Chapter 2 - I’m Back to Cultivate Myself

It was summer, and the weather was scorching. Even though the café was only a two- or three-minute walk away, it was enough to make someone break into a sweat.

Pushing open the door, a rush of cool air greeted Ji Yuntong. The air conditioning inside was blasting as if there were no concerns about wasting electricity. The contrast between her sweat and the cold breeze made her shiver, goosebumps rising on her skin. Light, cheerful music floated through the air, and the rich aroma of coffee filled the space.

Ji Yuntong walked straight to a two-person table by the wall. Just as she sat down, a familiar and warm woody scent enveloped her.

"Keep it on so you don't get cold. Don't take it off." Bai Hanan said, his tone firm as he draped a jacket over her shoulders before sitting across from her.

The warmth of the fabric wrapped around her, making her feel both safe and slightly uncomfortable. After all, Bai Hanan had always been like a younger brother to her—so why did she feel this strange sense of unease?

Just then, a server approached with a friendly smile. "What would you two like to order?"

"Two cups of hot black coffee—one without sugar, one half-sweet. No creamer, just a milk pod. Two servings of creamy pasta, and one small cheesecake."

Before Ji Yuntong could even react, Bai Hanan had already ordered for both of them.

The server turned to her. "Miss, is there anything else you'd like to add?"

Caught off guard by Bai Hanan's familiarity with her preferences, Ji Yuntong hesitated before replying, "No, this is fine. Thank you."

The server glanced between them, taking in Bai Hanan's sharp features and Ji Yuntong's gentle demeanor. Internally, she marveled at her luck for encountering such an attractive pair today before leaving with a satisfied smile.

Ji Yuntong, however, was still puzzled. How did Bai Hanan know her exact taste? She had never told him these details. Keeping her tone casual, she asked, "I heard you're making a name for yourself in the legal world. Why did you come back?"

"Are you keeping tabs on me?" Bai Hanan's expression remained unchanged, but his tone carried a hint of amusement.

"No! Your mom and my mom mentioned it. I just happened to overhear." Ji Yuntong quickly clarified, keeping her voice calm despite the slight fluster in her chest.

Bai Hanan, however, wasn't so easily deceived. He had mastered the art of reading people in the courtroom, and Ji Yuntong's small moment of nervousness did not escape him. He secretly enjoyed her reaction.

Their mothers had been best friends since college, and after getting married, their families had lived within a five-minute walk of each other. Over the years, Ji Yuntong had grown accustomed to hearing updates about Bai Hanan during family conversations.

Bai Hanan held her gaze steadily, making her feel almost breathless before he finally spoke. "I came back to cultivate myself."

"Cultivate yourself?" Ji Yuntong looked at him, confused.

"I've reached a certain stage in my career, earned enough money. I want to take it easy for a while, rest my overworked body, and just relax."

Ji Yuntong's heart skipped a beat. She had heard from her mother that Bai Hanan was quite successful, but she also knew that being a lawyer was an exhausting profession.

"So, do you plan to rest for a while and then return, or are you staying for good?" she asked, unable to hide her curiosity.

"I'm not going back." Bai Hanan's lips curled into a faint smile as he looked at her intently. "This time, I came back to stay. Since I said I wanted to cultivate myself, I meant it. Why do you think I came to find you?"

Ji Yuntong froze, a wave of unease rising in her chest. Her heartbeat quickened as she met his gaze, her brows furrowing slightly as she struggled to respond. Her voice wavered slightly, "I… I don't know."

There was a trace of surprise and doubt in her heart, but she didn't dare to hold his gaze for too long. His question left her at a loss, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. Her tone turned cautious. "Are you… are you here to learn pottery from me?"

Bai Hanan's expression softened into an amused smile. "That's right."

Ji Yuntong was genuinely stunned into silence.

Sensing her discomfort, Bai Hanan spoke in a relaxed tone, "Let's eat first. You have something to do this afternoon, don't you?"

Snapped back to reality, Ji Yuntong focused on her meal. Despite her many questions, she pushed them aside for now, letting herself settle into the moment.

Deep down, she told herself that their relationship shouldn't feel this complicated. She had always treated him like a younger brother, expecting him to end up with someone like her sister Ji Jintang or their childhood friend Yan Qiuning. After all, they were the same age and had grown up together.

But then… that incident happened. And suddenly, she couldn't ignore the possibility—did Bai Hanan actually like her?

While Ji Yuntong was lost in her thoughts, she continued eating, but as a young woman with a small appetite, she was full after finishing her pasta. Setting down her fork, she leaned back slightly.

"Are you full?" Bai Hanan asked.

"Yeah, but I can't finish the cake. I'll take it to go. My studio has a fridge."

"Alright." Bai Hanan signaled the server over. "Please pack up the cake for us."

While the server took the cake away, Bai Hanan turned to Ji Yuntong and said calmly, "You wait for the cake. I'll head outside first." With that, he picked up the receipt and walked straight to the counter to pay.

The way he moved was so smooth and effortless that Ji Yuntong barely had time to react.

By the time she caught up to him, she blurted, "You paid already? I should be the one treating you!"

"No need, my treat. I'll take you back first." Bai Hanan took the packed cake from the staff without hesitation, then reached for Ji Yuntong's hand and led her outside, giving her no chance to argue.

As they walked back to the studio, the streets were quiet except for the scorching sun and the occasional chirp of cicadas.

"Where are you staying? With your family?" Ji Yuntong asked.

"No, I bought an apartment nearby."

"You bought one here?" Ji Yuntong was surprised.

This area was peaceful, despite being in the city. It was a bit far from the lively shopping district, making it less convenient for daily necessities. Most people wouldn't choose to buy property here.

"Yeah. I wanted a quiet place to live… and to be closer to you."

Bai Hanan's voice was steady, but Ji Yuntong stopped in her tracks, completely caught off guard.

"What do you mean?" she asked, feeling a bit flustered.

"I told you—I'm here to learn from you. It's more convenient if I live nearby." Bai Hanan replied smoothly, without any hesitation, as if he had rehearsed this line.

Hearing this, Ji Yuntong felt her rapidly beating heart instantly calm down. Internally, she rolled her eyes—of course. This man never said anything that could truly put her at ease.