Qingdao Station 19, Shanshan's Love Story (Part Sixty-One) Shanshan was just silent, not knowing what to say. "Sister-in-law?" Tian Hao called out to Shanshan, who looked up at him and immediately diverted her gaze. "Sister-in-law, I really want to get to know that girl. When you had your birthday, I really wanted to meet her. Sister-in-law, please help me," Tian Hao said, looking at Shanshan with eyes full of anticipation. It seemed that what Wang Xiaotian said was true; Tian Hao really liked Li Xue. But this wasn't what Shanshan hoped for. Without even considering their educational differences, Li Xue and Tian Hao were fundamentally not the same kind of people. Although Shanshan knew that she and Wang Xiaotian also had such issues, Wang Xiaotian was more mature and knew how to love her. But what about Tian Hao? Shanshan couldn't easily trust that Tian Hao would view Li Xue in the same way he viewed her. She didn't want Li Xue's life to undergo any negative changes. Li Xue had already endured so much hardship and didn't have the mental capacity to play around anymore. She couldn't be hurt again. Shanshan cared deeply for Li Xue and wanted to protect her as much as possible. "Tian Hao, there are so many girls around you, why worry about not having a girlfriend? Don't think about my friend, okay." Wang Xiaotian spoke up from the side, sharing the same thoughts as Shanshan. "Brother, that girl is different from the ones around me," Tian Hao lowered his head to look at the floor, appearing somewhat melancholy. Shanshan observed silently, feeling: Could it be that Tian Hao really... "Tian Hao, what do we do? I feel particularly guilty towards my sister-in-law, and you should consider that girl too." Wang Xiaotian exhaled a puff of smoke. "Aren't you two doing fine? There shouldn't be any problems between you two. I promise to treat her well," Tian Hao said, glancing at Shanshan who was slightly frowning. "Brother, can you listen without getting upset? What I can achieve, you may not necessarily accomplish, and currently, you definitely can't. If you truly believe that girl is different from others, then let's just be ordinary friends. In the future, we can eat together or hang out. Let my sister-in-law invite her along, alright? Besides, do you know what she thinks? That girl seems uninterested in finding a boyfriend," Wang Xiaotian said, staring intently at Tian Hao, making him reluctant to raise his head. Shanshan felt she should say something since Li Xue was her friend. "Um... Tian Hao, Li Xue is one of my closest friends. I understand her situation, personality, and thoughts very well. So, I must say this: it's impossible between you two. Please believe me... Moreover, I need to tell you, she has just ended a ten-year relationship. She won't start another one so soon," Shanshan stated. Tian Hao clasped his hands together, staring blankly at the distance ahead. Shanshan believed that at this moment, Tian Hao was thinking about Li Xue. However, for Li Xue's sake, Shanshan wouldn't assist in this matter. "I'm sorry, Tian Hao," Shanshan whispered softly. Wang Xiaotian's right hand gripped Shanshan's left hand, gently squeezing it as a sign of comfort and tacit understanding. "No, Sister-in-law, don't say that. I understand what both of you mean... Why did I end up on this path..." Tian Hao eventually muttered to himself. Shanshan sighed inwardly, wondering what exactly love was. It could change a person, determine someone's fate, and even harm them. Tian Hao's feelings seemed to come too quickly... Later in the afternoon, Shanshan received a call from an e-commerce company notifying her of a second interview the next day. Shanshan didn't feel happy about it, nor had she decided whether she would attend. Many companies had informed her of interviews recently, and she had attended a few, all waiting for news. Wang Xiaotian had already started doubting Shanshan's actions. As soon as Shanshan hung up the phone, Wang Xiaotian sat opposite her, ready to have a conversation. "Girl, what exactly have you been doing these days?" Wang Xiaotian asked with a smile. "Ah? ... Nothing much." Shanshan avoided Wang Xiaotian's gaze, answering nervously. "Is that so?" Wang Xiaotian's tone remained calm, but his eyes fixed unwaveringly on Shanshan's reaction. "I'm no longer an office clerk. I'm now an assistant at Qingdao Station 19." Shanshan finally revealed, letting out a long sigh of relief. Secretly sneaking around really wasn't good. After saying this, Shanshan looked up at Wang Xiaotian and quickly lowered her head again. "Oh... Is that so." Wang Xiaotian responded. "You're not...?" Shanshan was confused. "Thank you..." Shanshan was delighted. She originally thought Wang Xiaotian would be angry and forbid her. She had even prepared herself to persuade Wang Xiaotian to change his mind. But unexpectedly, Wang Xiaotian had thought it through and supported Shanshan. "Girl, why are you being so polite with me! By the way, sweetheart, Valentine's Day fell on a local date. This is our first Valentine's Day. Can I make it up to you tonight?" Wang Xiaotian tilted his head and smiled at Shanshan. Shanshan remembered that Valentine's Day had passed. That day, she and Xu Meng went shopping together. Everywhere they went, couples were paired up, and all she saw were roses and smiles. Only she and Xu Meng walked by like oddities among those happy couples. Xu Meng even said she was absorbing the power of love, hoping to soon meet her destined prince. Now that Wang Xiaotian proposed making up for it, Shanshan, of course, was pleased. "Alright..." Shanshan smiled, sweetly. She wanted to make those couples envy her on this non-Valentine's Day. She was also happy. In the evening, Wang Xiaotian and Shanshan stepped out. Wang Xiaotian bought Shanshan a large bouquet of roses intertwined with baby's breath, truly beautiful. Shanshan embraced the heavy roses, feeling that this was the color of love—passionate and pure. Walking down the street of Wangfujing with Wang Xiaotian's arm around hers, holding the roses, many people looked at her. A woman bathed in the glow of love was indeed beautiful! Later, the two enjoyed dinner at Pizza Hut. Wang Xiaotian opened the chocolate Shanshan had given him, peeled off a piece, and offered it to Shanshan. Shanshan took it in her hand and raised it to Wang Xiaotian's mouth, smiling as she watched him. Wang Xiaotian also smiled, opening his mouth to bite the piece of chocolate. At that moment, Wang Xiaotian's heart must have been sweeter than the chocolate itself. When Shanshan ate the chocolate Wang Xiaotian peeled for her, she felt a sense of fulfillment that was almost overflowing from her heart—a fullness of happiness and joy.
Qingdao Station 19, Shanshan's Love Story (Part Sixty-Two) Zhao Peng and Wang Yan invited Wang Xiaotian and Shanshan for dinner. In an island city Korean barbecue house, Zhao Peng was enthusiastically narrating his grand plan. "I've thought about it. Since we're going to do it, we need to make it big and impressive." Zhao Peng was extremely excited. "Come on, everyone talks big, but is it really that easy to start a business? Besides, starting high means greater risks." Wang Yan poured cold water on his plans. "Go away! Women don't know anything!" Zhao Peng shot a glare at Wang Yan and then turned to Shanshan: "Sister, I didn't mean you!" Wang Xiaotian and Shanshan chuckled. "But seriously, Brother, do you have confidence? Nowadays, there are so many websites, and only a few succeed." Wang Xiaotian said. "I know, I haven't ignored the consequences, but isn't taking risks necessary when trying to accomplish something? Besides, I have connections, remember Liu Xinming? You helped him collect debts before." Zhao Peng was still brimming with confidence. "Yes, he even invited me for dinner, but I didn't go." Wang Xiaotian recalled. "True, hey, it doesn't matter if I didn't go. Anyway, he's quite grateful to me. Though, if it weren't for you, he might not have helped me." "What does Liu Xinming matter? Calling himself an IT elite, how stingy he is! He'd never sincerely help you," Wang Yan interjected. "Why don't you consult Shanshan instead? She's after all the top assistant at Qingdao's largest internet company, Qingdao Station 19." "Hey, will you quiet down for a moment?!" Zhao Peng glared once again. Shanshan suddenly remembered what Wang Xiaotian had said: His brother and sister-in-law would even fight with knives at home. Shanshan was amazed at their courage! The four chatted and ate, but Zhao Peng dominated the conversation. He was in an entrepreneurial fervor, filled with absolute confidence and hope for the future. He kept talking incessantly about his plans. Shanshan didn't fully grasp Zhao Peng's abilities, but according to Wang Xiaotian, he made a lot of money in Zhongguancun a few years ago. Zhao Peng exaggerated his talk, but Shanshan found every word reasonable and plausible. She believed Zhao Peng had a chance of succeeding if he followed through. After dinner, Wang Yan said, "Wang Xiaotian, take your brother and sister-in-law out for some fun. We haven't entertained ourselves outside for a long time. He's been busy with the company lately." Zhao Peng nodded in agreement, saying they really needed to relax. "Sure, Sister-in-law, where do you want to go?" Wang Xiaotian readily agreed. "Let you arrange it. Just sing some songs or something." Wang Yan suggested. Wang Xiaotian asked if they should go to a karaoke lounge or KTV. Wang Yan said let's go to a karaoke lounge, specifically yours, so she could experience it. "Haha, sure, Wang Xiaotian, let your sister-in-law enjoy a strip show..." Zhao Peng laughed beside them, and Wang Yan lightly punched him. Thus, the four stood up. As Wang Xiaotian helped Shanshan put on her coat, Wang Yan expressed envy, saying her husband only helped her wear clothes when they first met. Now, alas! Zhao Peng grinned, quickly grabbing Wang Yan's coat and saying, "Wife, today will be the last time I help you wear your coat." Wang Yan snatched the coat back, saying, "What do you mean 'last time'? I refuse to give you this opportunity." Everyone laughed, including Shanshan, who was genuinely amused. They arrived at the karaoke lounge where Wang Xiaotian had shares. It had been newly renovated, looking even more luxurious than before. A waiter respectfully escorted Wang Xiaotian and the group into a VIP room, promptly serving red wine, beer, fruit platters, and the mineral water Shanshan requested. Zhao Peng couldn't wait and immediately sang "My Deskmate's You," evoking memories of student days for Shanshan. Just as he finished, Tian Hao entered with a brightly dressed woman. Tian Hao shook hands with Zhao Peng, who introduced Wang Yan to Tian Hao, calling her "Sister-in-law." Then Tian Hao introduced the woman who had followed him to Wang Xiaotian. "This is Brother Two." "Brother Two!" The woman nodded with a smile and greeted. Wang Xiaotian merely looked up without responding, then glanced at Tian Hao. "Brother Two, this is the new 'Mama,' her name is Xiao Ya." Tian Hao explained to Wang Xiaotian, who nodded. Tian Hao then introduced Shanshan, and Xiao Ya also greeted her as "Sister-in-law." Shanshan felt awkward; this woman was several years older than her. Shanshan understood the meaning of "Mama"—essentially the leader of the ladies. Xiao Ya, indeed born into this line of work, skillfully filled Wang Xiaotian's glass and poured herself a drink. She said, "Brother Two, it's my first time meeting you. I've heard much about you. If I ever do anything inappropriate, please bear with me. Allow me to toast you." Wang Xiaotian raised his glass, saying, "Work hard," and drank the wine. Then Xiao Ya told Shanshan, "Sister-in-law, I won't toast you because I know you don't drink." Shanshan didn't find it strange, knowing Tian Hao must have instructed her beforehand. Afterwards, Xiao Ya toasted Zhao Peng and Wang Yan, finishing her drinks before leaving to attend to other matters. After she left, Tian Hao asked Wang Xiaotian how she was. Wang Xiaotian said she was fine, capable of handling things! Wang Yan could drink, which Shanshan hadn't realized. Despite her petite frame, she had a great capacity for alcohol and drank with boldness. "Now do you believe me?" Wang Xiaotian secretly asked Shanshan, who nodded with a smile, now completely trusting that Wang Yan could indeed wield a knife against Zhao Peng. "Are you calling escorts?" Wang Yan loudly questioned Zhao Peng. Zhao Peng chuckled nervously, looking at Wang Xiaotian. Earlier, Zhao Peng had continuously praised the escorts here as especially charming and mentioned the "Mama" had a decent demeanor. Wang Yan's anger flared, demanding Zhao Peng hire an escort. "I'm your husband; hiring an escort in front of you doesn't look good, does it?" Zhao Peng laughed, to which Wang Yan cursed, "You're not a real man!" and drank another cup of alcohol. Seeing Wang Yan drinking, Zhao Peng dared not say much more, and Wang Xiaotian signaled Zhao Peng not to argue further. Wang Yan announced she was going to the restroom. Seeing her wobbly state, Shanshan offered to accompany her. Wang Yan thanked her, saying how good the younger sister-in-law was, and they headed out. Once in the restroom, Wang Yan vomited. Shanshan remarked she had drunk too much, but Wang Yan reassured her it was normal, stating she always felt better after vomiting and could drink even more afterward, surprising Shanshan. Wang Yan retched forcefully in the stall while Shanshan waited outside near the sink. An escort entered, swaying drunkenly. She adjusted her makeup in front of the mirror, her eyes glazed over as she glanced at Shanshan through the reflection. Lying, Shanshan thought this girl was beautiful, her large eyes resembling a certain Hong Kong actress. Even with heavy makeup, she didn't appear garish but rather had a cold elegance. "How did you end up here too..." the escort suddenly said softly, seemingly careless, though not looking directly at Shanshan but speaking to her nonetheless. Afterward, she turned and left, leaving Shanshan stunned as she disappeared around the corner...
Qingdao Station 19, Shanshan's Love Story (Part Sixty-Three) When Shanshan and Wang Yan returned to the private room, Zhao Peng was still singing "The Dormitory Buddy Above Me," and Shanshan noticed that although Zhao Peng was over 30, he loved campus songs. Wang Yan sat beside Zhao Peng, listening attentively as he sang, her expression reminiscent of past memories. After the song ended, Zhao Peng turned to Wang Yan, and they exchanged a glance and a smile, their expressions unusually intimate and sweet, as if in perfect harmony. Any earlier awkwardness seemed to have vanished. Wang Xiaotian quietly told Shanshan that it was because of this song that his brother and sister-in-law met. Shanshan was moved by this revelation. Suddenly, Wang Yan shouted, "Wang Xiaotian, aren't you going to sing? Your voice is so beautiful." Zhao Peng also chimed in, saying they hadn't heard Wang Xiaotian sing in a long time. Shanshan was surprised; she had never heard Wang Xiaotian sing. He claimed he couldn't sing, lacking pitch, so how could Wang Yan say he sang beautifully? Shanshan looked curiously at Wang Xiaotian, who gave a bitter smile and then asked her softly, "Do you want to hear me sing?" Initially, Shanshan shook her head but then said, "If you want to sing, go ahead." Wang Xiaotian then asked Wang Yan to order "Ice Rain" for him. Shanshan was genuinely astonished; Wang Xiaotian sang flawlessly! His deep, magnetic voice hit all the right notes, emotionally engaging Shanshan to the point of captivation. After the song, Zhao Peng, Wang Yan, and Tian Hao applauded, but Shanshan remained motionless, puzzled as to why Wang Xiaotian had previously claimed he couldn't sing. Wang Xiaotian suggested they step out for a moment. The two moved to the central hall, where a few idle escorts sat on sofas. Upon seeing Wang Xiaotian and Shanshan approach, they stood up and left. "Did you enjoy my singing?" Wang Xiaotian asked. Shanshan nodded and leaned back against the sofa. "My previous girlfriend fell in love with me because of my singing. When we parted, she asked me to sing her one last song, saying it should have a proper ending. Since then, I haven't sung again," Wang Xiaotian shared. Shanshan couldn't describe the emotions swirling within her; it was the first time she had heard Wang Xiaotian mention his past or another woman. She remained silent, her thoughts drifting back a few years as she imagined Wang Xiaotian singing to that woman, tinged with jealousy. "Sweetheart, I'm sorry for not telling you before," Wang Xiaotian pulled Shanshan's hand, looking up at her. Shanshan took a deep breath and, with a sense of relief or perhaps jest, said, "It doesn't matter. Now that I know you can sing beautifully, I won't regret it in the future." She then smiled. Wang Xiaotian gently pinched her nose, saying, "Whenever you want me to sing, I'll do it for you." As they were talking, an escort ran by, followed by Mama Xiao Ya, who rushed into a private room. Soon, a scream echoed out: "Help!" Wang Xiaotian sprang up and headed toward the room, with Shanshan following closely behind. Inside, a fat man was pulling an escort's hair, curs