SSB – Chapter 29.1

Chapter 29

　　The airport interior was spacious, well-lit with bright lights.

　　People were coming and going, and various sounds drowned out the sound of Sang Zhi’s sobbing. She felt somewhat embarrassed, wishing she could find a hole to hide herself in, trying to hold back her tears and act as if nothing had happened. Any alternative would be better, at least unlike her current situation. 

　　She felt utterly embarrassed.

　　The woman was very beautiful, her words were gentle, clearly an exceptional person.  In life and emotions, she could probably be of great help to him. Unlike her, seen by everyone as willful and rebellious, like a burden, always causing him trouble. From the beginning, she was an unnecessary presence, utterly useless. He even needed to expend extra energy to take care of her during his busy times. 

　　Watching Sang Zhi trying not to cry, Duan Jiaxu suddenly remembered their first meeting. Back then, she would cry freely, without any concern for anything, her biggest worry being a teacher’s note to parents. Has she truly grown up, or was his tone just too harsh a moment ago? Duan Jiaxu pursed his lips lightly.

　He didn’t have tissues with him, so he could only use the sleeve of his coat that was draped over her to wipe her tears. “Don’t cry anymore. I don’t think you’re a trouble.” 

　　”…”

　　”It’s cold here. Put on the coat properly.”

　　Sniffling, Sang Zhi obediently complied.

　　”You’ll figure things out on your own. It’s okay as long as you realize your mistakes,” Duan Jiaxu said slowly. “We’re not angry with you. We’ve been worried that something might happen to you. We’ve anxious, you know.”

　　She kept her gaze down, choked up, and whispered, “I know.”

　　”Get up and go wash your face.” Duan Jiaxu glanced at his phone, seeming a bit uncomfortable. He turned his head away to cough a couple of times before continuing. “I will take you for lunch.”

　　Sang Zhi shook her head slightly. “I’m not hungry.”

　　”What do you mean you’re not hungry?” Duan Jiaxu stood up, his tone subdued. “Are you planning to starve yourself over a guy?”

　　”…”

　　”Little One,” Then Duan Jiaxu looked around briefly and pointed not far away. “The restroom is over there. Can you see it?”

　　Sang Zhi hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

　　”Go wash your face on your own.” Duan Jiaxu thought for a moment and continued, “Give me your ID. I will go and check for the plane ticket for you. I’ll come find you in a while. Don’t wander around.”

　　Observing the situation, the woman next to them spoke up, “I’ll take her there.”

　　Sang Zhi handed her ID from her bag and silently stood up, instinctively looking in the woman’s direction.

　　The next moment, Duan Jiaxu said, “No need.”

　　Hearing these two words, Sang Zhi wordlessly headed towards the restroom. After walking a distance, she suddenly stopped and glanced back in the original direction.

　　Sang Zhi could still see the two people standing there.

　　The woman was dressed in a black fitted dress, accentuating her graceful figure. The hem of the dress featured a vintage pattern, reaching mid-calf. She was tall, around 170 centimeters, and even in high heels, she was only about half a head shorter than Duan Jiaxu. She had a smile on her face, and Sang Zhi couldn’t make out what they were saying. Then, she saw the woman reach out and pat his arm.

　　And then, Sang Zhi saw Duan Jiaxu smile too.

　　She clenched her lips tightly and withdrew her gaze.

　　Sang Zhi entered the restroom and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were swollen, her nose was red, and there were tear streaks on her face. She lowered her head and repeatedly splashed water on her face.

　　The cold water stimulated her skin and reignited her tear ducts.

　　No matter how she washed, tears still fell.

　　An elderly lady next to her noticed and instinctively asked, “Young girl, are you okay?”

　　Sang Zhi grabbed a tissue, looked down and said, “The water is too cold.”

　　As if she had found a valid reason to cry, tears streamed down uncontrollably. “Why is the water so cold?”

　　”Then don’t wash anymore.” The elderly lady didn’t find this reason odd either. She sighed and took out a hand warmer from her bag, handing it to Sang Zhi. “It’s been a bit cold these days. Remember to wear more clothes.”

　　Sang Zhi didn’t respond. She sniffled and said, “No need, thank you, Grandma.”

　　The elderly lady didn’t say anything more and simply offered a few comforting words before leaving.

　　After a while, Sang Zhi managed to regain her composure. Noticing the suit jacket on her, she took it off and held it in her arms as she walked outside.

　　Duan Jiaxu was already waiting for her outside.

　　This time, he was alone; the woman from before seemed to have disappeared.

　　She approached him. 

　　Seeing the jacket in her hands, Duan Jiaxu frowned. “Why did you take off your coat?”

　　”I just washed my face and didn’t want to dirty it,” she lied casually, her voice carrying a heavy nasal tone. “And I’m not cold.”

　　She glanced at Duan Jiaxu. “You wear it.”

　　Duan Jiaxu didn’t make any other move, he simply stared at her fixedly. After a while, he let out an almost imperceptible sigh and lowered his brows. “I was too harsh in my tone earlier.”

　　Sang Zhi shook her head. “No.”

　　”Is it that kids these days have short memories?” Duan Jiaxu draped the coat back over her. “It’s only been a year, and you’ve become like a stranger to me. How can you treat your brother like that?”

　　”…”

　　He calmly said, “You’ve really hurt this Brother deeply.”

　　Sang Zhi didn’t know what to say, so she changed the topic. “Are there still plane tickets?”

　　”Yeah, I got you one for the 2 o’clock flight in the afternoon,” Duan Jiaxu handed her the boarding pass and ID. “I’ve already got your boarding pass, so let’s go grab a meal first. I’ll take you through security later.”

　　”Alright.” After a brief silence, Sang Zhi asked again, “How much did it cost?”

　　”Not much,” Duan Jiaxu loosened his tie a bit, not paying much attention. “What do you want to eat?”

　　”Anything is fine,” Sang Zhi replied.

　　Duan Jiaxu led her to a McDonald’s inside the airport.

　　They ordered a few items, but neither of them seemed to have much of an appetite. He didn’t mention the woman from before, nor did he tell her where she had gone. Sangzhi didn’t have the courage to ask. 

　　She was afraid of hearing the words “girlfriend” from his mouth, as she wouldn’t be able to control her expression

　　Perhaps noticing her downcast mood, Duan Jiaxu would occasionally say a few things to lighten the atmosphere. His throat sounded hoarse, and he would cough to the side when speaking.

　　Sang Zhi couldn’t help but ask, “Are you sick?”

　　”Yeah,” Duan Jiaxu casually replied, “I’ve caught a bit of a cold.”

　　Sang Zhi remained quiet for a moment before saying, “Make sure you take your medicine.”

　　Duan Jiaxu smiled. “Thank you for your concern, Little Sang Zhi.”

　　He fiddled with the box Sang Zhi had given him and raised an eyebrow, asking, “Can I open and take a look?”

　　Sang Zhi nibbled on a french fry and silently nodded.

　　Inside the box was a tie.

　　A deep red base with black and white stripes adorned it.