Contrast

The car continued to glide smoothly on the road. But inside, it was no longer silent and still as before. Because the young man named Yang Zhuo Wen chatted non-stop with Zhao Wan Ru. Out of politeness, and also because she enjoyed Yang Zhuo Wen's conversational style, Zhao Wan Ru's attitude was also very cheerful and warm. Although Zhao Wan Ru sat in the front passenger seat and Yang Zhuo Wen sat in the back, there was no distance at all in their conversation. They asked about each other, discussed all sorts of topics under the sun, and realized they shared many common interests and perceptions on various issues, from literature to cuisine, and even movies and music.
In contrast to that lively and warm interaction, Tai Leng Han's side became even more profound and gloomy. Even though Zhao Wan Ru tried many times to redirect the conversation to Tai Leng Han, he couldn't respond or contribute. When it came to literature, he hadn't read any works; as for eating, he was used to being casual; music and movies were even more luxurious and distant for someone who only knew how to bury himself in work like him. Therefore, back and forth, Tai Leng Han could only regretfully remain a silent listener.
Through their conversation, Zhao Wan Ru learned that her new acquaintance was not an ordinary person. Yang Zhuo Wen.
A while later, the car entered the familiar downtown area. Yang Zhuo Wen gave directions, and Tai Leng Han slowly drove. Zhao Wan Ru sat curiously observing the scenery around them.
After another moment, the car stopped in front of a rather spacious apartment complex. Yang Zhuo Wen reached out to open the car door but didn't rush out, instead looking up and asking:
"Would you two like to come up for a drink? And it'd be a good chance for me to introduce you to my mother, my new friends."
Zhao Wan Ru had originally wanted to directly ask about the ginger tea recipe and was about to nod. But for some reason, as if by intuition, Zhao Wan Ru turned to look at Tai Leng Han. Her foolish ice block's cold face showed no obvious expression, but Zhao Wan Ru had a very strong feeling that he was unhappy. Reflecting a little on the bad habit of overthinking and over-analyzing that the ice block-slash-crazy dog had, Zhao Wan Ru guessed that perhaps her behavior with her new acquaintance today had caused his bad habit to relapse. So Zhao Wan Ru smiled politely, her words also becoming distinctly formal:
"Thank you, but there's no need. We have something to do, and besides, it's almost lunchtime now, so it wouldn't be convenient to bother Auntie."
Yang Zhuo Wen nodded:
"Then let's make it another time! I'm heading up."
Zhao Wan Ru gave a slight nod as a greeting. Yang Zhuo Wen turned and walked into the apartment complex. At this moment, Tai Leng Han was still silent and contemplative behind the steering wheel. Zhao Wan Ru closed the car window, then turned to Tai Leng Han and softly asked:
"Are you… angry?"
Tai Leng Han was startled, asking back blankly:
"Huh? What did you say?"
Zhao Wan Ru repeated:
"I asked: Are you angry? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. I'll be more careful when interacting with other men from now on."
Tai Leng Han listened but understood nothing. Why did Zhao Wan Ru think he was angry? Moreover, she even promised to be more careful when interacting with other men? Did Zhao Wan Ru think he was angry because he saw her smiling and happy with another man? Tai Leng Han suddenly remembered the young man who had just left the car not long ago, and he looked at his own cold face reflected in the rearview mirror. In Tai Leng Han's heart, there was an ache, his emotions unclear. But Tai Leng Han knew clearly that he would absolutely never be angry with Zhao Wan Ru. If he was truly angry, Tai Leng Han would only dare to be angry with himself.
Taking a deep breath, suppressing the emotions choking his chest, Tai Leng Han said in a hoarse voice:
"No, I'm not angry with you. You don't need to change yourself or create distance from others because of me."
Zhao Wan Ru still watched Tai Leng Han intently, not missing a flicker of pain in his eyes. And also his stiff facial muscles and voice tinged with a hint of choked emotion. Yet he said he wasn't angry? Who could believe that? Zhao Wan Ru cautiously guessed:
"So… are you sad?"
Tai Leng Han shook his head. In his heart, there was currently only a slight emptiness and uncertainty, not yet reaching the point of sadness. Zhao Wan Ru probed again:
"Did something make you unhappy? Or… did someone…"
Tai Leng Han quickly explained:
"No, I'm not angry, not sad, nor am I unhappy. I'm just… thinking a little."
Zhao Wan Ru seized the opportunity:
"What are you thinking about? Can you tell me?"