A Young Woman's Heart

The cicadas in the trees chirped incessantly, making one wonder if they had been electrocuted.

Tian Tingchan, wearing a swimsuit, ran and rushed into the sea.

The seawater washed over her cheeks, and the wind tousled her hair.

Zhou Yong, who was swimming, was caught off guard and was tackled into the water by her.

"Wow! Glug glug glug—Ptooey!"

"Little brat, are you choking?"

"Is this how you launch a sneak attack...?"

"Who told you to be so unguarded?"

"Then I'll launch a sneak attack too!"

"Um?

"Take this, Shaolin Dragon Claw Hand!"

"Pfft, where are you going to grab it!"

"I heard that medication has to be stopped during surgery. Will it make me smaller?"

Yes, it will.

"what--"

"Want one?"

"No need... Natural is best."

"Pfft, you really dare to think that way?" Tian Tingchan smacked his forehead in annoyance. "I've already rescheduled the surgery that was delayed before. I'll be hospitalized next week."

"Okay."

"Kid, when are you of marriageable age?"

"Almost there, almost there..." Zhou Yong rested his head against Tian Tingchan's chest. "Where do you plan to go for your honeymoon after the wedding?"

"What about you?"

"I want to go to Canada."

"Sure."

“Australia is also an option.”

"Not bad either."

"Where do you want to go?"

"Me?" Tian Tingchan cupped Zhou Yong's face in her hands. "I want to go into your heart?"

"Huh? Cough—!!!"

……

(Fives)

The two, exhausted from playing, lay side by side on the beach. The sky was no longer bright, and the sun was about to sink below the horizon.

The two gazed at the clear blue sky, and it was unclear who had grabbed the other's hand first.

They held hands and smiled at each other.

Then, Tian Tingchan pinched Zhou Yong's face and pulled hard.

"Uh...what?"

"Kid, I'm going to be on duty today..."

……

Chapter 4. Snow & Tea

(One)

2004, winter.

The earth was a vast expanse of desolation.

Snowflakes fluttered and danced in a chaotic flurry.

Deep in the endless mountain range.

This place is sparsely populated and far from the hustle and bustle of the world.

In the depths of winter, it is as lifeless as a dead land.

The cedar tree still stands proudly, and as the wind blows, snowflakes fall softly.

The hunter's cabin, abandoned for decades, has been renovated and shows signs of habitation again.

Outside, Mr. Xue, wearing a long gown, sat in front of the fire, slowly turning two grilled fish skewered on wooden sticks.

It's freezing cold.

His breath turned into thick white mist.

Cha Li held a stainless steel teacup and sipped the warm tea.

She was wearing a thick cotton-padded coat and gloves to keep warm. There were some snowflakes on her eyebrows, but her eyes were bright and clear.

The two did not speak to each other, because a single glance was enough to convey what they wanted to say.

The tea had a slightly bitter taste, and the grilled fish was only seasoned with a little coarse salt.

Mr. Xue picked up a grilled skewer and handed it to her.

"how?"

"good to eat."

"It would be even better if there was soup."

"I'll make it tomorrow, how about mushroom soup?"

"it is good."

Only then did the two of them raise their heads, their eyes met, and they couldn't help but chuckle.

Snowflakes fell gently, as if to cover the world with ice and snow, turning all other colors in the world into pure white.

The two people in the deep mountains enjoyed the tranquility of the moment, but did not cuddle each other.

But when our eyes meet again, I can't help but smile like a child.

……

(two)

It turns out that sometimes your university major really has little to do with your future job.

After graduating, Cha Li obtained a master's degree in materials engineering and became a consultant for a large decoration company, while Mr. Xue, at the same time, had already obtained a doctoral degree.

But in the end, he chose to become a bridge engineer.

Instead of working for a fixed company, the two opened a studio together, located on the banks of the Qiantang River.

In front of Mr. Xue was the latest personal computer. His mouse moved across the screen like a butterfly, constantly adjusting various parameters.

"How's the design for the cross-river bridge coming along?" Cha Li asked with a smile, placing a cup of pine needle tea beside him.

Although she was at home, she still wore a white research coat, and her glasses, which had a low prescription, added to her intellectual air.

"We've only just completed a small phase." Mr. Xue picked up his teacup, took a sip, looked up, and smiled faintly. "Are you going out today?"

"Yes, I need to go to the site to inspect the interior design of a company building."

"Drive there?"

“Yes.” Cha Li twirled the car keys in her hand. “I’m going out. Don’t forget to feed Huo Hua dog food at noon. Last time I was out all day and you didn’t feed it. If I don’t come back tonight, remember to take it for a walk.”

“Okay.” Mr. Xue continued to smile, but his gaze did not leave the screen.

"I'm leaving."

"Ok."

"Remember to feed the dog!"

"Ok."

……

(three)

"Although Miss Tea doesn't have much experience, she is a master's degree holder after all, so I'm sure she'll be fine, right?" the person in charge asked with a big smile.

Cha Li didn't feign modesty; instead, she nodded slowly and firmly: "Don't worry, leave this to me. I'll be in charge of all the design drawings. However, this building is rather ordinary, so to achieve the unique and technological feel you're talking about..."

"Can't do it?" The person in charge straightened up and stared straight ahead.

“It’s possible, but not perfect. Also, we’ll need your cooperation during construction. Let’s wait for the design drawings to be completed first.” Cha Li tossed her long hair and gently cracked her knuckles. “I have to go now. I’ll contact your handover personnel later.”

"Okay, okay..."

"Take care, Miss Tea."

After the tea lady had walked away, the man who looked like the owner stroked his chin with considerable admiration: "Miss Tea is truly to my liking, what a pity..."

"I heard that although she is married, she has not had any children."

"Perhaps there's a physical defect?"

"Maybe the problem lies with the man?"

It turns out that even among men, strange gossip can circulate.

……

(four)