Who Envies Whom

Tang Yiyi walked along the riverside path, making her way back to Magnolia Alley. From a distance, she could see the lights of Qin’s Noodle House, which only deepened her gloom. She returned slowly to the clinic, where the snacks on the bookshelf had all been eaten, leaving only a single earbud lying there, solitary and forlorn.

Tang Yiyi sat in a daze for a while. Even such a trivial matter left her with a wealth of feelings. The two families matched so well, the two people loved each other so deeply, yet they could not be together openly and honestly.

Does life truly have no script? Then why does it feel as tangled as the plot of a novel? Ah!

After her bath, Tang Yiyi went to the noodle shop. Qin Baike sat in his usual spot, pressing at his calculator. When he saw her, he looked her over with concern. “What’s wrong? You look out of sorts.”

Lately, Tang Yiyi found it hardest to bear Qin Baike’s concern. His handsome face was full of questions.

“It’s nothing, I’m heading upstairs,” she said, hurrying up to the next floor.

Upstairs, she found Ertong and Ye Tong sitting on the sofa, watching something on Ertong’s laptop. Seeing Tang Yiyi rush in like a gust of wind, Ertong joked, “Little Yiyi, did you sit on a fire?”

Ye Tong reached out to thump him, giving him a glare. “Is that any way to talk to a girl?” She turned to Tang Yiyi, her tone gentler. “Ignore him. He’s always saying the wrong thing.”

Tang Yiyi shook her head. “It’s fine. I’m used to it.”

Ye Tong shot Ertong another glare, then she and Ertong returned their focus to the computer, discussing their plans for filming in Magnolia Alley.

Tang Yiyi went back to her room, took a book from the shelf, and forced herself to read.

Outside, it seemed Ye Tong and Ertong had finalized their plans—Ertong went downstairs to get to work, while Ye Tong stayed behind with the computer. After a while, Tang Yiyi heard the sound of a lighter striking.

Curious, Tang Yiyi opened her door a crack and saw Ye Tong smoking, a slender ladies’ cigarette held between her fingers.

Ye Tong heard the door and looked up, smiling as she saw Tang Yiyi peeking through the gap. She waved her over.

After a moment’s hesitation, Tang Yiyi stepped out.

Ye Tong gestured for her to sit across the coffee table. “When did you come to Magnolia Alley?”

“This May.”

“You must like it here.” Her smile was gentle and serene.

“Mm.”

“I left here ten years ago. I’ve traveled all over the country since, but this is the place I dream of most. Coming back this time, the city has changed so much, but only here has stayed the same, as if time has frozen.”

“Do you like it here, Ye Tong?” Tang Yiyi asked.

Ye Tong smiled, a little bewildered. “I don’t know. It’s always been the place I wanted to escape most.”

“Why did you want to leave?”

She shrugged. “Maybe because I didn’t like who I was in high school. Did you just graduate this year?”

“Yes.”

“You’re so young. I envy you.”

Tang Yiyi opened her mouth, only to realize she had no idea what she’d done all day. She’d spent the whole day troubled by Ye Tong’s excellence, yet Ye Tong said she envied her. In the end, there really was no perfect life.

“Ye Tong, you make documentaries. You must have been to many places?”

“I have. For a while, I traveled so much I had to think hard when I woke up just to remember which city I was in.”

“What’s the farthest you’ve been?”

“The Arctic,” Ye Tong replied, her eyes still on the computer.

“…The Arctic?” Tang Yiyi was stunned.

“I filmed the daily life of research station staff there.”

“Was it cold?”

Ye Tong glanced at her and laughed. “What do you think?”

“I know it must have been freezing. It must have been tough, right?”

“Not at all, because I love it. I don’t like movies or TV shows, not even drama. I dislike artificially constructed conflict and forced emotions. I love documentaries, capturing ordinary moments in the lives of ordinary people. I love those plain, everyday scenes—sometimes there’s great joy, sometimes deep sorrow, but afterwards, life returns to its calm flow.” Ye Tong smoked with a natural ease, neither elegant nor decadent, with no hint of hardship—just as naturally as drinking water.

Tang Yiyi said, “I rarely watch movies or TV shows, and I’ve hardly ever seen documentaries. Mostly, I’m studying.”

“I studied a lot at your age too. There’s less time for books once you start working, but you learn much from your work itself.”

“In medicine, practice is key, but you have to keep learning for a lifetime.”

“Good girl. You must be the pride of your parents. If I had a little sister like you, I’d never worry—much better than Ertong. But as a girl, you should go out and see the world. The more you see, the broader your mind and the more confident you become. You’ll know how to live your life well.”

“Yes, Ye Tong.”

Ye Tong smiled at her, then reached into her bag and took out a packet of prepared herbal medicine. “Time to take my medicine.”

She found a large mug, put the herbal packet inside, poured in hot water to steep it for two minutes, then cut a small opening and drank directly from the packet.

After finishing, she squeezed the plastic bag in her hand, picked up her bag, and said to Tang Yiyi, “I’m heading back. You should rest early, too.” She waved and went downstairs.

Watching Ye Tong leave, Tang Yiyi realized she was nothing like the proud figure she’d imagined. She was just an older sister—one even warmer than Qin Baike.

Downstairs, Qin Baike saw Ye Tong and offered, “Let me give you a ride.”

In the car, Ye Tong watched the scenery pass by. “Baike, you’re such a good man. I wonder which lucky girl will end up with you.”

“Who says I’m good? I’m not—just foolish.”

She chuckled. “Yes, you are a bit foolish. Baike, who’s the girl you like?”

Qin Baike pressed his lips together in silence.

“No need to say. I saw the photos of you climbing the mountain on Ertong’s computer earlier. They’re really well done. Have you seen them all?”

“No, he printed a few, that’s all. I don’t have much of an eye for these things. If you say they’re good, then they must be.”

“Why should my opinion be the final word? I’ve copied them to my phone—I’ll send them to you. Hand over your phone.”

She fished his phone out of his pocket, grumbling, “You don’t even use WeChat—are you living in the modern world or not?” She quickly downloaded the app.

Qin Baike could only shake his head. No one else could persuade him to use WeChat, but Ye Tong—he really had no way to refuse her.

“There, you have WeChat now. It’ll be easier to send photos. I’ve set your screen name as ‘Hundreds of Boats Competing on the Flow.’ Not bad, right? You’re not allowed to change it.”

“Alright,” Qin Baike nodded.

Ye Tong giggled, acting coquettishly. “You’re the best.”

When they reached Ertong’s apartment complex, Qin Baike asked, “Should I walk you up?”

“No need. You head back. You’re sleeping better now, so close the shop earlier at night. Don’t stay up so late—it’s not good for you.”

“I’ll remember.”

Back at the noodle shop, Qin Baike worked for a while. Seeing it was past one, he tidied up and closed for the night. After showering upstairs, he read two pages of “The Spirit in Art” before his eyelids grew heavy, and he turned off the light to sleep.

He slept straight through until nine the next morning, a full hour earlier than usual. The good rest left him stretching with satisfaction.

He picked up his phone and saw many friend requests on WeChat. He approved them all without much thought.

Ye Tong’s avatar showed fifteen unread messages. Opening them, he realized they were the photos she’d sent last night.

He scrolled through them one by one. The ones Ertong had printed were the best shots. These included more—some with odd angles, some where his expression was off, and two where Tang Yiyi, holding the reflector, had been caught in the frame.

These must be their first photos together, he thought. He looked over the two pictures with growing delight, a smile spreading uncontrollably until he was shaking with laughter.

He leapt from bed, set down his phone, and went out onto the terrace to do his daily exercises, energized.

Xiao Xie saw him emerge. “Boss, you’re up early today!”

“Mm, I’ll close the shop an hour earlier from now on.”

“Oh, boss, you seem in a good mood. Is it because Ye Tong was here?”

“Mind your own business. Finish cleaning up and start on lunch.”

“Alright. Ye Tong and Zhan are outside taking pictures of Aunt Jie.”

“Those shoots take all day. Make some extra dishes at lunch—invite Aunt Jie over to eat, too.”

“Got it.”

Qin Baike added, “Call Xiao Bin and Yiyi as well. We’ll have hotpot.”

“It’s so hot, boss!”

“We’ll eat downstairs with the AC on.”

“Okay.”

Xu Mingjie was dressed in a modern-style cheongsam, made of slightly reflective silk satin, emerald green with large pink-and-white peonies—both abstract and realistic. A sheer white scarf draped over her arm, her hair was styled in a chignon at the back, adorned with a white jade peony hairpin.

She posed in the alley—walking, sitting, head bowed, looking up, thoughtful, laughing. Ertong directed her, camera in hand, positioning her and arranging her posture. One of his friends handled the reflector nearby.

Ye Tong also held her camera, quietly following along. She always found the best angles to capture everyone’s working state.

In her lens, ancient Magnolia Alley acquired a new, fashionable vitality.

The old neighbors watched curiously as Xu Mingjie posed in her finery, their envy growing. Some pulled Ertong aside to ask if he could take their pictures, too. He was always courteous to the elderly, never refusing a request.

Xu Mingjie said she’d change outfits for more photos in the afternoon, but would rest for now.

Ertong continued taking photos for the other elders, switching to a documentary style. He had them stand in the middle of the alley, used a wide-angle lens to emphasize depth, and gave them upper-body close-ups. The darkened skin, graying hair, the weariness in their eyes and the peaceful smiles on their lips—all captured with honest realism.

Qin Baike stopped in at Xu Mingjie’s supermarket to buy some sausage. Passing the group taking photos, he spotted Ye Tong in a corner, camera in hand, and went over to look at her screen.

The people in her shots were arranged naturally, lively and spontaneous. In Ertong’s photos, everyone was a little self-conscious and posed, but his presence with the camera made their stiffness seem reasonable.

Qin Baike smiled. “You really are a cut above Ertong.”

Ye Tong replied, “It’s not about skill, but about perspective and heart. Ertong always chases surface-level glamour and technique—his work lacks spirit and soul. But the candid photos he took of you are quite good.”

She suddenly leaned in, eyes teasing, and ran her hand down his arm to his wrist, then slipped it under his arm and around his waist, murmuring near his ear, “You’re in great shape!”

Qin Baike froze at her touch—her hand was small but strong. Her sudden flirtatiousness was unnerving; something out of character always meant something was up. He grabbed her hand behind his back. “What are you doing? Are you acting? Channeling an Oscar winner now?”

Ye Tong pressed even closer. “Are you stupid? I’m flirting with you and you don’t even dodge. If you keep holding my hand like this, I’ll kiss you next.”

He let go and stepped back. “You and Ertong really are siblings—just as mischievous. I’m off to buy more food. We’re having hotpot for lunch, so come early to help out.” With that, he strode off toward the alley entrance.

As he walked away, Ye Tong looked up at Tang Yiyi in the clinic’s upstairs window and waved. “Yiyi, come down and let me take a few pictures of you.”

Blushing, Tang Yiyi shook her head and gestured behind her. “I’m working. No time.”

“I’ll come up, then.” Ye Tong really did head into the clinic and up to the second floor.

Tang Yiyi saw her coming with the camera. “Ye Tong, the acupuncture points today are on the abdomen, so it’s not suitable for photos.”

Ye Tong nodded, took two quick shots of Tang Yiyi, then put the camera away. Looking around at the six treatment beds, four separated by curtains, she said, “You’re amazing—so young, yet you can work independently.”

“My master and my fourth uncle are always supervising.”

“I once wanted to be a doctor, but decided the responsibility was too great—lives in your hands, I didn’t think I could bear it.”

“You’re doing wonderfully now, Ye Tong. Your creative work is always challenging—you’ll never be bored.”

“Yes, life never gets dull. Since I can’t take photos here, I’ll go downstairs and get some shots of Uncle Xu and the others. Magnolia Alley’s about to be demolished—soon none of this will remain.”

She went downstairs. Not long after, Xiao Xie came to tell Tang Yiyi to come over for hotpot at lunchtime.

Tang Yiyi hesitated. Her discomfort with Ye Tong had eased, and eating together was fine, but seeing Ye Tong and Qin Baike being so close earlier left her feeling stifled. She worried Ye Tong had already noticed her forced smile.

She was clearly troubled, yet still wanted to see Qin Baike happy.

She nodded. “Alright, I’ll come over in a bit.”

At lunch in Qin’s Noodle House, Xu Mingjie didn’t join—afraid of the heat from the hotpot. Ye Tong, on the other hand, hadn’t had a proper hotpot in Yicheng for ages and was in high spirits.

Wu Xueqian, having finished class that morning, came running over and was delighted to see hotpot.

Ye Tong took several photos of the youthful, energetic Wu Xueqian, and then, looking at the quiet and gentle Tang Yiyi, said to Qin Baike, “Who says Magnolia Alley is old? The average age in this room is only twenty-five—still young!”

As they sat around the table, Xu Bin said, “Baike, I might as well pay for my meals here and eat with you every day—everything you make is delicious.”

Ertong laughed. “Don’t! Look at me—if I keep eating here, I’ll end up like Xiao Xie. I was hoping to go to your place to lose some weight.”

Ye Tong told him, “You just need to exercise more. Don’t be so lazy.”

Xueqian chimed in, “Exactly! Come to my place—I’ll help you lose weight.”

“Forget it. Let me just be a fat guy,” Ertong said.

Xu Bin teased, “If you manage to get Ertong to exercise, I’ll drink this whole pot of broth.”

Ertong retorted, “If you do, I promise I’ll start working out.”

They bantered for a while, and then Xu Bin asked Ye Tong when she was going back to Beijing. Ye Tong said she had a few more days—once her new filming schedule was set, she’d have to leave. “Why do you ask?” she inquired.

“I want to visit Beijing at the end of the month, see the capital for myself,” Xu Bin replied.

“Great! Call me before you come. If I’m not in Beijing, I’ll have a friend meet you.”

“No need. If you’re not there, it’s fine. I just want to see you.”

Ertong interjected, “You just want some professional advice from a real director, don’t you?”

Xu Bin chuckled, and Ye Tong looked at him, puzzled. He explained it was about his vocal harmony group.

Ye Tong nodded. “I understand. I have a friend who could really help you—you should go to him instead of me.”

She stood and took out a small notebook from her bag. “His group has a four-part harmony ensemble. I’ll give you his studio’s address and let him know you’re coming.”

As she flipped through the notebook, a slip of paper fluttered out and landed at Xueqian’s feet.

Xueqian bent to pick it up. “Hey, it’s a prescription. Did you see Uncle Xu about something? Are you alright?” She handed the prescription to Tang Yiyi. “What’s this for?”

Qin Baike glanced at it, looking at Ye Tong in confusion. “Is something wrong?”

Ye Tong froze, raising her hand as if to take it back, but didn’t want to be too obvious. Her hand clenched into a fist.

Everyone looked to Tang Yiyi. She glanced at the prescription—it was the one her master had written. Seeing Ye Tong’s anxious expression, she smiled, folded the prescription, and handed it back to Ye Tong. “Women with blood and energy deficiencies need regular tonic herbs.”

Ye Tong hesitated, and Tang Yiyi smiled again, signaling her to accept it. She took it and said to Qin Baike, “I’m fine, really.”

She put the note back into her notebook, found the address she wanted, took a photo, and sent it to Xu Bin.

Tang Yiyi mentioned that Xu Bin’s group was going to participate in the weekly competition on “Avenue of Stars.” This news successfully shifted everyone’s attention, and Xu Bin, proud and anxious, made them all promise not to tell anyone.

After lunch, Xu Bin and Tang Yiyi returned to the clinic. Ye Tong followed, asking Xu Bin to let Aunt Jie know that the light was too strong for photos at the moment and that she’d come find her at five. Xu Bin agreed and left.

Ye Tong pulled Tang Yiyi aside. “About that prescription…”

“Don’t worry, Ye Tong. I won’t tell anyone.”

Ye Tong smiled, reaching out to gently touch Tang Yiyi’s cheek. “You’re a good girl. You’ll get the happiness you want—believe me.”

“Ye Tong, since my master prescribed you a decoction for recovery, you must take care of yourself. After a miscarriage, your body is weak and your uterus is injured. You have to recuperate well.”

“I know. That’s why I came back this time—to recover. I won’t leave until I’m well.”

Looking at the sincere Ye Tong, Tang Yiyi felt all barriers melt away. The Ye Tong she once envied and resented was now someone she found warm and approachable.