She Died Once

Chapter 17: The Sweetness and Tears of Ice Cream

The scene unfolded like a delicate dance, a story woven with moments of tension and tenderness. Sang ShuoNian, her cheeks flushed with a soft pink, was standing at the edge of the room, her heart racing from Jiang Zhimu's teasing presence. His voice was low and magnetic, each word hanging in the air like a melody.

“You were sneaking around outside just now, weren’t you? Was it for some secret mission?” His words were layered with a hint of flirtation, like a soft breeze that stirred her emotions.

Sang ShuoNian quickly waved her hands, her face blushing deeper as she replied with innocence, “Ah, no! I was just passing by, and the music caught my attention. I’m like a little bee, drawn to the sweet nectar, nothing more.” Her words danced in the air, light and playful.

Jiang Zhimu raised an eyebrow, his expression teasing yet thoughtful, “Is that so? Well, I’ll take your word for it, for now.”

“You play so beautifully. Could you teach me?” Sang ShuoNian’s eyes sparkled with anticipation, like a child gazing at a prized possession. “I’d love to learn how to weave such dreams with my fingers.”

Jiang Zhimu’s gaze softened, a subtle glint of amusement flickering in his eyes. “You want to learn?” The corner of his mouth quirked upward, like a secret he wasn’t quite ready to reveal.

“Master, please! I’ll be your most devoted disciple. Lead me down the path of music, through thick and thin!” Sang ShuoNian’s voice was earnest, her demeanor like a kitten eager for affection.

Jiang Zhimu chuckled, a deep, rich laugh that seemed to reverberate in the quiet room. “You can learn... but first, there’s one condition.”

Sang ShuoNian’s heart skipped a beat. “What condition?”

Jiang Zhimu rose gracefully, his every movement filled with elegance. He approached her with slow, deliberate steps, each one more purposeful than the last, like a king walking toward his throne. His eyes held a mystery that drew her in, making her feel like a moth to a flame.

“What’s the condition?” she asked, her voice betraying her nervous excitement. She swallowed hard, a soft “grunt” escaping her throat as her pulse quickened.

With a playful glint in his eyes, Jiang Zhimu stepped closer, gently guiding her toward the wall. Sang ShuoNian instinctively hugged her arms around herself, as if the sudden closeness created a sense of vulnerability. Her eyes betrayed a mixture of surprise and uncertainty, like a deer caught in headlights.

“I just want to learn the piano... you won’t... bully me, will you?” Her voice trembled, soft and delicate like a leaf caught in the breeze.

Jiang Zhimu paused, the playfulness in his eyes fading as he broke into laughter. “Hahaha! Bully you? No, no. My condition is simple – treat me to strawberry ice cream. This hot summer day deserves nothing less.”

Sang ShuoNian stared at him in disbelief, a mock frown forming on her face. “All this for ice cream? I thought it was going to be something serious!”

“Isn’t it serious?” he teased. “What’s better than a cool, refreshing treat on a hot day? This is a pure transaction, and I’m a decent person, not someone who’d have... ulterior motives.” His grin was mischievous, like a child who had just won a small victory.

Sang ShuoNian rolled her eyes, her lips curling into a smile. “Alright, alright. I’ll get you your ice cream. You’re such a child, you know that?”

Just then, the door flew open, and a group of people barged in. Their entrance startled both of them, and they turned to find an extravagant man at the lead. His brocade robe shimmered with golden thread, and his belt was adorned with precious gemstones. Behind him, his subordinates slouched, their expressions curious and eager.

The leader’s voice rang out with a mocking tone. “Ah, what a disappointment. No kiss, no drama. We’ve been waiting for nothing!”

“Yeah, too bad. We were hoping for something interesting.” Another voice chimed in, disappointed and annoyed.

Jiang Zhimu’s face immediately darkened, his demeanor shifting to one of authority. His voice thundered like an approaching storm. “What do you think you’re doing? How dare you trespass like this?”

Sang ShuoNian’s brow furrowed in anger. “This is too much! You can’t just barge in here like this!”

With a ferocious roar, Jiang Zhimu rushed toward them, his fists clenched. The subordinates, realizing they were in trouble, quickly turned and fled in panic.

“Run! Run fast! Young Master Jiang is angry!” one of them shouted, their voices filled with panic as they hurried away, their footsteps scattered like wild animals fleeing from a predator.

Jiang Zhimu chased after them for a moment before returning to the room, his anger still evident in his expression.

“These people are becoming too bold,” he muttered, frustration in his voice. “I’ll teach them a lesson they won’t forget.”

Sang ShuoNian shook her head, exhaling deeply. “Honestly, this was supposed to be a peaceful morning, and now it’s all a mess.”

After a while, Jiang Zhimu returned, his anger cooling, though his frown still lingered. “They really crossed the line, but I won’t let it slide next time.”

Sang ShuoNian smiled softly, her eyes reflecting a calm understanding. “They probably didn’t mean any harm. Sometimes people just get curious.”

Jiang Zhimu let out a small sigh. “They were lucky this time.”

His underlings quickly began to apologize, trying to shift the blame onto one of the culprits. “It’s all his fault! He’s the one who started it.”

“Next time, I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again,” one of them promised, nodding vigorously.

“Now, can we get back to the matter at hand?” Sang ShuoNian asked with a mischievous smile. “Will you teach me how to play the piano?”

Jiang Zhimu’s face softened, his earlier annoyance fading. “Of course, but first... ice cream. I need that strawberry ice cream to calm my mood.”

“Fine, fine,” Sang ShuoNian replied, smiling. “A promise is a promise.”

Ice Cream Parlor:

The ice cream shop had a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Adorable ice cream patterns decorated the walls, and the air was thick with the sweet smell of milk and strawberries. The moment they stepped inside, the delightful scent enveloped them.

“I’ll have one strawberry ice cream,” Sang ShuoNian said to the counter attendant, flashing a bright, warm smile.

“No, no, two!” Jiang Zhimu interjected quickly. “One is never enough for something this delicious.”

Sang ShuoNian raised an eyebrow. “You’re the one with the sweet tooth, huh? I’m not even interested in ice cream. I’m here to keep my promise.”

The waitress, ever professional, asked, “Would you like large or small?”

“Two large cups,” Jiang Zhimu decided without hesitation. “The bigger, the better. It’s the only way to truly enjoy strawberry ice cream.”

Sang ShuoNian sighed dramatically. “Alright, you can have both servings. Just don’t get a stomach ache.”

Jiang Zhimu winked mischievously at her. “I’ll make sure to enjoy every bite!”

They sat on a park bench, the serenity of the surroundings contrasting with the lively energy of their conversation. As they ate, Jiang Zhimu’s face lit up with childlike joy. He savored every spoonful, leaving traces of pink ice cream on his lips.

“What are you staring at?” Jiang Zhimu asked, noticing her gaze. “Do I have something on my face?”

“No,” Sang ShuoNian replied with a smile, “It’s just funny, seeing you enjoy ice cream like this.”

Jiang Zhimu leaned back, looking pleased with himself. “You’re obviously drawn to my charm. I can’t help it; I’m irresistible.”

Sang ShuoNian rolled her eyes. “You really are full of yourself.”

Jiang Zhimu laughed, a playful glint in his eyes. “What can I say? I’m just that good.”

As they continued to enjoy their ice cream, Sang ShuoNian smiled to herself, a peaceful sense of contentment settling over her.

Time passed, and the scene shifted. Sang ShuoNian stood on the balcony of a luxurious villa in M country, bathed in the warm sunlight. The lush greenery around her felt like an oasis of peace, a moment of stillness before the storm that was coming.

Jiang Zhimu stood beside her, his presence calm and steady. His tailored black suit added to his refined aura, and his gold glasses reflected the light. He glanced at her, a quiet concern in his eyes.

“Evening, have you thought about it?” he asked softly. “When you go back to China, things will never be the same again. You won’t have the peaceful life you once had.”

Sang ShuoNian looked out at the horizon, the weight of his words settling in. The future ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear – she was ready to face it head-on.

“I know,” she whispered. “But I have to take revenge. Time may never return, but I’ll make sure the past doesn’t fade away.”