Chapter Three: The Price

Watching Luo Qing walk away into the distance, my heart felt barren, as if all vitality had been stripped from it. I sat on the ground like a puppet, staring blankly toward the shop’s entrance without moving.

“Brother Yang… are you okay?” Yang Xiaoyu crouched beside me, gently nudging my shoulder.

Why…

I gazed outside, yet my thoughts were trapped in the memories of the past, struggling painfully. Every moment I had shared with her, every smile and frown, felt like a bottle of corrosive poison, eating away at my body and soul.

“Brother Yang?” Yang Xiaoyu nudged me for a while, her voice trembling. “Say something…”

“I’m fine.” My body shivered, as if waking from a long dream. My consciousness returned to reality, and I looked at Yang Xiaoyu’s worried face, wanting to smile at her, but I simply couldn’t muster the expression—it felt impossibly difficult at that moment.

She nodded, leaned down, and helped me up. The moment I moved, a sharp pain shot through my thigh, so I gestured for her to stop. “Xiaoyu, you should go back.”

“What do you mean?” Yang Xiaoyu looked at me in confusion, but didn’t stop trying to lift me up. I could clearly feel her slender arms straining, determined to help me stand.

“We’re not open today… maybe never again. I’m sorry.” I lowered my head, unable to meet her eyes.

“What did you say?” There was disbelief in Yang Xiaoyu’s voice. Hearing my words, she seemed to lose all her strength and let go of my arm. Although I avoided her gaze, I could still feel the heat of her stare, making my heart tremble.

“You already know. I opened this cold drink shop to wait for someone, and that person is Luo Qing—you’ve met her.”

I finally raised my head, seeing her incredulous expression, but I couldn’t find any other explanation.

“The woman who watched you get beaten and did nothing?” Yang Xiaoyu’s words struck me. Oddly, hearing her say that stirred a rebellious feeling inside me, but the truth was there—no amount of excuses could change reality.

“Yes.” I forced a bitter smile and nodded.

After hearing my answer, Yang Xiaoyu suddenly laughed, her gaze tinged with a hint of mockery. Her voice turned sharp. “I don’t know what happened between you two, but I can’t imagine how two people in love could be so indifferent… And you, crying for a woman like that, giving up your dreams and your career, have you thought about the consequences? Such weakness…”

I stared at the icy, distant Yang Xiaoyu, lost for words. She was right; I was weak. Faced with failure and betrayal, I was powerless. But what could I do—chase after Luo Qing?

As silence settled between us, the shop door opened and a stranger stepped in. He glanced around the empty cold drink shop, then looked at me, hesitating before approaching. “You’re the owner, right? I saw you at the themed event night… Are you not open today?” He glanced at the “Open” sign hanging by the door.

I looked at him, about to answer, but Yang Xiaoyu spoke first. “We’re open. What would you like to order?”

The man gave me a puzzled look, then turned his attention to Yang Xiaoyu. Seeing her youthful beauty, he grew a bit shy, rubbing his nose before speaking. “I’d like a glass of ‘Price,’ and an orange juice, please.”

“Certainly, please wait a moment.” Yang Xiaoyu smiled politely and hurried into the back room.

Once she left, the man looked at me again, then came over to help me up, asking, “I remember you’re the owner here. What happened? You look like…”

“Like I got beaten up, right?” I laughed at myself.

He nodded, saying nothing, and helped me to a nearby seat.

Sitting across from him, I sized him up. He looked to be in his early thirties, with a side-parted hairstyle, fair skin, dignified features, and an aura of integrity. His bright eyes were framed by gold-rimmed glasses—he had the air of a scholar.

“I’ve always been a loyal customer of your shop, but my work keeps me busy, so I don’t come often. Still, I really like this black-and-white cold drink store.” His smile was warm, the kind that felt genuinely sincere.

“Thank you…” I nodded, though my thoughts were far from the shop, reluctant to converse.

“You should be thanking me.” He waved his hand. “I don’t know why, but the first time I came here was two months ago, just after you opened. The unique decor caught my eye immediately, and when I learned the meaning behind it, I felt as if something inside me was stirred.”

For the first time, I truly regarded the man before me—not for any other reason, but because he understood that special emotion: the confusion about the future, the exploration of life, and the loyalty to love.

“It seems we’re kindred spirits. May I ask your name?” I finally smiled.

“No need for formalities. My surname is Bai, and my given name is Sheng.” He shook his head, polite and modest.

I nodded, about to speak again, when Yang Xiaoyu returned carrying the drinks.

“Xiaoyu, sit down too. There’s nobody else here now.” I gestured for her to join us, feeling a pang of guilt for her efforts.

“Alright…” She glanced at me, puzzled, seeming not to understand why I was sitting with the stranger and chatting so amiably.

Bai Sheng looked around, curious. “Business isn’t good lately?”

Yang Xiaoyu shook her head, glanced at me, and sighed without speaking.

“Well, that makes sense. Cold drinks are a tough sell in this season. If there’s no promotional strategy, it’s hard to achieve good results.” Bai Sheng adjusted his glasses.

“Do you have a better solution?” Yang Xiaoyu was intrigued by Bai Sheng’s confidence, wondering if he truly had a way to help the cold drink shop thrive in this snowy season.

“Of course I do.” Bai Sheng smiled, looking at her.

“What is it?” Hearing his words, I grew interested as well.

Seeing our curiosity, Bai Sheng deliberately paused, then smiled. “But I have a condition.”

“A condition?” Yang Xiaoyu’s expression cooled instantly, pouting with displeasure. “Say it or don’t!”

Bai Sheng didn’t mind her attitude, laughing heartily before he spoke. “Boss Yang, your chef is quite interesting. If I had a girl like her helping with my company, I’d pay any price.”

Hearing this, Yang Xiaoyu’s cheeks flushed, and she quickly found an excuse to retreat to the back room.

“Is it just an employment relationship between you two?” Bai Sheng watched her leave, then asked me with a hint of meaning.

I didn’t answer immediately, thinking before I replied, “It’s an employment relationship, but I’m also her brother.”

“What’s her name?”

“Yang Xiaoyu.”

After my answer, Bai Sheng seemed to understand, his energy rising as he asked eagerly, “Does she have a boyfriend?”

“So your intentions lie elsewhere…” I looked at his anxious face and said, “Then tell me, how long have you had your eye on Xiaoyu?”

“Well…” Bai Sheng looked embarrassed but didn’t evade. He seemed to calculate before answering, “Thirty-five days.”

Damn… I muttered under my breath. Did he really have to be so precise?

“Now it’s my turn to ask. Does Xiaoyu have a boyfriend?” Bai Sheng leaned forward, serious.

He was quick to latch on—he’d only just learned her name, and was already using her nickname.

“Not so fast.” If he could feign depth with me earlier, I’d let him taste the frustration of waiting for an answer.

“Then tell me how I can find out. Don’t tell me I have to ask her myself?” Bai Sheng was losing his composure, no longer calm.

“It’s a trade. You tell me your marketing strategy, and I’ll tell you about Xiaoyu.” I suddenly felt a little shameless, using this as a bargaining chip. Though I felt bad for Xiaoyu, I knew my limits.

“So that’s how it is!” Bai Sheng seemed to have expected this, took a bite of his ‘Price’ cold drink, followed by a sip of orange juice, and exhaled contentedly.

“Did you know? Xiaoyu taught me to eat ‘Price’ while drinking orange juice.” He smiled at me.

I could guess as much, since ‘Price’ was her own creation—unique in Yichun. Only Xiaoyu knew how to bring out its meaning and best flavor. As for why she taught him, it was simple: everyone wants recognition, and to let others fully appreciate their skill. Xiaoyu was no exception.