Chapter 05 Carbon Roasted Coffee

Currently single he replied without any concern

Changing back into her uniform, just as she was about to leave, she remembered the chocolate in the drawer. Unable to resist, she went back to take it out, broke off a piece, and chewed it vigorously, savoring the sweetness in her mouth. She walked quietly in the garden—three years had passed, and the emotions she had suppressed were still rolling and swaying in her heart like waves. Today, she finally met him, and she had thought something would happen—at least she would have more courage than when she was younger. But it turned out not to be the case; it seemed that suppression could also become a habit. The cold air rushed into her nose, and she breathed deeply, yet she dared not indulge herself among the crowd, so she pretended to forget. She should have known by now that she had never possessed such great courage—great enough to abandon everything. And if she could have let go of it all, she would have done so three years ago.

Han Ziyang stood outside the door, facing the night, his gaze also settling into a deep stillness. He had accompanied a client for dinner, yet that scene left him in a daze—those delicate hands gently grasping, clearly holding onto the young man's collar, but it felt as if they were tightly gripping his own heart. He seemed to vaguely see her smile, one he had never encountered before, transparent and pure like spring water, with even her brows and eyes appearing clear and bright. He thought to himself that he had seen a photo of that young man.

How can one bear to be idle with poetry and books on the pillow

He has not changed much, his demeanor now carries a touch more composure, and his gaze remains as warm and embracing as the sea, a warmth that can completely envelop oneself. He scrutinizes her, wondering if she has deliberately dressed this way. Three years have faded in her presence, as if she has not changed at all. He realizes that he still vividly remembers that morning when she turned to leave, her long hair swaying gently.

Lin Xiejun's complexion was somewhat pale, and his gaze dimmed slightly. As before, whenever he faced her, it seemed as if the entire world was made of glass, and he was reluctant even to gently scold her—his tone was gentle yet tinged with weariness: "Jun Mo, this is my job." His handsome face bore an unmistakable sense of helplessness and disappointment, and he ultimately turned to leave.

You should not whisper something in Lin Xie Jun's ear, and quickly walked over: "Mr. Han, Miss Liao, are you dining here?" She seemed somewhat anxious, and her tone carried more of a polite indifference. Han Ziyang's displeasure flashed briefly across his face, but he instead cast a curious glance at Liao Qingya, a faint smile appearing at the corners of his mouth

A doorman has already taken Lin Xiejun's luggage and is courteously leading the way ahead.

Han Ziyang's hand, which was slightly inserted into his pocket, tightened slightly with effort, yet a smile still lingered on his face: "Alright, then next time." Jun Mo returned to the banquet hall, unsure of what to do next. After standing for two minutes, estimating that they had already left, he finally exited and returned to his office

She is persistently superstitious that Tao Yuanming truly found the Peach Blossom Spring, always saying that when she has leisure time, she will try her luck; she mentioned that her previous ideal was to be a bard in a novel, traversing the vast land of the Nine Provinces, just like the character in Jieming City. However, the fate of the character later turned out to be tragic, living a life of solitude.

You shouldn't just smile lightly: "I have always loved spicy food—after graduating and coming back, I realized that I can actually handle quite a bit of spice."

Now, in the hotel, it seems like the most prosperous little world in the human realm—countless people come and go here, gathering or dispersing for different purposes, flowing like floating clouds, yet she must face this grand prosperity alone with a smile. He really wants to stop in his tracks and ask her if she is truly happy in her heart. But he does not dare; over the years, has he ever genuinely contemplated these matters? Now, upon reflection, wouldn't he himself feel pretentious and hypocritical?

She slightly raised her voice: "Manager Li?" Han Ziyang's thin lips moved, as if he wanted to stop her, but in the end, he merely pursed his lips and turned away.

At this moment, Liao Qingya stood beside Han Ziyang, staring blankly at the girl in front of her. She clearly sensed a momentary hesitation from the man beside her—this was so unlike his usual demeanor. In her impression, he had always been resolute and decisive. Yet, he still called out to her, his voice carrying a hesitation that he seemed unaware of: "Li Junmo"

The remaining individuals have been led by the waiter to the bar. Liao Qingya gritted her teeth and chose to stay by Han Ziyang's side, suppressing her chaotic and flustered emotions, and greeted her with a smile: "Manager Li"

The sunlight danced on the collar of his white shirt, that carefree demeanor and smile, the unintentional hint of laughter in his tone, just like his youth and his abundant talent. One cannot help but feel their heart skip a beat, hearing the girls around them exclaiming: "Wow!"

A few of us friends are gathering, and Manager Li is not working today?" She smiled somewhat slyly, her long eyelashes fluttering, "I ran into you at the airport this afternoon.

In his memory, she was always someone who could eat; every meal began and ended with her. On that occasion, they had a meal together, and a group of students maintained a degree of restraint in front of their teacher, especially the few girls, who ate delicately like little birds pecking at food. He only paid attention to her; at first, she seemed a bit shy, and then she was unwilling to chat any longer, focusing solely on her food—so adorable, taking small bites, completely oblivious to everything around her

In the moment when you do not look back, it seems to be that most familiar hotel manager, who always surrounds himself with the most comforting smile. Han Ziyang's brows slightly furrowed, and the atmosphere became somewhat subtle.

Her first stir of emotion occurred during his class, which was the final session. He animatedly completed the presentation and casually informed the students that they could ask questions freely

The scenery in front of the door is beautiful when the rain comes

Jun Mo's thoughts drifted with the white mist rising above the hot pot, becoming somewhat dazed. Gradually, she returned to the words of Enping and finally replied, "It's fine, I'll be there soon, just at the back street corner." She hung up the phone and forced a smile, saying, "Do you want to go back and rest early? I need to cover for a colleague."

Jun Mo smiled lightly: "Yes, I'm just picking up a friend." She casually glanced back and said, "I won't take up your time any longer; enjoy yourselves." With a hurried smile, she turned and walked back to the hall. Liao Qingya shrugged slightly and said to Han Ziyang, "Let's go." Han Ziyang walked beside her, and the brightness in his eyes made her feel somewhat uncomfortable, as if he had sensed the small schemes hidden in her heart. Liao Qingya tried to suppress her anxiety, quickening her pace, the heels of her shoes striking the ground crisply and decisively. Liao Qingya shrugged slightly and said to Han Ziyang, "Let's go." Han Ziyang walked beside her, and the brightness in his eyes made her feel somewhat uncomfortable, as if he had sensed the small schemes hidden in her heart. Liao Qingya tried to suppress her anxiety, quickening her pace, the heels of her shoes striking the ground crisply and decisively.

Lin Xiejun set down his chopsticks, his narrow and bright eyes gazing at her slightly lowered face through the swirling white steam of the heater: "Why are you eating so little?"

She suddenly recalled that time in the bar when he brought her in to greet them, feeling extremely awkward, and could only smile and decline: "I need to cover for a colleague, Mr. Han, you all enjoy yourselves, let's do this together next time." She felt a bit annoyed; she had originally planned to head to the entertainment department next but did not want to accompany them, so she simply turned around with confidence: "I still need to check the catering department, please take care, both of you." She presented a demeanor of polite hospitality, subtly exuding an air of aloofness that kept others at a distance.

Waiting outside his classroom after class is always too conspicuous, so they agreed on a place to wait. He is diligent in his teaching, always ensuring that he covers all the material, which often leads to him running a few minutes over time. She blends in with the waves of students leaving class, silently counting the minutes. By that time, she was already in a higher grade, with fewer classes, and she was aware of his habits. His classes are popular, and he has a good temperament, always surrounded by students discussing questions from the lesson. Jun Mo can be quite impatient at times, often waiting with growing frustration, but as soon as he appears, his gaze always finds her with unerring accuracy. That gentle affection, tinged with a hint of apology, always manages to soothe her irritation. By that time, she was already in a higher grade, with fewer classes, and she was aware of his habits. His classes are popular, and he has a good temperament, always surrounded by students discussing questions from the lesson. Jun Mo can be quite impatient at times, often waiting with growing frustration, but as soon as he appears, his gaze always finds her with unerring accuracy. That gentle affection, tinged with a hint of apology, always manages to soothe her irritation

His voice was deep, yet carried a hint of laughter: "A beautiful story. Just like that."

She took him to the hot pot restaurant they often frequented. It was dinner time, and the place was packed with people. They found a seat and sat down, the space so small and the atmosphere so lively, that even the air was filled with the aroma of spicy peppers. He couldn't help but think, "It really feels like back then." Yet he didn't say it out loud; instead, he saw her happily say, "I love eating here the most. Because it reminds me of the hot pot restaurants from before."

However, it turns out that the woman who seemed to catch Han Ziyang's attention truly has her own world and has never cared about the attitude she inadvertently reveals. Until her manager, out of breath, found her, Liao Qingya couldn't help but glance back once more, slowly withdrawing her thoughts and quickening her pace

Ten years later, we are friends, and we can still greet each other, but that kind of tenderness can no longer find a reason for an embrace

Han Ziyang felt a fleeting sense of panic in her presence, but ultimately managed to steady her emotions and asked her: "Do you have any plans for the evening? Would you like to go to a bar and sit for a while?"

Amidst a burst of laughter, the boy sat down in a dejected manner

Until they parted ways in the hall, it turned out that they had come this far in silence. She found it somewhat amusing, yet also quite absurd: how could it have been like this before? At the very moment he turned around, she suddenly asked him in a very low voice: "Why did you come here?"

She hailed a taxi outside the door. The scenery outside the car rushed by, and fortunately, there was no traffic jam, allowing her to arrive at the airport smoothly. She wrapped herself tightly in her coat and slightly tiptoed to look at the exit

The so-called emotions can really become this淡薄.

Do not say you want to eat hot pot, Lin Xiejun shook his head: "Forget it, you don't like spicy food."

In fact, there won't be any major trouble. You need not rush back to change your uniform. After just taking a stroll around the hall and greeting the supervisor, she was about to leave. The moment Han Ziyang stepped out of the elevator and saw her silhouette, an unprecedented sense of desolation washed over him, as if all vitality had been drained away, leaving him as fragile as a mere breath. She seemed like a completely different person compared to the woman he remembered, who had once smiled gently.

On the second day, the so-called "unable to taste food, soul not in the body," when the time to get off work arrived, do not hastily change out of your work clothes. Before leaving, the floor-to-ceiling mirror by the door reflected her figure, and she suddenly froze in place.

Everything in my heart has awakened, and you habitually smile and call out to him: "Hey!" Lin Xiejun stands in front of her with a suitcase, smiling as he looks her over: "Little girl, you are still so impudent."

It is known that coffee does not necessarily become more bitter the deeper it is roasted. When the aroma of wood wafts from the coffee, and one savors it again, the taste buds on the tongue still only perceive bitterness.

Sitting alone, I drink spring tea

It has been less than ten years after all

The car door opened, and the sky was already filled with countless stars

She tilted her head back, her lips, likely stained by chili, were as red as a rose: "As I have aged, my appetite is not as good as it used to be"

You have not yet responded, and the noise from the men and women coming out from the hall is exceptionally loud, drowning out the weariness in his tone. She stands to the side, waiting for Lin Xiejun to complete the check-in procedures. Supporting her chin with her hand, she watches him write, and his handwriting remains as clear and elegant as it was before.

It was quite unexpected to see the silhouette of a woman, tightly wrapped in a black coat, her figure slender as if made of paper, yet standing out among the crowd in flat shoes. Her cold expression hesitated for a moment upon seeing Jun Mo, and she slightly nodded. Jun Mo instantly wore a reflexive professional smile, but Liao Qingya did not stop and walked straight ahead. Jun Mo took a moment to compose himself, and when he raised his head again, that tall and slender figure appeared in his line of sight. She was surprisingly calm, standing there quietly, not even waving to signal him. She knew he must have already seen her; he always noticed her first, whether she was sitting in the corner of the last row or lost in a sea of people.

She does not remember what else she said, only that a song keeps coming to her mind repeatedly

In fact, they had not eaten much. Both were burdened with their thoughts and had little appetite. The hot pot restaurant was close to the hotel, so she accompanied him back. The journey was silent; Lin Xiejun lowered his head and noticed her hand slightly clenched into a fist—he averted his gaze, focusing intently ahead. Three years ago, he was accustomed to holding this hand, and in this way, even in the coldest weather, she would not think of putting on gloves. The journey was silent; Lin Xiejun lowered his head and noticed her hand slightly clenched into a fist—he averted his gaze, focusing intently ahead. Three years ago, he was accustomed to holding this hand, and in this way, even in the coldest weather, she would not think of putting on gloves

"Teacher, what do you think about the story of Mr. Shen Congwen and Mr. Zhang Zhaohe?" Suddenly, the boy who had been sitting stood up, glancing at the group of girls, each of whom was covering her mouth and laughing.

A table full of dishes was set before them, and he habitually prepared the sauce for her, placing it in front of her. Jun Mo remained silent, watching as the steam from the hot pot seemed to fill her eyes, and she couldn't help but blink. As batches of ingredients were added to the pot, she merely sipped her yogurt, one mouthful at a time

You have complained several times: "Why are all the people asking you questions girls? What is their intention?" She shouted, but Lin Xiejun merely held her hand tightly, allowing her to complain all the way, only smiling in response.

She always calls him "Hey" because when they first got together, she still felt awkward; after all, he is her teacher. However, she could no longer call him teacher, so she got used to calling him "Hey". He also allowed her to do so.

Jun Mo likes this restaurant because among the many northern cuisine establishments, only its sweet and sour pork is most reminiscent of her hometown dishes. Being from the south, she is not accustomed to spicy food, so every time they dine, Lin Xiejun always orders southern dishes, occasionally requesting other items while repeatedly reminding the waiter to use less chili.

Jun Mowei raised the corners of her eyes and noticed that Lin Xiejun's expression was somewhat displeased. She smiled and tugged at his sleeve, asking, "What's wrong?" She remained as childlike as ever; in the past, whenever the two had a slight disagreement—provided she hadn't crossed her bottom line—she would take the initiative to act cute towards him, as she often had a tendency to throw small tantrums for no apparent reason. She had always treated him this way, indifferent to the gazes of others. In that moment, it felt as if they were still an ordinary couple in their youthful campus days, and she was merely a young teacher who had just started working. This unique identity only added a touch of charm to their relationship, making it a source of envy for others.

What a profound question—Jun Mo couldn't help but smile, putting down his pen and looking up at the young teacher, feeling a rare sense of embarrassment.

Tonight was supposed to be a gathering of several university alumni, with an uncertain number of attendees, all being former close classmates, regardless of their departments or years. It was agreed that the next stop would be a private room at a bar, and others naturally distanced themselves slightly from Han Ziyang and Liao Qingya, truly seeing them as a couple. In fact, it was a gathering of a group of brothers, and it was coincidental that she was included. However, a few days ago, Liao Qingya had met Han Ziyang's friend and casually mentioned it, leading to the invitation. She hurriedly finished her work and flew back. It was quite a coincidence that the man Li Junmo picked up at the airport was on the same flight as her. Later, she stood in the airport hall for a while, close enough to see Li Junmo's profile. The moment she saw that man, she revealed a pure and bright smile—her demeanor was usually somewhat gentle, but at that moment, it shed that layer, shining brightly like freshly peeled fruit. Liao Qingya stood for a long time, her heart filled with emotions that were difficult to distinguish between joy and sorrow. Clearly, they were two unrelated individuals, and she even harbored some vague hostility towards her. Yet just now, she thought, no one would understand that woman better than herself—those eyes and expressions were so familiar that they made her heart ache. In a daze, she found it somewhat amusing: had she really always regarded her as an enemy?

Later, in a hurry, I reached into my bag for my phone. Enping was on duty tonight, and halfway through the check, I suddenly had a stomach issue. I felt too embarrassed to ask someone else to switch shifts, so I could only call Junmo. Junmo slightly lowered her head, hearing Enping on the other end of the line hissing as she gasped for air, and she remained silent. Finally, Enping seemed to remember something and suddenly said: "Oh, I forgot, you went to pick up the alumni today? Then never mind, I will think of another way."

Lin Xiejun laughed out loud; the term "old" was truly inappropriate when applied to her. Gradually, that pure and joyful smile faded away, and even in the liveliest of small shops, amidst clinking glasses and games of rock-paper-scissors, the two of them found themselves unable to utter a single word, enveloped in a silence as stagnant as still water

Lin Xiejun raised his head to survey the hall, where the usual brilliance radiated, as if gathering all the splendor of the world into this space. The marble floor below clearly imprinted the footsteps of each person, merely hurried passersby. He furrowed his brow and looked at the woman beside him; she once had a fondness for a particular saying:

A bold girl asked, "Teacher, are you married?"

In just a moment of distraction, a voice called out to him from ahead: "Senior Brother, we are waiting for you." The voice was carried by the gentle night breeze. He turned his face calmly and responded lightly. Under the light, a tall woman was smiling at him, her gaze lightly sweeping back as if casually pausing, and she said with a smile: "Is it Manager Li? What a coincidence?"

The air is like a strong mint, penetrating deeply into one's heart and lungs. "Shall we go out for dinner after we get the room key?" Jun asked, glancing at his watch.

Jun Mo's hand rested motionless on the strainer for a long time, before slowly moving to his lips to gently blow on it—burning red, but what does it matter? No matter how much it hurts, there is still a place that hurts even more.

Her fatigue was still evident despite her efforts to conceal it, and her smile appeared somewhat forced: "Have you finished your meal?" Unable to think of anything else to say, she could only stand awkwardly, seemingly wanting to see the two of them off.

She stood at the door for a while. If possible, she would have gladly watched him leave with tears streaming down her face, but her eyes were dry and dull, faintly tinged with a sense of bitterness. Until a car approached nearby, its strong headlights suddenly prompting her to raise her hand to shield her eyes from the light—she was jolted awake, remembering that she needed to take over for Enping, and she hadn't even changed into her uniform. Fortunately, it was evening, and there was no time to worry about such details; she hurried towards the banquet hall. At around eight o'clock in the evening, it was the moment when toasts were exchanged at the dining table, and only the reception lady remained at the entrance. Upon seeing her, the lady immediately perked up and greeted her with a smile.

Some students, with ulterior motives, attempted to extract questions, but he responded flawlessly: "Refer to the notes"

The thick and warm red plaid shirt is the only splash of color in the dull and cold winter days. She couldn't help but stop and carefully examine herself in the mirror. Her complexion remains fair, and without the cover of makeup, the faint blue veins beneath her delicate skin are visible at her temples. Her hair is tied back in a ponytail, and her long, shiny black hair—usually styled in a bun for work—appears slightly wavy. It turns out she can still look so youthful, yet her appearance remains unchanged, while time can never be reclaimed.

When there are many words one wishes to express, a person can still remain silent. Those forgotten times ultimately cannot return without a trace

However, it is ultimately different now. They sat in the car, and the atmosphere was subtle yet awkward. She was no longer like before, knowing that he preferred silence, yet chattering incessantly about various trivial matters to annoy him. Was Jun Mo not also filled with thoughts? She curled up in the corner, remaining silent.

He could not bring himself to pull his hand away from hers, and merely said softly, "It's nothing, just a bit tired."

You should feel embarrassed when you think back on it; such a genuine Northerner, someone who cannot live without chili peppers, has endured two years without them just to accompany me. She has so extravagantly, openly, and with a clear conscience enjoyed his affection for two years.