Chapter 41

Shen Youwei didn’t say this to mock Xu Qairan but to ease her mind. Aunt Xu held her hand and reassured her: “Shen Youwei’s right. Don’t mind what people say in chats. They’ll forget soon. Just like Shen Youwei, often on trending topics, criticized, but after a few days, everyone moves on.”
Shen Youwei: “…”
No need to use her as an example, Aunt Xu.
Xu Qairan had been worried at first, but after hearing her mother’s words, she felt much better: “You’re right. Thinking about Shen Youwei, I really feel better.”
Shen Youwei: “…”
Alright then.
Shen Youwei saw Xu Qairan and her mother home, then prepared to return to the studio. Aunt Xu, hearing she was leaving, hurried out: “It’s almost mealtime. Stay and eat before you go.”
“No, the studio is only Zhong Lingling right now. She can’t handle it alone.” Shen Youwei hadn’t expected business to be so good just after opening, not only were there many consultations, but also plenty of orders. Though the orders were scheduled, there were only two staff members, keeping them both busy.
Aunt Xu, realizing Shen Youwei had to work, didn’t insist: “Next time, when you have time, bring your brother and we’ll have a meal outside together.”
“Sure.”
“You really need to hire more people. Right now it’s like one person doing two jobs.”
“We’re already reviewing resumes and will schedule a group interview soon.” Shen Youwei glanced at Xu Qairan: “What are your plans? You probably can’t go to the Chen family’s company now, right?”
Xu Qairan hesitated for a moment but finally said: “If your studio urgently needs help, I can come assist until you hire someone. Then I’ll leave.”
Shen Youwei raised an eyebrow: “No salary?”
“No need, consider it thanks for helping.”
Shen Youwei smiled and nodded: “Alright, rest today, then report to the studio tomorrow. Just a heads-up: we have a lot of work, so be prepared.”
“I know. I’ve stayed up late with you before,” Xu Qairan said, thinking of the times they had worked together, feeling like another lifetime.
“Okay, I’ll go now.” After leaving, Shen Youwei sent the studio location to Xu Qairan. Xu Qairan replied with an “OK” emoji, then a moment later sent another message.
Xu Qairan: [I saw on Weibo that your studio was trending. Many fans are worried you won’t make videos anymore.]
Shen Youwei: [You’re dodging debt collectors and still caring about my studio?]
Xu Qairan: …
Shen Youwei: [I’ll still make outfit videos, maybe even add a work vlog section. Fans won’t miss the charming me.]
Xu Qairan: “…”
The next day, Xu Qairan arrived early at Shen Youwei’s studio. She had been Shen Youwei’s assistant for over two years and knew the work well. Even though the business had changed, she quickly adapted.
Though there was only one extra pair of hands, Zhong Lingling felt the workload lighten considerably, finally, she wasn’t needed for every task!
With all three working together, the tasks were finished before Saturday. No appointments were taken over the weekend, not as a favor, but because Shen Youwei had plans with Guan Shanyan at Luming Hot Springs Resort.
Guan Shanyan had booked two nights. On Friday, he finished work early and went to Shen Youwei’s studio to pick her up.
Shen Youwei dragged her suitcase out of the studio. Guan Shanyan leaned against the car, waiting. He wore a stylish light pink shirt with white suit pants. Leaning there, his long legs were striking.
Zhong Lingling, following behind, also saw Guan Shanyan. She had only met him a few times, but each time, her admiration grew: “Wow, Mr. Guan looks better than ever! I now understand why the finest ingredients need only the simplest cooking!”
A shirt with suit pants is simple, yet on him it looked so elegant and high-class!
Xu Qairan closed the studio door, walked beside Zhong Lingling, and glanced at Guan Shanyan: “Feels like a peacock spreading its feathers.”
“Huh?” Zhong Lingling paused, then understood: “Wait, do you mean, Mr. Guan and Boss Shen?”
Xu Qairan nodded: “Isn’t it obvious?”
“But aren’t they siblings?” Zhong Lingling was confused.
“Not biological siblings.”
“…” True, they had different last names. She had overthought it.
Guan Shanyan helped Shen Youwei with her luggage, then glanced at Xu Qairan and nodded. After greeting, he got in the car and drove off.
“How’s Xu Qairan doing at your studio?”
“Pretty good.” Shen Youwei hugged a pillow. “She’s experienced and adapts quickly.”
“Good.” Guan Shanyan asked: “What about the money she owes?”
Shen Youwei sighed: “Aunt Xu said she’ll sell her current house to repay, then move to a smaller place.”
They had just moved into this house a couple of years ago, with Xu Qairan contributing. She hadn’t lived there long before having to sell.
“Money can always be earned again. Just hope she doesn’t mess up again.”
“Shouldn’t happen again, right?” One loss is enough. Who would willingly take a second hit?
“I just fear Chen Qing will come back once things settle.”
“He wouldn’t dare?” Shen Youwei looked at Guan Shanyan incredulously.
“Never underestimate a scumbag’s audacity.” Guan Shanyan replied while driving.
Shen Youwei: “…”
Makes sense.
“Anyway, she’s in my studio now. If Chen Qing dares come, I’ll kick him out.” Shen Youwei added: “Aunt Xu is there too, she’ll beat him to a pulp.”
“…” Guan Shanyan suggested: “You should hire a few security guards for the studio.”
Shen Youwei hadn’t finished hiring, but with her reckless temperament, security might really be needed: “We’ll handle the most urgent first. Even our finance is handled by Zhong Lingling part-time.”
“She’s quite versatile then.”
“Exactly!” They finally had a light at the end of the tunnel, someone was coming for interviews on Monday.
When Guan Shanyan drove to the base of Qingjing Mountain, it was just six o’clock. Luming Hot Springs Resort was halfway up; the car couldn’t go all the way. They had to climb.
“I didn’t notice as a kid, but the rules here are strict.” Shen Youwei read the sign listing resort regulations: “If luggage can be transported, why must guests climb?”
Guan Shanyan: “They only accept sincere guests.”
Shen Youwei: “…”
Resort or monastery?
Still, given her anticipation, she decided to forgive it: “Let’s go, early climb, early dinner.”
Seeing her start up the mountain, Guan Shanyan instinctively held her hand: “You’re really not afraid?”
The cliff incident had happened fifteen years ago, yet the memory remained fresh. In the early years, both Shen Youwei and he had nightmares. He feared letting go of her.
Shen Youwei looked at their hands entwined and smiled: “If you keep holding me, I’m not afraid.”
“…” Guan Shanyan didn’t speak, just squeezed her hand tighter. “Let’s go.”
Together, they climbed. The path had over three hundred steps, but thankfully the sun wasn’t scorching anymore; otherwise, Shen Youwei might have gotten heatstroke before her PTSD kicked in.
“In this weather, coming to a hot spring is quite the idea.” Summer had begun, still not as hot as July or August, but enough to sweat easily.
Guan Shanyan reminded: “We’re not here for the hot springs.”
“…” Shen Youwei disagreed: “We’re here, so why not enjoy it?”
Guan Shanyan: “It’s colder up here, especially at night.”
“Perfect for hot springs then!”
“Hmm.”
“By the way, how many rooms did you book?”
“Two, of course.”
“So formal.”
“…”
Shen Youwei secretly plotted, rare alone time with Guan Shanyan. Maybe she could break down the wall between them. She took out her phone and snapped a picture of their joined hands. Guan Shanyan noticed: “What are you taking a photo of?”
Shen Youwei showed him: “It’s a trend, girlfriend perspective holding hands.”
“…” He had seen similar photos online, but they weren’t that kind of couple. “Planning to post it?”
Shen Youwei blinked: “Weibo works too.”
Guan Shanyan: “…”
She didn’t post it anywhere anyway; her father was her biggest fan!
Thinking of that, Shen Youwei worried, if she and Guan Shanyan got together, could their parents accept it? Her dad liked Guan Shanyan now, but being a brother and being a husband were very different. He had been strict with other boys who pursued her, except Guan Shanyan.
“What are you thinking?” Guan Shanyan noticed her spacing out. “Tired?”
“Not at all. I’ve been training boxing recently; my stamina’s better!”
“Then why?”
Shen Youwei frowned, looking troubled: “I’m just worried, what if our parents can’t accept us being together?”
Guan Shanyan: “…”
He stayed silent for a full five seconds before speaking: “Maybe you should worry about the fact that the resort cuts off Wi-Fi at ten o’clock tonight.”
Shen Youwei: “…”
Standing at the resort entrance, Shen Youwei looked at the grand gate, hardly believing it: “I can’t believe I climbed all the way up here so easily!”
Guan Shanyan had held her hand the entire way, and even now hadn’t let go. They had been chatting the whole way without much rest and finally reached the resort gate.
“It means you probably overcame your fear long ago, you just thought you were still scared.”
Shen Youwei shook her head, raising their joined hands: “I think it’s more because of having a boyfriend.”