Tian Tian roughly recounted her injury to Wu Shuang, who listened with great sympathy.
She examined his foot, asked about the doctor's instructions, and then blamed herself.
"I'm such an unqualified friend. Not only was I not by your side at a critical moment, but I couldn't even pick up your calls, making you worry about me. Tian Tian, I'm so sorry."
Tian Tian said, "Don't say that. If I were angry with you, I wouldn't be here at your house today. Control your emotions. They'll be here soon, so we absolutely cannot let the mask slip."
Fortunately, Wu Shuang had made two dishes today, so it wouldn't look too shabby.
As the two were talking, Jiang Nan Fang and his wife arrived downstairs, and Wu Shuang went down to greet them.
Jiang Nan Fang was puzzled, "Why isn't Tian Tian coming down? This child, letting you come alone to pick us up, is too improper."
Wu Shuang replied, "I specifically asked her not to come. We're all busy with work, and it's rare for us to get together. After all, she's my guest, so let me fulfill my duty as a host."
The group went upstairs amicably. Seeing their daughter after more than half a month, Jiang Nan Fang was overjoyed and rushed to embrace her.
Tian Tian gritted her teeth and managed to stand up. She hugged her parents, and after some small talk, they sat down.
Jiang Nan Fang asked questions, and the two girls cooperated in their fabricated story. After a long chat, Jiang Nan Fang left, content.
Wu Shuang served Tian Tian her meal, and as they ate, she asked her.
"I didn't get a chance to ask you just now, how did you get so familiar with Chen Dong Yang? When something happened, you didn't ask your brother or sister for help, so why did you think of him?"
Tian Tian had to recount the matter of Hui Hui and Dou Bao to her again, emphasizing repeatedly that Hui Hui was a virtuous and good housewife, and Dou Bao was like Chen Dong Yang's own son, and the three of them were a family.
She and Chen Dong Yang were innocent.
Hearing the end, Wu Shuang sighed, "Alas, hearing you say that, I feel Chen Dong Yang's life is truly difficult. Such a handsome and talented man being burdened like this for a lifetime, it's pitiful."
To be honest, Tian Tian felt a bit of that too, but she didn't want to say it directly.
"How do you know it's a burden? Perhaps he's willing? He and Hui Hui look really well-matched."
Wu Shuang shook her head, "Whether they match or not, my house will be renovated soon, and I won't have any more contact with him."
"Tian Tian, darling, actually, there's something I've been hesitant to tell you."
Seeing her blush as she spoke, Tian Tian knew something good was about to happen.
"What is it? Someone's pursuing you, are you going to start dating?"
Wu Shuang looked shy, "It's not certain yet, so I've been hesitant to tell you. I mentioned our director to you before, right?"
Tian Tian nodded, "You did. You said he's thirty years old and still unmarried, a perpetually single, psychologically twisted old bachelor."
Wu Shuang: "...Did I speak so venomously before?"
Tian Tian laughed, "Absolutely. I haven't deleted the chat logs. You complained about his ugly deeds all day long. What, have you suddenly changed your mind about him recently?"
Wu Shuang blushed even more, resting her chin in her hands and looking shy for a while.
"How should I put it? My previous perspective was too superficial and one-sided. Last time we went on a business trip together, I suddenly realized he's quite different from what I imagined."
Tian Tian encouraged her, "Then give it a try. We're both twenty-six years old, and thirty isn't that old for us."
"He's an outsider, and to become a director in the company, it shows he's quite capable. If other aspects also suit you, why not give it a try?"
"But. He hasn't shown any particular interest in me, and I don't want to surrender so quickly."
"But if I don't make a move, I'm afraid someone else will poach him, it's so difficult."
This touched upon Tian Tian's blind spot.
With zero dating experience, she didn't understand the push and pull between men and women.
She just told Wu Shuang, "I'm here for you. Whatever you experience or want to do in the future, you can tell me. I can't guarantee I can give you advice, but I can be a listener."
The best friends chatted for a long time before ending their conversation.
After tidying up the house, Wu Shuang asked if she wanted to take a bath.
Tian Tian said yes, "I'm not afraid to be embarrassed telling you the truth, but I haven't taken a bath since I got injured."
"Ah?"
"Really, I'm not lying. Because it was inconvenient, I haven't washed at all."
"You live with Chen Dong Yang every day, such a grown person, aren't you afraid he'll laugh at you for not bathing?"
Tian Tian recalled the scenes of Chen Dong Yang reasoning with her every time she wanted to take a bath, and couldn't help but laugh.
"Whether he laughs or not, it's passed. I probably have two pounds of grime I can scrub off, don't be disgusted, this important task is entrusted to you today."
Wu Shuang pretended to be disgusted and tutted at her twice.
"Not bathing for days, and letting a strange man carry you around every day, you're quite something. Let me smell if you're stinky."
She buried her nose in Tian Tian's armpit, and the two girls burst into laughter.
Just then, Tian Tian's phone rang.
She had gotten used to receiving calls these past few days. Chen Dong Yang didn't text her; he called directly.
Seeing his name, they both regained their composure.
Tian Tian answered, and Wu Shuang leaned her ear close to the phone to listen with her.
"Brother Chen."
"Mm. Have you eaten?"
"I've eaten, how about you?"
"I've eaten too. Is everything alright?"
"No. They left after sitting for a while."
"Alright. Are you staying at Miss Zhu's place tonight or going back?"
"I want to stay one night."
"Okay, what time does Miss Zhu go to work tomorrow morning?"
Wu Shuang gestured to her from the side, and Tian Tian relayed the message.
"She gets up a little after six."
"Then I'll pick you up at six."
"Huh?"
"Miss Zhu goes to work, and it's not safe for you to be alone at her place. It's settled then, I'll pick you up at six."
It was already past ten in the evening. To be picked up at six in the morning, Tian Tian felt she owed him another big favor.
"Okay. Then you should rest quickly."
Chen Yang hummed, "You should rest quickly too... and don't shower."
Tian Tian and Wu Shuang simultaneously: "..."
After hanging up, seeing Wu Shuang staring at her with a suggestive look, Tian Tian felt very embarrassed.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Wu Shuang smiled, "You and Chen Dong Yang are so familiar. Listening to him talk to you, he sounds like both your older brother and your boyfriend. And I must say, if it weren't for that Hui Hui and Dou Bao, with your looks, you two would be quite a match."
Tian Tian was speechless, "Big sister, can you stop talking nonsense? This is the person you used to have a crush on, how can you ship us like this?"
Wu Shuang casually patted her shoulder.
"I know you well enough. It's impossible for you to be interested in someone of this social class. I'm just commenting on your looks... So, are you going to shower or not?"