up, she noticed an unspeakable sense of tacit understanding between them.

After all, if one side was too silent and passive at the start of a relationship, things usually wouldn’t progress smoothly—let alone become familiar. Clearly, they must’ve known each other a long time. Shi Qingqiu understood Wen Qinghan’s temperament, so being around her wasn’t awkward.

Shi Qingqiu nodded with a smile. “Yeah, we’ve known each other since we were kids. She’s always been like that, but I’m used to it now. Honestly, I think it’s fine.”

Habit becomes second nature. Yang Xiao shook her head helplessly. “Then tell me, has Ice Face ever smiled? How many times?”

Who even asks something like that? Clearly, Yang Xiao thought of Wen Qinghan as a literal block of ice. Shi Qingqiu flicked her forehead, exasperated. “Of course she has! Too many times to count. What are you even thinking about all day?”

In her memory, Wen Qinghan might not wear her emotions openly like others, but her smiles were real. Even faint, Shi Qingqiu remembered the way her eyes softened, frost melting, lips curving ever so slightly.

“I’m not imagining things! It’s just—she must think you’re special. That’s why she’s different with you,” Yang Xiao muttered, dodging another forehead flick.

Sometimes, Yang Xiao felt lucky she’d chosen the right person to work with. Despite her fame and high status now, Shi Qingqiu still carried zero celebrity airs—always the most down-to-earth.

Shi Qingqiu froze for a moment at Yang Xiao’s careless words, something stirring in her chest, itching to break free. Shaking her head, she reined her thoughts back. “Maybe so…”

Not knowing Wen Qinghan personally, Yang Xiao quickly lost interest and shifted the conversation to Shi Qingqiu’s upcoming movie premiere. They chatted for quite a while before the familiar BMW emblem appeared in Shi Qingqiu’s view.

Wen Qinghan rolled down the window. Under the orange streetlights, her usually cool features seemed tinged with warmth, emboldening Yang Xiao.

“Hello, I’m Shi-jie’s assistant, Yang Xiao.” She bent slightly by the driver’s side, smiling sweetly.

Wen Qinghan turned to look. Since Yang Xiao stood in the way of the door, she gave a small nod, lips curving into the faintest arc. “Hello. I’m Wen Qinghan.” 

Simple, polite, and yes—definitely a smile. Yang Xiao nearly applauded. So it was possible. She’d worried Wen Qinghan wouldn’t respond at all.

The sound of the car door closing followed. From the passenger side, Shi Qingqiu leaned across Wen Qinghan to remind. “A-Xiao, we’re off. Be safe on your way back.”

“Okay, go ahead. I’ll grab a taxi.” Yang Xiao waved.

Wen Qinghan gave her a small nod, then raised the window and drove off.

Just a few minutes later, Shi Qingqiu received a WeChat.

【Yang Xiao: Shi-jie, Ice Face-jiejie is sooo pretty. Next time I am talking to her [covering face][covering face][covering face].】

Shi Qingqiu pressed her lips, stifling laughter, and sent back a sticker. Just then, Wen Qinghan asked, “What is it?”

“Nothing. A-Xiao messaged me.” Shi Qingqiu glanced at her. Outwardly, Wen Qinghan seemed the same as ever. But after Yang Xiao’s earlier remarks, Shi Qingqiu couldn’t help but see her differently—something strange and hard to define stirred inside.

Wen Qinghan glanced at her phone. “You changed your phone?”

Shi Qingqiu lifted it and shook it helplessly. “Had to. Filmed their commercial, so of course I need to use their phone.”

Wen Qinghan nodded, concise as ever. “What do you want to eat?”

Relaxing, Shi Qingqiu tilted her head, watching her focused on the road. After their past trip, she’d learned that when it came to food, she could leave it all in Wen Qinghan’s hands. And here, in the city she’d lived for over twenty years, she must know even more.

“You decide. Whatever you pick, it suits my taste.” With complete trust, Shi Qingqiu handed the task over again. A sudden thought struck her. Can Wen Qinghan cook?

Wen Qinghan cast her a sidelong glance, the faintest smile at her lips.

***

Instead of someplace new, she drove to a familiar spot they both knew—midway down the food street by the law university. Slowing, she parked and rolled down the window.

She told Shi Qingqiu to wait in the car, then got out. The shop owner happened to be stretching outside. Wen Qinghan greeted him, “Boss, two eggplant casseroles to go, please.”

Her voice carried clearly over the bustle, like running water—so distinct Shi Qingqiu turned to watch her.

“Well, if it isn’t Qinghan! Haven’t seen you in ages.” The middle-aged owner chuckled. “And isn’t that Little Shi? You always came alone before. Rare to see you both together. Wait just a bit—it’ll be ready soon.”

He ducked back inside. Meanwhile, Shi Qingqiu’s brows drew together. Staring at Wen Qinghan’s tall, lean back, fragments of old memories surfaced, conflicting with everything she thought she knew.

Before long, Wen Qinghan returned with two casseroles, the aroma of braised eggplant filling the car. The familiar scent sharpened those memories even more.

Without rolling the window up, she steered out of the food street toward Phoenix City.

Shi Qingqiu studied her profile, then asked suddenly, “Qinghan, didn’t you dislike that place? Back when I invited you, you always refused.” 

That restaurant had been her and Qi Yue’s frequent date spot. Sometimes, she’d invite Wen Qinghan along too. But after the three of them first ate there together, when Shi Qingqiu introduced Qi Yue to her, she never agreed to go again.

She had thought Wen Qinghan simply disliked the food, so she stopped asking.

Now, stopped at a red light, Wen Qinghan lowered her gaze, her voice hoarse and heavy. “No. It wasn’t that I disliked it.” A pause. Almost too quickly, she added, “I went there myself later. It’s good. No wonder you like it.”

She lifted her eyes to Shi Qingqiu, calm as ever. Shi Qingqiu’s knitted brows eased. “No wonder the boss said you always came alone. When you stopped, I thought you were just humoring me.”

“You could think of it that way.” Wen Qinghan’s lips curved faintly as she drove on, the whitened tips of her fingers on the wheel slowly regained color.

Shi Qingqiu gave a little “hmph,” smiling in her eyes, no longer looking at her.

After a few minutes, Wen’s quiet voice drifted over—not warm, yet tugging at Shi Qingqiu’s heart. “Qingqiu, let’s not go there anymore. I’ll take you somewhere better suited to your taste.”

There was rare tenderness in those words. Shi Qingqiu turned, but Wen Qinghan’s cool face was the same as ever. That fleeting warmth felt like it might’ve been her imagination.

“Okay, I’ll wait,” Shi Qingqiu said with a soft smile, leaning back, steadying her emotions.

Something more fitting—definitely not that place anymore.

For the first time, Shi Qingqiu felt truly grateful for Wen Qinghan’s presence. She wasn’t a blazing fire, but a clear stream. No matter how many years passed, she remained calm, steady, and quietly by her side.