Wine Hidden in a Deep Alley

Lin Zhu has graduated from college.

Her romantic history is still a blank page with just one tiny spot of ink.

And Chen Jing is that spot.

They had no contact throughout their four years at college, apart from one chance encounter.

But Lin Zhu discovers that her heart still skips a beat for him.

Fortunately, she's not the only one who feels that way.

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Little Scene 1

Lin Zhu runs into her ex-boyfriend, whom she hasn't seen in years. She can only pretend to have forgotten what happened back then and treat him like any other old classmate.

When she learns that Chen Jing plans to settle down and build a career in Jincheng, Lin Zhu sends him a couple of polite messages on WeChat: If you need anything, just call me. I'm free lately, and I might be able to help.

Chen Jing: You're too kind.

Lin Zhu: It's nothing. Really, don't be so formal.

Chen Jing: Oh, in that case, I'm about to go look at apartments. Come with me and give me your opinion?

Lin Zhu's fingers stopped over the keyboard. She froze, too.

She hadn't meant a word of her offer. Who knew Chen Jing would take it so seriously? So he really didn't think of himself as an outsider, huh?!

Little Scene 2

Lin Zhu and Chen Jing's first trip as a couple is to Xi'an.

On their first night there, Chen Jing books a business suite.

That evening, Chen Jing takes a shower while Lin Zhu lies on the bed, looking at her phone.

Lin Zhu is genuinely focused on her phone. The sound of running water doesn't send her thoughts wandering.

There are two doors between them, so the water can't be heard anyway. She doesn't hear a thing.

A little while later, Lin Zhu gets out of bed to get a drink of water.

For some inexplicable reason, she presses her ear to the door.

Wait, why can't she hear any water at all? Is the bathroom door really that soundproof?!

Lin Zhu presses her ear even closer, listening intently!!

Then the door suddenly opens from the inside, and she stumbles straight into Chen Jing's warm embrace.

Of course Lin Zhu has to explain herself properly, saying she was just passing by to get some water.

Chen Jing's reaction has one good point and one bad point.

The good news is that he doesn't argue. He just nods and says, "Oh." With his hair half wet and half dry, he looks unusually sweet and obedient.

The bad news is that his eyes are full of laughter. He clearly doesn't believe her.

Lin Zhu is embarrassed and annoyed, but she can't blame him, so she can only sulk at herself.

Good things don't stay hidden forever.

Wine tucked away in a quiet alley will eventually be found by someone who knows good wine;

feelings hidden in the heart will eventually be discovered at the right time.

Reader's Guide

1. Both leads are each other's first and only. Happy ending.

2. Rekindled love after a breakup, with both secretly in love.

3. A sweet romance!! (There will be a little angst in the high school memories.)

4. They broke up before mainly because they wouldn't speak their minds. Please don't read if that bothers you.

Theme: Always believe in love.