7

Lin Shen shows up at the studio one evening.

Everyone else has left, and I'm still sketching.

I don't notice him until he's standing behind me.

I jump, startled.

"Lin Shen, why are you here today?"

His manager booked for the weekend.

He wanders around my studio casually.

"Just passing by, thought I'd check in."

He stops at Qiao Lan's wedding dress, staring for a long time.

"You're really talented."

My ears burn.

"My sister's getting married next month. You free?"

"Qiao Lan told me. I'll be there."

So they're still in touch.

I push down the tangle of emotions.

"Want to do measurements now?"

He's wearing fitted clothes, and as I measure, my hands inevitably brush against him.

His breath grazes my ear, the heat practically burning my skin.

I move carefully.

When the tape passes his collarbone, I glimpse half of his tattoo under his collar.

"QL."

Reality hits me like a splash of cold water.

I speed up.

As I note the measurements, I can't help asking:

"Did you wear one of my designs?"

Worried he won't remember, I add details.

"Yes," he says simply.

"Why…"

He smiles faintly. "Your studio was just starting. As your ‘big brother,' shouldn't I support you?"

Is that all?

That outfit's price kept my studio afloat for half a year, far beyond its value.

My feelings are a mess.

He doesn't stay long, leaving me to sketch in a daze.