The New Favorite

Xu Ke curled her lips slightly and retorted mercilessly, “You’re so old, yet still so flashy.” Shen Mu glanced at her and said seriously, “Just to annoy you.” Xu Ke snorted, “Indeed, it’s annoying.” Shen Mu looked at her, speaking slowly and deliberately, “There are many kinds of emotions; when extreme, they are either love or hate, and when faint, they are indifference. Dislike is also an emotion, better than indifference, don’t you think?” Xu Ke remained silent, but his words stirred something in her… “I thought you didn’t dislike me. Weren’t you still concerned about my emotional issues last night?” Xu Ke quickly clarified, “Someone wanted to inquire, and I was just asking on their behalf.” Shen Mu gave a soft “Oh,” “You’re quite a dedicated matchmaker. Is it your boyfriend’s sister?” Xu Ke gave a faint “Hmm.” “How is your boyfriend?” “He’s good.” “How good?” “Better than you?” “Of course.” Xu Ke was both amused and irritated; he really didn’t know what modesty was. “I’ll have to take a look sometime.” “Sure, you can treat us to dinner if there’s an opportunity.” “Why should I pay?” Shen Mu turned around, looking at her with displeasure. Xu Ke replied without hesitation, “Because you’re rich.” Shen Mu smiled without a word, turned a corner, and parked the car in front of Jin Hua Mall. “Come upstairs with me to buy something.” Hearing this, Xu Ke immediately opened the car door and got out, “Then I’ll head home.” Shen Mu got out of the car and blocked her way. “Your phone died from shock, I should compensate you with a new one.” Xu Ke felt her face warm, remembering the text message that caused it all. “No need, I’ll buy one myself later.” Shen Mu showed no sign of moving aside, standing in her way. She was wearing flat boots today, only reaching his shoulders. His familiar domineering aura made her inexplicably nervous. “You must buy it now.” His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. Xu Ke glared at him, annoyed by his meddling. “Living in that place without a phone is not okay, what if something happens…” He didn’t finish his sentence, paused, and softened his tone, “Okay, you can pay for it yourself, right?” Xu Ke’s heart stirred, recalling the night she encountered thieves. Indeed, a phone was crucial for her. It was immature to argue with him. She said nothing, turned, and walked into the mall. Shen Mu followed her, taking the escalator. In the elevator, there were only the two of them. Apart from the side facing the street, the other three sides were mirrors, reflecting their images clearly. His gaze came from three directions, surrounding her like an ambush. She had nowhere to place her eyes and turned away. The elevator ascended slowly, offering a panoramic view of the city’s nightscape. The neon lights painted the night in vibrant colors, and a full moon hung silently, overseeing the bustling, cold human world. Those few seconds felt like an eternity. Finally, the elevator stopped at the sixteenth floor. Xu Ke chose a white Nokia phone at the counter, transferred her SIM card from the old phone, and tested the new one. Suddenly, the phone rang. Xu Ke checked the number; it was Shen Mu. What was he up to? She glanced sideways; Shen Mu had taken out his phone at some point and dialed her number. Holding the phone, he said casually, “The first call, it’s mine.” His words seemed innocent, but they could easily be misinterpreted. His gaze swept over, and her face flushed, she lowered her head awkwardly, fearing he’d notice her discomfort. He seemed unaware of any double meaning in his words, looking at her phone with a smile. The smile then froze. On her phone screen, three words appeared: “Crane’s Crest Red.” He hung up, his expression gloomy, saying nothing. Xu Ke, realizing the awkwardness, tucked away the phone and left the mall. On the way back, they drove in silence, the car speeding. At the entrance of Hu Xi’s alley, Xu Ke was about to ask him to stop when Shen Mu boldly drove into the depths of the alley, stopping in front of her building. Xu Ke got out of the car, thanked him, and as she turned, she froze. There stood someone at the entrance. The dim orange light outlined the tall, elegant figure of Lin Ge, his refined face looking warm as jade. He smiled before speaking, “Xiao Ke, you’re back.” Xu Ke excitedly walked over, “Lin Ge, why are you suddenly back?” Lin Ge naturally held her hands tightly, his smile broad. “My mentor had an urgent matter in Beijing for two days, so I took the chance to come back and spend a day with you.” “Why didn’t you wait at home for me?” “Your phone was off, and I was a bit worried, so I came down.” Shen Mu got out of the car, stood behind Xu Ke, and nodded at Lin Ge, “Hello.” Hearing Shen Mu’s greeting, Xu Ke remembered he was still there and quickly turned to introduce, “Lin Ge, this is Shen Mu, my… stepbrother.” The word was awkward to say and even more awkward to hear. Shen Mu frowned at Xu Ke. Her eyes were now only on Lin Ge, not sparing him a glance. He covered his mouth with his fist, coughing slightly, as if something was stuck in his throat, feeling uncomfortable. Lin Ge smiled, “Hello, thank you for bringing Xu Ke back.” He had heard Xu Ke mention her mother’s remarriage, so the term “stepbrother” wasn’t a surprise. Shen Mu gave a polite nod, his gaze on Xu Ke’s face. Her eyes sparkled with joy, her features vivid and more enchanting than he had ever seen, a gift from time, shedding her youthful innocence. Lin Ge, looking at Shen Mu’s car, said considerately, “It’s hard to turn around here, Xiao Ke, why didn’t you get off at the road?” Though his words carried a hint of reproach, his tone was full of affection. Shen Mu gave a faint smile, “It’s fine, I’ve been here three times in the last two days; I’m familiar with the route.” Xu Ke was speechless; there was no need for him to be so precise about the number of times. Thankfully, Lin Ge showed no displeasure and politely invited him, “Mr. Shen, if you’re free, please come up for a while.” Shen Mu smiled, “I’ve been up there the night before last. I have something to do today, maybe next time.” Even in the dim light, Xu Ke clearly saw the surprise on Lin Ge’s face. She really wanted to stomp on Shen Mu with her shoes. Lin Ge’s smile became slightly strained. Shen Mu seemed to be completely unfazed. He nodded to the two of them and said, “Goodbye.” Xu Ke didn’t wait for him to start the car; instead, she pulled Lin Ge up the stairs. Shen Mu sat in the car, watching as lights came on one floor after another. Then, a warm orange light lit up in a window on the fifth floor, and a slender figure stretched, drawing the curtains. Despite the distance and the veil of night, he felt as if he could see her letting her hair down, a sweet smile playing on her lips. He had quit smoking half a year ago, but now, he suddenly craved a cigarette. He got out of the car, bought a pack of cigarettes from a nearby shop, and lit one leaning against the car window. The air of the April night carried a fresh coolness, the cigarette’s glow flickering at his fingertips, memories emerging from the sparkles of light like moths breaking free from their cocoons. He squinted up at the fifth-floor window. Suddenly, he extinguished his cigarette and briskly walked towards the staircase.