Around seven in the evening, after saying goodbye to April, Susu headed alone to the Shishan area.
She grabbed a quick McDonald's meal and ate absentmindedly, thinking about later—
about sni later—with Yike.
As she walked, Susu mentally went over the clothes she had brought with her on this trip.
t was either qipaos or something too casual—nothing that really felt right for a night like this.
She wandered into a nearby mall, thinking she might pick up a simple dress.
An hour passed.
Nothing felt right.
Suddenly, the thought struck her—
Why am I buying a dress just for one uncertain plan? Something I might only wear once?
The realization surprised her.
She smiled to herself.
Enough.
Wear what you have. Stop overthinking.
She left the mall and took the subway back to the hotel.
About half an hour later, she was back in her room.
Standing in front of the mirror, she studied herself for a moment.
I'll need to redo my makeup later.
But first—she needed a shower.
She slipped out of her qipao and removed her makeup.
Her bare face stared back at her—not perfect, small flaws visible up close.
And somehow, her thoughts drifted to last night.
Yike cupped her face gently and said,
"You're really beautiful.",he said. "Even without makeup. "
Then he had kissed her forehead and pulled her into a tight embrace.
Ping.
The message alert broke her train of thought.
It was Yike.
"Have you eaten? Are you back at the hotel yet? Tired?"
A soft warmth spread through her.
"Yes, I'm back. I ate already. How about you? Are you tired?"
"A little," he replied. "It was a busy day."
"Then maybe we can rest and go to sni some other time?"
"No," he said. "I'll rest for a bit. I'll message you before I head out—probably around ten thirty or eleven."
"Okay."
She set her phone down and went to shower.
After more than two hours of getting ready, she changed into a fitted black T-shirt, relaxed blue pants, and white sneakers.
She put on her Chrome Hearts hoops, a vintage pinecone earring, a pig-nose ring on her right index finger, a knotted ring on her middle finger, a sports watch on her left wrist, an amethyst bracelet, and a red string.
Her long, wavy brown hair fell naturally to her waist.
Compared to the elegance of her qipao earlier, this look felt lighter—more relaxed, more alive.
Her phone rang.
"What are you up to?" Yike's voice came through.
"Just finished getting ready."
"I'll be at sni around eleven. I'll wait for you at the entrance. Okay?"
"Okay. See you soon."
"See you. You go first."
"Alright."
She ended the call and glanced at the time—10:30 p.m.
She ordered a car, gathered her things, and headed downstairs to wait for it.