Sweet as Honey and Sugar - Chapter 9:
He Qingrou stood at the door with the room card in her hand,
hesitating for a full minute before she finally gave in and opened it.
The hotel room was spacious and well-furnished. Two beds stood side by side with more than a
meter between them. The bathroom and shower were combined, separated from the rest of the
room by clear glass. Even the wall between the bedroom and bathroom was transparent,
as if the designer had never heard of privacy.
Across the room, pale curtains hung heavy and still. She pulled them open,
and soft daylight spilled inside. The sky outside was dull and gray,
as though a thin layer of white dust covered it.
The hotel overlooked a busy road. From the eighteenth floor, the endless lines of cars looked like a
chain of glowing beads. Beijing traffic truly lived up to its reputation even at four or five in the
afternoon, the streets were completely packed.
Lin Nai returned from the front desk with two black bags in hand. After setting everything down,
she asked which bed He Qingrou wanted.
The one near the window, He Qingrou almost said, but then she remembered the glass wall and
quickly changed her mind.
The inside one.
Lin Nai didn’t think much of it and nodded. She tossed one of the black bags toward her.
The bag contained a new set of clothes including a pair of white lace underwear that made
He Qingrou’s face heat up instantly.
She quietly put it back into the bag and tucked it away in the drawer,
pretending not to notice. While doing so, her eyes accidentally caught a glimpse of a small pink box
on the shelf above. The bold words on the packaging made her ears turn red, and
she hurriedly shoved it deep inside the drawer before Lin Nai could see.
Lin Nai leaned against the wall, stretching lazily. Do you want to go out later?
she asked casually. I know a few places here.
I still have some work to finish, He Qingrou said, lowering her gaze to her phone.
She opened the group chat to check the progress of their project.
One of her team members reported that the documents had been submitted,
but more follow-up was needed.
Then maybe later, Lin Nai smiled. I’ll take you to see the night lights on Chang’an Street.
Sure, He Qingrou replied softly.
They didn’t go out until nine. Taking a car to Fuxing Road, they walked through
Xidan and headed east toward Wangfujing.
It was He Qingrou’s first time there. The streets glowed with bright lights and life.
People crowded the sidewalks, their laughter mixing with the sound of music and traffic.
Lin Nai bought her a candied hawthorn skewer and handed it over with a grin.
Try this. It’s very authentic.
He Qingrou chuckled. I’m five years older than you, you know.
That didn’t stop Lin Nai from raising her phone and snapping a photo.
When He Qingrou turned, she was met with that honest, open smile.
You look nice when you smile, Lin Nai said simply.
He Qingrou looked away, flustered, her gaze falling on the busy street.
Couples walked hand in hand, families strolled under the soft yellow lights, and laughter drifted
through the air like warm mist. A quiet emotion rose inside her something wistful and tender.
Just then, a bright flash caught her eye. A man in work clothes crouched a few steps away,
holding up a professional camera. He hurried over, apologetic,
explaining that he couldn’t help but take a shot when he saw them.
It’s fine, He Qingrou replied gently, as long as you don’t post it anywhere.
The man smiled, showing her the photo. It was beautifully composed the nightscape glittered
behind them like a field of stars. She stood closer to the light while Lin Nai was slightly behind her,
half in shadow, looking quietly at her instead of the city.
The photo felt strangely intimate.
He offered to send it to her, and she gave him her email address.
When Lin Nai approached curiously, He Qingrou subtly stepped between them, gently pulling her
friend along. Let’s go look ahead, she said quickly.
Lin Nai gave her a small knowing smile but didn’t press.
They continued walking, stopping by small shops filled with silver jewelry and souvenirs.
In one store, He Qingrou admired a pendant necklace, but when she asked the price,
the answer made her heart sink — twenty-eight thousand yuan. She left without buying anything.
Let’s head back, she said quietly. It’s late, and we have an early meeting tomorrow.
Back at the hotel, the moon hung faint and low, the city lights reflecting softly in the glass.
He Qingrou sat by the window, scrolling through her messages until a new email notification
popped up. It was from the photographer.
Opening it, she saw the photo again — two figures surrounded by a thousand city lights.
This time, looking at it made her chest ache, though she couldn’t say why.
She saved the picture to her gallery.
Lin Nai’s voice came from behind her, asking who would shower first.
You go ahead, He Qingrou murmured, her eyes flicking toward the glass wall.
Steam began to cloud the transparent surface soon after. The faint outline of Lin Nai’s figure
blurred behind the mist, soft and indistinct. He Qingrou lowered her gaze,
the warmth of the room seeping into her skin.
By the time she stepped into the bathroom later, the air was still heavy with heat.
She turned on the water, letting it wash over her shoulders and down her back.
The sound of the falling water filled the small space.
The warmth melted into her thoughts, leaving her quietly adrift between
the noise of the city and the stillness of her heart.