Upon hearing this revelation, Mu Chengyun's expression registered subtle surprise as he glanced back toward Wen Yifan. As though genuinely taken aback, he raised an inquiring eyebrow. "Senior, do you know Sister Yifan?"
Sang Yan's eyes remained utterly devoid of emotion as he regarded him with glacial indifference.
"Whether you know her or not is immaterial," Mu Chengyun declared, his youthful features radiating the fearless audacity of a newborn calf confronting a tiger. His words betrayed unmistakable determination. Still projecting instability, he spoke with crystalline clarity: "You might possess more experience, but in matters like these, I believe it's more about the person than the technique."
"Just looking at the person?" Sang Yan drawled with languid condescension. "Then you might as well retreat home and sleep it off now."
Silence.
Sang Yan couldn't be bothered to waste additional words on him. He pivoted. "Wen Yifan."
As if on cue, Wen Yifan had closed the distance between them. "What is it?"
Observing their faces, Wen Yifan possessed no comprehension of their preceding conversation.
Recalling Mu Chengyun's earlier remarks at the bar, these two should share some acquaintance. Judging by how Sang Yan was hauling Mu Chengyun forward with the casual brutality one might employ with a sack of potatoes, while the latter exhibited no visible displeasure—
They were presumably quite familiar with each other.
At this juncture, Wen Yifan felt as though she'd inadvertently interrupted their reunion.
Sang Yan fixed his gaze on her face. "Did you drink?"
Wen Yifan nodded, responding with characteristic honesty: "A little."
"Can you stand steadily?"
Uncertain why he posed this question, Wen Yifan nevertheless answered with appropriate gravity: "I can stand steadily."
"Then assist me," Sang Yan extracted his car keys from his pocket and tossed them in her direction. "Go ahead and open the car door."
Wen Yifan caught them immediately.
Before she could formulate a response, Sang Yan raised his hand again, once more seizing Mu Chengyun's hood, his expression carrying a smile that wasn't quite genuine. "My junior here is excessively intoxicated—he can barely ambulate."
Wen Yifan directed her attention toward Mu Chengyun, asking with hesitation: "Do you need assistance?"
"No need," Sang Yan propelled Mu Chengyun forward, his force seemingly anything but gentle. Mu Chengyun's complexion had flushed crimson from the pressure. "You're clumsy and careless—how could you possibly care for my delicate little junior?"
Observing his behavior, Wen Yifan maintained silence for a prolonged moment, refraining from pursuing the subject. "Where's your car parked?"
Sang Yan jerked his chin forward. "Over there."
Mu Chengyun experienced considerable discomfort from his collar's constriction.
However, having committed to feigning intoxication halfway through this charade, he couldn't simply abandon the performance now. Observing Wen Yifan several meters distant, while enduring Sang Yan's sardonic commentary about his supposed delicate constitution, he began experiencing profound regret about his decision to simulate drunkenness this evening.
They proceeded to the mountain pass parking area.
Wen Yifan swiftly approached and opened the rear door.
Sang Yan followed behind her, directly depositing Mu Chengyun inside with movements both swift and decisive.
Witnessing this, Wen Yifan returned the car keys to him. She stood there, uncertain whether Sang Yan would extend transportation to her as well. After brief contemplation, she decided against inviting potential embarrassment by asking.
It was Mu Chengyun who broke the silence first: "Sister Yifan, why aren't you getting in?"
Wen Yifan cast a hesitant glance toward Sang Yan.
At this moment, Sang Yan remained stationed beside the rear door, looking down at her. His pupils appeared dark as ink, his eyebrows slightly elevated, as though issuing some wordless challenge. Then, without uttering a sound, he closed the back door.
The rejection couldn't have been more blatantly obvious.
Wen Yifan checked the time—it wasn't even ten o'clock yet.
Considering the early hour, she didn't harbor excessive concern. Just as she prepared to offer farewells and depart, Sang Yan had already commenced his trajectory toward the driver's seat, casually tossing out: "Sit in the front."
This unexpected directive caught Wen Yifan completely off guard. "Are you addressing me?"
Sang Yan opened the car door, suspending his movement. "Who else?"
"Oh, okay."
"People experience discomfort when intoxicated—let him recline in the back." Sang Yan's tone remained idle. "Why are you attempting to crowd in there?"
Wen Yifan peered through the car window, noting Mu Chengyun's slightly pallid expression. She found Sang Yan's consideration oddly uncharacteristic today. "That's true."
With that acknowledgment, she addressed Mu Chengyun: "Then you rest comfortably in the back, and refrain from such excessive drinking in the future."
Mu Chengyun: "..."
Once situated in the vehicle, Sang Yan posed a casual inquiry: "Where does he reside?"
Wen Yifan lacked precise specifics, so she offered only what knowledge she possessed: "He's a senior at Nan University. I believe he still maintains campus residence."
"Which campus?"
Wen Yifan recalled the location from her last interview visit, responding with uncertainty: "Should be the main campus."
"Correct," Mu Chengyun mumbled from the rear.
Following that exchange, silence claimed the car's interior, the quiet becoming almost oppressive.
Wen Yifan detected nothing particularly odd about the atmosphere, only registering the alcohol's delayed effects. Her stomach churned rebelliously, something rising in her throat, generating profound discomfort.
Compounding this, the enclosed car space allowed the alcohol's scent to proliferate.
The odor proved unpleasant, intensifying her urge toward nausea.
Wen Yifan couldn't suppress her request: "Can I open the window?"
Sang Yan spared her a glance without verbal response. He freed one hand, moved it leftward, and engaged the window control button.
The next moment, Wen Yifan's window descended.
Cool air from outside rushed inward, carrying an unidentifiable floral fragrance.
Wen Yifan instantly experienced marked improvement and thanked him. She leaned weakly against the window frame, somewhat regretting consuming that glass of alcohol on an empty stomach. She contemplated preparing soup upon reaching home, which should facilitate recovery.
As the wind circulated, Wen Yifan's thoughts began meandering.
She recalled Mu Chengyun's earlier revelation at the gathering about Sang Yan consuming over a dozen bottles of alcohol at a dinner party without betraying the slightest sign of intoxication. For inexplicable reasons, this reminded her of the first time Sang Yan had been "drunk" in her presence during high school.
She remembered it was Su Hao'an's birthday that day.
For this occasion, Su Hao'an had extended invitations to numerous classmates, including Wen Yifan.
Wen Yifan's participation in such collective activities and social gatherings typically registered quite low. This time, it was only because Su Hao'an had invited her repeatedly that she felt too embarrassed to refuse again.
The venue was set at a KTV in Shang'an.
Su Hao'an had provided her with the room number in advance. Wen Yifan inquired with a staff member and walked directly inside. The moment she pushed open the door, she saw Sang Yan occupying the room's periphery. He wore a black t-shirt, leaning against the chair's back, a beverage in hand.
Upon seeing her, Sang Yan rotated his head, the corners of his lips curving into a subtle arc.
Before any further movement occurred, Wen Yifan was pulled away by a girl on the opposite side.
The two shared no interaction throughout the entire evening.
Wen Yifan didn't plan to linger extensively. Around nine o'clock, she rose to bid Su Hao'an farewell, appending a quick "happy birthday." Not wanting to disturb other classmates' enjoyment, she quietly exited through the KTV's rear door.
Following these stairs downward led to a small square. A row of shops occupied the nearby vicinity, including a McDonald's.
Wen Yifan felt her pocket, contemplating whether to purchase a McFlurry, when suddenly a larger shadow overlapped her own. She instinctively looked up, immediately meeting Sang Yan's nonchalant gaze.
She paused. "Are you heading back too?"
Sang Yan replied with characteristic laziness: "Mm."
They resided in different directions, so Wen Yifan simply nodded. "Then see you on Monday. Be safe on your way."
Having delivered this farewell, Wen Yifan commenced walking toward McDonald's. But after several steps, Sang Yan's body swayed perceptibly, suddenly grasping her arm as if attempting to steady himself.
Wen Yifan rotated her head. "What's wrong?"
Sang Yan didn't release his grip, slowly uttering a single word: "Dizzy."
Hearing this declaration, Wen Yifan scrutinized his face. It appeared no different from usual. His eyes were dark yet luminous, as if reflecting the streetlights. She couldn't comprehend what afflicted him. "What's the matter?"
"Can't stand steadily," Sang Yan looked at Wen Yifan, emphasizing his words with deliberate precision. "Need someone to support me."
Silence.
Wen Yifan hesitantly returned to stand before him, just happening to detect a faint alcohol scent. "Did you drink?"
Sang Yan grunted affirmation.
Wen Yifan felt this development wasn't favorable. "Why are you consuming alcohol as a high school student?"
"Grabbed the wrong one—they're all red cans," Sang Yan explained. "Thought it was cola."
"Oh." Wen Yifan didn't know how to address this situation. After momentary contemplation, she suggested: "Then should I call Su Hao'an to come down and retrieve you? Or you could call your parents—"
Sang Yan interrupted her: "I don't like troubling people."
He doesn't like troubling people.
Does that prohibition include her as well?
"Then you," Wen Yifan considered briefly, pointing to the nearby steps, "Why don't you sit down and clear your head for a bit?"
Silence.
She completed her suggestion slowly: "And I'll head home first?"
Uncertain whether to feel anger or amusement, Sang Yan stared directly at her. Seeming somewhat frustrated, after an extended moment, he waved his hand dismissively.
"Fine, you go ahead."
Given this permission, Wen Yifan resumed walking toward McDonald's. Soon after, she turned back and observed that Sang Yan had indeed settled down on those steps. He sat with loose posture, his black hair falling across his forehead, head lowered, his eyes and brows concealed from view.
He resembled a pitiful homeless person.
Wen Yifan redirected her gaze and continued walking forward.
Not long afterward, she stopped again, released a sigh, and walked back to stand before him.
"Sang Yan."
Sang Yan didn't even elevate his eyes, carelessly producing an "Ah" sound as acknowledgment.
Never having encountered such circumstances, Wen Yifan felt utterly at a loss. She could barely manage self-care, much less care for others. She could only offer: "Can you walk? Shall I escort you to the bus stop?"
The next moment, Sang Yan raised his head, paused for several seconds, then extended his hand toward her.
"Can't get up."
Wen Yifan moistened her lips, grasped his wrist, and exerted force, attempting to pull him upward.
He didn't budge an inch.
She added additional strength.
Still, he remained completely immobile.
Wen Yifan experienced mounting frustration and half-squatted down. "I'll go up and call Su Hao'an to come down."
Sang Yan regarded her calmly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. "Can't you use a bit more strength?"
"I can't drag you—you're too heavy," Wen Yifan protested, pulling him again. "See—"
Before she could complete her sentence, this time Sang Yan stood up with remarkable ease.
Wen Yifan was dumbfounded.
Sang Yan stood in place and continued issuing commands: "Let's go, to the bus stop."
Silence.
Wen Yifan sensed something was peculiar, but couldn't quite identify the specific issue. She could only respond dryly: "How should I support you?"
Sang Yan contemplated momentarily. "Let me lean on your shoulder."
Recalling how she'd struggled to pull him up earlier, Wen Yifan felt reluctant. Fearing he would deposit his entire weight on her and crush her completely, she countered: "Can't I just hold your arm?"
Sang Yan smiled. "Then can you hold both arms?"
Wen Yifan didn't comprehend. "How can I hold both sides?"
She imagined the posture, feeling it was indistinguishable from an embrace.
"Only supporting one side," Sang Yan smirked, "I'm unsteady on the other side."
Silence.
Wen Yifan deliberated extensively before reluctantly accepting. Thinking the distance wasn't excessively far, she steeled her resolve and decided to proceed. Abandoning such an intoxicated person here didn't seem appropriate either.
She moved closer. "Alright, lean on me."
When articulating it, Sang Yan seemed matter-of-fact, reaching the pinnacle of shamelessness. But when it came to actual execution, he became hesitant, requiring considerable time to raise his arm.
Ultimately, Wen Yifan grew impatient and directly lifted his right arm to position it on her shoulder.
Whether it was Wen Yifan's imagination or not, Sang Yan's body seemed to stiffen perceptibly. Subsequently, contrary to her expectations, no boulder-like weight pressed down on her.
She unconsciously glanced at his face repeatedly.
They walked a short distance.
Suddenly, Wen Yifan felt Sang Yan's body tremble slightly, as if he couldn't contain himself anymore, and he released a low laugh. She looked up, her gaze fixing on the dimple at the corner of his lips before moving upward to meet his eyes.
He laughed privately, his shallow breath faintly brushing against her neck.
He appeared caught in a drunken euphoria, and Wen Yifan asked with bewilderment: "What are you laughing at?"
Sang Yan continued laughing. "Nothing."
She regarded him strangely, continuing to support him forward.
As they approached the bus stop, Sang Yan suddenly called out to her: "Wen Shuangjiang."
"Hm?"
"Let me tell you something."
"What?"
"I remembered wrong earlier." Sang Yan tugged at the corner of his mouth, dragging out his words, returning to his usual infuriating demeanor. "What I drank tonight was just cola."
Before she registered the passage of time, the car had already arrived at the gates of Nan University.
Perhaps having rested in the vehicle for a while, Mu Chengyun now appeared considerably more sober. He exited the car, smiled, and didn't suggest Sang Yan accompany him inside. He simply offered farewells to them both.
Wen Yifan waved at him, then glanced around the entrance of Nanwu University.
Turning her head, she inadvertently encountered Sang Yan's gaze.
She immediately averted her eyes.
Another silent journey ensued.
During this interval, Sang Yan only spoke once to inquire: "Is he your colleague?"
"A new intern," Wen Yifan clarified. "Seems like he's a junior you know?"
Sang Yan replied with indifference: "I suppose so."
The car navigated into the underground parking lot of the residential complex.
It wasn't until Wen Yifan's feet contacted the ground that she truly registered the potent aftereffects of the alcohol she'd consumed. She experienced a sensation of floating, as if the world itself was swaying.
Sang Yan exited the vehicle several seconds after her, currently using the car keys to lock it. Then, noting Wen Yifan's condition, he casually inquired: "What's wrong?"
Hearing his voice, Wen Yifan inexplicably recalled how Mu Chengyun's neck had flushed crimson from being choked earlier. She instinctively raised her hand, pressing down on her sweatshirt's hood. "Nothing..."
Silence.
Sang Yan found her behavior peculiar but didn't detect anything amiss in her expression. After studying her for several seconds, he redirected his attention and walked toward the elevator.
Wen Yifan followed behind him, walking with deliberate slowness.
He had occupied the elevator for quite some time before she finally entered, moving to the rear and leaning against the elevator wall.
Upon reaching the sixteenth floor.
Seeing the elevator doors part, Wen Yifan prepared to exit. But having stood for such an extended period, her feet felt oddly weak and somewhat unstable.
Simultaneously, Sang Yan rotated his head, seemingly wanting to communicate something to her. Before he could utter a word, Wen Yifan's body leaned forward, feeling as though everything was spiraling out of control. She reflexively grasped his arm with one hand and clutched his tie with the other.
Her face collided with his chest.
In an instant, all her senses were overwhelmed by the pervasive sandalwood scent emanating from him.
Sang Yan's body inclined accordingly.
She instinctively looked up, her nose bumping into his chin, then retreated a step.
At this moment, the elevator doors closed.
The scene seemed suspended in time.
Sang Yan was the first to recover.
He straightened his posture, reached out to adjust the tie she'd pulled askew, and calmly pressed the door open button. Then, he turned his head, giving her a meaningful look. "What's your excuse this time?"
Wen Yifan explained: "Sorry, I'm a bit unsteady on my feet."
"When I asked you earlier," Sang Yan said thoughtfully, "Didn't you assert you were steady?"
Silence.
Three seconds elapsed.
In the quiet elevator, Sang Yan suddenly called out to her: "Wen Yifan."
Wen Yifan looked up a beat late. "Huh?"
Sang Yan examined her comprehensively, raising an eyebrow. "Are you trying to pursue me?"
Wen Yifan's mind was foggy, and for a prolonged moment she didn't quite process his words. "What?"
"If that's your intention, you should be more straightforward. Who knows—" Sang Yan bent down slightly, meeting her gaze directly. He dragged out his words, pausing for two seconds before slowly adding, "I might consider it."
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