Category: Friend(GL)

Chapter 57: The Wound

Zhou Tianzui, looking at You Ruxu’s helpless glare through the screen, wanted to laugh. She leaned against the headboard, a smile playing on her lips, and asked You Ruxu, “What time are you going to bed?”

“I’m not sleepy yet.” You Ruxu had napped in the afternoon. She looked at Zhou Tianzui, “Are you sleepy?”

“A little.” She had been busy at the hospital, then busy at home. Now, lying in bed, she felt a wave of drowsiness wash over her. You Ruxu said, “Then go to sleep, I’ll read some more.”

Zhou Tianzui gave a small “mm-hmm.” You Ruxu was about to end the video call when she heard Zhou Tianzui say, “Don’t hang up.”

You Ruxu’s hand froze. She looked at Zhou Tianzui on the screen, her eyes closed, hearing her say, “Don’t hang up.”

She didn’t hang up, didn’t even touch her phone. Occasionally, when she looked up from her work, she would see Zhou Tianzui fast asleep. You Ruxu had never video called someone while they slept before. Back in university, she had seen her roommates in relationships, so clingy that they wouldn’t even hang up after falling asleep. She hadn’t understood it then, but now, she completely did.

She also didn’t want to hang up.

Every time she looked up, she would see Zhou Tianzui’s sleeping face, as if she was right beside her, a strange sense of comfort, making her movements lighter as she worked.

The next day, the weather was good. It was her last day of vacation. She woke up and reached for her phone. The video call had ended. Zhou Tianzui had sent a message at three in the morning: [Good night.]

She smiled, a slight parting of her lips.

Replied: [Morning.]

Zhou Tianzui quickly replied: [So early?]

You Ruxu had stayed up past two in the morning, but she felt surprisingly alert. She took her phone with her to the bathroom, messaging while brushing her teeth, messaging while using the restroom, messaging while making breakfast.

Her phone was practically glued to her hand.

Zhou Tianzui: [Aren’t you off today? Why don’t you sleep in?]

You Ruxu: [I want to go to the school today.]

Zhou Tianzui: [School?]

You Ruxu: [Yes, that child I mentioned last night, Yao Zhao, I’m going to look into the case.]

Zhou Tianzui: [Want me to come with you?]

You Ruxu: [No need, you should spend time with Auntie, Chen Xiang is coming over later, we’ll go together.]

Zhou Tianzui didn’t reply.

You Ruxu checked her phone again.

Still no reply.

She had sent the message ten minutes ago, hadn’t Zhou Tianzui seen it?

After a few more minutes, You Ruxu sent: [Zhou Tianzui?]

Zhou Tianzui: [?]

So she had seen it, then why didn’t she reply?

You Ruxu felt a flicker of annoyance, the emotion surfacing so quickly she hadn’t even realized it, when she saw Zhou Tianzui ask: [What’s wrong?]

You Ruxu: [Nothing.]

Zhou Tianzui: [Unhappy?]

You Ruxu, giving in to her emotions, asked: [Why didn’t you reply to my message earlier?]

Zhou Tianzui: [Because I’m also unhappy.]

You Ruxu: [What are you unhappy about?]

Then she realized and chuckled: [Because of Chen Xiang?]

Zhou Tianzui: [Yes.]

You Ruxu: [Childish.]

After sending the message, she realized she was being childish herself.

Getting upset over such a small matter.

Zhou Tianzui readily accepted the label “childish” and sent an emoji: [Coming for lunch?]

You Ruxu: [Okay, I’ll come after I’m done.]

Zhou Tianzui: [Should I pick you up? I’m going grocery shopping at noon anyway.]

You Ruxu: [Okay.]

After settling their plans, Chen Xiang called You Ruxu, who told Zhou Tianzui she was leaving. It was Friday, a school day. Chen Xiang, seeing You Ruxu, her eyes lit up, calling out, “Teacher You!!”

Her excitement was evident.

You Ruxu nodded, letting Chen Xiang, bundled up in layers of winter clothing, hug her tightly: “I missed you so much, Teacher You!”

Chen Xiang exclaimed, “I missed you so much I couldn’t even eat!”

You Ruxu said, “But you’ve gained weight.”

Chen Xiang: …

She looked at You Ruxu.

After walking a few steps, she looked at You Ruxu again, “Teacher You, you’ve changed.”

She had said this before, and You Ruxu would always just smile. What was going on now?!

You Ruxu thought, she must have been infected by Zhou Tianzui.

She chuckled.

Chen Xiang said, “That’s more like it, Teacher You. Are we going straight to the school?”

You Ruxu said, “Did you tell the boss?”

“No.” Chen Xiang said, “You have no idea, after you went on leave, the boss has been so busy. Guess what our team’s year-end evaluation was?”

You Ruxu looked at her.

Chen Xiang gave a thumbs-up: “All A’s!”

She said, “We made history!”

You Ruxu nodded.

Chen Xiang continued, “So the boss wants to give you a few extra days off, did she tell you?”

You Ruxu said, “Not yet.”

Chen Xiang said, “Then the news probably hasn’t come down yet. Are you coming back to the station tomorrow?”

You Ruxu hummed in agreement. She had nothing to do at home, it was time to get back to work. Chen Xiang said, “That summit you covered should be airing tomorrow or the day after, just in time for your return.”

They walked towards the school, which wasn’t far. You Ruxu asked Chen Xiang, “Have you met Yao Zhao?”

“Yes.” Chen Xiang said, “She’s a bit timid, afraid to speak, but her injuries are real.”

You Ruxu said, “What about her family?”

“Her father?” Chen Xiang scoffed, “He’s at home. It’s difficult to intervene in family matters, even the police, let alone us reporters, can’t easily handle news like this.”

That was also why Shi Qi didn’t want to cover this story. Often, such cases went nowhere. They were most afraid of the victim suddenly changing their story. In many domestic violence cases, at the very end, the victim would decide not to press charges or claim they misremembered. Considering various factors, sometimes because of children, sometimes because they still wanted to stay in the relationship, the cases would be dropped.

You Ruxu asked, “Is Yao Zhao afraid of you?”

“Terrified.” Chen Xiang said, “I’ve never met a child more timid than her, I’m afraid of scaring her even if I speak too loudly.”

It matched You Ruxu’s impression from last night.

You Ruxu nodded.

They registered their names with the security guard, who said, “Here to see Yao Zhao again?”

It seemed many people were looking for her.

You Ruxu asked, “Has anyone come to see her recently?”

“Not recently.” The security guard said, “A lot of reporters came a while ago, several every day, but not in the past few days.”

Presumably because the case had just surfaced, everyone wanted to get the scoop, but they didn’t follow up afterwards. You Ruxu nodded, thanked the security guard, and said to Chen Xiang, “Let’s go inside.”

It was break time between the second and third periods. You Ruxu and Chen Xiang stood at the door of Yao Zhao’s classroom. Chen Xiang wanted to approach, but You Ruxu grabbed her hand. Chen Xiang whispered, “What’s wrong, Teacher You?”

You Ruxu said, “Let’s observe for a bit.”

Yao Zhao was sitting in the fourth row of the first group, the seat closest to the window. Her deskmate, a girl, was doing her homework, her head lowered. Yao Zhao was reading. The sunlight fell on them, warm and comforting. The girl doing her homework looked up and asked Yao Zhao a question. Yao Zhao bit her lip, her eyes darting away, then lowered her head and explained the problem, her expression serious.

A few boys, seeing them studying, chuckled and walked past Yao Zhao’s desk, deliberately bumping into it, making it wobble. Yao Zhao lowered her head, not saying a word. Her deskmate, however, looked up angrily and shouted, “Are you crazy?!”

The boy retorted, “What? It was an accident!”

The girl glared at him, “If you can’t walk, get your legs amputated!”

The boy rolled his eyes, “I bumped into the mute’s desk, what’s it to you?!”

Yao Zhao kept her head down, her grip on the pen tightening. Chen Xiang frowned: “That’s too much!”

You Ruxu watched quietly for a while. The bell rang, and they returned to their seats. Yao Zhao finally looked up at the podium, her fair face bloodless, her bangs thick and dark, a stark contrast to her pale skin, making her look even more frail. You Ruxu said, “Let’s talk to her homeroom teacher first.”

They went to the office.

The homeroom teacher wasn’t surprised they were looking for Yao Zhao. Quite a few people had come looking for her recently, mostly media, but they didn’t follow up after a few days. The teacher said, “Yao Zhao’s grades are decent, but her father…” The teacher shook her head. “He said she should find a job after finishing middle school.”

She had probably talked to the father, her tone indignant yet resigned.

She had mentioned these things to the reporters who came before. She had initially thought that with all the attention on the case, it might help Yao Zhao, but unexpectedly, there was no follow-up. You Ruxu asked, “Did she ever mention her father hitting her?”

The teacher shook her head: “No, but she fainted during PE class a while ago. When Teacher Wu checked her, she found some injuries on her body. When asked, she said it was an accident.”

It was just a small incident. Only after the news broke did they realize it was probably her father who caused the injuries.

You Ruxu: “Where were the injuries?”

“Below her waist.” The teacher gestured towards her own waist. “Around here.”

You Ruxu nodded.

Leaving the office, Chen Xiang said, “That poor child, should we wait until lunchtime and talk to her then?”

You Ruxu said, “I have something to do at noon, I’ll come back later.”

Chen Xiang gave a small “oh.”

You Ruxu said, “Are you going back to the station?”

Chen Xiang nodded.

You Ruxu said, “Then take the equipment back for me.”

Chen Xiang said, “Sure.”

You Ruxu watched from the classroom doorway for about twenty minutes before leaving. Chen Xiang’s legs were numb, while You Ruxu still looked relaxed, which she couldn’t help but admire. After leaving, she kept pounding her legs to restore circulation. You Ruxu had just placed the equipment in Chen Xiang’s car when she received a call from Zhou Tianzui.

She waved goodbye to Chen Xiang and answered the call, hearing Zhou Tianzui ask, “Where are you?”

You Ruxu said, “Downstairs, where are you?”

“I’ll be right there.” Zhou Tianzui hung up. You Ruxu saw a figure in the distance, wearing a white down jacket, light blue pants, and casual shoes, her hair tousled by the wind, revealing her beautiful features. Passersby couldn’t help but turn and look.

Zhou Tianzui pulled up beside her and rolled down the window. You Ruxu opened the door and got in, asking, “Where’s Auntie?”

“At home watching TV.” Zhou Tianzui had said she was coming over and offered to cook, but Zhou Tianzui told her not to bother and said she would come pick her up after she was almost ready. There were two grocery bags in the backseat, filled with vegetables. After You Ruxu sat down, she heard Zhou Tianzui ask, “Did you go to the school?”

You Ruxu nodded, “I did.”

She said, “But she was in class, so I didn’t talk to her.”

Zhou Tianzui handed her a carton of milk, still warm. You Ruxu took it, glanced at Zhou Tianzui, smiled, and took a sip. It tasted sweet. She said, “I’m going to her house later.”

Zhou Tianzui asked, “Didn’t you say she’s scared of you?”

You Ruxu put down the milk and nodded: “Yes.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Then what if she refuses to be interviewed?”

“That’s a possibility.”

Zhou Tianzui asked, “Then there’s nothing we can do?”

You Ruxu thought for a moment, “She needs to come forward herself.”

Only then could others help her.

Zhou Tianzui gripped the steering wheel. You Ruxu took another sip of milk, then watched Zhou Tianzui drive, her wrist slender and elegant, a red string bracelet loosely tied around it, the peach pit resting against her skin, making it look even fairer and smoother. You Ruxu’s gaze lingered on Zhou Tianzui’s waist, remembering the teacher’s words.

She called out, “Zhou Tianzui.”

Zhou Tianzui, her eyes fixed on the road, just hummed softly.

You Ruxu reached out and touched her jacket, her finger almost grazing the skin beneath, “How did you get this injury?”

Zhou Tianzui followed her gaze and glanced down at the spot below her waist. She tightened her grip on the steering wheel, her eyes on the road ahead, and said casually, “It was an accident.”

Chapter 56: Speaking

Zhou Tianzui lingered with You Ruxu for another two hours before leaving. After she left, the living room was quiet, only the news playing on repeat. You Ruxu leaned against the sofa, the sounds barely registering.

Would she miss her?

Yes, she would.

She already missed her.

You Ruxu had never known she was so clingy. In the past, even when she was away on business trips for a week or two, she wouldn’t exchange more than ten sentences with Zhou Tianzui. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to, but the awkwardness between them held her back. And back then, Zhou Tianzui was still sharp-tongued.

She pursed her lips, a tingling sensation, her fingers tracing their outline, still carrying Zhou Tianzui’s scent.

You Ruxu buried her face in a pillow, listening to the sounds from the TV, feeling sleepy.

She tossed and turned, but sleep wouldn’t come. She turned off the TV, went to her room, took out the teddy bear from her suitcase, and gently touched its head, poking its slightly deflated belly. The new teddy bear was still at her parents’ place. She had brought the old one with her. On the way back, Zhou Tianzui had teased her for being sentimental. She poked the teddy bear’s cheek.

It wasn’t sentimentality.

She was just attached to Zhou Tianzui.

Zhou Tianzui returned to the hospital and was immediately confronted by Yu Qiao: “What did you say to your aunt?”

Why was she receiving message after message, even men’s contact information, being told to add them and chat, what was there to chat about?! She wanted to hit Zhou Tianzui!

Zhou Tianzui, scrolling through her phone, said casually, “Nothing, what’s wrong?”

Yu Qiao was exasperated: “Are you unhappy with the blind dates I arranged for you?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “No, I’m not.”

“Not unhappy, my foot, you’re deliberately trying to anger me!” Yu Qiao said, “Tell your aunt to stop sending me those ridiculous messages.”

Zhou Tianzui didn’t look up from her phone: “You tell her yourself.”

“She—” Yu Qiao knew it was pointless. Matchmakers loved to meddle, and they had all sorts of twisted logic, she couldn’t win against Zhou Tianzui’s aunt, only ending up frustrated.

Yu Qiao, sullen, turned over in bed. Zhou Tianzui looked up, “Mom?”

The person on the bed ignored her.

Zhou Tianzui chuckled, “Beautiful Yu?”

Yu Qiao said, “Go away, go away!”

She was truly annoyed.

Zhou Tianzui, knowing when to stop, said, “Fine, I’ll talk to my aunt, then you stop arranging blind dates for me.”

“I knew it—” Before Yu Qiao could finish, Zhou Tianzui said, “Mom, I don’t plan on getting married anytime soon. You want me to get married, to find a partner, perhaps I would, considering your health, but then what?”

Her tone was serious, her face stern, the same demeanor she had at the hospital, silencing Yu Qiao.

Zhou Tianzui said, “Then I wouldn’t be happy.”

She lowered her head, “Mom, would that make you happy?”

Yu Qiao was exasperated: “You’re thirty years old, not married, not in a relationship, what are you planning to do?”

Zhou Tianzui turned, the words on the tip of her tongue swallowed back. She said, “Focus on my work, take care of Beautiful Yu.”

Yu Qiao: …

She couldn’t win against Zhou Tianzui.

The conversation ended unhappily. Yu Qiao didn’t speak to her until she was discharged. Zhou Tianzui knew she was still angry. On the way home, she went to the supermarket to buy groceries and fruit, then helped Yu Qiao back to her apartment.

Arriving home, Zhou Tianzui said, “Mom, what’s so good about marriage? What if I suddenly decided to marry someone from another city, what about my work? What about you?”

Yu Qiao, without thinking, retorted, “Then find someone local.”

“It’s not that simple.” Zhou Tianzui said, “Dating isn’t like buying groceries, just choosing something affordable, it’s about connection.”

Yu Qiao’s anger, simmering all afternoon, finally subsided a little.

She said, “I think those non-marriage advocates are a bad influence on you.”

“Who?” Zhou Tianzui said, “You mean You Ruxu?”

Yu Qiao was startled, “I didn’t mention Xiao Xu.”

She didn’t dare to.

She then frowned, “She’s also against marriage?”

“I really don’t understand you young people.”

But thinking that even someone as outstanding as You Ruxu wasn’t married or in a relationship, Yu Qiao felt a strange sense of balance. Perhaps it wasn’t so urgent for Zhou Tianzui to get married after all.

Thinking of You Ruxu, she said, “By the way, Xiao Xu brought me some local specialties from Yuhai, she even came to visit me in the hospital, she’s on leave recently, right? Ask her over for dinner?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Sure.”

She called You Ruxu.

You Ruxu had just woken up, sitting on the bed in a daze. She had slept until nightfall. The room was dark, the lights off. Just as she reached for her phone to check the time, it rang. She looked at the caller ID; it was Zhou Tianzui.

She should be home by now.

You Ruxu answered the call. Zhou Tianzui asked, “Have you eaten yet?”

“Not yet.” You Ruxu had just woken up, feeling listless, leaning lazily against the pillows, her hand unconsciously stroking the teddy bear’s head, the soft fur warm in her hand.

Zhou Tianzui, hearing the sleepiness in her voice, asked, “Were you sleeping?”

“Yes.” You Ruxu said, “Are you home?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “I’ve been home for a while, my mom asked if you’re free for dinner tomorrow.”

“Me?” You Ruxu was slightly surprised, then reacted, “Tomorrow? Lunch or dinner?”

Zhou Tianzui chuckled, “Either is fine.”

You Ruxu gave a soft “mm-hmm.”

Zhou Tianzui covered the phone and said to Yu Qiao, who was sitting on the sofa, “Mom, I’m going downstairs to buy something.”

Yu Qiao asked, “Buying what?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Milk.”

Yu Qiao nodded, watching her leave.

Zhou Tianzui didn’t hang up, holding the phone as she walked, her soft breathing audible to You Ruxu, who asked, “Are you out?”

“Going to the supermarket.” Zhou Tianzui said, “Aren’t you going to eat?”

You Ruxu said, “I’ll get up later.”

They chatted casually. You Ruxu put the phone on the bedside table, turned on the speakerphone. Zhou Tianzui’s voice came through clearly. You Ruxu was changing her clothes, not wanting to cook tonight, planning to eat out. Zhou Tianzui said, “Isn’t there soup in the pot?”

“I don’t want to move.”

Zhou Tianzui chuckled softly.

You Ruxu blushed, hearing her laughter. She said, “I’m hanging up.”

Zhou Tianzui had arrived at the supermarket. Someone greeted her. She said to You Ruxu, “Okay, then I’ll hang up now.”

You Ruxu held the phone. It was a casual call, an ordinary conversation, yet after hanging up, she sat there for a few seconds, lost in thought. After washing up, she went downstairs. It was cold outside. She wore a down jacket and a hat. After leaving the building, she looked around, unsure what to eat, standing among the brightly lit signs, when she saw a slender figure walking quickly, followed by three boys.

They were boys, probably not even adults yet, following the girl, their laughter malicious, talking amongst themselves as they walked. You Ruxu frowned. The girl was walking quickly, trying to disappear into the crowd, but the boys followed closely. Just as she was about to reach the crowd, one of the boys grabbed her arm, chuckling, “Hey, classmate, why are you walking so fast?”

The other two boys snickered.

The girl lowered her head, her hair covering her face. She tried to pull her arm back, but couldn’t break free. The boy tried to pull her aside. You Ruxu reached out and grabbed his hand.

Her grip tightened.

The boy’s face paled, “Ow, ow…”

You Ruxu said, “Then let go.”

Her voice was clear and cold. The boy, about to curse at her, looked at You Ruxu’s face and hesitated.

She was beautiful.

He swallowed, “Who are you?”

His voice was slightly softer, and he released the girl’s arm. You Ruxu asked, “Who are you?”

The boy said, “I…” He looked at the girl, “I’m her classmate, I have something to ask her, who are you?”

You Ruxu looked at the girl: “Is that true?”

The girl shook her head.

You Ruxu looked at the three boys. The trio, who had been so aggressive just moments ago, now backed down. They might act like bullies at school, but outside, they weren’t so brave. After a couple of seconds of eye contact with You Ruxu, the boy in front said, “Whatever, let’s go home.”

The other two also turned around.

“Brother Feng, that woman was really beautiful.” One of them said, his tone frivolous, “So pretty.”

Something hit him on the back as he spoke. He didn’t dare look back and just ran off.

You Ruxu shook her head.

She looked at the girl and heard her say, “Thank you.”

She was shy, her head lowered. She was wearing a school uniform, the autumn version, blue and black, not very thick, two old black sweaters underneath. She was wearing sneakers, the white edges the only bright color on her. You Ruxu called out, “Yao Zhao?”

Yao Zhao looked up, quickly glancing at You Ruxu, then lowering her head again, embarrassed. She fidgeted with her pants, her expression nervous, “Do, do you know me?”

You Ruxu said, “I’ve seen your file.”

She extended her hand: “Hello, I’m a reporter from Jindu TV, my name is You Ruxu.”

Yao Zhao looked at her outstretched hand, clean and fair, with long, slender fingers, her nails neatly trimmed and rounded, a beautiful hand, reaching out, as if to pull her out of the mud.

But—

Yao Zhao flinched and took a step back, glancing at You Ruxu, then turned and ran off. You Ruxu called out, “Hey!” but Yao Zhao was already several meters away.

She pursed her lips and didn’t chase after her.

You Ruxu ended up buying some fried rice. The shop was across the street from a middle school, brightly lit for evening study. You Ruxu opened Yao Zhao’s news story and carefully reread it. The shop owner handed her the packaged fried rice. You Ruxu took it and walked home.

She didn’t rush to eat when she got home, but contacted Chen Xiang first.

You Ruxu: [All the information?]

Chen Xiang: [Yes, Teacher You, are you interested in this case?]

You Ruxu: [Just taking a look.]

She didn’t mention encountering Yao Zhao. Just as she sent the message, she received a video call from Zhou Tianzui. You Ruxu placed her phone horizontally on the coffee table, using a tissue as a stand, the takeout box in front of her. Zhou Tianzui asked, “Haven’t eaten yet?”

You Ruxu said, “Just about to.”

She asked Zhou Tianzui, “Have you eaten?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “I’m already in bed.”

You Ruxu looked at her background; she was in her bedroom, lying in bed, holding her phone. You Ruxu smiled and said, “I just ran into a kid outside.”

Zhou Tianzui: “What kid?”

You Ruxu: “A middle school student, there’s a case involving her, the station is following it—” She broke apart her chopsticks. “She was acting strangely, she seemed scared of me.”

Scared of her? Or scared of reporters in general?

You Ruxu wasn’t sure.

Zhou Tianzui lay in bed, watching You Ruxu talk about the case while eating. They rarely did this before, usually busy with their own things, not discussing work. Zhou Tianzui watched You Ruxu on the screen, her pausing briefly when unsure, her brow slightly furrowed in thought, gently chewing on her chopsticks.

So different from the sharp and capable reporter on screen.

This version of You Ruxu was more real, less untouchable. Zhou Tianzui watched her intently, then heard You Ruxu call out, “Zhou Tianzui.”

She snapped back to reality.

Looked at You Ruxu.

You Ruxu asked her, “What are you thinking about?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Thinking about what you just said.”

You Ruxu thought back, “What I just said? What did I say?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “You said you were feeling down because I wasn’t with you tonight, that you missed me very much.”

You Ruxu was stunned, “When did I say that?”

Zhou Tianzui: “Didn’t you?”

You Ruxu: “I didn’t.”

Zhou Tianzui looked at her through the screen: “Then say it now.”

You Ruxu opened her mouth, then suddenly realized, and exclaimed, “Zhou Tianzui!”

---

---

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You Ruxu: What are you thinking about?
Zhou Tianzui: Thinking about what you just said.
You Ruxu: What did I say?
Zhou Tianzui: You said you wanted to sleep with me.
You Ruxu: …

Chapter 55: Miss Me

Yu Qiao didn’t take the bun Zhou Tianzui offered. She stared at Zhou Tianzui, speechless, her casual demeanor only fueling Yu Qiao’s anger. Finally, she turned to You Ruxu and said, “Is she crazy?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Mom, how can you say that? I’m just thinking about your happiness in the future.”

Yu Qiao said, “I don’t need you to worry about me.”

Zhou Tianzui sighed, “If I don’t worry about you, who will? I’m your daughter, isn’t it my duty to share your burdens? Mom, are you embarrassed to go on blind dates? It’s okay, I have experience, I’ll help you.”

Help her?

Yu Qiao almost choked. You Ruxu also gripped the bun tightly, pursing her lips to suppress her amusement. She had been stunned by Zhou Tianzui’s move and was only now recovering.

Zhou Tianzui ate her bun and drank her porridge, her movements slow and unhurried.

Yu Qiao kept muttering about Zhou Tianzui being crazy. She wanted to hit her, but couldn’t reach her. She couldn’t scold her either, as it did sound like Zhou Tianzui was doing it for her own good.

You Ruxu lowered her head, trying not to laugh.

After Zhou Tianzui finished eating, she took the containers outside to wash them. Yu Qiao, having finally recovered from her shock, asked, “Was Xiao Tian traumatized by something?”

She looked at You Ruxu, “Did something happen during her trip to Yuhai?”

You Ruxu shook her head seriously: “No, Auntie, nothing happened to her.”

Yu Qiao was speechless.

Nothing happened, yet she suddenly wanted to arrange blind dates for her? What was this about? Was she unhappy with the blind dates she arranged? But Xiao Tian wasn’t like her, she was already married, whether she remarried or not didn’t matter, how could they be compared?

But Yu Qiao didn’t say anything more, afraid Zhou Tianzui might say something even more outrageous and embarrass her in front of You Ruxu.

You Ruxu sat with them for a while, then left after lunch. Zhou Tianzui said, “I’ll go with you, I need to pick up some things from home.”

Yu Qiao didn’t suspect anything, “Drive safe.”

Zhou Tianzui agreed and told Yu Qiao to rest well.

Yu Qiao lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. She called Zhou Tianzui’s aunt, who chuckled on the other end, “Yu Qiao, Xiao Tian’s idea isn’t wrong, your husband has been gone for so many years, it’s good for you to find a companion.”

“And let me tell you, Xiao Tian is very open-minded, many elderly people want to find a partner after their spouse passes away, but they’re held back by their children. Your Xiao Tian is very understanding.”

Yu Qiao hung up abruptly.

It was worse than not calling at all.

Now the blind date pressure shifted from Zhou Tianzui to her, how absurd!

Zhou Tianzui drove, the red string bracelet on her slender wrist clearly visible. You Ruxu was busy with her phone, constantly receiving messages. Zhou Tianzui asked, “Who is it?”

“Zeng Jing.” You Ruxu said, “Her husband woke up.”

Zhang Xiaojie had regained consciousness. Although he was still in the hospital, he could now slowly recover, which was good news. Zeng Jing wanted to treat You Ruxu to dinner to express her gratitude, but You Ruxu declined. Zeng Jing sent her a photo of the baby, thanking her, saying that without You Ruxu, she and her child might not be here anymore.

You Ruxu replied: [Don’t mention it.]

Zeng Jing: [How can I not? Reporter You, you have no idea how much you’ve done for our family.]

When all the rumors and accusations came crashing down, You Ruxu had been like a small umbrella, shielding her from the storm, giving her and her baby a space to breathe.

Zeng Jing: [Would you like to come for dinner when the baby turns one month old?]

You Ruxu looked at Zhou Tianzui, asking silently.

Zhou Tianzui said, “She didn’t invite me.”

You Ruxu said, “You can come with me.”

Her tone was matter-of-fact. You Ruxu pursed her lips after speaking. Zhou Tianzui chuckled softly beside her, the sound making You Ruxu blush slightly. Zhou Tianzui said, “Okay.”

You Ruxu looked down, not saying anything more.

She replied to Zeng Jing, then suddenly remembered You Shu’s question.

Did you become a reporter because you wanted to, or because of someone else?

You Ruxu was lost in thought, her grip on her phone tightening, when she heard Zhou Tianzui say, “We’re here.”

She snapped back to reality and got out of the car.

Zhou Tianzui said, “I’ll be right back, I’m just picking up some things.”

“Picking up things?” You Ruxu asked, “Isn’t Auntie being discharged today?”

Zhou Tianzui nodded: “Yes, I’m going to stay at her place for a while.”

You Ruxu understood, Yu Qiao’s leg wasn’t fully recovered yet, and Zhou Tianzui was naturally worried. She asked, “Do you need help packing?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “I haven’t unpacked my suitcase yet, I’ll just take it with me.”

You Ruxu didn’t reply.

Zhou Tianzui followed her inside. The heater was on, the air a little dry. You Ruxu took off her jacket and went to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of water. Zhou Tianzui followed her, took the glass she had just used, and said, “Are you unhappy?”

You Ruxu choked slightly: “No.”

Zhou Tianzui looked at her: “Why not?”

You Ruxu let out a puzzled “huh”: “What?”

“Why aren’t you unhappy?” Zhou Tianzui put down the glass and looked at her, her gaze deep and searching. You Ruxu met her gaze and said, “Aren’t you taking care of Auntie?”

“Then you should be unhappy.” Zhou Tianzui reached out and hugged her, whispering in her ear, “Say you’re unhappy.”

You Ruxu was speechless.

She pursed her lips.

Zhou Tianzui pinched her waist, “Say it.”

“No.” You Ruxu’s waist tingled slightly. She had taken off her jacket and was only wearing a light pink, soft, and loose V-neck sweater. Zhou Tianzui’s hand slipped inside the sweater.

You Ruxu shivered.

Zhou Tianzui asked, “Cold?”

You Ruxu nodded, “Your hand is cold.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “It’ll be warm soon.”

She didn’t let go of You Ruxu, her hand still against her skin. After a while, she asked, “Is it warm now?”

You Ruxu didn’t answer.

Zhou Tianzui’s fingers traced the lines of her waist, slowly moving upwards. You Ruxu grabbed her hand, her eyes clear, silently telling her not to move. Zhou Tianzui looked at her, her gaze intense and almost predatory. Her eyes darkened, her finger moving slightly higher.

You Ruxu couldn’t help but call out, “Zhou Tianzui.”

She pulled Zhou Tianzui’s hand away, turned, and walked into the living room with her glass, leaving Zhou Tianzui alone in the kitchen.

Zhou Tianzui followed her, “A Ran…”

You Ruxu lowered her head and said, “Don’t.”

They had been intimate several times yesterday. It had been a while, so they had gotten a little carried away. The skin above her chest was still slightly sore, from Zhou Tianzui’s bites. She had also bitten Zhou Tianzui.

In several places.

How could Zhou Tianzui act as if nothing had happened? Did she have such quick recovery powers?

You Ruxu felt slightly frustrated.

She sat on the sofa, holding her glass, and turned on the TV. Zhou Tianzui sat beside her, not watching the TV, not speaking to her, just resting her chin on her hand, looking at You Ruxu.

You Ruxu, unable to bear her gaze any longer, turned Zhou Tianzui’s face towards the TV and said, “Watch the news.”

Zhou Tianzui started to say, “No point—”

Before she could finish “not watching”—

You Ruxu leaned over and kissed her.

Zhou Tianzui watched the news, a smile playing on her lips.

After watching the news with You Ruxu for half an hour, she noticed You Ruxu constantly checking her phone, presumably preparing for work. You Ruxu was indeed preparing. After watching the news, she asked Chen Xiang which news stories she had been covering recently.

Chen Xiang replied: [There are a few interesting ones recently, one about forced demolitions, one about a medical malpractice case at the city hospital…] She listed a few, then added: [There’s also one the boss said we don’t have to cover, I think it’s quite sad.]

You Ruxu asked: [What is it?]

Chen Xiang: [A domestic violence case, I went to see the little girl a couple of days ago, she’s quite pitiful, I don’t know what will happen to her.]

You Ruxu’s pupils constricted, seeing the word “case.” Her hand froze on the screen. After a moment of thought, she typed: [Send me the information.]

Chen Xiang: [Which one?]

Chen Xiang: [Oh, the domestic violence one?]

You Ruxu: [Yes.]

Chen Xiang sent a link and two documents. You Ruxu carefully read them. The case had surfaced a couple of days ago, when a neighbor called the police, saying she heard a woman crying and screaming next door, and was worried. The police, upon investigating, found the young girl covered in bruises, fifteen or sixteen years old, looking timid and afraid to speak. Finally, they found out the man was her stepfather. The girl’s mother had been living with him for two years, then left, leaving the girl behind with her stepfather, who had a bad temper and often beat her.

Photos were attached, showing bloody and shocking injuries. You Ruxu’s heart clenched as she continued reading. The stepfather, interviewed later, claimed he had never abused the girl, saying she had mental problems, that he had provided for her for two years, asking for nothing in return, and now she was accusing him of domestic violence. He insisted he was being wrongly accused.

The conflicting interviews sparked heated online discussions.

You Ruxu was silent after reading the information, a wave of unease washing over her. Zhou Tianzui, seeing her staring at her phone, moved closer and asked, “What are you looking at?”

“News.” You Ruxu turned off her phone, looked at Zhou Tianzui, and calmed her racing heart. Zhou Tianzui’s gaze was calm and peaceful, her presence soothing. You Ruxu felt at ease. She saw Zhou Tianzui glance at the time and asked, “When are you leaving?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Around four.”

Two hours left.

She looked at You Ruxu: “Want to take a nap?”

Her intentions were clear. You Ruxu chuckled, “No.”

Zhou Tianzui sighed softly, “I probably won’t be back this week.”

You Ruxu looked at her.

Zhou Tianzui continued, “Which means you probably won’t see me for a whole week—”

You Ruxu cupped Zhou Tianzui’s face in her hands and kissed her, gently biting her lip.

Zhou Tianzui said, “A week is seven days—”

You Ruxu kissed her again, this time being held by Zhou Tianzui, their lips locked until You Ruxu’s eyes teared up, her cheeks flushed, her breathing ragged.

Zhou Tianzui released her.

And said, “Seven days is one hundred and sixty-eight hours—”

You Ruxu gave her a playful glare. Zhou Tianzui loved this look, a hint of fierceness, like a cat’s paw scratching her heart, a pleasant tingling sensation. She lowered her eyes, her gaze resting on You Ruxu’s face, and called out in a teasing tone, “Teacher You.”

So improper.

But that playful tone made You Ruxu’s ears burn. She looked up at Zhou Tianzui, hearing her ask with a smile, “Will you miss me?”

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You Ruxu: Who would miss Zhou Tianzui…

Chapter 54: Right?

Zhou Tianzui carried You Ruxu, who was still sleepy from the kiss, back to the bedroom, letting her sleep until she was satisfied. The setting sun cast a soft, reddish glow on the windowsill, a color resembling the flush on Zhou Tianzui’s skin. You Ruxu, her head lowered, said, “Don’t move.”

Zhou Tianzui, lying under the thin blanket, was about to speak when You Ruxu covered her mouth: “Don’t talk either.”

Having finally done something she had wanted to do for a long time, You Ruxu was in a good mood, her eyebrows raised playfully. Zhou Tianzui deliberately rubbed against her hand, unable to speak, just making soft, unintelligible sounds.

It was enough to make You Ruxu blush.

She looked at Zhou Tianzui, who gazed back at her innocently. Finally, unable to hold back any longer, she took over, and You Ruxu, completely captivated, didn’t move.

Until she fell asleep.

Zhou Tianzui also lay beside her, resting for a while, then turned to look at You Ruxu’s sleeping face. She had looked at this face countless times over the years, experiencing every emotion imaginable: longing, frustration, attachment, confusion. She had berated herself for her weakness countless times, but she had never considered separating from You Ruxu. Before going to Yuhai, she had already thought about their future, she just wanted to have a normal relationship with her. Since You Ruxu was no longer Shi Ran, there was no need to remember that identity.

She just hadn’t expected so much to happen during this trip to Yuhai. Her original plan to be honest with You Ruxu had failed, but fortunately, the current outcome wasn’t too bad.

Zhou Tianzui felt a little more relaxed. In all these years, only these past few days had she felt truly at peace, and this relaxation made her sleepy. She hugged You Ruxu and drifted off to sleep again. When the alarm rang, she casually turned it off. You Ruxu showed no signs of waking. She changed her clothes, went out to the living room, left some hot soup for You Ruxu, then went to the hospital.

You Ruxu woke up past ten o’clock. No one was beside her, Zhou Tianzui had probably gone to the hospital. She got out of bed, and while brushing her teeth, checked her phone, seeing Zhou Tianzui’s messages.

[I’m leaving.]

[There’s soup in the pot, still warm.]

[Eat it when you wake up, it’s okay if you don’t.]

You Ruxu looked at her phone, then at her reflection in the mirror, smiling as she brushed her teeth. In the quiet room, she cleared her throat, her eyes fixed on the phone screen.

You Ruxu: [I see.]

She immediately sent another message: [I’m awake.]

Zhou Tianzui was lying on the accompanying bed next to Yu Qiao’s. She wasn’t asleep yet. Yu Qiao was also awake, having napped in the afternoon, so she wasn’t sleepy now. She was chatting with someone on the phone about blind dates.

“Oh, you’ll have to put in a good word for our Xiao Tian, she doesn’t listen to me at all when it comes to such important matters.” She was deliberately saying this for Zhou Tianzui’s benefit. Zhou Tianzui pretended not to hear.

Yu Qiao continued, “Alright, alright, send me his photo, I’ll show it to Xiao Tian.”

Zhou Tianzui turned her back to Yu Qiao, received You Ruxu’s message, and smiled.

Yu Qiao, seeing this, hung up the phone and called, “Xiao Tian.”

Zhou Tianzui paused and turned to look at Yu Qiao.

Yu Qiao said, “Don’t be upset that I’m saying this, but marriage is a big deal, don’t think you have all the time in the world because you’re young. When you finally want to settle down, there might not be anyone left. You still have choices now, but later, you might not even have the chance to choose.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Then I won’t choose.”

She asked Yu Qiao, “Is it not okay not to get married?”

“What are you talking about?” Yu Qiao’s face darkened. “What do you mean not getting married? What are you planning to do then?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “I don’t have any plans.”

Yu Qiao frowned: “Don’t follow others and become one of those non-marriage advocates. When you’re old, no one will take care of you. If I hadn’t gotten married, if I hadn’t had children, I could die at home and no one would even know. Is that what you want?”

Zhou Tianzui opened her mouth, then closed it without speaking.

Yu Qiao continued, “Xiao Tian, Mom just wants you to have a family, to live a good life.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Does marriage guarantee a good life?” Her voice was laced with frustration, “You didn’t have a good life, did you?”

“You!” Yu Qiao was furious, rendered speechless by Zhou Tianzui’s words. She glared at her, her face darkening. Zhou Tianzui lowered her head and apologized, “I’m sorry, Mom.”

Yu Qiao remained silent.

Zhou Tianzui got out of bed, walked to her side, and apologized softly, “Mom, I’m sorry.”

Yu Qiao’s throat tightened, unable to scold her. She said, “Go to sleep.”

Zhou Tianzui sat beside her and asked, “Mom, do you ever regret it?”

Yu Qiao asked, “Regret what?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Regret meeting my dad.”

Yu Qiao’s tone softened slightly, “No, I don’t.”

Then she frowned, “Xiao Tian, don’t listen to what others say about your father, I believe in him.”

Zhou Tianzui nodded, looking at Yu Qiao seriously, “I believe in him too.”

She added, “But Dad’s been gone for so many years, do you still think about him?”

Yu Qiao said, “What’s there to think about? It’s been so many years, who remembers those things anymore? My only wish now is for you to settle down, find a partner, then I’ll be content.”

Back to the same old topic.

Zhou Tianzui said, “I know.”

Yu Qiao said, “Don’t just say it, do it—”

Her nagging continued until midnight. Zhou Tianzui, exasperated, turned her back to her. Yu Qiao, feeling thirsty after talking for so long, looked at the bedside table. There was warm water in the thermos, prepared by Zhou Tianzui. She pouted and stopped talking.

Zhou Tianzui was looking at the messages from You Ruxu.

You Ruxu had made dinner, one dish and one soup, a small bowl of rice, even adding a filter to the photo before sending it. It made Zhou Tianzui a little hungry. You Ruxu rarely sent her such everyday photos before, usually just informing her of her schedule or asking about her work. They were like colleagues, all business, only now did it feel different.

Zhou Tianzui: [Are you full?]

You Ruxu: [Yes, are you coming back tomorrow? If not, I’ll go visit Auntie directly.]

Zhou Tianzui: [Don’t you have work tomorrow?]

You Ruxu used to be a workaholic, voluntarily working overtime. Zhou Tianzui knew this, but back then, she had thought You Ruxu was just avoiding her.

You Ruxu: [No, I’m taking a day off.]

Zhou Tianzui smiled.

She replied: [Then come over.]

You Ruxu replied with an “okay.”

She looked at the screen after sending the message, such simple words, such an ordinary exchange, yet it made her smile uncontrollably. When the screen went dark, she looked at her reflection, still a little unaccustomed to this feeling.

Rubbing her face, You Ruxu hugged the teddy bear and went to sleep.

The next day, the weather was good. You Ruxu made pork rib soup, steamed buns, and porridge. After preparing everything, she drove to the hospital. Yu Qiao was saying to Zhou Tianzui, “Go to work, I’m fine here.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “I took some time off.”

It was rare for her to take time off. The director, considering her situation, told her to wait until her mother was discharged before returning to work. Zhou Tianzui packed her things. Dr. Zhao had told her that Yu Qiao would need to rest even after being discharged, to avoid unnecessary movement, preferably with assistance. Thinking of her mother living alone, Zhou Tianzui said, “I’ll stay at your place after you’re discharged this afternoon.”

“Stay at my place?” Yu Qiao was surprised, then delighted, and then frowned, “But it’s so far from the hospital.”

She had originally wanted to live with Zhou Tianzui, but Zhou Tianzui often worked overtime, leaving early in the morning and returning late at night. She didn’t want her to be so tired, so she suggested she find a place closer to the hospital. The apartment Zhou Tianzui found was good, conveniently located, and close to the hospital, she was very satisfied with it. And after You Ruxu moved in, she was even more satisfied, helping Zhou Tianzui share the rent, and even being a celebrity, thinking it might be beneficial for Zhou Tianzui. Now, hearing that Zhou Tianzui wanted to come back, although happy, she was worried it might affect her sleep and work.

Zhou Tianzui said, “We’ll talk about it after your leg is better.”

Yu Qiao insisted, “My leg is fine.”

Zhou Tianzui looked down: “Then move it.”

Yu Qiao tried to move her right leg, a sharp pain shooting through it. Zhou Tianzui sighed, “Don’t move.”

That put an end to Yu Qiao’s attempts to dissuade her.

Actually, she also wanted Zhou Tianzui to come home, it had been a long time since they had lived together.

You Ruxu arrived just as they finished talking. She knocked and entered. Yu Qiao tried to get up, but Zhou Tianzui gently pushed her back down, then walked over to You Ruxu, “What did you bring?”

You Ruxu said to Yu Qiao, “Auntie, I made you some pork rib soup, and also some porridge and steamed buns. Have you had breakfast yet?”

Yu Qiao said, “Not yet, Xiao Xu, you shouldn’t go to so much trouble.”

She sincerely felt it was too much trouble and was a little flustered, her demeanor more reserved, although more natural than before. You Ruxu said, “Auntie, I’m on leave these two days, I have nothing else to do, it’s no trouble at all.”

Such a good temper.

Yu Qiao didn’t know why, but despite You Ruxu’s gentle nature, she still felt a distance between them, a distance that made her place You Ruxu on a pedestal, unattainable in her eyes.

Zhou Tianzui opened the thermos. The pork rib soup smelled delicious. The steamed buns were small. She handed them to Yu Qiao, also serving her a bowl of porridge. Yu Qiao sat on the bed and ate. Zhou Tianzui sat on the chair beside the bed. You Ruxu watched them eat breakfast and smiled faintly, then noticed a plastic bag on the bedside table, the kind used for photos. She looked at it curiously. Zhou Tianzui followed her gaze, picked up the bag, and handed it to You Ruxu.

The photos were of men in their fifties and sixties. You Ruxu picked up one, a name and age written on the back. She asked curiously, “What’s this?”

Yu Qiao also looked over, puzzled.

Zhou Tianzui said, “It’s my mom’s.”

Yu Qiao was confused, “Mine?”

When did she have these?

Zhou Tianzui nodded, “Yes, I went through them with my aunt last night, they’re around your age, good candidates…”

Yu Qiao was surprised: “For what?”

Zhou Tianzui’s tone was casual: “Blind dates.”

Yu Qiao’s grip on her chopsticks tightened: “Blind dates? For who?”

“For you.” Zhou Tianzui said, “Mom, marriage is a big deal, Dad’s been gone for so many years, you should consider your own happiness. Don’t say you’re not in a hurry, by the time you are, there might not be anyone left. You still have choices now, but later, you might not even have the chance to choose.”

Yu Qiao was speechless.

These were her own words from yesterday, directed at Zhou Tianzui.

Zhou Tianzui threw them right back at her: “I can’t be by your side all the time. What if you get sick, and I don’t even know? I’m doing this for your own good.”

She handed Yu Qiao a steamed bun and looked at her: “Mom, right?”

Yu Qiao opened her mouth, but couldn’t say a word!

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Zhou Tianzui: Mom, you should be the one getting married.
Yu Qiao: …
You Ruxu: …

Chapter 53: Ruxu

You Ruxu hadn’t had a single day of proper rest during her leave, only managing to sleep soundly on the way back. Wu Xiulian stood at the boarding gate and said, “Come back during your next vacation.”

You Ruxu nodded: “I know.”

Wu Xiulian paused. She felt she had learned more about You Ruxu during this period than in the past few years. She sighed softly. You Ruxu pursed her lips, looked at her, and then suddenly reached out and hugged Wu Xiulian.

She was usually reserved in public, not openly displaying her affections. After becoming an adult, her emotions had become even more subdued. So, Wu Xiulian was momentarily taken aback, then chuckled, “Just like when you were young.”

You Ruxu had been very clingy to Wu Xiulian as a child.

You Ruxu released her, wanting to say something, but the years of suppressed emotions made it difficult to express herself. In the end, she just called out, “Mom.”

Although it wasn’t explicitly stated, Wu Xiulian understood. She patted You Ruxu’s head and watched her go through security.

Wu Xiulian said, “It’s nice having a daughter, Sis, should I adopt one too?”

Wu Xiulian’s mother gave a strained smile, “Are you going to get married?”

Wu Xiulian said, “On second thought, maybe not.”

Wu Xiulian’s mother’s lips twitched. She had given up on persuading Wu Xiulian to get married. When they were younger, she would constantly urge her to get married and have children, but Wu Xiulian seemed to ignore her, although she did date a few people. She had heard that some of those relationships ended before they even held hands. At first, she was angry, but later, she became resigned, even grateful to Wu Xiulian for making her view on marriage less rigid, otherwise she would have been pressuring You Ruxu to find a boyfriend after graduation.

You Ruxu sat beside Zhou Tianzui. Her mood on this return trip was different from before. She turned to look at Zhou Tianzui, who was busy with her phone, and asked, “What are you looking at?”

“Asking Dr. Zhao about my mom’s condition.” Zhou Tianzui said, “My mom’s stubborn, refusing to admit anything.”

She would only say she was fine, even when she couldn’t get out of bed, refusing to hire a caregiver, insisting she could manage on her own. Last night, the head nurse on duty, knowing it was Zhou Tianzui’s mother, checked on her, and it was a good thing she did. Yu Qiao couldn’t even go to the bathroom herself, holding it in. If it weren’t for the head nurse’s help, she would have just endured it.

Honestly.

Zhou Tianzui was exasperated.

You Ruxu said, “Has Auntie always been this stubborn?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Not really.”

Yu Qiao hadn’t been stubborn before, she had been a gentle person, but life had sharpened her edges, protective edges, making her increasingly stubborn and unyielding.

Zhou Tianzui didn’t elaborate. Soon, the plane took off. As the feeling of weightlessness hit, You Ruxu’s hand brushed against Zhou Tianzui’s and was held. She was startled, turned to look at Zhou Tianzui, and saw her pull her coat over their joined hands, hidden from view, their fingers interlaced.

You Ruxu lowered her head and smiled.

They arrived in Jindu in the afternoon. You Ruxu, as usual, messaged her parents and Wu Xiulian to let them know she had arrived safely, while getting into a taxi with Zhou Tianzui. She asked, “Going straight to the hospital?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Let’s drop off our luggage first.”

You Ruxu nodded slightly. They returned to the apartment. Zhou Tianzui then drove You Ruxu to the hospital. They ran into a familiar face at the entrance. He Wei greeted them, “Dr. Zhou.” Then her eyes lit up, “Teacher You!”

Zhou Tianzui glanced at her and walked ahead. You Ruxu smiled at He Wei and followed.

He Wei said, “Teacher You, are you here to visit someone?”

You Ruxu was carrying flowers and fruit, clearly a visitor. You Ruxu nodded. He Wei, ever the social butterfly, followed her. It had only been a few days, yet You Ruxu looked slightly thinner, although her aura hadn’t changed, still aloof and distant, like the bright moon in the sky, unattainable.

He Wei was called away after a few steps, her gaze lingering on You Ruxu reluctantly, as if she wanted to cling to her. Before entering the elevator, Zhou Tianzui, standing beside You Ruxu, seeing He Wei’s expression, chuckled softly.

You Ruxu, worried Zhou Tianzui might be jealous, had deliberately maintained a professional demeanor, just smiling politely. But hearing Zhou Tianzui’s soft laughter now, it felt like a feather brushing against her heart, a ticklish sensation. She turned to look at Zhou Tianzui, “What are you laughing at?”

They were alone in the elevator. Zhou Tianzui turned to her, a teasing glint in her eyes, “Teacher You is so charming.”

You Ruxu wanted to cover her mouth again.

The familiar urge returned. She couldn’t help but chuckle, and Zhou Tianzui asked, “What are you laughing at?”

You Ruxu, unable to resist, retorted, “None of your business.”

As she spoke, the elevator arrived. She stepped out and turned around. Zhou Tianzui, hearing her words for the first time, was slightly taken aback, standing there, frozen. You Ruxu said, “Coming?”

Zhou Tianzui followed her, a smile playing on her lips.

The slightly grumpy You Ruxu was quite cute.

After exiting the elevator, several doctors and nurses greeted her. You Ruxu composed herself, resuming her usual calm demeanor, just fidgeting with the fruit basket slightly, betraying her nervousness.

Zhou Tianzui watched as she opened the ward door.

There were voices inside, familiar voices. Zhou Tianzui saw Lin Luo standing by Yu Qiao’s bed. Hearing the noise at the door, Lin Luo paused mid-peel, holding a piece of fruit, and greeted them with a smile, “Dr. Zhou, you’re back.”

Yu Qiao also saw Zhou Tianzui, pausing in surprise, “Why are you back? When did you get back? Weren’t you in Yuhai…?”

She then saw You Ruxu as well.

You Ruxu walked in, holding the fruit basket: “Auntie, how are you feeling?”

Yu Qiao tried to get out of bed, “Xiao Xu is here too.” You Ruxu put down the fruit basket and walked over to her, “Auntie, please stay seated.”

“I’m so sorry to trouble you.” Yu Qiao was a little flustered. She said, “When did you two get back? Xiao Tian is in Yuhai, did she cause you any trouble?”

You Ruxu said, “No, Zhou—” She corrected herself, “Zhou Tianzui didn’t trouble me at all.” She looked at Yu Qiao and asked with concern, “How’s your leg?”

Yu Qiao said, “It’s nothing serious, just a fall, the roads were icy after the snow a couple of days ago. You two be careful on your way to work.” She looked at Zhou Tianzui, “Did this disrupt your work?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Not at all.” She looked at Lin Luo, “Dr. Lin, why are you here?”

Lin Luo explained nervously, “I heard from Sister Bao that Auntie was hospitalized, so I came to visit during my lunch break.”

Zhou Tianzui: “Thank you.”

Lin Luo quickly waved her hand: “Then Dr. Zhou, I’ll get back to work.”

Zhou Tianzui nodded indifferently. After Lin Luo left, Yu Qiao said, “You should smile more, you’re scaring your colleagues.”

Several of Zhou Tianzui’s colleagues had come to visit, from last night until today. Even her director came this morning. Yu Qiao felt both grateful and proud.

Zhou Tianzui said, “I smile plenty.” She smiled at Yu Qiao. “How are you feeling today, Beautiful Yu?”

She really was good at putting on a cheerful facade. Yu Qiao said, “I’m fine.”

She gestured towards You Ruxu, “Xiao Xu, have a seat, there’s some fruit here, what would you like? Some tangerines?”

You Ruxu took a tangerine, peeled it, and offered it to Yu Qiao.

Yu Qiao chuckled, slightly embarrassed, and said, “You eat, you eat.”

Zhou Tianzui took the tangerine from You Ruxu, broke it in half, and handed one half to You Ruxu, the other to Yu Qiao, “Here.”

Yu Qiao glared at Zhou Tianzui, as if scolding her for being impolite.

Zhou Tianzui’s expression remained unchanged, “You need to stay another day, you can be discharged tomorrow afternoon.”

Yu Qiao nodded, “It’s nothing serious anyway.”

“Yes, nothing serious, just almost couldn’t get up.” Zhou Tianzui’s tone was light and casual. Yu Qiao pouted and ate a segment of the tangerine, holding the other half in her hand. You Ruxu, seeing this, also peeled a segment and ate it.

It was very sweet.

A pleasant sweetness.

Yu Qiao said, “Didn’t you say you would be gone for a week? Your boss didn’t give you any trouble for coming back early, did she?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “It’s fine, the director asked me to come back.”

Yu Qiao was relieved, her expression easing considerably. You Ruxu sat with them for a while, then received a call from Shi Qi, who wasn’t surprised that she was back early. After all, You Ruxu rarely took time off, often working even during her scheduled breaks, a typical workaholic. Shi Qi asked, “Should I cancel your leave then?”

You Ruxu said, “Don’t cancel it.”

Shi Qi was puzzled, “Is something the matter?”

You Ruxu said, “I want to rest.”

Shi Qi chuckled, “Alright, I understand.”

You Ruxu hung up. Zhou Tianzui came out of the ward. She asked, “Is Auntie resting?”

Zhou Tianzui nodded, “She said she wanted to take a nap.”

You Ruxu walked over to Zhou Tianzui. Zhou Tianzui said, “Wait for me here, I’m going to see the director.”

You Ruxu sat on a bench, watching the people coming and going. She looked towards Yu Qiao’s ward, at the woman who had just smiled at her so gently. In her memories, that same woman had once screamed at her hysterically, “You’re lying, aren’t you? You must be lying, you’re lying!”

She had been terrified by the woman’s furious outburst, frozen in place.

You Ruxu’s palms were sweating. She clenched her hands, lost in thought, when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked up; Zhou Tianzui stood in front of her, holding a bag of medicine.

Zhou Tianzui, seeing You Ruxu’s slightly pale face and red eyes, paused for two seconds and said, “Let’s go.”

You Ruxu stood up, looking at the bag in her hand, “What’s this?”

“Cold medicine.” Zhou Tianzui said, “Your cold hasn’t completely gone away yet.”

You Ruxu’s cold came and went quickly. She was supposed to have two more days of IV drips, but after returning, her cold symptoms had subsided, so she hadn’t paid much attention to it. She hadn’t expected Zhou Tianzui to get her medicine.

In the car, Zhou Tianzui handed her the medicine and asked, “Are you going to the TV station?”

You Ruxu shook her head: “No, let’s go home.”

Zhou Tianzui drove her back, stopping at the supermarket to buy some pork bones. Arriving home, she said to You Ruxu, “I’ll go to the hospital after the soup is ready, I won’t be back tonight, I’m staying with my mom.”

You Ruxu sat on the sofa and asked, “Do you need anything?”

“Need anything? I practically live at the hospital.” Zhou Tianzui chuckled. You Ruxu suddenly remembered that Zhou Tianzui stayed at the hospital during her shifts, so there was indeed nothing she needed. She pursed her lips and sat on the sofa. The apartment felt a little cold after being empty for a few days. Zhou Tianzui turned on the heater. The temperature hadn’t risen yet. You Ruxu’s face was slightly pale. Zhou Tianzui sat beside her.

You Ruxu said, “I’ll go unpack.”

Just as she stood up, Zhou Tianzui grabbed her wrist, pulling her back onto the sofa, then turned and said, “Give me your hand.”

You Ruxu, puzzled, extended her hand.

Zhou Tianzui looked down, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly, casting shadows on You Ruxu’s hand. She lowered her head and slowly wrote a character on You Ruxu’s palm with her fingertip.

It was the character “You.”

From You Ruxu’s name.

You Ruxu looked at her.

Zhou Tianzui looked up and said, “From now on, in front of my mother, you are You Ruxu.”

Letting go of the past, she could be You Ruxu, without the burden of guilt.

Chapter 52: Going Back

When You Shu arrived home, You Ruxu and Wu Xiulian were sitting on the sofa, discussing the color of gloves. Wu Xiulian asked her, “What other colors do you like? I’ll buy you some next time.”

You Ruxu said, “Anything is fine, I like blue.”

Blue. The clothes she bought for Zhou Tianzui today were blue. Wu Xiulian smiled and said, “Okay.”

You Shu couldn’t understand how her anger had dissipated so quickly, as if nothing had happened. He looked at the two of them in surprise. You Ruxu called out, “Dad.”

“Mm.” The more he thought about it, the stranger it seemed. He asked You Ruxu, “What’s wrong with your mother?”

You Ruxu looked at Wu Xiulian.

Wu Xiulian said, “What’s wrong with me? I’m perfectly fine.”

You Shu looked at her, blinked, then said, “Is dinner ready?”

“We’re waiting for you.” Wu Xiulian stood up and went to the kitchen to serve the food. You Shu followed her, whispering something. You Ruxu didn’t follow, just sat at the dining table. You Shu soon emerged, a smile on his face. Wu Xiulian said, “Send some pork rib soup to your aunt after dinner.”

You Ruxu nodded.

After dinner, she took the thermos upstairs to Wu Xiulian’s apartment. Wu Xiulian had just gotten off work, lying motionless on the sofa. Seeing this, You Ruxu made her some noodles with the pork rib soup, adding a few leafy greens. The rich aroma of the soup filled the air. Wu Xiulian sat up and leaned closer to the bowl, sniffing, “Smells delicious.”

“It’s great having a niece.” She said, “Xu Xu, let’s just live together from now on.”

Before You Ruxu could reply, Wu Xiulian added, “We can invite Dr. Zhou over too, I don’t mind the three of us living together.”

Absurd.

You Ruxu chuckled.

Wu Xiulian said, “What’s so funny? I’m serious, where are you two planning to settle down in the future?”

You Ruxu paused, “We haven’t discussed it yet.”

She had initially planned to live in Jindu for a few years, then return, but now, because of Zhou Tianzui, she was no longer so free. Wu Xiulian nodded, “It’s a difficult question.”

She said to You Ruxu, “If you go to Jindu, your parents definitely won’t go. What about her coming here? Have you thought about that?”

You Ruxu shook her head.

Zhou Tianzui would never leave Yu Qiao.

Wu Xiulian said, “Forget it, you two just started dating, don’t think too much about it, just enjoy your relationship for now.”

Just enjoy the relationship, for now?

You Ruxu’s heart felt sweet, thinking about Zhou Tianzui. She couldn’t help but message Zhou Tianzui while Wu Xiulian was eating her noodles: [Are you back at the hotel yet?]

Zhou Tianzui: [Yes, have you had dinner?]

You Ruxu: [Yes, I’m at my aunt’s place.]

Zhou Tianzui looked at her message, sitting cross-legged on the sofa, the TV on, broadcasting news about the summit. She listened absently, her mind on You Ruxu, then after a moment of thought, asked: [Did your mom say anything?]

You Ruxu pursed her lips.

She replied: [Nothing, why?]

Zhou Tianzui: [I saw her when I came back, she bought me some things.]

You Ruxu: [What?]

Zhou Tianzui: [Gloves and things.]

She took a photo and sent it to You Ruxu.

You Ruxu replied: [My mom bought me some too.]

Zhou Tianzui: [And?]

You Ruxu said: [My mom also said Jindu is cold and told me to keep warm.]

So, she wasn’t going to interfere in her relationship. Hearing those words, You Ruxu had hugged Wu Xiulian, her eyes red, and said, “Thank you, Mom.”

Wu Xiulian hadn’t said anything, just patted her back.

They hadn’t mentioned Zhou Tianzui directly, but it was clear what they were talking about.

You Ruxu’s eyes still ached, remembering that moment. Zhou Tianzui didn’t reply immediately. Wu Xiulian finished her noodles, wiped her mouth, and said, “Are you going back to your place tonight?”

“Yes.” You Ruxu said, “Going back.”

Wu Xiulian said, “Your teddy bear is still on my bed.”

You Ruxu knew. She went to her room, picked up the teddy bear, and said to Wu Xiulian, “Aunt, I’m going back now.”

Wu Xiulian nodded, “Go ahead.”

She saw You Ruxu to the elevator, standing there, watching as the elevator, instead of stopping two floors below, continued down. Wu Xiulian chuckled, “Being in love is nice.”

She knew You Ruxu was probably going to see Zhou Tianzui.

Before You Ruxu entered the elevator, she received a message from Zhou Tianzui, asking if she could come downstairs. You Ruxu went straight down. She sat on the sofa in the lobby, looking towards the entrance. Someone walked in. She glanced over, then looked down again.

She didn’t ask why Zhou Tianzui was here so late, because she also wanted to see her.

After her mother gave her tacit approval, she wanted to see Zhou Tianzui even more.

You Ruxu placed the teddy bear beside her and looked at it, its dark, round, brown eyes, its fur faded from being washed so many times, its body slightly deflated from not having enough stuffing. You Ruxu pulled on its arms, hearing a voice behind her: “A Ran.”

She turned around. Zhou Tianzui stood there, slightly out of breath, her eyes bright and captivating. You Ruxu looked at her, and at the gift in her hand.

A very large gift.

You Ruxu remembered when she first received a teddy bear from Zhou Tianzui. Zhou Tianzui had been holding it carelessly under her arm, not looking particularly enthusiastic, simply handing it to her, saying casually, “Happy birthday.”

That was the gift.

Completely different from now.

You Ruxu looked at Zhou Tianzui and smiled, “What are you doing?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “A gift.”

You Ruxu chuckled, “It’s not my birthday, why are you giving me a gift?”

Zhou Tianzui asked, “Do I need a reason to give you a gift?”

You Ruxu said, “Not really.”

Unlike the first time’s carelessness, Zhou Tianzui had carefully wrapped this gift, a gift bag with a perfectly tied bow, neat and beautiful edges, even the color of the bag was thoughtfully chosen, You Ruxu’s favorite.

You Ruxu’s heart swelled with an indescribable feeling.

She sat on the sofa, placed the gift on her lap, untied the bow, revealing the soft, fluffy fur inside, much softer than the previous one. She touched it gently and looked at Zhou Tianzui.

These two bears resembled their relationship, from the initial carelessness and roughness to the carefully crafted softness. You Ruxu’s heart also softened, her eyes slightly red. Zhou Tianzui sat beside her and asked, “Do you like it?”

You Ruxu didn’t speak.

Zhou Tianzui touched her arm: “A Ran?”

Before You Ruxu could reply, she heard someone call out, “Xu Xu.”

She looked up and saw Wu Xiulian standing by the elevator, looking at her: “Oh, isn’t that Dr. Zhou?”

Feigning surprise was her specialty.

You Ruxu blushed slightly, embarrassed at being caught after just saying she was going home. Wu Xiulian chuckled and said, “Do me a favor.”

You Ruxu said, “What is it?”

“I left the water boiling at home, can you go turn it off for me?” She looked at Zhou Tianzui and greeted her with a smile, “Dr. Zhou.”

Zhou Tianzui stood up gracefully: “Aunt.”

She called her “aunt” quite naturally.

Wu Xiulian was pleased. She said, “You two chat, I’ll be going now. Xu Xu, my friend asked me to keep her company, I won’t be back tonight.”

It seemed like she was deliberately saying this for Zhou Tianzui’s benefit.

She added, “Dr. Zhou, it’s cold downstairs, come up and sit for a while.”

Zhou Tianzui glanced at You Ruxu and nodded, “Thank you, Aunt.”

Wu Xiulian smiled at You Ruxu and left with her car keys. You Ruxu stood there, frozen. She said, “The water is still boiling at my aunt’s.”

It sounded more like an invitation.

You Ruxu pursed her lips.

Zhou Tianzui chuckled softly, looking at her.

You Ruxu turned to go to the elevator, then turned back, picked up both teddy bears, and walked towards the elevator. Seeing Zhou Tianzui hadn’t moved, she turned around again and, with one hand, lightly held Zhou Tianzui’s arm. They entered the elevator together.

Zhou Tianzui saw You Ruxu’s face buried in the teddy bear. Many times, when she came home late from night shifts, she would see You Ruxu sleeping like this, her face buried in the fur. She would always be afraid You Ruxu would have trouble breathing. Zhou Tianzui reached out and gently brushed away the fur from You Ruxu’s nose. You Ruxu turned and looked at her, their eyes meeting, neither speaking.

Soon, the elevator arrived.

A comfortable silence enveloped them, like a signal. As You Ruxu opened the door, the signal transmitted. Zhou Tianzui pulled her into an embrace, pressing her against the door. The cold wood made You Ruxu tense, her hands clutching the gift bag tightly, the paper crinkling. The sound seemed distant, her heart pounding loudly in her ears. She tilted her head back slightly, held tightly by Zhou Tianzui, her grip on the gift bag loosening as she wrapped her arms around Zhou Tianzui.

You Ruxu could barely breathe from the kiss.

After a long moment, Zhou Tianzui released her. You Ruxu, like a fish out of water, leaned against Zhou Tianzui, catching her breath, her chin resting on Zhou Tianzui’s shoulder. Zhou Tianzui held her until her breathing steadied, then straightened up. Zhou Tianzui picked up the two teddy bears, placed them on the sofa, and turned around. You Ruxu followed.

Just as she was about to speak, her phone rang. It was the director. Zhou Tianzui glanced at You Ruxu and answered the call.

The person on the other end said something, and Zhou Tianzui’s expression changed slightly, “When?”

The director said, “She was brought in this afternoon.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “I understand.”

She hung up. You Ruxu asked, “What’s wrong?”

“My mom fell.” Zhou Tianzui said, “She’s in the hospital.”

You Ruxu paused: “When?”

“This afternoon.” She had called Yu Qiao this afternoon, but Yu Qiao hadn’t mentioned anything. Zhou Tianzui said, “The director wants me to come back early.” She looked at You Ruxu, “Want to come with me?”

Chapter 51: Willing

You Ruxu fell asleep leaning against Zhou Tianzui. She had been talking, then her voice trailed off. Zhou Tianzui looked up and saw her head drooping, her eyes closed, looking utterly exhausted.

From last night until now, she hadn’t had a proper rest, she was truly tired.

Zhou Tianzui chuckled, gently laid You Ruxu on the sofa, her head resting on Zhou Tianzui’s lap, and removed the hair clip holding her hair up. You Ruxu’s hair cascaded down, and Zhou Tianzui carefully gathered it, strand by strand, removing the leather band from her wrist and using it to tie You Ruxu’s hair, revealing her clean and fair face.

She was wearing makeup, concealing her pallor. Zhou Tianzui’s finger traced her earlobe, her cheek, then rested on her lips, leaning down for a soft kiss.

Soft, sweet, and an indescribable feeling swirling in her heart.

Zhou Tianzui also leaned back against the sofa and closed her eyes.

You Ruxu slept soundly, even having a pleasant dream. When she opened her eyes, she felt as if this was the unreal world. Zhou Tianzui’s slightly hoarse voice asked, “Awake?”

She came to her senses and nodded. Zhou Tianzui stood up and handed her a glass of warm water. You Ruxu took a sip, the warmth pulling her back to reality.

Zhou Tianzui asked, “Going home?”

You Ruxu said, “What time is it?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “6:30.”

Night fell early. It was dark outside. You Ruxu took her phone and checked the time. No calls, no messages. She didn’t know if Wu Xiulian was home yet.

She nodded, “Going home.”

Zhou Tianzui handed her her jacket. You Ruxu wanted to take the equipment, but Zhou Tianzui said, “Leave it here, I’ll bring it to you tomorrow.”

You Ruxu still needed to get IV drips tomorrow, for three days. She nodded, “Okay.”

They left the room. The cold air hit them. You Ruxu called a taxi, intending to let Zhou Tianzui go back to her hotel, but Zhou Tianzui said, “I have nothing to do at the hotel, I’ll go with you.”

Figuring she would indeed be bored alone, You Ruxu didn’t refuse. In the car, she wanted to message Wu Xiulian, but hesitated, constantly looking at her phone, her knuckles white from tension. Zhou Tianzui was looking down at her phone. You Ruxu’s phone buzzed with a notification. She glanced at the screen; it was from Zhou Tianzui, a cute, animated emoji.

You Ruxu chuckled.

She turned to look at Zhou Tianzui, who was looking out the window, her expression calm and indifferent. You Ruxu clicked on the emoji and replied with a smiley face. Zhou Tianzui sent another one, and they continued exchanging pointless emojis like kindergarteners, despite sitting right next to each other.

You Ruxu’s mood had improved considerably by the time they arrived. She said to Zhou Tianzui, “You should go back.”

Zhou Tianzui nodded, “Okay, go home.”

You Ruxu waved and turned to go upstairs. Just as Zhou Tianzui was about to get into the taxi, she saw someone in the distance carrying several shopping bags, all with luxury brand logos, clearly expensive purchases. She said to the driver, “You can go ahead.”

She walked towards Wu Xiulian.

Wu Xiulian saw her. She hesitated slightly, then continued walking. Zhou Tianzui called out, “Auntie.”

She offered to help carry the bags. Wu Xiulian didn’t seem angry or annoyed, just calmly handed her the bags and said, “Thank you.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “You’re welcome.”

She accompanied Wu Xiulian into the lobby. It was brightly lit. Both elevators were occupied. You Ruxu had already gone up. Wu Xiulian and Zhou Tianzui stood by the elevator furthest from the entrance. The other elevator arrived first, and the people waiting quickly filled it, leaving only Wu Xiulian and Zhou Tianzui.

Soon, their elevator arrived, and Wu Xiulian stepped inside.

Zhou Tianzui followed. Wu Xiulian said, “Did you drive Ruxu back?”

“Yes.” Zhou Tianzui said, “She went to pick up her equipment.”

What equipment? She just wanted to see her. But Zhou Tianzui was still making excuses for You Ruxu. Wu Xiulian’s expression softened a little, and she said, “Thank you for last night.”

Zhou Tianzui’s expression remained unchanged, “You’re welcome.”

Wu Xiulian paused, then heard Zhou Tianzui call out, “Auntie.”

She turned around. Zhou Tianzui looked at her, her gaze calm and clear, and asked, “Do you mind her dating me, or do you mind that it’s me she’s dating?”

The two questions seemed similar, but Wu Xiulian understood her meaning. She thought for a few seconds and said, “I’m not against her dating.”

Even if it was a woman, Wu Xiulian could try to accept it. But she looked at Zhou Tianzui and asked, “What about you?”

“Does your mother object to you dating?”

Zhou Tianzui’s words caught in her throat.

She thought for a moment and said, “I’ll talk to my mother. I know you’re concerned about what happened in the past. I want to say that it’s been many years, and I don’t care anymore. I just want to be with her now.”

Wu Xiulian asked, “Do you not care, or does your mother not care either?”

She always knew how to hit where it hurt.

Zhou Tianzui’s jaw tightened.

Wu Xiulian looked at her and said, “Those bags are gifts for you. I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I bought a few extra things. Dr. Zhou, I know you’ve been very good to Ruxu, I’m very grateful that you’ve let go of the past and don’t blame her, but I also hope you’ll think carefully about whether you two are truly suitable for each other.”

Zhou Tianzui remained silent.

The elevator arrived. Wu Xiulian stepped out. Zhou Tianzui, behind her, said, “If she’s willing, then we’re suitable.”

Wu Xiulian turned around and looked at Zhou Tianzui.

She also knew her own weakness.

The two of them, holding each other’s weaknesses, neither willing to yield, their gazes locked. The image of You Ruxu rummaging through the garbage flashed before Wu Xiulian’s eyes. She hadn’t been able to close her eyes since last night, the scene replaying every time she did, the impact too great to bear.

After all these years, had there been other times, times she didn’t know about, when You Ruxu had also done such things?

After a long moment, Wu Xiulian looked away, as if conceding defeat, or perhaps accepting Zhou Tianzui’s words.

If You Ruxu was willing, then they were suitable.

How could she not understand such a simple truth? She just didn’t want to understand, selfishly thinking that her daughter would always need her. Because she was so obedient, it was necessary to make decisions for her, Wu Xiulian always convinced herself of this. But she forgot that You Ruxu had grown up, she wasn’t the lost and helpless child who first came to their home, nor was she the five-year-old daughter who would never grow up.

She was the one who hadn’t accepted her changing role, interfering in You Ruxu’s life, time and time again. It wasn’t that You Ruxu needed it, she was just tolerating it. Wu Xiulian had always thought You Ruxu was with Zhou Tianzui out of guilt, hence the hurt.

Then what about herself?

Wu Xiulian paused for a few seconds, “You’re right, I suddenly feel, we’re the same.”

They weren’t the same. You Ruxu loved Zhou Tianzui, it wasn’t tolerance, it was different from her. But she didn’t want to admit her mistake, and even if she did, she wanted to drag Zhou Tianzui down with her.

Wu Xiulian, unable to argue, turned and went home.

You Ruxu sat on the sofa. Hearing the door open, she looked up and saw Wu Xiulian. She stood up and called out, “Mom.”

Wu Xiulian nodded and said, “I went out to buy some things.”

You Ruxu walked over to her: “What did you buy?”

Her tone was slightly ingratiating. Wu Xiulian looked at her, the image she had built of her daughter shattering, now being rebuilt. But Wu Xiulian wasn’t used to it yet. She looked down, her tone indifferent, “Nothing much, I bought you some gloves.”

You Ruxu took the gloves. They were pink and fluffy, a set with a matching scarf and earmuffs. Wu Xiulian’s hands were cold, her fingertips icy. You Ruxu instinctively wanted to hold her hand, but Wu Xiulian withdrew it. You Ruxu’s expression was slightly dazed.

Wu Xiulian asked, “Where’s your father?”

“He hasn’t come home from work yet.” You Ruxu asked, “Should I go pick him up?”

“No need.” Wu Xiulian said, “He drove today.”

You Ruxu nodded. Wu Xiulian put down the shopping bags and went to the kitchen. You Ruxu followed her. The kitchen window was half-open, the wind blowing in, making You Ruxu shiver, a coldness settling in her chest. Wu Xiulian calmly closed the window, seemingly unaffected by the cold.

But You Ruxu felt chilled by her attitude.

You Ruxu pursed her lips and stood there, not daring to move closer.

Wu Xiulian busied herself with cooking, not turning around. You Ruxu just stood there, the only sound the rhythmic clatter of the wok and spatula. After a while, Wu Xiulian turned around, “Why are you just standing there? Go sit on the sofa.”

You Ruxu nodded and went back to the sofa, her chin resting on the backrest, her gaze towards the kitchen.

When she was young, she would often watch Wu Xiulian cook like this. Every time Wu Xiulian brought out a dish, she would take a moment to hug her and ask, “Are you hungry? If you are, we don’t have to wait for your father, we can eat first.”

She would shake her head and say, “I’m not hungry.”

You Ruxu wasn’t hungry now either, just a tightness in her chest. She bit her lip, her gaze fixed on the kitchen. Soon, Wu Xiulian finished cooking a dish and, as she placed it on the table, glanced towards You Ruxu. You Ruxu instantly tensed up. Wu Xiulian didn’t approach, but turned and went back to the kitchen.

It felt like a battle, leaving You Ruxu exhausted and aching, a coldness seeping into her bones, enveloping her. The heater was on full blast, but she didn’t feel warm at all.

Wu Xiulian, after finishing cooking, stood in the kitchen, looking at the stove and dishes, when she heard a voice behind her: “Mom.”

She turned around. You Ruxu stood there, her lips pursed, the same stubborn look as last night. Wu Xiulian asked, “What is it?”

You Ruxu said, “Are you still angry?”

Wu Xiulian opened her mouth, then closed it without speaking.

Angry, angry about what? Angry that she was dating a woman? Angry that she wasn’t obedient? Angry that she hadn’t grown up the way she expected? Angry that she wasn’t following the path she had laid out for her?

Whose life was it anyway, You Ruxu’s or hers?

Wu Xiulian suddenly remembered Zhou Tianzui’s words in the elevator, if she’s willing, then we’re suitable.

From the very beginning, Zhou Tianzui hadn’t used You Ruxu’s guilt as leverage, respecting You Ruxu’s choices as an equal, while she herself, clinging to the past, wanted You Ruxu to follow her plan.

Wu Xiulian looked down, pretending to be busy, and said, “No.”

You Ruxu took a step closer, looked at Wu Xiulian’s back, and reached out, wanting to hug her, but as adults, they rarely expressed their affection so openly. So, You Ruxu’s hand, raised hesitantly, lowered again. Her voice was soft, “Mom, if you’re angry, just scold me, okay?”

Wu Xiulian turned around, seeing You Ruxu’s pale face and slightly red eyes.

You Ruxu rarely cried, she wasn’t the type to cry easily. When she was young, Wu Xiulian had once teased her: “Do you want some cake?”

You Ruxu had nodded, “Yes, I do.”

Wu Xiulian had said, “Then cry, if you cry, your mom will buy you some.”

And she had heard You Ruxu’s childish voice say, “No, Mommy won’t like me if I cry.”

Back then, it had seemed like a normal response, but now, recalling it, it was like a clap of thunder. Mommy wouldn’t like her if she cried, so she didn’t cry. Mommy wouldn’t like her if she did certain things, so she didn’t do them. Then how much must she love Zhou Tianzui, to defy her lifelong belief and persist.

Wu Xiulian said, “I should scold you, for being disobedient, for not taking care of yourself.”

The familiar nagging. She looked at You Ruxu, her heart aching, seeing her tense body, her pale face, her trying to be strong even when sick. Wu Xiulian turned around, muttered for a few minutes, then without warning, reached out and hugged You Ruxu.

A warm embrace, just like before.

You Ruxu’s body stiffened slightly, then relaxed as warmth spread through her.

Chapter 50: If

You Ruxu eventually went home. Wu Xiulian’s door was tightly shut, not even responding to her knocks. You Ruxu stood at the door for a while, then returned to her room. Her voice was listless, lacking energy, as she called Zhou Tianzui. She had always been obedient, the “child from another family” everyone praised. She had been adopted once before, into a family that wasn’t prepared for a child. After she arrived, their lives were thrown into chaos, the couple constantly arguing, she caught in the middle, listening to their endless complaints. But it was better than before, at least they hadn’t hit her.

Despite this, it was enough to frighten her, to keep her awake at night. She was terrified of being sent away again. In her emotionally barren life, she felt even this was acceptable, even developing the notion that as long as she was obedient, her parents wouldn’t send her away.

But less than half a month later, she was sent away again, to a new home, where her new mother called her Ruxu, as if seeing someone else through her. She knew they had lost a child, a child named You Ruxu.

She liked this name, it was her new name.

You Ruxu.

Her new mother was a teacher, and she would smile at her and say, “Ruxu, come here, Mommy will give you a hug.”

She would run over and embrace her new mother.

It was like a beautiful dream, everything in this home felt like a dream, and she was terrified of waking up, so she was always cautious, always careful. This family also had an aunt, who was also very good to her, taking her out to play, buying her delicious food, buying her things that other children had, giving her beautiful dresses, which she loved, loved very much.

Gradually, she adapted to her new life, like a small animal cautiously extending its paws, expecting to be scolded, but everyone was very tolerant, even her aunt would say, “Xu Xu, this is how you should be, this is good.”

Encouraging her.

They gave her the warmth she had never known.

You Ruxu lay in bed, then hearing a noise next door, she turned over, got up, and opened the door. She saw Wu Xiulian, wearing the clothes she bought yesterday, her makeup done, changing her shoes. You Ruxu called out, “Mom.”

Wu Xiulian looked up, glanced at her, and said, “I’m going out to buy some things, you stay home and rest.”

You Ruxu said, “I’ll go with you.”

Wu Xiulian said, “No need, you’re still not fully recovered, stay home and rest.”

You Ruxu stood there, motionless.

The door opened, then closed, leaving You Ruxu standing alone in the quiet living room. Her hands and feet were cold, her tongue numb, unable to utter a word, just standing there by the door, a familiar feeling of abandonment washing over her. She felt uneasy.

You Ruxu returned to her room, lay on the bed, hugged a pillow, burying her face in it, like clinging to a lifeline, adrift and helpless, desperately searching for something to hold onto, then looking up, seeing her mother’s cold and indifferent expression.

Her grip loosened, and she fell into a cold abyss, icy water engulfing her, her limbs, her head, a suffocating feeling. She curled up. Her phone rang, like a jolt of electricity, coursing through her body, reviving her.

She listened to the ringing for a while before answering the call.

It was Han Shuang.

Han Shuang said cheerfully, “Ruxu, you left your bag at my place, when are you coming to pick it up?”

She had left a bag with Han Shuang earlier, as the equipment was too heavy to carry around. You Ruxu paused and said, “I’ll be right there.”

Han Shuang agreed and hung up. You Ruxu breathed a sigh of relief, changed her clothes, and put on makeup. Her reflection in the mirror looked pale, so she added some highlighter before leaving.

She ran into Wu Xiulian in the elevator.

Wu Xiulian smiled, “Going somewhere? A date?”

You Ruxu said, “Going to pick up my equipment, I left it with Han Shuang.”

Wu Xiulian asked, “Want me to drive you?”

You Ruxu said, “I’ll take a taxi, Aunt, where are you going?”

“Going to have some fun.” Wu Xiulian winked, a playful glint in her eyes. She looked at You Ruxu, “Want to come with your aunt?”

You Ruxu shook her head.

Wu Xiulian said, “Just kidding, if I took you, your mom would scold me again.”

You Ruxu was silent for a moment. Wu Xiulian, looking at her expression, asked, “Your mom still hasn’t talked to you?”

“Not yet.” You Ruxu said, “She’s very angry.”

“It’s okay.” Wu Xiulian reassured her, “She’s just not prepared yet, you have to give her time.”

Not just time to accept her relationship with Zhou Tianzui.

But also to accept that her image of her obedient daughter had been shattered.

You Ruxu nodded. Wu Xiulian put her arm around her and walked out. Although You Ruxu had said she didn’t need a ride, Wu Xiulian, still worried, insisted on driving her, asking curiously, “Xu Xu, how does that Dr. Zhou treat you usually?”

Thinking of Zhou Tianzui, You Ruxu’s expression softened, like the icy peaks of winter starting to thaw. Her voice was gentle, “She’s very good to me.”

Except for her unpredictable moods, her sharp tongue, and her occasional prickly behavior.

And her love for teasing.

You Ruxu felt she was being biased, still thinking Zhou Tianzui was good despite all that. Wu Xiulian, seeing the smile that appeared on You Ruxu’s lips at the mention of Zhou Tianzui’s name, felt relieved, her own mood lifting as she drove. She said, “Turn on some music for me.”

You Ruxu turned on the music, a popular song. Wu Xiulian hummed along, “Xu Xu, with your voice, it’s a pity you don’t sing.”

Indeed, many talent agents had given her their business cards, especially after her first live broadcast in Jindu went viral, many people asking if she was interested in a singing career.

Her voice was too pure, a rare purity.

You Ruxu had refused without hesitation, not interested in such things.

Wu Xiulian said, “Then what are you interested in? Being a reporter?”

She asked You Ruxu, “If you hadn’t become a reporter in Jindu, what would you have done after graduation?”

You Ruxu thought for a moment, “Probably a lawyer.”

Wu Xiulian let out a small “oh”: “I thought you would follow in your father’s footsteps and join the court system.”

You Ruxu said, “I thought about it.”

Wu Xiulian, her hands on the steering wheel, asked, “Did you ever think about becoming a reporter back then?”

You Ruxu pondered the question, then after a few seconds, shook her head: “No.”

Wu Xiulian nodded, smiled, and said, “We’re here.”

You Ruxu looked out the window. They had arrived near the venue. She said goodbye to Wu Xiulian and called Han Shuang, who was inside, at her usual spot. Seeing You Ruxu, she waved, “Ruxu!”

You Ruxu walked over. The summit was still in progress. Just as she entered, she saw Zhou Tianzui turn and look at her.

As if surprised to see her there.

You Ruxu was about to message Zhou Tianzui when her phone buzzed with notifications.

Zhou Tianzui: [Why aren’t you resting at home?]

You Ruxu replied: [Came to pick up my equipment.]

Zhou Tianzui: [I could have brought it to you.]

You Ruxu lowered her eyes.

She could have asked Zhou Tianzui to bring it back, but she wanted some fresh air, being at home felt suffocating.

Zhou Tianzui waited for a while, expecting a smiley emoji. Even though she was worried about You Ruxu’s health, seeing that emoji, she still smiled, her hand covering her mouth to hide her amusement.

You Ruxu sat beside Han Shuang and heard her say, “Ruxu, keep an eye on my things, I’m going to find the boss.”

You Ruxu nodded.

Han Shuang took a document and went to find her boss, who was huddled by the heater, chatting with someone. Seeing Han Shuang approach, she moved her legs aside. Han Shuang handed her the document, grinning, “Boss, sign here.”

The boss signed and heard the person beside her say, “Hey, Han Shuang, you know You Ruxu?”

“Ruxu? She’s my classmate.” Han Shuang said proudly, “Why, you want her contact information too?”

She had become slightly popular in the department recently because of You Ruxu. Although many people had added her to ask for You Ruxu’s contact information, she had refused, and from what she heard, none of them had succeeded in contacting You Ruxu.

The boss, hearing their conversation, said, “You Ruxu?”

Han Shuang pointed towards the entrance, “Over there.”

The boss said, “I know her, I’ve met her before.”

Han Shuang was surprised: “You know her too, boss?”

The boss nodded: “I have a strong impression of her, a very stubborn person. She came to see me when I first became a reporter.”

Han Shuang listened attentively: “And then?”

“She said she sent me a file folder, but I never received it. So she kept pestering me, coming to ask me every weekend if I had found it. She pestered me for over a year.”

Han Shuang asked, “A file folder? What kind of file folder?”

The boss shook her head: “I don’t know.”

You Ruxu hadn’t contacted her since then.

When Han Shuang returned to You Ruxu’s side, she was burning with curiosity, her eyes giving her away. You Ruxu chuckled, “What is it?”

Han Shuang said, “Ruxu, our boss knows you too.”

You Ruxu followed her gaze, her expression faltering slightly, then she nodded.

Han Shuang asked, “What was in that file folder you sent her?”

You Ruxu’s grip on the equipment tightened, her knuckles turning white, at the mention of the file folder. She said, “Nothing much, just some information.”

Han Shuang gave a small “oh” and nodded.

You Ruxu lowered her head to adjust the equipment and heard someone call out, “You Ruxu.”

She looked up. Zhou Tianzui was standing in front of her.

The summit had ended, people streaming out. You Ruxu packed her backpack. Zhou Tianzui took it from her, slung it over her shoulder, and said, “Let’s go.”

You Ruxu said goodbye to Han Shuang and followed Zhou Tianzui out. She asked, “How did you get here?”

You Ruxu said, “My aunt drove me.”

She watched Zhou Tianzui walk ahead, not turning back, and asked, “Where are we going?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “To find a place to sell you.”

Childish.

You Ruxu chuckled and said, “Okay.”

Just “okay.”

Zhou Tianzui glanced at her, her eyes filled with amusement. They returned to the hotel, to Zhou Tianzui’s room. You Ruxu watched as she put down the equipment, turned on the heater, and went to the kitchenette to pour a glass of hot water. You Ruxu sat on the sofa. After Zhou Tianzui finished, she sat beside her and handed her a hand warmer. It was blue, different from the one at the hospital. You Ruxu held it in her hand, “Did you buy this?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “I stole it.”

You Ruxu chuckled, “Can you please be serious?”

Zhou Tianzui nodded, then suddenly hugged her, asking, “What time is dinner at your place?”

You Ruxu said, “Usually around seven.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Then we can hug like this for another hour and thirty minutes.”

You Ruxu looked at the time; it was five o’clock.

She asked, “Don’t we have only half an hour left?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “To take you home.”

You Ruxu’s heart warmed.

Although they hadn’t talked about her family, Zhou Tianzui knew what she was thinking. The living room was quiet and warm. They didn’t move, Zhou Tianzui leaning slightly against You Ruxu, her chin resting on You Ruxu’s neck, her breath warm against her skin, the warmth seeping into You Ruxu’s bones. She looked down, watching Zhou Tianzui play with her hands, interlacing their fingers, gently pinching the back of her hand, tracing the lines on her palm. You Ruxu couldn’t help but call out, “Zhou Tianzui.”

Zhou Tianzui looked up.

You Ruxu said, “If…”

Zhou Tianzui gently squeezed her hand, silencing her. You Ruxu pursed her lips. Zhou Tianzui spoke, “Don’t say ‘if’.” She leaned closer, her lips almost touching You Ruxu’s neck, her warm breath sending shivers down her spine, You Ruxu could almost feel her tongue tracing the lines of her neck. You Ruxu’s body tensed, hearing Zhou Tianzui whisper, “A Ran, don’t say ‘if’.”

You Ruxu’s heart ached, a raw, open wound, the pain making her look away.

Zhou Tianzui with her thorns hurt her.

Zhou Tianzui without her thorns hurt her even more.

---

---

---

You Ruxu: My heart hurts.
Zhou Tianzui: Let me rub it for you.
You Ruxu: …

Chapter 49: Regret

Zhou Tianzui left, and You Ruxu’s fever returned. Not wanting Zhou Tianzui to worry, she took some fever medicine. Wu Xiulian sat beside her. You Ruxu urged her to rest, but Wu Xiulian said, “I’m afraid you’ll become a little fool if I fall asleep.”

She muttered, “You’re already foolish enough as it is.”

You Ruxu said, “I’m not.”

She looked at Wu Xiulian: “Is my mom very angry?”

Wu Xiulian said, “Of course she’s angry, but it’s not the first time.”

You Ruxu rarely did anything to anger Wu Xiulian. It was usually Wu Xiulian’s influence. Wu Xiulian wasn’t afraid of angering her sister, sometimes even deliberately provoking her, then saying, “Anger is a way of regulating emotions, we’re helping your mom.”

She had all sorts of twisted logic, making Wu Xiulian unable to scold or hit her. For a while, she was even forbidden from being near You Ruxu, accused of being a bad influence.

She wondered if Wu Xiulian’s mother was thinking the same thing now.

Wu Xiulian chuckled, “Don’t worry, she’s your mom, her anger will subside eventually.”

You Ruxu nodded.

Wu Xiulian’s mother didn’t come to see her, but You Shu did. Around ten o’clock, You Ruxu was watching Wu Xiulian prepare lunch when she heard a knock on the door. She opened it; You Shu was standing outside.

You Ruxu softly called out, “Dad.”

Her voice was hoarse from the fever. She took two steps back. You Shu entered the apartment. Wu Xiulian looked over, then returned to her cooking. She often joked with Wu Xiulian, but rarely interacted with You Shu. You Shu said, “I won’t come in, are you feeling better?”

You Ruxu said, “Much better.”

You Shu wanted to pat her head, his hand hovering in the air, then lowering. He said, “Your mother hasn’t slept all night, go see her when you have time.”

You Ruxu said, “Okay.”

You Shu said, “Nothing else, I just came to check on you. Glad you’re feeling better.”

You Ruxu lowered her head.

You Shu wasn’t a talkative person, even somewhat taciturn. You Ruxu had inherited this trait from him. The father and daughter stood face to face, neither mentioning last night’s incident, nor Zhou Tianzui. You Ruxu stood quietly and heard You Shu call out, “Ruxu.”

She looked up.

You Shu said, “You’ve always been obedient, rarely defying your mother and me. I’m both happy and unhappy about that.”

For the first time, he was expressing his true feelings.

You Ruxu’s face paled slightly.

You Shu said, “Happy that you’re obedient, unhappy that you’re too obedient.”

Because she was too obedient.

Obedient to the point of losing her own self after losing a child.

But Wu Xiulian liked it.

When they lost their daughter, she was five years old, the same age as You Ruxu when they first brought her home, but two months older. Wu Xiulian hadn’t agreed to the adoption at first, scolding him for being heartless, for forgetting their daughter so quickly. He insisted on bringing You Ruxu home. Seeing You Ruxu, Wu Xiulian agreed. This child was well-behaved and endearing. It was as if Wu Xiulian poured all the love she hadn’t had time to give her own daughter onto You Ruxu.

You Ruxu’s arrival brought color back into their lives. Sometimes, Wu Xiulian would confuse the two daughters, attributing things that happened to her own daughter to You Ruxu.

You Ruxu was too obedient. She would hug Wu Xiulian when she said these things, saying, “Mom, I was too young then, I don’t remember, tell me more.”

Wu Xiulian would smile and tell her stories about the past.

Later, as You Ruxu grew older, Wu Xiulian gradually recovered, but she still had a strong desire to control You Ruxu.

Fortunately, You Ruxu was obedient.

You Shu said, “I was quite surprised when you decided to go to Jindu after graduation.”

It was a rare act of defiance, choosing her own path. He had been proud of her then, but now—You Shu said, “I came today to ask you one question.”

You Ruxu looked at You Shu, “What question?”

You Shu said, “Did you become a reporter because you wanted to, or because of someone else?”

You Ruxu’s throat tightened, she was momentarily speechless. She looked at You Shu, who said, “Don’t rush to answer me. Ask yourself this question, think about it carefully.”

You Ruxu fell silent, her face pale and fragile.

You Shu finally reached out and patted her head, “No matter the answer, you will always be our child, Ruxu, do you understand?”

You Ruxu nodded: “I understand.”

You Shu said, “Go and rest, I’m going to work.”

You Ruxu watched him leave.

Wu Xiulian, hearing the door close, walked over, looked at You Ruxu, and asked, “What did your father say?”

You Ruxu said, “Nothing much.”

Wu Xiulian frowned: “Did you talk about Dr. Zhou?”

You Ruxu shook her head.

Wu Xiulian said, “They won’t accept it so easily, take it slow.”

You Ruxu looked at Wu Xiulian and said, “Aunt accepted it quite easily.”

Wu Xiulian blinked, “Did I?”

You Ruxu didn’t press the issue, just smiled, and returned to the living room. Wu Xiulian, figuring she didn’t have much of an appetite, made her some noodles. You Ruxu sat at the table, eating slowly. Seeing Wu Xiulian grab her keys, she asked, “Aunt, where are you going?”

“To pick up a package.” Wu Xiulian said, “Are you done eating?”

You Ruxu nodded.

Wu Xiulian said, “Then come help me, there’s quite a bit.”

It was mostly tissues, shoes, and clothes. Wu Xiulian loved online shopping, many things in her home were bought online. After You Ruxu finished washing the dishes, she followed Wu Xiulian downstairs. The rain had stopped. Wu Xiulian said, “What a rare sunny day.”

It had been raining almost non-stop for half a month, sometimes heavy, sometimes light. It was indeed a rare sight to see the sun. You Ruxu walked under the sunlight, feeling a touch of warmth. She followed Wu Xiulian to the package pick-up station near the complex entrance. Wu Xiulian had bought quite a few things, not heavy, but many boxes. You Ruxu carried a few, Wu Xiulian also carried a few, and as they walked back, they heard someone call out, “Wu Xiulian.”

The voice came from their right. You Ruxu turned and saw a woman in a black down jacket standing a few meters away, looking at her and Wu Xiulian.

She looked familiar.

The woman’s makeup was impeccable, her features striking, similar to Zhou Tianzui’s, a strong and vibrant beauty. You Ruxu looked at her for a few moments. Wu Xiulian said, “Xu Xu, you go back first.”

She walked towards the woman.

You Ruxu remembered the many times Wu Xiulian had done this in the past, waving at her under the setting sun, saying, “Xu Xu, you go home first, tell your mom I’m going to a friend’s place!”

A friend.

Zhao Yan.

Wu Xiulian’s high school friend, the one with the exceptionally gentle personality.

So they were still in contact. Seeing the car keys in Zhao Yan’s hand, and her going-out attire, she presumably also lived in this complex. Because of Wu Xiulian, You Ruxu took a closer look. Zhao Yan happened to look over, meeting her gaze, and smiled politely. You Ruxu also nodded slightly, returning the smile.

Wu Xiulian stood in front of her, blocking her view, and asked, “When did you get back?”

“Yesterday afternoon.” Zhao Yan looked away from You Ruxu, her gaze towards Wu Xiulian no longer as gentle as during their high school days, but cold and distant, “Your niece is back in Yuhai?”

Wu Xiulian said, “That’s none of your business, is it?”

“She’s not coming back?” Zhao Yan said, “Of course it’s none of my business then, I just don’t want to see some people deceiving themselves, that’s all.”

Wu Xiulian frowned, looking at her. Zhao Yan’s expression was calm as she met her gaze, unflinching.

She looked at this self-deceiving person in front of her.

Before university, they had promised to go to the same university. When they filled out their application forms, Zhao Yan had confessed her feelings. She had sensed Wu Xiulian’s affections and readily admitted her own, only to be met with rejection, Wu Xiulian even changing her university choices to get away from her.

After starting university, she had gone to Wu Xiulian’s university to find her, only to hear that she had one boyfriend after another. Those short-lived relationships, not even holding hands, ending without a trace. Zhao Yan scoffed at her self-deception.

Was liking a woman something to be ashamed of?

Wu Xiulian glared at Zhao Yan, who was looking at her with pity, as if she was a clown. She said, “Our family matters are none of your concern.”

“I’m not concerned.” Zhao Yan said, “Just a word of advice, don’t be so stubborn, stop deceiving yourself.”

Her words were cryptic, but Wu Xiulian’s heart sank, her composure shattering into pieces. After speaking, Zhao Yan turned and walked away, her figure confident and decisive. Wu Xiulian watched her go, clenched her hands, and turned back to You Ruxu.

You Ruxu asked curiously, “Aunt, wasn’t that your high school classmate?”

“Yes.” Wu Xiulian said, “You still remember her.”

You Ruxu said, “Of course I remember, she used to be very close to you, are you still in contact?”

“Occasionally.” Wu Xiulian said, “She’s different now, very unpleasant, stay away from her next time you see her.”

You Ruxu smiled.

Wu Xiulian asked, “Are they heavy? Give them to me.”

You Ruxu said, “They’re not heavy.”

They walked home, chatting. You Ruxu said, “I’ll go home and see my mom later.”

Wu Xiulian said, “Go later, your mom won’t open the door for you now.”

It was Wu Xiulian’s usual style.

You Ruxu paused, then sat on the sofa. Wu Xiulian sat beside her, unpacking the packages. The atmosphere was quiet. You Ruxu’s phone vibrated. She glanced at it, it was Zhou Tianzui, messaging her after finishing her interview.

It was rare for her to be so proactive in reporting her schedule.

This feeling was quite strange, and You Ruxu liked it. She held the phone and replied to Zhou Tianzui: [Okay, I see.]

Zhou Tianzui asked: [Not resting yet?]

You Ruxu: [Not yet, not very sleepy.]

Wu Xiulian, pausing mid-unpack, looked at You Ruxu, at her clear complexion, the slight smile on her lips, her expression relaxed and happy.

She watched for a few seconds, then couldn’t help but call out, “Xu Xu.”

You Ruxu looked up at her.

Wu Xiulian asked, “Are you messaging Dr. Zhou?”

You Ruxu shifted her grip on the phone, changed her posture, and nodded: “Yes, it’s her.”

Wu Xiulian looked at her, thought for a moment, and then asked, “Xu Xu, do you regret being with Dr. Zhou?”

You Ruxu shook her head without hesitation, “No.”

Wu Xiulian teased, “Oh, you like her that much?”

You Ruxu pursed her lips, the joy in her eyes betraying her feelings.

Indeed, she liked her that much.

Wu Xiulian breathed a sigh of relief and continued unpacking.

No regrets then.

No regrets. It was the only good thing she had done in all the wrong things she had done.

Chapter 48: Not The Same

Wu Xiulian patted You Ruxu’s back: “Why are you drinking so fast? Slow down.” She looked at Zhou Tianzui, “I’m not a doctor, so I’ll have to trouble Dr. Zhou to take care of you tonight. What are you thinking about?”

You Ruxu glanced at Zhou Tianzui and put down the empty bowl, “Nothing.”

Wu Xiulian said, “Go to bed early after you finish. Dr. Zhou, I’ll be next door, call me if you need anything.”

Zhou Tianzui nodded.

She watched Wu Xiulian leave, thought for a moment, then also got up and went out. Wu Xiulian was washing dishes in the kitchen. Hearing the noise, she turned around, saw Zhou Tianzui, and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Thank you.”

Wu Xiulian’s hands paused mid-wash. She looked at Zhou Tianzui intently and said, “You don’t have to thank me.” She lowered her head, “Go keep Xu Xu company.”

Zhou Tianzui stood there for a few seconds, then turned and went back to the bedroom.

After she left, Wu Xiulian leaned against the edge of the sink, her head lowered, thinking about what she had said to Zhou Tianzui, her hands gripping the edge tightly, the veins on her wrists bulging, a silent, desperate struggle.

Finally, she straightened up and continued washing the dishes.

After finishing, she went to the bathroom to change. There was no sound from the bedroom. She went into the study next door and sat at the desk for a long time, then took a file folder from a locked cabinet.

There weren’t many things inside the folder, just a few sheets of paper and a notebook. The notebook looked familiar, the kind every news outlet gave to their reporters for taking notes and reporting.

This notebook was quite old, worn, even the cover was torn, the pages yellowed, but the content was still clearly legible, very well preserved. She opened the notebook, flipped through the pages one by one, then suddenly closed it, placing it aside.

In the quiet study, a click.

A cigarette lighter ignited, a scarlet flame and a wisp of white smoke. Wu Xiulian looked at the two handwritten pages beneath the notebook, the handwriting elegant, with a touch of youthful naivety. She looked at them repeatedly, having already read them countless times, every word etched in her memory, yet afraid to look too closely.

After finishing the cigarette, Wu Xiulian put out the butt in the ashtray, casually placed the handwritten pages and the notebook back into the folder. A line of small characters was written on the cover of the folder, with a signature at the bottom.

—You Ruxu.

Her finger traced You Ruxu’s name, then looked towards the bedroom, finally locking the folder back in the cabinet, turning to go to bed.

During the night, Wu Xiulian was startled awake.

You Ruxu had a high fever that wouldn’t break, even after taking medication. Zhou Tianzui was about to take her to the hospital. While she was getting ready in the living room, Wu Xiulian woke up, put on some clothes, and helped, changing You Ruxu’s clothes, getting her bag and the car keys. Wu Xiulian drove, taking them directly to the city hospital.

Zhou Tianzui, looking at You Ruxu’s flushed face, frowned deeply.

You Ruxu was taken for tests. There weren’t many people in the emergency room at night. You Ruxu was clearly delirious, taking a few seconds to respond to questions. Zhou Tianzui bustled around for over half an hour, finally getting her an IV drip. Wu Xiulian sat beside You Ruxu, hearing her cough several times, and said, “I’ll get you some water.”

She poured half a glass of water and handed it to You Ruxu, who took a sip, her dry lips regaining some color. Wu Xiulian said, “You, after all these years, your health is still the same.”

You Ruxu said, “I used to be very healthy.”

“You were, indeed.” Wu Xiulian chuckled, exasperated, “But who was it who had a high fever in the middle of the night, crying for their mother?”

It was when You Ruxu was in her second year of high school. She had gone out with her classmates for two days and came back with a fever, a low-grade fever at first, then a high fever. She took medicine, recovered, and then the fever returned the next day, on and off for four or five days. Finally, Wu Xiulian took her to the hospital, also at night. You Ruxu, delirious, clung to the nurse, crying for her mother.

Only when Wu Xiulian held her did she calm down.

You Ruxu said, “I don’t remember.”

“Oh, you don’t remember?” Wu Xiulian chuckled, “Then you don’t remember your aunt staying with you half the night either?”

Zhou Tianzui, after paying the fees, returned to the IV drip area and saw You Ruxu talking to Wu Xiulian, her head lowered, her fever seemingly subsided, her face pale, her bangs framing her face. She looked very quiet, a quietness that Zhou Tianzui found endearing.

Endearing?

It suited You Ruxu.

A warmth spread through her heart. She heard Wu Xiulian look up and call, “Dr. Zhou.”

Zhou Tianzui walked over and asked You Ruxu, “How are you feeling? Any better?”

You Ruxu said, “Much better.”

But her voice was still hoarse, lacking its usual clarity, a low and slightly husky tone, very different from her usual voice. She didn’t say much, just pursed her lips after speaking. Wu Xiulian said, “I’m going to rest for a bit, you two talk.”

Giving them some space.

You Ruxu looked at Zhou Tianzui. She had fallen asleep before Zhou Tianzui returned to the bedroom the second time. Presumably because of the high fever, she wanted to open her eyes and look at Zhou Tianzui, but couldn’t, unable to even lift her eyelids.

Zhou Tianzui sat on the chair beside her. You Ruxu’s right hand was hooked up to the IV drip, the needle inserted into the back of her hand. Her hand and wrist were cold. Zhou Tianzui took a small hand warmer from her pocket. You Ruxu asked curiously, “Where did you get that?”

“Borrowed it from the nurses.” Zhou Tianzui said, “They usually have these in the pediatric ward.”

They were used for children receiving IV drips, to help with blood circulation. Zhou Tianzui had just gone to borrow one. You Ruxu smiled faintly, watching as Zhou Tianzui placed it in her hand, the warmth spreading from Zhou Tianzui’s hand to hers.

Zhou Tianzui asked, “Still cold?”

You Ruxu shook her head.

Zhou Tianzui asked, “Why aren’t you talking?”

“My voice sounds awful.” You Ruxu pursed her lips after speaking. Zhou Tianzui said, “It sounds nice.”

You Ruxu looked at her. Zhou Tianzui said, “Really.”

Clearly, it wasn’t convincing.

You Ruxu didn’t believe her.

Zhou Tianzui said, “It sounds very gentle.”

You Ruxu chuckled, “Aren’t you usually good with compliments?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Not good enough? Then let me try again.”

You Ruxu said, “No need.”

Their voices were soft and gentle. Wu Xiulian, pretending to nap, looked at them, her heart softening. She sighed softly and reached for her phone, wanting to message Wu Xiulian’s mother, but then thought, Wu Xiulian’s mother probably didn’t want to hear from her right now.

It was almost six o’clock by the time You Ruxu’s IV drip was finished. Wu Xiulian, having taken leave from work, took You Ruxu and Zhou Tianzui to a nearby breakfast shop for steamed buns. You Ruxu, having just recovered from a high fever, only had a bowl of plain porridge. Wu Xiulian, sitting opposite them, said, “Xu Xu loved the steamed buns here when she was young, she could eat a whole steamer by herself.”

You Ruxu’s voice was even hoarser now. She protested, “No, I didn’t.”

“Yes, you did.” Wu Xiulian chuckled, “When she was young, she didn’t talk much, wouldn’t say whether she liked something or not. But she would always eat more of the things she liked. I noticed this and often brought her here for breakfast. Every time, she would say sweetly, ‘Auntie is so nice.’”

She sighed, “Now Auntie is not nice anymore, is she?”

You Ruxu looked down, ignoring her.

After a while, she said, “Do you want some steamed buns?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Let’s have a steamer.”

A steamer of eight small buns arrived, thin-skinned and filled with juicy meat. Zhou Tianzui scooped one up with a spoon and offered it to You Ruxu. Wu Xiulian said, “Xu Xu just had a fever…”

“It’s okay.” Zhou Tianzui said, “One bun won’t hurt.”

You Ruxu smiled faintly, took the spoon, and took a bite. It was the familiar taste.

Halfway through their meal, Zhou Tianzui received a call from Han Shuang, about the interview. Zhou Tianzui then remembered she had changed the time. She finalized the location with Han Shuang and hung up. Wu Xiulian asked, “Dr. Zhou, do you have something to do?”

You Ruxu said, “You go ahead, I’ll go back with my aunt after I finish eating.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “I’ll drive you back.”

Wu Xiulian didn’t refuse.

You Ruxu lowered her head and continued eating her porridge.

After breakfast, Zhou Tianzui drove them back. She had to go back to the summit after her interview, probably not finishing until six or seven in the evening. She didn’t know if she would be able to see You Ruxu again, worried You Ruxu might be resting. Zhou Tianzui said, “Go to sleep first, I’ll call you when I’m done.”

You Ruxu nodded.

She slept in the bedroom, Wu Xiulian in the study, as if deliberately avoiding each other. Wu Xiulian went into the study as soon as they arrived and hadn’t come out since. Zhou Tianzui made You Ruxu lie down, tucked her in, and said, “I’ll be going now.”

The blanket covered You Ruxu’s shoulders. She was sleeping on her side, half of her face visible, fair and pale. Hearing Zhou Tianzui’s words, she looked over, her lips parting slightly, when Zhou Tianzui cupped her face in her hands and leaned down, kissing her gently on the lips.

A soft, fleeting touch.

Zhou Tianzui’s scent lingered. You Ruxu unconsciously bit her lip, her teeth grazing her skin, her lips regaining some color. She said, “I have a cold…”

Zhou Tianzui lowered her head, her hands still cupping You Ruxu’s face, her voice low, “I told you, give it to me.”

She kissed You Ruxu again.

Unlike the previous fleeting touch, this time, Zhou Tianzui bit You Ruxu’s lip gently. The minty freshness of their recently brushed teeth mingled, a refreshing scent blending into an intoxicating fragrance.

Addictive.

Zhou Tianzui repeatedly traced her lips, stealing her breath, a fierce and passionate kiss.

You Ruxu’s breathing was unsteady. She placed her hands on Zhou Tianzui’s shoulders, wanting to push her away, worried her aunt might come in, but her hands moved instead to Zhou Tianzui’s neck, pulling her closer.

Her face flushed crimson.

Zhou Tianzui released her, her finger brushing You Ruxu’s lips. She said, “I’ll be going now.”

You Ruxu’s eyes were bright, her lips slightly swollen. She nodded. As Zhou Tianzui turned to leave, she called out, “Zhou Tianzui.”

Zhou Tianzui turned around.

You Ruxu said, “I didn’t like cilantro before, and I didn’t like scallions.”

Zhou Tianzui stood there quietly.

You Ruxu said, “But you’re not the same.”

Zhou Tianzui asked, “Not the same as what?”

You Ruxu said, “You’re not cilantro, and you’re not scallions.”

A sweetness spread through Zhou Tianzui’s heart. She asked, “Then what am I?”

She seemed to be waiting for You Ruxu to say something, even just a few words, a sweet nothing, but You Ruxu just looked at her for a few seconds and said, “You’re Zhou Tianzui.”

Zhou Tianzui sighed, paused for two seconds, and said, “You should go back to sleep.”

You Ruxu said, “Oh.”

Just “oh.”

Zhou Tianzui didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.