Xiao Wanqing had actually arrived quite early. Just as the fourth class of the day had begun, Lin Xian received a message from her. It simply read: I’m at the East Gate of your school. Does it still hurt?

  Jingnan University, known for its picturesque campus, was hailed as one of the most beautiful universities in the country. With such a reputation, visitors came in droves. But to avoid disruptions to student life and to preserve campus resources, the school restricted access during the day—only allowing a limited number of visitors to enter. It wasn’t until after 6 p.m. that the gates were fully open. Which meant Xiao Wanqing couldn’t come in unless Lin Xian, a student, came out to meet her.

  At that moment, Lin Xian was seated in the very front row, directly under the teacher’s watchful eyes. She was still a freshman and didn’t dare blatantly use her phone in class, especially not under the teacher’s nose. So she lowered her head and sneakily typed a quick reply in her desk drawer: Okay.

  For the rest of the class, Lin Xian felt like she was sitting on pins and needles. Time dragged torturously slow—why isn’t it over yet?

  She guessed that Xiao Wanqing must have left almost immediately after receiving her message. A wave of guilt crept over her. The pain had mostly subsided, but Xiao Wanqing had dropped everything to come here just for her. It was a lot of trouble.

  She began to feel frustrated with herself—why was I being so dramatic earlier?

  Shiman, stealing glances at her deskmate in the middle of class, found her quite amusing. Her expressions were vivid and ever-changing. It was like watching a drama unfold.

  As soon as the bell rang and the teacher said "class dismissed," Lin Xian was the first to grab her bag and rush out, tossing a quick, “I’ve got something at noon, can’t eat with you guys today,” over her shoulder to her usual lunch group before vanishing down the corridor.

  The campus was big. Even running, it would take three or four minutes to get from the lecture building to the East Gate. Lin Xian jogged all the way, but when she reached a stairwell that looked just like the one where she’d fallen earlier that morning, she slowed down involuntarily. A bit of trauma lingered. But her eagerness to see Xiao Wanqing pushed her forward again, quickening her steps.

  She had thought Xiao Wanqing would be waiting in her car, parked at one of the temporary spots across the road. But to her surprise, as she approached the gate, she saw a graceful, elegant figure standing quietly there, looking toward the campus expectantly.

  When Xiao Wanqing saw her, a gentle smile bloomed across her delicate face. Then her gaze dropped and her expression shifted into one of concern.

  Lin Xian broke into another sprint, running out of the campus and straight into Xiao Wanqing’s soft, warm embrace. She threw her arms tightly around her slender waist.

  Her voice was soft and sweet, filled with emotion. “Auntie Xiao, you’re the best.”

  Xiao Wanqing looked down at the crown of the girl’s dark hair, her eyes tender as she gently stroked Lin Xian’s fine strands. “You just fell this morning, and now you’re running around again. Does it still hurt?”

  Lin Xian nuzzled against her, then looked up and met her eyes, murmuring, “It doesn’t hurt anymore. Once I saw you, everything stopped hurting.”

  “You really know how to talk.” Xiao Wanqing’s voice brimmed with affection. She reached out to take Lin Xian’s backpack, but the girl refused to let her. So she simply took her hand instead, saying gently, “Let’s go eat first. After lunch, I’ll take you to the doctor to get it checked—just to be sure.”

  Lin Xian softly squeezed her hand back, the corners of her lips curving into a deeper smile. This was the first time Xiao Wanqing had held her hand on her own. Her hand is so soft…

  “No need to see a doctor—it’s really not that bad anymore.”

  But Xiao Wanqing remained firm. “I won’t be at ease unless we check. Lin Xian, don’t make me worry, okay?”

  Her brows furrowed slightly, her eyes filled with concern. And Lin Xian… couldn’t bring herself to say no.

  She didn’t want Xiao Wanqing to worry. And she couldn’t bear to see her frown.

  Thankfully, they managed to get into urgent care, had the x-rays done, and the doctor said it wasn’t serious. Just a few bruises and some ointment prescribed. Xiao Wanqing finally let out a breath of relief. Even her tone sounded lighter now.

  Back in the car, she reached over and gently poked Lin Xian’s soft cheek, reminding her: “Don’t be so careless next time. It’s okay to be late once in a while. Even if the teacher gets mad and wants to call your parents, it’s fine—I won’t blame you.”

  Lin Xian’s dark eyes swirled with mischief. She looked up and asked cheekily, “What if they call you in for something else?”

  Xiao Wanqing fastened her seatbelt and thought for a moment before answering, “Well… I guess it depends on what something else is.”

  Lin Xian stared at her delicate side profile, and before she could stop herself, the question slipped out— “What if it’s because of… dating?”

  Xiao Wanqing turned to her with a startled look, stunned silent for a moment. Then she sat up straight, her tone suddenly cautious. “You… do you like someone already?”

  She didn’t tell Lin Xian, but in college, teachers didn’t care much about students dating—unless something serious happened. But that can’t be… Lin Xian wouldn’t… She hadn’t even been in school that long! Could it have happened during military training? That was way too fast. And she hadn’t heard a single word about it before. Xiao Wanqing wasn’t a strict person—she didn’t mind college relationships as long as they didn’t interfere with studies or life—but still… it all felt too fast.

  Inside, she was already spiraling.

  Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

  Luckily, Lin Xian burst out laughing. “Hahahaha! Auntie Xiao, were you nervous? I was just teasing you…”

  Xiao Wanqing looked closely at her and, seeing no sign of deceit, finally let out a breath. She started the car and drove out of the hospital gate, carefully choosing her words as she spoke. “Xianxian, I don’t object to relationships in college. As long as it doesn’t affect your studies, and you two can support and grow with each other… that’s okay. But it’s still a little early. Personally, I’d prefer if you waited just a bit longer.”

  Because no matter what, once you start dating, your focus inevitably shifts. And more importantly, when you’re still so young, if you meet someone good, then that’s great—but if not… girls often get the short end of the stick.

  To her, it just seemed too risky. But now that Lin Xian was older, she couldn’t just say you’re not allowed and expect that to work. She hoped Lin Xian could think things through and make good choices. She believed she could.

  Sure enough, Lin Xian nodded with a grin and promised, “I know. Auntie Xiao, don’t worry. I won’t.”

  Then, a little sheepishly, she added, “I think I like… more mature types. Guys my age are just… so immature.”

  Xiao Wanqing froze for a moment. Then, like something had suddenly occurred to her, her tone turned oddly serious and flustered: “Someone much older than you—like a teacher—is absolutely not okay…”

  Lin Xian blinked. “……”

  A second later, her laughter filled the cozy space of the car.

  “Auntie Xiao, what are you even thinking?”

  Xiao Wanqing quickly realized she’d totally misunderstood the situation—and felt more than a little embarrassed. The girl had been trusting her, confiding her little secrets like any teenager would, and she’d… gone off imagining all the wrong things. Mortified, she looked away and admitted softly, “I was overthinking.”

  Then, pretending to focus intently on the road ahead, she no longer dared glance at Lin Xian. But even without looking, her cheeks flushed a visible pink, spreading like the bloom of dawn across her elegant face.

  She blamed herself. When she was younger, she’d read far too many ridiculous, messy romance novels. Her thoughts… were no longer exactly pure. A quiet self-reflection.

  She drove straight to her magazine office. Her colleagues, shocked to see her bring someone along who wasn’t Wen Tong, lined the hallway in surprise. Unbothered, Xiao Wanqing led a slightly bewildered Lin Xian gracefully into her editor-in-chief’s office.

  The office was spacious but minimally decorated. With its cool-toned grey and white interior, it felt sterile and distant—almost like a chill brushing over one's back. It was a stark contrast to the warm, homey feeling of Xiao Wanqing’s apartment.

  Lin Xian sat on the sofa while Xiao Wanqing went to the water dispenser and filled a cup, handing it to her. She offered a gentle explanation, “They’ve just never seen me bring anyone here besides Wen Tong. That’s why they looked surprised. Don’t take it to heart.”

  Lin Xian accepted the cup, sipping slowly. This wasn’t the first time she’d heard the name “Wen Tong.” Supposedly another student of her grandfather’s—someone she should’ve met before. But for the life of her, she had no recollection. Curiously, she asked, “Is Aunt Wen your close friend?”

  Xiao Wanqing didn’t mind being called “Aunt,” but hearing Lin Xian call Wen Tong “Aunt Wen” threw her off. She imagined Wen Tong’s chilly expression if she heard it—and how she’d probably shoot an icy glare that could freeze Lin Xian in place. The thought made her chuckle. Her eyes lit with warmth and amusement. “Mm. She’s my best friend.”

  For some reason, Lin Xian felt her heart skip a beat. Aunt Xiao must really like Aunt Wen. There was something soft and glowing in her eyes whenever she talked about her.

  While Lin Xian was still lost in thought, Xiao Wanqing came over and sat beside her. She picked up the medicine prescribed by the doctor and said gently, “Lie down. I’ll apply this for you.”

  Lin Xian grew a little flustered and tried to decline, “It’s okay, I can do it myself.” After all… it would involve pulling her pants down a bit.

  But Xiao Wanqing kept the same warm smile and patted the sofa twice. This time, her tone was firmer: “Xianxian, lie down.”

  Startled, Lin Xian peeked up at her. To her surprise, a slightly assertive Xiao Wanqing… was breathtaking in a different way. Unconsciously, she surrendered to the charm. A little exposure wouldn’t hurt, she reasoned—especially since reaching that spot herself would be difficult. So, obediently, she lay down on the sofa and turned her head slightly, cheeks tinged pink. “Sorry to trouble you, Aunt Xiao. Thank you.”

  Xiao Wanqing gently lifted her shirt and tugged the waistband of her pants down just a little. With a faint smile, she teased, “Why so polite all of a sudden?” The skin from her waist to the curve of her hip was fair and smooth like polished jade. But now, right near the tailbone, a nasty bruise marred the surface—a jarring, purplish mark like a blemish on fine porcelain.

  Xiao Wanqing frowned, heart aching. She opened the bottle. A pungent medicinal smell quickly filled the room. She poured some onto a cotton pad and said in a soft tone, “After I apply this, I’ll have to rub the bruise a little. It might hurt.”

  Trying to ease her awkwardness, Lin Xian replied quickly, “It’s okay. I can handle it.”

  She felt the cool liquid touch her skin and trickle down slowly. Then came warm fingers—gentle, soft palms pressing delicately onto her skin. But right after, came a firm, dull ache. Lin Xian couldn’t help but flinch slightly.

  Xiao Wanqing noticed, pausing mid-motion, worry coloring her voice: “Did it hurt?”

  Lin Xian bit her lip, giving her a small reassuring smile. “Nope. It’s fine.”

  Still, Xiao Wanqing didn’t quite believe her. Her movements became even more restrained, careful. Lin Xian thought, Aunt Xiao really is too gentle. The pain was still there, but with every press, it was also… oddly soothing. The sting faded, leaving behind only a lingering warmth.

  Finally, Xiao Wanqing peeled a medicated patch and gently smoothed it over the bruise. She couldn’t help but scold her softly, heart full of concern, “Next time, don’t be so careless.”

  Lin Xian nodded obediently and, with a grin that showed all her white teeth, joked, “Next time I see stairs, I won’t run—I’ll fly!”

  Xiao Wanqing couldn’t help but laugh. She poked the bruised area—right where the patch was now—half teasing, half exasperated, “Clearly, the fall didn’t hurt you enough.”

  Lin Xian immediately played along, letting out a dramatic little cry. “Owww…”

  Of course, Xiao Wanqing hadn’t used any real force. She knew the girl was putting on an act, but she still couldn’t bring herself to be stern. Instead, she helped pull her clothes back into place with extra care. Then she stood up, crossed the room, and opened a small door within the office. Turning to Lin Xian, she said, “There’s a folding bed in here. Go take a nap. You’ll feel more refreshed for class this afternoon.”

  Curious, Lin Xian got up and peeked inside. Sure enough, there was a simple little cot with a thin blanket neatly folded on top. She hesitated and asked, “What about you?”

  Xiao Wanqing gestured to her desk, which was still cluttered with scattered documents. Calmly, she said, “I’ve got to finish some paperwork. It’s due this afternoon.”

  Lin Xian pursed her lips, then quietly shut the small door. “Then I’ll stay with you.”

  Xiao Wanqing’s smile softened even more. Her expression was helpless yet affectionate. “Silly girl,” she murmured. Then, without waiting for permission, she reached out and once again took Lin Xian’s hand. Leading her to the cot, she gently pushed her down onto it.

  The entire time, Lin Xian couldn’t take her eyes off their clasped hands. A little dazed, she wondered—Have I gotten… closer to Aunt Xiao?

  As she sat on the little folding bed and looked up at the face that now felt so near, her heart couldn’t hold back its question. “Aunt Xiao… are you this gentle and kind to everyone?”

  Xiao Wanqing looked a little surprised. Her expression paused for just a second. Then Lin Xian saw the corners of her brows lift ever so slightly, her eyes shimmering with amusement.

  Her voice rang out—clear, soft, and teasing. “Do I look like I have that much free time?”

  She leaned down, and Lin Xian could see her own silly reflection mirrored in Xiao Wanqing’s dark, starlit eyes.

  Then—her nose was gently booped.

  Xiao Wanqing tapped her lightly, smiling with fond exasperation. “Silly girl…”