Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Flaws in Nuwa's Creation of Humanity

May is the season when the wetlands bloom. Lin Shuo led her along a boardwalk, their feet surrounded by a sea of irises in full blossom. Each purple-blue flower resembled a butterfly, thousands upon thousands dancing gracefully, magnificent and breathtaking.

She longed to pick one and secretly keep it, but glancing at Lin Shuo beside her, she realized it wasn’t necessary. Flowers would always wither, but as long as Lin Shuo remained by her side, that was true permanence.

On the train back, the two squeezed into the aisle to read the schedule. Xiaoxiao silently calculated how much longer the journey would last, wishing it would never end.

Lin Shuo noticed her reluctance and comforted her, “As long as you like it, we can go anywhere. In spring, we'll see the canola fields in Luoping; in summer, we'll swim in Fuxian Lake; in autumn, we'll ride horses in Shangri-La; in winter, we'll soak in hot springs in Mile. Even if it’s just for the weekend, we can go.” He spoke animatedly, and suddenly Xiaoxiao was deeply grateful for living in Yunnan—everything was here except the sea and desert. It was enough for her and Lin Shuo to make long-term plans.

The train wound through the mountains, the setting sun casting tree shadows inside. Amid the shifting light, Xiaoxiao gazed at the timetable and smiled dreamily. The carriage swayed gently, as if just a little more and her happiness would overflow. Lin Shuo turned to admire her blissful expression, unconsciously drawing closer and brushing a kiss across her cheek.

The greatest flaw in Nuwa’s creation of humankind was the absence of a reset button. If only there were one, life wouldn’t be so exhausting. There’s a film that says, when you can no longer possess something, the only thing left is to make sure you never forget. She thought, the more you try to forget, the clearer the memory becomes.

A few weeks later, on a morning at work, Xiaoxiao was called into Manager Huang’s office as soon as she arrived. He sat behind his desk flipping through documents, and when she entered, he seemed genuinely appreciative, even good-naturedly inviting her to sit and having his secretary brew his prized Pu’er tea for her. She was both honored and anxious.

“I didn’t expect you to be so capable.” As soon as Manager Huang spoke, the teacup she had just raised was set back down. He waved the document in his hand; she sensibly got up to retrieve it. She never had much talent for contracts, so Manager Huang directed her straight to the last page. She obeyed, and for a moment was at a loss for words, for there on the page in black and white was Lin Shuo’s signature.

“Well done. I should have transferred you to Public Relations from the start.”

“Manager, is there some misunderstanding?” She could hardly believe Lin Shuo would sign such an absurd contract after she’d provoked him.

“Misunderstanding?” Manager Huang lowered his brows, scrutinizing her. “You and Mr. Lin—are you…?”

“No!” Xiaoxiao respectfully set the document down and said with composure, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll get back to work.”

She just couldn’t figure out what Lin Shuo was up to with these repeated actions. Unable to quell her unease, she called him. He answered quickly, and in response to her questions said indifferently, “I’m helping you.”

“Why?”

“Let’s just say it’s a business decision, okay?” She wanted to press further, but he sounded impatient. “I’m busy, that’s all.”

The phone sounded with busy tones; she still held it, unwilling to let go. It turned out she’d been too naïve, thinking that if she left him alone, everything would be fine—forgetting he also had the initiative.

Lonely Moments, Don’t Speak of Love—Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Flaw in Nuwa’s Creation of Humankind—Update Complete!