Ji Ran could tell that Zhao Pingchuan was gradually emerging from the shadow of his past. He could speak calmly about what had happened, and Ji Ran no longer had to avoid the subject around him.
As for his career, Ji Ran thought it was best to let nature take its course.
As long as Zhao Pingchuan was healthy in body and mind, content and happy every day, that was enough.
Ji Ran had only been at the company for six months, but he had performed well. His team leader thought highly of him and gave him a good year-end rating, earning him a sizable bonus.
Rather than being jealous, the others on his team were happy for him. "Ji Ran, keep it up! Don't forget about us when you make it big."
Ji Ran was delighted. His coworkers had been so good to him that he felt he ought to thank them.
He mentioned it to Zhao Pingchuan when he got home. Zhao Pingchuan said, "You're lucky to have such good coworkers. You should maintain a good relationship with them. Why don't you treat them to a meal?"
Ji Ran thought it was a good idea and suggested, "Ge, why don't you come with us?"
Zhao Pingchuan hadn't wanted to get involved in the young people's affairs, but Ji Ran wheedled and coaxed him, insisting he come, so he had no choice but to agree.
He knew what Ji Ran was thinking. Ji Ran wanted him to spend more time interacting with people.
They went to the same hot pot restaurant as last time. Ji Ran invited the other four members of his team, making six people in all.
Ji Ran introduced everyone. They were all outgoing, and within a few exchanges, they were calling one another brothers.
Lin Lin, whom Zhao Pingchuan had met last time, was there too. She was the only woman on their team, but everyone was at ease with her, without any awkwardness between men and women.
Only when she spoke to Zhao Pingchuan did her voice become noticeably quieter.
Zhao Pingchuan had spent years in business and dealt with all kinds of shrewd people. When he wanted to, he could manage the atmosphere of a dinner conversation perfectly.
These were all Ji Ran's friends, so naturally he wouldn't be rude.
He talked with them about the market, technology, and the workplace, all topics they could relate to. Whatever anyone said, he could respond and keep the conversation going.
By the end of the meal, the young people felt nothing but admiration for Zhao Pingchuan.
They didn't know exactly what Zhao Pingchuan did, and they hadn't even asked his name, but from the way he spoke and carried himself, they could tell he was no ordinary person.
Most importantly, Zhao Pingchuan was clearly on a different level from them, yet he was comfortable to talk to and didn't make them feel distant from him. That showed he was well-disposed toward them too.
When the meal ended, the three men all hurried to shake Zhao Pingchuan's hand goodbye, addressing him familiarly. "Ge, it's a shame we didn't meet you sooner. Let's get together again when you're free."
Lin Lin smiled and nodded at him, though she was too shy to shake his hand.
After the meal, the two of them headed home together.
Ji Ran asked, "My coworkers are pretty nice, aren't they?"
"Mm," Zhao Pingchuan said. "None of them have any ulterior motives. They're worth getting to know better."
Ji Ran added, "Ge, you're amazing. They were so excited, they practically wanted to become sworn brothers with you."
Today, he seemed to have caught a glimpse of the Zhao Pingchuan who had once stirred up storms, a little different from the Zhao Pingchuan he usually knew.
Zhao Pingchuan pinched his nose and smiled helplessly. "I've spent so many years in this field, after all. Fooling you kids isn't hard."
His smile was indulgent, and Ji Ran felt as though he were soaking in warm water, his spirits soaring to the skies. But he thought Zhao Pingchuan was wrong. "What do you mean, kids? The oldest of them is only a year younger than you. Don't make yourself sound so old."
He was mature and experienced, but he was actually only twenty-seven this year.
Zhao Pingchuan's smile didn't fade. "As long as you call me ge, you'll always be a kid to me."
The wind cut at Ji Ran's face like a knife, cold enough to pierce his bones. He hunched his shoulders and breathed out a puff of white. "Ge, New Year's almost here."
This was their first New Year together, and Ji Ran's first time spending it with someone.
He had a family now too.
Zhao Pingchuan pulled his coat hood over his head and softly said, "Mm."
They walked side by side toward their little rented apartment.
Internet companies were fairly generous with time off, and Ji Ran had ten days for the Spring Festival.
On the first day of his break, the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, he happily dragged Zhao Pingchuan out to shop for New Year's supplies.
The two of them didn't actually need much for the holiday, and they weren't expecting guests, but Ji Ran loved the lively atmosphere.
The supermarket was the most festive place of all, red everywhere, with the shelves by the entrance piled high with lanterns, couplets, and red envelopes.
Zhao Pingchuan pushed the shopping cart as he and Ji Ran went through the entire store. Watching Ji Ran marvel at everything he saw, he kept a smile on his face.
Ji Ran did the choosing, putting the snacks he wanted in the cart and picking up fresh fruit whenever he saw it. He also wanted to buy the tempting braised foods in the display case, and he picked up a gift box with interesting packaging. As he chose, he kept turning back to ask Zhao Pingchuan's opinion.
Finally came the most important things: ingredients for New Year's Eve dinner. They could buy a little of each, but they needed plenty of variety.
By the time they checked out, their cart was full.
Each carrying a large shopping bag in each hand, they brought everything home.
Ji Ran eagerly put the food in the refrigerator and arranged the snacks on the dining table. Seeing everything piled high, he was thoroughly satisfied.
He really is still a child, Zhao Pingchuan thought.
He said to Ji Ran, "Ranran, I want to go out tomorrow."
Ji Ran lifted his head from the pile of snacks, his round eyes full of curiosity. "Where? Do you want me to come with you?"
Zhao Pingchuan pressed his lips together. "I want to go see Xiaoran."
It had been six months, and he hadn't visited her once. It wasn't that he didn't want to, but that he didn't dare.
He could now talk calmly about what had happened during that time, but he still couldn't face his sister in person.
If that hadn't happened to his company, Xiaoran wouldn't have had her accident.
Her life had only just begun.
But New Year's was almost here. If he, her only family, forgot Xiaoran too, she would have no link to this world left.
The smile vanished from Ji Ran's face, and his expression grew serious. He walked over to Zhao Pingchuan, somewhat annoyed with himself. "It's my fault. I forgot something so important."
Just because a scar had stopped bleeding didn't mean it had healed.
Xiaoran's death had always been the greatest burden on Zhao Pingchuan's heart.
Zhao Pingchuan shook his head. "You didn't do anything wrong."
But Ji Ran said earnestly, "Xiaoran is your sister, so she's my family too. From now on, shall we go see her together every year?"
Whenever he looked up at someone with those watery puppy-dog eyes, he always seemed a little aggrieved. Zhao Pingchuan's heart softened. "Of course. Xiaoran would definitely like you. We'll go see her together tomorrow."
Ji Ran took his hand. "Then it's settled."
The next day, the two of them went to the cemetery.
It was a long way from where they lived, out in the suburbs. The cemetery was vast, with beautiful, tranquil scenery.
Zhao Pingchuan led Ji Ran to Zhao Xiaoran's gravestone.
It was the first time Ji Ran had seen what the girl looked like.
She resembled her brother a little, but not all that much.
Zhao Pingchuan had deep-set features and sharp, clean lines to his face. By comparison, Zhao Xiaoran's features seemed a little ordinary, but together, with the girl's sweet smile, they made for a very pleasing whole.
She was the kind of girl people liked at first sight.
Zhao Pingchuan was very quiet today. He usually didn't talk much, but today he didn't say a single unnecessary word.
Ji Ran knew his heart was heavy and didn't go out of his way to cheer him up.
Now, Zhao Pingchuan stood before his sister's grave, gazing at her photograph for a long time. No one knew what he was thinking.
Ji Ran waited quietly beside him, letting the brother and sister talk.
Just as his legs were about to go numb from standing, Zhao Pingchuan suddenly spoke. "Ranran, do you think Xiaoran resents me for leaving her over there all by herself, so lonely?"
The words sent a chill down Ji Ran's spine. He looked at Zhao Pingchuan in surprise, but Zhao Pingchuan's expression was calm, revealing nothing, as though he had merely said it in passing.
But Ji Ran didn't dare take it lightly. He was afraid Zhao Pingchuan's weariness with life, which he had only just managed to shake off, would return. He hurriedly said, "Of course not."
"Ge, it's been so long. Xiaoran must have started a new life. You both need to look forward. Only if you live your life well can Xiaoran be at ease."
But Zhao Pingchuan said, "I caused her death."
Ji Ran frowned. "How can you think that? What happened was just an accident."
He walked over and turned Zhao Pingchuan by the shoulders so that he was facing him. "Ge, for those twenty years, Xiaoran had a brother who cherished and protected her. She was happy every day. You're the one who hasn't moved on."
"Really?" Zhao Pingchuan's eyes seemed to be pleading for help.
Ji Ran said firmly, "Of course. If I were Xiaoran, I'd be very happy that we'd had twenty years together. Now that she can't be with you anymore, she'd want you to take good care of yourself too."
"From now on, I'll stay with you in Xiaoran's place."
Those who loved you would only want you to be happy. Only those who hated you would want to see you suffer.
Zhao Pingchuan looked once more at the girl with the radiant smile, as though her world would forever be free of shadows.
Perhaps Ji Ran was an angel Xiaoran had sent to his side.
Zhao Pingchuan patted Ji Ran's head. "Mm, I understand. Let's go home."
Ji Ran was right. He couldn't remain trapped in the past forever. He had already tasted what it was like to have nothing, so all the more reason to press fearlessly onward.