Author: Shi Ding Rou
Translator: yuejiin
Please do not steal my translations!
“Excuse me,” that staff member glanced at her press card and lukewarmly said, “Miss Guan, who invited you?”
“Helan Jingting.”
“Mr. Helan?” That person slightly startled, pulling out a phone, “Please wait a moment. I will give him a call.”
Without having to wait some time, he hung up his phone, pointing towards the glass door, “Isn’t that Mr. Helan?”
It was unknown when it had started to lightly snow, building up disorderly billows of dust. A figure in unlined clothing stood still for a long time.
Speaking of “formal,” Pipi thought Helan Jingting’s clothes were definitely far from being formal. He wore a thin black windbreaker, and his pants and shoes were both canvas fabric. Neat and simple. When worn on someone else, it would look shabby. Only when worn on him did it become noble.
He was an honored guest here as well as a regular. As soon as he got out of the car, a staff member who had been waiting for a long time rushed to meet him. After whispering a few words into his ear, he led him to the grooved track for the blind on the right side of the entrance.
Before the beginning of an auction, there would often be a small-scale reception cocktail party. The lobby was very spacious, the design Victorian style, and the sofa and rug patterns were very lively. In this cold winter, it gave off a happy and harmonious feeling of warmth. A drooping brocade cloth was spread on the long jujube-wood table below the chandelier. The table was fully stocked with coffee, tea, wine, fruits, and pastries. Waiters in tuxedos walked around with tea trays, serving red wine and desserts to guests. The guests were mostly on the same level, with the gentlemen in Western dress and leather shoes and the ladies in long flowy dresses, speaking in low voices, talking and laughing leisurely. Except for having no tango dance, this scene strongly resembled the beginning of the movie True Lies.
Pipi suddenly thought, journalism actually wasn’t such an interesting profession. They shuttled to and fro in all sorts of situations like transparent gas. Besides taking away a few pictures, they didn’t leave any traces behind. They also dealt with all sorts of people, but when they finished writing their report, there would be no more contact. They seemed to participate in many matters, yet didn’t really have any essential relationship with these matters. A mouth, a pen, a camera —— that’s what a journalist was.
“Jingting,” Wang Xuan took her invitation out of her handbag for inspection while greeting him. There was a touch of intimacy in her tone, “Arriving this early, it’s truly the first time. Su Cheng said that you snatched away a pair of Tang Dynasty jade horses from him last time, so today he’s here to take revenge.”
Wang Xuan’s voice was extremely pleasant to listen to. It was the type of gentle and lovely voice that contained a maiden’s childishness. In high school, she was the broadcaster and often made announcements. Perhaps it stemmed from an instinctual disgust, but Pipi felt that her voice was a bit pretentious. That being said, Wang Xuan was the type that would make other women who saw her sigh at their own fate. Good family background, good grades, and even good looks. When it came to family background, grades, and looks, Tian Xin also wasn’t lacking. But she just didn’t hate Tian Xin.
What Pipi was annoyed with were only some petty things not worth mentioning. For example, Wang Xuan would always read novels during class, but she was always in the top three. For example, she would always look more nervous than anyone else before an exam, but she was always the first to hand in her paper. She would never lend others her homework, yet she always pestered the teacher after class. Of course, the main reason was still that she never acknowledged Peipei, and if she had no choice but to speak to her it was with an extremely derisive tone. Others only thought they had a feud going on; however, Wang Xuan’s attitude towards classmates with bad grades was quite uniform.
She still remembered there was a time it was raining heavily after school. Jialin was at a basketball match, so Pipi had wanted to share an umbrella with Wang Xuan to the bus stop. After stammeringly opening her mouth, Wang Xuan actually said she had already promised to accompany someone else. Finished speaking, she directly walked away by herself. Pipi helplessly watched her wait for the bus alone and then get on the bus alone. Only then did she realize that her remark just then was only an excuse. She simply disdained to share an umbrella with her.
That day, Pipi waited at school for nearly an hour. The rain hadn’t even stopped, but Jialin was back from his game with a head full of sweat and his face heated. The Jialin at that time was already very tall, with wheat-colored skin, a long and thin face, distinct facial features, and a beaming browline. Jialin also didn’t bring an umbrella, but he didn’t want to wait. His jacket was waterproof, so he took off his jacket and covered the top of Pipi’s head, taking her with him to rush into the torrential rain. They ran while screaming, both soaked in the rain like drenched chickens.
It was the blazing hot beginning of summer, so Jialin was only wearing a white undershirt. The wind whipped through the air, the rain roared, and the lightning and thunder rumbled. Thunderbolts branched out in the sky, and a red light appeared between the clouds. Pipi covered her ears and hid in Jialin’s embrace, while Jialin took advantage of the situation to put his arms around Pipi.
Before that, even though they went home together every day, Pipi had never even touched Jialin’s fingers.
That night, Pipi had the first spring dream of her life. In her dream, she met Jialin who wore a white undershirt and held a writing brush. He dipped the brush in the rain in the air and wrote on his own body.
Upon conceiving this sincere feeling, it became unmanageable from then on.
Past events surged through her mind, and Pipi momentarily lost her wits. Guests came one after another, all talking to one another and making greetings. That staff member surnamed Qian was busy checking invitation letters. She was the only one awkwardly standing in a corner. Helan Jingting couldn’t see, so he naturally also did not notice her. It was Wang Xuan’s boyfriend who apologetically smiled at her from a distance, drinking wine while keeping to himself. After a while, he raised his glass towards Helan Jingting, mocking, “Helan, what’s caught your eye this time? Could you let me in on it first?”
Helan Jingting took off his windbreaker and handed it to the reception personnel, using his hand to point to his eye, “How can anything catch my eye, I can only listen for it. Mr. Su has always preferred those artifacts from the Qianlong period and never took interest in the ancient jade from before the Song Dynasty. What, this time your tastes have changed?”
“Qianlong artifacts are definitely good, just not imposing enough. Now I’ve returned to the basics and like simplicity.” He inadvertently held Wang Xuan’s hand, “What’s more, A’Xuan* also likes it. Oh right, Helan. I bought A’Xuan a zichen pendant from the Southern Song Dynasty, and it wasn’t a small price. Look at it.”
*T/N: placing a (阿) in front of monosyllabic names is meant as a term of endearment
He took off an ancient jade hanging on the edge of Wang Xuan’s handbag and handed it to him.
Wang Xuan hurried to stop him, “Su Cheng, you are too careless. It’s daytime right now…it isn’t very convenient for Mr. Helan…”
Su Cheng laughed, “A’Xuan, then you don’t know Mr. Helan very well. He’s a very experienced expert now. This type of little jade that was given to you to play with, he doesn’t need a magnifier and can tell if it’s authentic just by touching it. Isn’t that right, Helan?”
“Brother Su falsely praises.”
Helan Jingting took the jade, gently weighed it in his hand, then used his fingertips to feel it. Without a word, he returned it to Su Cheng.
Seeing that he didn’t speak or take a stance, Wang Xuan was unable to bear asking, “How is it, is it authentic? We had searched for it for half a day. There was even a consultant from Liulichang* with us.”
*T/N: Liulichang (琉璃厂) is a district in downtown Beijing known for its series of traditional Chinese stone dwellings selling various craftwork, artistry, and antiques.
The expression on Helan Jingting’s face became even more unfathomable, “Miss Wang, do you like this piece of jade?”
“I like it ah.”
“If you like it then just wear it. All jade is auspicious.”
Su Cheng and Wang Xuan’s expressions both changed color.
Helan Jingting’s brows lifted, taking a white cane from out of his pocket. Just as he was about to walk ahead, that lad surnamed Qian (staff member) finally freed some time and quickly walked over to whisper beside his ear:
“Mr. Helan, I’m little Qian from the public relations department. May I ask if you’ve ever given an invitation to this young lady?”
“Which young lady?”
“This Miss Guan——Pipi, from C city Evening News.”
Helan Jingting thought about it, shaking his head, “I don’t recall knowing a Miss Guan.”
That man gave Pipi a meaningful look, a face full of denial, “Then, apologies Miss Guan. Our club——”
“Wait,” Helan Jingting suddenly cut him off, “the invitation was handled by my assistant, so it’s possible for there to be a news journalist. I did meet a young lady surnamed Guan at an evening social. We didn’t speak to one another, but I remember her face. Miss Guan, would you mind allowing me to touch your face to confirm it?”
Touch her face? He unexpectedly said this kind of thing. Even if he’s blind, this was too presumptuous!
Not just Guan Pipi, even that staff member was stunned.
Children’s storybooks always said foxes were stingy and held grudges. Looks like it was true.
The people present took side glances one after another, waiting to see a good show.
Guan Pipi grit her teeth, straightened her neck, and ignored him.
“If you mind it then forget it.” He pushed up his sunglasses, slightly smiled, then turned to go.
Right as he turned, Pipi suddenly said, “I don’t mind.”
One would know even just using their toes to think. The current Wang Xuan was so happy that she wanted to laugh out loud.
There was an ice-cold atmosphere around her face. Then came that remote mountain wood fern scent that was always on his body. The fingers stretched out were long and pale, but the fingertips were soft. The actual situation was not as flowery as the people present had imagined. Helan Jingting only touched her nose, then her ears, then lowered his head in recollection for a short while, saying, “Mm, I recognize. Miss Guan, I trust my assistant sent you an invitation.”
“I…lost it.”
“Can Mr. Qian bend the rules a bit?”
The staff member suspiciously looked at the two people before him, hesitating to say, “Since it’s Mr. Helan’s guest, of course I can make an exception.”
Pipi was about to speak, but Helan Jingting lightly cut in, “I don’t think Miss Guan needs to change her clothes.”
“Mr. Helan, please excuse me——” The staff member was very persistent.
“Miss Guan, there’s a teahouse across the street. How about we go drink some tea.” Helan Jingting grabbed Guan Pipi and started to walk out.
“Mr. Helan——the auction is about to begin.” The staff member was dumbfounded, his tone unintentionally rushed.
“The auction, it happens every year. I’ll come next year.”
Finished speaking, he brought Pipi outside without regarding anything else. They went down the steps together. Suddenly, a burst of hurried footsteps could be heard from behind, an out of breath person said, “Jingting——wait!”
The two simultaneously stopped.
It was a well-dressed middle-aged man. Pipi thought his age wasn’t little, possibly fifty years old. It’s just that he maintained himself properly and dressed neatly, so he looked like he was only in his early forties.
“Mr. Kang.”
That person didn’t have time to greet Helan, but very sincerely stretched his hand out, “Miss Guan, hello! I am Kang Shaojiang, Peach Orchard Club’s president.”
Pipi could only shake his hand, “Hello, President Kang.”
“Miss Guan, please enter. Right, is it inconvenient for you to walk? We can provide you with a wheelchair. The auction is on the second floor, I’ll get someone to bring you up using the elevator.”
Compared with the staff member who insisted on seeing an invitation, the president’s attitude was a bit too flexible. It was like a 180-degree turn, and Pipi was overwhelmed by the flattery.
Helan Jingting’s expression didn’t change. Seeming to consider whether to turn back, a moment passed before he said, “No need. I can send her up.”
For some reason, Helan Jingting first brought her to his own changing room.
“Take off your shoes,” he said.
“What do I wear if I take them off?”
“The floor is carpet. You can go barefoot.”
“……”
“Isn’t going barefoot even more informal?” Pipi asked in reply.
“Do you want to interview at this auction?”
“Yes.”
“Then are you going to take off your shoes?”
“My feet are swollen. It wasn’t easy to stuff them into these shoes. Even if I wanted to take them off now, it isn’t possible.”
“That’s easy to solve. Let me help you.”
Pipi involuntarily gasped. This super handsome man really bent down and unexpectedly knelt before her on one knee, carefully helping her take her shoes off. He took off one, then took off the other. Then he threw the sneakers into the trash can.
“Hey! Why’d you throw away my shoes ah! Don’t just look at how used they are. Those are Adidas, entirely double-layered oxhide leather.”
Helan Jingting ignored her. Taking a plastic bag out from who knows where, he dumped the contents of her bag into it. Then, he threw away her handbag and wallet in a fit of anger.
“Helan Jingting! You’re crazy! That was my new handbag, I’ve only had it for two months! And that wallet, my dad gave that to me!”
Pipi unbearably roared out.
“Belt.” He pointed at her waist.
Pipi immediately held onto her waist.
“If you aren’t willing to take it off yourself, then I’ll help you do it.”
Pipi was extremely self-conscious as she took off the leather belt. If she didn’t take it off, what happens next might be a scene from “The Painted Skin.” But she still kept a tough appearance and said one sentence:
“This leather belt is worth fifty bucks. You have to compensate me if you throw it away!”
“Guan Pipi,” Helan Jingting coldly said, “If you want to sit with me, then you can’t have any leather objects on your person. Do you understand?”
“What’s wrong with leather? Could it be that you’re an animal protectionist? Oh! I get it now. What animal protectionist, you are an animal!”
“What did you say?”
“Tomorrow I’m going to buy a fox fur coat.”
She regretted it as soon as the words left her mouth because Helan Jingting’s face immediately turned gloomy after hearing these words. Suddenly, his hands were like iron pincers as they swooped over and grasped her neck. He hadn’t even put his strength in it yet, but Pipi already felt frightened out of her wits.
Helan Jingting’s voice was still very calm. There was menace in the calmness as he said word by word, “What did you say? Say it again?”
Pipi wanted to cry but had no tears, wanted to breathe but there was no air. “I……What I wanted to say is: Ex……Excuse me for my bad memory, it seems……you really are……a fox.”*
*T/N: the first time, Pipi called him an animal using the animal classifier, and now she changed it to the human classifier when calling him a fox because Helan is being scary.
The author has something to say:
Sigh, I found some typos after posting, but even after fixing them I can’t repost to Jinjiang (raw site) ……I found that it’s really easy to remove parts from JJ (raw site) while I was writing overseas. If I make changes now, it’s not a deliberate false change.
Another thing, I inserted some previously deleted writings again, because I didn’t delete it on purpose but intended to stick it into the narration wherever it’s possible. Writing is like using money: it has to be saved. As long as the things I’ve written are good, I won’t throw any of it away. If you guys are vexed by this, then please shut your eyes and pass over it ha.
I’m not really sure if I translated the first half of the author’s note correctly, and I’m also not too sure what she was trying to say —— please forgive me eek.
And hmm, I personally don’t really like Pipi’s personality sometimes. But she is pretty different from the FLs of other webnovels I’ve read, so I guess I am also a bit inflexible in that aspect. What do you guys think?
Yuenme Translations 
I also don’t like FL.🙋
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