Chapter 11: Locked Outside

After dinner, it was just past seven o’clock. Seeing that it was still early, Wen Jiu drove back to the underground garage, then stopped by the supermarket downstairs to pick up some fruit, drinks, and snacks. Once home, she put the fruit and drinks in the fridge, changed into her loungewear, and settled in front of the TV to catch up on her favorite variety show.

By the time the show ended, it was already after eleven.

Before going to bed, Wen Jiu noticed that the living room trash bin was full—mostly discarded drafts and a couple of takeout boxes. She decided to take the trash to the main garbage bin by the stairwell; the cleaning staff would collect it the next morning.

Just as she stepped out, the door closed behind her with a gust of wind. Figuring she’d open it again when she returned, Wen Jiu went to the stairwell, tossed the trash, and turned back. To her surprise, the fingerprint lock wouldn’t recognize her fingerprint no matter how long she pressed her finger to it. Only after inspecting it did she realize the batteries were dead.

She hadn’t brought her phone or keys, and was dressed in nothing but thin loungewear. Locked out of her home, Wen Jiu’s good mood for the day vanished. Frustrated, she slapped the fingerprint lock and silently vowed to replace it tomorrow.

She was about to head downstairs to the property management office for help when, before she could even press the elevator button, the elevator doors slid open. Wen Jiu paused, hand midair, and looked up to see Gu Zehuai standing there.

Remembering their silent exchange the previous night, Wen Jiu felt a little awkward. Gu Zehuai, too, seemed surprised to see her at this hour. He hesitated for a second, nodded politely, and stepped out of the elevator.

Just then, a breeze swept in through the large window opposite the elevator, and Wen Jiu couldn’t help but sneeze. She rubbed her arms; the early autumn air was already cool enough to require a jacket in the mornings and evenings, and here she was in shorts and a T-shirt—it was no wonder she felt cold.

As Gu Zehuai passed her, he noticed her shivering and stopped to ask politely, “Aren’t you cold, dressed like that? You’ll catch a cold.”

He could tell Wen Jiu was heading downstairs, but in this weather, going out so lightly dressed would surely make her sick. Wen Jiu, shivering from the draft, was about to sneeze again. After a moment’s thought, she explained, “My fingerprint lock’s batteries are dead, and I can’t get inside. I left my phone upstairs, and the supermarket’s already closed. I wanted to borrow someone’s phone to order a quick delivery.”

Gu Zehuai understood and replied, “Well, there’s someone right in front of you, isn’t there?” He raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing at his lips.

Wen Jiu realized he was right!

She borrowed his phone. After unlocking it, Gu Zehuai handed her the device. Noticing he didn’t have the delivery app installed, she said, “I’ll download the app on your phone, okay?”

He responded with a brief “Mm.”

As the app installed, Wen Jiu sneezed again. Seeing this, Gu Zehuai offered, “Why don’t you wait in my apartment? Otherwise you’ll catch a cold, and the delivery will take some time.”

After considering her options, Wen Jiu decided to accept his invitation. Wearing so little, she felt somewhat self-conscious. Perhaps sensing her discomfort, Gu Zehuai led her to the living room sofa, brought her an air-conditioning blanket, and poured her a glass of warm water.

He left the front door open and took a seat on the other end of the sofa.

Wen Jiu noticed this and relaxed a little. If there was any danger, she could leave at a moment’s notice. Of course, she trusted Gu Zehuai’s character.

They hadn’t interacted much—last night’s gaming session was the most they’d spoken. Thinking of that, Wen Jiu couldn’t help but recall their shared glance.

The app finished installing. After selecting the right battery model, Wen Jiu turned the phone screen toward him. “I’m logged into your account. Could you enter the password? I’ll transfer the money to you later.”

She handed the phone back; Gu Zehuai paid using his fingerprint.

Waiting felt endless without her own phone. After just two minutes, Wen Jiu felt every dragging second. Gu Zehuai had already started working on his laptop. He picked up the TV remote, powered on the TV, and set the remote on the table next to Wen Jiu.

“Watch some TV, so you’re not bored. Or use my phone if you like,” he said, placing his phone on the coffee table in front of her.

Wen Jiu didn’t touch his phone. She picked a random channel and started watching a drama to pass the time.