This time, will you bless us?
A surprise came too suddenly, and Lin Xian couldn’t react in time. Unconsciously, she slightly opened her mouth and softly uttered, “Hmm?” In the next moment, she belatedly couldn’t contain the raised corners of her lips, dancing with excitement while seeking confirmation: “Xiao Xiaowan, did you just agree?!”
Xiao Wanqing softened her gaze and indulgently replied, “Yes, I agreed to it.”
Lin Xian couldn’t help but want to lean over and kiss Xiao Wanqing. However, just as her body leaned to the left, she was firmly stopped by the seatbelt. Her pouting mouth drooped instantly as she looked at Xiao Wanqing with a forlorn expression, pulling on the seatbelt on her body.
Amused, Xiao Wanqing teased, “It’s not right to try to influence the driver’s safe driving.”
Lin Xian pouted, sat back in her seat, and deliberately arrogantly said, “Hmph!” in a pretending-to-be-angry manner.
The traffic light turned red, and Xiao Wanqing stopped the car. She cast a sidelong glance at Lin Xian, the smile at the corner of her lips deepening.
After a moment of arrogance, Lin Xian, realizing that Xiao Panpan was not coaxing her, broke her act and coquettishly said, “You never pamper me.”
As the joy slightly faded, Lin Xian looked at Xiao Wanqing’s gentle expression, pursed her lips, and began to feel a pang of heartache.
She hoped that Xiao Wanqing could gradually face and move on from the past. But as that hope started to become a reality, she couldn’t help but feel worried and heartbroken: “It’s not certain whether we will celebrate at my place or somewhere else, but it will definitely be in the Southern District. Panpan, are you really okay with this? If you’re not ready yet, don’t force yourself for me.” This was her sincere concern.
Although she wished to celebrate her birthday with Xiao Wanqing, everything paled in comparison to her desire for Xiao Wanqing’s happiness and well-being.
Xiao Wanqing subtly restrained her smile, a hint of melancholy fleeting in her gentle eyes. After a while, she turned to reassure Lin Xian, “I’m not forcing myself. It’s been a long time since I’ve been back; I should go back and take a look.”
Her eyes seemed to hold a spring of clear water, shimmering enchantingly, as she confessed to Lin Xian, “Xianxian, in truth, over these years, I have tried to go back, but each time, as I approached the bridge leading to the Southern District, I hesitated.”
Living alone all these years, she simply existed because her parents hoped she would. There were always moments each year when she felt she couldn’t hold on anymore, overwhelmed with thoughts of her parents, wanting to break down, longing to go home, visit their graves, and have a conversation with them. Yet, in the end, she never dared to return.
In moments of extreme despair, the mind would only repeat the harshest and most hurtful words.
She always remembered her usually gentle and kind grandmother, who, in her emotional outburst after the loss of both her son and daughter-in-law, had cruelly scolded Xiao Wanqing as she left, saying, “Shaming the family, causing your parents’ death, unfilial and unrighteous. How dare you show your face here again.”
Until her death, her grandmother refused to see her again.
Until her death, her grandmother never forgave her. How could she forgive herself, forgive the past version of herself?
However, Xiao Wanqing released her right hand from the steering wheel, palm facing up on the armrest, and softly said, “But this time will be different, won’t it? This time, I have you with me, Xianxian.”
Lin Xian’s expression softened and became solemn as she placed her hand over Xiao Wanqing’s palm, interlocking their fingers, and firmly stated, “I will be with you. Xiao Panpan, from now on, every journey in your life will have me by your side. Through thick and thin, we will go together and return together.”
Xiao Wanqing looked at their intertwined hands, with an affectionate gaze in her eyes, then gently lowered her head to kiss the back of Lin Xian’s hand.
The green light came on, and Xiao Wanqing had to let go of Lin Xian’s hand to start the car.
She remembered something she wanted to discuss with Lin Xian, “Xianxian, I also have something to discuss with you.”
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“Oh? Go ahead.”
“I’m planning to change jobs and leave the magazine company. Aunt Wen invited me to join Juxing Media where she works as the Operations Director. The salary and benefits are better overall than what I have now, but it might be much busier. What do you think, Xianxian?”
Changing jobs may seem like an individual decision, but in reality, it’s a decision that involves both of them, as it will impact their daily lives and change their shared lifestyle. Xiao Wanqing respects Lin Xian’s opinion.
Lin Xian stared at Xiao Wanqing, her gaze not just filled with surprise at the news but also touched by the gesture. She knew that Xiao Wanqing discussing this with her didn’t hold much practical significance. Lin Xian had limited knowledge about Xiao Wanqing’s work, let alone analyzing the pros and cons for her. Yet, Xiao Wanqing still asked her, engaging in a serious discussion, treating her as a true equal partner.
“Why do you suddenly want to change jobs?” Lin Xian cherished the right Xiao Wanqing gave her and gently inquired.
She felt a twinge of jealousy at the thought of Xiao Wanqing potentially working long-term with Wen Tong. Despite Wen Tong’s gracious behavior at their last meeting, the idea of her beloved spending time day in and day out with a potential rival bothered her.
She also noted Xiao Wanqing’s words, “It might be much busier than now.”
During class today, a classmate suddenly approached Shi Man, trying to be secretive, and asked, “Shi Man, are you very close with Senior Sister Zhijin?”
Shi Man raised her gaze to look at the female classmate, silently acknowledging her request.
The female classmate eagerly tried to please Shi Man, saying, “Can you help me ask Senior Sister Zhijin to get an autograph from Lu Mingfeng? I’ve liked her for a long time. I saw the official announcement that Senior Sister Zhijin will be partnering with her in filming 《Cicada Summer》, and they’ve already started filming.”
Shi Man’s expression turned somewhat cold, she pursed her lips, hesitated for a moment, then finally said, “Alright, if I can convey the message.”
After the excited female classmate left, Lin Xian noticed Shi Man’s unusual expression and jokingly teased her, “It seems like Senior Sister Zhijin’s future is boundless, are you going to bask in her glory as an idol’s wife?”
“Haha.” Shi Man forced a light laugh and said, “I’m afraid she’s going to become someone else’s idol’s wife.” She sighed, “Do you know that in the past week, the time we spent talking was only a few minutes? She’s as busy as a spinning top, every time we talk, before I can say a few words, someone is already urging her to come to film. I don’t want to be anyone’s idol’s wife, I just want the days back when I could see her every day.”
Shi Man lay her head on the table, speaking softly to Lin Xian, “Why do you think Zhijin suddenly wants to act? I never noticed her interest in this before.”
“Perhaps she just discovered a dream all of a sudden,” Lin Xian comforted her. “Maybe she’ll feel better once this busy period passes.” Seeing Shi Man looking so lonely these days, Lin Xian also felt a tinge of sadness.
When she heard about Xiao Wanqing’s proactive vaccination, she felt a bit scared. If Xiao Wanqing became busy, she would become the second Shi Man.
But, just as she had comforted Shi Man, what if this was Xiao Wanqing’s dream?
“Because my current job has basically reached a ceiling for me, with almost no room for upward growth. Xianxian, I want to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself, to see more of my own possibilities.”
Lin Xian looked into Xiao Wanqing’s sparkling eyes, biting her lip. After a moment, she pushed aside all her hidden thoughts, curved her lips, and sincerely replied to Xiao Wanqing, “If you feel good and happy about it, I unconditionally support any decision you make.”
“But, there might be a period where I won’t be able to clock in and out on time and have meals with you.” This was the most obvious impact.
Lin Xian poked Xiao Wanqing’s cheek, teasing, “Silly, I’m a grown adult, you know. Do you think I can’t eat on my own?” She smiled and proudly said, “I can even prepare dinner for you.”
“But you have to promise me one thing.” Lin Xian toned down her smile and said seriously.
“What?” Xiao Wanqing asked tenderly.
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“Even if you’re busy, take care of yourself. Health comes first, work comes second. Don’t make me worry. If you don’t do it, I’ll throw a tantrum.” The girl confidently delivered her gentle threat, showing maturity and thoughtfulness that warmed the heart, yet her cute stubbornness also softened it.
Xiao Wanqing nodded affectionately, “I promise you.” She paused, then suddenly turned her head back, gazing ahead at the road. With a shy and gentle tone, she added, “Lin Xian comes first, health comes second, work comes third.”
Lin Xian seemed taken aback by the unexpected words, hesitating for a second. Then, unable to resist, she unfastened her seatbelt, leaned over, and lightly kissed Xiao Wanqing’s arm through their clothes. She actually wanted to throw herself into Xiao Wanqing’s arms, but afraid of startling her while driving, she restrained herself and just subtly kissed the fabric on her arm.
“Xianxian, don’t be naughty, buckle up quickly,” Xiao Wanqing expressed concern.
“Xiao Xiaowan, can you drive a bit faster? It’s late, I want to cuddle up with you and sleep soon.” Lin Xian showed no fear, leisurely fastening her seatbelt while playfully kissing her own fingertips with clasped hands, her eyes warm and mischievous, hinting with a wicked smile.
“Lin Xian…” Xiao Wanqing playfully scolded with a hint of annoyance.
Lin Xian, satisfied, watched as Xiao Panpan’s fair little ears blushed a visible crimson in the air, the curve of her lips growing more pronounced.
Why did she always find herself wanting to smile uncontrollably when looking at her?
Upon hearing that Lin Xian had successfully persuaded back Xiao Wanqing, Zhou Qin was so astonished that she almost dropped her jaw, delighted and somewhat incoherent, repeatedly questioning Lin Xian on how she managed to do it.
While feeling the increasing sweetness in her heart at Zhou Qin’s amazed voice, Lin Xian maintained her usual carefree and mischievous demeanor, “Maybe I’m just too charming. Auntie Xiao couldn’t bear to refuse me and make me sad, right?”
Zhou Qin’s father was originally invited to attend a lecture at the university that evening but upon hearing that Xiao Wanqing was coming, he was determined to meet her no matter what. Zhou Qin and Lin Xian discussed and eventually decided to book a private room at a restaurant in the city center. This decision was made for several reasons: it added a sense of formality, it was close to the school where her father would be speaking, making it convenient to drop him off later, and it was also closer to the Southern District, making it easier for Xiao Wanqing and Lin Xian to return home since Lin Xian had classes the next day.
Upon hearing this, Lin Xian immediately expressed her agreement. In reality, she was a bit afraid that letting Xiao Wanqing directly come to her house might be too sudden of a step, considering that to reach her place, they would pass by Xiao Wanqing’s place first.
Xiao Wanqing’s willingness to venture into the Southern District today was already satisfying for Lin Xian. She wanted to take it slow and steady.
In early November, on Lin Xian’s birthday, Xiao Wanqing left work a bit early to pick up Lin Xian and accompany her to the Southern District.
As the car was about to cross the bridge from the Northern District to the Southern District, Xiao Wanqing’s hand on the steering wheel involuntarily trembled. Even in her work, she had delegated dealings in this area to others. It had been almost a decade since she last saw the view on the other side of the bridge.
Lin Xian’s warm hand gently covered Xiao Wanqing’s trembling hand.
Xiao Wanqing turned to look at the owner of the hand, and Lin Xian gazed back at her with a soft, shallow smile.
The car gradually drove onto the bridge, crossing over the bridge’s heart, traversing through the dim years of nearly a decade. Slowly shattering the strong walls of the tunnel.
“A few years ago, they renovated the road here. Xiao Panpan, guess how to get to my house from here,” Lin Xian asked, watching Xiao Wanqing closely, trying to liven up the atmosphere.
Xiao Wanqing unconsciously tightened her grip on the steering wheel and took a gentle breath, “Choose the left lane, right?”
“Wow, how did you know?” Lin Xian exaggeratedly exclaimed.
A bitter smile tugged at the corner of Xiao Wanqing’s lips as she softly replied, “How could I not know the way back home.”
Lin Xian’s throat tightened at her words, feeling a sudden pang of emotion in her nose.
She gazed at the delicate woman beside her, displaying a fragile yet resilient smile. Suddenly, she softly called out her name, “Xiao Wanqing.”
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Xiao Wanqing turned slightly to look at her.
“I love you,” Lin Xian couldn’t help but express tenderly.
The bitterness gradually faded from the corners of Xiao Wanqing’s lips, replaced by a sparkling brilliance in her eyes, as bright as stars.
For many years, she had carried her grandmother’s words with her, blaming herself, afraid to think about her father’s final words, unwilling to seek any excuses for herself.
Many years later, because of Lin Xian, she slowly began to recall the last struggles of her father in the ICU, where he, with great effort and intermittent breaths, managed to say to her, “You can…walk…your own path, but be…happy!”
As the car gradually descended from the bridge, the familiar yet unfamiliar scenery of the Southern District unfolded before their eyes.
Dad, I’ve brought her back.
This time, will you bless us?
Xiao Wanqing’s eyes welled up, her breathing becoming heavier.