Bald Mouth

Today the weather was overcast, with a misty haze hanging over the early morning.

Shi Jing held her books and walked alongside the shaded path, thinking about the events of the past few days.

It was truly unprecedented that her reclusive advisor, Shu Yunyi, had contacted her again starting two days ago. It felt like the sun rising in the west.

But what surprised her even more was the reason behind Shu Yunyi's outreach—she wanted to know if Shi Jing knew a man named Shen Yi.

As a single woman well past her prime, Shi Jing's contacts list contained only a handful of male acquaintances, none of whom went by that name. Naturally, she couldn't provide Shu Yunyi with any useful information.

"Who on earth is this Shen Yi?"

With this question lingering in her mind, Shi Jing continued to ponder in confusion.

Shu Yunyi had been relentless, asking about this "Shen Yi" almost three times a day, as if she was certain he would somehow reach out to Shi Jing. This only deepened Shi Jing's confusion.

On the other hand, Shu Yunyi's sudden transformation also brought Shi Jing some consolation.

Yesterday's visit had truly shocked Shi Jing. The normally gloomy and alcoholic Shu Yunyi now had her home impeccably clean, a far cry from the mess Shi Jing remembered.

Not only did Shu Yunyi refuse the beer Shi Jing had brought as usual, but she also proclaimed her intent to quit drinking.

This news filled Shi Jing with joy. She had seen Shu Yunyi at her best, full of life and vigor, and now witnessing her ability to rise above her struggles was truly wonderful.

Additionally, Shi Jing noticed that Shu Yunyi had started exercising; she could see her running in the campus morning and evening.

As Shi Jing was lost in thought, a female voice came from behind her.

"Jingjing, any news?"

Shi Jing jumped in surprise and turned to see her former advisor, Shu Yunyi.

Wearing jogging attire, her high ponytail swayed as she ran, her figure well-proportioned and a light sheen of sweat on her forehead, indicating her workout had been ongoing for some time.

"Good morning, Teacher Shu. Are you going for a run?"

"Mhm, any news?"

Shu Yunyi responded briefly before immediately inquiring about any updates, her demeanor clearly more focused on the information she sought.

Worried that she might have missed something, Shi Jing checked her phone on the spot and then shook her head.

"Not yet."

"I see..."

Shu Yunyi replied emotionlessly and continued her run.

"Gotcha, teacher. Take care, and I’ll let you know as soon as I hear anything," Shi Jing hurriedly added.

Shu Yunyi didn't stop, simply waving a hand to acknowledge the message as she ran off.

Shi Jing watched the tall ponytail sway rhythmically with each step, lost in thought before continuing her walk.

"What a transformation..."

---

Despite the rush, a hearty meal was prepared under the combined efforts of Shen's Mother and Fu Nanzhi.

Three meat dishes, three vegetable dishes, and a soup—simple yet delicious flavors featuring chicken, fish, meat, and eggs.

After tidying up, Shen's Mother called out from the kitchen,

"Xiao Yi! Come out and help set up the table."

Turning to Fu Nanzhi with a smile, she added,

"We'll eat inside, where it's cooler with the air conditioning!"

At that moment, Shen's Father, Shen Rui, arrived home just in time, riding his electric scooter. Sniffing the delicious aroma in the air, he chuckled inquisitively,

"Smells so good, honey. What's the occasion today?"

Shen's Mother emerged from the kitchen, pulling Shen Rui's sleeve and whispered,

"Our son brought a girlfriend home. Be careful not to act all surprised and scare her away."

Shen's Father stared, amazed, before grumbling,

"Nonsense! I wouldn't do something so foolish."

Just then, Shen Yi came out to help set up the table, smiling at his father,

"Welcome home, Dad."

"Mhm, I'm back."

Shen's Father cleared his throat and responded formally.

"Hello, Uncle."

"Oh, hello, hello."

With a wave of his hand, Shen's Father's astonishment didn’t go unnoticed by Shen's Mother.

"Alright, everyone, wash up and let's eat. Nanzhi, come over here and wash too."

Seeing everyone gathered, Shen's Mother promptly called out to everyone.

Shen Yi arranged the tables and chairs, setting everything in place before joining Fu Nanzhi to wash their hands.

Fu Nanzhi turned to him, a smudge of soot on her nose, blending with her otherwise immaculate face.

Shen Yi chuckled as he gently wiped it off, then pinched her cheek and whispered softly,

"Well done!"

"Hehehe..."

Fu Nanzhi giggled, clearly delighted.

As soon as the couple entered the house, Shen's Father pulled Shen's Mother aside and whispered,

"Is that really our son? Has he been replaced by a monster?"

"You old fool, of course, it's our son! Who else could it be?"

Shen's Mother rolled her eyes and swatted his hand away.

"I didn't mean it like that. I'm just saying... it's our son? A young lady as beautiful as a fairy appearing with him? Is this even real?"

"Why wouldn't it be real? What could anyone possibly gain from tricking us?"

Reflecting on the conversation in the kitchen earlier, Shen's Mother smirked with deep satisfaction.

"But based on what I saw, it seems real enough!"

"Huh, you sure changed sides quickly!"

Shen's Father shrugged, resigned.

With all the dishes ready, the four of them gathered around the table.

Each taking a seat, Shen's Father opened a bottle of wine and offered,

"Shall we have a drink, son?"

"Sure, why not?"

Shen Yi usually didn't drink at home, but today, seeing his father in high spirits, he didn’t refuse.

Meanwhile, Fu Nanzhi beneath the table nudged Shen Yi's arm, saying,

"I want some too."

If Shen Yi didn't drink often, then Fu Nanzhi truly avoided alcohol altogether. Her low tolerance usually kept her from imbibing unless absolutely necessary.

However, today being a special occasion, a little drink wouldn't hurt.

Smiling, Shen Yi grabbed a cup for her and poured some wine.

Fu Nanzhi beamed, stood up, and expressed with utmost courtesy,

"Uncle and Auntie, I’d like to toast you both."

Then, she promptly downed the drink in one go, coughed slightly, and placed the cup down, her cheeks already flushed from the alcohol's effect.

"Ah, that's a good girl. Sit down, sit down, no need for such formality."

"Old Shen, pour me a cup too."

Shen's Father and Shen's Mother were impressed by Fu Nanzhi's demeanor, immediately raising their glasses and drinking with wide smiles.

"Pour me another cup," Fu Nanzhi requested, leaning toward Shen Yi.

Shen's Mother quickly intervened,

"Alright, first time here; don’t let Nanzhi drink too much. That should be enough."

"Come, my dear, eat while it’s hot. Don’t be shy."

With that, she picked up some fish and placed it in Fu Nanzhi's bowl.

"Thank you, Auntie."

Fu Nanzhi responded with a sweet smile.

Observing her, Shen's Mother couldn’t help but praise,

"Nanzhi is such a wonderful girl. She even helped in the kitchen on her first visit—it’s really too kind of her."

"Not at all, Auntie. It’s only natural."

Fu Nanzhi, unlike when meeting strangers, adjusted seamlessly in the presence of friends or family.

Her warm demeanor, elegant behavior, and perfect social cues charmed the couple. Her every move had Shen's Father and Shen's Mother smiling and drinking all night long.

The meal's atmosphere grew lively, with everyone enjoying themselves as Shen Yi almost felt like an outsider.

After a few drinks, Fu Nanzhi's face turned red—her poor tolerance meant she was falling asleep despite drinking the least.

Reunited with Shen's parents, her excitement fueled her spirits, and Shen Yi's mild objections fell on deaf ears.

As the alcohol took its toll, she became more relaxed, rolling up her sleeves and turning to Shen Yi, demanding,

"Hubby, fill me up."

Her drunkenness didn't affect Shen's parents though. Holding their glasses, they exchanged confused looks,

"Hubby?"