——When the mind is calm, the body is at ease.
This was a phrase Fu Shengyun said to Meng Qinghuai when he was sixteen and learning calligraphy.
A single character reveals the heart. When the mind is calm, the strokes are steady; when the mind is disturbed, the strokes become agitated.
From the characters Meng Qinghuai was writing now, it was clear his heart was restless at this moment.
His spirit was constantly pulled by other thoughts, causing his brushstrokes to become chaotic, completely losing the smoothness he once had.
Suddenly, Guan Yingtang’s face would unexpectedly flash into his mind, along with her warm, sweet breath, weaving around him in delicate threads.
Meng Qinghuai stood coldly at the writing desk.
No one could tell the turmoil brewing beneath his calm expression.
This was Meng Qinghuai’s strength; like a deep, dark sea, no one knew the depths of his heart.
But he knew well that every time he used reason to suppress the waves, somewhere in the shadows, they only grew and spread.
At last, Meng Qinghuai put down his brush on the inkstone.
He lowered his eyes to the sheet of Xuan Paper before him.
“It’s not the wind moving, not the banner moving, the benevolent—”
He did not write the last character, “heart,” after “benevolent.”
Perhaps after repeatedly trying and failing to calm his mind, Meng Qinghuai finally understood clearly that this seemingly turbulent night was in fact surrounded by stillness, with everything motionless.
The only thing that moved—
Was his heart.
–
Guan Yingtang truly had a sleepless night.
Every time she closed her eyes, the image of Meng Qinghuai writing calligraphy with a hint of his abs showing floated up.
She couldn’t help but think in her heart, how could he be so sexy? With a cold, solemn demeanor, seemingly detached and uninterested, yet his body paradoxically brimmed with desire.
She had never expected that Meng Qinghuai would actually write with a brush. Those items on the desk she had thought were just decorative embellishments had now become his fatal attraction.
People were visual creatures; it was hard for Guan Yingtang not to let her mind wander.
What was worse was that for the following days, every night Meng Qinghuai would go to the study to write, and Guan Yingtang was so drawn to him she became addicted, tacitly pretending to go downstairs for water at that exact time, then peeking a few glances through the study door.
Sometimes when she asked what he was writing, he would brush it off lightly, saying it was just practice before bed, something to calm the mind.
The house was quiet, so Guan Yingtang didn’t understand what there was to calm.
She was the one who needed calm, truly.
The weekend arrived, and hearing that Guan Yingtang had been restless these days, Jiang Kewei once again took the initiative to arrange a new project for her.
Coincidentally, Meng Qinghuai was also going back to Meng Yuan.
He had been living at Jinghua Mansion for a while, not even returning home for dinner on weekends.
Given Zhuang Jiayi’s nature, she might show up one day personally with a pot of soup.
That afternoon, the couple went out together and happened to meet Jiang Kewei at the door.
Guan Yingtang made no attempt to hide anything since Jiang Kewei already knew about their relationship and naturally began introducing people.
“This is…” When introducing Meng Qinghuai, Guan Yingtang had wanted to add “my husband” before his name, but saying that in front of him felt strangely awkward.
She pursed her lips and simply said, “Meng Qinghuai.”
Jiang Kewei, who was usually at the forefront of gossip, was suddenly a little shaken being formally introduced to Meng Qinghuai and politely extended her hand, “Hello, Senior Meng.”
She then introduced herself, “I’m Jiang Kewei, from the Law School, same year as Yingtang.”
Meng Qinghuai politely shook her hand and nodded, “I know.”
Jiang Kewei’s expression froze briefly. Immediately, Guan Yingtang turned to look at Meng Qinghuai with some disbelief.
Their eyes silently asked: How does he know us?
After all, when they first met, Guan Yingtang had asked Meng Qinghuai if he knew her, and he denied it.
If he didn’t know her, how could he know Jiang Kewei was in the same year?
Realizing he had misspoken, Meng Qinghuai calmly corrected, “I mean, I’ve found out.”
One word made all the difference.
Though Guan Yingtang found it strange, she couldn’t pinpoint why and after some casual chatter, she pulled Jiang Kewei into the car and left.
Just after getting in the car, Jiang Kewei expressed the same surprise, “My god, I really thought my husband had met you before.”
Jiang Kewei was very excited, “But seeing him up close, Meng Qinghuai is really handsome. Don’t you think your husband is good-looking?”
“…”
Enough.
Guan Yingtang didn’t want to think about the name Meng Qinghuai anymore; this man had already drawn her in heavily over the past few days at home.
She made a stop gesture to Jiang Kewei, “Wasn’t a new project arranged for me? What is it?”
Jiang Kewei became mysterious again, “You’ll know when we get there.”
She then remembered something, “I also had you send some gifts to the nursing home the day before yesterday and asked about Chu Laotai and her husband’s happiness experience. She wanted me to give you six words.”
Guan Yingtang wasn’t very interested, but her ears pricked up unconsciously, “?”
“Six words?”
“Six words for what?”
Jiang Kewei gave her a stern look, “For the Harmony of Life!”
“……”
Ten minutes later—
Guan Yingtang was somewhat puzzled, “Beicheng International Theater?”
Jiang Kewei said, “Today the sisters are taking me to see something elegant.”
Guan Yingtang had thought Jiang Kewei would take her to some kind of musical or dance drama, but when they entered the auditorium, she realized—
It was indeed a musical dance drama, but—
A troupe of men dancing shirtless.
“This has just become popular recently. It’s the male troupe of dancers. See? Each one is a muscular hunk.”
“…”
“My sisters had to snatch these tickets from friends. You’ve been restless, right? Watching this will calm your nerves.”
“…”
Guan Yingtang looked at the male dancers on stage with mixed feelings.
If this were before, she would have definitely praised their moves, their looks, how stunning they were.
But people who have eaten fine rice no longer look at ordinary grains.
As the men passionately danced on stage, Guan Yingtang’s heart remained unmoved, and uncontrollably she thought of Meng Qinghuai.
Compared to this straightforward and wild display, she preferred the man at home — the perfectly measured, ascetic, clean contrast, whose calmness and allure were almost oppressive.
The several-hour performance was tedious for Guan Yingtang; she thought once that time was dragging terribly.
Finally, when it was over and they were leaving the parking lot, Meng Qinghuai sent a message:
「There’s work at home. I might stay at Meng Yuan tonight. You go to bed early.」
Guan Yingtang blinked, feeling a faint sense of loss, “Okay.”
“Meng Qinghuai’s not coming home tonight? That’s great!” Jiang Kewei slapped the steering wheel, “Shall we keep having fun? I don’t like this kind of artistic dance. Let’s go to that bar we went to last time, watch the DJ dance.”
But Guan Yingtang leaned against the window and thought for a moment, “Forget it.”
It was just watching men dance. Not really interesting.
Better not watch Meng Qinghuai’s abs as he writes calligraphy — that was truly elegant and charming.
Politely declining her sister’s invitation, Guan Yingtang returned to Jinghua Mansion alone at six in the evening.
These days, whenever she returned home, the lights were always on. Upon entering, she would see Meng Qinghuai’s figure. The house was never empty, never dark and silent—
The freedom she once longed for was right before her eyes, yet Guan Yingtang felt nothing.
Thinking carefully, from the day she arrived in Beicheng, it seemed she had never really been apart from Meng Qinghuai.
Now that he wasn’t coming home tonight, she actually felt unsettled.
Guan Yingtang sat alone on the sofa and turned on the TV.
She was watching a Mainland TV series, bored and listless, when again she thought of two days ago, when she and Meng Qinghuai sat together like this.
At a funny part in the show, she laughed by herself for a long time. When she turned to look at Meng Qinghuai to see if he was amused, she realized he had been staring at her.
He propped his head up with one hand, the corner of his lips twitching in a faint smile.
But it wasn’t because of the show.
……
Guan Yingtang tapped her head, realizing she hadn’t absorbed a single line of dialogue; her mind was elsewhere.
She decided not to watch anymore, turned off the light, and went upstairs to sleep.
–
Meanwhile, at Meng Yuan.
Before dinner, Zhuang Jiayi suddenly felt unwell, causing the whole family to worry. They called a doctor who diagnosed gastroenteritis.
Meng Songnian stayed by her side without leaving, while his son cooperated with the doctor, serving tea and handing medicine.
Under these circumstances, Meng Qinghuai insisted on returning to Jinghua Mansion, which seemed a little unreasonable, even arousing suspicion.
After messaging Guan Yingtang, he focused on accompanying his parents. By ten at night, Zhuang Jiayi’s condition had improved after taking medicine.
Aunt Mei prepared bird’s nest porridge for her, and after eating, she went to bed.
The front building’s lights went out, and then the two brothers returned side by side to their own quarters in the rear building.
“When I was in Monaco before, Mom told me she went to Barcelona. I planned to quietly surprise her.”
Meng Fanchuan didn’t continue; everyone already knew what happened afterward. Meng Qinghuai gave him quite a surprise instead.
Meng Qinghuai ignored his words and said, “Tomorrow, tell Mom and Dad I have work at the company.”
“…Is the company busy lately?”
Meng Qinghuai had no mind for idle chat, just reminded Meng Fanchuan, “If anything happens with Mom, let me know immediately.”
Meng Fanchuan: “…”
Seeing Meng Qinghuai preparing to leave, Meng Fanchuan patted him on the shoulder, “Wait, I have something for you.”
He pulled a box out from the room, “The sponsor gave this at the competition. I don’t need it, you can keep it.”
“What is it?”
“Consider it a wedding gift.”
“…”
Meng Qinghuai was in a hurry to return to Jinghua Mansion and didn’t ask further. Taking it, he was about to leave.
Seeing his hurried steps, Meng Fanchuan couldn’t help but say, “You’re not keeping that woman from the plane at Jinghua Mansion, are you?”
It was late, and if there wasn’t someone on his mind, Meng Qinghuai wouldn’t be leaving Meng Yuan.
The whole “work” excuse was just a cover.
“Brother.” Meng Fanchuan put his hands in his pockets, for once serious, “Are you not planning to separate from that woman?”
Meng Qinghuai paused and looked back at him, “No.”
“And what about the one in Hong Kong?”
“I’ll marry her too.”
“…???”
No way, is his brother crazy?
Meng Fanchuan couldn’t believe what Meng Qinghuai was saying.
Watching his brother walk away, he stood there for a while, wondering if he should make time to visit the temple to see if his big brother had been possessed by something.
It was strangely unfamiliar and frightening.
–
Meng Qinghuai arrived at Jinghua Mansion around midnight.
The house was dark. He got out of the car, carrying the gift from Meng Fanchuan, and went straight to the second floor.
Once the bond is planted in the heart, one has attachments.
Even though he had messaged Guan Yingtang, looking at the pitch-black night, Meng Qinghuai couldn’t help but think if she was afraid being alone at home.
The second floor was quiet. Without putting down the gift, Meng Qinghuai went straight to Guan Yingtang’s bedroom door.
His hand lingered on the handle a moment before gently pushing it open—
The room was very quiet. Meng Qinghuai walked in by the faint moonlight, casually placed the gift on the table, then softly went to the bedside.
Just as he wanted to look at Guan Yingtang, he heard someone sitting up on the bed, “Meng Qinghuai?”
Meng Qinghuai was stunned, “Why aren’t you asleep?”
Hearing the familiar voice, Guan Yingtang, who had been staring at the ceiling for hours, suddenly felt wronged.
She had spent those hours feeling that without Meng Qinghuai by her side, she couldn’t sleep. In the vast, empty mansion, she felt an inexplicable sense of loss, unease, and longing.
She missed his presence in the house. Even if they didn’t share a bedroom, when he was around, her heart was calm.
After a few seconds of silence, Guan Yingtang spoke quietly with a slightly aggrieved nasal tone, “I… miss home.”
—I miss you.
Guan Yingtang didn’t dare to say the real words out loud.
Meng Qinghuai’s heart softened completely, and he felt guilty for leaving her alone, for not coming home earlier.
She was alone in Beicheng.
No one turned on the lights, but Meng Qinghuai could clearly perceive Guan Yingtang’s silhouette.
He couldn’t help but sit beside the bed, wrapping that figure in his arms, gently patting her back, “Want me to call them?”
Guan Yingtang buried herself in his embrace and shook her head.
In the darkness, the air seemed soaked in the man’s crisp, cool aura. Her heart longed to be close, as if her body enjoyed this feeling even more than her mind — irresistible and uncontrollable.
Guan Yingtang clung to Meng Qinghuai, her hand naturally resting on his chest.
As she absentmindedly moved it, it slowly slid down—
Stopping on something firm and strong.
The touch was unexpectedly pleasant.
Through the fabric of his shirt, Guan Yingtang felt it.
She couldn’t resist and touched again.
“I may miss home, but don’t move your hands around so much.” The man’s voice suddenly whispered by her ear.
“…”
Caught in the act, she forgot herself.
Guan Yingtang blinked innocently, explaining, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to.”
Meng Qinghuai: …
No one is more insistent on “not meaning to” than you.
Closing his eyes, Meng Qinghuai really couldn’t bring himself to do anything to a person who was missing her parents.
This wasn’t the way he wanted to start.
He loosened his embrace and said quietly, “It’s late. You should sleep.”
“…”
Is this man really no fun?
Just a little touch and he runs away?
Meng Qinghuai left abruptly, leaving Guan Yingtang feeling wistful.
She couldn’t help but think of a question she had pondered long ago—
Are women from Hong Kong too uninhibited, or are Mainland men too conservative?
But now that he was home, Guan Yingtang’s heart settled.
She reached up and turned on the light, planning to use the restroom before going back to bed, when she noticed a cardboard box on the table.
She suddenly remembered that when Meng Qinghuai came in just now, he seemed to have placed something on the table first.
Could it be a gift for her?
Guan Yingtang pursed her lips and excitedly walked over to look. The box wasn’t sealed, slightly open.
Curious, she opened it and saw dozens of small boxes neatly arranged inside, all in blue English packaging.
She picked one up to examine but didn’t recognize what it was, except for the word printed on the box.
condom.
???
Guan Yingtang’s mind exploded.
Condom?!
Was this… the condom she knew?
She stared blankly at the box in her hand, then at the rest inside the carton.
Unbelievable—
Her husband, who didn’t even let her touch his abs, had bought a whole box of condoms late at night and brought them home.