12-2:A Test of Hearts

Ruì Xiǎodān didn't head straight home; instead, she went to the supermarket. She enjoyed the freedom and leisure of shopping there, even if she bought nothing, but today was different. She grabbed a shopping basket and went directly to the food section, picking up vegetables, seafood, meat, tea, and some premium beer, filling her basket to the brim.

Upon returning home, she parked the car and collapsed onto the sofa, exhausted. After a short rest, she got up and headed to the kitchen to start cooking. She prepared the ingredients, leaving only the final stir-frying step, and then put a pot of radish ball and scallop soup on to simmer. While the soup was cooking, she tidied up the house. After finishing her chores, she took a hot shower and dried her hair before sitting at her dressing table to carefully apply her makeup. She then opened her wardrobe to select an outfit.

Ruì Xiǎodān chose a cream-colored cotton shirt and dark casual pants, which perfectly complemented her unique charm. With her long black hair draped over her shoulders, she looked as captivating as ever, though her eyes now held a hint of sorrow instead of their usual sparkle.

By 6:40 PM, she called Dīng Yuányīng to tell him to come downstairs in 20 minutes, then locked up and drove to Jiāhéyuán Community.

Dīng Yuányīng was waiting downstairs, silently following Ruì Xiǎodān as she led him away. The sky had darkened, and the streetlights were on, casting a glow over the bustling sounds of the street. The wind blew through the open car windows, carrying the humid heat of summer. Dīng Yuányīng sat in the back seat, smoking with a detached expression. It wasn't until they pulled into the Méiguīyuán Community that he realized the dinner was not at a restaurant.

Dīng Yuányīng followed Ruì Xiǎodān into the house, taking in the overly spacious rooms before settling on the sofa.

Ruì Xiǎodān brought him a cup of tea and an empty plate, saying, "I prepared some West Lake Dragon Well tea for you. If it's not to your taste, you'll have to make do. I threw away my ashtray, so use the plate."

"Is there anyone else at home?" Dīng Yuányīng asked.

"My parents divorced years ago. My father is in Shanghai, and my mother is in Frankfurt. This is my mother's place when she visits home. There are no relatives left in the ancient city," Ruì Xiǎodān explained. "You sit tight; I'll go finish cooking."

Soon, she brought out the dishes and set them on the coffee table: a plate of shrimp with celery, a plate of stir-fried broccoli, and finally, a carefully prepared casserole of radish ball and scallop soup, its fragrant steam rising as she lifted the lid.

She ladled a bowl of soup and placed it before Dīng Yuányīng. "This is radish ball and scallop soup. I learned it from a restaurant chef. Try it."

Dīng Yuányīng tasted it with a spoon, "Good soup."

Ruì Xiǎodān poured a glass of beer for Dīng Yuányīng, "I can't drink, but you can."

Dīng Yuányīng took a sip of beer and sampled each dish.

"What do you really think about women? I want the truth," Ruì Xiǎodān asked, cutting to the chase.

Understanding that this was the prelude to a deeper conversation, Dīng Yuányīng responded candidly, "Women epitomize formal logic and obstruct dialectical logic. I don't intend to harm women, nor do I want to be harmed by them."

"Are women really that difficult to please?" Ruì Xiǎodān asked.

"Bosom friends have existed since ancient times. It depends on whether a man is worth such a friend. Few men can refine themselves into the rarest of wines. It's not something achievable by mere effort. One can only blend in and make do," Dīng Yuányīng replied.

Ruì Xiǎodān said, "I think this might be the last time we sit together like this. You're a wise man, so let's skip the pretenses. I invited you here to fulfill a certain formality."

Dīng Yuányīng had anticipated this moment but didn't know in what form it would come.

Ruì Xiǎodān stood up and went to the bedroom, closing the door behind her. When she reemerged, she was wearing a light blue silk robe. She walked slowly to Dīng Yuányīng, gently pulled the belt, and let the robe fall to the floor, revealing her naked body. Her figure was exquisite and flawless, like a perfect jade sculpture, each detail glowing with purity.

Dīng Yuányīng was stunned, speechless before the sight of her.

Ruì Xiǎodān said calmly, "I've done everything a woman can do, including sacrificing my dignity and what you might consider taboos. I have no regrets now. You can leave; it's over."

Dīng Yuányīng gazed at her for a long time, then said coolly, "I'm only human, and I haven't evolved to the point where I can ignore my instincts at this moment. But what right do I have to accept such a divine gift?"

He stood up, picked up the robe, and gently draped it over her shoulders. Returning to his seat, he looked at her sincerely and said, "You are a gem, but I am not a craftsman. I'm just someone who knows a bit about opportunism, earning a few coins to get by. What you need is the essence of a masculine culture, and I can't pretend not to understand because you didn't say it. Accepting you means accepting a high standard, and I don't have that confidence."

Pausing slightly, he added, "I consider myself somewhat learned, but today I must admit you taught me a lesson. You made me understand the sanctity of women with my soul, not just words. Thank you for holding me in such regard. Thank you."

Finishing, he headed for the door.

Ruì Xiǎodān stood still, saying, "A man who can't transcend his instincts isn't a real man. You let a woman experience the thrill of being conquered. Thank you."

The door closed quietly between them.

Ruì Xiǎodān turned abruptly, but Dīng Yuányīng's figure was already gone. The cold door now stood as a barrier between their worlds. An overwhelming despair seemed to freeze her blood as tears streamed down her cheeks.