Category: Immature Confession Day gl

Chapter 30

The chill in the air dissipated as they sat in the car.

They had spent a while in the office. It would be past eleven by the time they got home. Lu Yin had an early class tomorrow, which meant another early commute.

Lin Qianqian knew she was taking up Lu Yin’s time, making her life more difficult, but she felt no guilt.

She was selfish, wanting nothing more than to be with Lu Yin constantly.

If Lu Yin wasn’t going home, she would sleep in the employee dorm with her.

Lu Yin didn’t know her intentions. If Lin Qianqian had hinted, even subtly, that she wanted Lu Yin to come home, Lu Yin would have.

She wanted to be with Lin Qianqian too, to make up for the lost four years.

Lu Yin felt like the hardships she had endured had atoned for her past sins.

As a child, Lu Sui had instilled in her the belief that art was paramount, while Lu Yin had prioritized her own desires.

So, she had added Lin Qianqian to her list of priorities, alongside painting.

She wasn’t one for hardship. Lu Sui had raised her with every comfort and privilege.

But perhaps she wasn’t destined for such a life. Perhaps this was the consequence of her disobedience.

Lu Sui had died when she was young, leaving her powerless to prevent Lin Yun and Lin Qianqian from moving in.

She knew the truth about Lu Sui’s death, but couldn’t bring herself to hate Lin Qianqian, an innocent bystander.

She didn’t know when her illness had started, perhaps the day she began caring for Lin Qianqian as a sister, the day Lin Qianqian moved in, the day she first called her “Lin Qian.”

She wanted to give Lin Qianqian a new identity, a way to absolve herself of the guilt she felt towards her mother.

But was sleeping with her sister a form of revenge?

Lu Yin didn’t know the answer.

When she left home, she had been alone, with nothing.

She had spent all her savings, her artwork fees, and competition winnings on legal fees, hiring the best lawyer to put her father in prison. She had no other source of income.

In her cheap rental apartment, the constant coughing from neighboring units and the lingering smell of cigarette smoke, despite the open window, had been a constant reminder of her circumstances.

She had worked at a restaurant, needing a job that paid daily, but her injured hand couldn’t handle the heavy lifting. The wound would reopen every night, the pain excruciating.

After a few days, she had been fired for defending herself against a drunk man who had tried to grope her. The restaurant owner had prioritized his reputation over his employee’s safety.

She worked odd jobs, day and night, barely scraping by, unsure how long she could maintain this precarious existence.

If this was her future, she might as well drown herself, clutching the painting she had created with her left hand.

A year later, Zhong Shiwu had found her. Lu Yin recognized her instantly as her mother’s friend.

Zhong Shiwu was a capable woman. Lu Yin didn’t deny it.

Years ago, Zhong Shiwu’s mother, a doctor, had been falsely accused of medical malpractice and had committed suicide, leaving a blood-written letter to clear her name.

The Lu family, patrons of the arts, often engaged in charitable acts, both for genuine altruism and for maintaining their reputation.

Lu Sui had helped Zhong Shiwu with the lawsuit, clearing her mother’s name. Zhong Shiwu had then opened a private clinic, working as a psychiatrist.

Upon seeing Lu Yin’s desperate situation, Zhong Shiwu had said, filled with guilt, “I’m sorry I’m late.”

She hadn’t said anything else.

She had stopped Lu Yin from committing suicide, recognizing the immense pressure that had driven her to this point.

Lu Yin had lost all reason to live, her mother dead, her beloved sister pushed away.

Immortality her love in a painting and then dying beside it had seemed like a beautiful escape.

Zhong Shiwu had taken the painting, forcing her to live, to find solace in art again.

Painting had returned to her life, and her sister, in a different way, was by her side again.

It felt like everything she cherished had been restored.

But they both knew it was an illusion, a fragile construct built on a foundation of lies and suppressed desires.

Lin Qianqian sneezed, and Lu Yin turned on the heater.

“Sister, it’s autumn,” Lin Qianqian reminded her.

“Put your clothes on properly. You’ll catch a cold,” Lu Yin said, withdrawing her hand, realizing she had been lost in thought.

After they parked, Lin Qianqian took Lu Yin’s hand, noticing its coldness. She held it with both hands, trying to warm it.

Lu Yin let her, staring at the elevator display.

“What are you thinking about? Why aren’t you talking?” Lin Qianqian blew on Lu Yin’s hand. “Your hands are so cold. I can’t even warm them up.”

Lu Yin didn’t reply, squeezing Lin Qianqian’s hand as they entered the elevator.

The elevator was empty. Lin Qianqian leaned against Lu Yin, her arms wrapped around her.

She never interpreted Lu Yin’s silence as anger, only as acceptance, a silent permission to do whatever she wanted.

Even if Lu Yin ended up scolding her later.

Back at the apartment, Lin Qianqian watched Lu Yin unlock the door, change her shoes, and pour herself a glass of water…

Ice water this time, with ice cubes.

“Can’t you just be honest with me?” Lin Qianqian asked, needing reassurance.

She was constantly analyzing Lu Yin’s behavior, searching for hidden meanings. “Are you thinking about your early class tomorrow, or something else?”

She walked over to Lu Yin and took a sip from her glass, swallowing an ice cube and wincing at the coldness.

“Drinking ice water in this weather will make you sick,” she said, mimicking Lu Yin’s earlier tone. “You should put on more clothes.”

She reached out to button Lu Yin’s shirt.

Lu Yin never buttoned the top two buttons, her collarbone always exposed, a sight that always made Lin Qianqian’s heart race.

She covered Lu Yin’s collarbone with the fabric, her fingers reaching for the top button.

Lu Yin grabbed her hand. “Go to bed. I’ll drive you to work tomorrow.”

“No,” Lin Qianqian leaned closer. “Not until you tell me what you’re thinking.”

This woman was definitely hiding something. Lin Qianqian hadn’t done anything wrong. There had to be a reason for Lu Yin’s unusual silence.

Lu Yin stared at her lips, her mind momentarily blank.

She didn’t want to hear Lin Qianqian’s coy questions, the unspoken invitation in her words, the proximity of their bodies a constant temptation.

“I’ll tell you later, okay?” Lu Yin said, trying to pull her hand away.

She wasn’t ready, not yet.

Her life wasn’t hers to control anymore. It was in Lin Qianqian’s hands.

“But I want to know now!” Lin Qianqian insisted. “Why are you always so secretive?”

The water sloshed in the glass, spilling onto the table as Lu Yin leaned forward to set it down.

Lin Qianqian grabbed her hand, pulling her closer.

The glass tipped over, the water spreading across the table.

“Lu Yin!” Lin Qianqian shouted, her patience wearing thin.

Lu Yin, enduring her outburst, calmly wiped the table with a paper towel.

“Can you please stop being so silent?” Lin Qianqian released her hand. “Even a meaningless platitude would be better than nothing…”

“Where are you going?” Lu Yin asked, watching her turn away.

“To bed…” Lin Qianqian said, turning back, then stopping, her gaze meeting Lu Yin’s.

Lu Yin nodded.

Lin Qianqian bit her lip, pushing aside her hurt.

She forced a smile, crossing her arms and saying haughtily, “I knew it. You just wanted to give me a goodnight kiss.”

“Lin Qian,” Lu Yin said softly, her lips parted slightly. “Come here.”

Lin Qianqian mimicked her earlier silence, turning her head away.

When Lu Yin didn’t approach, she said, “Forget it. Plenty of people wanted to kiss me goodnight when I was abroad.”

She heard Lu Yin chuckle.

Lu Yin’s desire faded, replaced by a flicker of annoyance.

She couldn’t trust herself to stop at just a kiss.

As Lu Yin reached for the doorknob, Lin Qianqian panicked.

“You’re really not going to kiss me…?”

Lu Yin paused, then pulled Lin Qianqian towards her.

Before Lin Qianqian could react, she was pressed against the door, Lu Yin’s lips on hers, a deep, demanding kiss.

Lu Yin’s hand cupped the back of her neck, her other hand on her shoulder, holding her captive.

“Sister…” Lin Qianqian whispered.

“Don’t call me that,” Lu Yin said, her voice soft despite her furrowed brow, avoiding Lin Qianqian’s gaze.

“Lu Yin…” Lin Qianqian tried again, unsure if it pleased Lu Yin or not.

The consequence was the taste of blood, but this time, it was her own.

She had bitten Lu Yin’s lip.

The kiss was suffocating.

Lu Yin, seemingly displeased with her reaction, pressed closer.

Trapped between the door and Lu Yin’s embrace, Lin Qianqian had nowhere to go.

Lu Yin’s arm tightened around her waist, her hand on the back of Lin Qianqian’s neck, a possessive gesture.

Lin Qianqian’s head tilted back, their tongues tangling, their breaths mingling.

Her jacket slipped off her shoulders, revealing the thin cotton top beneath.

The straps of the top came undone, the cool air a welcome contrast to the heat of their bodies.

Their eyes met, Lu Yin’s gaze searching Lin Qianqian’s, a mixture of longing and trepidation in her eyes.

Once, Lin Qianqian had looked at her like this, her eyes filled with hope. ‘Sister, we’ll be together forever, right?’

Lin Qianqian stepped out of her top, kicking it aside, accidentally bumping Lu Yin’s leg with her foot, then quickly retracting it.

“Here…?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

She had imagined this moment countless times, but she couldn’t decipher Lu Yin’s thoughts.

Now that it was happening, she felt a surge of panic.

It had been so long.

“Lin Qian…” Lu Yin whispered her name, her voice husky, her grip tightening, her mind struggling to maintain control.

This was the point of no return.

If they crossed this line, there would be no going back.

Lu Yin knew she could never be just a sister to Lin Qianqian, and she didn’t want to be.

But she had to control the pace, the intensity. She couldn’t afford to lose control again.

She didn’t have the strength for a third attempt.

How could anyone be given two second chances?

This was her last chance.

“No,” Lu Yin said suddenly, releasing her hold, picking up the discarded top from the floor. “Put this on.”

Lin Qianqian’s eyes filled with tears. “What are you doing?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“We’re stopping,” Lu Yin said, her answer not addressing the question.

“Why?” Lin Qianqian asked, then stopped herself. “Okay…”

She didn’t want to push it. She knew she wouldn’t get an answer.

Lu Yin always had her reasons, reasons Lin Qianqian could never understand.

If Lu Yin didn’t want to tell her, she would never know.

But she was still angry. She snatched the top from Lu Yin’s hand and put it on, then picked up her jacket and hung it on the coat rack.

Lu Yin retrieved a bottle of red wine from the cabinet and poured herself a glass, draining it in one gulp.

As she poured a second glass, Lin Qianqian snatched the bottle and drank straight from it, coughing and spluttering, her face flushed.

She knelt down, coughing, the spilled water from the ice mixing with the wine on the table.

Lin Qianqian grabbed an ice cube and put it in her mouth, trying to sober up.

She stood there, barefoot on the cold floor, glaring at Lu Yin. “Get out,” she said, her voice thick with anger.

She needed to release her frustration, but she hated breaking things, so she could only lash out at the person who had caused her pain.

“Get out of where?” Lu Yin asked. “Whose house is this?”

“I’m your sister, not your pet,” Lin Qianqian said, her anger escalating. “Why do you get to decide what happens? One minute you’re kissing me, the next you’re pushing me away.”

“You think you can buy me with food and money? Make me your dog?”

She couldn’t take it anymore.

How could Lu Yin stop now, after leading her on like this?

Lu Yin slammed her glass on the table, took a deep breath, and opened the drawer, her hand automatically reaching for the empty pill bottle.

She had lost count of how many times she had done this.

“I don’t want this!” Lin Qianqian cried, her tears finally overflowing.

Couldn’t Lu Yin just give her what she wanted?

This constant uncertainty, this feeling of being at Lu Yin’s mercy, was unbearable.

Since returning home, she had been kicked out, then begged to come back, her existence dependent on Lu Yin’s whims, her every request a form of begging.

Lu Yin closed the drawer, giving up on the medication. She turned her attention back to Lin Qianqian.

“What do you want?” she asked, her voice calm, a slight tremor betraying her own turmoil.

“I don’t want anything…” Lin Qianqian wiped her eyes angrily.

“I want you!”

“I want Lu Yin!”

Chapter 29

It was a shame they were in a public place.

Otherwise, Lu Yin wouldn’t have been able to stop herself.

“Sister!” Lu Yin didn’t respond, so Lin Qianqian called out again, insistent.

Lu Yin walked down from the podium, carrying a stack of books. “What are you doing here?”

She approached Lin Qianqian, her hand hovering over Lin Qianqian’s damp hair, then stopping herself.

“I came to pick you up,” Lin Qianqian said, following her out of the classroom.

Lu Yin hesitated, then started walking.

“What’s wrong?” Lin Qianqian asked, glancing out the window. The rain seemed to be getting heavier.

“I have an early class tomorrow. I wasn’t planning on going home.”

“…Oh,” Lin Qianqian said, not surprised.

“Let me put these books away, and then we can go,” Lu Yin said, changing her mind. She noticed Lin Qianqian’s damp clothes. “Did you walk here in the rain?”

“It started raining while I was on the subway. I didn’t have an umbrella.”

The rain intensified. Lin Qianqian was about to make a dash for the office when Lu Yin grabbed her hand.

“This way,” Lu Yin said. “There’s a clean jacket in the office. You can change.”

Lu Yin opened a door leading to the office area. “A secret passage!” Lin Qianqian exclaimed.

Lu Yin walked quickly. Lin Qianqian hurried to keep up, taking Lu Yin’s hand.

Walking beside her, she glanced at Lu Yin, who seemed unfazed, and interlaced their fingers.

It was a one-sided gesture, but it filled her with a quiet satisfaction.

Lu Yin’s fingers were cold, only her palm offering a hint of warmth.

“Did you resolve your problem?” Lu Yin asked, pulling her hand as they turned a corner.

Lin Qianqian, startled by the sudden tug, yelped. “Yes, it’s resolved.”

Lu Yin looked at her, a flicker of concern in her eyes. “Let me know if you need help. I’ll find a solution.”

“Of course. Asking for your help is easy,” Lin Qianqian winked, earning a无奈exasperated look from Lu Yin.

She squeezed Lu Yin’s hand, then released it, then squeezed it again, a playful, repetitive gesture.

Lu Yin, her arms full of books, couldn’t open the door. She tugged at her hand, but Lin Qianqian’s grip was firm.

“Hey! Let go! You’re so stingy,” Lin Qianqian said, mock-angry.

“Open the door,” Lu Yin said calmly.

Lin Qianqian’s face flushed. She released Lu Yin’s hand and gestured towards the doorknob with exaggerated politeness.

Lu Yin opened the door and handed Lin Qianqian a jacket.

“You should really get an electronic lock,” Lin Qianqian said, changing into the dry jacket. “The kind with facial recognition.”

“This used to be a private school. It was abandoned after they built the commercial building next door,” Lu Yin explained. “Didn’t you notice all the empty classrooms in the studio area?”

The layout of the building, with the studios and offices in close proximity, was unusual, offering both convenience and privacy.

That’s why the studios were constantly being renovated but never fully modernized.

They had considered moving the studios to a new location, but hadn’t found a suitable space. Having the studios too far from the offices would be inconvenient.

Now, potential clients could tour both areas easily.

Lu Yin rarely went to the office area. The staff there handled the institution’s marketing and advertising. She preferred to focus on teaching, her world confined to the classrooms and the teachers’ office.

Yu Miao, however, was everywhere, handling all aspects of the business, despite their agreement that Lu Yin would only be responsible for teaching.

The rain continued, the downpour intensifying. Lu Yin opened her laptop and entered the students’ grades, preparing personalized progress reports.

“Are you hungry?” she asked Lin Qianqian, worried she was bored.

“I ate before coming here,” Lin Qianqian shook her head. “You’re busy. Let’s wait until the rain stops.”

She zipped up the jacket and wandered around the office, examining the decor.

She had been here before, during the filming, but they had focused on the studios and the artwork. She hadn’t really looked at the office.

A display on the wall showcased the institution’s instructors.

Lin Qianqian saw three photos in the first row: Lu Yin, Yu Miao, and a third woman she recognized but didn’t know the name of.

The woman from the video call, the woman who had been at Lu Yin’s apartment.

Her name was Zhong Shiwu.

“Is she a teacher here too?” Lin Qianqian asked, pointing at the photo.

Lu Yin glanced at it. “No, she’s a partner. She invested in the institution, but she doesn’t come here often.”

She paused, then added, “Yu Jie handles most of the administrative work, dealing with clients, admissions, and even teaching a few classes, mostly private lessons.”

“Oh,” Lin Qianqian said, her voice trailing off.

She couldn’t very well admit she had considered this woman a rival.

That would be too embarrassing.

“What were you thinking?” Lu Yin asked, her gaze meeting Lin Qianqian’s.

It wasn’t a sarcastic question, more like a genuine inquiry, as if she wanted to understand Lin Qianqian’s thoughts.

“I was just wondering, what if someone steals you away from me?” Lin Qianqian blurted out, her insecurity getting the better of her.

She was afraid that, upon returning, she would find Lu Yin had moved on, found someone new.

She had given up everything to come back, just like Lu Yin had given up everything to send her away four years ago.

If things didn’t work out, she didn’t know what she would do.

“That’s why I have to keep an eye on you,” she continued, answering her own question, not expecting a reassuring response from Lu Yin. “I can’t let anyone else have my wonderful sister all to themselves…”

“That won’t happen,” Lu Yin said, her voice soft, unclear whether she was referring to the potential theft or something else entirely.

She returned to her work, the sound of typing filling the room.

Lin Qianqian sat beside her, resting her head on her hand. “So many C’s. You were the one who got reported, weren’t you?”

“Yes,” Lu Yin admitted readily. “If their work is bad, it’s bad. I won’t inflate anyone’s grades. It’s not a real exam anyway. If they’re not even trying with their homework, then attending these classes is a waste of time.”

Lin Qianqian didn’t doubt Lu Yin’s professionalism or her teaching abilities.

Especially when it came to discipline. She had learned that the hard way as a child.

“Keep an eye on me all you want. I have work to do,” Lin Qianqian said, unable to argue with Lu Yin about art, offering a meaningless platitude.

She watched Lu Yin enter grades, noticing a student who consistently received A+.

“This one seems to have caught your eye,” she said, rummaging through the stack of assignments. Seeing Lu Yin didn’t mind, she took the entire stack. “Their work is really good.”

Even she, an untrained eye, could see it.

“There are always a few exceptional students in every class,” Lu Yin said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Lin Qianqian couldn’t fully comprehend that kind of artistic camaraderie, but she understood it intellectually.

Lu Yin, an artistic genius, always appreciated talent in others.

But Lin Qianqian’s appreciation was never pure, always tinged with a hint of jealousy.

Even as a child, she would be jealous of the students who placed second and third, envious of their opportunity to stand beside Lu Yin on the podium.

Lu Yin, so talented, deserved to stand alone, above everyone else.

But then Lu Yin had given up her chance to study abroad, given up painting, even injuring her right hand.

Lin Qianqian couldn’t forget that day, watching Lu Yin, her hand bandaged, burning the acceptance letter.

Perhaps professional therapists had helped Lu Yin during the past four years, but she didn’t know the details of Lu Yin’s recovery, her return to the art world.

She wouldn’t pry. It would be disrespectful.

She looked out the window, opening it slightly for some fresh air.

The rain continued, but it was lighter now.

“Has it stopped raining?” Lu Yin asked, joining her at the window.

“Still raining,” Lin Qianqian replied, turning to look at her. “Sister…”

Lu Yin looked at her. “What?”

I won’t leave again. Lin Qianqian thought, but didn’t say it aloud.

If given the chance, she wanted to tell Lu Yin how she felt, instead of hiding her emotions, her desires, behind a mask of playful banter.

“I’m a little cold. This jacket is thin,” she complained instead.

“Then why did you open the window?” Lu Yin asked, zipping up her jacket, the cool metal brushing against her chin.

“It was stuffy,” Lin Qianqian mumbled, watching Lu Yin turn off the computer, grab her bag and umbrella.

They left the office, nodding at a passing student.

Lu Yin opened a black umbrella, holding it over Lin Qianqian’s head.

“Sister, I’ll carry your bag,” Lin Qianqian offered, taking the bag from Lu Yin’s shoulder.

It was a small umbrella, barely enough space for two. Lin Qianqian looped her arm through Lu Yin’s, and they stepped out into the rain.

“Are you cold?” Lin Qianqian asked, her breath misting in the cool air.

She was wearing Lu Yin’s jacket. Lu Yin was only wearing a thin white shirt, the sleeves stained with paint.

Lin Qianqian wrapped her arms around Lu Yin’s waist, trying to share her warmth.

Their shadows stretched long and distorted under the dim streetlights. Lin Qianqian struggled to keep up with Lu Yin’s long strides.

“Slow down!” she complained, but Lu Yin walked even faster.

“You’re doing this on purpose!” Lin Qianqian said, breaking into a jog.

The parking garage wasn’t far. The rain had almost stopped by the time they arrived.

Lin Qianqian ran ahead, playfully stepping on Lu Yin’s shadow.

She turned around, grinning, and saw Lu Yin smiling too.

It felt like years ago, when Lu Yin would pick her up from school in the rain.

She remembered that scene vividly.

The memory merged with the present, like a slow-motion scene in a movie, the world quiet except for the gentle patter of rain.

The evening breeze stirred Lu Yin’s hair, her eyes soft in the dim light, the image imprinted on Lin Qianqian’s heart.

This was where their story should continue, picking up where they had left off, like reconnecting two severed threads.

Like untangling a neatly wound ball of yarn.

But neither of them would give in, their stubbornness tightening the knot, their past intertwining with their present, their future uncertain.

Chapter 28

Seeing each other during the workweek wasn’t easy. Lin Qianqian and Ming Yao could only meet after work.

A driver took them to a distant Western restaurant.

Ming Yao was watching the time. She had a curfew.

After listening to her list of rules and restrictions, Lin Qianqian was stunned.

“All that effort, and this is what you get?”

“But I got the money,” Ming Yao said, repeating her mantra, convincing herself that the restrictions were a small price to pay for her newfound wealth.

“I just wanted to see you, update you on my progress, and let you celebrate my victory. I don’t have anything in common with those greedy relatives of mine,” Ming Yao said, showing Lin Qianqian a checklist on her phone, going through each item.

Lin Qianqian rested her head on her hand, taking a sip of red wine. It tasted bitter.

Ming Yao was speaking too quickly, the subject matter unfamiliar, and Lin Qianqian struggled to keep up.

“I have a few things to take care of in the next few days. I have to attend my father’s funeral, so I won’t be able to see you for a while,” Ming Yao said, picking up the menu. “Order whatever you want. I’m paying!”

Lin Qianqian grinned. “Are you sure?”

She ordered a few more dishes, all beautifully presented.

Western food never filled her up. She would rather have a bowl of Lu Yin’s cold noodles.

But despite her newfound wealth, Ming Yao didn’t seem happy.

Lin Qianqian felt a surge of gratitude for Lu Yin’s kindness.

She would get Lu Yin a special gift for her birthday.

“Charge it to my card,” Ming Yao said after they finished eating, handing the waiter a credit card.

A few minutes later, the waiter returned, holding the card. “Miss, there seems to be a problem with this card.”

“That’s impossible,” Ming Yao muttered, handing him another card.

They gathered their things and headed towards the exit. The waiter stopped them again at the front desk. “Miss, this card…”

“It doesn’t work either?!” Ming Yao exclaimed, examining the card.

Two notifications popped up on her phone.

[Live within your means.]

[If you can’t earn it, you can’t spend it.]

“That woman!” Ming Yao gritted her teeth. “I’ll deal with her when I get back!”

Lin Qianqian groaned inwardly.

So, she was footing the bill.

And this restaurant looked expensive. Her savings were about to take a hit.

She handed the waiter her phone to scan the payment code. The POS machine beeped.

She checked her balance, her heart sinking as she saw the message on the screen—

Insufficient funds.

They were both doomed.

“Did it go through?” Ming Yao asked anxiously.

“I…don’t have enough money…” Lin Qianqian mumbled, her voice barely audible.

She might be poor, but she had her pride. She didn’t want to reveal her pathetic bank balance.

And she couldn’t ask Lu Yin for money. Lu Yin had just given her ten thousand yuan a few days ago. She hadn’t expected this meal to cost tens of thousands…

“What’s wrong with your card?” she asked Ming Yao loudly.

Misery loved company.

“Why are you shouting?” Ming Yao snapped, hitting her arm. “It’s just frozen…”

They glanced back at the waiter, who was watching them, and offered awkward smiles.

“I just calculated it. I’m a few thousand short,” Lin Qianqian said, after checking her balance again. “Do you have any cash?”

“No, I don’t carry cash. Who does?”

Lin Qianqian had never been so humiliated.

She would never intentionally dine and dash!

“Your stepmother won’t even give you a few thousand yuan?” Lin Qianqian asked, incredulous. “Doesn’t your family own a company?”

“I told you, she wants me to work there, and I don’t want to…” Ming Yao retorted. “Isn’t your sister a partner at that art institution? Can’t she even spare a few thousand yuan?”

Lin Qianqian vowed never to dine with a spoiled rich girl again!

She had never felt so poor, her entire net worth insufficient to cover a single meal.

Their pure and beautiful friendship shattered over an unpaid bill.

Ming Yao turned to the waiter, her eyes pleading. “Can we…put it on a tab?”

“Miss, if you don’t pay, we’ll have to call the police.”

“Wait!” Ming Yao exclaimed.

“Wait!” Lin Qianqian echoed.

They stepped aside, conferring in hushed tones.

“I’ll call my stepmother.”

“I’ll call my sister.”

Lin Qianqian glanced at the time. Lu Yin was teaching an evening class.

She had secretly taken a picture of Lu Yin’s schedule. If there hadn’t been any changes, Lu Yin wouldn’t be available.

But if they didn’t pay, they would be arrested.

Desperate, Lin Qianqian called Lu Yin.

Lu Yin was giving her students time for a group discussion when her phone vibrated. She was about to decline the call, then saw the caller ID and sighed.

She had a feeling.

Lin Qianqian always found a way to interrupt her, whether she was teaching or sleeping.

“Sister, can I borrow ten thousand yuan?” Lin Qianqian’s voice was urgent.

She had to have some money left after paying the bill.

She needed to maintain some semblance of dignity, and dignity required cash.

“What happened?” Lu Yin asked, stepping out of the classroom.

“It’s an emergency.”

“Is ten thousand enough?” Lu Yin couldn’t tell from her tone how serious the situation was. “What kind of trouble are you in? Do I need to come there?”

“No!” Lin Qianqian said quickly.

She couldn’t possibly admit she couldn’t afford dinner.

Lu Yin glanced back at the classroom and transferred twenty thousand yuan, telling Lin Qianqian to contact her if anything else happened.

Seeing the amount, Lin Qianqian’s eyes lit up, her posture straightening.

She paid the bill, but Ming Yao’s mood remained sour.

“Let’s go,” Lin Qianqian said, pulling her out of the restaurant, embarrassed.

“I’ve been behaving for a whole week, and she won’t even let me buy dinner?” Ming Yao said, knowing her cards were frozen. She thought about the jewelry she had at home. “If I have to, I’ll sell a few necklaces to cover my expenses.”

She paced back and forth. “I’m an adult. I shouldn’t have to beg for money.”

Lin Qianqian felt insulted.

“What’s wrong with asking for money? I didn’t steal it. If I can get it, it’s my prerogative.”

Ming Yao didn’t share her philosophy.

“I’m going home. No more fun tonight,” she said, patting her pockets. “Can you lend me a hundred yuan for a taxi?”

“Where’s your driver?” Lin Qianqian asked, transferring the money.

Ming Yao coughed, lowering her voice. “It’s too late. He’s off duty.”

Lin Qianqian didn’t believe her, knowing the real reason, but didn’t press the issue.

The subway station was nearby. She didn’t need a taxi, but she waited with Ming Yao.

The restaurant was in a remote location, the prices high, and most patrons arrived by car. Taxis were scarce.

“Why don’t you go home and figure something out? I know your spending habits were a bit excessive, but cutting you off completely seems harsh,” Lin Qianqian said. “It’s easier to go from frugal to extravagant than the other way around.”

Ming Yao’s face was grim. “I’m not happy.”

The autumn air was cold, and her jacket was in the car with her driver.

Now, she was stranded and freezing.

Lin Qianqian clutched her own jacket tighter.

She wasn’t about to offer it to Ming Yao. If Lu Yin were here, that would be a different story.

Then, she could give her jacket to Ming Yao and borrow Lu Yin’s.

But Lu Yin wasn’t here, and she wasn’t about to sacrifice her own comfort.

“I shouldn’t have involved her in the first place,” Ming Yao said, looking down the street for a taxi. “If I had just split the inheritance with my siblings, I wouldn’t be in this situation. Now, I can’t even spend a penny.”

“How did you even meet her?” Lin Qianqian asked, curious. As far as she knew, Ming Yao hadn’t known this psychiatrist before.

One had sought a stranger’s help to secure her inheritance, making her her stepmother. The other had helped a stranger secure her inheritance, marrying a sick man.

Coincidentally, the man had been admitted to the ICU just days after the wedding, barely having met his new bride.

Fate had intervened.

“I have an older sister who works abroad. She was stressed and a bit depressed. My stepmother was her psychiatrist,” Ming Yao explained. “She’s quite persuasive. I tried to convince my sister to work for the family business, but she always refused. Now, my stepmother has convinced her to come back. She should be returning before the end of the year.”

“I was hoping to get the bulk of the inheritance, but now my sister can share the burden,” Ming Yao said, her expression brightening. “I’m better suited to relying on my family, especially my sister. But who knew she would entrust all her assets to my stepmother before returning?”

Lin Qianqian thought of Lu Yin, wondering if she had disturbed her class.

She had been so focused on getting the money that she hadn’t asked how Lu Yin was doing.

A taxi finally arrived. Lin Qianqian saw Ming Yao off, then headed towards the subway station.

Lu Yin’s evening class ended at ten. She had another class tomorrow, so she might not come home tonight.

Lin Qianqian changed her mind, taking a different line, towards the art institution.

It was past nine when she arrived.

She bypassed the office and headed towards the studios, checking the picture on her phone to find Lu Yin’s classroom, then looking for the corresponding number on the door.

An autumn drizzle had started while she was on the subway.

She never used an umbrella unless it was a downpour. A light rain was barely an inconvenience.

She pushed her damp hair back from her face, checking her pockets for a tissue. Empty.

She wiped her face with her sleeve and sneezed.

Hearing voices approaching, she quickly looked for a place to hide, avoiding unnecessary interactions.

She stood in a corner near Lu Yin’s classroom, wiping the raindrops from her face, her reflection blurred in the glass panel of the door.

It was almost ten. The back door of the classroom opened, and students began to file out, their chatter echoing in the hallway.

Lin Qianqian peeked inside, trying to see over the taller students.

When the last of the students had left, she entered the classroom. Lu Yin was helping a student with a question, her head bowed.

The classroom was still noisy, and she hadn’t noticed Lin Qianqian.

Lin Qianqian watched her quietly.

The last time she had studied Lu Yin’s face like this was that night, after the wine, when she had kissed her.

The kiss hadn’t pushed them apart, but rather opened a Pandora’s box of unspoken emotions, their relationship shifting, the ambiguity intensifying.

The student left.

“Sister!” Lin Qianqian waved.

Lu Yin finally looked up, noticing her damp hair plastered to her forehead, but her smile was bright and unguarded.

She remembered a recent dream.

With their increasing intimacy, the nightmares had begun to fade, the real Lin Qianqian merging with the mocking figure from her dreams.

Lin Qianqian lay beneath her, her cheeks flushed like rain-soaked roses, her voice soft and pleading.

“Sister,” she whispered, over and over again, “I still love you. Please, love me back…”

Chapter 27

Back in her room, Lin Qianqian couldn’t sleep.

She had talked the talk. Now she had to walk the walk.

She listened to the sounds from the living room and bathroom, trying to decipher Lu Yin’s movements.

She got out of bed and followed Lu Yin around the apartment like a shadow.

When Lu Yin was on the phone, she pretended to scroll through her own phone, her gaze unfocused.

When Lu Yin took out the trash, she followed, muttering, “I’m just going to the convenience store downstairs.”

Returning with a bottle of water, she saw Lu Yin waiting for her and quickly followed her back inside.

When Lu Yin retrieved her pajamas and went to take a shower, Lin Qianqian couldn’t follow.

Lu Yin opened the bathroom door, a playful smile on her face. “Aren’t you coming in?”

“Are you inviting me to shower with you?” Lin Qianqian asked, her posture straightening, a sudden surge of confidence coursing through her.

“Sure, come on in.”

Lu Yin knew exactly how far to push, how to make Lin Qianqian retreat with a single step forward.

It made manipulating Lin Qianqian surprisingly easy, controlling the pace of their interactions.

“I already showered today. Next time, give me some warning,” Lin Qianqian coughed, regaining her composure. “I’ll leave you to it.”

She turned and walked away, then, once out of sight, hurried back to her room and collapsed on the bed.

Lin Qianqian repeated the words in her mind—

Lin Qianqian, you’re doomed.

You’ll never win.

She didn’t know if Lu Yin still had feelings for her, but she was hopelessly captivated, now and forever.

She pushed aside her embarrassment and replied to Ming Yao’s messages from earlier.

Ming Yao declared she was now living a healthy lifestyle: early to bed, early to rise, three meals a day, morning jogs, evening exercises. A model adult.

But the details were unclear. They would have to discuss it in person tomorrow.

Their conversation drifted back to Lin Qianqian’s situation.

Ming Yao, tired of typing, called her.

“What’s the point of ambiguity? It’s useless! There’s no commitment! Even if she’s your sister!” Ming Yao lectured. “Don’t be a coward! Just go for it! Don’t let her take advantage of you!”

“She hasn’t taken advantage of me…” Lin Qianqian said, lying on her bed, thinking.

Lu Yin had always treated her well, too well, perhaps.

Then it hit her.

Lu Yin hadn’t let anyone else take advantage of her, but Lin Qianqian had certainly taken advantage of Lu Yin.

“Instead of agonizing over it, just do it,” Ming Yao continued her pep talk. “She’s your sister. Worst case scenario, you apologize. It’ll be fine.”

Lin Qianqian was speechless. “You should worry about yourself.”

Ming Yao didn’t offer many details, but Lin Qianqian sensed something had changed.

Her friend, after years of neglect, had finally found a mother figure and was transforming into an obedient daughter.

“I have to go. It’s almost ten. I need to sleep,” Ming Yao said, glancing at the time, her voice slightly panicked. “Bye, see you tomorrow.”

So that’s what it was.

They used to party all night, like wild, unsupervised children.

Now, Ming Yao was going to bed at ten o’clock sharp. Her stepmother must be a force to be reckoned with.

Lin Qianqian still thought Lu Yin was the best.

Not too strict, not too controlling. The perfect older sister, the perfect lover.

Lin Qianqian closed her eyes, dreaming of clinging to Lu Yin, their embrace escalating into something more, Lu Yin’s hands and lips finally returning her affection.

She woke up disappointed, realizing it was just a dream.

So close…

So close!

She had almost reached the peak!

Lin Qianqian stared at the ceiling, then got out of bed, grabbing her pillow and knocking on Lu Yin’s door.

The door opened. Lu Yin’s hand was still on the doorknob. Lin Qianqian ducked under her arm and jumped onto the bed.

“What?” Lu Yin asked, turning on the light, her voice sleepy.

Lin Qianqian smoothed her hair. “I want to sleep with you.”

“How?” Lu Yin asked, crossing her arms, looking at her.

Lin Qianqian’s pajamas were buttoned, her hair a mess, her eyes still sleepy.

She was probably sleep-talking, or recounting a strange dream.

Lu Yin was used to it.

Before they had defined their relationship, Lin Qianqian had used countless excuses to crawl into her bed. This was just another one.

Lu Yin saw through her tricks, but indulged her anyway.

“Come here,” Lin Qianqian beckoned.

Lu Yin walked over and lay down on the bed, pulling the duvet over herself, seemingly unfazed by Lin Qianqian’s provocative words.

“Hello? I said I want to sleep with you. Didn’t you hear me?” Lin Qianqian poked Lu Yin’s shoulder. “Hello!”

“Go to sleep,” Lu Yin said coldly.

“Not like that!” Lin Qianqian unbuttoned Lu Yin’s pajama top, her fingers tracing Lu Yin’s collarbone, her touch finding the familiar mole from memory.

Lu Yin grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

Lin Qianqian’s eyes lit up. Her tactic was working.

Her hand still held captive, she leaned closer, nuzzling Lu Yin’s cheek, then nibbling on her chin.

Lu Yin closed her eyes, letting her, her mind struggling to maintain control.

“Changed your mind?” Lu Yin asked.

“I want to sleep with you,” Lin Qianqian repeated, her voice insistent. “Like you slept with me?”

Lu Yin released her hand, giving it a playful slap. “Watch your mouth.”

Lin Qianqian winced, pulling her hand back. “But it’s true, isn’t it?”

She grinned, her hand sliding under Lu Yin’s pajama top. “Wearing a bra to bed is uncomfortable. It’ll dig into your skin. You should take it off, like me.”

“Oops, I got some drool on your chin. Let me wipe it off,” she said, leaning over Lu Yin, her hand brushing against Lu Yin’s chin, the touch sending a shiver down her spine. She couldn’t resist a quick kiss.

Lu Yin tugged at the duvet, and Lin Qianqian, thinking she was about to leave, clung to her, her arms and legs wrapped around Lu Yin. “No more excuses about getting water!”

Lu Yin tried to roll over, but Lin Qianqian’s grip was firm. “You’re being very talkative tonight.”

“I! Want! To! Sleep! With! You!” Lin Qianqian insisted.

Lu Yin took a deep breath. Reasoning with Lin Qianqian was clearly futile.

She pinned Lin Qianqian’s hands to the bed, easily overpowering her.

Lin Qianqian blinked, still processing what was happening. “Are you…going to sleep with me?”

Lu Yin’s hand slid into her mouth, her fingertip tracing her teeth.

“That tickles…” Lin Qianqian mumbled. “…Why aren’t you saying anything?”

“You’re biting me, aren’t you?” Lu Yin pressed her finger against Lin Qianqian’s lower teeth.

Lin Qianqian didn’t feel any pain, only a sudden surge of saliva.

She licked her lips, her tongue brushing against Lu Yin’s finger.

“So what if I am?” Lin Qianqian bit down, leaving a faint mark on Lu Yin’s knuckle.

Their breaths mingled, the intimacy of the moment undeniable.

Lin Qianqian was so close she could kiss Lu Yin just by tilting her head up.

“I remember you wanted to learn how to paint,” Lu Yin said, changing the subject.

Lin Qianqian searched her memory. It seemed there had been such a conversation.

When she had asked Lu Yin to teach her, Lu Yin had told her to break her habit of drawing a circle for the sun every time she picked up a brush.

“When you dip your brush in the paint, you have to swirl it gently like this,” Lu Yin said, her voice calm, her fingertip tracing Lin Qianqian’s tongue, the sensation intensifying.

Lin Qianqian swallowed, her mouth filling with saliva, wanting to spit Lu Yin’s finger out but unable to.

“When the paintbox misbehaves, it needs to be punished,” Lu Yin said, her hand moving to Lin Qianqian’s cheek, her fingers pressing against her jaw, the grip tightening.

Lin Qianqian winced. “That hurts…”

“Endure it,” Lu Yin said coldly, her grip unrelenting.

“I won’t bite you anymore, okay…?” Lin Qianqian pleaded, her earlier boldness replaced by a wave of panic. “I know I was wrong! Sister…”

She whimpered, afraid to move her jaw. “I’m a good dog. I shouldn’t have bitten you.”

“I’ll never bite you again…” she said, then, fearing Lu Yin didn’t believe her, added a few pathetic barks.

Lu Yin released her grip. “If you bite me again, I’ll put a muzzle on you.”

“What’s that?” Lin Qianqian asked, swallowing hard, wiping Lu Yin’s hand with a tissue.

“It’s for dogs,” Lu Yin explained helpfully.

“Oh…” Lin Qianqian drawled.

The explanation was useless.

But she didn’t have time to Google it. As Lu Yin lay back down, she climbed on top of her, her lips finding Lu Yin’s.

She would be the dominant one this time!

Lu Yin hadn’t expected her persistence.

“Don’t you want to sleep tonight?”

“We don’t have to,” Lin Qianqian said.

Lu Yin’s hand snaked around her waist, pinning her down as she tried to shift her weight.

Lin Qianqian, momentarily startled, then realizing it was Lu Yin’s hand, her face flushed.

“Why are you so nervous?” Lu Yin asked, her hair cascading around her, her lips parted slightly.

Lin Qianqian’s mind was hazy from the alcohol, and the familiar tingling sensation returned to her tongue.

She kissed Lu Yin, Lu Yin’s hand moving to the back of her head, deepening the kiss.

The kiss was messy, their breaths mingling in the quiet bedroom.

Lin Qianqian sensed a shift in Lu Yin’s mood, a sudden intensity, but she didn’t hesitate, her boldness unwavering. She didn’t understand the change, but she felt it.

Lin Qianqian’s eyes widened, her mind momentarily blank.

This woman…

Why was she always so unpredictable?

But the opportunity had presented itself, and she wasn’t going to waste it. She kissed Lu Yin back with equal fervor.

If only kisses could convey all her unspoken emotions, all the feelings she couldn’t articulate.

But a kiss was just a kiss.

Even after all this time, every kiss, from the stolen one to Lu Yin’s birthday peck, to this sudden, intense kiss, had caught her off guard.

“Lu Yin…” Her carefully constructed defenses crumbling, Lin Qianqian whispered her name.

Lu Yin, provoked, bit her lip, silencing her moans, her whispered name.

The taste of blood filled Lin Qianqian’s mouth.

“Lu Yin!” Lin Qianqian hit her shoulder, her voice panicked.

She didn’t understand. Why was Lu Yin biting her, so hard? She had called her name several times, but Lu Yin didn’t react.

She remembered that night, Lu Yin gripping her wrist in her sleep, her cries unanswered, the red marks a painful reminder.

Just like now.

She had angered Lu Yin.

Lu Yin was punishing her.

“Sister…” Lin Qianqian finally said.

Lu Yin’s eyes fluttered open, her gaze meeting Lin Qianqian’s, a mixture of desire and fear swirling within.

She wiped the blood from Lin Qianqian’s lip, then licked the wound.

Lin Qianqian flinched, blinking rapidly.

Just as Lu Yin was wondering if her actions had upset Lin Qianqian again, Lin Qianqian stood up and threw the blanket at her.

“Evil spirit, begone! Leave my sister!”

Lu Yin: “…”

She lay back down. “Go to sleep,” she said.

Lin Qianqian, her dramatics over, lay down beside Lu Yin, studying her face before snuggling into her arms. “Why did you bite me?” she asked.

Lu Yin didn’t open her eyes. “Revenge,” she said calmly.

Chapter 26

If Lu Yin didn’t understand the implication, she was truly dense.

“We’ll buy some,” Lu Yin said, pulling over and looking for a supermarket.

But they were on a street lined with restaurants and small convenience stores.

“If only you had bought some in advance, like a surprise,” Lin Qianqian said, touching the bare seatbelt.

She remembered the deer antler hair clips. She needed to buy more.

Lu Yin never used such frivolous accessories, and even if she did, they had to be gifts from Lin Qianqian.

“Alright, I’ll buy some tomorrow,” Lu Yin said dismissively, starting the car.

“Boring,” Lin Qianqian muttered.

“Then I’ll buy some now?”

“I don’t want any anymore.”

Lu Yin, tired of this pointless back-and-forth, drove home.

Lin Qianqian sighed dramatically, feeling neglected.

“Poor me.”

Lu Yin clicked her tongue, annoyed.

“But that was before. Now I have food and a place to live. It’s fine,” Lin Qianqian quickly amended, then, seeing Lu Yin’s expression, fell silent.

On their way home, they passed a restaurant, and Lu Yin asked what she wanted, buying two takeout meals.

That evening, Lin Qianqian sat beside Lu Yin, watching her grade student assignments.

A thick stack of papers, dozens of them. Lin Qianqian watched Lu Yin scan them quickly, most receiving a C, the best a B.

“They don’t look that bad,” Lin Qianqian pointed at a nearby paper, marked B-. “Like this one.”

“It’s traced. The anatomy is all wrong. It looks like a monster,” Lu Yin glanced at it. “A B-minus is generous.”

“Right,” Lin Qianqian suddenly remembered. There were no A’s, but also no D’s. “What about D’s?”

“Unless it’s a blatant attempt to avoid doing the work, none of the teachers give D’s anymore.”

“Why?”

Lu Yin paused, her pen hovering over a paper. “During the first term, one of the teachers gave out too many D’s and was reported by the parents and students.”

“Who?”

“Why do you care?” Lu Yin noticed a grease stain on a nearby paper and waved Lin Qianqian away, starting to write comments on the first assignment.

Lin Qianqian tossed the empty takeout containers in the trash, grabbed the stained paper, and began to doodle.

She drew a wall and a stick figure.

Something was missing. She drew a large circle around the grease stain, adding wavy lines. A perfect sun.

It was a habit from childhood. Whenever Lu Yin gave her a piece of paper to draw on, she always drew a large, round sun.

“Who stands in the corner under the sun?” Lu Yin asked, glancing at her after a long silence.

“Who says that’s me?” Lin Qianqian quickly changed her story. “Who says I’m being punished?”

“Aren’t you? I thought you were drawing yourself as a child,” Lu Yin returned to her grading. “But I never made you stand in the corner under the sun.”

“You wouldn’t dare!”

“We could try it now,” Lu Yin glanced at the weather forecast. “It’s supposed to be sunny tomorrow.”

Lin Qianqian threw down her pen, glaring at Lu Yin.

She had always hated being made to stand in the corner.

It was a common punishment in school, for being late, falling asleep in class, or any other minor infraction.

Lin Qianqian had been punished countless times.

But when Lu Yin used the same method at home, it felt different, somehow more humiliating.

Lu Yin was her sister, not her teacher.

And yet, Lu Yin always seemed to choose the punishments she disliked the most.

Later, Lin Qianqian had rebelled, and the ruler had been added to the corner-standing routine.

And then…

She had started to enjoy it.

Especially when Lu Yin held the ruler and counted down, and she would finish the countdown before Lu Yin, or even count down in decimals.

0.9, 0.8, 0.7…

Seeing Lu Yin staring at her in silence, she would relent, asking meekly, “How about I take my pants off this time?”

After twenty seconds, there was no pain, no redness on her bottom, only on her face.

Back then, their relationship had been purely familial.

She added a speech bubble to the stick figure, instinctively writing a countdown inside.

She quickly scribbled it out, glancing at Lu Yin, relieved to see her still engrossed in her work.

Her phone buzzed. She checked the messages.

Ming Yao was inviting her to dinner. It had been a while, so she agreed.

Ming Yao asked about her progress with Lu Yin, and Lin Qianqian exaggerated Lu Yin’s coldness and neglect.

[Ming Yao: Can I ask you a question?]

[Lin Qianqian: Loved.]

[Lin Qianqian: And still loving.]

[Ming Yao: You’ve already kissed her. Shouldn’t you be taking things further?]

That brought Lin Qianqian back to reality.

Lu Yin seemed content with their current arrangement, not kicking her out, even being affectionate at times, though her words could still be hurtful.

Lin Qianqian rested her head on her hand, remembering Lu Yin’s “punishments” from their childhood.

What had seemed like simple discipline then, now held a different, more suggestive meaning.

If Lu Yin made her stand in the corner now, and used a ruler…

Wouldn’t that fulfill Lu Yin’s earlier suggestion about standing in the sun?

“Why are you looking at me?” Lu Yin asked, without looking up, her intuition uncannily accurate.

“Teacher Xiao Lu is so captivating when she’s focused on her work.”

Lu Yin was usually impervious to distractions.

The institution’s teachers were young and often socialized with their students, receiving birthday surprises and gifts in the office.

Lu Yin would remain unfazed, focused on her work.

But there was one exception: Lin Qianqian.

Perhaps it was a habit from childhood, always dropping everything to attend to Lin Qianqian’s needs.

Or perhaps the girl resembled the figure in her dreams too closely, making her feel uneasy, her thoughts scattered.

And whenever her attention wandered, it always returned to Lin Qianqian.

“Can I take your picture?” Lin Qianqian asked, snapping a photo with her phone.

She looked at the picture, sighing. “Why do you always look at me with such a cold expression?”

She didn’t elaborate.

Lu Yin looked at everyone with that same cold expression now, maintaining a polite but distant demeanor.

Even when she had deliberately tried to make Lu Yin jealous of the little girl that afternoon, she could tell that Lu Yin’s care for the child was different from the care she had shown Lin Qianqian as a child.

If only she could see that genuine, warm smile again, the one that reached Lu Yin’s eyes.

“Why do you always look at me with those pathetic puppy-dog eyes?” Lu Yin asked, gathering the graded assignments and putting them in a folder. “What are you scheming now?”

“I’m not scheming. I’m genuinely pathetic,” Lin Qianqian said, her attention drawn to a message on her phone.

She read the conversation.

She stood up, walked over to Lu Yin, and pulled her arm off the desk.

“Sister, come sit over here,” she said, avoiding Lu Yin’s gaze.

“What for?” Lu Yin asked, but complied, turning to face her.

Lin Qianqian swung one leg over Lu Yin’s lap and wrapped her arms around Lu Yin’s neck. “Sister…”

Lu Yin looked up at her, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, and reached out to push her away.

“If you push me, I’m not getting off!” Lin Qianqian declared, determined to assert dominance, to see how far she could push Lu Yin without being rejected.

Lu Yin frowned, leaning back slightly, her other hand on the desk, waiting.

“I’m asking you, do you still…” Lin Qianqian hesitated, the question hanging in the air.

Actions could be tested, but some questions, if asked, could irrevocably damage their relationship.

She always choked at the crucial moment, despite countless opportunities to ask.

She was too afraid.

Lu Yin knew what she wanted to ask, but she didn’t answer.

Knowing what not to say, what not to do, was enough.

She wasn’t honest with herself, let alone with Lin Qianqian.

She couldn’t admit her feelings, clinging to the ambiguity of their relationship, the tangled threads of their past.

The unspoken question hung between them, the answer both known and unknown.

The doorbell rang, breaking the tension. They both glanced towards the door.

“My delivery arrived,” Lu Yin said, picking up the torn folder. “It only fits half the assignments.”

The doorbell rang again. Lin Qianqian got off Lu Yin’s lap.

If she couldn’t ask the question, she could always kiss her again.

Lu Yin hadn’t rejected her kisses, and she couldn’t get enough of them.

Lin Qianqian cursed her own foolishness, watching Lu Yin return with the package.

“Don’t do that again,” Lu Yin said, unpacking the new folder and placing the assignments inside.

“You think I’m a nuisance?” Lin Qianqian asked, unsure if it was a warning or a gentle reprimand.

Always the afterthought. Lu Yin hadn’t complained when she was sitting on her lap, only now, after she had moved.

“Not really.”

“I just wanted to sit,” Lin Qianqian said.

She wanted to be close, to provoke, to make Lu Yin acknowledge her presence.

She shamelessly used her childhood tactics, trying to regain Lu Yin’s attention, her affection.

Lu Yin finished organizing the assignments, placing the folder on the sofa, then finally looked at her.

“If you didn’t like it, you could have just pushed me away,” Lin Qianqian scoffed. “Why pretend to be intimidated?”

Lu Yin didn’t reply, picking up the takeout containers.

One order, two meals. She was only eating now, the food cold and unappetizing.

She didn’t bother reheating it, mixing it with her chopsticks and eating it as is.

Lin Qianqian’s anger flared.

Was this all Lu Yin could do? Give her the silent treatment?

One moment, they were having a normal conversation, the next, she was being ignored, treated like air.

As a child, Lu Yin had patiently guided her, teaching her what to say and what not to say. Now, she was left to fend for herself.

She had had enough.

Before storming back to her room, she threw one last jab at Lu Yin.

“I don’t just want to sit on your lap. I want to sit on your face.”

Chapter 25

Lu Yin returned to her room, her mood unsettled.

Initiating intimacy was different from receiving it.

She had kissed Lin Qianqian. What would she do next? Would she lose control completely, force herself on Lin Qianqian?

Lu Yin closed her eyes, reminding herself this was reality, not a nightmare.

She had kissed her sister, Lin Qianqian, not the mocking figure from her dreams.

The figure in her dreams would abandon her, while Lin Qianqian had returned, against all odds.

They were different. Lu Yin knew it.

She calmed herself, pushing the kiss from her mind, trying to regain her composure.

She couldn’t let Lin Qianqian see her true self, not yet.

Lin Qianqian could see her as the gentle older sister, or even the cold and distant one.

But she couldn’t be seen as a monster.

There were two kinds of terrifying people in this world: heartless monsters and those who would stop at nothing to achieve their goals.

Unfortunately, she was both.

The former was her present self, the latter her past self.

Lin Qianqian’s mind rebooted after a few minutes. The bedroom door opened again.

Lu Yin looked at her, surprised. “Why are you still here?”

“You…you…” Lin Qianqian scrambled forward. “Do you even realize what you just did?”

“There are germs on the floor,” Lu Yin frowned at her strange behavior. “Wasn’t that your birthday present?”

“I asked for it, so you just did it?”

Lin Qianqian couldn’t believe it. This woman, who had been trying to kick her out just moments ago, had kissed her without hesitation.

It had to be a split personality. There was no other explanation.

This was strange. Very strange.

“It’s not something I can take back,” Lu Yin said, opening a drawer and rummaging through it. The pill bottle was empty. She slammed the drawer shut in frustration.

She went to the refrigerator, filled a glass with ice, and drank the ice water in one gulp, the coldness calming her racing heart.

Lin Qianqian was easy to distinguish from the figure in her dreams. Lin Qianqian never looked at her with mockery, with disdain.

Despite their lack of blood relation, a certain familial dynamic existed between them.

Like typical sisters, the younger one would act out, get scolded, and then receive a reward.

Lin Qianqian, still suspicious, watched Lu Yin, then asked, “Can you kiss me again?”

She closed her eyes, waiting.

If Lu Yin kissed her again, she would accept the undeniable truth: Lu Yin still had feelings for her. And then, all bets were off.

This woman, who had dared to kiss her, would dare to take her to bed.

This was getting out of hand.

“Open your mouth,” Lu Yin said, peeling an orange.

Lin Qianqian opened her mouth, swaying slightly, her anticipation growing.

“Wider.”

Lin Qianqian opened her mouth wider.

Something was placed inside. She instinctively started to chew, then choked on the orange juice, coughing.

She opened her eyes, glaring at Lu Yin, her racing heart finally slowing down.

Right. This felt familiar.

Being fed oranges. A novel experience.

She had tried to feed Lu Yin an orange before, and had been rejected.

She didn’t know how their relationship had progressed so quickly, but she was enjoying it.

That Saturday, Lin Qianqian arrived at the art institution just before six o’clock.

She peeked into several studios, but couldn’t find Lu Yin. She turned off her camera and decided to check the office.

The office door was slightly ajar. She heard a child’s voice.

Instead of knocking, she peeked inside, her eyes meeting Lu Yin’s.

“Come in,” Lu Yin said.

Lin Qianqian entered.

Lu Yin was taking care of a little girl, about four or five years old.

She was feeding the girl yogurt. Snacks and candies were scattered on the table.

“I thought you were teaching,” Lin Qianqian said, sitting down beside her, noticing Lu Yin’s affectionate gaze fixed on the child.

Lu Yin wiped the girl’s mouth with a tissue. “I had a morning class. It’s finished.”

“Then why didn’t you come home? I was planning to pick you up.”

Lu Yin gestured towards the little girl, and Lin Qianqian understood, nodding.

Lu Yin glanced at her, then her attention returned to the child. “Sister, I’m finished…”

“Do you want more?” Lu Yin retrieved another yogurt cup from the cabinet.

“No, thank you.”

Lu Yin placed the yogurt on the table, then, seeing Lin Qianqian’s silence, offered it to her.

“Giving me her leftovers?” Lin Qianqian turned her head away. “I don’t want it.”

“Fine,” Lu Yin said, then explained, “It’s Yu Jie’s daughter. She’s teaching a class, so I’m looking after her.”

“…Oh,” Lin Qianqian said. “I waited for you all afternoon.”

“Why didn’t you call or text me?”

“I didn’t want to disturb your class.”

Lu Yin checked the time. “Yu Jie has another class tonight. I won’t be able to come home.”

Lin Qianqian ripped open the yogurt container, the sound echoing in the room.

“My sister bought that for me! It’s good, right?” the little girl asked eagerly, pointing at the yogurt, her eyes shining.

“Which sister?”

“Sister Xiao Lu,” the little girl clutched Lu Yin’s wrist. “It’s good, isn’t it?”

“No, it’s not,” Lin Qianqian said. “Not good at all.”

Lin Qianqian finished the yogurt, unwrapped a lollipop, and popped it into her mouth, then reached for another snack.

The little girl, polite and sharing, simply watched her, her lower lip trembling slightly. “You’re going to eat everything…” she mumbled.

“It’s okay. We’ll buy more later,” Lu Yin said, stroking the girl’s head.

She didn’t want to stop Lin Qianqian. It would only make things worse.

But seeing Lu Yin’s gentle care for the child, Lin Qianqian felt a surge of jealousy.

“Do you have a thing for little girls?” she asked sarcastically. “Is it a sister complex? You see a child and you just have to take care of them.”

“Have you eaten?” Lu Yin asked, trying to change the subject. “There’s a good fried rice noodle place nearby.”

“No.”

“Then I’ll take her. It gets crowded later,” Lu Yin said.

Lin Qianqian didn’t reply.

Lu Yin had taken care of her like this once.

But not anymore.

Was it because she was older now, no longer a child in Lu Yin’s eyes? Or was it because their relationship had shifted from familial affection to something more complicated, something Lu Yin couldn’t reconcile with her own past?

Lin Qianqian didn’t know the answer.

But she couldn’t forget the ten years Lu Yin had cared for her, treating her better than a real sister.

She wanted to repay Lu Yin, to be with her, to help her heal from the past, to free her from the burden of guilt she carried.

Yu Miao entered, carrying two takeout containers. “Xiao Lu, I asked one of my students to bring us food. Eat while it’s hot.”

Seeing Lin Qianqian, she frowned. “Oops, I only bought two.”

“Give it to her. I’m not that hungry,” Lu Yin said, handing the container to Lin Qianqian, separating the chopsticks for her. “Is that enough?”

“Nini, come here,” Yu Miao called out to her daughter, returning to her desk, ignoring the two sisters. “Did you behave for Sister Xiao Lu?”

“Sister Xiao Lu bought me lots of snacks!”

“Be careful. You’ll lose all your teeth if you eat too many sweets.”

“They’re mostly biscuits. Nothing unhealthy,” Lu Yin said to Yu Miao, then retrieved another yogurt cup and offered it to Lin Qianqian. “This will help with the dry food. Or do you want some water?”

“I can’t finish this,” Lin Qianqian said after a few bites, still feeling resentful.

She was always unhappy when she came here, feeling like an outsider.

But she was family. She had even heard that Lu Yin had a stake in the institution, not just a teaching position.

At other companies, relatives of the owner flaunted their connections, enjoying special privileges. But here, she was constantly being scolded and rejected, her frustrations simmering beneath the surface.

Lu Yin took her chopsticks and finished the rest of her food. “We can get something else when we get home.”

The lunch break ended quickly. Yu Miao finished her meal, gathered her things, and headed towards the studio with her daughter.

Lu Yin waved goodbye to Nini.

“I’ll take her to the studio. She’s well-behaved and won’t disturb my class,” Yu Miao said, holding Nini’s hand. “You should go home early. Don’t stay up too late.”

Lu Yin nodded, tidying up the desk and watching them leave. Knowing Lin Qianqian would be pleased, she smiled, remembering Lin Qianqian’s mischievous grin. “Ready?”

Lin Qianqian scoffed, already familiar with the location of Lu Yin’s car keys, retrieving them from the drawer and heading towards the parking garage.

Sitting in the driver’s seat again, Lin Qianqian wondered if she should get a driver’s license. Commuting during rush hour was exhausting.

But she didn’t know where to even begin.

She shared her thoughts with Lu Yin.

“Why do you need a driver’s license?” Lu Yin asked.

“Driving is convenient,” Lin Qianqian said, calculating the costs. “If I live with you for free for a few years, I’ll save enough money to buy a car. Then you can help me choose one.”

“In your dreams,” Lu Yin said, glancing at her through the rearview mirror. “Live with me for free for a few years? Where do you find such good deals?”

“You’re the one who offered,” Lin Qianqian said, worried Lu Yin would change her mind. “Don’t try to kick me out again. I can’t handle it.”

“I’m not charging you rent. You have to offer something in return.”

Lin Qianqian looked at her suspiciously, unsure what she meant.

Lu Yin didn’t want her money, and presumably not her body…

Then what could she possibly want?

“Be more specific,” Lin Qianqian said.

“You owe me,” Lu Yin said cryptically.

It was too soon to reveal her true intentions. She needed to be patient, to proceed cautiously.

She had decided to try again, to rebuild their relationship, but she had to be prepared for the consequences, even if it meant Lin Qianqian leaving again.

Lin Qianqian didn’t like being indebted to others, except Lu Yin.

Debt implied a connection, a tie that bound them together. She liked being connected to Lu Yin, liked the ambiguity of their relationship.

As they drove past a bustling street food market, Lu Yin brought up a topic from their earlier, somewhat tense, conversation.

“You barely ate anything for lunch. Do you want to get something else?”

Lin Qianqian’s earlier playful mood vanished as she remembered the apartment viewing.

Her smile faded, and she said sullenly, “I want the yogurt Sister Xiao Lu bought.”

Chapter 24

Three seconds passed. Silence.

Lin Qianqian, fearing rejection, pressed her advantage. “You said anything!”

This wasn’t even her primary wish. She had already compromised. Now it was Lu Yin’s turn.

Lu Yin had taken her in. She had to commit. It was a lifetime contract.

“I can pay rent. I’m not moving,” Lin Qianqian said, backing up against the closed door, as if seeking strength from its solidity.

But Lu Yin’s continued silence eroded her confidence.

Her forced smile faded, replaced by uncertainty.

If Lu Yin refused, she wouldn’t argue.

She could never argue with Lu Yin, never find the right words to defend herself, to justify her desires.

“Do you need anything else for your room?” Lu Yin asked.

Her answer was clear.

She knew Lin Qianqian had been on her best behavior lately, her belongings neatly organized, her clothes folded and tucked away, her toiletries stored in her suitcase, as if preparing for an imminent departure.

Lin Qianqian’s expression froze. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Even the gentle and kind sister she remembered could be surprisingly devious.

As a child, she had been a picky eater, a beating from Lin Yun ensuring a few days of obedience, but the lessons never lasted.

She loved the burgers from the fast-food restaurant down the street, using hunger strikes to defy Lin Yun, secretly asking Lu Yin to buy her burgers and iced cola.

When Lu Yin stopped indulging her, Lin Qianqian sulked.

Lu Yin coaxed her out of her room, two burgers in hand.

“Both for me?” Lin Qianqian’s face lit up. You can’t resist me, can you?

“Both for you,” Lu Yin nodded. “One chicken, one beef.”

“I’ll share one with you,” Lin Qianqian said, torn between her two favorites.

“If you can finish them both, there’s no need to share,” Lu Yin said, placing a bowl of steaming noodles, the kind Lin Qianqian hated, in front of her.

She only liked one kind of noodles—

Cold noodles.

Never hot noodles.

Lin Qianqian had intended to share, her offer a peace offering after her earlier sulking.

“I can finish them,” she said, already tearing open the wrappers.

“Don’t waste any,” Lu Yin said, starting on her noodles.

“I’ll be a dog if I don’t finish them,” Lin Qianqian said, eyeing the burgers. “But why isn’t the wrapper sealed with tape this time?”

Lu Yin didn’t answer, continuing to eat her noodles.

Lin Qianqian took a large bite of the burger and a satisfying gulp of iced cola.

After a few bites, she realized something was wrong.

A strong taste of wasabi filled her mouth, burning her throat and stinging her nose.

She spat out the burger, her eyes watering, her throat on fire.

She yelped, gulping down the rest of the cola, but the cup was almost empty. She swallowed an ice cube whole, almost choking.

Furious, she dumped the remaining ice into the trash.

“Sister, give me some noodles!”

“Don’t you hate noodles?”

“I need something to neutralize the taste!” Lin Qianqian fanned her mouth. “Did you put wasabi in my burger? That’s why there was no tape!”

Lu Yin had been about to offer her the bowl, but after hearing Lin Qianqian’s accusation, she finished her noodles and the broth in one gulp.

“You did it on purpose! You did!” Lin Qianqian rushed to the refrigerator.

They usually shared groceries, their refrigerator stocked with their combined purchases.

Now, it was empty.

“Where’s all the food?”

Lu Yin gestured towards the empty bowl. “I ate it.”

Lin Qianqian could only drink water, but she had eaten the wasabi-laden burger so quickly that she ended up filling her stomach with water.

After the wasabi incident, Lin Qianqian continued her antics, but she never challenged Lu Yin directly again. Their dynamic shifted from major tantrums every three days to minor sulks three times a day, prioritizing efficiency over intensity.

She had learned that Lu Yin, despite her gentle nature, could be surprisingly ruthless, exploiting her weaknesses with precision.

But as long as she obeyed, Lu Yin rarely resorted to such tactics.

Lin Qianqian’s thoughts returned to the present, drawn back by Lu Yin’s gaze.

“Do you need anything? We can go buy it,” Lu Yin said, assuming she was still thinking about the apartment. “It’s not too late. We can get the essentials.”

“I don’t need anything!” Lin Qianqian said, her earlier uncertainty replaced by a surge of relief. “I don’t need anything at all!”

With her anxieties quelled, her carefully constructed facade crumbled.

Remembering the wasabi incident, she suddenly felt a surge of emotion, hitting Lu Yin’s shoulder playfully.

“Why didn’t you say anything? Why did you scare me like that?” Lin Qianqian’s voice trembled, close to tears. “I thought you were kicking me out! You’re always teasing me! And making me eat wasabi!”

“When did I make you eat wasabi?” Lu Yin asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You put it in my burger!”

“That’s what you get for refusing to eat and locking yourself in your room,” Lu Yin said. “Do you remember how much I begged you to come out?”

Let her believe the lie. She hadn’t intended to trick Lin Qianqian this time.

Since Lin Qianqian’s return, the orange peel incident had been her only act of mischief.

Lin Qianqian, knowing she was at fault, dropped the subject.

She hugged Lu Yin’s waist, her eyes red. “Don’t ever scare me like that again!”

Lu Yin looked down at her, a mixture of amusement and exasperation in her eyes. “You’re doing all the talking. I haven’t even said anything yet.”

“I don’t care. You promised,” Lin Qianqian said, hugging her tightly, then noticing Lu Yin’s arms remained at her sides.

She released her hold, wiping her eyes. The tears subsided quickly.

“You really don’t need anything?” Lu Yin asked, remembering Lin Qianqian’s earlier request for financial assistance. She had practically spelled it out.

She could always tell the difference between Lin Qianqian’s tears.

These were tears of joy, fleeting and easily forgotten.

As expected, the tears had vanished as quickly as they had appeared, the earlier sadness a mere illusion.

“I haven’t thought of anything specific yet…” Lin Qianqian said, studying Lu Yin’s expression. “Can I…can I have the equivalent in cash?”

“How much?” Lu Yin asked, opening the money transfer app on her phone.

“Really?” Lin Qianqian’s eyes widened, a flicker of guilt crossing her face as she leaned closer to the screen.

She hesitantly held up a finger, thinking she should ask for a small amount.

Lu Yin tapped on the screen.

Lin Qianqian stared at the four zeros, speechless.

Was there anyone this gullible…

No, this kind-hearted? Getting paid to live in someone’s apartment.

Silly deer.

She remembered the nickname she used to call Lu Yin, the reason for it not so different from the current situation.

Lu Yin provided for her, just like when she was younger, asking for nothing in return. Just like a silly, unsuspecting deer.

The only difference was that back then, she would say it to Lu Yin’s face, earning a time-out in the corner.

Now, she only dared to think it.

She giggled, then noticed Lu Yin looking at her.

“Too much?” Lu Yin asked.

“Not really,” Lin Qianqian stopped laughing, mentally calculating the amount. “Less than two months’ rent, right?”

In Lu Yin’s world, deception usually involved other people deceiving her.

She had encountered countless two-faced individuals and had become adept at recognizing and navigating their lies.

But with Lin Qianqian, she chose to believe her, assuming her pleas for help were genuine, not manipulative.

This habit persisted, making her wonder if she should give Lin Qianqian more money.

“It’s enough, more than enough,” Lin Qianqian said, closing the app on Lu Yin’s phone.

Lu Yin could read her like a book, her intuition always accurate. Lin Qianqian relied on memory.

She had feigned helplessness so many times that she knew, regardless of the situation, Lu Yin would always help her.

And she didn’t really need the money. She had only asked because she thought she would have to move out. Now that she could stay, the financial “crisis” had vanished.

“Mm,” Lu Yin put her phone away. “Let me know if you need more.”

As Lu Yin turned to leave, Lin Qianqian stopped her.

She couldn’t miss out on a birthday present. Every birthday with Lu Yin had involved a gift.

She had spent too many birthdays without Lu Yin. She wouldn’t let this one pass.

“You still owe me a birthday present,” Lin Qianqian said, her hand on the doorknob. “That was just my birthday wish.”

Lu Yin looked at her. “Then tell me what you want.”

If she could fulfill Lin Qianqian’s wishes and be done with it, all the better.

In Lin Qianqian’s vocabulary, the first entry was “pushing her luck.”

Lu Yin wouldn’t put it past Lin Qianqian to invent new and creative ways to disrupt her work.

“Same rules. You have to agree before I tell you,” Lin Qianqian said, grinning. “What if you change your mind?”

“Fine, I agree,” Lu Yin said, glancing at the time on her phone.

Lin Qianqian excelled at making outrageous requests when Lu Yin was in a good mood, always stopping before Lu Yin got angry.

Like now. She was ninety-nine percent sure her birthday wish would be granted. The remaining one percent was the probability of her escaping unscathed if it wasn’t.

Her confidence wasn’t based on statistics, but on her ability to run away if necessary.

Go big or go home. Lin Qianqian closed her eyes, leaning closer to Lu Yin.

“Then kiss me.”

Silence.

No response. Lin Qianqian opened her eyes, quickly backtracking.

“On second thought, I don’t want that for my birthday. Seems like a bad deal,” she said, touching her nose, her words contradicting her racing heart. “I’ll think about it and let you know.”

“Lin Qian,” Lu Yin said.

Lin Qianqian looked up, pouting. “What? I can change my mind…”

Before she could finish, a shadow fell over her. Lu Yin’s lips brushed against hers, a fleeting kiss on the corner of her mouth.

Lin Qianqian froze, stunned into silence.

The brief kiss, barely a second long, sent a wave of panic through her.

She wondered if that one percent chance of escape was still viable.

This woman was too unpredictable. She pinched herself, needing confirmation that this was real.

“Happy birthday,” Lu Yin said, quickly retreating to her room, closing the door behind her.

Lin Qianqian sank to the floor, her heart pounding, her hands clenched into fists.

She felt like she was going to be sick.

Chapter 23 p2

Lu Yin tidied up the living room, then went to her room.

She messaged the scheduling manager at the institution, saying she had something to do tomorrow and asking to reschedule her classes.

Having stayed up late, and with it being the weekend, Lin Qianqian didn’t wake up until noon. She went to the bathroom, then went back to sleep.

Her alarm woke her.

It was the reminder she had set for the apartment viewing.

Running late, she grabbed a t-shirt and pants and quickly got dressed.

After a hasty wash, she saw Lu Yin in the living room.

“Sister, let’s go! I overslept!”

Once in the car, Lin Qianqian contacted the agent, confirming the appointment, then told Lu Yin to start driving.

“The address,” Lu Yin said.

“…Oh, I forgot,” Lin Qianqian opened the navigation app, grumbling. “A perfectly good weekend, wasted on apartment hunting.”

Lu Yin glanced at her, her expression hesitant.

“What?” Lin Qianqian browsed restaurants near the apartment. “What are we eating later? I’m starving.”

“Is your shirt on inside out?”

“No, it’s the same front and back,” Lin Qianqian tugged at her collar, then saw the label and closed her mouth. “…Is it that obvious?”

“A little.” It wasn’t noticeable at all, but Lu Yin offered her jacket. “Here. Cover up.”

Lin Qianqian scoffed. “So I’m an embarrassment now…”

After putting on Lu Yin’s jacket, she picked a restaurant.

Everything was ready. Her mind drifted back to the previous night.

She cursed her ability to remember everything, even when drunk.

She was constantly making a fool of herself in front of Lu Yin.

Lu Yin was probably used to it by now.

But last night, she had kissed Lu Yin. Twice!

Even if the aftermath hadn’t been ideal, she had done what she wanted to do.

But Lu Yin hadn’t reacted, hadn’t even mentioned it.

Lin Qianqian was still anxious. She knew Lu Yin was good at hiding her emotions, her silence often masking deeper feelings.

She decided to ask.

“Sister, how much did we drink last night?”

“Half a bottle.”

“But you must have had a whole bottle, right? So you must have been drunk,” Lin Qianqian said, drawing her own conclusions. “I heard people who don’t drink often have a low tolerance. I’ve never seen you drink before.”

“I’ve had a few drinks in recent years,” Lu Yin said. “With friends.”

“You have a lot of friends,” Lin Qianqian said, surprised.

Friends, friends, always with the friends.

The woman last night had been a “friend” too.

Did Lu Yin even understand the concept of boundaries?

Bringing a friend home without even asking.

Even roommates gave each other a heads-up.

Lin Qianqian thought about her own wild nights out with friends abroad.

But she held herself to a different standard than she held Lu Yin.

How could Lu Yin drink with another woman, especially without telling her?

She couldn’t tolerate it. The thought alone made her angry.

“They’re from the institution. Colleagues can be considered friends, right?” Lu Yin said.

“Office romances are common these days,” Lin Qianqian said pointedly. “You said you’ve been drinking with them several times. What if feelings develop? You see each other at work, and then you go out drinking together…”

Lu Yin thought for a moment, correcting herself. “Not that many times. Besides the mandatory New Year’s gathering, only twice on weekends.”

“You celebrate New Year’s together?” Lin Qianqian felt another surge of anger.

“Who else would I celebrate with?”

Lin Qianqian’s mouth fell open, then she quickly changed the subject, sensing the conversation veering into dangerous territory.

“Am I considered your friend?”

Lu Yin glanced at her, sensing her intentions.

“If I invited you to celebrate New Year’s with me, would you?” Lin Qianqian pressed. “I don’t have any friends here.”

She was determined to cling to Lu Yin.

They had kissed, and Lu Yin hadn’t rejected her. A few suggestive words couldn’t hurt, right?

“And New Year’s is so boring here. Christmas is much more fun,” Lin Qianqian continued. “No couplets, no red envelopes, their dumplings are terrible, they buy frozen ones and then overcook them.”

“We’ll see about New Year’s,” Lu Yin said vaguely.

“That’s only…” Lin Qianqian opened the calendar app. “It’s November 2nd today. Only ninety-nine days, six hours, fifty-five minutes, forty seconds, thirty-nine, thirty-eight, thirty-seven…”

She suddenly realized something.

Next Sunday, November 10th, was her birthday.

She glanced at Lu Yin, wondering if she remembered.

“What do you want for your birthday next Sunday?” Lu Yin asked suddenly.

Lin Qianqian’s thoughts had been laid bare.

As someone constantly subjected to Lu Yin’s subtle mockery, she couldn’t resist a chance for revenge.

“We’ll see,” she replied haughtily, crossing her arms.

“Just so you know, I have classes all day next weekend,” Lu Yin said, delivering a cruel blow. “I won’t be able to come home. I’ll be sleeping at the institution.”

“Then why even ask? You won’t have time anyway,” Lin Qianqian said, feigning indifference. “I’ll just celebrate in my new apartment. Pretend it never happened.”

“You don’t want anything?”

Lin Qianqian glared at her. “Would you even give me what I want?”

“Tell me.”

“Forget it,” Lin Qianqian said, her resolve crumbling.

If she asked for a do-over of her eighteenth birthday, Lu Yin might throw her out of the car.

She remembered her disastrous attempt at an adult celebration.

It had been a Saturday. She was a freshman in college, in another province, and had taken a train home without telling anyone.

She had snuck into Lu Yin’s bed, drunk for courage.

Her wish hadn’t been granted. Instead, she had thrown up all over Lu Yin’s room.

They arrived at the apartment complex without reaching a birthday resolution.

It was a mixed-use building, with both residential apartments and hotel rooms. The area felt less safe, the residents more transient.

The agent was waiting downstairs. They went up together.

The studio apartment was small, the furnishings worn, but the price was a few hundred yuan cheaper than similar units in the city center.

Lin Qianqian, lacking experience in these matters, stood quietly while Lu Yin inspected the apartment and asked the agent questions.

She felt like a child, waiting for a parent to handle the adult business.

“Are you two living together? I have a two-bedroom unit available,” the agent said, sensing Lu Yin’s disapproval, quickly shifting to other options. “And some single rooms, very affordable.”

Lu Yin didn’t answer, looking at Lin Qianqian.

“Me?” Lin Qianqian shrugged. “Anything is fine.”

This was already at the top of her budget. She couldn’t afford anything more expensive.

Lu Yin walked over to her. “I asked all the necessary questions. Weren’t you listening?”

“It doesn’t matter. I can’t afford anything more expensive.”

“I’ll think about it,” Lu Yin told the agent.

They left, waiting for the elevator.

The agent, busy with other clients, didn’t accompany them downstairs, heading towards another elevator.

“Is this place okay?” Lin Qianqian asked.

It seemed alright, but she had never lived alone before, and there was no helpful elderly woman here to guide her.

“You’re the one who’s going to live here. Why are you asking me?”

“Just give me your opinion.”

“The environment isn’t great. Too many units per floor, and with the hotel rooms, it doesn’t feel safe to live alone. And the electricity bill isn’t included in the rent.”

“But the agent said utilities were included!”

“I just looked at the contract. That’s only for water and gas,” Lu Yin said, brushing some white residue off Lin Qianqian’s back.

“The wall just flaked off when I leaned against it,” Lin Qianqian frowned. “Maybe I should look at single rooms instead. Then I could be closer to the office.”

Lu Yin didn’t reply.

Lin Qianqian glanced at her, then said sarcastically, “If someone hadn’t kicked me out, I wouldn’t have to live in such a dump. Moving means buying new furniture and everything. Food, clothes, rent, transportation…it all adds up. I might as well just sleep on a park bench. It’s not cold enough for me to catch a cold yet.”

“There’s a park near your office. You can sleep on a bench there and walk to work,” Lu Yin said.

The elevator arrived. Lin Qianqian stepped inside, fuming.

Why did I even come back? She could have stayed abroad, working on a project with her advisor.

A few smiles and some casual flirting were all it took to wrap her advisor around her little finger.

Why had she returned to face this constant rejection? A month of trying, and she hadn’t made any progress.

Did she owe Lu Yin something in a past life?

“Let’s go eat,” Lu Yin said, ignoring Lin Qianqian’s simmering rage, leading her towards a nearby restaurant, a popular spot serving local cuisine. The place was crowded.

Lin Qianqian was surprised to learn Lu Yin had made a reservation.

She ordered whatever she wanted: braised pork belly, kung pao chicken, all the expensive dishes.

“What do you want to drink?” Lu Yin asked, handing the menu to the waiter.

“Orange juice,” Lin Qianqian said. “Two glasses, please.”

“I thought you would order beer,” Lu Yin said, her tone neutral.

“Alcohol makes me emotional. I’d rather not,” Lin Qianqian said, resting her head on her hand, playing with Lu Yin’s car keys.

She didn’t hear a response and glanced at Lu Yin, their eyes meeting briefly before she looked away, crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair.

Two women walked by, pausing at their table. “Teacher Lu?”

Lin Qianqian looked up.

“I heard from Teacher Yu that you took the day off,” one of the women said, glancing at Lin Qianqian, then a look of realization crossed her face. “Oh…”

“I took the day off, so you skipped class?” Lu Yin asked.

“No! I just prefer your classes,” the woman said quickly. “I took the day off too. Really!”

Her lie exposed, she quickly excused herself. “Enjoy your meal! I’ll go now!”

Lin Qianqian’s eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed on Lu Yin.

So Lu Yin had rescheduled her classes.

Lin Qianqian felt a surge of relief. Lu Yin cared enough to spend the day with her.

But she was still angry about the park bench comment, even though Lu Yin had taken the day off.

The food arrived, and as she ate, her anger dissipated.

Lu Yin ate slowly and gracefully.

She subtly pushed the dishes closer to Lin Qianqian, watching her devour the food with gusto.

Full and satisfied, Lin Qianqian finished half her orange juice in one gulp, then remembered the apartment viewing.

“I still have to look at that apartment. Such a hassle.”

“Mm,” Lu Yin agreed, saying nothing else.

“I said it’s a hassle,” Lin Qianqian repeated, louder this time, trying to get Lu Yin’s attention.

Lu Yin signaled for the check, finally looking at Lin Qianqian, who resembled a puffed-up pufferfish.

Lu Yin’s phone rang. She stood up. “I need to take this.”

Lin Qianqian clammed up, gathering her things and heading towards the exit, a dark cloud hanging over her.

Lu Yin followed, gesturing for her to come to the car.

Lin Qianqian stood her ground, refusing to move.

If Lu Yin apologized, even a single word, she would forgive her, forget the entire day’s frustrations.

Lu Yin stared at her for a moment, then got into the car.

The engine started. Lin Qianqian gritted her teeth and ran to the car, sliding into the passenger seat.

As she fastened her seatbelt, she noticed several deer antler hair clips attached to the strap, cute and whimsical.

“You actually buy these things?” she was about to tease Lu Yin for being childish when Lu Yin spoke.

“My students gave them to me.”

“And you actually wear them?” Lin Qianqian asked.

“Why not?”

“Whatever,” Lin Qianqian said, her tone sour, taking a few more clips from the dashboard. “Might as well wear them all.”

They hadn’t been there before. Had Lu Yin put them on while she was waiting outside?

Was this another attempt to annoy her?

As she clipped the hair clips onto the seatbelt, she noticed Lu Yin leaning closer.

She instinctively recoiled, looking up at Lu Yin, inhaling her scent.

“What…what are you doing?” she stammered, nervously fidgeting with her pants.

Lu Yin chuckled, her hand reaching out to touch the antler clips, her gaze fixed on Lin Qianqian’s face. “They’re quite cute.”

Lin Qianqian pushed her hand away. “You’re annoying.”

When they arrived at the parking garage, Lin Qianqian immediately got out of the car and hurried towards the elevator without looking back.

Lu Yin locked the car, watching Lin Qianqian’s retreating figure, her initial brisk pace slowing to a hesitant shuffle.

“Are you coming?” Lin Qianqian called out, turning around.

“Just taking a call,” Lu Yin said, gesturing towards her phone. The elevator area had poor reception.

Lin Qianqian waited, then took a few steps closer.

Lu Yin was still on the phone, leaning against the car, her posture relaxed.

Lin Qianqian took a few more steps.

She hated Lu Yin’s job. Why were there so many calls?

During lunch, before getting in the car, and now, even though she was clearly upset.

Were her students that important?

Lin Qianqian didn’t want to admit that she felt overshadowed by Lu Yin’s work, but she swallowed her pride and continued waiting.

Finally, she marched over, snatched the car keys from Lu Yin’s hand, opened the car door, and ripped the antler clips off the seatbelt.

Lu Yin finally joined her in the elevator.

As Lin Qianqian was about to retreat to her room, Lu Yin stopped her.

“Are you upset?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Lin Qianqian retorted.

“I really don’t have time for your birthday next week. I rescheduled my classes today. I can’t do it again next week,” Lu Yin explained calmly.

Lin Qianqian was speechless.

Fine, she didn’t have time. Did she have to rub it in?

Lu Yin looked at her, her expression serious. “So, what do you want for your birthday? Or do you have any other wishes? I can fulfill them in advance.”

Lin Qianqian looked at her suspiciously. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Anything?” Lin Qianqian’s face lit up, then she quickly suppressed her excitement, her expression a strange mix of suspicion and hope.

“Anything,” Lu Yin drew out the word, as if willing to agree to any request.

Lin Qianqian looked down, thinking.

Instead of questioning Lu Yin about their relationship and making things awkward, she would ask for something practical.

Finally, she spoke, her voice firm. “I want to continue living here.”

Chapter 23 p1

Lin Qianqian had fantasized countless times about their reunion, their reconciliation sealed with a gentle kiss.

She would hold Lu Yin tightly, whispering how much she had missed her.

But the brief kiss had shattered the dam of her suppressed emotions, and she craved more.

She wanted more than just a kiss. She wanted to hold Lu Yin, to be held, to be touched.

But she had no right, no courage. All she could do was steal a kiss while Lu Yin was drunk and asleep.

Lin Qianqian licked her lips, her gaze lingering on Lu Yin’s face.

Lu Yin didn’t react. The alcohol had dulled her senses.

Afraid of being discovered, Lin Qianqian quickly retreated, wiping the moisture from Lu Yin’s lips and hurrying back to her room.

Lying in bed, she could hear the frantic beating of her own heart.

She buried her face in the pillow, unwilling to face the reality of her situation.

Was there anything more painful than unrequited love?

It seemed not.

Especially when the object of her affection clearly disliked her.

She had fallen for someone who wanted nothing to do with her.

Lin Qianqian felt like a masochist, clinging to Lu Yin despite her repeated rejections.

If Lu Yin confronted her in the morning, she would declare boldly, “I’ll take responsibility!”

What was she going to do?

She didn’t want to leave.

Hearing the door close, Lu Yin opened her eyes, staring at the closed bedroom door, her hand brushing against her lips.

She considered herself rational, capable of enduring any hardship.

Cutting her losses was her specialty. She avoided hurting others, even if it meant pushing away the person she loved.

But self-control had its limits.

Instead of denying her weakening resolve, she had to admit the truth: she had no control around Lin Qianqian, especially when Lin Qianqian was so boldly, so relentlessly, testing her boundaries.

Lu Yin rolled over, the blanket falling to the floor. She didn’t bother picking it up.

She lay still, listening for any sound from the bedroom.

Silence. She felt a surge of anxiety.

Perhaps she should listen to Zhong Shiwu and accept what was happening.

Things were spiraling out of control, beyond her carefully constructed plans. She couldn’t avoid it any longer.

Before she could regain her composure, find a way to function without medication, she needed to establish a common goal with Lin Qianqian.

How to ensure they both got what they wanted before their inevitable separation.

She would use Lin Qianqian to escape her nightmares. And Lin Qianqian would use her…

Lu Yin couldn’t imagine what Lin Qianqian could possibly want from her.

Despite being twenty-three, Lin Qianqian still possessed a childlike enthusiasm, her heart ablaze with an untamed passion.

Lu Yin felt a pang of self-pity.

She had mastered the art of social interaction, adapting her words and behavior to suit every situation.

Yet, she couldn’t even articulate her own desires.

The bedroom door opened. Lin Qianqian emerged, then quickly retreated as she saw Lu Yin looking at her.

After a moment, she reappeared, her hand nervously touching her lips. “Sister, you’re awake?”

Lu Yin sat up, her gaze fixed on Lin Qianqian.

“Your blanket fell…” Lin Qianqian pointed at the blanket on the floor, watching Lu Yin pick it up and place it on the armrest.

The wine bottle and glasses were still on the coffee table. “Do you need help cleaning up?” Lin Qianqian asked.

“Sure.”

Lin Qianqian was surprised. She had only offered out of politeness. She walked over to the coffee table, stacking the glasses, her gaze questioning.

“Is there something on my face?” Lu Yin asked.

“I don’t think so…” Lin Qianqian said, unsure.

Lu Yin touched her face. “Nothing?”

“Nothing.”

“Then why are you looking at me like that?”

Lin Qianqian looked down, taking the glasses to the kitchen to wash them.

She noticed Lu Yin following her.

She turned on the faucet, trying to sound casual. “Who was that…that…who was your guest tonight?” She struggled to find the right word.

“Why should I tell you?”

“Fine, don’t tell me,” Lin Qianqian muttered. “Like I care…”

Lu Yin chuckled. “A friend.”

Lin Qianqian glared at her, their eyes locking in a silent battle of wills.

Neither looked away, each waiting for the other to surrender.

Lin Qianqian lost.

She held up the clean glasses. “What should I use to dry them?”

Lu Yin took the glasses, dried them with a towel, and placed them on the counter. She retrieved an unopened bottle of red wine and a corkscrew from the cabinet.

“You’re still drinking? It’s late,” Lin Qianqian started to protest, then remembered Lu Yin drinking with another woman, and felt a surge of annoyance. “Haven’t you had enough with your…friend?”

Lu Yin ignored her, pouring herself a glass of wine and taking a sip under Lin Qianqian’s watchful gaze.

Lin Qianqian’s eyes widened. She walked over to Lu Yin. “I want some too!”

Lu Yin reached for the bottle.

“Wait!” Lin Qianqian moved her glass. “I want a different glass! Not that one!”

Lu Yin indulged her, rinsing the glass and putting it away, then retrieving a new one.

Finally satisfied, Lin Qianqian took a sip of wine, a smile returning to her face. “This is good.”

The two glasses looked identical, but Lin Qianqian found a subtle difference.

“Can I try yours? The color seems slightly different.”

Lu Yin glanced at her and swapped glasses.

Lin Qianqian turned the glass, her lips touching the spot where Lu Yin had drunk from.

“Yours is better,” she said, a mischievous glint in her eyes, refilling her glass.

“It’s late,” Lu Yin said, but didn’t stop her.

“I’m off tomorrow,” Lin Qianqian filled her glass to the brim. “And I can always call in sick.”

Then, as if realizing something, she asked, “Do you have classes tomorrow?”

“No,” Lu Yin mimicked her earlier tone. “And even if I did, I could reschedule them.”

Lin Qianqian choked on her wine, coughing.

This was strange. Very strange.

The woman who claimed she wouldn’t jeopardize her work was now saying it was fine to drink late, even if it meant rescheduling classes.

Lin Qianqian touched Lu Yin’s forehead. “Are you feeling okay?”

She pinched herself, wincing. “I’m not dreaming.”

“What are you doing?” Lu Yin asked, watching her strange behavior.

Lin Qianqian dipped her finger in the wine and flicked it at Lu Yin. “Evil spirit, begone! Leave my sister’s body!”

“Sister,” she called out, seeing no reaction from Lu Yin.

Lu Yin’s gaze remained fixed on her.

“Are you drunk?” Lin Qianqian asked.

“Not really.”

“I think I’m drunk…”

Otherwise, why was Lu Yin acting like this?

Surely it wasn’t because of the stolen kiss?

“I have something to do tomorrow. I’m going to look at an apartment.”

“Which one?” Lu Yin frowned.

“The one from before. It’s a studio apartment, but the agent isn’t charging a fee. I only have to pay the deposit and rent.”

Lin Qianqian had been browsing listings for days, even with the detailed advice from her colleague, but her limited savings were a major constraint.

Most apartments required a hefty agency fee, equivalent to one month’s rent, in addition to the deposit and first month’s rent upfront. That was three months’ worth of rent, and the deposit wasn’t refundable if she moved out early.

She couldn’t afford it.

“You’re off tomorrow, right? Could you come with me?” Lin Qianqian asked tentatively, reaching for Lu Yin’s arm and giving it a gentle tug. “Sister, please? What if they try to scam me? I’ve never rented an apartment before.”

“What time tomorrow?” Lu Yin asked, her hand resting on Lin Qianqian’s.

“In the afternoon. After we see the apartment, I can explore the neighborhood and get familiar with the area.”

It was a rare day off for both of them. She had to seize the opportunity to spend time with Lu Yin, to mend their relationship.

And maybe steal another kiss.

Lu Yin nodded.

Lin Qianqian continued drinking, the living room silent but not awkward.

She started thinking about how to reject the apartment.

She had contacted the agent on a whim, never seriously intending to rent the place, but the agent had been persistent, constantly asking when she was available to view the apartment.

She was a terrible liar and a people-pleaser, so she had reluctantly agreed to a weekend viewing.

Now, it was a convenient excuse for a date with Lu Yin.

For the first time since her return, Lin Qianqian felt like they were genuinely connecting, their interaction easy and comfortable.

Lu Yin wasn’t being cold or dismissive, and Lin Qianqian didn’t have to constantly worry about saying the right thing.

“Sister…”

Lu Yin looked at her, waiting.

Lin Qianqian opened her mouth, wanting to ask about Lu Yin’s life these past few years, but the words caught in her throat.

“Where did you buy this wine? It’s really good,” she said instead, offering her empty glass.

“Don’t drink too much,” Lu Yin said, sealing the bottle.

Lin Qianqian pouted, taking Lu Yin’s glass and pouring herself half. “I want more.”

She clinked glasses with Lu Yin, grinning. “Cheers!”

She drained her glass.

“If I leave…” she mumbled.

“What?”

“Nothing,” Lin Qianqian shook her head.

She wasn’t sure if she could stay.

If the apartment was suitable, she wouldn’t have an excuse to reject it.

“If I leave, don’t miss me too much,” she blurted out.

“Why would I miss you?”

Lin Qianqian didn’t look at her, expecting this dismissive response.

“Would you miss making me cold noodles? Or waiting for me to come home drunk and pouring me water? Or having me knock on your door in the middle of the night because I’m scared to sleep alone?”

Lin Qianqian fidgeted, unable to answer.

“If I leave, I won’t be bothering you anymore,” she said, then added awkwardly, “And if you could, you know, help me out financially, that would be great…”

“What did you say?” Lu Yin asked, even though she had heard her clearly.

“What, what, what! How many ‘whats’ are you going to ask?!” Lin Qianqian couldn’t bring herself to repeat it. “Is there something wrong with your ears?”

She saw Lu Yin’s gaze darken and quickly looked down, defeated. “Just pretend I’m drunk. It’s not like it’s the first time this week.”

“And don’t cling to me later, asking me to help you to your room.”

“Who do you think I am?” Lin Qianqian scoffed, walking towards her room.

She was used to acting tough in front of Lu Yin, but after a few steps, she stumbled, bumping into the coffee table.

Bending down to rub her shin, she lost her balance and landed on the floor.

Embarrassed, she stayed there for a moment, feeling foolish.

“Let me see,” Lu Yin knelt beside her, examining her shin. “Here?” she asked, gently massaging it.

“No,” Lin Qianqian took Lu Yin’s hand and placed it on her calf. “Here.”

Lu Yin obligingly massaged her calf, even though they both knew it didn’t really hurt.

“That tickles,” Lin Qianqian extended her leg, her toes nudging Lu Yin’s. “Do you even know how to massage?”

Her voice was light and teasing.

Lu Yin’s gaze lingered on her face, her hand pressing harder.

Lin Qianqian winced, grabbing Lu Yin’s wrist and glaring at her.

“Terrible technique, and you can’t even take criticism!” Lin Qianqian pressed, searching for an opening.

Lu Yin chuckled, and Lin Qianqian’s fierce expression softened, worried she had said something wrong.

“It still hurts a little…” she said softly, hoping for more attention from Lu Yin.

But Lu Yin stood up without offering a hand.

Lin Qianqian panicked, grabbing Lu Yin’s pants leg, her legs entwined around Lu Yin’s. She looked up, her eyes pleading. “Sister, it hurts…”

Lu Yin looked down at her, then relented, crouching down again.

Seized by a sudden impulse, Lin Qianqian grabbed Lu Yin’s shoulders and kissed her.

Her lips landed on Lu Yin’s chin. Undeterred, she found Lu Yin’s mouth.

She kissed her hard, a mixture of resentment and longing.

Now, she was definitely drunk.

She had thrown herself at Lu Yin, not caring about the consequences.

She was leaving anyway. She might as well get her fill of kisses before she went.

She sat on the floor, her legs wrapped around Lu Yin’s, her arms around Lu Yin’s neck, refusing to let go, as if this was their last embrace.

“Sister…”

Lu Yin didn’t push her away, and Lin Qianqian’s eyes filled with tears.

Her bold move hadn’t been rejected, yet she couldn’t continue.

She released her hold, her tears flowing freely.

Lu Yin remained silent, her eyes filled with an emotion as vast and turbulent as a stormy sea.

But Lin Qianqian didn’t notice, her vision blurred by tears.

Lu Yin’s voice was cold and distant. “Let me help you to your room.”

“No…” Lin Qianqian hugged her knees, refusing Lu Yin’s help.

“Be good,” Lu Yin said softly. “The floor is cold.”

Strangely, after the kiss, Lin Qianqian’s mind felt clear.

She didn’t look at Lu Yin, but she heard the indifference in her voice.

Lin Qianqian stood up and slowly walked to her room.

Lu Yin watched her, their eyes meeting briefly, a flicker of something unreadable in Lin Qianqian’s gaze, before the door closed between them.

Chapter 22

Lu Yin opened the door for Zhong Shiwu that evening.

Her refusal to meet had been ignored.

Zhong Shiwu arrived unannounced, carrying a bottle of wine and a box of pastries.

Lu Yin couldn’t very well turn her away, so she invited her in.

“Since you wouldn’t come to me, I had to come to you,” Zhong Shiwu said, looking around the apartment. “Nice place. Very you.”

She gestured towards the bottle. “Consider it a housewarming gift?”

Lu Yin gave a weak smile. “Thanks.”

“You’re my priority. Someone else has been begging to see me, but I turned her down,” Zhong Shiwu said, opening the wine and pouring two glasses.

“Are you finished with your work?” Lu Yin asked.

“Everything went smoothly,” Zhong Shiwu chuckled. “That’s why I rushed over here. I should have brought Yu Miao along. Then it would be two against one. Maybe we could straighten out those antlers of yours.”

“I’m doing fine,” Lu Yin ignored the joke, taking a sip of wine. It was stronger than she expected. She glanced at the label and set the glass down.

“No need to be so cautious. I just haven’t seen you in a while. I wanted to chat,” Zhong Shiwu saw through her defenses. “After all, Lu Sui considered me her sworn sister. I’m not just your friend and your doctor, I’m also your elder, aren’t I?”

Lu Yin gave a noncommittal smile. “Perhaps.”

“I chose this specifically. It’s quite good,” Zhong Shiwu refilled Lu Yin’s glass and opened the box of pastries. “Try one.”

Lu Yin took a bite. They were sour.

“Good?” Zhong Shiwu asked.

“Sour,” Lu Yin said. “But good.”

“I knew you liked sour things. Glad to see your taste hasn’t changed,” Zhong Shiwu said. “Some things never change.”

Lu Yin drained her glass, meeting Zhong Shiwu’s gaze. “People change.”

“Which is why we need a different approach to your treatment,” Zhong Shiwu said thoughtfully. “Like…desensitization?”

“I’m managing my life and my work just fine. I don’t need any further intervention,” Lu Yin rejected the suggestion.

“I visited a psychiatric hospital recently. Nine out of ten patients told me they weren’t sick. The tenth told me she checked herself in to escape a homicidal stalker.”

“Those are extreme examples. They don’t apply to me.”

Zhong Shiwu sensed Lu Yin’s resistance. “Have you considered what might happen after you send her away? Think about why you sent her abroad in the first place, and whether all the sacrifices you made for her were worth it.”

“Are you trying to guilt-trip me?” Lu Yin asked, a strange smile on her face.

“Yes,” Zhong Shiwu admitted readily. “As a doctor, when a patient refuses to cooperate, I have to resort to more…persuasive methods.”

“If you continue to be stubborn,” Zhong Shiwu’s smile vanished, “I have a diagnosis of delusional disorder ready to commit you. You’ll be the eleventh patient in that hospital.”

Lu Yin finished her second glass of wine, drinking quickly, trying to numb herself.

It was working. Her mind felt hazy, the conversation becoming disjointed.

They heard the sound of the door opening and looked up.

Lin Qianqian stood in the doorway, her smile faltering as Zhong Shiwu greeted her.

Lu Yin remained silent, watching Lin Qianqian retreat to her room and close the door.

“Avoidance is futile. You can’t even look at her,” Zhong Shiwu said bluntly. “I’m responsible for all my patients, especially you, Lu Sui’s daughter. Do you think I’ll stand by and watch you suffer the same fate?”

“Stop it,” Lu Yin said, staring at the table. “What do you want me to do?”

“Don’t make it sound like I’m forcing you,” Zhong Shiwu smiled again. “I’m just saying, you can follow your heart. I’ll find a solution, no matter how messy things get.”

Lu Yin’s lips trembled. She looked up at Zhong Shiwu. “Thank you, Doctor Zhong.”

“What for?” Zhong Shiwu sighed. “I just miss Lu Sui. And I care about you.”

She stood up to leave. “And I agree with you. We shouldn’t burden innocent people with our past mistakes. You don’t have to feel conflicted.”

Lu Yin saw her out, then lay down on the sofa, pulling a blanket over herself and closing her eyes.

She was always exhausted after talking to Zhong Shiwu.

Was it appropriate for a psychiatrist to constantly put her patients in difficult situations?

She thought it, but would never say it aloud.

She knew that deep down, despite her hesitation, she wanted to get better.

---

Lin Qianqian lay in bed, her exhaustion not translating into sleep.

That woman had been in their home. Things were progressing exactly as she had feared.

She couldn’t allow it.

Absolutely not!

The apartment’s thin walls offered little privacy. She could hear their conversation, the woman’s easy laughter.

They sounded comfortable with each other, their conversation flowing smoothly. Like they trusted each other.

She and Lu Yin used to be like that, even closer.

But that was the past, a painful memory now, the sweetness only amplifying the hurt.

Lin Qianqian’s eyes stung. She wanted to storm out and stake her claim, but she had no right.

She had come back to win Lu Yin back, not to watch her with someone else.

Tears streamed down her face.

She wasn’t even considered a sister anymore, let alone anything more.

Her mind drifted. When she finally came to, she didn’t know how much time had passed.

She glanced at her phone, her eyes puffy and sore.

Past midnight.

The apartment was silent.

The woman had either left or…

Lin Qianqian didn’t want to think about it.

She got out of bed, put on her slippers, and cautiously opened her door a crack.

A figure lay curled up on the sofa, uncovered.

Lin Qianqian walked over to look at the sleeping Lu Yin.

She knelt down for a closer look.

An empty wine bottle sat on the coffee table. Lin Qianqian checked the label. It was stronger than anything she would drink.

“You won’t let me drink outside, but you get drunk with another woman…” Lin Qianqian choked back a sob. “Are you asleep or just drunk…?”

Seeing Lu Yin frown, she immediately covered her mouth, afraid of waking her.

She studied Lu Yin’s face, so rarely at peace, finally seeing a flicker of vulnerability beneath the mask of indifference.

Lin Qianqian gently hugged her, then quickly pulled away.

“Sister, don’t leave me again…” she whispered, taking Lu Yin’s hand and leaning closer.

Perhaps it was the alcohol, but Lu Yin’s lips looked darker than usual.

Lin Qianqian remembered their kisses, every detail etched into her memory.

Lu Yin would cup her face, her kisses starting soft and tentative, then lingering.

Lin Qianqian would whimper in protest, and Lu Yin would chuckle, her kisses deepening, her tongue tracing Lin Qianqian’s lips, sending shivers down her spine. Lin Qianqian would bite back playfully.

The memories faded, leaving a sharp pang of sadness.

How had things gone so wrong?

Lin Qianqian pulled the blanket over Lu Yin, her hand resting on Lu Yin’s shoulder.

She wanted to kiss her.

If only Lu Yin wouldn’t wake up. Then she could indulge in her forbidden desires.

She was afraid Lu Yin would open her eyes, her gaze cold and distant.

Lin Qianqian licked her lips, her heart pounding in her ears.

She had promised herself she would be bold, that she wouldn’t hesitate.

Her rival was practically living here, and she was about to be kicked out.

If she didn’t act now, it would be too late.

Lin Qianqian bit her lip, her breath slowing.

She knelt closer, her hands on either side of the sofa, closing the distance between them.

Just a little closer. She could feel Lu Yin’s breath against her face.

Her eyes fluttered open, and in the soft light, she gently kissed Lu Yin’s lips.