A Sharp Edge Emerges From The Mist Chapter 46

extra

【1. Morning jogging competition】

At 6:30 in the morning, in the private gym on the second basement floor of the apartment, the air was still filled with the coldness of last night and the slight sound of the fresh air system just starting up.The daylight simulation light has not been adjusted to the brightest, providing only soft light enough to see the outline of the instrument clearly.

Lin Jianfeng stepped onto the treadmill with crisp movements.She called up the preset “mountain mode”, slowly increased the slope to 8, and set the initial speed to 10.Warm up for a minute, your heart rate rises steadily, your breathing is even, and your eyes are locked on the extending virtual mountain road curve on the display screen, as if you are already on a quiet and deserted early morning mountain road.

Next to him, Shen Qingwu chose the elliptical machine.She adjusted the resistance knob and finally stopped at a moderate setting.The movements were a little jerky at first – she was never as good as Lin Jianfeng with this kind of equipment that required coordination.But soon, she found her rhythm, her legs drew a stable arc forward and backward, her arms pushed the lever in coordination, and beads of sweat soon appeared on her forehead.

Her peripheral vision always drifted towards Lin Jianfeng’s screen unconsciously.I watched the mileage jump from 1 kilometer to 2 kilometers, and then to 3 kilometers… but my calorie consumption did not seem to increase that fast.

A silent rivalry quietly unfolded between two equally proud women.

Half an hour later, Lin Jianfeng’s temples were soaked with sweat, and a tight-fitting sports vest clung to his body, outlining clear muscle lines.Her breathing was slightly heavier, but her rhythm was steady, and her eyes remained focused.She noticed the resistance gear indicator on Shen Qingwu’s elliptical machine and quietly jumped up one notch.

The corner of Lin Jianfeng’s mouth moved almost imperceptibly, and he tapped his finger on the control panel to increase the speed from 10 to 11.The sound of the tracks turning suddenly became more rapid.

Shen Qingwu noticed this subtle change almost immediately.She pursed her lips, and not to be outdone, she adjusted the resistance of the elliptical machine to a higher level.The load from her thighs and arms increased significantly, and her breathing began to become short. Her cheeks were flushed with post-exercise blush, but her eyes were astonishingly bright, with a stubbornness that refused to admit defeat.

Sweat slid down Shen Qingwu’s neck and soaked into his collar.The back of Lin Jianfeng’s T-shirt was also wet.The air in the gym seemed to heat up due to the silent wrestling between the two.

After another ten minutes, Shen Qingwu felt that his lungs were about to explode and his thigh muscles were so sore that he almost went on strike.She looked at Lin Jianfeng’s still steady back and his speed that barely slowed down, and finally pressed the stop button in frustration.

The elliptical machine slowly stopped.Shen Qingwu held the equipment, gasping for air, his chest heaving violently, staring at Lin Jianfeng’s sweaty back, and uttered three words through gritted teeth: “You win.”

Lin Jianfeng turned off the treadmill and the track gradually stopped.She picked up the towel on the armrest and wiped the sweat from her face and neck. She turned around and looked at Shen Qingwu’s embarrassed and stubborn look. A smile flashed in her eyes and the corners of her mouth raised slightly.

“Continue tomorrow?” she asked, her voice slightly hoarse after exercise.

Shen Qingwu took another clean towel that she handed over, wiped his face carelessly, rolled his eyes at Lin Jianfeng angrily, and said in a breathy voice, “Just keep going. Tomorrow… I’ll change to a spinning bike.”

【2. Grab the bathroom】

Monday morning, six o’clock sharp.Lin Jianfeng’s biological clock is like a precision instrument, waking her up from light sleep on time.The sky outside the window was still dark, with only a faint hint of fish belly white on the horizon in the distance.

She quietly sat up and glanced at Shen Qingwu, who was still sleeping soundly next to her – she was lying on her side, half of her face buried in the pillow, her long hair was messy, her sleeping face was quiet, and all the coldness and defensiveness during the day had faded away.Lin Jianfeng’s mouth curved slightly, he gently lifted the quilt and got out of bed, stepped barefoot on the soft carpet, and walked to the private bathroom of the master bedroom.

At eight o’clock today, there was a scene in the east of the city that required her to lead a team for re-examination, and she had to go out early.

As soon as his fingers touched the cold brass door handle, before he could twist it, another hand suddenly stretched out from the side and pressed firmly on the door.

Lin Jianfeng was startled and turned his head.

Shen Qingwu woke up at some point and was standing beside her.She was still wearing a silk nightgown, her hair was a little raised as she slept, and her eyes showed lingering sleepiness and a trace of unquestionable persistence.

“I’ll go first.” Shen Qingwu’s voice was slightly hoarse in the morning, but it was very clear. “There is a cross-border video conference at nine o’clock. The other party has a time difference. I have to go online half an hour in advance to prepare materials and debug the equipment.”

Lin Jianfeng did not let go and looked at her calmly: “I have to be at the scene at eight o’clock. The journey is forty minutes. I still need to give a briefing fifteen minutes in advance.”

The two faced each other silently at the bathroom door. They were only half an arm’s length apart. They could smell the same light fragrance of shower gel and the warm breath left by sleep on each other.There was a subtle early morning tension in the air.

Three seconds of silence.

“Rock, paper, scissors?” Lin Jianfeng raised his eyebrows and proposed an almost childish solution.

Shen Qingwu frowned and glanced at her with disgust: “Childish.” But she didn’t let go of her hand on the door.

After another two seconds, Lin Jianfeng looked at the pale green eyes of Shen Qingwu (apparently he stayed up late to deal with work again last night), sighed, and took the lead to let go of his hand.

“I’ll give you ten minutes.” She gave in and stepped aside to open the door. “I’ll use the guest guard if it’s overtime.”

An almost cunning, triumphant smile appeared on Shen Qingwu’s face, and he quickly squeezed into the bathroom and closed the door behind his back.The moment the door was about to close, she stuck her head out and added: “Thanks, Lin Ke. I turned the water heater to the highest setting, and I’ll save the hot water for you.”

The door closed tightly with a click, and then the sound of water flowing and faint humming (out of tune) came from inside.

Lin Jianfeng stood outside the door, listening to the movement inside, and shook his head helplessly, but there was a trace of indulgent smile in his eyes that he had not noticed.She turned and walked to the kitchen, preparing to boil water for coffee.

Ten minutes later, the bathroom door opened on time.Shen Qingwu had already changed into a professional skirt, her hair was half-dried, and she had put on delicate light makeup on her face. She had a completely new look, with a sober and capable aura.

“It’s your turn.” She turned aside to let Lin Jianfeng in and pointed to the sink, “I’ve squeezed the toothpaste for you.”

Lin Jianfeng walked in and saw just the right amount of mint-flavored toothpaste squeezed onto his toothbrush.There is still a little moisture left on the mirror.

She picked up the toothbrush and looked at her helpless but gentle expression in the mirror. She suddenly felt that such a “childish” fight seemed not bad.

【3. Battle of tastes】

At dinner time, tempting aromas waft from the open kitchen.Lin Jianfeng was wearing an apron and was putting the last dish on the plate – it was the red, shiny, spicy chicken diced with lots of dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns.

Shen Qingwu was sitting at the dining table, with two bowls of crystal white rice and winter melon and pork ribs soup that Lin Jianfeng had stewed in advance in front of him.She looked at the plate of “Flame Red Lips” that Lin Jianfeng brought to the table, her brows involuntarily frowned slightly, her hand holding the chopsticks paused, and she even subconsciously moved her chair back half an inch, as if the dish was not emitting aroma, but some kind of invisible “attack wave”.

Lin Jianfeng took off his apron, sat down opposite her, picked up his chopsticks with a calm expression, picked up a piece of diced chicken covered in chili and Sichuan peppercorns, and put it into the rice bowl in front of Shen Qingwu.

“Have a try. I specially chose chili peppers that are not too spicy this time, mainly for the aroma.” Her tone was normal, as if she was stating an objective fact.

Shen Qingwu stared at the piece of chicken in the bowl that was attractive in color but clearly emitted “danger” signals, and hesitated for a few seconds.Reason told her that Lin Jianfeng’s cooking skills were trustworthy, but her past experience of being deceived by “slightly spicy” left her with lingering fears.In the end, between her trust in Lin Jianfeng and her fear of chili peppers, she chose to believe in the former. She carefully picked up the piece of diced chicken with the tip of her chopsticks and took a tentative bite.

Instantly, a complex flavor mixed with burnt, spicy, salty and fresh flavors exploded in your mouth!What follows is the strong stimulation of the taste buds and throat from capsaicin!

“Cough! Cough!” Shen Qingwu’s face turned red at a speed visible to the naked eye, and tears welled up instantly. She put down her chopsticks suddenly, covered her mouth with one hand, and fumbled with her water glass in panic with the other hand.

Lin Jianfeng was well prepared and immediately pushed the clear bowl of winter melon and pork ribs soup in front of her with a few wolfberry grains floating in it.

Shen Qingwu didn’t care about his image, picked up the soup bowl and took a big sip.The warm and light soup barely suppressed the burning sensation in my throat, but the tears in my eyes still fell uncontrollably.She raised her head and stared at the “culprit” across from her with tears in her eyes. Her voice was full of tears and accusations:

“…Lin Jianfeng!” Using his first and last name shows his “angry”.

Lin Jianfeng looked at her embarrassed yet cute look, and finally couldn’t hold it back and laughed softly.While smiling, she picked up another piece of spicy chicken, put it into her mouth without changing her expression, and chewed it with gusto.

“It seems like I’ll have to use less chili pepper next time.” She concluded, with little sincerity in her tone.

Shen Qingwu drank a few more mouthfuls of soup before he managed to regain his composure.She watched Lin Jianfeng eating with a calm expression, as if the dish was just ordinary stir-fried vegetables, and couldn’t help but murmured in a low voice: “The taste has failed.” After saying that, she silently moved her rice bowl away from the spicy chicken, and concentrated on eating the winter melon and pork ribs soup and the stir-fried vegetables.

Lin Jianfeng looked at her little movements, the smile in his eyes deepened, but he didn’t “force” her anymore.A meal is spent in a subtle atmosphere where one person is hearty and the other person is frightened.

After the meal, Shen Qingwu took the initiative to take on the task of washing the dishes (Lin Jianfeng cooked, and it was their unwritten agreement that she wash the dishes).Lin Jianfeng leaned against the kitchen door frame, watching her back as she rinsed the dishes carefully, and suddenly said:

“What do you want to eat next time? Order food.”

Shen Qingwu didn’t even look back, and his voice came out in a muffled voice: “Steamed sea bass, boiled cabbage heart, tofu soup… in short, no red color, no chili pepper.”

Lin Jianfeng smiled: “Okay, as ordered.”

【4. Late night snack after working overtime】

At 1:15 in the morning, the voice-activated lights in the corridor lit up with the sound of familiar footsteps.Lin Jianfeng took out the key and opened the apartment door as quietly as possible.

There was only a floor-standing reading lamp left in the living room next to the sofa, emitting a warm yellow light that was not dazzling.Shen Qingwu was curled up in the corner of the sofa, covered with a thin cashmere blanket and holding a half-read financial magazine in his hand.When she heard the door open, she raised her head, her eyes moved away from the page and landed on Lin Jianfeng’s slightly tired face.

“You’re back?” Her voice sounded particularly clear and soft in the silent night, “Have you eaten?”

Lin Jianfeng closed the door with his backhand, put his briefcase on the entrance cabinet, took off his coat that was cold from the night dew and hung it up. He shook his head and said in a hoarse voice: “The bureau cafeteria closes at nine o’clock. It’s almost twelve o’clock when the work is done over there.”

She walked to the sofa and rubbed her eyebrows, her eyes bloodshot after staying up late.

Shen Qingwu said nothing, just put down the magazine, lifted the blanket and stood up.The cashmere blanket slipped off her body, revealing a thin figure wearing home clothes underneath.She stepped on the soft carpet with her bare feet and walked straight to the kitchen.

Lin Jianfeng wanted to tell her to stop being busy, but he swallowed the words again.She knew Shen Qingwu’s temper, and it was useless to persuade her. Instead, it might make her more persistent.So she just walked to the sofa and sat down, closing her eyes and briefly relaxing her nerves that had been tense all day.

There were slight noises in the kitchen – refrigerator doors opening and closing, gas stoves igniting, pots and pans clinking.The voice was soft, with a homey, reassuring rhythm.

About five minutes later, Shen Qingwu came out carrying a steaming white porcelain bowl.In the bowl is tomato and egg noodles with rich soup and bright colors. The golden egg blossoms and red tomatoes complement each other. On top of it lies a poached egg with crispy edges and a runny center, with a few green onions sprinkled on it.

She placed the bowl on the coffee table in front of Lin Jianfeng and handed over a pair of chopsticks.

“There are only tomatoes, eggs and noodles left in the refrigerator.” Her tone was very calm, with no emotion, as if she was just stating a fact, “Eat something to warm your stomach before going to bed.”

Lin Jianfeng looked at the steaming bowl of noodles with fragrant aroma.The appearance was definitely not exquisite, the tomato pieces were cut into different sizes, and the egg flakes were a little scattered, but the smell of sweet and sour tomatoes and the fresh fragrance of eggs penetrated straight into her nose, instantly arousing the hunger in her belly.

A warm current quietly rose from the stomach, quickly spreading to the limbs and bones, and even the heart felt warm.

“Thank you.” She picked up the chopsticks and whispered.

Shen Qingwu didn’t respond, just sat back on the other end of the sofa, picked up the magazine just now, but didn’t read it anymore, just held it in his hand, and his eyes calmly fell on Lin Jianfeng.

Lin Jianfeng lowered his head and started eating noodles.The noodles are cooked to a moderately soft texture, absorbing the sweetness and sourness of the tomato soup. The eggs are tender and smooth, and the poached eggs are cooked at just the right temperature.The simple ingredients and homely taste are better than any delicacies at this moment.

She ate quietly, with only the slight sound of chopsticks occasionally touching the edge of the bowl.Shen Qingwu didn’t speak either. The only sounds left in the living room were the subtle sound of eating and the occasional distant sound of a night train passing by outside the window.

The light was warm and yellow, casting their shadows on the wall, overlapping quietly.

After a bowl of noodles, I even drank the soup.Feelings of warmth and satiety drive away fatigue and chills.Lin Jianfeng put down the bowl and let out a long sigh of relief.

“Are you full?” Shen Qingwu said.

“Well, I’m full.” Lin Jianfeng nodded and looked at her, “Why aren’t you asleep yet? Aren’t you going to the provincial department for a meeting tomorrow?”

“Waiting for you.” Shen Qingwu said matter-of-factly, put down the magazine and stood up, “Put the bowl over there. I’ll wash it tomorrow. Go take a shower and go to bed.”

She walked over, picked up the empty bowl and chopsticks naturally, and walked to the kitchen.

Lin Jianfeng looked at her back and wanted to say something, but in the end he said nothing.Some gratitude and warmth are deeper in my heart than spoken out.

She got up and walked to the bathroom.When passing by the kitchen, I saw Shen Qingwu standing in front of the sink, quickly rinsing the noodle bowl with a little water. His side face looked particularly soft under the small kitchen light.

Lin Jianfeng paused for a moment, and then walked into the bathroom more briskly.

This night of working overtime until the early hours of the morning seemed no longer so cold and long because of a simple bowl of tomato and egg noodles and the person waiting for her to come home.

【5. Cold infection】

A sudden late-spring cold hit the Twin Cities, with temperatures plummeting and heavy winds and rain.Lin Jianfeng showed up at the scene for several days in a row and stayed up late to analyze the case. His iron-clad body finally couldn’t bear it anymore and he was attacked.

She was wrapped in a thick blanket and nestled on the sofa in the living room. Her face was a little pale, the tip of her nose was red, and she sniffed through her stuffy nose from time to time.His usually clear and sharp eyes seemed a little dull now, and his eyelids drooped heavily.Paper towels, cold medicine and a glass of cold water were scattered on the coffee table.

When Shen Qingwu came back from get off work, he saw this scene.She frowned, put down her bag, washed her hands first, then walked to the sofa, and naturally reached out to touch Lin Jianfeng’s forehead.

Slightly hot to the touch.

“It’s a bit of a low-grade fever.” Shen Qingwu concluded with a tone that left no room for doubt, “Have you taken the medicine?” She pointed to the unpacked box of cold medicine on the coffee table, but only one pill was missing.

Lin Jianfeng raised his heavy head from the blanket and shook his head. His voice was very hoarse: “Not yet… that report. The last part of the analysis has not been written yet. Director Chen will have to…” tomorrow morning…”

“I’ll help you write the outline. You give me the core data and logical links, and you’ll fill in the rest when you’re ready.” Shen Qingwu interrupted her, picked up the medicine box neatly, glanced at the instructions, took out two pills, and went to the kitchen to pour another glass of warm water.

Returning to the sofa, she handed the medicine and water to Lin Jianfeng: “Now, drink the medicine and then go to bed.”

Lin Jianfeng still wanted to struggle: “I can just sleep on the sofa so as not to infect you…”

“Lin Jianfeng.” Shen Qingwu called her by both her first and last name, her voice low, but with a rare force that could not be disobeyed, “Drink the medicine and sleep. Don’t let me say it a third time.”

Perhaps it was because of illness, or maybe it was Shen Qingwu’s rare tough attitude, but Lin Jianfeng actually didn’t refute.She obediently took the medicine and water, raised her head and swallowed it, and was then almost half-supported and half-supported by Shen Qingwu back to the bedroom and tucked into bed.

Shen Qingwu tucked the quilt for her and tested the temperature of her forehead. Then he turned off the main light, leaving only a dim night light, and quietly stepped out and closed the door.

Silence returned to the bedroom.Lin Jianfeng closed his eyes as the cold medicine began to take effect, bringing him drowsiness.She was drowsily thinking about the unfinished report and how Director Chen might look tomorrow… her consciousness gradually blurred.

She didn’t know how long she had slept, but while she was half asleep, she felt the bedroom door being pushed open very gently.A familiar figure walked quietly to the bed.

The slightly cold hand covered her forehead again and stayed there for a moment.

Lin Jianfeng was a little confused from the fever, but he subconsciously grabbed the hand that wanted to pull away, and muttered vaguely, his voice unclear: “Qingwu… don’t get too close… it will be contagious…”

The grabbed hand paused slightly.Then, he turned his fingers and gently held her hot hand back.

“Yeah, I know.” Shen Qingwu’s voice sounded in the silent darkness. It was very low and light, but it carried a strange soothing power, “Go to sleep.”

She did not leave, but stood by the bed for a while. Until she felt Lin Jianfeng’s breathing became long and steady again, she gently pulled out her hand, tucked her quilt again, turned around and left quietly.

The door closed gently again.

In the darkness, Lin Jianfeng turned over and buried his hot cheeks into the pillow with the faint cold fragrance of Shen Qingwu. Under the influence of the medicine, he fell into a deeper and more peaceful sleep.

In the living room, Shen Qingwu opened Lin Jianfeng’s laptop, called up the unfinished report, and began to sort out the logic and build a framework based on Lin Jianfeng’s scrawled notes and scattered data.The sound of keyboard tapping was regular and gentle in the quiet night.

The wind and rain outside the window seemed to be lighter.

【6. Go to the supermarket together】

The sun was shining brightly on Saturday afternoon.The two decided to make a routine big purchase.

The supermarket was bustling with people, and the weekend family shopping rush made the air a little more lively.Shen Qingwu pushed the shopping cart, and Lin Jianfeng walked beside her, scanning the shelves with sharp eyes, as if on a reconnaissance mission.

They came to the fresh food area first.Shen Qingwu picked up a box of exquisitely packaged sugar-free yogurt, looked at the ingredient list, and put it in the shopping cart: “This brand has fewer additives and has a good taste.”

Lin Jianfeng nodded, but his eyes drifted to a certain brand of old yogurt on sale in the freezer next to him: “That one seems to be cheaper and the quantity is larger.”

Shen Qingwu followed her gaze and frowned slightly: “That one has high sugar content, and you see, it uses reconstituted milk.”

“Is it okay to eat it once in a while?” Lin Jianfeng tried to fight for it. She remembered that Shen Qingwu actually liked the sweetness of that old yogurt, but he usually restrained it.

Shen Qingwu said nothing, but silently took the box of discounted old yogurt and put it in the car, then raised his eyes and looked at Lin Jifeng.

Lin Jianfeng understood immediately, and a smile flashed in his eyes: “Okay, buy them all.”

When passing the snack area, Lin Jianfeng’s footsteps suddenly accelerated and he walked towards the shelves filled with potato chips of various flavors with a clear purpose.Shen Qingwu pushed the cart and followed her slowly, watching her pick up a package of barbecue flavor and another package of cucumber flavor, hesitating.

“Calorie bombs, preservatives, trans fatty acids.” Behind her, Shen Qingwu listed the “crimes” in a calm tone.

Lin Jianfeng’s hand holding two bags of potato chips froze in mid-air. He turned back and glanced at Shen Qingwu, who was looking at her with his arms folded, with “you can do whatever you want” written in his eyes.

In the end, Lin Jianfeng sighed and only took the package of barbecue flavor, and specifically chose the small package.”Just one pack, to eat while watching a movie.” She explained, with a hint of flattery.

Shen Qingwu was noncommittal and continued to push the car forward.

When we arrived at the grain, oil and seasoning area, the painting style suddenly changed.Shen Qingwu began to carefully compare the acidity, origin and pressing methods of different brands of olive oil, study the amino acid nitrogen content of soy sauce, and even picked up a bottle of vinegar to see if it was brewed with pure grains.Lin Jianfeng stood aside boredly. When Shen Qingwu occasionally asked for his opinion, he could only give answers such as “It’s OK” and “It’s up to you.”

“The quality of life is reflected in the details.” Shen Qingwu finally selected an expensive bottle of extra virgin olive oil and a small bottle of organically brewed light soy sauce, commenting on Lin Jianfeng’s perfunctory remarks.

Lin Jianfeng shrugged and helped her put the things into the car: “You are responsible for the details, and I am responsible for turning them into edible items.”

Passing by the daily necessities section, Lin Jianfeng suddenly stopped, picked up a pair of toothbrushes of the same style and different colors on the shelf, turned to Shen Qingwu and asked: “Is it time to replace the toothbrushes at home? This one looks good.”

Shen Qingwu took a look and saw a pair of simple-designed electric toothbrush replacements, one black and one white.She nodded: “Yes, buy it.”

Lin Jianfeng put the toothbrush into the car and said as if unintentionally: “The black one is for you, and the white one is mine.”

Shen Qingwu said “hmm” and pushed the cart towards the toiletries area, but the corners of his mouth curved up almost imperceptibly.

The purchase is coming to an end and the shopping cart is already half full.While queuing up in front of the checkout counter, Lin Jianfeng saw with sharp eyes that the imported dark chocolate that Shen Qingwu liked was on sale in the freezer next to him.When Shen Qingwu wasn’t paying attention, she quickly took two pieces and secretly stuffed them under a pile of things in the car.

When checking out, Shen Qingwu looked at the products that kept popping up under the scanner. When the two chocolates appeared, she raised her eyebrows and glanced at Lin Jianfeng.

Lin Jianfeng pretended not to notice and lowered his head to pack the shopping bags.

As they walked out of the supermarket carrying large and small bags, the evening sunlight stretched their shadows long.Lin Jianfeng carried the heaviest rice