For The Rest Of Our Life – Chapter 133

You’re too delicious

Early in the morning, the crisp chirping of birds from the riverbank awakened the sleeping earth. Xiao Wanqing woke up from her fragrant dreams just as the morning sun began to disperse the fog, casting golden rays across the river’s surface. The spot beside her, belonging to Lin Xian, was already empty.

From the bathroom, the sound of trickling water could be heard, indicating that her little girl was taking a shower inside.

Xiao Wanqing rolled over and nestled her face into Lin Xian’s pillow. Between the sheets, it seemed as if the faint scent of mint from the girl’s bath the night before still lingered. Xiao Wanqing’s eyes softened as she rubbed her hair and sat up.

The bathroom door “clicked” open, and Lin Xian emerged wearing only an oversized white T-shirt, bare-legged and barefoot, toweling off her wet, tousled black hair in the morning light, wearing a smile.

A crystal-clear droplet of water, glinting in the morning light, slowly slid from the girl’s chin, disappearing into the deep, snowy white of her collarbone.

The scene was a vibrant painting of youth and hormones that made it impossible for Xiao Wanqing to look away. A bright smile couldn’t help but form on Xiao Wanqing’s lips.

Seeing that Xiao Wanqing had awakened, Lin Xian naturally approached the bed, bent down, and pecked Xiao Wanqing on the lips, softly asking, “Did I wake you?” Her gaze lingered on the conspicuous little strawberry mark (hickey) on Xiao Wanqing’s slender and attractive neck, her eyes shimmering with a pleased and mischievous smile.

“No,” Xiao Wanqing replied as she got out of bed and took the towel from Lin Xian. While helping Lin Xian wipe her hair, she asked in confusion, “Why did you get up so early today?”

Except for the day before yesterday, when they were too exhausted from going at it too fiercely, falling asleep unknowingly after the aftermath, they would usually get up to take a shower before bed. There was no reason for Lin Xian to wake up early just to shower.

“I got up to wash my hair, style it, and decided to spend a little more time doing a beautiful makeup,” Lin Xian replied in a cheerful tone, vainly.

Xiao Wanqing rubbed her hair and joked, “Is there any special event today?” The girl was naturally beautiful and usually just did basic skincare and light makeup, so it was rare for her to take things seriously like this.

“Every day with you is special. I have to look my best,” the girl’s sweet words seemed to come easily, and Xiao Wanqing laughed at her charm.

In fact, it was because seeing a rival made her green with envy. Lin Xian thought about how Wen Tong would pick them up in the evening. She felt she should appear a bit more dignified, mature, and charming. She couldn’t afford to lose in presence. But there was an activity in the morning and they had to leave early, plus lunchtime was rushed, so she had to get up early to wash and blow-dry her hair. This way, even if she needed to touch up her makeup in the afternoon, it would be quicker and more convenient.

Seeing that Xiao Wanqing was already up, Lin Xian went back to the bathroom to blow-dry her hair in peace, while Xiao Wanqing washed up beside her.

Xiao Wanqing had just finished brushing her teeth and lifted her hair, intending to wring out the towel. A casual glance seemed to catch something on her neck. She instinctively looked up and stared, and in an instant, a blush flew across her fair cheeks. The next second, she turned her head, both embarrassed and annoyed, and called out to the person responsible: “Xianxian!”

Lin Xian had been secretly observing Xiao Wanqing, curious about when Xiao Panpan would notice. Seeing Xiao Wanqing’s face turn red with embarrassment, she pursed her lips, not daring to show a hint of it, and put on an innocent little bunny look: “Panpan, what’s wrong?”

Embarrassed to speak directly, Xiao Wanqing bit her lip and slightly turned her head, allowing Lin Xian’s gaze to clearly spot the red mark.

Lin Xian took another careful look at her masterpiece, extremely satisfied, and even itching to add a few more. Pride made her smile hard to conceal, and Xiao Wanqing caught it at once.

“Lin Xiaoxian, did you do this on purpose?” Xiao Wanqing’s eyebrows knitted together, she stepped closer to Lin Xian, unusually opening up a bit of her aura, somewhat sharp, with embarrassment itching at her teeth.

The first night after, Xiao Wanqing, while changing clothes and seeing her body covered in marks, reminded Lin Xian not to leave any marks where they could be easily seen. In the summer, they are hard to cover, and going out with them is too embarrassing.

Lin Xian promised her emphatically.

“No, no, I’m not,” Lin Xian hastily reined in heer laughter, innocently denying it. “Xiao Panpan, this must have been something I did unconsciously. You can’t blame me.”

“Oh?”

“It’s because you’re too delicious.” Lin Xian turned off the hairdryer and wrapped her arms around Xiao Wanqing’s waist, starting to sweet-talk her softly. Seeing that Xiao Wanqing was still a bit upset, she adorably said, “How about I give you a kiss here as well, okay?”

Xiao Wanqing found herself both amused and annoyed, utterly unable to deal with her. She stretched out her hand and flicked Lin Xian’s forehead as punishment, helplessly instructing, “Don’t let it happen again.”

Lin Xian immediately broke into a smile and agreed repeatedly.

Soon after, Xiao Wanqing changed her clothes, only to find that she hadn’t packed any tops with collars high enough to cover the mark. She looked at the mirror with a troubled gaze for a long time before finally resigning to her fate and awkwardly covering it up with a band-aid.

Lin Xian, on one hand, scolded herself for going too far and causing Xiao Wanqing such distress and embarrassment. On the other hand, she couldn’t help but feel secretly delighted, her heart brimming with sweetness.

The deed was done, Xiao Panpan was now hers, Lin Xiaoxian’s. It was a deliberate declaration to Wen Tong.

Lin Xian didn’t usually apply makeup so meticulously. It took Xiao Wanqing some time to tidy up herself, but Lin Xian had only just completed the most basic steps. Seeing the girl sitting at the table, awkward yet adorable as she faced the mirror, Xiao Wanqing’s heart couldn’t help but soften.

She sat down on the chair next to Lin Xian, turned her body towards her, and took the eyebrow pencil from her hand, gently saying, “Let me help you.”

Xiao Wanqing lowered her eyes, and Lin Xian looked up. When their eyes met, both saw the deep affection in the other’s gaze.

Finally, when it was time to apply lipstick, Lin Xian uncharacteristically didn’t cooperate. She dodged the lipstick, leaned forward, and softly pressed her lips to Xiao Wanqing’s, whispering, “I prefer your color.”

Xiao Wanqing thought indulgently, she should stock up on more edible ones.

With the makeup complete, the already beautiful girl became even more radiant and attractive. But Xiao Wanqing’s touch was light, leaving Lin Xian looking youthful and sunny, not overly mature.

This was the first time Xiao Panpan did makeup for her, and Lin Xian relished every heart-fluttering moment of eye contact they shared during the process, thoroughly pleased. She wrapped her arms around Xiao Wanqing’s neck, cooing, “Xiao Panpan, I won’t learn how to do makeup. Can you do it for me from now on?”

“Okay.”

“For life?”

Xiao Wanqing, pressing their foreheads together, eyes closed, softly promised, “Okay.”

In the afternoon, sticking to their planned schedule, they reluctantly ended their trip and took a flight back to Anjiang City, where Wen Tong was waiting for them at the airport exit as promised.

From a distance, Wen Tong spotted Xiao Wanqing and Lin Xian immediately. Both were wearing simple T-shirts and shorts, but among the bustling crowd, they stood out as a vivid and beautiful scenery, drawing attention. It was undeniable, judging purely by appearances, they were a perfect match.

Walking shoulder to shoulder, chatting and laughing, Wen Tong caught a glimpse of Xiao Wanqing’s radiantly smiling face, which made her feel a moment of sadness.

As she got closer, Xiao Wanqing noticed her and immediately greeted her with a smile, bending her eyes in joy: “Wen Tong.”

Wen Tong, carrying a bag in one hand and her other hand in her pocket, intentionally approached with a nonchalant demeanor. Suddenly, her steps halted as her gaze fixated on the snow-white neck of Xiao Wanqing.

Xiao Wanqing, clearly aware of where Wen Tong’s gaze was directed, bit her lip and awkwardly raised a hand to flick her hair, futilely attempting to cover up.

Wen Tong’s gaze gradually drifted towards Lin Xian. This was the first time she had seen Lin Xian again after more than half a year.

Lin Xian seemed to have grown taller and became a bit more composed. The girl looked back at her with a calm and confident smile, poised and proud. From her eyes, Wen Tong clearly caught the girl’s regal composure and pride.

“How childish!” Wen Tong scorned in her heart. But she had to admit, there was a sour feeling inside her.

The little bok choy she had so carefully nurtured over the years was about to be harvested, only to be plucked by some other pig! It hurt, especially wanting to hit Lin Xian, but she had to hold back, not revealing a trace in front of Xiao Wanqing.

She approached the two naturally, lazily complaining, “You guys are so slow.”

Xiao Wanqing joked naturally, “Sorry, busy person, for making you wait.” She smiled, glanced at Lin Xian beside her, and couldn’t help feeling a bit shy as she said, “Let me formally introduce her, Lin Xian, my girlfriend.”

Hearing Xiao Wanqing introduce her like this for the first time, Lin Xian’s lips couldn’t help but spread into a wide smile, almost reaching her ears. She thought for a moment and then extended her hand formally to greet, “Auntie Wen, long time no see.”

Wen Tong lightly shook her hand and smiled faintly, “Indeed, it’s been so long that everyone’s status has changed.” She turned her head, teasing Xiao Wanqing, “Come on, call me Auntie Wen and let’s hear it.”

Xiao Wanqing gave her a sidelong glance and joked back with a laugh, “Would you even respond if I dared to call you that?”

Wen Tong initially wanted to continue joking about this issue of seniority, but upon realizing it could be a bit sensitive, she swallowed her words and decided to skip over this topic.

The three drove into the city center, and since it was mealtime, they decided to eat together.

At the dinner table, they were initially enthusiastic, discussing in harmony what Xiao Wanqing and Lin Xian had seen and heard on their trip. However, the topic gradually shifted to the issue of education in Yiping. Suddenly, Wen Tong changed the subject and targeted Lin Xian, asking, “I heard from Xiao that, Xianxian, you’ve been tutoring part-time?”

Lin Xian nodded frankly.

“Tutoring isn’t related to your major, right? Such experience might not be helpful for your future job hunting. Have you considered doing something else?”

Lin Xian was momentarily taken aback, then honestly replied, “I know it’s not very useful, but my main reason for doing part-time work right now isn’t to build experience.” Internships that could be helpful for the future usually don’t pay well, so she’s currently just trying to earn some money.

“Lin Xian, life is like driving; you can’t just look at what’s directly ahead, you must also consider what’s further down the road,” Wen Tong suddenly became serious.

“Wen Tong, Xianxian is only in her sophomore year. It’s not yet time for her to consider these things,” Xiao Wanqing interjected to smooth things over. The waiter brought another dish, and Xiao Wanqing picked up a piece for both Wen Tong and Lin Xian, trying to lighten the mood, “Try this, it smells quite fragrant.”

Wen Tong did as she hoped, lowering her head to eat. Just as Xiao Wanqing sighed in relief, Wen Tong swallowed her food and continued to question Lin Xian, “Xianxian, I heard from your mom you plan to study abroad after graduation?”

“No, I won’t be going,” Lin Xian frowned, very decisively.

“Oh? Then what are your plans? Are you considering graduate studies domestically? Or planning to go straight into work?” Wen Tong questioned sharply.

Lin Xian hesitated before uncertainly replying, “I’ll go straight into working.” She didn’t want Xiao Panpan to wait too long for her to really grow up. She also needed to achieve financial independence sooner to have more say against her parents.

Xiao Wanqing frowned, unable to hold back, she gave Wen Tong a look, hoping she would stop asking.

However, Wen Tong, as if she didn’t catch the signal, pressed on, “Going to work? In the finance sector, having just an undergraduate degree might not cut it, you know? Have you looked into it?”

Seeing Lin Xian struggling to respond, Xiao Wanqing couldn’t resist coming to her defense, half-jokingly said, “Wen Tong, don’t scare the kid. Our Jingnan Finance’s reputation is still quite resounding, you know.” She picked up a piece of caramelized dish with her chopsticks for Wen Tong, softly saying, “Eat up, it’s getting solid.”

Wen Tong, seeing Lin Xian pondering and not wanting to really upset Xiao Wanqing, decided to back off after her point was made. She took a bite of taro and finally changed the subject.

As the last dish was served, Xiao Wanqing excused herself to go to the restroom, but in reality, she went to the front desk to pay the bill. Wen Tong knew but thought there would be other days to argue over this, so she let it go.

She sat opposite Lin Xian and watched Xiao Wanqing walk away. She then became more serious and said, “Lin Xian.”

Lin Xian also sat up straight, looking back at Wen Tong calmly, waiting for what she had to say next.

“To be honest, you are too young, and I don’t approve of you being with Xiaowan,” Wen Tong said bluntly.

“Everyone grows up from being young. What others think isn’t the most important thing; what matters most is how Panpan feels,” Lin Xian replied, unfazed.

The atmosphere was tense, like swords drawn and bows bent.

After a long moment, Wen Tong let out a lonely chuckle.

She sighed deeply and said with heartfelt concern, “Then you must not let her down. Lin Xian, grow up quickly. Don’t make her wait too long or suffer too much.”

Lin Xian was about to respond when Xiao Wanqing’s tall and graceful figure appeared before them. Lin Xian swallowed her words and pretended to find a light topic to discuss with Wen Tong.

Back at the apartment complex, as they rode the elevator, Xiao Wanqing explained, “Xianxian, don’t take to heart what Wen Tong said earlier.”

Lin Xian curved her eyebrows into a smile, tilted her head, and teased, “What? Did Aunt Wen just say something?”

Xiao Wanqing let out a sigh of relief and laughed along.

That night, as she held Xiao Panpan, watching her sleep with a gentle and serene expression, her heart was filled with tenderness. She thought about the serious words Wen Tong had for her, and her heart sank a bit.

Actually, what Wen Tong said wasn’t wrong. Aside from her certainty about her future with Xiao Panpan, that she wanted to be with Xiao Panpan, she really should plan the rest properly.

After the long holiday, when they met again, Shi Man hadn’t arrived yet. Lin Xian, together with Chen Zhi and Tang Mo, was excitedly sharing their holiday experiences. There was a click of a chair, and as Lin Xian turned her head, she saw Shi Man sitting down beside her, wearing a look of sorrow.

“Yo, Manman, haven’t seen you in a few days, why have you become like this? Can’t stand being alone in your room anymore?” Lin Xian teased in a low voice.

Shi Man gave Lin Xian a dagger look, unhappily admitting, “Half and half. The other half is, Zhijin signed the contract.” Although she was worried later and Xia Zhijin took the initiative to contact the family lawyer to come along for the signing to ensure everything was alright, deep down she was still not pleased, especially hearing that the efficiency was incredibly high and Xia Zhijin would soon start training while joining the filming crew.

Just as Lin Xian was about to ask for more details, the assistant class leader came over and said, “Lin Xian, the counselor wants you to come see him for a bit.”

The author has something to say:

Wen Tong thought of the little bok choy that was taken away, feeling aggrieved and wronged.

Shi Jiaojiao frowned and scoffed coldly: Am I not delicious enough? She actually still has time to think about someone else?