The Goddess and the Ugly Duckling - Chapter 31

My goddess has returned.

Lu Xiaobei: “Probably not. We can’t be sure your mom won’t come back to check in. Plus, you trying to obstruct her will make it easier for the cat to be let out the bag. On top of that, I’m from Nancheng too, so it doesn’t make much sense for me to come all the way to your house for a nap.”

Lu Xiaobei: “Probably not. We can’t be sure your mom won’t come back to check in. Plus, you trying to obstruct her will make it easier for the cat to be let out the bag. On top of that, I’m from Nancheng too, so it doesn’t make much sense for me to come all the way to your house for a nap.”

Xiaoya sped over to the window pulling the curtains open, then ran to open the door. “Hi, mom.”

I never thought I would ever have my heart pound and throb with such joy in my entire life.

“I never realised you had a little stutter.” A lovers whisper sounded in Xiaoya’s ear.

Xiaoya was stunned for a couple seconds before realising the voice she just heard had come from outside her bedroom door.

◈◇◈

In the night, in her dreams, it’s not that Xiaoya had never thought attending college with Lu Xiaobei, or working in the same place as Lu Xiaobei, and for the two of them to always be together never separated. But… when she wakes up, her rationality returns and the feeling of such a thing being impossible hits her. With this in mind, she replied, “I do, I really do. But the points required to get into Nancheng is really high.”

Lightly patting Lu Xiaobei, Xiaoya said, “Alright, you had a bath so just hurry and get to sleep now.”

The sound of whispered voices flooded the room.

Lu Xiaobei pulled Xiaoya to sit on the bed. “Why were you so scared?”

—— The dividing line of Yu Xiaoya ——

Xiaoya: “N-nothing.”

Lu Xiaobei reclined on the bed. “I’ll just sleep like this.”

Xiaoya: “You can still nap for a while here, though.”

Lu Xiaobei pulled Xiaoya onto the bed, her hand nor caressing the younger girl’s cheek. “What were you thinking about?” The two were so lying so closely they could feel the warmth of each other’s breath.

◈◇◈

Lu Xiaobei: “But I don’t have any pyjamas.”

Looking at those things, Xiaoya felt brain had congealed while her entire body flushed to a shade similar to a boiled shrimp. Hugging her knees, she crouched in front of that suitcase with her head buried deeply inside her arms.

Yu Xiaoya opened the door, peeking around for a bit before saying, “My mom’s actually not here.”

Her hands were delicate and smooth as if carved from white jade.

—— The dividing line of Yu Xiaoya ——

Xiaoya didn’t completely understand it before, but now… all she could wonder was what exactly about herself was so great about her that Lu Xiaobei would like her to so much.

—— The dividing line of Yu Xiaoya ——

Xiaoya: “Alright.”

Xiaoya handed Lu Xiaobei a bathrobe steeped in the scent of the sun. “Go wash up the go sleep.” Lu Xiaobei gave no argument, accepting the robe before heading to Xiaoya’s family bathroom.

Yu Xiaoya opened the door, peeking around for a bit before saying, “My mom’s actually not here.”

Lu Xiaobei followed Xiaoya inside. “Am I shameful or something?”

Lu Xiaobei reclined on the bed. “I’ll just sleep like this.”

It was not easy for Lu Xiaobei to stuff all the gifts inside of it, but after she was done, she closed her case and put on her coat.

Xiaoya: “You can still nap for a while here, though.”

Lu Xiaobei: “So how did it turn out in the end?”

Lu Xiaobei looked at her phone. “It’s after five. We should go eat first then get you back after dinner.” Originally, Lu Xiaobei just planned to to eat with Xiaoya, but now them going out together was also to keep Xiaoya calm.

Xiaoya’s mother chuckled, “It’s you, Lu Xiaobei! Hello to you too.” The woman again turned to Xiaoya, scolding, “You brought a guest over and didn’t even make up your bed?”

Then, just as Xiaoya was about to close back the door, her mother said from the living room, “Don’t keep closing the door during the summer, it’ll get stuffy.” Xiaoya was so guilty she could only leave the door open.

“How is that even possible?! Captain, you’re the best! I just… I just don’t think I can hide my true feelings from my mom.” Xiaoya then reluctantly continued, “There are times when I’m super courageous. Like, before, when I was in a junior high debate competition. I was chosen by lottery to represent our class along with other students who all suffered through insomnia because of it while I felt nothing, nothing at all.”

Lu Xiaobei: “They might not fit.”

Lu Xiaobei: “Probably not. We can’t be sure your mom won’t come back to check in. Plus, you trying to obstruct her will make it easier for the cat to be let out the bag. On top of that, I’m from Nancheng too, so it doesn’t make much sense for me to come all the way to your house for a nap.”

“Xiaoyu, is this suitcase Lu Xiaobei’s?” Xiaoya’s mother called from outside.

Xiaoya: “Yeah.” Glancing towards Lu Xiaobei, Xiaoya then went out to grab the suitcase and bring it inside her room.

Lu Xiaobei: “They might not fit.”

Xiaoya: “It’s summer, let the blanket get some sun. Besides, Captain and I are close.”

Her hands were delicate and smooth as if carved from white jade.

Lu Xiaobei: “So how did it turn out in the end?”

Xiaoya handed Lu Xiaobei a bathrobe steeped in the scent of the sun. “Go wash up the go sleep.” Lu Xiaobei gave no argument, accepting the robe before heading to Xiaoya’s family bathroom.

Lu Xiaobei pulled Xiaoya onto the bed, her hand nor caressing the younger girl’s cheek. “What were you thinking about?” The two were so lying so closely they could feel the warmth of each other’s breath.

Her hands were delicate and smooth as if carved from white jade.

Xiaoya spread her hands with a shrug, as she replied, “On the day of the competition, apart from the ones chosen to represent my class, there were three teachers and twenty other student representatives at the location. The others all debated normally, leaving only me to be the one shaking like a leaf—and I couldn’t stop doing so at all.”

Xiaoya: “Yeah.” Glancing towards Lu Xiaobei, Xiaoya then went out to grab the suitcase and bring it inside her room.

Lu Xiaobei pulled Xiaoya to sit on the bed. “Why were you so scared?”

“I don’t know. At the time, I didn’t even realise I was even shaking. We even lost the debate competition because of me. But even though nobody blamed me, I still reject participating in anything like that even more.”

“I don’t know. At the time, I didn’t even realise I was even shaking. We even lost the debate competition because of me. But even though nobody blamed me, I still reject participating in anything like that even more.”

It was obvious they hadn’t done anything at the moment, yet she still felt guilty.

—— The dividing line of Yu Xiaoya ——

The sun at the height of summer was scorching, but only a bit of it was revealed on her desk from the slit of the curtains, and only the vague outlines of figures could be seen in the entire room.

Lu Xiaobei: “It looks as though you still need more practice in the regard then. The college entrance exams are a test of mental fortitude as well.”

Never did she expecting that once opened the case would be filled with postcards, skincare products and snacks apart from Lu Xiaobei’s personal items.

Lu Xiaobei: “Yeah. What’s wrong? Do you not want to be my junior in college too?”

Xiaoya handed her a pair of white shorts. “I didn’t.”

Xiaoya: “Alright.”

Xiaoya then quickly closed the door, whispering, “My mom didn’t notice anything, right? I didn’t act especially weird just now, right?”

Xiaoya’s mother looked at her, and the suitcase carrying Lu Xiaobei standing beside her. “What time will you be back? If you’re going to be out long, call your grandmother first. It’s been two weeks since you’ve gone over to her place for a visit. And if you wait until after you come back to call she’ll be asleep.”

Xiaoya handed Lu Xiaobei a bathrobe steeped in the scent of the sun. “Go wash up the go sleep.” Lu Xiaobei gave no argument, accepting the robe before heading to Xiaoya’s family bathroom.

Xiaoya: “It’s can usually score a ninety on term exams but only manage a eighty during finals because of it too.”

The sound of water spraying echoed from the washroom, along with was the muffled sound of Lu Xiaobei’s voice, “Xiaoya, which bath towel is yours?”

Lu Xiaobei put aside the towel from her head, saying nothing, as an ambiguous atmosphere that couldn’t be described filled the room. Neither tuned on the lights, neither said a word, the only sound to be heard was the continuous hum of the hairdryer.

—— The dividing line of Yu Xiaoya ——

Lu Xiaobei then said to Xiaoya, “I’ll go downstairs and wait for you.” Then to Xiaoya’s mother she added, “I’ll be leaving first then, Aunty.”

清水出芙蓉，天然去雕饰: It’s a poem used to describe a natural beauty of a woman.

Lu Xiaobei: “Oh. Nancheng University’s might be difficult then.”

The sound of whispered voices flooded the room.

Lu Xiaobei pulled Xiaoya onto the bed, her hand nor caressing the younger girl’s cheek. “What were you thinking about?” The two were so lying so closely they could feel the warmth of each other’s breath.

Xiaoya then quickly closed the door, whispering, “My mom didn’t notice anything, right? I didn’t act especially weird just now, right?”

Xiaoya: “Nancheng University??”

Yu Xiaoya opened the door, peeking around for a bit before saying, “My mom’s actually not here.”

“I never realised you had a little stutter.” A lovers whisper sounded in Xiaoya’s ear.

Lu Xiaobei: “Probably not. We can’t be sure your mom won’t come back to check in. Plus, you trying to obstruct her will make it easier for the cat to be let out the bag. On top of that, I’m from Nancheng too, so it doesn’t make much sense for me to come all the way to your house for a nap.”

Lu Xiaobei: “Yeah. What’s wrong? Do you not want to be my junior in college too?”

Lu Xiaobei’s gaze fell on the bed. “No, everything’s alright. You did good, really good.” Luckily, Xiaoya’s mother didn’t walk over to touch the bed because the increased warmth of the blanket would take a while before it dispersed. But for some reason, Lu Xiaobei still felt uneasy.

In the night, in her dreams, it’s not that Xiaoya had never thought attending college with Lu Xiaobei, or working in the same place as Lu Xiaobei, and for the two of them to always be together never separated. But… when she wakes up, her rationality returns and the feeling of such a thing being impossible hits her. With this in mind, she replied, “I do, I really do. But the points required to get into Nancheng is really high.”

Xiaoya sat up with a start. Lu Xiaobei also stirred beside her and soon woke up as well.

Lu Xiaobei: “Oh. Nancheng University’s might be difficult then.”

Xiaoya: “It’s summer, let the blanket get some sun. Besides, Captain and I are close.”

Xiaoya also didn’t know when, but she also fell asleep with Lu Xiaobei. When she awoke, her mind was in a daze and a fog.

Lu Xiaobei then said to Xiaoya, “I’ll go downstairs and wait for you.” Then to Xiaoya’s mother she added, “I’ll be leaving first then, Aunty.”

Droplets of water slowly made their way down Lu Xiaobei’s cheek, down her neck, before dripping into cleavage below the V-shape split made by the robe. It wasn’t just in stature where Xiaoya fell far short compared to Lu Xiaobei.

Lu Xiaobei: “They might not fit.”

Lu Xiaobei understood Xiaoya’s unspoken meaning, and so told her in return, “You have a ‘study god’ right by your side, you might as well take advantage of that, you know? It will be my highest priority for the next two years.”

Lu Xiaobei put aside the towel from her head, saying nothing, as an ambiguous atmosphere that couldn’t be described filled the room. Neither tuned on the lights, neither said a word, the only sound to be heard was the continuous hum of the hairdryer.

First Update

Xiaoya’s mother handed her daughter her phone before motioning her to the room to make the call.

Xiaoya was stunned for a couple seconds before realising the voice she just heard had come from outside her bedroom door.

Lu Xiaobei: “Oh. Nancheng University’s might be difficult then.”

Xiaoya didn’t have much belief in herself, but she did believe in Lu Xiaobei. So as long as Lu Xiaobei wills it, even a student with their grades in a pit could be dragged out. Xiaoya had no doubts. She then pushedLu Xiaobei down on the bed. “First, you should get some sleep. After you’re up we can talk it over some more.”

—— The dividing line of Yu Xiaoya ——

清水出芙蓉，天然去雕饰: It’s a poem used to describe a natural beauty of a woman.

Xiaoya: “Nancheng University??”

The soft bed was completely covered in Xiaoya’s scent.

Xiaoya was stunned for a couple seconds before realising the voice she just heard had come from outside her bedroom door.

“Xiaoyu, is this suitcase Lu Xiaobei’s?” Xiaoya’s mother called from outside.

Xiaoya, herself, then carefully laid beside her, and under the cover of darkness, lightly traced her fingers along the sleeping girl’s face.

“Yeah.” Xiaoya nodded.

Xiaoya’s mother gave her daughter a blank look. “Your father and I came back early, so would you like to stay and have dinner with us, Lu Xiaobei? There’s not much at home at the moment but…”

Xiaoya then remembered she hadn’t bought any new pyjamas for the year. It’s not that the other’s were worn out, just that the ones she wore herself were a bit small, so imagine how they’d fit on Lu Xiaobei.

Lu Xiaobei: “They might not fit.”

Lu Xiaobei felt the sleep hit her like a tide, but despite her sleepiness she said, “No, I can’t. I spent the past couple days running around to too many places and I haven’t changed or taken a bath as yet.”

Xiaoya then remembered she hadn’t bought any new pyjamas for the year. It’s not that the other’s were worn out, just that the ones she wore herself were a bit small, so imagine how they’d fit on Lu Xiaobei.

Lu Xiaobei opened her suitcase, taking out al the things he had brought for Xiaoya. Xiaoya stood in the doorways, looking at the living room to see her that her mother wasn’t looking towards her room..

Xiaoya: “It’s summer, let the blanket get some sun. Besides, Captain and I are close.”

Xiaoya: “It’s can usually score a ninety on term exams but only manage a eighty during finals because of it too.”

Xiaoya then remembered she hadn’t bought any new pyjamas for the year. It’s not that the other’s were worn out, just that the ones she wore herself were a bit small, so imagine how they’d fit on Lu Xiaobei.

Xiaoya handed Lu Xiaobei a bathrobe steeped in the scent of the sun. “Go wash up the go sleep.” Lu Xiaobei gave no argument, accepting the robe before heading to Xiaoya’s family bathroom.

Lu Xiaobei opened her suitcase, taking out al the things he had brought for Xiaoya. Xiaoya stood in the doorways, looking at the living room to see her that her mother wasn’t looking towards her room..

Xiaoya tidied up her bed then rested a blow-dryer beside her, waiting for Lu Xiaobei to come out so she could help her dry her hair.

Xiaoya: “But I…”

The sound of water spraying echoed from the washroom, along with was the muffled sound of Lu Xiaobei’s voice, “Xiaoya, which bath towel is yours?”

Lu Xiaobei pulled Xiaoya onto the bed, her hand nor caressing the younger girl’s cheek. “What were you thinking about?” The two were so lying so closely they could feel the warmth of each other’s breath.

◈◇◈

N/A

Lu Xiaobei: “They might not fit.”

Xiaoya: “Nancheng University??”

Lu Xiaobei’s gaze fell on the bed. “No, everything’s alright. You did good, really good.” Luckily, Xiaoya’s mother didn’t walk over to touch the bed because the increased warmth of the blanket would take a while before it dispersed. But for some reason, Lu Xiaobei still felt uneasy.

Xiaoya’s mother gave her daughter a blank look. “Your father and I came back early, so would you like to stay and have dinner with us, Lu Xiaobei? There’s not much at home at the moment but…”

Xiaoya walked over to the bathroom, replying, “It’s the same colour as the robe, the pink one.”

Not long after, Lu Xiaobei’s breath grew long and steady, finally falling asleep.

The water running in the bathroom then stopped, and soon afterwards, Lu Xiaobei walked out. Lu Xiaobei was taller than Xiaoya, so the bathrobe she wears is able to cover her knees but on Lu Xiaobei it could only cover half her thighs. he also had the large pink towel in hand, drying her hair.

And for a reason unknown to her, Xiaoya felt as though the day was just too hot—every inch of her was practically near the point of burning, until Lu Xiaobei took hold of her hands and asked, “Can just I sleep like this?”

Xiaoya: “It’s summer, let the blanket get some sun. Besides, Captain and I are close.”

Inside the room, Lu Xiaobei was sitting in front of the desk, seeming to be working on some papers before turning to look at the older woman and greeting, “Hello, Aunty.” Lu Xiaobei held a pen was held in her hand, as if she was just writing something. On the nightstand was a blow-dryer, long plugged out with its cord wrapped back up.

Xiaoya stepped out the way, and her mother stepped into the room.

Xiaoya sped over to the window pulling the curtains open, then ran to open the door. “Hi, mom.”

Droplets of water slowly made their way down Lu Xiaobei’s cheek, down her neck, before dripping into cleavage below the V-shape split made by the robe. It wasn’t just in stature where Xiaoya fell far short compared to Lu Xiaobei.

“You were the one who wasn’t looking properly when your parked the car. Don’t blame others.”

Lu Xiaobei understood Xiaoya’s unspoken meaning, and so told her in return, “You have a ‘study god’ right by your side, you might as well take advantage of that, you know? It will be my highest priority for the next two years.”

Xiaoya: “You… y-you can just wear mine.”

Lu Xiaobei understood Xiaoya’s unspoken meaning, and so told her in return, “You have a ‘study god’ right by your side, you might as well take advantage of that, you know? It will be my highest priority for the next two years.”

Xiaoya sat up with a start. Lu Xiaobei also stirred beside her and soon woke up as well.

Xiaoya, herself, then carefully laid beside her, and under the cover of darkness, lightly traced her fingers along the sleeping girl’s face.

Yu Xiaoya opened the door, peeking around for a bit before saying, “My mom’s actually not here.”

And at that moment, Xiaoya felt her cheeks grow incredibly hot, along with her nose.

Xiaoya spread her hands with a shrug, as she replied, “On the day of the competition, apart from the ones chosen to represent my class, there were three teachers and twenty other student representatives at the location. The others all debated normally, leaving only me to be the one shaking like a leaf—and I couldn’t stop doing so at all.”

The instant brought a poem she had one read to mind: “A lotus emerging from clear water; natural, it’s adornments all removed.”[1] They were probably speaking about this, won’t they?

清水出芙蓉，天然去雕饰: It’s a poem used to describe a natural beauty of a woman.

Xiaoya then remembered she hadn’t bought any new pyjamas for the year. It’s not that the other’s were worn out, just that the ones she wore herself were a bit small, so imagine how they’d fit on Lu Xiaobei.

Xiaoya’s mother chuckled, “It’s you, Lu Xiaobei! Hello to you too.” The woman again turned to Xiaoya, scolding, “You brought a guest over and didn’t even make up your bed?”

My goddess has returned.

Xiaoya was stunned for a couple seconds before realising the voice she just heard had come from outside her bedroom door.

Lu Xiaobei’s gaze fell on the bed. “No, everything’s alright. You did good, really good.” Luckily, Xiaoya’s mother didn’t walk over to touch the bed because the increased warmth of the blanket would take a while before it dispersed. But for some reason, Lu Xiaobei still felt uneasy.

After she caught herself, Xiaoya touched Lu Xiaobei’s hair which long returned to its soft and dried state, before mumbling, “Sorry. I got a bit distracted just now.”

Afraid she’d start to blush, Xiaoya returned to her room first, closed the curtains, then again motioned for Lu Xiaobei to come in.

Xiaoya’s mother handed her daughter her phone before motioning her to the room to make the call.

◈◇◈

“Whose suitcase is this? It’s not closed either? Did Xiaoyu bring someone over?” Xiaoya’s mother voice could now be quite clearly heard from the other side of her door.

Xiaoya then said, “I’ll go find something else for you.” The younger girl at that moment was no different than a frightened bunny as she rushed out the room.

Inside the room, Lu Xiaobei was sitting in front of the desk, seeming to be working on some papers before turning to look at the older woman and greeting, “Hello, Aunty.” Lu Xiaobei held a pen was held in her hand, as if she was just writing something. On the nightstand was a blow-dryer, long plugged out with its cord wrapped back up.

Xiaoya’s mom replied, “Alright, alright.” The older woman said nothing further and left.

Then, just as Xiaoya was about to close back the door, her mother said from the living room, “Don’t keep closing the door during the summer, it’ll get stuffy.” Xiaoya was so guilty she could only leave the door open.

The sun at the height of summer was scorching, but only a bit of it was revealed on her desk from the slit of the curtains, and only the vague outlines of figures could be seen in the entire room.

Lu Xiaobei: “So how did it turn out in the end?”

Xiaoya tidied up her bed then rested a blow-dryer beside her, waiting for Lu Xiaobei to come out so she could help her dry her hair.

Not long after, Lu Xiaobei’s breath grew long and steady, finally falling asleep.

Xiaoya then said, “I’ll go find something else for you.” The younger girl at that moment was no different than a frightened bunny as she rushed out the room.

Xiaoya walked over to the bathroom, replying, “It’s the same colour as the robe, the pink one.”

Xiaoya turned on the blow-dryer. “Let me blow-dry your hair.”

Lightly patting Lu Xiaobei, Xiaoya said, “Alright, you had a bath so just hurry and get to sleep now.”

Lightly patting Lu Xiaobei, Xiaoya said, “Alright, you had a bath so just hurry and get to sleep now.”

It was not easy for Lu Xiaobei to stuff all the gifts inside of it, but after she was done, she closed her case and put on her coat.

Lu Xiaobei pulled Xiaoya onto the bed, her hand nor caressing the younger girl’s cheek. “What were you thinking about?” The two were so lying so closely they could feel the warmth of each other’s breath.

Then, just as Xiaoya was about to close back the door, her mother said from the living room, “Don’t keep closing the door during the summer, it’ll get stuffy.” Xiaoya was so guilty she could only leave the door open.

Lu Xiaobei put aside the towel from her head, saying nothing, as an ambiguous atmosphere that couldn’t be described filled the room. Neither tuned on the lights, neither said a word, the only sound to be heard was the continuous hum of the hairdryer.

Xiaoya: “Alright.”

Lu Xiaobei felt the sleep hit her like a tide, but despite her sleepiness she said, “No, I can’t. I spent the past couple days running around to too many places and I haven’t changed or taken a bath as yet.”

Xiaoya turned on the blow-dryer. “Let me blow-dry your hair.”

Xiaoya: “It’s summer, let the blanket get some sun. Besides, Captain and I are close.”

“Xiaoyu, is this suitcase Lu Xiaobei’s?” Xiaoya’s mother called from outside.

Xiaoya: “Yeah.” Glancing towards Lu Xiaobei, Xiaoya then went out to grab the suitcase and bring it inside her room.

Xiaoya: “You can still nap for a while here, though.”

“It’s done,” Lu Xiaobei said suddenly, taking Xiaoya’s hand away. “My hair is already dry.”

My goddess has returned.

After she caught herself, Xiaoya touched Lu Xiaobei’s hair which long returned to its soft and dried state, before mumbling, “Sorry. I got a bit distracted just now.”

Lu Xiaobei pulled Xiaoya to sit on the bed. “Why were you so scared?”

Lu Xiaobei pulled Xiaoya onto the bed, her hand nor caressing the younger girl’s cheek. “What were you thinking about?” The two were so lying so closely they could feel the warmth of each other’s breath.

Xiaoya then said, “I’ll go find something else for you.” The younger girl at that moment was no different than a frightened bunny as she rushed out the room.

Lu Xiaobei pulled Xiaoya onto the bed, her hand nor caressing the younger girl’s cheek. “What were you thinking about?” The two were so lying so closely they could feel the warmth of each other’s breath.

Seeing this, Xiaoya went to the living room to tell her mother. “Mom, it’s almost six, so I’m going to head out with Captain to eat dinner.”

Afraid she’d start to blush, Xiaoya returned to her room first, closed the curtains, then again motioned for Lu Xiaobei to come in.

Never did she expecting that once opened the case would be filled with postcards, skincare products and snacks apart from Lu Xiaobei’s personal items.

Not long after, Lu Xiaobei’s breath grew long and steady, finally falling asleep.

Xiaoya then quickly closed the door, whispering, “My mom didn’t notice anything, right? I didn’t act especially weird just now, right?”

Xiaoya: “N-nothing.”

◈◇◈

Lu Xiaobei felt the sleep hit her like a tide, but despite her sleepiness she said, “No, I can’t. I spent the past couple days running around to too many places and I haven’t changed or taken a bath as yet.”

The instant brought a poem she had one read to mind: “A lotus emerging from clear water; natural, it’s adornments all removed.” They were probably speaking about this, won’t they?

“I never realised you had a little stutter.” A lovers whisper sounded in Xiaoya’s ear.

For three whole minutes, Xiaoya stood outside the door of the room utterly stupefied before managing to calm herself down. She then made her way to Lu Xiaobei’s suitcase to find the other girl some clothes.

Lightly patting Lu Xiaobei, Xiaoya said, “Alright, you had a bath so just hurry and get to sleep now.”

Lu Xiaobei: “But I don’t have any pyjamas.”

Xiaoya remained in the living room for a while more until she could calm her self down again before returning to her room. Seeing her return, Lu Xiaobei said, “I thought you might have fallen outside or something.”

Not long after, Lu Xiaobei’s breath grew long and steady, finally falling asleep.

“It’s done,” Lu Xiaobei said suddenly, taking Xiaoya’s hand away. “My hair is already dry.”

Xiaoya: “You don’t have to worry about it, mom. We already made plans to eat out earlier.”

Lu Xiaobei: “But I don’t have any pyjamas.”

Xiaoya’s mother: “Xiaoyu?”

Xiaoya’s mother: “Xiaoyu?”

Xiaoya remained in the living room for a while more until she could calm her self down again before returning to her room. Seeing her return, Lu Xiaobei said, “I thought you might have fallen outside or something.”

Xiaoya: “You… y-you can just wear mine.”

After she caught herself, Xiaoya touched Lu Xiaobei’s hair which long returned to its soft and dried state, before mumbling, “Sorry. I got a bit distracted just now.”

Lu Xiaobei: “They might not fit.”

Afraid she’d start to blush, Xiaoya returned to her room first, closed the curtains, then again motioned for Lu Xiaobei to come in.

Xiaoya then remembered she hadn’t bought any new pyjamas for the year. It’s not that the other’s were worn out, just that the ones she wore herself were a bit small, so imagine how they’d fit on Lu Xiaobei.

Knock. Knock. Xiaoya’s mother knocked directly on her daughter’s door twice, but no response came from the room.

Seeing this, Xiaoya went to the living room to tell her mother. “Mom, it’s almost six, so I’m going to head out with Captain to eat dinner.”

Lu Xiaobei had once told her: “When I miss you, I went out to buy something to give to you. That way, the days where I couldn’t see you wouldn’t be a complete waste.”

Xiaoya sat up with a start. Lu Xiaobei also stirred beside her and soon woke up as well.

The sound of water spraying echoed from the washroom, along with was the muffled sound of Lu Xiaobei’s voice, “Xiaoya, which bath towel is yours?”

The sound of whispered voices flooded the room.

First Update

And for a reason unknown to her, Xiaoya felt as though the day was just too hot—every inch of her was practically near the point of burning, until Lu Xiaobei took hold of her hands and asked, “Can just I sleep like this?”

Lu Xiaobei then said to Xiaoya, “I’ll go downstairs and wait for you.” Then to Xiaoya’s mother she added, “I’ll be leaving first then, Aunty.”

Lu Xiaobei felt the sleep hit her like a tide, but despite her sleepiness she said, “No, I can’t. I spent the past couple days running around to too many places and I haven’t changed or taken a bath as yet.”

Lu Xiaobei: “Yeah. What’s wrong? Do you not want to be my junior in college too?”

Her hands were delicate and smooth as if carved from white jade.

Xiaoya’s mom replied, “Alright, alright.” The older woman said nothing further and left.

Lu Xiaobei felt the sleep hit her like a tide, but despite her sleepiness she said, “No, I can’t. I spent the past couple days running around to too many places and I haven’t changed or taken a bath as yet.”

Never did she expecting that once opened the case would be filled with postcards, skincare products and snacks apart from Lu Xiaobei’s personal items.

Lu Xiaobei understood Xiaoya’s unspoken meaning, and so told her in return, “You have a ‘study god’ right by your side, you might as well take advantage of that, you know? It will be my highest priority for the next two years.”

Lu Xiaobei followed Xiaoya inside. “Am I shameful or something?”

They made Xiaoya felt as if her own hands being held within had received an electric shock, enough to cause her to quickly pull them away. Lu Xiaobei wasn’t prepared for her actions, which allowed her to escape.

Xiaoya: “Nancheng University??”

Lu Xiaobei pulled Xiaoya to sit on the bed. “Why were you so scared?”

Xiaoya: “But I…”

Xiaoya then said, “I’ll go find something else for you.” The younger girl at that moment was no different than a frightened bunny as she rushed out the room.

Xiaoya, herself, then carefully laid beside her, and under the cover of darkness, lightly traced her fingers along the sleeping girl’s face.

For three whole minutes, Xiaoya stood outside the door of the room utterly stupefied before managing to calm herself down. She then made her way to Lu Xiaobei’s suitcase to find the other girl some clothes.

Lu Xiaobei understood Xiaoya’s unspoken meaning, and so told her in return, “You have a ‘study god’ right by your side, you might as well take advantage of that, you know? It will be my highest priority for the next two years.”

Never did she expecting that once opened the case would be filled with postcards, skincare products and snacks apart from Lu Xiaobei’s personal items.

Droplets of water slowly made their way down Lu Xiaobei’s cheek, down her neck, before dripping into cleavage below the V-shape split made by the robe. It wasn’t just in stature where Xiaoya fell far short compared to Lu Xiaobei.

It was obvious they hadn’t done anything at the moment, yet she still felt guilty.

They made Xiaoya felt as if her own hands being held within had received an electric shock, enough to cause her to quickly pull them away. Lu Xiaobei wasn’t prepared for her actions, which allowed her to escape.

Lu Xiaobei then said to Xiaoya, “I’ll go downstairs and wait for you.” Then to Xiaoya’s mother she added, “I’ll be leaving first then, Aunty.”

“You were the one who wasn’t looking properly when your parked the car. Don’t blame others.”

Looking at those things, Xiaoya felt brain had congealed while her entire body flushed to a shade similar to a boiled shrimp. Hugging her knees, she crouched in front of that suitcase with her head buried deeply inside her arms.

Then, just as Xiaoya was about to close back the door, her mother said from the living room, “Don’t keep closing the door during the summer, it’ll get stuffy.” Xiaoya was so guilty she could only leave the door open.

Lu Xiaobei had once told her: “When I miss you, I went out to buy something to give to you. That way, the days where I couldn’t see you wouldn’t be a complete waste.”

Lu Xiaobei: “Yeah. What’s wrong? Do you not want to be my junior in college too?”

The sound of water spraying echoed from the washroom, along with was the muffled sound of Lu Xiaobei’s voice, “Xiaoya, which bath towel is yours?”

Xiaoya walked over to the bathroom, replying, “It’s the same colour as the robe, the pink one.”

Her hands were delicate and smooth as if carved from white jade.

The sound of water spraying echoed from the washroom, along with was the muffled sound of Lu Xiaobei’s voice, “Xiaoya, which bath towel is yours?”

Xiaoya didn’t completely understand it before, but now… all she could wonder was what exactly about herself was so great about her that Lu Xiaobei would like her to so much.

Xiaoya’s mother chuckled, “It’s you, Lu Xiaobei! Hello to you too.” The woman again turned to Xiaoya, scolding, “You brought a guest over and didn’t even make up your bed?”

Xiaoya remained in the living room for a while more until she could calm her self down again before returning to her room. Seeing her return, Lu Xiaobei said, “I thought you might have fallen outside or something.”

Lu Xiaobei: “Oh. Nancheng University’s might be difficult then.”

Xiaoya handed her a pair of white shorts. “I didn’t.”

Xiaoya: “You don’t have to worry about it, mom. We already made plans to eat out earlier.”

Lu Xiaobei reclined on the bed. “I’ll just sleep like this.”

Xiaoya also didn’t know when, but she also fell asleep with Lu Xiaobei. When she awoke, her mind was in a daze and a fog.

Xiaoya handed Lu Xiaobei a bathrobe steeped in the scent of the sun. “Go wash up the go sleep.” Lu Xiaobei gave no argument, accepting the robe before heading to Xiaoya’s family bathroom.

They made Xiaoya felt as if her own hands being held within had received an electric shock, enough to cause her to quickly pull them away. Lu Xiaobei wasn’t prepared for her actions, which allowed her to escape.

Xiaoya: “You don’t have to worry about it, mom. We already made plans to eat out earlier.”

Xiaoya: “You don’t have to worry about it, mom. We already made plans to eat out earlier.”

Xiaoya’s mother: “Did you bring a friend back?” Xiaoya’s mother looked inside the room, but Xiaoya was almost as tall as her mother, and the woman felt her daughter was trying to block her view so she gently nudged her aside.

—— The dividing line of Yu Xiaoya ——

“Yeah.” Xiaoya nodded.

I never thought I would ever have my heart pound and throb with such joy in my entire life.

Xiaoya walked over to the bathroom, replying, “It’s the same colour as the robe, the pink one.”

First Update

Xiaoya: “N-nothing.”

And at that moment, Xiaoya felt her cheeks grow incredibly hot, along with her nose.

The sound of water spraying echoed from the washroom, along with was the muffled sound of Lu Xiaobei’s voice, “Xiaoya, which bath towel is yours?”

Xiaoya didn’t have much belief in herself, but she did believe in Lu Xiaobei. So as long as Lu Xiaobei wills it, even a student with their grades in a pit could be dragged out. Xiaoya had no doubts. She then pushedLu Xiaobei down on the bed. “First, you should get some sleep. After you’re up we can talk it over some more.”

Not long after, Lu Xiaobei’s breath grew long and steady, finally falling asleep.

Xiaoya walked over to the bathroom, replying, “It’s the same colour as the robe, the pink one.”

Xiaoya handed her a pair of white shorts. “I didn’t.”

The sound of whispered voices flooded the room.

The water running in the bathroom then stopped, and soon afterwards, Lu Xiaobei walked out. Lu Xiaobei was taller than Xiaoya, so the bathrobe she wears is able to cover her knees but on Lu Xiaobei it could only cover half her thighs. he also had the large pink towel in hand, drying her hair.

Xiaoya: “You… y-you can just wear mine.”

Xiaoya, herself, then carefully laid beside her, and under the cover of darkness, lightly traced her fingers along the sleeping girl’s face.

Inside the room, Lu Xiaobei was sitting in front of the desk, seeming to be working on some papers before turning to look at the older woman and greeting, “Hello, Aunty.” Lu Xiaobei held a pen was held in her hand, as if she was just writing something. On the nightstand was a blow-dryer, long plugged out with its cord wrapped back up.

Lu Xiaobei: “Yeah. What’s wrong? Do you not want to be my junior in college too?”

Xiaoya: “You can still nap for a while here, though.”

Xiaoya tidied up her bed then rested a blow-dryer beside her, waiting for Lu Xiaobei to come out so she could help her dry her hair.

Lu Xiaobei had once told her: “When I miss you, I went out to buy something to give to you. That way, the days where I couldn’t see you wouldn’t be a complete waste.”

Xiaoya: “You don’t have to worry about it, mom. We already made plans to eat out earlier.”

Xiaoya spread her hands with a shrug, as she replied, “On the day of the competition, apart from the ones chosen to represent my class, there were three teachers and twenty other student representatives at the location. The others all debated normally, leaving only me to be the one shaking like a leaf—and I couldn’t stop doing so at all.”

◈◇◈

The water running in the bathroom then stopped, and soon afterwards, Lu Xiaobei walked out. Lu Xiaobei was taller than Xiaoya, so the bathrobe she wears is able to cover her knees but on Lu Xiaobei it could only cover half her thighs. he also had the large pink towel in hand, drying her hair.

Xiaoya sped over to the window pulling the curtains open, then ran to open the door. “Hi, mom.”

Xiaoya turned on the blow-dryer. “Let me blow-dry your hair.”

Xiaoya also didn’t know when, but she also fell asleep with Lu Xiaobei. When she awoke, her mind was in a daze and a fog.

In the night, in her dreams, it’s not that Xiaoya had never thought attending college with Lu Xiaobei, or working in the same place as Lu Xiaobei, and for the two of them to always be together never separated. But… when she wakes up, her rationality returns and the feeling of such a thing being impossible hits her. With this in mind, she replied, “I do, I really do. But the points required to get into Nancheng is really high.”

Afraid she’d start to blush, Xiaoya returned to her room first, closed the curtains, then again motioned for Lu Xiaobei to come in.

Xiaoya then remembered she hadn’t bought any new pyjamas for the year. It’s not that the other’s were worn out, just that the ones she wore herself were a bit small, so imagine how they’d fit on Lu Xiaobei.

“You were the one who wasn’t looking properly when your parked the car. Don’t blame others.”

Xiaoya handed her a pair of white shorts. “I didn’t.”

Xiaoya was stunned for a couple seconds before realising the voice she just heard had come from outside her bedroom door.

Xiaoya stepped out the way, and her mother stepped into the room.

Xiaoya’s mother looked at her, and the suitcase carrying Lu Xiaobei standing beside her. “What time will you be back? If you’re going to be out long, call your grandmother first. It’s been two weeks since you’ve gone over to her place for a visit. And if you wait until after you come back to call she’ll be asleep.”

Xiaoya also didn’t know when, but she also fell asleep with Lu Xiaobei. When she awoke, her mind was in a daze and a fog.

Xiaoya: “It’s can usually score a ninety on term exams but only manage a eighty during finals because of it too.”

They made Xiaoya felt as if her own hands being held within had received an electric shock, enough to cause her to quickly pull them away. Lu Xiaobei wasn’t prepared for her actions, which allowed her to escape.

“Whose suitcase is this? It’s not closed either? Did Xiaoyu bring someone over?” Xiaoya’s mother voice could now be quite clearly heard from the other side of her door.

The soft bed was completely covered in Xiaoya’s scent.

They made Xiaoya felt as if her own hands being held within had received an electric shock, enough to cause her to quickly pull them away. Lu Xiaobei wasn’t prepared for her actions, which allowed her to escape.

“Xiaoyu, is this suitcase Lu Xiaobei’s?” Xiaoya’s mother called from outside.

Xiaoya sat up with a start. Lu Xiaobei also stirred beside her and soon woke up as well.

“Yeah.” Xiaoya nodded.

The sun at the height of summer was scorching, but only a bit of it was revealed on her desk from the slit of the curtains, and only the vague outlines of figures could be seen in the entire room.

“How is that even possible?! Captain, you’re the best! I just… I just don’t think I can hide my true feelings from my mom.” Xiaoya then reluctantly continued, “There are times when I’m super courageous. Like, before, when I was in a junior high debate competition. I was chosen by lottery to represent our class along with other students who all suffered through insomnia because of it while I felt nothing, nothing at all.”

Knock. Knock. Xiaoya’s mother knocked directly on her daughter’s door twice, but no response came from the room.

Xiaoya didn’t have much belief in herself, but she did believe in Lu Xiaobei. So as long as Lu Xiaobei wills it, even a student with their grades in a pit could be dragged out. Xiaoya had no doubts. She then pushedLu Xiaobei down on the bed. “First, you should get some sleep. After you’re up we can talk it over some more.”

Xiaoya: “You don’t have to worry about it, mom. We already made plans to eat out earlier.”

Xiaoya: “Alright.”

The instant brought a poem she had one read to mind: “A lotus emerging from clear water; natural, it’s adornments all removed.” They were probably speaking about this, won’t they?

It was not easy for Lu Xiaobei to stuff all the gifts inside of it, but after she was done, she closed her case and put on her coat.

Xiaoya’s mother: “Xiaoyu?”

Xiaoya sped over to the window pulling the curtains open, then ran to open the door. “Hi, mom.”

“I don’t know. At the time, I didn’t even realise I was even shaking. We even lost the debate competition because of me. But even though nobody blamed me, I still reject participating in anything like that even more.”

The sound of water spraying echoed from the washroom, along with was the muffled sound of Lu Xiaobei’s voice, “Xiaoya, which bath towel is yours?”

Xiaoya’s mom replied, “Alright, alright.” The older woman said nothing further and left.

“Yeah.” Xiaoya nodded.

Lu Xiaobei’s suitcase was not small, and half of it was filled with stuff she brought for Xiaoya, who then instructed her, “Put them inside the cabinet to the side.” That cabinet was blocked by the bookshelf, so only half of it could be opened. Because of that, Xiaoya’s mother rarely dug around in there, making it her secret place.

“It’s done,” Lu Xiaobei said suddenly, taking Xiaoya’s hand away. “My hair is already dry.”

Xiaoya sped over to the window pulling the curtains open, then ran to open the door. “Hi, mom.”

Xiaoya: “It’s summer, let the blanket get some sun. Besides, Captain and I are close.”

Xiaoya’s mom replied, “Alright, alright.” The older woman said nothing further and left.

Yu Xiaoya opened the door, peeking around for a bit before saying, “My mom’s actually not here.”

Afraid she’d start to blush, Xiaoya returned to her room first, closed the curtains, then again motioned for Lu Xiaobei to come in.

Xiaoya didn’t have much belief in herself, but she did believe in Lu Xiaobei. So as long as Lu Xiaobei wills it, even a student with their grades in a pit could be dragged out. Xiaoya had no doubts. She then pushedLu Xiaobei down on the bed. “First, you should get some sleep. After you’re up we can talk it over some more.”

It was not easy for Lu Xiaobei to stuff all the gifts inside of it, but after she was done, she closed her case and put on her coat.

Looking at those things, Xiaoya felt brain had congealed while her entire body flushed to a shade similar to a boiled shrimp. Hugging her knees, she crouched in front of that suitcase with her head buried deeply inside her arms.

Xiaoya’s mother: “Did you bring a friend back?” Xiaoya’s mother looked inside the room, but Xiaoya was almost as tall as her mother, and the woman felt her daughter was trying to block her view so she gently nudged her aside.

N/A

Lu Xiaobei: “But I don’t have any pyjamas.”

Xiaoya: “You can still nap for a while here, though.”

They made Xiaoya felt as if her own hands being held within had received an electric shock, enough to cause her to quickly pull them away. Lu Xiaobei wasn’t prepared for her actions, which allowed her to escape.

“How is that even possible?! Captain, you’re the best! I just… I just don’t think I can hide my true feelings from my mom.” Xiaoya then reluctantly continued, “There are times when I’m super courageous. Like, before, when I was in a junior high debate competition. I was chosen by lottery to represent our class along with other students who all suffered through insomnia because of it while I felt nothing, nothing at all.”

Xiaoya stepped out the way, and her mother stepped into the room.

Lu Xiaobei followed Xiaoya inside. “Am I shameful or something?”

Inside the room, Lu Xiaobei was sitting in front of the desk, seeming to be working on some papers before turning to look at the older woman and greeting, “Hello, Aunty.” Lu Xiaobei held a pen was held in her hand, as if she was just writing something. On the nightstand was a blow-dryer, long plugged out with its cord wrapped back up.

“How is that even possible?! Captain, you’re the best! I just… I just don’t think I can hide my true feelings from my mom.” Xiaoya then reluctantly continued, “There are times when I’m super courageous. Like, before, when I was in a junior high debate competition. I was chosen by lottery to represent our class along with other students who all suffered through insomnia because of it while I felt nothing, nothing at all.”

“I don’t know. At the time, I didn’t even realise I was even shaking. We even lost the debate competition because of me. But even though nobody blamed me, I still reject participating in anything like that even more.”

Lu Xiaobei opened her suitcase, taking out al the things he had brought for Xiaoya. Xiaoya stood in the doorways, looking at the living room to see her that her mother wasn’t looking towards her room..

Xiaoya was stunned for a couple seconds before realising the voice she just heard had come from outside her bedroom door.

Inside the room, Lu Xiaobei was sitting in front of the desk, seeming to be working on some papers before turning to look at the older woman and greeting, “Hello, Aunty.” Lu Xiaobei held a pen was held in her hand, as if she was just writing something. On the nightstand was a blow-dryer, long plugged out with its cord wrapped back up.

Xiaoya’s mother chuckled, “It’s you, Lu Xiaobei! Hello to you too.” The woman again turned to Xiaoya, scolding, “You brought a guest over and didn’t even make up your bed?”

Lu Xiaobei’s suitcase was not small, and half of it was filled with stuff she brought for Xiaoya, who then instructed her, “Put them inside the cabinet to the side.” That cabinet was blocked by the bookshelf, so only half of it could be opened. Because of that, Xiaoya’s mother rarely dug around in there, making it her secret place.

◈◇◈

My goddess has returned.

Xiaoya, herself, then carefully laid beside her, and under the cover of darkness, lightly traced her fingers along the sleeping girl’s face.

Looking at those things, Xiaoya felt brain had congealed while her entire body flushed to a shade similar to a boiled shrimp. Hugging her knees, she crouched in front of that suitcase with her head buried deeply inside her arms.

Lu Xiaobei opened her suitcase, taking out al the things he had brought for Xiaoya. Xiaoya stood in the doorways, looking at the living room to see her that her mother wasn’t looking towards her room..

Xiaoya: “Yeah.” Glancing towards Lu Xiaobei, Xiaoya then went out to grab the suitcase and bring it inside her room.

Xiaoya: “It’s summer, let the blanket get some sun. Besides, Captain and I are close.”

The instant brought a poem she had one read to mind: “A lotus emerging from clear water; natural, it’s adornments all removed.” They were probably speaking about this, won’t they?

Looking at those things, Xiaoya felt brain had congealed while her entire body flushed to a shade similar to a boiled shrimp. Hugging her knees, she crouched in front of that suitcase with her head buried deeply inside her arms.

Yu Xiaoya opened the door, peeking around for a bit before saying, “My mom’s actually not here.”

Xiaoya’s mother gave her daughter a blank look. “Your father and I came back early, so would you like to stay and have dinner with us, Lu Xiaobei? There’s not much at home at the moment but…”

Xiaoya: “You… y-you can just wear mine.”

Xiaoya: “You don’t have to worry about it, mom. We already made plans to eat out earlier.”

Xiaoya: “You can still nap for a while here, though.”

For three whole minutes, Xiaoya stood outside the door of the room utterly stupefied before managing to calm herself down. She then made her way to Lu Xiaobei’s suitcase to find the other girl some clothes.

I never thought I would ever have my heart pound and throb with such joy in my entire life.

The water running in the bathroom then stopped, and soon afterwards, Lu Xiaobei walked out. Lu Xiaobei was taller than Xiaoya, so the bathrobe she wears is able to cover her knees but on Lu Xiaobei it could only cover half her thighs. he also had the large pink towel in hand, drying her hair.

And for a reason unknown to her, Xiaoya felt as though the day was just too hot—every inch of her was practically near the point of burning, until Lu Xiaobei took hold of her hands and asked, “Can just I sleep like this?”

Xiaoya’s mother: “Did you bring a friend back?” Xiaoya’s mother looked inside the room, but Xiaoya was almost as tall as her mother, and the woman felt her daughter was trying to block her view so she gently nudged her aside.

Lu Xiaobei understood Xiaoya’s unspoken meaning, and so told her in return, “You have a ‘study god’ right by your side, you might as well take advantage of that, you know? It will be my highest priority for the next two years.”

Xiaoya’s mom replied, “Alright, alright.” The older woman said nothing further and left.

Lu Xiaobei looked at her phone. “It’s after five. We should go eat first then get you back after dinner.” Originally, Lu Xiaobei just planned to to eat with Xiaoya, but now them going out together was also to keep Xiaoya calm.

Xiaoya’s mother chuckled, “It’s you, Lu Xiaobei! Hello to you too.” The woman again turned to Xiaoya, scolding, “You brought a guest over and didn’t even make up your bed?”

Xiaoya: “Yeah.” Glancing towards Lu Xiaobei, Xiaoya then went out to grab the suitcase and bring it inside her room.

◈◇◈

Lightly patting Lu Xiaobei, Xiaoya said, “Alright, you had a bath so just hurry and get to sleep now.”

Xiaoya then quickly closed the door, whispering, “My mom didn’t notice anything, right? I didn’t act especially weird just now, right?”

Lu Xiaobei felt the sleep hit her like a tide, but despite her sleepiness she said, “No, I can’t. I spent the past couple days running around to too many places and I haven’t changed or taken a bath as yet.”

The sun at the height of summer was scorching, but only a bit of it was revealed on her desk from the slit of the curtains, and only the vague outlines of figures could be seen in the entire room.

In the night, in her dreams, it’s not that Xiaoya had never thought attending college with Lu Xiaobei, or working in the same place as Lu Xiaobei, and for the two of them to always be together never separated. But… when she wakes up, her rationality returns and the feeling of such a thing being impossible hits her. With this in mind, she replied, “I do, I really do. But the points required to get into Nancheng is really high.”

Xiaoya handed her a pair of white shorts. “I didn’t.”

Xiaoya: “N-nothing.”

Xiaoya remained in the living room for a while more until she could calm her self down again before returning to her room. Seeing her return, Lu Xiaobei said, “I thought you might have fallen outside or something.”

Lu Xiaobei understood Xiaoya’s unspoken meaning, and so told her in return, “You have a ‘study god’ right by your side, you might as well take advantage of that, you know? It will be my highest priority for the next two years.”

“Xiaoyu, is this suitcase Lu Xiaobei’s?” Xiaoya’s mother called from outside.

Lu Xiaobei: “Oh. Nancheng University’s might be difficult then.”

The water running in the bathroom then stopped, and soon afterwards, Lu Xiaobei walked out. Lu Xiaobei was taller than Xiaoya, so the bathrobe she wears is able to cover her knees but on Lu Xiaobei it could only cover half her thighs. he also had the large pink towel in hand, drying her hair.

Xiaoya’s mother gave her daughter a blank look. “Your father and I came back early, so would you like to stay and have dinner with us, Lu Xiaobei? There’s not much at home at the moment but…”

Lu Xiaobei then said to Xiaoya, “I’ll go downstairs and wait for you.” Then to Xiaoya’s mother she added, “I’ll be leaving first then, Aunty.”

Lu Xiaobei followed Xiaoya inside. “Am I shameful or something?”

Knock. Knock. Xiaoya’s mother knocked directly on her daughter’s door twice, but no response came from the room.

Xiaoya: “You can still nap for a while here, though.”

Xiaoya remained in the living room for a while more until she could calm her self down again before returning to her room. Seeing her return, Lu Xiaobei said, “I thought you might have fallen outside or something.”

—— The dividing line of Yu Xiaoya ——

Xiaoya tidied up her bed then rested a blow-dryer beside her, waiting for Lu Xiaobei to come out so she could help her dry her hair.

Lu Xiaobei: “Probably not. We can’t be sure your mom won’t come back to check in. Plus, you trying to obstruct her will make it easier for the cat to be let out the bag. On top of that, I’m from Nancheng too, so it doesn’t make much sense for me to come all the way to your house for a nap.”

Xiaoya: “It’s can usually score a ninety on term exams but only manage a eighty during finals because of it too.”

“Xiaoyu, is this suitcase Lu Xiaobei’s?” Xiaoya’s mother called from outside.

And at that moment, Xiaoya felt her cheeks grow incredibly hot, along with her nose.

Her hands were delicate and smooth as if carved from white jade.

Lu Xiaobei had once told her: “When I miss you, I went out to buy something to give to you. That way, the days where I couldn’t see you wouldn’t be a complete waste.”

Lu Xiaobei: “It looks as though you still need more practice in the regard then. The college entrance exams are a test of mental fortitude as well.”

After she caught herself, Xiaoya touched Lu Xiaobei’s hair which long returned to its soft and dried state, before mumbling, “Sorry. I got a bit distracted just now.”

Xiaoya: “Yeah.” Glancing towards Lu Xiaobei, Xiaoya then went out to grab the suitcase and bring it inside her room.

Lu Xiaobei: “It looks as though you still need more practice in the regard then. The college entrance exams are a test of mental fortitude as well.”

Seeing this, Xiaoya went to the living room to tell her mother. “Mom, it’s almost six, so I’m going to head out with Captain to eat dinner.”

It was not easy for Lu Xiaobei to stuff all the gifts inside of it, but after she was done, she closed her case and put on her coat.

Then, just as Xiaoya was about to close back the door, her mother said from the living room, “Don’t keep closing the door during the summer, it’ll get stuffy.” Xiaoya was so guilty she could only leave the door open.

Xiaoya then said, “I’ll go find something else for you.” The younger girl at that moment was no different than a frightened bunny as she rushed out the room.

Xiaoya walked over to the bathroom, replying, “It’s the same colour as the robe, the pink one.”

N/A

It was obvious they hadn’t done anything at the moment, yet she still felt guilty.

—— The dividing line of Yu Xiaoya ——

Xiaoya’s mom replied, “Alright, alright.” The older woman said nothing further and left.

Xiaoya: “Nancheng University??”

Lu Xiaobei looked at her phone. “It’s after five. We should go eat first then get you back after dinner.” Originally, Lu Xiaobei just planned to to eat with Xiaoya, but now them going out together was also to keep Xiaoya calm.

Xiaoya then quickly closed the door, whispering, “My mom didn’t notice anything, right? I didn’t act especially weird just now, right?”

◈◇◈

First Update

Lu Xiaobei put aside the towel from her head, saying nothing, as an ambiguous atmosphere that couldn’t be described filled the room. Neither tuned on the lights, neither said a word, the only sound to be heard was the continuous hum of the hairdryer.

Lu Xiaobei then said to Xiaoya, “I’ll go downstairs and wait for you.” Then to Xiaoya’s mother she added, “I’ll be leaving first then, Aunty.”

Lu Xiaobei: “Oh. Nancheng University’s might be difficult then.”

Xiaoya: “It’s can usually score a ninety on term exams but only manage a eighty during finals because of it too.”

Xiaoya: “Alright.”

They made Xiaoya felt as if her own hands being held within had received an electric shock, enough to cause her to quickly pull them away. Lu Xiaobei wasn’t prepared for her actions, which allowed her to escape.

Xiaoya also didn’t know when, but she also fell asleep with Lu Xiaobei. When she awoke, her mind was in a daze and a fog.

The instant brought a poem she had one read to mind: “A lotus emerging from clear water; natural, it’s adornments all removed.” They were probably speaking about this, won’t they?

Lu Xiaobei then said to Xiaoya, “I’ll go downstairs and wait for you.” Then to Xiaoya’s mother she added, “I’ll be leaving first then, Aunty.”

“I never realised you had a little stutter.” A lovers whisper sounded in Xiaoya’s ear.

Lu Xiaobei opened her suitcase, taking out al the things he had brought for Xiaoya. Xiaoya stood in the doorways, looking at the living room to see her that her mother wasn’t looking towards her room..

“Whose suitcase is this? It’s not closed either? Did Xiaoyu bring someone over?” Xiaoya’s mother voice could now be quite clearly heard from the other side of her door.

For three whole minutes, Xiaoya stood outside the door of the room utterly stupefied before managing to calm herself down. She then made her way to Lu Xiaobei’s suitcase to find the other girl some clothes.

“How is that even possible?! Captain, you’re the best! I just… I just don’t think I can hide my true feelings from my mom.” Xiaoya then reluctantly continued, “There are times when I’m super courageous. Like, before, when I was in a junior high debate competition. I was chosen by lottery to represent our class along with other students who all suffered through insomnia because of it while I felt nothing, nothing at all.”

Xiaoya: “Alright.”

“I never realised you had a little stutter.” A lovers whisper sounded in Xiaoya’s ear.

Xiaoya handed her a pair of white shorts. “I didn’t.”

Xiaoya’s mother: “Xiaoyu?”

It was obvious they hadn’t done anything at the moment, yet she still felt guilty.

Xiaoya’s mother: “Did you bring a friend back?” Xiaoya’s mother looked inside the room, but Xiaoya was almost as tall as her mother, and the woman felt her daughter was trying to block her view so she gently nudged her aside.

Lu Xiaobei pulled Xiaoya onto the bed, her hand nor caressing the younger girl’s cheek. “What were you thinking about?” The two were so lying so closely they could feel the warmth of each other’s breath.

“It’s done,” Lu Xiaobei said suddenly, taking Xiaoya’s hand away. “My hair is already dry.”

Lu Xiaobei’s suitcase was not small, and half of it was filled with stuff she brought for Xiaoya, who then instructed her, “Put them inside the cabinet to the side.” That cabinet was blocked by the bookshelf, so only half of it could be opened. Because of that, Xiaoya’s mother rarely dug around in there, making it her secret place.

Xiaoya turned on the blow-dryer. “Let me blow-dry your hair.”

“I don’t know. At the time, I didn’t even realise I was even shaking. We even lost the debate competition because of me. But even though nobody blamed me, I still reject participating in anything like that even more.”

Xiaoya then quickly closed the door, whispering, “My mom didn’t notice anything, right? I didn’t act especially weird just now, right?”

It was not easy for Lu Xiaobei to stuff all the gifts inside of it, but after she was done, she closed her case and put on her coat.

Xiaoya didn’t completely understand it before, but now… all she could wonder was what exactly about herself was so great about her that Lu Xiaobei would like her to so much.

Lu Xiaobei then said to Xiaoya, “I’ll go downstairs and wait for you.” Then to Xiaoya’s mother she added, “I’ll be leaving first then, Aunty.”

Seeing this, Xiaoya went to the living room to tell her mother. “Mom, it’s almost six, so I’m going to head out with Captain to eat dinner.”

Xiaoya remained in the living room for a while more until she could calm her self down again before returning to her room. Seeing her return, Lu Xiaobei said, “I thought you might have fallen outside or something.”

Not long after, Lu Xiaobei’s breath grew long and steady, finally falling asleep.

清水出芙蓉，天然去雕饰: It’s a poem used to describe a natural beauty of a woman.

And for a reason unknown to her, Xiaoya felt as though the day was just too hot—every inch of her was practically near the point of burning, until Lu Xiaobei took hold of her hands and asked, “Can just I sleep like this?”

Seeing this, Xiaoya went to the living room to tell her mother. “Mom, it’s almost six, so I’m going to head out with Captain to eat dinner.”

Looking at those things, Xiaoya felt brain had congealed while her entire body flushed to a shade similar to a boiled shrimp. Hugging her knees, she crouched in front of that suitcase with her head buried deeply inside her arms.

Inside the room, Lu Xiaobei was sitting in front of the desk, seeming to be working on some papers before turning to look at the older woman and greeting, “Hello, Aunty.” Lu Xiaobei held a pen was held in her hand, as if she was just writing something. On the nightstand was a blow-dryer, long plugged out with its cord wrapped back up.

Xiaoya: “You… y-you can just wear mine.”

Xiaoya’s mother looked at her, and the suitcase carrying Lu Xiaobei standing beside her. “What time will you be back? If you’re going to be out long, call your grandmother first. It’s been two weeks since you’ve gone over to her place for a visit. And if you wait until after you come back to call she’ll be asleep.”

“It’s done,” Lu Xiaobei said suddenly, taking Xiaoya’s hand away. “My hair is already dry.”

—— The dividing line of Yu Xiaoya ——

Xiaoya: “But I…”

Lu Xiaobei: “Oh. Nancheng University’s might be difficult then.”

Lu Xiaobei pulled Xiaoya onto the bed, her hand nor caressing the younger girl’s cheek. “What were you thinking about?” The two were so lying so closely they could feel the warmth of each other’s breath.

Xiaoya’s mother: “Did you bring a friend back?” Xiaoya’s mother looked inside the room, but Xiaoya was almost as tall as her mother, and the woman felt her daughter was trying to block her view so she gently nudged her aside.

Xiaoya handed her a pair of white shorts. “I didn’t.”

Xiaoya: “But I…”

Xiaoya’s mother gave her daughter a blank look. “Your father and I came back early, so would you like to stay and have dinner with us, Lu Xiaobei? There’s not much at home at the moment but…”

I never thought I would ever have my heart pound and throb with such joy in my entire life.

And at that moment, Xiaoya felt her cheeks grow incredibly hot, along with her nose.

Xiaoya’s mother handed her daughter her phone before motioning her to the room to make the call.

Lu Xiaobei had once told her: “When I miss you, I went out to buy something to give to you. That way, the days where I couldn’t see you wouldn’t be a complete waste.”

Lu Xiaobei then said to Xiaoya, “I’ll go downstairs and wait for you.” Then to Xiaoya’s mother she added, “I’ll be leaving first then, Aunty.”

Xiaoya tidied up her bed then rested a blow-dryer beside her, waiting for Lu Xiaobei to come out so she could help her dry her hair.

Xiaoya’s mom replied, “Alright, alright.” The older woman said nothing further and left.

First Update

“How is that even possible?! Captain, you’re the best! I just… I just don’t think I can hide my true feelings from my mom.” Xiaoya then reluctantly continued, “There are times when I’m super courageous. Like, before, when I was in a junior high debate competition. I was chosen by lottery to represent our class along with other students who all suffered through insomnia because of it while I felt nothing, nothing at all.”

Lu Xiaobei’s suitcase was not small, and half of it was filled with stuff she brought for Xiaoya, who then instructed her, “Put them inside the cabinet to the side.” That cabinet was blocked by the bookshelf, so only half of it could be opened. Because of that, Xiaoya’s mother rarely dug around in there, making it her secret place.

Lu Xiaobei: “So how did it turn out in the end?”

The sun at the height of summer was scorching, but only a bit of it was revealed on her desk from the slit of the curtains, and only the vague outlines of figures could be seen in the entire room.