In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

About half an hour later, Chen Hong came out of the room.

She changed into a light blue dress, her hair was loose, and her skin glowed with moisture after taking a shower. She looked as fresh as a lotus flower after the rain.

"It's so comfortable." She sat down next to Yang Guangming. "Home is the best."

Yang Guangming poured her a cup of tea, a fine Longjing tea, its aroma wafting through the air.

The two sat quietly for a while, enjoying this rare moment of peace. Cicadas chirped, and occasionally a breeze would blow by, carrying the fragrance of flowers and grass.

"Guangming," Chen Hong spoke first, "do you have something to say to me?"

Yang Guangming was somewhat surprised: "How did you know?"

Chen Hong smiled and said, "I've known you for quite some time now. Although you're usually very composed, you look particularly preoccupied today."

Yang Guangming had to admire her keen insight. A 26-year-old woman who had been in the entertainment industry for so many years certainly had an exceptional ability to read people.

“There are some things I want to say,” he admitted. “About us, and about…”

Chen Hong's smile faded slightly, but it didn't disappear completely. She picked up her teacup, blew on it gently, and took a sip.

"Go ahead and tell me, I'm listening."

Looking at her calm profile, Yang Guangming suddenly realized that Chen Hong might have been mentally prepared earlier than he had imagined.

“Honghong.” He organized his thoughts, “First of all, I have to tell you that I am not a monogamous man. At least not in the traditional sense.”

Chen Hong paused for a moment, the teacup stopped at her lips, and then she slowly put it down.

"Go on," she said, her voice still calm.

“My thoughts will not be bound by marriage or the law,” Yang Guangming said directly. “I love you, that’s true. You are my first woman, and that fact will never change. But I must also admit that you may not be the only woman I have in my life.”

After he finished speaking, the courtyard fell silent.

The cicadas' chirping seemed to have subsided, and the wind had stopped.

Chen Hong didn't speak immediately. She looked down at the teacup in her hand, where the emerald green tea leaves slowly unfurled.

Yang Guangming waited for her reaction. Anger? Sadness? Questioning? Or simply leaving?

To his surprise, Chen Hong looked up with a knowing smile on her face.

"That's all?" she asked.

Yang Guangming was stunned for a moment: "You...aren't angry?"

"Why are you angry?" Chen Hong retorted. "You're telling me your honest thoughts, which is much better than those men who are clearly philanderers but pretend to be affectionate."

These words left Yang Guangming momentarily speechless.

Chen Hong stood up, walked to the center of the courtyard, and looked up at the sky. The autumn sky in Beijing was high and blue, with a few wisps of white clouds like elongated cotton wool.

“Guangming, do you know what I’ve seen in the past six months on Hong Kong Island?” she said to him with her back to him.

"what?"

“I’ve seen the lives of those rich young masters.” Chen Hong’s voice was calm, as if stating a fact. “They are never short of women. Today they bring this celebrity to a party, tomorrow they’re having an affair with that socialite. Their wives either turn a blind eye or have already divorced them.”

She turned around and looked at Yang Guangming: "I've known all along that someone with your family background, talent, and looks couldn't possibly have only one woman. It's simply unrealistic for me to expect you to be good to only me for the rest of your life."

Yang Guangming walked up to her and took her hand.

“Because I love you.” Chen Hong looked directly into his eyes. “And because I know you’re different from those people. You’re honest, responsible, and you won’t treat us like playthings.”

She paused, then continued, "I'm glad you took the initiative to talk to me about these things today. It proves that you respect me and treat me as an equal with the right to know, not as your appendage."

Yang Guangming was deeply moved. He hadn't expected Chen Hong to be so insightful and mature.

“I know you’re willing to tolerate me because you love me so deeply,” Yang Guangming said.

“It would be a lie to say I don’t mind.” A bitter look appeared in Chen Hong’s eyes. “What woman doesn’t want her man to love only her? But I know reality better than anyone. Rather than indulging in unrealistic fantasies, I should face reality and strive for the best outcome.”

Yang Guangming pulled her into his arms. The hug was tight, as if he wanted to meld her into his body.

"Thank you, Honghong," he whispered in her ear. "Thank you for your understanding and tolerance. A woman as good as you is hard to find even with a lantern. I will treat you well for the rest of my life!"

Chen Hong nestled in his arms for a while, then asked softly, "So, you already have another woman, is that right?"

Yang Guangming tightened his grip on her arms.

"Yes," he admitted. "Zuo Xiaoqing, she just got into Beijing Film Academy this year and is living at home now."

Chen Hong stepped out of his embrace, her face showing no surprise, only a knowing "I knew it" expression.

“I guessed it was her,” she said. “That little girl from the gymnastics team, so pure and pretty.”

"You knew?" Yang Guangming was somewhat surprised.

"Sister Xiaoqing mentioned it to me a few times, saying that you have a special feeling for that girl." Chen Hong smiled. "And you didn't try to hide it. You could find out with a little inquiry."

Yang Guangming did not deliberately hide his relationship with Zuo Xiaoqing; it was intentional on his part.

"What do you plan to do?" Chen Hong asked calmly.

“I’ve already talked to her,” Yang Guangming confessed frankly. “Just this morning. I told her that I love her, but I also love you. I told her what I really am like, and let her choose for herself.”

Chen Hong's eyes widened slightly: "You confessed to her on your own initiative?"

"Correct."

"And what was her reaction?"

"I cried, I was very sad, but in the end I said I needed time to think about it," Yang Guangming said truthfully.

Chen Hong was silent for a moment, then asked, "What do you want me to do? Hide away for now, and come back when she starts boarding school?"

“No.” Yang Guangming shook her head. “I won’t let you suffer such injustice. You are also the lady of this house, and you don’t need to hide from anyone.”

These words warmed Chen Hong's heart. Although she knew it was sweet talk, women are always susceptible to such flattery.

"So you want us to coexist peacefully?" she asked.

"I hope you can respect each other; you are both people I love."

Chen Hong walked to the stone bench and sat down. "Guangming, I need to make this clear to you." She raised her head, her eyes becoming serious. "I can not mind if you have other women, but you must have me in your heart. As long as other women do not challenge my position, I can tolerate them."

Chen Hong's maturity is reflected here—she knows clearly what she wants and dares to speak up for it.

“In this house, no one is superior to anyone else,” Yang Guangming said. “But you are the first person to move in, so you naturally deserve the respect you deserve.”

Chen Hong nodded, somewhat satisfied with the answer.

"When is she coming back?" she asked.

"It should be soon. I went shopping for clothes with Sister Wu." Yang Guangming checked his watch. "Around five o'clock, I guess."

“There’s still time.” Chen Hong stood up. “I’ll go back to my room to pack my things and get myself ready. It’s our first meeting, so I should be in the best possible condition.”

Yang Guangming took her hand and said, "Thank you, Honghong."

Chen Hong smiled, a smile that contained understanding, tolerance, bitterness, and the wisdom of a mature woman.

"No need to thank me, Guangming. By choosing you, I've chosen to accept everything about you. As long as you treat me well, respect me, and give me the status I deserve, I can compromise on everything else."

She leaned in and gently kissed him on the lips, then turned and went back to her room.

Yang Guangming stood there, watching her departing figure, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Chen Hong's reaction was much better than he had expected. He admired her maturity and rationality, but also felt somewhat guilty. However, this guilt quickly dissipated, and he could only compensate her in other ways.

At 5 p.m., Zuo Xiaoqing and Wu Fang returned.

They bought a lot of things, carrying large and small bags. Zuo Xiaoqing seemed to be in much better spirits, even smiling, and waved to Yang Guangming when she saw him.

But when she saw Chen Hong walking out of the room, her smile instantly froze on her face.

Chen Hong had changed her clothes; she was wearing a light purple loungewear set, her hair was loosely tied back, and she had applied light makeup. She looked elegant and composed, completely unlike the guilty or uneasy "other woman" that Zuo Xiaoqing had imagined.

"Xiaoqing's back." Chen Hong greeted her proactively, her tone as natural as if she were greeting a family member. "You bought so many things."

Zuo Xiaoqing was somewhat at a loss and subconsciously looked at Yang Guangming.

Yang Guangming walked to her side, took the bag from her hand, and said softly, "Don't be nervous, just be natural."

Zuo Xiaoqing took a deep breath and forced a smile: "Hello, Sister Chen Hong."

The title brought a hint of satisfaction to Chen Hong's eyes. "Sister" was both a sign of respect and an indication of status.

"Come in and sit down, it's hot outside," Chen Hong greeted warmly. "Sister Wu, could you please pour two cups of iced tea? Xiaoqing must be thirsty."

Wu Fang responded and quickly went to prepare.

Zuo Xiaoqing followed Chen Hong into the living room, with Yang Guangming following behind. The three of them sat down, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkwardly tense.

Chen Hong broke the silence first: "I heard from Guangming that you got into the Beijing Film Academy? Congratulations! It's very difficult to get into the acting department."

"Yeah, I'm lucky," Zuo Xiaoqing said softly, her fingers unconsciously twisting together.

Previously, although Zuo Xiaoqing had done a lot of mental preparation and made contingency plans for the meeting, she was still young and far less composed and experienced than Chen Hong.

“It’s not luck, it’s ability,” Chen Hong said with a smile. “Guangming often mentions you to me, saying that you are very talented and hardworking.”

Zuo Xiaoqing looked at Yang Guangming in surprise. Yang Guangming nodded to her, indicating that it was true.

"I... I still have a long way to go, and there's a lot I need to learn." Zuo Xiaoqing's tone relaxed a bit.

“It’s like this when you first start school, take it slow.” Chen Hong’s tone was like that of a gentle older sister. “I’ve been in this industry for a few years now, so if you don’t understand anything in the future, you can ask me.”

"Thank you, Sister Chen Hong." Zuo Xiaoqing said this time much more naturally.

Wu Fang brought over some herbal tea and sliced ​​fruit. Chen Hong naturally handed Zuo Xiaoqing a slice of watermelon and then gave Yang Guangming another.

This detail made Zuo Xiaoqing realize that Chen Hong was indeed like the lady of the house. She was neither servile nor arrogant, but composed and generous, completely in control of the situation.

This left Zuo Xiaoqing feeling somewhat uneasy, but she had to admit that Chen Hong did indeed have that kind of aura.

"Xiaoqing bought new clothes?" Chen Hong glanced at the shopping bags on the ground. "Can I take a look? I also brought back a few new styles from Hong Kong Island this time. We can exchange ideas."

When clothes were mentioned, Zuo Xiaoqing's eyes lit up. Girls are always interested in these things.

“Okay.” She got up to get her shopping bags. “I bought a dress and two casual outfits.” Chen Hong also got up: “I’ll go get the clothes I brought; some of them are still unopened.”

The two women quickly shifted their attention to clothing. Zuo Xiaoqing showed off the dress she had bought, and Chen Hong offered suggestions: what shoes to wear with it, what accessories to pair it with. Chen Hong then took out several pieces of clothing she had brought back from Hong Kong Island, all of which were the latest seasonal styles with unique designs.

Zuo Xiaoqing stared at it, her eyes wide, and couldn't help but ask, "Sister Chen Hong, where did you buy this top? It's so beautiful."

“It’s a shop in Causeway Bay. Next time you go to Hong Kong Island, I’ll take you there,” Chen Hong promised generously.

"Really? Thank you, Sister Chen Hong!"

Zuo Xiaoqing is too young, while Chen Hong is too mature, which is exactly the kind of scene Yang Guangming wants to see.

Yang Guangming sat on the sofa, watching the two women go from initial awkwardness to their current warm interaction, and breathed a sigh of relief.

Chen Hong was indeed skillful, knowing how to use topics that women find interesting to bridge the gap and defuse awkward situations. Zuo Xiaoqing, being young, was quickly drawn into the conversation.

After chatting about clothes and cosmetics for about half an hour, Wu Fang came over to ask about dinner arrangements.

Chen Hong looked at Yang Guangming: "Guangming, what would you like to eat?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "Let's eat at home. Let the kitchen prepare some of their signature dishes. Honghong just got back; let her taste the flavors of home."

"Okay." Chen Hong nodded, then looked at Zuo Xiaoqing, "Xiaoqing, what would you like to eat?"

Zuo Xiaoqing shook her head: "I'm fine with anything, I'll listen to Sister Chen Hong."

"Then let's make a few light dishes. It's hot, and it's not good to eat too much oily food," Chen Hong said to Wu Fang. "Sister Wu, you can decide what to do."

Wu Fang smiled and agreed, then went to the kitchen.

While preparing dinner, Chen Hong suggested going to the media room to watch a movie. Zuo Xiaoqing naturally agreed, as she had originally planned to watch a movie that afternoon.

The three of them went to the media room, where Chen Hong asked Zuo Xiaoqing to choose a movie.

Zuo Xiaoqing chose a lighthearted comedy, Stephen Chow's "Hail the Judge." She figured watching a comedy was never a bad idea.

The atmosphere became more relaxed after the movie started. Stephen Chow's performance was hilarious, and Zuo Xiaoqing laughed from time to time. Chen Hong was also amused, occasionally exchanging a knowing glance with Yang Guangming.

Yang Guangming sat between the two women, Chen Hong on his left and Zuo Xiaoqing on his right. He didn't deliberately favor either of them, but simply leaned back naturally on the sofa, focusing intently on the movie.

But both women were very aware of his presence. Zuo Xiaoqing would occasionally steal glances at him, while Chen Hong was more direct, sometimes leaning on his shoulder or holding his hand.

Zuo Xiaoqing saw it and felt a pang of sadness, but thinking of Yang Guangming's honesty that morning, she managed to control her emotions.

Halfway through the movie, Chen Hong stood up and casually said to Yang Guangming, "I'm going to get Xiaoqing a glass of water. Could you bring it to me?"

The two walked out of the audiovisual room together, leaving Zuo Xiaoqing alone.

The only sound in the home theater was the movie, and Zuo Xiaoqing suddenly felt a little lonely. She looked at the funny images on the screen, but couldn't laugh.

In the kitchen, Chen Hong poured three glasses of water. Yang Guangming leaned against the counter, watching him.

“She’s more naive than I thought,” Chen Hong said softly.

“She’s only eighteen,” Yang Guangming said. “She hasn’t experienced much.”

"That's good, it makes her easier to get along with. Don't worry, I'll treat her well. After all... we'll be spending a long time together in the future."

Yang Guangming looked at her without saying a word.

Chen Hong smiled, a hint of helplessness in her smile: "Leave you? I can't do it. Since I can't leave, I can only accept it and try my best to make myself more comfortable."

She approached and stroked his face: "Guangming, remember, my love for you makes me willing to accept all this. But this love is not unconditional. If one day you make me feel that it's not worth it, I will leave without hesitation."

Yang Guangming held her hand: "I understand."

The two carried the water back to the media room. Zuo Xiaoqing was watching the movie intently, but Yang Guangming could sense that her attention wasn't entirely on the film.

"Xiaoqing, have some water." Chen Hong handed her the cup.

"Thank you, Sister Chen Hong." Zuo Xiaoqing took the drink and sipped it.

The movie continued playing, but the atmosphere seemed to become subtle again.

After watching a movie, Wu Fang came over to tell us that dinner was ready.

Dinner was served at the restaurant, and the dishes were plentiful, all of which were the chef's specialties: steamed sea bass, blanched bok choy, steamed shrimp with garlic and vermicelli, winter melon and pork rib soup, and several delicate side dishes.

Chen Hong naturally sat to the left of Yang Guangming, which was the hostess's seat. Zuo Xiaoqing hesitated for a moment, then sat to the right.

During the meal, Chen Hong took good care of Zuo Xiaoqing, constantly putting food on her plate: "Xiaoqing, try this fish, it's very fresh."

"This shrimp is good too. You're growing, so you need to eat more protein."

Zuo Xiaoqing was flattered and thanked him repeatedly.

Seeing this, Yang Guangming felt much more at ease. At least on the surface, the two were getting along quite well.

After dinner, Chen Hong offered to help clean up, but Wu Fang firmly refused, saying, "Ms. Chen, you've just gotten back, please rest well. We can handle this."

Chen Hong didn't insist and went to the living room with Yang Guangming and Zuo Xiaoqing.

The TV was on in the living room, showing the news. The three people sat on the sofa, watching TV and chatting.

Today seemed to drag on a bit. Zuo Xiaoqing glanced at the clock on the wall; it was already ten o'clock.

"Um..." she began, "I'm going to register at school tomorrow, so I might have to live on campus."

Chen Hong looked at her: "The Beijing Film Academy has started classes?"

"Yes, I'll be reporting on September 1st, and military training will start on the 3rd," Zuo Xiaoqing said. "After school starts, I'll be living on campus."

“Living at school is good too, it’s a chance to experience communal living.” Chen Hong smiled gently. “Remember to come home on weekends, the food in the kitchen is much better than in the cafeteria.”

"Okay." Zuo Xiaoqing nodded, then looked at Yang Guangming, "Brother Guangming, I'm a little tired and want to rest early."

Yang Guangming understood what she meant. Tonight, she needed some space to process everything that had happened that day.

"Okay, get some rest," Yang Guangming said. "I'll take you to school tomorrow."

Zuo Xiaoqing stood up and said to Chen Hong, "Good night, Sister Chen Hong."

"Good night, Xiaoqing," Chen Hong smiled. "Get some rest."

After Zuo Xiaoqing left the living room, Chen Hong's smile faded slightly. She leaned back on the sofa and sighed softly.

"Tired?" Yang Guangming sat down next to her.

“A little.” Chen Hong closed her eyes. “Acting is also physically demanding, especially playing a ‘generous empress’ in this kind of role.”

Yang Guangming held her hand, offering her silent comfort.

Chen Hong opened her eyes and looked at him: "No need to thank me, this is my own choice. But Guangming, you have to promise me one thing."

"You said."

"No matter how many women come in the future, my place in your heart can never be replaced." Chen Hong's eyes were very serious. "I don't have to ask for the only one, but I must be number one."

Yang Guangming nodded: "I promise you."

Chen Hong then revealed a genuine smile and leaned on his shoulder: "That's good. I'm tired, take me back to my room."

Yang Guangming escorted Chen Hong back to her room, but Chen Hong stopped him at the door.

“Go and keep her company tonight. Xiaoqing is going to live at school tomorrow, and she must be feeling down. As her older sister, I should at least show her some consideration.”

Yang Guangming was somewhat surprised: "Are you sure?"

"Okay." Chen Hong kissed him on the cheek. "Go ahead, I need to adjust to the time difference and go to sleep early."

Yang Guangming looked at her deeply and said, "Honghong, you really are... very special."

Chen Hong smiled: "So special that you can't bear to let go, right? That's my purpose."

She closed the door, leaving Yang Guangming standing outside.

Yang Guangming stood outside Chen Hong's room for a while, then turned and went to Zuo Xiaoqing's room.

The door wasn't locked, and he gently pushed it open. Zuo Xiaoqing had already showered and changed into her pajamas, and was sitting on the bed in a daze.

Hearing the sound, she looked up, her eyes a little red.

"Brother Guangming." Her voice was nasal.

Yang Guangming walked over and sat down next to her: "What's wrong? Still sad?"

Zuo Xiaoqing shook her head, then nodded: "I don't know... I just feel confused. Sister Chen Hong is very good to me, but I still feel uncomfortable."

“It’s normal.” Yang Guangming hugged her. “Anyone would feel uncomfortable in your situation. It’s already very good that you’re like this.”

Zuo Xiaoqing leaned against him in silence for a long time before whispering, "Brother Guangming, will you ever leave me one day?"

"No." Yang Guangming's tone was firm. "I've said it before, as long as you don't leave on your own initiative, I will never abandon you."

"What if... what if there are other women in the future?" Zuo Xiaoqing asked, "Would you then neglect me?"

Yang Guangming cupped her face in his hands and looked earnestly into her eyes: "Xiaoqing, remember this: you are the first person I've ever loved, and that fact will never change. No matter how many people come in the future, you will always hold a special place in my heart."

Zuo Xiaoqing's tears fell, but this time they were not tears of sadness.

“I believe you,” she said. “Although I still feel wronged, I believe you.”

The sunlight gently kissed away her tears.

That night, Yang Guangming stayed with Zuo Xiaoqing. The two did nothing but fall asleep in each other's arms. Zuo Xiaoqing slept soundly in his arms, like a little animal that had found its home.

Yang Guangming, however, hadn't fallen asleep for a long time.

He looked at the girl sleeping peacefully in his arms, and then he remembered Chen Hong's mature and rational eyes.

These two women were like a clear stream, simple and straightforward; the other like a deep lake, inclusive and wise. He loved them both and cherished them both.

He knew he was being greedy, and he knew it was unfair to them. All he could do was try his best to be good to them, to give them the best life, and to show them more care.

It was late at night, and the courtyard was completely silent.

Yang Guangming gently kissed Zuo Xiaoqing's forehead and closed his eyes. (End of Chapter)