CH 99

When did she learn it?

After listening to a few sentences, Cheng Suran soon found out that Jiang Yu was just a half-baked guy, her French level was about the same as that of domestic third-year students in English, and her vocabulary and sentence structure were very basic.

She was buying time for her to eat.

This feeling was like being bitten by a tiny bug, a slight, tingling discomfort in an unseen, intangible place. Cheng Suran couldn't afford to waste any more time and quickly focused on eating.

On the table, Cheng Suran only ate the dishes closest to her, and did not dare to eat too much in one bite, so that her mouth would not be too full. She kept a keen ear for Jiang Yu's words, ready to step in if needed.

Tonight's dinner was relatively relaxed. Most of the conversations between the two sides were about daily life. Jiang Yu was able to handle some cultural differences between China and France with ease. Occasionally, there were a lot of professional terms related to the industry, so Cheng Suran's help was needed.

The meal lasted over two hours, and it was the most satisfying business dinner Cheng Suran had experienced in her career.

After seeing off several representatives, everyone also returned to the apartment by car.

"Have you had enough for dinner?"

As they got into the car, Jiang Yu couldn't wait and began to ask Cheng Suran, reaching out her hand. However, she suddenly hesitated, retracting her hand before making contact.

Cheng Suran pretended not to see and lowered her eyes and let out a "Mm".

Jiang Yu nodded, said nothing, then turned her face to the window. After a while, she leaned back and closed her eyes.

The noises from outside were muffled.

The smell of vetiver and iris fades, and the coolness seems to melt into the air, sometimes there, sometimes not, elusive and hard to grasp.

Cheng Suran quietly looked at Jiang Yu.

She was unsure if she was just resting her eyes or fell asleep, the mottled light and shadow outside the window passed over her face, her skin seemed to be covered with a layer of smooth glaze. She drank a lot of wine tonight, and her face was a little red. Looking at her like this, she lost some unpredictable coldness.

The light flickered on and off, her long eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings, and the center of her brow was slightly furrowed.

This was a rare moment of delicate vulnerability.

Cheng Suran was fascinated by it, and the corners of her mouth curled up unconsciously.

....

Back at the apartment, Jiang Yu took a shower first.

Cheng Suran sat on the sofa, flipping through tomorrow's meeting materials, while listening to the sound of water dripping in the bathroom, her heart was in a mess and she couldn't concentrate at all.

She plans to go into the bathroom after Jiang Yu comes out.

The bathroom was filled with a pleasant fragrance, a mix of iris and another indescribable scent that was refreshing and intoxicating, inducing a sense of relaxation.

She washed for a long time, came out of the bathroom, and the living room was empty.

Jiang Yu stood on the balcony.

Her silhouette was graceful, her semi-damp hair cascading down her back. She wore a loose burgundy silk robe cinched at the waist. The light from below illuminated the fabric, slightly translucent, hinting at the graceful contours beneath.

She looks thinner than before.

Cheng Suran looked at her silently for a while, then walked over, the closer she got, the faster her heart raced. She stopped about a meter behind her.

"When did you learn French?"

Jiang Yu's figure stiffened briefly. 

She turned to face Cheng Suran, their gazes meeting.

"Over the past two years."

"Dealing with people in this circle, you always need to know a bit. Handling simple daily conversations is not a problem, but in terms of proficiency, I'm sure it's not on par with you," She smiled, with a gentle look on the corners of her eyes and brows.

This smile is still charming and captivating.

Cheng Suran's heart beat faster, "Didn't you work as a model in Paris before? Why didn't you learn at that time?

"For me, it was enough to learn English at that time. Although I was in Paris, I had to fly around when I was busy with work. Moreover, most of the models in the company came from all over the world. English communication is the most convenient. There was no need nor time to learn French. Jiang Yu looked at her seriously.

Ranran is right in front of her.

She wanted to hug her so badly.

"Oh..." Cheng Suran lowered her eyes, "Thank you today."

"For what?"

"For buying me time to eat."

Jiang Yu's gaze deepened, and she took a small step closer. "I only found out this from some industry knowledge. Today's schedule was tight, and there was no time to eat beforehand, but I didn't want you to go hungry."

"You didn't have to..."

Cheng Suran wants to say that this is her job, and she should work hard to do things well when she is paid for it. As for whether she is hungry or not, this is her own concern. But before she finished speaking, she was interrupted by Jiang Yu's sudden bluntness.

"Because it's the girl I like, it's happened once, and there can't be a second time."

She looked up sharply.

Jiang Yu pursed her lips and smiled, her eyes open and frank.

For such a short moment, she couldn't hear anything, couldn't feel anything, even her heartbeat stopped, and she seemed to be suspended in a vacuum. Quickly returning to reality, her only thought was to escape.

"Understood," Cheng Suran smiled, "Miss Jiang, go to bed early, I'll go over the materials again." With that, she turned and walked into the living room.

"It's not that early yet," Jiang Yu followed behind her.

Cheng Suran sat on the sofa, picked up tomorrow's meeting materials, and was about to open them, when she caught a glimpse of Jiang Yu sitting down from the corner of her eye, took out the contract to be signed tomorrow, and read it seriously.

"..."

She didn't answer, and concentrated on reading the information.

The room was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.

As she continued to read, a faint pain started in her stomach, coming in waves that gradually turned into continuous cramps... Cheng Suran frowned, one hand clutching her stomach as her body involuntarily curled up.

Hiss—

There was an uncontrollable gasp in her throat.

"Ranran?"

Jiang Yu noticed the movement, and when she turned her head, she found that her expression was not right, so she quickly put down the document and leaned over, "What's the matter? Are you feeling uncomfortable?"

"My stomach... hurts..." Cheng Suran gritted her teeth and said.

Jiang Yu looked down, reached out and touched the place where her hand was covering, frowned and said, "Your stomach?"

"Mm…"

"Why do you have a sudden stomach ache? Do you often have pain?"

She almost immediately thought that Cheng Suran had stomach problems due to busy work and irregular meals.

"No," Cheng Suran gasped, curled up and leaned on Jiang Yu's shoulder, "Maybe I ate too much glutinous rice and drank iced drinks at night... It should be fine for a while.

Today's dinner was Chinese food, and there was a dish of steamed glutinous rice balls on the table, and she ate half of it at least.

Ice drinks were substituted for wine.

Seeing her with sweat dripping from her forehead, Jiang Yu was so anxious that she got up and searched the room, only to realize that this is not a hotel, and there is no front desk to deliver medicine.

"Ranran, wait for me, I'll go out to buy some medicine." She put on her coat without saying a word, and picked up her bag.

"No need…"

Cheng Suran called out to her.

But the person had already left.

It was past nine in the evening, and the chill in the air was heavy, with a fine drizzle.

A chill hit her face and Jiang Yu shivered, tightened her coat, took out her phone and searched for nearby pharmacies that were still open. The closest one was about 700 meters away, and it was difficult to get a taxi around, and the driver who picked them up had already gone back to rest, so she could only walk on two legs whether it was a long or short distance.

Walking was too slow, so she followed the navigation and ran.

Wisps of rain and mist cling to hair and eyelashes.

The surroundings were cold and silent, there were almost no people on the road, and even the light from the street lamps was cold. When she arrived at the pharmacy, Jiang Yu's damp hair became even wetter. She hurriedly bought stomach medicine and digestive aids, and hurried back.

After retiring, she did not relax and exercise, but after all, she was nearly forty years old, and her physical fitness was not as good as when she was young. She was exhausted after running back and forth.

Back at the apartment, there was no one in the living room.

"Ranran?"

A weak voice came from the master bedroom: "I'm here..."

Jiang Yu put down her bag, poured a glass of warm water, and entered the room with the medicine. There was only one desk lamp turned on inside, and Cheng Suran lay on her side on the bed, curling herself up like a shrimp, making gasping sounds.

"Ranran..." Jiang Yu placed the glass of water on the bedside table, took out the pills, and reached out to help her sit up. "Here's the medicine."

Her long arm held the person securely in her embrace, carefully delivering the pill to her lips.

"Mm."

Cheng Suran let out a muffled hum, and leaned softly against Jiang Yu, the tips of her ears inadvertently brushed against her collarbone. She sniffed, catching the familiar scent of irises.

She obediently swallowed the pill handed to her by Jiang Yu. Suddenly, she found herself somewhat reluctant to let go of the warmth of this embrace.

It had been a long time.

It had never changed.

"Here, drink some water." Jiang Yu took the cup.

Cheng Suran took a big gulp, washing down the pill. In that moment, she sensed Jiang Yu's chest rising and falling somewhat rapidly, as if she could hear the "thump thump thump" of her heartbeat, clear and distinct, echoing through her bones and flesh, reaching her ears.

"Did you run there?"

"Mm, it's very close."

Jiang Yu took out a tissue and carefully wiped off the sweat on her forehead, "The pain should be gone in a while."

"Thanks…"

"Don't say those two words to me, okay?"

Cheng Suran didn't answer, but her eyelids slowly drooped and closed tightly, "Don't worry, I won't delay my work tomorrow."

Jiang Yu was taken aback and smiled wryly "I didn't think that way."

"Oh."

With that, the bedroom fell into complete silence.

The soft yellow light is like hazy fireflies, dotted with stars, filling all the air, and the two shadows cuddling together are projected on the snow-white wall, creating a rare tranquility. Their trembling heartbeat gradually ceased to be heard, the rise and fall of the chest grew smaller, and those hidden, boiling thoughts quieted in the serenity.

She wanted to be held like this forever...

After an unknown amount of time, Cheng Suran felt the pain gradually subside until it disappeared completely. Overwhelming drowsiness swept in, and her eyelids fought a battle.

"Does it still hurt?" Jiang Yu asked nervously.

Only long breaths answered her.

Had she fallen asleep?

The person in her arms slept peacefully, with a pale complexion on her cheek. Her skin appeared delicate under the gentle light, resembling a piece of translucent white jade. Her long, distinct eyelashes curved upwards, and her lips were a faint shade of pink.

Jiang Yu restrained the urge to kiss her, turned her face away, and reluctantly laid her down, covered her with the quilt, got up and prepared to turn off the light and leave.

"Elder sister…"

Cheng Suran, who was sleeping soundly, let out a murmur.

Jiang Yu froze.

"Sister… hmm..."

The person on the bed was sleeping soundly, murmuring softly, her weak voice seemed to be coquettish. Her head was tilted to one side, and the dim light sprinkled on her face like running water.

What was she calling for?

Jiang Yu held her breath, her lips trembling uncontrollably.

"Elder sister..."

"Sister, please don't go…"

The woman turned her face to the side, her dark hair tangled like a mess of threads. Between the strands, her small, round earlobe peeked out. Her lips formed a subtle curve, and her eyebrows furrowed slightly at the center, as if she were having a painful dream.

She repeated that distant yet familiar title.

Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=4738582

This translation is originally posted on

love4baihe.blogspot.com

please read it there. and check out other stories too

Time has knocked over the seasoning box of memory, shock, joy, melancholy... It was hard to describe the exact feeling.

Jiang Yu took a deep breath, sat down, and slowly stretched her hand towards the woman's face, but just as her fingertips were about to touch the skin, she changed her course, letting her hand rest on the strands of hair near her temple.

Turbulent sourness swirled in her eyes, and tears slipped silently across her face.

Light and shadow blurred into a ball.

"I am here."

She wiped her face, leaned over and leaned close to Cheng Suran's ear, "Go to sleep, I won't leave."

Cheng Suran hummed twice in her sleep.

This time, Jiang Yu didn't hold back, kissed her hair lightly and carefully, held her with the other hand, and patted her comfortingly.

What was she dreaming of?

Was it the rainy day when she came back from Paris a few years ago, when she gave her a check of two million and then turned away? Or... the night when she was injured in the deep mountains and old forests, where she lay on the hospital bed and whispered her name?

Dreams were often the opposite of reality. The person who begged her not to leave in her dreams shattered her sole desire in reality, decisively departing, leaving her with only dreamlike memories.

Jiang Yu gazed at Cheng Suran's sleeping face and smiled. A tearful smile, once again, welled up in her eyes.

These days, her mood was ups and downs. She can't grasp Ranran's thoughts. On one hand, she's afraid of causing annoyance, and on the other, she's afraid of losing her forever. This constant back-and-forth has left her feeling bewildered, like being tossed into a vast ocean, holding onto a single piece of driftwood and aimlessly floating, unsure of where she's headed, with no destination or boundary in sight.

After returning home on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, she thought for a long time, maybe Ranran really didn't want to have anything to do with her. Seeing her would only bring pain, not happiness.

She thought, although she is living a good life now, she has a family, a career and friends, so why bother to make trouble for the other party.

But what about today?

If Ranran dreams of her and calls her "sister," does it signify that there's still a tiny place for her in Ranran's heart?

She's wavering 

"Mm…"

Jiang Yu wiped away her tears and smiled happily. She suddenly felt that everything was full of hope again.

The sleep talking in her ears stopped at some point.

Time to go.

Jiang Yu caressed Cheng Suran's hair with nostalgia, feeling extremely reluctant. What if Ranran dreamed of her again at night and called her? If she was here, at least she could comfort her and let Ranran sleep well... She kept persuading herself, and her thoughts became more and more intense. She glanced at the other side of the big bed.

A bed of 1.5 meters is enough for two people to sleep.

Jiang Yu went to the toilet lightly, turned off the headlights in the living room, returned to the room with two pillows, put the phone with the alarm clock set on the bedside, and climbed onto the bed from the other side.

The upright pillow is placed between them as a "safety line".

She turned off the light and lay down.

In the darkness, the sound of breathing was close to her ear, tickling her senses like a craving for cigarettes. Her hand reached through the gap between the two pillows, and her fingertips touched warm skin.

It was Ranran's hand.

Jiang Yu moved her fingers and intertwined with her.

"Good night."

....

The next morning, the alarm clock rang.

Half asleep and half awake, Cheng Suran felt that she was wrapped in something soft and warm, like lying in a cloud, she rubbed her face in comfort, and opened her eyes in a daze.

A magnified face appeared before her eyes.

Elder sister?

She gazed blankly, thinking she was still dreaming.

In the dream, she was lying in Jiang Yu's arms, coquettishly and full of joy, and said to her: "Sister, don't go, I want to see you every morning when I wake up."

Then Jiang Yu agreed with such a gentle smile.

The alarm clock was still ringing, and the person in front of her uttered a babble, opened her eyes, and the two looked at each other for one second, two seconds, three seconds... 

Cheng Suran suddenly woke up and got up: "Why are you sleeping here with me?  "After speaking, she hurriedly looked down at herself.

"..."

Jiang Yu also regained her senses, rubbing her eyes and sitting up, explaining truthfully, "Last night you had stomach pain, and after taking the medicine, you fell asleep. I was worried, so I..." She left out the part about the dream, looking around, "I put two pillows in the middle of the bed, how did they disappear?"

The pillows fell to the floor.

Only then did Cheng Suran remember that last night she suddenly had a stomach ache, Jiang Yu ran out to buy medicine and fed her, and she only remembered feeling very sleepy, with no further recollection.

"It must have been accidentally kicked down while sleeping," she said, looking at the pillow on the ground.

"Ranran do you believe me?"

"I do."

Jiang Yu smiled, took the phone and turned off the alarm clock, looked at her stomach, "Does it still hurt?

Cheng Suran shook her head.

It was a dream, yet not entirely.

How could the dream have such a real touch and warmth? It turned out that this person was right by her side.

The face was exactly the same as in the dream, but the expression in the eyes was different, a bit less cold and distant, replaced by more warmth and familiarity. After five years, people do change.

When she looked up at Jiang Yu before, she could only see the aloofness and sternness, the desire to dominate and control, but now she looked at Jiang Yu at the same level, and realized that there are still so many hidden corners waiting for her to explore.

At this moment, she felt like she was getting to know Jiang Yu again.

For the ten o'clock negotiation meeting, Jiang Yu and her party arrived on time. This time, consecutive interpretation was used. After one party finished speaking, the interpreter would translate the sentence again. The accuracy rate was higher than that of simultaneous interpretation. Cheng Suran was the leader in the meeting, and her accuracy rate was over 95%.

The whole meeting lasted for an hour, and ended with the successful signing of the contract by both parties, and then they went to have lunch together.

After seeing off the foreign representatives, Jiang Yu returned to the apartment to pack her luggage. At this point, Cheng Suran's work is over, but she still has to stay in the capital for one more day, and will go to a friend's house tonight.

"Ranran won't you go back with us?" Jiang Yu pushed the small box out of the room.

"I have something else to do."

"Other jobs?"

"No."

Cheng Suran sat on the sofa holding her tablet, without raising her eyes, "A colleague from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited me to dinner and to stay at her house at night."

Jiang Yu tentatively asked, "Female colleague?"

T/N: again the spoken 'TA' so she had to ask

Jiang Yu asked tentatively, "Female colleague?"

"Mm, superior."

"What kind of superior?"

"The Deputy Director of the Translation and Judicial Language Division," Cheng Suran continued, then suddenly paused.

"Why are you asking about these things?"