She was given so much soup that Lin Shuang was able to live off of it for three whole days. Without the motivation to go out and find food, she stayed at home, huddled on her couch, and did not go out the door for those three days.
“Shuang, want to come out for a drink?” Miao Cai sent a short video clip, showing the cocktails on the table, the colored lights flashing around the venue, the booming music mixed with laughter, and a fleeting glimpse of the man’s eyes across the table. “The drinks are pretty good, especially the Strawberry Mojito. You’d love it. And there are handsome guys too.”
Lin Shuang, lounging on her sofa watching a movie, set down the RIO in her hand. “Where’s the place?”
Half an hour later, Lin Shuang appeared at a bar called SPACE.
Miao Cai had to admit that a momentary flash of jealousy overwhelmed her friendship. Despite Lin Shuang wearing nothing but a simple tank top paired with sweatpants and a loose silk white shirt thrown over it, when she walked in, casually looking around the room with the lights reflecting off her red lips and the corners of her eyes, every man in the place couldn’t help but turn to look at her.
Her features were sharp and striking, never the delicate and soft type. A swipe of lipstick added vibrant color to her face, resembling a bold, lively rose that would stand out in any crowd, making every other woman around her seem pale in comparison.
“Shuang, over here.” Miao Cai waved her over, smiling as she introduced her to her boyfriend’s two colleagues. “This is my old classmate Lin Shuang, the school beauty back in the day.”
Miao Cai’s boyfriend, Zhao Feng, had just returned from a business trip and brought two colleagues from out of town to Beiquan City. He was playing the gracious host, taking them out for food and entertainment, especially after the men remarked, “There are so many beauties in Beiquan City.” Zhao Feng had then coaxed Miao Cai into inviting Lin Shuang to impress everyone.
Of the two male colleagues Zhao Feng brought, one was particularly eye-catching—around twenty-eight or twenty-nine years old, tall, and undeniably handsome, with a charming presence in conversation.
The man wore a black Polo shirt, and Lin Shuang immediately recognized it as a Ralph Lauren Purple Label piece. His watch was Jaeger-LeCoultre, his hair and skin were meticulously groomed, and the scent of Hugo Boss cologne lingered around him—a fragrance that hinted at a life of luxury.
The bar’s atmosphere was relaxed, with music playing in the background, perfect for casual conversation. Lin Shuang went to the bar to get herself a colorful cocktail, and when she returned, her seat had been swapped out—there was an empty seat next to Mr. Polo Shirt.
Without a second thought, she sat down next to him.
In the midst of his conversation, the man turned his head slightly, and in a low voice, began chatting with her. “Miss Lin, your name is lovely.”
“I was born on the day of the first frost, so I’m called Lin Shuang,” she replied with a smile.
He wasn’t drinking, but his eyes reflected the clear color of the liquor as he slowly repeated her name, rolling it off his tongue: “I see, Frost… Shuang.”
She leaned in closer to hear him call her by her nickname, her long, curled black lashes fluttering as she arched her red lips into a dazzling smile. “It sounds even better when you say it.”
Lin Shuang’s voice was soft, as she subtly adjusted her posture, letting her shirt slip off her shoulder, revealing her fair skin. She tilted her chin slightly as she looked at him, her smooth shoulders and collarbones catching the light, her swan-like neck adorned with tassel earrings brushing against her jawline, her dimples deepening as she smiled.
The man chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that seemed to rumble in his chest. “Is that so?”
The handsome pair was too eye-catching, and everyone around them could sense the faint spark of attraction between them. Miao Cai, pulled aside by her boyfriend to order drinks, glanced over at the two of them, who were engrossed in conversation.
“Who exactly is your colleague? He seems so… experienced in flirting.”
“That’s our newly appointed regional manager, sent from headquarters to straighten out personnel matters. I heard he’s the nephew of one of the board members.”
Miao Cai took another peek at the two, who were now chatting comfortably. “Do you think he’s interested in Shuang?”
Zhao Feng pulled her along, saying, “Why worry about that? Come on, let’s get you something to drink.”
Lin Shuang watched Miao Cai’s skirt disappear behind the door, a playful smile on her face as she toyed with her hair. Then she pointed at the man’s hand. “I feel like… you forgot something when you left home today.”
“Forgot what?” Mr. Polo Shirt asked, puzzled.
“A ring.” She giggled, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “From what I know, exceptional men are almost always married young.”
“Young and married?” The man laughed heartily. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m still single.”
“Really?” She licked her lips, her tone ambiguous, leaving it unclear whether she was disappointed or relieved.
“What about you, Miss Lin? Someone as beautiful as you can’t possibly be single, right?” Mr. Polo Shirt’s eyes sparkled as he looked at her.
Lin Shuang propped her chin up with her hand, her red lips curling up in a carefree smile. “I’ve been single for a long time.”
“I can’t believe any man would fail to recognize your worth.”
She gave a light, airy laugh. “Men, they’re all the same.”
Her gaze drifted to the performer on stage, signaling the end of their conversation as she lazily listened to the singer.
As the performer livened up the atmosphere, the once-quiet bar suddenly buzzed with energy. Miao Cai and Zhao Feng returned with their drinks, and the conversation shifted to the local culture of Beiquan City. It turned out Mr. Polo Shirt was in town to inspect the investment opportunities and land policies in Beiquan, as his company was planning to start a new project there.
Though it wasn’t late, Lin Shuang stood up, insisting on leaving. The men’s conversation came to an abrupt halt—Mr. Polo Shirt offered to “take her home on the way.”
Lin Shuang did not refuse.
**She waited at the entrance of the bar, taking the opportunity to light a cigarette. Hugging her shoulders, she slowly and teasingly blew a thin smoke ring toward the billboard.**
The early summer breeze was slightly cool, fluttering her sheer white blouse, while strands of hair brushed against her cheeks. The multicolored neon lights from the billboard illuminated her like an ad in a magazine, blatantly reminding her that "smoking is hazardous to your health."
Mr. Polo Shirt drove up from the parking lot and stopped right in front of Lin Shuang, watching her smoke with amused interest. Oblivious to his presence, she finished her cigarette, then turned her head, biting her full, vibrant lips as she flashed a slightly embarrassed smile. "Oops, caught in the act."
Mr. Polo Shirt stroked his chin, his eyes filled with admiration. "You look stunning when you smoke."
Lin Shuang smiled sweetly, her gaze seductive.
The car was a BMW 6 Series, a business-oriented model with plates from a first-tier city. It wasn’t flashy enough to turn heads, yet it stood out from the typical commuter vehicles. Any woman invited to ride in it would feel their material needs met without the burden of feeling like they were chasing wealth.
Mr. Polo Shirt stepped out of the car and opened the passenger door for Lin Shuang. He placed his hand lightly on her shoulder, his fingertips brushing against her smooth, delicate skin as he made a gesture for her to enter.
Lin Shuang took a step back, folding her arms as she hesitated with a smile. "I need to ask first—does your girlfriend mind if someone else sits in the passenger seat?"
"No worries," the man laughed heartily, "Rest assured, I don't have a girlfriend."
With that, she smiled and got into the passenger seat.
The car didn’t have GPS, relying on Lin Shuang to give directions. Mr. Polo Shirt remarked, "I didn’t expect such a beautiful night view in a small city... It’s a shame I’m heading back to Linjiang City tomorrow, no time to explore."
"There’s a light show on the main road nearby," she suggested. "The city government spent a lot setting it up. If you’re interested, we can take a detour to check it out."
"Sounds perfect." Mr. Polo Shirt smiled back at her, and the car changed direction, slowly cruising down the scenic boulevard, half sightseeing, half taking her home.
Inside the car, the lights bathed them in red, blue, purple, and yellow, twinkling and bright.
"Have you always lived in Beiquan City?" he asked.
"I spent a few years in Guangzhou. I just came back last October."
The man pretended to frown. "Strange, I've been to Guangzhou many times over the years. How come I never ran into you?"
"What industry are you in?" he asked next.
"Take a guess," she replied with a playful smile, turning to look at him.
"Maybe... a model? An actress? An office lady?"
Lin Shuang burst out laughing. "I studied fashion design in college. I started as a fashion assistant and visual merchandiser in Guangzhou. Later, I and a friend opened an online women’s clothing store. Unfortunately, the business didn’t go well, so I decided to come back home."
She blinked playfully, "Disappointed?"
A smile tugged at the corners of Mr. Polo Shirt’s lips, clearly far from disappointed.
The car passed by Fountain Square, where the road ahead became difficult to navigate. Lin Shuang decided to get off there.
"For some reason, I feel a sense of instant connection with you," Mr. Polo Shirt said, somewhat reluctant to part, checking his watch. "It’s still early—how about I treat you to a cup of coffee?"
She smiled at him, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Next time. I have to leave early tomorrow, so I need to go home and pack."
"Where are you headed? I can take you," he offered.
"I’m going to the provincial capital to handle some matters."
Their destinations were in opposite directions.
Lin Shuang declined his offer, "If fate wills it, we’ll meet again."
"True... I might come back to Beiquan occasionally to check things out." Mr. Polo Shirt sounded a bit regretful but then perked up. "Next time, I’ll treat you to dinner."
"Sure."
Before getting out of the car, Lin Shuang exchanged WeChat contacts with Mr. Polo Shirt.
Later that night, as she was about to sleep, Miao Cai called her. "Shuang, are you home?"
"Yes."
"And... him? How did it go between you two?" Miao Cai stammered, "What happened?"
"He dropped me off downstairs and went back to his hotel."
"Shuang... cough... I asked Zhao Feng about him. He said this guy was sent by their company from the top. He comes from a well-connected family, with a family business in Linjiang... According to Zhao Feng, men like him usually have arranged marriages and are just playing around outside. Quite a few women at his company are smitten with him..."
Lin Shuang responded with a simple "Hmm," acknowledging that she understood.
"Be careful. I don't want you to get hurt..."
"I have no intention of getting involved with him. Don’t worry," Lin Shuang reassured Miao Cai in a gentle voice. "We’re just friends."
Just friends, she thought, as she absentmindedly touched her lips, a faint smile playing on them.
Early the next morning, Lin Shuang packed her bags and caught a ride to the provincial capital, Wancheng.
On the way, she received a message from Mr. Polo Shirt.
"Miss Lin, until we meet again."
Lin Shuang wasn’t much of a chatterbox, often leaving messages on read without replying. An hour later, she responded.
"Wishing you safe travels. Looking forward to our next meeting."
Mr. Polo Shirt might have been busy, as her message seemed to disappear into the void.