Pas de double

Chapitre 1

Chapter 1 The Swallows Parting Ways (1)

In the height of summer, heat seeps into the room through the cracks in the windows, making the west-facing bedroom even more sticky and stuffy.

Zhao Wenchun carried the folded clothes past the door, took a few steps and then turned back. He peeked into the room and saw the grand scene inside, and his brows furrowed.

The suitcases lay open and askew on the floor, bottles and jars covered the table, and slippers lay across the bed with one sole pointing upwards.

"The ground is cold, put on your shoes." Zhao Wenchun bent down to pick up the shoes and neatly placed them in front of Zhao Xiyin, reminding her, "Hurry up, Xiao Li's car horn has honked several times."

Zhao Xiyin bent over and rummaged through the bottom drawer, replying perfunctorily, "Almost done, almost done."

Zhao Wenchun looked left and right, his eyes sharp indeed. He pulled out a mascara pen from under the book. "Is this what you're looking for?"

Zhao Xiyin breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this, "They really know how to hide. I thought they had grown wings."

Zhao Wenchun shook his head at his daughter's forgetful nature and went to help her tidy up. "Why are you in such a rush? Can't you rest for a day before going out to play?"

Heavy rain in the south caused the high-speed train to be delayed by several hours, and it didn't arrive at Beijing West Station until the early hours of the morning yesterday. Teacher Zhao drives slowly, never exceeding 50 km/h even on smooth roads, so he got home close to 3 AM and slept through the night.

Zhao Xiyin left home right after the Spring Festival last year, traveling all over the country, only calling her teacher Zhao every two days to let him know she was safe. What family's daughter could travel for a year or two without coming home to visit? Old Zhao harbored resentment, blaming his daughter for being a heartless, wild girl. But every time he received a call from his daughter, his complaints vanished, replaced by genuine concern, and he wanted to tell her everything about her life.

"It's not a game." Zhao Xiyin tilted her head left and right in front of the mirror, then gently brushed her right eyelashes before she was satisfied. "I'm attending a wedding banquet."

Zhao Wenchun, shaking out a trench coat, stopped what he was doing upon hearing this. "A classmate?"

Zhao Xiyin screwed the lid back on, picked up her bag, and left. "Ah, no, I don't know her. I went with Li Ran."

Zhao Wenchun was confused. "Xiao Li wants you to accompany her?"

Zhao Xiyin nodded. "The groom is the person she's had a crush on for ten years. With her personality, she's capable of ruining the wedding. How could I dare not go?"

Teacher Zhao's confused expression was quite cute, and Zhao Xiyin laughed when she saw it. As she left, she took an ice cream from the refrigerator, waved, and said, "I'm leaving, Dad."

—

The summer heat was scorching; the green branches and leaves were all wilted by the heatwave. Plane trees lined both sides of the road, their leaves blocking most of the sun, leaving only dappled shadows on the ground. This neighborhood is quite old, with narrow streets and dilapidated buildings, but looking back at the end of the road, it still has a beautiful, albeit old, charm.

A white Polo was parked on the side of the road, and Zhao Xiyin got in.

Li Ran was getting impatient and was about to start cursing when she was shoved into her mouth with a Beijing popsicle.

Zhao Xiyin clasped her hands together and admitted her mistake first: "I deserve to die. I'll treat Manager Li to a big meal tomorrow."

Li Ran felt so cold her teeth were about to fall out. She grimaced and inhaled sharply, raising her fist indignantly, "Eat the most expensive one."

Zhao Xiyin tilted her head and smiled, "Feeling better now?"

Li Ran's expression changed, and she said dejectedly, "What's so good about it? The person I love is getting married today."

Her act was quite convincing; at first glance, she truly looked like a heartbroken person. But Zhao Xiyin knew that Li Ran was just being sarcastic. The claim of a ten-year unrequited love was an exaggeration. Although feelings of affection had begun to blossom, she wouldn't actually do anything outrageous.

Having gone to bed very late last night, Zhao Xiyin didn't say anything more, tilting her head back and closing her eyes.

With an ice pop in her mouth, Li Ran asked two questions casually—

"You've finally decided to come back?"

Are you still leaving?

Zhao Xiyin responded twice, "Mm."

"What the hell?" Li Ran said, annoyed by her perfunctory attitude. "Are you leaving or not?"

Zhao Xiyin said, "I'm not leaving."

Li Ran said with satisfaction, "Okay, come to my studio tomorrow and work as a model. We need to shoot some print photos for the early autumn collection."

Zhao Xiyin opened her eyes and laughed, scolding, "Can't you find me something good?"

Li Ran winked and said, "You have a great figure and looks. My sales can double, and I'll give you a commission."

Li Ran has short, wine-red hair. This color is selective, but it suits her perfectly. Her almond-shaped eyes twinkle playfully, and her temperament is lively and charming. She and Xi Yin were born on the same day, month, and year, truly twin flowers. She went abroad to study during her senior year of high school, and returned to China two years ago after graduating. For some inexplicable reason, she opened a Taobao shop instead of working properly.

Human encounters are governed by fate; the two had been friends for ten years, sharing their innermost thoughts. When Zhao Xiyin announced his upcoming marriage, she was the first person he told.

However, there were times when there were disagreements.

When Li Ran returned to China two years ago, the first thing she did was to shout and demand to see which scoundrel had married Zhao Xiyin.

Zhao Xiyin smiled faintly and told her, "I won't see you."

Li Ran was heartbroken, saying, "Male beauty is a trap; it's like hiding a national treasure."

Zhao Xiyin was still smiling, her eyes misty with tears that seemed to pierce.

"I didn't hide it from you," she said. "We're divorced."

Li Ran stole glances in the rearview mirror several times, wanting to speak but not daring to, wanting to ask but not daring to. Chaoyang Road was a bit congested, with cars flowing in a long, slow line. Li Ran was holding something in her heart, her breath hesitating between her chest and throat.

Zhao Xiyin suddenly turned her head and asked seriously, "Where is the bride from?"

"Huh?" Li Ran realized, "It seems to be from Beijing. What's wrong?"

Zhao Xiyin shook her head. "Nothing."

Li Ran understood her; she could discern the true meaning in what she said, even if it was just a brief mention. After thinking it over, she comforted her, "Beijing has over 20 million people; it's not that small. You won't run into them."

Zhao Xiyin slapped her palm over, pressed it against her right cheek, and forcefully turned it back, calmly saying, "Nonsense."