TLDMDTBS Chapter 32

Chapter 32

After the New Year, the bustling atmosphere of the Spring Festival gradually calmed down.

The winter break passed lazily. Ji Ruan lay on his bed after lunch, playing on his phone, scrolling through Weibo and browsing Moments.

Duan Zeping posted a few photos last night, and the background looked like some small party, with Song Ling and Li Sui’an present. Ji Ruan also spotted a familiar face among them—Lin Qing.

Lin Qing was quite close to Lao Duan, with his hand on Lin Qing’s shoulder, appearing much more intimate than others. However, there had been no news of Lin Qing agreeing to pursue anyone recently, and neither Song Ling nor Li Sui’an liked this Moment.

Ji Ruan glanced at the pictures and casually swiped past.

A message popped up, it was from Cheng Zizhang, and Ji Ruan clicked to open it.

[Senior Zizhang: image.jpg]

[Senior Zizhang: The new year is over, are you coming to play today, Xiao Ruan?]

The image appeared to be taken in a studio, with scissors, embroidery needles, and brightly colored threads on the table.

Ji Ruan couldn’t shake the feeling that Cheng Zizhang was very eager to spark his interest in Han embroidery, as she often led their chats in that direction.

A couple of days ago, she mentioned that the whole Han Embroidery Association planned to hold a cultural inheritance event in various universities after the school term started, and Cheng Zizhang would present a piece.

This topic had come up several times before, and today she immediately invited him to come over to play.

Ji Ruan was indeed quite interested, sitting up straight as he replied: [Sure, can I come over now?]

Cheng Zizhang replied almost instantly: [Of course! I’ll send you the address. Just call me when you arrive, and I’ll come down to greet you.]

[Alright~ Thank you, Senior.]

Ji Ruan smiled as he put down his phone and quickly got dressed.

Cheng Zizhang’s studio wasn’t too far away. Ji Ruan didn’t ask Zhang Shu to drive him; taking a taxi took about half an hour.

It was still quite cold outside. After Ji Ruan arrived, Cheng Zizhang quickly came downstairs. He had only waited a short while, and his fingertips were still frozen.

After bringing Ji Ruan inside, Cheng Zizhang immediately poured him a cup of hot water. Ji Ruan took a few sips, holding the cup in his hands to warm them.

The studio was much bigger than he had imagined, occupying the entire floor, with separate relaxation areas and several workspaces. The decor was very traditional, featuring folding screens, fans, and sofas, all made with Han embroidery.

Ji Ruan entered Cheng Zizhang’s personal workspace. It resembled his sister’s small room very closely—simple and completely devoid of decoration.

The table was filled with tools and silk threads, and in front, there was a frame with thin fabric, a part of the design already embroidered—showing a pond and a path.

“Xiao Ruan, feel free to sit and look around,” Cheng Zizhang said with a smile, “though my space is a bit modest.”

“It’s not,” Ji Ruan shook his head seriously, “it’s very interesting.”

Hearing this, Cheng Zizhang’s eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief: “If you like it, you can come over often. You can also try to embroider something yourself. My mom wanted to meet you, but she’s out of town and won’t be back until next month for the publicity event.”

She was starting again, slyly trying to get Ji Ruan involved with Han embroidery.

“Sounds good,” Ji Ruan playfully blinked and joked: “Are you being polite with me, Senior? I really will come over.”

Cheng Zizhang laughed and shot him a teasing look: “You’re the one being polite! You’d better not agree just to be courteous; I will really call you over often.”

As she was talking, she began to tie her hair back, looking ready to get back to work. Ji Ruan took a glance at the half-embroidered pattern and nonchalantly asked, “Is this the piece you will exhibit for the publicity event?”

“Yes,” Cheng Zizhang picked up her needle, then paused before inserting it into the fabric, “I don’t know if this kind of event will be effective.”

She sighed, looking at Ji Ruan: “In our line of work, while it sounds nice to be called intangible cultural heritage inheritors, finding someone who can continue this tradition is harder than climbing to the sky. Most people only like to watch; hardly anyone wants to sit and embroider for decades.”

Ji Ruan deeply resonated with this. Their family had been respected for generations for their Han embroidery expertise, but in reality, their inheritance was quite difficult.

His grandmother had trained dozens of apprentices throughout her life, but only one or two remained, diligently researching and promoting this culture, while the others had given up for various reasons along the way.

Ji Ruan fell silent for a moment and suddenly said, while looking at the pattern in the frame, “This wasn’t embroidered by one person, right?”

Cheng Zizhang was taken aback, surprised: “How did you know?”

Ji Ruan smiled: “It just… looks a bit different.”

Cheng Zizhang immediately set down her needle, “Yes, it definitely wasn’t all done by me. Originally, A Qing and I wanted to make one piece each for this event, but my mom suggested that we work together, so the part you see here is done by me, and the other part by A Qing…”

Excitement sparkled in her eyes as she looked at Ji Ruan: “But how did you figure that out?”

It was no wonder Cheng Zizhang was surprised. She and Lin Qing were both disciples of Cheng Yunxiu, and they learned from the same teacher; their stitching techniques were quite similar. Sometimes even professional embroiderers couldn’t immediately tell the difference.

Cheng Zizhang basically knew everyone in the industry; if she hadn’t heard of Ji Ruan, it meant he was indeed an outsider.

But how could an outsider notice such subtle differences?

A guess began to rise in Cheng Zizhang’s mind.

Ji Ruan gently pressed his lips together, pointing at the pattern as he speculated: “The brick wall of the pond was probably done by Lin Qing, and the koi inside is your handiwork, Senior.”

“You’re right,” Cheng Zizhang’s smile deepened.

Ji Ruan didn’t look at Cheng Zizhang but kept his gaze fixed on the embroidery, his expression particularly focused. He thought for a moment and said: “Your stitching habits are a bit different from his. Lin Qing is very meticulous and stitches according to the design very strictly, but you…”

Ji Ruan couldn’t help but chuckle: “You clearly seem a bit more relaxed. Drawing the design is one thing, but being able to stitch it that way is another.”

Cheng Zizhang covered her face and laughed, feeling a bit shy: “How about you elaborate?”

Ji Ruan pointed at the koi in the pattern: “Here, you originally wanted to depict the koi’s tail slapping against the water’s surface, right? But you seem to have stitched it a bit off and clearly didn’t want to undo it, so you changed the color to a darker thread and finished it as a dead leaf instead, right?”

Cheng Zizhang opened her mouth wide; she thought she had done an excellent job on this leaf patch, but Ji Ruan saw right through it.

As soon as Ji Ruan noticed her expression, he knew he hit the mark and laughed again: “And also, Senior, your thread collection is very meticulous and fine, but Lin Qing seems a bit hasty. Did he have something urgent at that time?”

Cheng Zizhang was utterly impressed: “You could tell that? He really did seem busy back then. Oh, I should say he’s been busy recently. You saw it, right? Except for that little pond part, the rest was all done by me. I don’t know where he ran off to.”

Ji Ruan: “…”

After all, having just seen Lin Qing in Lao Duan’s party photos, Ji Ruan had a pretty good idea of what Lin Qing had been up to lately.

He scratched his nose but didn’t mention this in front of Cheng Zizhang.

Cheng Zizhang’s focus wasn’t on Lin Qing. She grabbed Ji Ruan by the shoulders, looking delighted: “So you really can do this, Xiao Ruan?”

Startled by the sudden grip, Ji Ruan jumped a bit, feeling a bit proud but still didn’t hide: “Yes, I’ve learned a little.”

“Oh my!” Cheng Zizhang covered her mouth, losing all goddess-like composure in excitement: “What my mom said was indeed right!”

Ji Ruan raised his eyebrows, realizing that Teacher Cheng had mentioned him more than once.

Perhaps due to his upbringing, Ji Ruan had a natural sense of reverence for master-level figures like Cheng Yunxiu.

He fiddled with his fingers and looked at Cheng Zizhang: “What did she say?”

Cheng Zizhang took a while to collect herself from her laughter, fixing her hair again to regain elegance: “She just said you were very interesting.”

“Ah?”

This was an unexpected evaluation for Ji Ruan: “Is that all?”

His eyes widened in surprise and became round, making him look particularly cute, causing Cheng Zizhang to stifle a laugh, wanting to pinch Ji Ruan’s cheeks.

“Is there something else? This is the original comment,” Cheng Zizhang stood up to grab something from the storage rack in the back: “If you want to know more specifically, just meet my mom next month and ask her directly.”

As she spoke, she returned and handed a bag to Ji Ruan, “Here, it’s your first time in sister’s studio, so here’s a welcome gift.”

Ji Ruan hadn’t expected to receive a gift while hanging out and received it joyfully: “Thank you, Senior.”

He opened the bag but his eyes widened immediately, retreating back: “No, Senior, this is too precious; I can’t accept it.”

What Cheng Zizhang had sent him were several bundles of fine silk threads and metallic threads, plus a piece of satin that clearly wasn’t cheap.

Cheng Zizhang waved her hand: “Just accept it. It’s my intention; you can use it to stitch some patterns when you’re bored. If you really feel uncomfortable taking it, just show me what you’ve stitched once it’s done; that’s my only request.”

Ji Ruan paused for a moment, carefully pondering those words, then smiled: “So you’re trying to trick me into embroidering something for you to see, right?”

“What are you talking about?” Cheng Zizhang wasn’t flustered having been caught: “You clearly seem to like it, too.”

This was indeed true; such fine threads and material, Ji Ruan simply couldn’t resist.

He pressed his lips together, not declining further, and smiled generously: “Alright, then I’ll accept it. Thank you, Senior.”

Cheng Zizhang waved her hand again: “Stop saying that; it’s because I like you that I’m giving this to you.”

Just when Ji Ruan was about to say something, he caught sight of a small cake with a few candles on the table.

Serious now, Ji Ruan asked: “Senior, is today your birthday?”

“What?” Cheng Zizhang didn’t catch up to the topic quickly, following Ji Ruan’s gaze before smiling, “Yes, though it’s my lunar birthday. I just casually had a cake. My solar birthday is next month.”

Ji Ruan’s eyes brightened: “What a coincidence, my birthday is also next month, on the 16th.”

Cheng Zizhang nodded with a smile, “I know; I have your information. Mine is two days earlier, on the 14th.”

Hearing this, Ji Ruan looked at the silk threads in his hands, then at Cheng Zizhang, and a thought probably emerged in his mind.

He stood up: “It’s getting late. You still have work, so I’ll head back first, Senior.”

Cheng Zizhang thought for a moment and decided not to keep Ji Ruan: “Um… Okay then, let me walk you down.”

·

At the Cheng Xi villa, Gu Xiuyi leaned over the pool table. With one stroke, the eight ball shook on the rim but barely stayed at the pocket’s mouth.

“Tsk, Lao Gu, what’s wrong with you?” Li Sui’an laughed, “Can’t get it in again; your level today is quite absurd.”

Song Ling remarked gloomily, “Clearly, his heart isn’t in it. I don’t know why he insists on playing with us.”

Gu Xiuyi placed the cue stick back on the rack and glanced at his wristwatch: “You two talk too much.”

It was already 4:30, and Ji Ruan still hadn’t returned. How could playing with a senior take this long? Gu Xiuyi felt an inexplicable anxiety rising within him.

He had gotten off work early today, hoping to see Ji Ruan’s smiling face, but it was another empty house. After asking Zhao Ayi, he learned that Ji Ruan had gone out to play with classmates again.

Having endured ten hours alone before, Gu Xiuyi was determined not to repeat that mistake. He immediately called for Song Ling and Li Sui’an, and the three of them played pool at home to pass the time.

But the organizer of the gathering was playing terribly; Gu Xiuyi tugged at his collar, feeling restless, shedding his outer coat to drink some water.

Li Sui’an glanced over, his attention drawn by Gu Xiuyi’s attire.

What he wore was just a very ordinary shirt, and tucked in under a coat, it seemed nothing special. Only when seen in full view did one notice the unique design on the cuffs.

Li Sui’an narrowed his eyes, unable to see clearly, and asked, “What’s on your sleeves?”

Gu Xiuyi looked down briefly, his expression odd for a moment, then he replied blandly: “Embroidery.”

“That’s a rarity!” Li Sui’an stepped in for a closer look, “Oh wow, it really is hand-embroidered?”

Gu Xiuyi waved him off: “What else could it be?”

Li Sui’an examined it closely. There was a little green tree, with dark red buttons resembling fruits dangling below.

He grinned: “That’s quite unique; where did you get it?”

Song Ling also came over, immediately pinpointing the issue: “This is totally not your style.”

Gu Xiuyi remained silent, gently stroking the little tree on the sleeve. Each stitch was exceptionally delicate, and he lifted the corners of his lips slightly: “What’s wrong? You like it?”

Song Ling wasn’t particularly interested in such delicate things, pouting without giving a response.

Li Sui’an was genuinely curious: “Which store is this from? I’ll go pick one up tomorrow.”

“Cough,” Gu Xiuyi adjusted his collar and replied in a low-key tone: “You probably won’t be able to buy it.”

Li Sui’an laughed, elbowing Gu Xiuyi playfully: “What’s with looking down on people? How much could a shirt cost anyway? Am I really going to be unable to afford it?”

“No,” Gu Xiuyi brushed his shoulder casually, “this is a one-of-a-kind piece. There’s only this one in the world.”

Song Ling’s expression became serious.

Li Sui’an was surprised: “Is it that amazing…is it a custom from some brand?”

Gu Xiuyi silently observed them for a moment, enjoying their reactions thoroughly, before slowly stating: “Ji Ruan made it for me, stitch by stitch.”

Song Ling: “……”

Li Sui’an: “……”

Both of them were stunned for a few seconds.

Li Sui’an had been waiting for long for this outcome and felt like cursing.

He tried hard to ignore the smugness behind Gu Xiuyi’s calm facade and focused on the main point: “How could Ji Ruan embroider this?”

Gu Xiuyi raised an eyebrow, seemingly unperturbed: “It says in his information that before becoming an orphan, he lived with his grandma when he was a child. His grandma is an embroiderer, so he probably learned a bit back then.”

This did make sense. Li Sui’an nodded, choosing not to press further: “Sounds good.”

Little did he know that his casual remark was precisely what Gu Xiuyi interpreted differently, smiling broadly: “He really is good at everything.”

Song Ling felt a pang of jealousy and was the first to leave.

“It was a birthday present he gave me on the Mid-Autumn Festival.”

Gu Xiuyi looked at the embroidery detail on his sleeve, speaking in a very casual tone.

“He was still sick at that time. I had said it wasn’t necessary, but it was his heartfelt intention, and he only made one for me…”

The lighting in the pool hall wasn’t very bright. The ceiling was fitted with clusters of white spotlights, which elongated Gu Xiuyi’s smiling face, making his eyes narrow like a flaunting fox.

Li Sui’an sighed heavily and turned to leave.

After a long wait during which Gu Xiuyi received no response, he raised his head.

“Lao Li, it’s your turn, right?”

“Song Ling, your shot is so bad, haha…”

The pair had already returned to the pool table without Gu Xiuyi noticing.

Gu Xiuyi: “……”

Clearing his throat, he strolled over, leaning on the table with both hands. His forearm muscles and fingers looked long and powerful under the lights.

Li Sui’an glanced at him, handing him the cue: “Another game?”

Gu Xiuyi nodded, as if nothing had happened: “Sure.”

The atmosphere was calm for a while, just when Li Sui’an thought Gu Xiuyi’s display of vanity had ended, a soft voice floated in his ear:

“Can you guess why he embroidered cherries for me?”

“……”

“……”

Li Sui’an turned his head back, his brows knitted with a complex expression: “Are you saying I won’t guess if you don’t tell me?”

—Click

The door downstairs swung open, and Zhao Ayi’s jubilant laughter rang out: “Xiao Ruan is back!”

A gust of wind flashed before Li Sui’an’s eyes.

Gu Xiuyi vanished.

Ji Ruan returned from the frigid cold, momentarily unaccustomed to the warmth inside, his whole body stiff as he puffed warm breaths into his hands. Seeing Gu Xiuyi descend the stairs in just a shirt, he felt a twinge of envy.

In front of Ji Ruan, Gu Xiuyi wouldn’t show any impatience, walking steadily toward him first to touch his hand, which was icy.

“It’s that cold outside?” Gu Xiuyi frowned.

“Yes,” Ji Ruan’s nose was red: “It’s a bit melted snow, especially freezing.”

Gu Xiuyi helped Ji Ruan take off his scarf and prepared the hot water bag he had long ready to warm Ji Ruan’s hands, listening as the kid let out a satisfied sigh.

His eyes were drawn to the paper bag on the table, casually asking: “What’s this?”

“Oh, this,” Ji Ruan smiled: “It’s a gift from Senior Zizhang, particularly nice silk threads and satin!”

Gu Xiuyi took a brief glance; indeed, it looked quite good, the threads radiating a soft glow under the light.

Ji Ruan lifted Gu Xiuyi’s hand, pointing at the embroidery on his sleeve: “This thread is a bit lacking. At that time, I was pressed for time, so I could only use ordinary cotton thread to make this for you. It’s a bit of a pity.”

As Ji Ruan talked about it, he sparkled with a captivating charm, his cheeks flushed and his eyes gleaming with brilliance.

Gu Xiuyi sat beside him, propping his chin up with a gentle smile as he listened to Ji Ruan speak.

Li Sui’an and Song Ling came down from upstairs, seeing that expression on Gu Xiuyi’s face made them feel nauseated: “I can’t take it anymore, we should head back.”

Song Ling, who had seen more of the world, managed to maintain his composure: “Head back? Aunt Zhao is making braised fish tonight; we’d be fooling ourselves not to take advantage of it.”

Li Sui’an reminisced about Aunt Zhao’s cooking: “You’re right, brother.”

Ji Ruan seemed genuinely interested in embroidery. While Gu Xiuyi quietly contemplated whether to find a famous teacher to guide Ji Ruan, he asked with a smile: “Do you really like embroidery that much?”

“Mm…” Ji Ruan licked his lips, not providing a clear answer, instead looking down at the silk threads, saying: “I’m preparing to embroider a handkerchief for Senior as a birthday gift.”

Such fine materials should be made into a handkerchief.

Gu Xiuyi’s smile froze on his face: “…What?”

“Didn’t you hear me clearly?” Ji Ruan’s smile was gentle: “I said I want to make a handkerchief for Senior.”

“You… are you stitching a birthday gift for someone else?”

This kid was embroidering for anyone?

Was he just handing out stitched gifts to every person?

Gu Xiuyi felt as if a knot had lodged in his throat.

But perhaps he managed his expression too well; Ji Ruan noticed nothing amiss, looking bright: “Yes.”

Two bursts of laughter echoed from upstairs.

Li Sui’an and Song Ling were whispering to each other.

“It’s all his heartfelt intention…”

“He only made one for me…”

“Hahahahahahaha!”

The two were a bit far away, and Ji Ruan had poor hearing, so he could only see them doubled over with laughter, glancing curiously at Gu Xiuyi: “What are they talking about?”

Gu Xiuyi’s jaw clenched tightly, gently covering Ji Ruan’s ears: “Don’t mind them; they’re just feeling bloated and lamenting that they won’t get to taste Aunt Zhao’s braised fish tonight.”

The laughter from upstairs abruptly stopped.

“Ah, is that so…” Ji Ruan said, looking regretful.

Aunt Zhao’s braised fish was particularly delicious.