For The Rest Of Our Life – Chapter 2

Happy Cohabitation

Anjiang City, nestled along China’s southeastern coast, was a city surrounded by the sea. Boasting beautiful scenery and a thriving economy, it stood as one of the major economic hubs of the south.

Lin Xian was born and raised in Anjiang City. Both her maternal and paternal grandparents had been university professors, and her parents had followed in their footsteps, teaching at a prestigious university in the city. Though her parents were usually busy with teaching and scientific research, they’d pampered and spoiled her, never letting her suffer the slightest hardship.

            

After graduating from high school, Lin Xian lived up to her parents’ expectations by earning admission into the prestigious finance department—the finest major—at Jingnan University, a top-five national institution located right in her home city. After the entire family enthusiastically celebrated the achievement, they fell into deep contemplation.

Anjiang City was divided into six districts. Lin Xian’s family home was located in the Northern District, while Jingnan University was situated in the Southern District. One in the north, one in the south—even the fastest drive between them took at least an hour. The inconvenience of commuting back and forth was glaringly obvious.

This meant Lin Xian would need to board at the university.

            

Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem. When children grew up, they had to learn to fly on their own. Besides, boarding at university was about as ordinary as it got. However, Lin Xian was different. She had a certain dark history that made her mother, Zhou Qin, completely unable to set her mind at ease.

During Lin Xian’s sophomore year of high school, her parents were overwhelmed, juggling their own academic title evaluations with caring for her daily needs and picking her up from evening self-study sessions. Stretched thin and thoroughly exhausted, Lin Xian felt bad for them and took the initiative to suggest boarding at school for a while, at least until they’d gotten through their busy period.

Zhou Qin was hesitant, but Lin Xian’s father, Lin Zhan, persuaded her, arguing that it was a perfect opportunity to foster their daughter’s independence. Between Lin Zhan’s persuasion and Lin Xian’s solemn promises, Zhou Qin eventually relented.

            

For the first few weeks, Lin Xian was indeed well-behaved and obedient, and everything went smoothly. But late one night during the sixth week, around ten o’clock, a phone call from her homeroom teacher shattered the peace, nearly scaring Zhou Qin out of her wits. The teacher explained that the dorm supervisor had reported Lin Xian and another girl from her dorm missing. They’d searched all around the school grounds but came up entirely empty-handed.

That night was the most terrifying and longest night Zhou Qin had experienced in her half-century of life. Throughout the search, she was consumed by self-reproach: It’s all my fault for being an irresponsible mother. She’s still so young, and I let her live on her own. She even thought that if anything happened to Lin Xian, she’d go with her.

The entire faculty and their whole family spent the night turning the surrounding neighborhood upside down. Fortunately, they finally located Lin Xian and her roommate, completely unharmed, in a small, shady internet café not far from the school.

            

This incident resulted in Lin Xian receiving a disciplinary demerit, losing her early-admission recommendation, and being publicly criticized in a school-wide announcement. Immediately after, Zhou Qin pulled her out of the dorms, resuming the daily routine of picking her up and dropping her off herself.

Lin Xian repeatedly explained afterward that she’d only gone out to accompany her roommate to buy some things, and they’d accidentally missed the school curfew. Since returning would mean getting their names logged, whereas they could easily get away with staying out because bed checks weren’t strict, her roommate had suggested waiting until the next morning to sneak back in with the day students—which was the only reason she’d agreed. Her presence in the internet café had been solely to find a safe place to pass the night.

Yet the evidence was ironclad. Staying out all night and loitering in an internet café were indisputable facts. No matter how Lin Xian explained herself, Zhou Qin had lost all confidence in her daughter’s self-discipline and self-care abilities.

            

Moreover, not long after, Zhou Qin attended a parent-teacher meeting where the homeroom teacher informed her that Lin Xian had suffered stomach aches during class several times, pain so severe she broke out in a cold sweat. The teacher urged Zhou Qin to pay more attention, reminding her that this was a critical growth period for the child. Back home, after relentless questioning, Lin Xian finally confessed that during her time boarding, she’d occasionally skip breakfast when she woke up late. Zhou Qin was absolutely furious, refusing to speak to Lin Xian or Lin Zhan for days. She blamed Lin Zhan for preaching to her about how children had to be let go eventually.

Before this incident, Zhou Qin had taken Lin Zhan’s advice and considered letting Lin Xian apply directly to universities in the United States, just like Xu Chengjun, her childhood playmate. But after this ordeal, Zhou Qin’s perspective changed entirely. Her daughter was still young, after all; she’d never left her parents’ side and had been shielded too well by those around her, leaving her far more innocent and childish than others her age. It would be better to wait a few more years until she matured a bit.

With that lesson fresh in her mind, Zhou Qin couldn’t bring herself to let Lin Xian live in the university dormitories under any circumstances. Her freshman year would serve as a transition. As for boarding, they’d see about that when she reached her sophomore or junior year.

            

Zhou Qin had lived a blessed, smooth life. Naturally proud, she always walked with her spine straighter than most. She detested troubling others and feared owing favors above all else. But this time, for the sake of her darling daughter Lin Xian, she was willing to swallow her pride and make an exception.

After much deliberation and a thorough discussion with Lin Zhan, she decided to call Xiao Wanqing.

Xiao Wanqing’s father and Zhou Qin’s father had been colleagues, friends, and neighbors for decades. Thus, even though Xiao Wanqing was eleven years younger than Zhou Qin, they’d known each other since childhood. Furthermore, Xiao Wanqing’s father and Lin Zhan’s father were old classmates. To top it off, when Xiao Wanqing pursued her master’s degree, she’d studied under Zhou Qin’s father. This drew the two families even closer, and the two women had become as close as sisters.

            

Later, due to a family tragedy, Xiao Wanqing left the Northern District and rarely set foot in that painful place again. Consequently, the two women saw each other only a few times a year. Nonetheless, they still held each other in their thoughts during holidays, exchanging warm greetings, phone calls, and gifts. Entrusting Lin Xian to Xiao Wanqing weighed less heavily on Zhou Qin’s mind, making it easier to ask. Besides, Zhou Qin knew Xiao Wanqing’s character inside out; leaving Lin Xian in her hands gave her absolute peace of mind.

Having made up her mind, Zhou Qin acted immediately and dialed Xiao Wanqing’s number. Sitting nearby, Lin Xian pricked up her ears to eavesdrop on the conversation. Unfortunately, the phone’s soundproofing was too good; she could only catch the faint murmur of a gentle, pleasant female voice coming from the receiver without making out any actual words.

The phone call lasted barely ten minutes, yet in that short span, they decided Lin Xian’s living arrangement for the coming year. Lin Xian would stay at Xiao Wanqing’s apartment. She’d handle her own lunches at the campus cafeteria, while Xiao Wanqing would cook breakfast and dinner when she had time; otherwise, Lin Xian would take care of them herself. Zhou Qin offered to pay rent and living expenses, but Xiao Wanqing refused. Zhou Qin decided to let the matter rest for now, planning to repay her in other ways later. She regarded Xiao Wanqing as a younger sister and certainly wouldn’t let her lose out. For the next thirty minutes, Zhou Qin and Xiao Wanqing chatted casually, laughing and talking warmly, leaving the subject of their conversation, Lin Xian, sitting in utter bewilderment.

            

Ah, wait, Mom, what kind of transaction did you just make with her?

Ever since the tragedy befell the Xiao family and Xiao Wanqing departed the Northern District, Lin Xian hadn’t seen her for many years. Her memories of Xiao Wanqing had gradually faded with the passage of time as she grew older. What remained in her mind were blurry, childhood impressions of awe and tenderness. She remembered Xiao Wanqing as an exquisitely beautiful, incredibly gentle woman whose eyes shimmered like autumn waters when she smiled, radiant as the warm spring sun.

Had it not been for that foolish remark at the birthday banquet years ago, staying at Xiao Wanqing’s apartment would’ve been the absolute best choice. The childish words she’d uttered back then, begging to marry Xiao Wanqing, had long since become fuel for everyone to tease her with over the years. When Lin Xian first began to truly understand the meaning of marriage, she’d blush with embarrassment whenever the topic was raised. Later, her skin grew thicker right along with her age. Once she developed a thick skin and took it in stride, she’d occasionally joke back when teased, saying, “If Auntie Xiao is still that beautiful, I’d still be willing to marry her now.”

            

Still, laughing it off was one thing; actually facing the object of the rumor was quite another. Lin Xian covered her face, suddenly feeling a surge of inexplicable anxiety.

Time was a merciless blade. Xiao Wanqing was fourteen years older than her, which meant she was thirty-one this year. Thirty-one was an age when a woman’s temperament was at its most elegant and refined, yet it was also when her youthful looks began to fade. Lin Xian was suddenly a little afraid. What would the fairy-like sister of her childhood look like when they met again after all these years?

Yet no matter how many times Lin Xian’s thoughts turned over, the day of their meeting and subsequent cohabitation drew closer with each passing day of summer vacation.

            

August 24. Clear skies, not a single cloud in sight. An auspicious day for marriage, taking up a post, entering school, and moving house.

After lunch, Zhou Qin helped Lin Xian pack several bags and suitcases, loaded up the car, and set off in a flurry toward Xiao Wanqing’s home in the Southern District.

Along the way, Zhou Qin nagged tirelessly, instructing Lin Xian, “Even though we’re close with your Auntie Xiao, another person’s home still isn’t your own. While living at your Auntie Xiao’s place, you must be diligent and active. You can’t be like you are at home, never lifting a finger and unable to tell grains apart.”

            

Sitting in the passenger seat, Lin Xian had her long, straight, glossy black hair tied up in a high ponytail. Dressed in a clean white T-shirt and sky-blue denim overall shorts, her fair, bright face wore a helpless smile. “Mom, I know. You’ve said it eight hundred times already.”

Zhou Qin shot Lin Xian a sideways glance and said huffily, “Oh, so you find me annoying now? If I don’t say it multiple times, will you actually remember? Back at home, how many times did I tell you? I can wash your outerwear, but you have to wash your own underwear right after you shower. Have you ever done it? Every time I bring it up, you’re all ‘Yes, yes, yes, I know.’ You talk a big game, but when have you ever actually changed?”

Caught red-handed, and seeing that Zhou Qin was about to bring up old accounts, Lin Xian laughed awkwardly. She immediately switched to a softer tactic, leaning toward Zhou Qin and rubbing her cheek against her mother’s shoulder in a coaxing manner. “That’s because you’re my mom. No matter what I do, you’ll never actually be angry at me or stop loving me.”

            

Zhou Qin let out a soft huff. Her stormy expression softened slightly, and her tone grew gentler. “So you think you can get away with anything? Sit up straight, I’m driving.”

Lin Xian giggled, straightening up. “Don’t worry, Mom. I understand everything you said. At home, it’s only because you’re so reliable that I can’t help but be lazy. Once I’m out of the house, I’m actually very sensible and reliable, with top-tier self-care skills! You have to believe in your daughter.”

Zhou Qin was amused by her self-praise and couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle. “It had better be.”

            

With the two of them chatting and laughing back and forth, the drive of over an hour passed very quickly.

Xiao Wanqing had already spoken with the residential community’s security guard. When the car arrived at the gates, Zhou Qin leaned out and gave the guard Xiao Wanqing’s name, and they were promptly let in.

Zhou Qin found a temporary parking space. Once the car was parked, she directed Lin Xian to roll the suitcase while she carried two bags of luggage, heading toward Building 3, where Xiao Wanqing lived.

            

Xiao Wanqing called just as they stepped into the elevator.

Over the phone, Xiao Wanqing asked Zhou Qin, “Sister, have you arrived? I can come downstairs to meet you.”

The elevator arrived with a ding-dong, its doors sliding open. Zhou Qin stepped out, saying, “We’ve arrived. There’s no need to come down. Just open the door for us.”

            

Within just a few steps, they were standing outside Xiao Wanqing’s door. Almost instantly, the door opened with a click, and in the very next second, a tall, slender, gentle, and beautiful woman appeared before Lin Xian’s eyes.

She stood gracefully at the doorway, wearing an incredibly simple and clean white cotton T-shirt paired with grey lounge pants. Her chestnut hair fell to her shoulders, the ends curling slightly. Her smiling eyes, just like in the past, were soft and rippling like water.

Lin Xian didn’t quite hear what pleasantries Zhou Qin was exchanging with her. Suddenly, Zhou Qin patted her shoulder, reminding her, “What are you zoning out for? Greet your Auntie Xiao.”

            

Lin Xian finally snapped out of it. She lifted her eyes to meet Xiao Wanqing’s gaze, and upon meeting those smiling eyes, she felt her face instantly flush hot.

“Hello, Auntie Xiao…” she greeted with a bright smile, her voice carrying the clear, sweet ring of youth.

Once she finished, she couldn’t resist joking, “Auntie Xiao is even more beautiful than before. I couldn’t help but stare. Mom, you’re so mean, making me call her ‘Auntie.’ It makes her sound so old. I think at most she should be called ‘Sister’.”

            

Though she was joking, her words came from the heart. The passage of time had not withered Xiao Wanqing’s beauty at all; instead, it had layered her with a deeply moving grace. If the Xiao Wanqing of the past was like a pure, delicate water lily, then the woman standing before her now was surely an ethereal orchid blooming in a secluded valley.

Yet the moment the words left her mouth, Zhou Qin immediately ruined the moment, teasing, “Why don’t you try calling me ‘Sister’ too then? Your Auntie Xiao and I are of the same generation. How come I never hear you complain that calling me ‘Mom’ makes me sound old?”

Xiao Wanqing gazed at Lin Xian, her face lighting up with a soft smile. Reaching out, she gestured with her hand from Lin Xian’s height to her own forehead, laughing gently. “Xianxian has grown up, but her tongue is still just as sweet. The last time I saw you, you only came up to my waist.”

            

She leaned down, picked up the bags Zhou Qin had set on the floor beside Lin Xian, and took Lin Xian’s suitcase. “Let’s not stand around talking at the door. Come on in.”

As she bent over, strands of her hair slipped past her cheek, unfolding before Lin Xian’s eyes like a movie in slow motion. The subtle fragrance of her hair quietly lingered at the tip of Lin Xian’s nose…

“Why are you zoning out again? Help your Auntie Xiao carry them,” Zhou Qin urged in a low voice.

            

Lin Xian finally snapped out of her daze and stepped forward to take the bags from Xiao Wanqing’s hands. “Auntie Xiao, let me carry them.”

Xiao Wanqing didn’t let go. She turned her head with a smile and said, “It’s fine, they aren’t heavy. It’s just a few steps. I’ll carry them straight to your bedroom.” Then she turned to Zhou Qin. “Sister, come in and take a look at the bedroom I set up for Lin Xian. See if there’s anything missing.”

Lin Xian felt too awkward to let go entirely, so she walked side by side with Xiao Wanqing, holding the handles of the bag together with her.

            

Zhou Qin shut the door behind them and called out, “There’s nothing for me to worry about if you set it up. I won’t look, I won’t look.” Then, as if remembering something, she smiled and instructed Xiao Wanqing, “Lin Xian doesn’t know her limits. Xiao Wan, don’t spoil her in the future. Deal with her strictly when you need to; otherwise, she’ll start pushing her luck.”

Lin Xian protested in dissatisfaction, “Mom, how do I not know my limits or push my luck? This is blatant slander! Is that really how you see me?”

Zhou Qin retorted, “That’s exactly how you are. I’m your mother; do you think I don’t know you? I’m just afraid your Auntie Xiao is going to be run in circles by you.”

            

Xiao Wanqing entered Lin Xian’s bedroom and gently set the bags on the floor. Listening to the banter between mother and daughter, she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and smiled softly, her eyes shining bright as stars. When Lin Xian turned around and saw Xiao Wanqing like this, she suddenly felt a bit sheepish.

Dazed for a moment, she checked her watch and reminded Zhou Qin, “Mom, it’s four o’clock. Didn’t you say you have a meeting at school at six? If you don’t leave now, will you still make it in time?”

Zhou Qin had originally intended to help her unpack, but a glance at her watch confirmed she was indeed running out of time. She turned to Xiao Wanqing apologetically. “I wanted to help her unpack and have dinner with you tonight. I’d even booked a restaurant, but the school suddenly scheduled an emergency meeting, so I have to rush back.”

            

Xiao Wanqing was understanding. “It’s fine, Sister. Do we really need to stand on ceremony? We can have dinner anytime. Go on back and handle your work.”

Zhou Qin nodded. “We’ll catch up another day when we’re free.”

Xiao Wanqing gave her an easy out. “Yes, Wen Tong hasn’t seen you in a long time either. She keeps wondering when we can all gather.” Wen Tong had been Xiao Wanqing’s classmate during their postgraduate studies, as well as a student of Zhou Qin’s father and Zhou Qin’s junior disciple.

            

Zhou Qin agreed readily, “That works out perfectly. We’ll set a time and place soon, and I’ll host.”

The three of them moved toward the door as they spoke. Suddenly remembering something she had prepared, Xiao Wanqing took a spare key from the doorframe and handed it to Zhou Qin, making it convenient for her to visit Lin Xian at any time.

“Be good and listen to your Auntie Xiao, and don’t cause any trouble for her,” Zhou Qin urged Lin Xian one last time before stepping out.

            

Before Lin Xian could respond, Xiao Wanqing spoke up to defend her. “Sister, Xianxian is very sensible. She won’t.”

Hearing her child praised made the mother happy, after all. Zhou Qin’s furrowed brow relaxed slightly, though she remained serious. “Xiao Wan, I’ll have to trouble you with Lin Xian. Thank you for your hard work. Don’t spoil her; feel free to keep her in line however you see fit. I trust you completely and leave her entirely in your care. I must thank you, Sister, for taking on this trouble.”

Xiao Wanqing’s eyes curved. She reached out, gently patting and shaking Zhou Qin’s arm as she said softly, “Sister, don’t be so polite. We are family. Leave Lin Xian to me and put your mind at ease.”

            

Lin Xian couldn’t take any more of this excessive politeness. She checked her watch again, cleared her throat, and pointed out the obvious, “Mom, it’s four-fifteen. If you don’t leave now, you can forget about eating dinner before your meeting.”

With an “Aiya!” of realization, Zhou Qin finally hurried away.

At seventeen, the world felt vast and limitless, ripe for adventure. Having finally left home and her parents, she felt as jubilant as a bird released from its cage. Watching her mother’s hurried departure, Lin Xian didn’t feel a single shred of sorrow. Instead, she laughed lighthearted, looking like a little fox that had successfully snuck a treat.

            

However, once Zhou Qin had truly gone and the door clicked shut, leaving only her and Xiao Wanqing in the apartment, Lin Xian was suddenly struck by a wave of awkward embarrassment.

She stood by the doorway, completely unsure of what to do with herself—feeling awkward whether she stood or sat.

As if sensing her anxiety, Xiao Wanqing suddenly burst into a soft laugh.

            

Lin Xian looked up. She saw Xiao Wanqing’s eyes, shimmering like autumn waters, as she reached out with a blooming smile to playfully scrape Lin Xian’s nose. In her warm, beautiful voice, she said, “Lin Xian, happy cohabitation.”

---

The author has something to say:

The readers might have something to say (〃’▽’〃)

            

Thank you everyone for your support, sending hearts to you all!

---