Volume One, Chapter 10: Brother Ting An, I Do Not Seek Status

Page 1/3

Zhao Xinran left school early that afternoon and even went out of her way to buy some groceries. Unexpectedly, Su Li was not home, so she had no choice but to sit in the hallway and wait. Today, Shao Ting’an also returned unusually early; normally, Su Li would have to wait a long time for him to come back before preparing dinner, but today he arrived just after six.

Seeing Zhao Xinran sitting by the door, Shao Ting’an hurried down the stairs two steps at a time. “Why are you sitting at the door?”

Su Li should have been back by now; she never stayed late when she went to her parents’ place.

“Ting’an, there’s no one home. Teacher Su isn’t here,” Zhao Xinran said plaintively as she stood up, but her legs gave way and she collapsed straight into Shao Ting’an’s arms.

“Did…did Teacher Su not know you were coming today?” Shao Ting’an swallowed hard as he felt her lean against him; his arm tightened around her waist, stiffening involuntarily.

“Thank you, Ting’an! Teacher Su knows; I come every week. She must have been held up by something,” Zhao Xinran said, looking up at Shao Ting’an with her large, glistening eyes that made his heart flutter. Her chest rose and fell with each breath, tightening the knot in his throat.

Shao Ting’an lightly bit his lip and slowly released her. His soft voice, tinged with a roughness, asked, “Are your legs numb?”

Zhao Xinran blinked, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “Yes.”

Her tender and delicate demeanor made Shao Ting’an’s Adam’s apple bob once more.

He took the groceries from her hands and reached for his keys. “Let’s go inside.”

Though he appeared calm on the surface, his trembling hand struggled to insert the key into the lock.

“Ting’an, let me do it,” Zhao Xinran said, biting her lip as she leaned closer. Her slender hand covered his large one, gently grasping it and steadily guiding the key into the lock.

With a soft click, the lock opened.

The faint fragrance wafting from the girl surrounded Shao Ting’an’s senses, his heart beating wildly in his chest.

Upstairs, Aunt Liu returned from shopping and noticed the two standing close together at the door, finding it curious. She recognized the girl—Teacher Su’s student—who often accompanied Su Li here and had even stayed for over a month during last winter break.

However, she didn’t see Shao Ting’an and Zhao Xinran holding hands, nor the undeniable affection in their eyes.

“Xiao Shao, didn’t you bring your keys?”

Startled by the call, Shao Ting’an swallowed hard and quickly withdrew his hand from Zhao Xinran’s.

Turning around, he smiled faintly at Aunt Liu. “I did, but the lock’s a bit rusty and hard to open. It took some effort.”

“My lock was like that the other day. My son dripped some machine oil inside, and now it works like a charm. You should give it a try,” Aunt Liu advised.

Page 2/3

“All right, I’ll try that later,” Shao Ting’an replied.

While talking to Aunt Zhang, Zhao Xinran pushed open the door and stepped inside.

“See you later, Aunt Liu,” Shao Ting’an said with a composed smile as he followed.

Zhao Xinran entered the kitchen directly, placing the groceries on the counter.

Her face flushed with warmth, yet inside her heart fluttered like a restless deer.

To be precise, her heart had been racing nonstop since she leaned against Shao Ting’an.

She stood by the stove, lowering her gaze and taking several deep breaths, trying to calm herself.

“What are you making? Let me help,” Shao Ting’an’s voice, the one she yearned for, disrupted her efforts to regain composure.

As he drew near, Zhao Xinran’s resolve crumbled.

Summoning her courage, she approached him, head bowed, fingers nervously twisting the hem of her clothes.

“Ting’an…” she murmured.

His gaze shone like stars.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice trembling with tension, silently encouraging her.

She could feel his restraint, the warmth of his hands and embrace.

Taking a deep breath, she lifted her head bravely. “Ting’an, I like you. You know that, don’t you? I’ve never hidden my feelings from you.”

Her eyes reddened, tears welling up.

“Since the first time I saw you, I’ve liked you.”

Now free from earlier nervousness, she spoke openly without reservation.

“Xinran…”

Shao Ting’an’s voice was low and hoarse, carrying a hint of excitement barely concealed.

Her tear-filled eyes sparkled with joy, and her shy smile quickened his heartbeat.

His gaze deep and fiery, as if to melt her away.

“Ting’an…” Zhao Xinran’s voice was as soft as a whisper, cheeks flushed.

Page 3/3

Shao Ting’an looked at her, unsure how to respond. “Xinran, I…”

Tears slid down her cheeks as she smiled. “I know I shouldn’t say these things, but I… I really can’t control my feelings.”

“Do you know? The reason I worked so hard to pass the exams and come to Pingjiang was just to be closer to you. Even if it’s only to see you from afar, I’d be content.”

She took a step forward and threw herself into Shao Ting’an’s arms, holding him tightly.

“Ting’an, I don’t ask for a title or status; I just want to see you every day. That’s enough.”

Shao Ting’an’s body stiffened; he felt Zhao Xinran trembling in his embrace and heard her suppressed sobs.

His heart was in turmoil.

He thought of Su Li, of their once sweet and loving relationship.

Yet now, Zhao Xinran’s fragility and devotion made him unable to refuse.

His hand slowly lifted, resting gently on her back, softly patting.

Zhao Xinran raised her head, her tear-blurred eyes meeting his, then tiptoed to press her lips to his.

Shao Ting’an froze momentarily, then slowly closed his eyes. The girl’s innocent kiss made him forget entirely that he had a wife.

Outside, the sun was setting, painting the sky a fiery red.

Inside, an intimate atmosphere spread.

Aunt Zhang remembered Su Li’s instructions—since their meal was early, she had prepared a bowl of food and two steamed buns especially for Shao Ting’an.

Seeing him go upstairs, she deliberately delayed a few minutes, hoping to give him a breather.

Holding the tray, she knocked at the door. “Section Chief Shao, it’s Aunt Zhang downstairs.”

She waited for him to answer, but heard no response.

“Section Chief Shao?”

Her voice was loud enough that Aunt Liu upstairs heard and came out smiling. “Xiao Shao’s home. No need to call so loudly.”

“I know he’s here. Teacher Su told me this morning to deliver dinner to Section Chief Shao. She was worried she’d be late and he might go hungry,” Aunt Zhang said cheerfully.

“That student of Teacher Su’s is here and even brought groceries; she must know how to cook,” Aunt Liu said with a smile. “Teacher Su is really thoughtful.”

Aunt Zhang didn’t like Zhao Xinran; whenever she saw her, the girl never spoke and always looked down her nose, which was irritating.

Thinking of Zhao Xinran’s sly charm, Aunt Zhang suddenly knocked again, wondering what it meant for a young man and woman to be inside without opening the door.