Chapter 8: Became Neighbors

Su Yumian hadn’t experienced the feeling of doing things herself in a long time.

During her years with Jiang Yihuai, she wouldn’t say she was completely pampered, but she definitely never had to do any manual labor.

Even in the early years, when he was just starting his business and money was tight, they still had a part-time cleaning lady come in for the weekly housework.

Now, after finishing a bucket of paint, Su Yumian stretched her sore back. She had been living in comfort for too long—this was going to take some getting used to.

She stepped into the hallway, planning to bring in the remaining paint. But before she could react, she accidentally kicked over a bucket. She quickly tried to save it, but a small puddle still splattered in front of the neighbor’s door.

She immediately grabbed a mop and started cleaning. Just as she was halfway done, the tightly shut door suddenly swung open. Their eyes met. She was about to apologize when she realized—she knew this person.

“You live here too?”

“Why is it you?”

They both spoke at the same time.

Shao Wenbai glanced at the spilled paint, then at her apartment behind her. “So, the new tenant today was you?”

Su Yumian hadn’t expected this coincidence either. “As you can see, from today on, we’re neighbors.”

Shao Wenbai’s gaze flickered. He had chosen this place because it was close to his lab and the university, making it convenient for teaching and research.

But what about Su Yumian? Why was she here?

It was obvious that this environment wasn’t ideal for a young woman. The fact that the building had no elevator alone made it an unlikely choice. Seeing him remain silent, she assumed he minded the mess. “Sorry, I spilled some paint just now. I’ll clean it up right away.”

She worked quickly, and soon, the hallway was spotless again. As she headed downstairs, she noticed the trash bag in his hand. “Since I’m already going down, I can take that for you.”

Shao Wenbai didn’t refuse. In return, he brought out a folding ladder from his apartment. “If you’re painting, this will make things easier.”

“Thanks.”

With the ladder, her work sped up. By the end of the morning, she had repainted all the peeling walls in her apartment. The place immediately looked much cleaner and tidier. Later, she went to a furniture store, picked out a sofa and some chairs, and arranged her new home. By the time she was done, the sky had darkened.

Su Yumian stretched her shoulders and looked around. The warm glow of the lights erased the old, worn-out feel of the place. It was completely transformed.

Her cozy space now had her favorite light-colored cotton bedding, freshly sun-dried and carrying the gentle scent of laundry detergent. The potted plants she bought that afternoon lined the windowsill, bringing a lively touch. The black-and-white beanbag chair held a plump pillow, perfect for curling up with a book.

Small but complete—her home.

“This is your new place? It actually looks really nice.” In a video call, Shao Weiwei sighed in admiration.

“Your DIY skills are still as impressive as ever. No wonder you managed to renovate our dorm room all by yourself back then.”

Su Yumian smiled. “Well, it’s my own place. Of course, I have to make it feel like home.”

“Yumian, you’re stronger than I thought. You’ve already found a new direction.”

Shao Weiwei had guessed a few things when she heard the new address but didn’t say anything. “I’m really happy you’re moving forward.”

After the call, Su Yumian felt a wave of mixed emotions. She had realized things too late—but at least she still had the chance to make things right.

At six o’clock, after a long day, she still hadn’t eaten. Her fridge had some bread, fresh vegetables, and millet. It was late, so she quickly made some porridge and a sandwich. When returning the ladder, she decided to bring an extra portion of food.

Shao Wenbai was busy adjusting experimental data for his thesis. Hearing a knock, he left his study and opened the door. “Thanks for the ladder. Also, I made some dinner—if you don’t mind, have some.”

Under the warm light, her eyes were bright and clear. Shao Wenbai hesitated for a moment before taking the food. “Thanks.”

Back in his apartment, he continued adjusting the data, comparing it to previous experiment results. By the time he finished, it was already 8 PM. His stomach was empty and rumbling. Out of habit, he reached for his phone to order takeout—

Then, he noticed the neatly packed meal on his desk.

Inside, the sandwich and porridge were still warm, thanks to a thermal layer. He took a bite of the sandwich and paused.

The crispy bacon paired perfectly with the fresh vegetables and a fried egg, cooked just right. The flavors were simple but incredibly satisfying.

After finishing the sandwich, he took a spoonful of porridge. The smooth texture and mild sweetness were more comforting than most of the takeout he’d had.

After a few more bites, his stomach felt warm. If anyone who knew him saw his expression, they’d recognize it immediately—

He was enjoying himself.

Not bad… her cooking was really good.

Within minutes, he finished everything.

—

At 10 PM, Shao Wenbai was returning from his night run when he ran into Su Yumian. She had changed into a casual outfit, her hair tied in a bun, still standing out in the crowd.

“Out for a walk?”

“Night running?”

They spoke at the same time.

Su Yumian nodded. “Yeah, just getting some air—and picking up a package.”

He slowed his pace slightly, adjusting his breathing to walk alongside her. “Thanks for the dinner. It was good.”

Su Yumian: “You helped me twice, so I should be the one saying thank you.”

Across two stone pathways, there was a children’s park. The sounds of kids playing nearby were especially clear. “It’s quite lively here.”

In Jiang Yihuai’s villa, it was always eerily quiet.

Shao Wenbai followed her gaze. He had been living here for over two months but had rarely paid attention to things like this. 

Recalling the message he received before heading out, he spoke calmly “I just asked my junior. Professor Ouyang has been resting at home these days. I plan to visit at ten tomorrow morning. Does that work for you?”

“Ten tomorrow morning?”

That’s so soon…

Right at the last moment, she thought about seeing her professor again after six years and suddenly felt uneasy.

“Is there a problem?”

“No.”

Shao Wenbai glanced at her profile. He could sense her emotional shift but didn’t ask further. He wasn’t one to pry into others’ privacy.

The two parted ways at her doorstep and went inside separately.

Su Yumian absentmindedly took a shower and lay down, trying to fall asleep.

Late at night, a light rain began to fall. She tossed and turned, barely getting any sleep. She got up early, had breakfast, and waited for Shao Wenbai. At exactly ten o’clock, there was a knock on the door. She opened it immediately, already dressed and ready.

Shao Wenbai paused for two seconds. “Let’s go.”