As Jiang Jianhuan listened to the constant chatter around her, unsure of what to think, her phone, which was on the table, vibrated slightly. It was a message from Su Mo.
Come out, I'll be waiting for you at the back door.
Chapter 36
Jiang Jianhuan stared at her phone for two seconds, and Zhou You guessed what was going on. She then leaned over and said something very understanding.
"Hurry up, or we'll be in big trouble if Su Mo gets discovered."
"Then you...?"
"We'll be heading back soon."
"Oh well."
After saying goodbye to the others, Jiang Jianhuan got up and walked towards the back door of the bar. She knew this road by heart and was out in less than two minutes.
Behind the door was a narrow, dilapidated alley with flickering streetlights. Su Mo leaned against the wall, playing with a lighter in her hand.
It sizzled and lit up, then went out again.
The flickering flames danced in the darkness, the moon overhead a cold, bright white. His tall, thin figure, cap pulled low, paired with a black jacket and trousers, made him look like some kind of delinquent.
"You're not planning to quit smoking?" Jiang Jianhuan walked over, speaking in a very ordinary tone, but Su Mo's movements froze.
"You mind?" He turned his head to look at her, his pupils were very dark, and the corners of his mouth were slightly pursed.
"Do you want me to mind?" Jiang Jianhuan asked back, and Su Mo paused for a few seconds.
"I understand." A while later.
"I will quit."
The two walked out side by side, the atmosphere somewhat silent because of what had just happened.
The overhead light suddenly flickered twice, and then, as the old bulb had probably reached the end of its life, it went out completely after making a faint sound.
The entire alley was plunged into darkness.
After her initial shock, Jiang Jianhuan quickly calmed down, though she still felt a slight fear. Su Mo quickly grabbed her arm.
"Are you alright?" he asked softly. Jiang Jianhuan shook her head, then, remembering that he probably couldn't see, hummed in response.
"I'll hold your hand."
"It's safer for two people to walk together, they won't fall." After saying that, he added.
Just as Jiang Jianhuan was about to say no, his hand moved down, brushing against her wrist, and gently took her hand.
Su Mo's hands were slightly hot and warm, with thin calluses on her palms.
The feel and texture are so familiar to me.
He didn't tighten his grip, but gently encircled her, with a careful and precious tenderness. His steps were steady and slow.
In the darkness, the air was strangely still.
Jiang Jianhuan lagged half a step behind him until they stepped out of the alley, where the lights and the city's hustle and bustle immediately enveloped them. They stood in a corner, like a couple who had just stumbled into the vibrant city from the outside world.
Then, Su Mo let go of her.
A sense of loss unexpectedly surfaced, and Jiang Jianhuan awkwardly curled her fingers, just as she heard Su Mo say something.
"Would you... like to see our old house?"
Su Mo rented the apartment to make it convenient for her evening part-time job, so it was very close to this bar, about a ten-minute walk. Jiang Jianhuan could still remember the route there.
She remained silent and did not answer. Su Mo lowered her eyes to hide her disappointment. Just as she was feeling disappointed, she heard Jiang Jianhuan speak again.
"OK."
Su Mo's eyes suddenly lit up, and he couldn't suppress a smile. He nodded.
"Then let's go."
Walk to the end of this not-so-bustling street, turn right, and you'll find a residential complex where Su Mo used to rent her apartment. It's a small one-bedroom apartment on the sixth floor, facing south, with plenty of natural light.
Jiang Jianhuan loves sunshine, so Su Mo placed a hanging chair on the balcony and planted many green plants there. She often curled up in the sun, holding a book, and would fall asleep after turning only a few pages.
The two walked side by side along the street, with pedestrians occasionally hurrying past them. Su Mo lowered her head and took out a mask from her pocket, putting it on.
Jiang Jianhuan glanced at him.
"Hmm?" Su Mo noticed her gaze and asked through her nose.
"Aren't you tired from doing this?" Jiang Jianhuan thought back to how Su Mo always came out with her fully armed, and they would often be photographed, making the news and attracting countless comments and attention from netizens.
"It's alright." Su Mo's voice came through the mask, sounding a little muffled.
"I rarely go out."
Over the years, the streets have changed somewhat, but many familiar shops and brands still remain. Jiang Jianhuan looked around, his memories gradually being stirred.
The two slowly walked down the street. Jiang Jianhuan remembered that at the corner at the end, there was a couple selling fried potatoes, which were fragrant and crispy, and she loved them. Su Mo used to bring her some every time she got off work.
The two of them happened to walk to that spot, and Jiang Jianhuan's eyes lit up with surprise.
"Oh, this shop is still here." She couldn't hide her happiness, and Su Mo's lips curved into a smile.
"Yes, their business is very good, they've always been here."
"I want to eat..." Jiang Jianhuan had already bent down and was rummaging through her bag for change when she excitedly ran over to queue up.