Since attending Lu Heng's former team reunion, things between the two of them have been somewhat awkward, not as relaxed as before. Xiang Yu, never good at dealing with such issues, found herself in a bit of a cold war this time, with almost three or four days without contact. This wasn't entirely unprecedented; during busy school periods, they usually only managed a midweek phone call, though weekends were almost always spent together. But it had never been like this, as if they were deliberately avoiding each other.
Towards the end of the year, work in the import and export department became especially hectic. Jessica insisted on getting everything they could through customs before the Chinese New Year holiday to save on storage fees and to have stock ready for urgent orders. Xiang Yu had a lot on her plate at work, sometimes even working overtime to verify and follow up on orders with overseas clients, leaving her little time to dwell on relationship issues. Yet, during moments of idleness in the break room while sipping coffee, she couldn't help but think of Lu Heng. She felt upset that he hadn't reached out either, and this mix of longing and frustration only made her feel more bitter and remorseful about her own uncertainty.
One evening, after working overtime until nearly eight, Xiang Yu finally called Lu Heng. When she heard his familiar voice answer, she felt a sudden urge to cry but managed to hold back. She never liked crying. Steadying her emotions, she said, "It's me, Xiang Yu." There was silence on the other end. Xiang Yu steadied herself again and continued, "My internship is almost over. I received my paycheck this week. How about I treat you to a big meal this weekend? It's my first proper income." Instead of agreeing, Lu Heng asked, "Are you still working overtime at the company?" "Yeah, just finished." "Have you eaten yet?" he asked again. "Not yet, but I'm not very hungry." "Then get something to eat first. I'll come pick you up right now." Xiang Yu wanted to object, thinking it was too much trouble, but then changed her mind and said, "Okay, I'll wait for you."
After hanging up, Xiang Yu sat at her computer for a while, browsing some posts. She then called home to tell her grandmother not to wait up, as she'd be working late. She took a mandarin out of her bag, peeled it slowly, removing the white pith as she went. Adults always said that mandarins are heaty and cause inflammation, while the white pith cools and soothes coughs, but Xiang Yu disliked its bitterness. She had only eaten a few segments when she heard the doorbell. Knowing it was Lu Heng, she quickly got up to answer. The receptionist had turned off the lights when leaving, but the hallway outside was still brightly lit. Lu Heng was bundled up in a thick coat and a knit hat, looking tall and thin. Xiang Yu thought he looked thinner, even though it had only been a few days, it felt like a long-awaited reunion. She felt a bit aggrieved but didn't know how to express it, so she threw herself into Lu Heng's arms, pressing her face against his chest. His coat was thick and soft but cold. Lu Heng seemed greatly relieved, exhaling deeply. He gently pulled Xiang Yu away, unzipped his coat, and pulled her back into his embrace, wrapping her in his coat. They didn't speak. Xiang Yu leaned against Lu Heng's sweater, which was a bit scratchy and ticklish, listening to his strong, steady heartbeat. His voice came from above her head, muffled by the coat but clearly filled with a smile, "Xiang Yu, are you eating a mandarin? I want some too."