For The Rest Of Our Life – Chapter 163

Xianxian, do you want to learn?

Invigilating is actually a very difficult thing. For over two hours, students below are busy answering questions, while teachers on the podium feel like time is passing so slowly.

(Invigilating – supervising students during exam)

Xiao Wanqing is someone who enjoys solitude. Normally, she is used to being alone in silence. However, she can’t distract herself and needs to constantly monitor the students’ exam situations below. It’s not easy for her to pass this long invigilation time idly, staying clear-headed while doing nothing.

But today is different.

Today, after Xiao Wanqing distributed the exam papers as usual and sat back on the podium, casually scanning the test questions, her mind couldn’t help but wander back to Lin Xian who clung to her for a hug and kiss before she left in the morning just like a child.

As she watched the students in the classroom focused on their tasks, thoughts of many peaceful nights in Anjiang City came to mind, of them in the study room, and Lin Xian diligently doing homework by her side. As her mind began to wander, time started quickly slipping away. Before Xiao Wanqing could start feeling impatient, the invigilation time was coming to an end.

She couldn’t remember exactly what she had been thinking about, only that every thought was related to Lin Xian. She briefly replied to a text message Lin Xian had just sent her, and as she saw this familiar number appear on her screen again, her eyes softened with emotion.

Locking her phone screen, she stood up to remind the students that there were fifteen minutes left, urging them to make good use of their time. Taking two steps, she stood at the door, looking outside at the light rain that had started falling again at some point. A gentle smile played on her lips, genuine and warm.

As the invigilation came to an end, Xiao Wanqing carefully sorted the papers and walked briskly towards the office building. After handing over the papers, she left the office carrying her bag. Once again, she encountered the female student who always seemed to run into her.

The girl emerged from the next senior high office, still exchanging greetings with the teachers inside. When she turned her head, she happened to see Xiao Wanqing passing by on her way downstairs, and she couldn’t help but pause in surprise.

This time it truly was a chance encounter.

“Teacher Xiao…” The girl’s face lit up with a bright smile as she quickly walked over to Xiao Wanqing’s side. “Are you heading back after the invigilation is over?”

“Yeah. Did you do well this morning?” Xiao Wanqing responded absentmindedly, picking up her pace slightly compared to usual, her expression gentle as she walked down.

The girl stood by Xiao Wanqing’s side, discreetly looking her over several times, feeling that Teacher Xiao seemed particularly different today, especially… beautiful and charming, her fair complexion glowing with a rosy tint.

“It went well. If nothing unexpected happened, I should score around 120.” The girl replied confidently.

“That’s impressive.” Xiao Wanqing complimented warmly. Her mind was elsewhere, so the compliment lacked a genuine extension.

The girl was oblivious, smiling happily yet shyly, hesitated for a moment, and jokingly gathered the courage to say, “I wasn’t this good before, but after meeting Teacher Xiao, I discovered that Chinese is really interesting, so I worked hard. If I do well, could Teacher Xiao reward me?”

She knew that Xiao Wanqing often gave out rewards in her class to encourage students. She didn’t actually want such a reward, just wanted to test Xiao Wanqing’s reaction.

As soon as the words left her mouth, she saw Xiao Wanqing’s steps pause. Turning her head slightly, Xiao Wanqing maintained a polite and gentle smile on her face. But in her eyes, there seemed to be a hint of inquiry and contemplation.

The girl held Xiao Wanqing’s gaze firmly, before Xiao Wanqing could speak, she quickly backtracked, saying, “I was just kidding. Actually, I saw a classmate in your class showing off the notebook you rewarded her with before and found it especially unique, so I wanted to keep one for myself.”

“Oh, I see…” Xiao Wanqing nonchalantly averted her gaze, resumed walking, and casually replied, “I have a few more in my office. Next time you come to see me, I’ll give you one.”

The girl smiled in response, “Then thank you in advance, Teacher.” She glanced at Xiao Wanqing a few times, struggling for words, couldn’t help but remark, “Teacher, you seem different today.”

This comment made Xiao Wanqing pause. She recalled a few years ago, shortly after she had just started dating Lin Xian, when she went to pick up Wen Tong from Changze City, Wen Tong had also said the same thing to her. Was it so obvious that she was different with Lin Xian by her side?

She cast an interested glance at the girl and earnestly asked, “How am I different?”

The sideways glance she gave was like a shimmering wave, shining brightly, stirring the girl’s heart.

What’s different? The girl also asked herself silently. It was the aura, and also in the eyes. Teacher Xiao’s gaze was different now. In the past, her eyes were gentle but always carried a hint of melancholy, yet today, they sparkled with lively spirit, clear and bright.

“Teacher, you seem very happy today.” The girl stared at Xiao Wanqing’s enchanting face, her expression revealing unmistakable admiration and longing.

As they reached the corner of the staircase, turning down towards the exit of the office building, Xiao Wanqing suddenly stopped, turned around, her expression easing, and then she candidly admitted, “I am indeed happy today.”

“My lover came to see me.” There was a tender intoxication in the woman’s eyes.

The girl’s body abruptly stiffened, as if the heavy rain outside had suddenly poured into the building, chilling her to the core.

“Xiao… Teacher Xiao, are you married?” She stammered.

Xiao Wanqing was a mysterious figure among students and even among her colleagues. Despite being friendly, she always kept to herself, rarely discussing her personal matters at school. Without checking her information, one might assume Xiao Wanqing was in her early thirties at most. The girl’s aunt was a biology teacher who worked alongside Xiao Wanqing, and through subtle inquiries, the girl confirmed that Xiao Wanqing was likely unmarried, with an 80% chance of living alone.

Xiao Wanqing could sense the girl’s shock and confusion, treating her like a pitiful child who had lost a candy, she sighed softly in her heart before calmly explaining, “I’m not married yet, but I have an engagement.” She wasn’t lying. She had promised to marry Xianxian, a promise she never forgot. Xiao Wanqing’s thoughts drifted to the past, her gaze becoming more gentle and distant.

The girl was completely stunned, unsure of how to react, feeling lost. Before tears could well up in her eyes, she finally snapped out of it from the blow. Speaking rapidly, she said, “Teacher, I suddenly remembered something left in the office. I’ll go back and check, so goodbye, Teacher.” With that, she turned and hurriedly ran down the stairs in an awkward manner.

Watching the girl’s retreating figure, Xiao Wanqing’s expression held a mixture of pity and relief. Children are always so innocent. She had finally resolved one matter, letting out a sigh of relief, filled once again with thoughts of Lin Xian.

Just as she took a few steps, in the distance, she could see at the entrance of the laboratory building, Lin Xian leaned on her umbrella handle, one hand inside her long coat, tall and imposing, her gaze fixed intently in her direction.

Xiao Wanqing’s eyes momentarily filled with tenderness and a ripple of smiles. As she caught a glimpse of herself in Lin Xian’s eyes, Lin Xian tilted her head, opened her umbrella, and briskly stepped into the rain toward her.

“Let’s go.” Lin Xian stood in front of Xiao Wanqing, extending her hand with a light tone.

Xiao Wanqing smiled as she reached out her hand, naturally intertwining her fingers with Lin Xian’s. Allowing Lin Xian to place their clasped hands into her coat pocket, they walked shoulder to shoulder into the rain.

“Have you been waiting long?”

“I haven’t been waiting long for you, anyway, my time is all yours.” The girl sweetly replied with ease.

Xiao Wanqing was easily delighted by Lin Xian, a sweet feeling washing over her heart, yet she restrained herself from showing too much embarrassment.

“I mentioned this morning that it might rain today, so I should have brought an umbrella.” Xiao Wanqing walked closely next to Lin Xian as they headed outside the school. She lightly pinched Lin Xian’s fingers in her pocket as a playful punishment. Lin Xian insisted that she didn’t need an umbrella and that it wouldn’t rain, asking Xiao Wanqing to trust her.

Dodging Xiao Wanqing’s pinching fingers, Lin Xian flexed her fingers and playfully scratched Xiao Wanqing’s soft palm. She proudly declared, “I did it on purpose.” Tipping the umbrella to prevent raindrops from falling on Xiao Wanqing’s shoulders, Lin Xian grinned mischievously, “If you had brought an umbrella, how would I have come to pick you up?”

Xiao Wanqing, feeling both resigned and sweet, was about to tease her with “Aren’t you afraid of getting lost on a road you’ve only walked once?” when Lin Xian softly reminded her, “Don’t move, your shoelace is loose, let me tie it for you quickly.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wanqing stopped in her tracks and looked down at her leather shoes, confirming the loose lace. She let go of Lin Xian’s hand, intending to crouch down and tie her shoelace, but Lin Xian was quick to instruct her naturally, “Panpan, can you please hold the umbrella for me?”

Xiao Wanqing subconsciously took the umbrella handed to her by Lin Xian, and then watched as Lin Xian lifted the hem of her coat, crouching down to clumsily adjust her shoelaces with lowered eyes.

The shoelaces of the leather shoes were somewhat stiff. Lin Xian tied them once, with a crooked and fumbling motion, seemingly unsatisfied. Untying them and tying them again, she finally raised her head with great satisfaction and teased Xiao Wanqing, “How was the bow I tied for Panpan?”

Observing the girl carefully bending down to tie her shoelaces, Xiao Wanqing felt a wave of emotion and sweetness in her heart. Upon hearing the question, she couldn’t help but chuckle. Playing along, she cooperated with Lin Xian, carefully examining the bow and shaking her head, saying, “Your skills still need some improvement.”

Lin Xian chuckled, not really taking offense, as she stood up and took back the umbrella handed to Xiao Wanqing. She gently held Xiao Wanqing’s hand, guiding it back into the warmth of her pocket, and asked as they walked, “Why do you seem so dissatisfied with my skills?”

Xiao Wanqing thought for a moment, not wanting to hurt her feelings too much, so she replied, “I’m not very dissatisfied.”

Lin Xian lightly caressed Xiao Wanqing’s fingertips, her tone suggestive as she said, “So, does that mean you are very satisfied?”

Xiao Wanqing was about to respond but sensed that something was amiss in Lin Xian’s tone, so she cleverly held back her words. Turning her head, she met the mischievous gaze of the girl, and upon reflecting on her words, she instantly understood the hidden meaning behind them.

“Lin Xian!” Xiao Wanqing pouted.

Still in the school surroundings, amidst the hustle and bustle of students in their uniforms, Xiao Wanqing blushed as she heard Lin Xian’s teasing words. Despite being a role model at school, the reminder of the events of the previous night causing her to remember the soreness of her waist and back.

Lin Xian put on an innocent face and innocently asked, “Come on, Panpan, what are you thinking? Why are you blushing?”

Xiao Wanqing, feeling caught off guard, couldn’t help but shoot Lin Xian a powerless glance, her shy and annoyed expression softening Lin Xian’s heart.

She was deliberately teasing Xiao Wanqing.

After receiving the photo sent by Shi Man, she confirmed it was Xiao Wanqing in the picture, working at this school. She saw Panpan in the crowd, reminiscent of that year when she accompanied her to register, standing under the tree lost in thought, as if isolated from the world around her. While there was a faint smile on her lips, her eyes were as still as dead water, devoid of any ripples. It seemed like everyone else was in color, but her world was in black and white, stagnant, and filled with sadness.

Lin Xian wanted Panpan to have colorful memories in this place where she had once lived a lonely life. She hoped to help Panpan rediscover the vibrant emotions that she could release, to find back her anticipation for life so that she could live happier, more peaceful, and freer no matter where she was compared to before.

Softening her gaze, intending to soothe her shy lover, Lin Xian suddenly saw Xiao Wanqing purse her lips, her ears turning slightly red. Despite attempting to remain composed, Xiao Wanqing teasingly said, “There’s still room for improvement, actually.”

“Xianxian, do you want to learn?” The woman’s eyes shimmered with waves, her words carrying a teasing smile as her thumb lightly brushed over Lin Xian’s index fingertip, sending a sensation akin to an electric current, causing Lin Xian’s heart to tremble.

Lin Xian’s other hand holding the umbrella trembled involuntarily, causing the umbrella to tilt significantly. Forgetting to straighten the umbrella, she stared in disbelief at the blushing yet composed Xiao Wanqing, her face suddenly flushing completely.

In her mind, unbidden, echoed the year when Xiao Panpan displayed extraordinary kissing skills, leaving her in a daze, and then asking, “Have you learned?”

Ah! Learn? Learn… what? Was it the meaning she was thinking of? Was Xiao Panpan also skilled at this?

Under the clear sky and bright sun, Lin Xian’s heart started pounding, her face flushed, and her legs feeling weak. She gazed blankly at Xiao Wanqing, biting her lip, struggling to find the right words.

Yes… she silently answered in her heart.

Xiao Wanqing had been teased twice by Lin Xian today, feeling both embarrassed and helpless. Seeing the girl’s smug and carefree demeanor, she couldn’t resist wanting to tease her back.

Satisfied to see the rare sight of Lin Xian looking shy and dazed, Xiao Wanqing’s smile deepened, her eyes filled with indulgence. Gently brushing Lin Xian’s straight nose in an affectionate manner, she teased, “Lin Xiaoxian, what are you thinking? Why is your face so red?”

Lin Xian’s eyes softened as if about to shed tears, realizing she had been tricked. Instinctively trying to cover up her embarrassment, she touched her nose that had been touched by Xiao Wanqing and retorted lightly, “Thinking what you’re thinking.”

“I think we can go to the supermarket now and buy some ingredients for lunch and dinner,” Xiao Wanqing smoothly shifted the topic, speaking earnestly. “Do you have any cravings? Let’s see if my cooking skills have deteriorated over the years.”

“…” Lin Xian felt inexplicably dejected.

She should have answered Xiao Panpan earlier with a quick “want to learn,” not knowing how Xiao Panpan would respond. But now circling back to it, she felt embarrassed.

Sighing heavily, Lin Xian walked a few steps, exhaling deeply and reassuring herself, It’s okay, there’s plenty of time ahead. There will be opportunities to learn from Xiao Panpan in the future.

At the supermarket, apart from the fresh produce section, they also visited the household goods section. Lin Xian had rushed over and brought practically nothing with her, even wearing Xiao Wanqing’s spare clothes for the change. Thankfully, Xiao Wanqing had clean underwear at hand, albeit a bit empty in the drawer, everything else fit perfectly.

Like before, she persuaded Xiao Wanqing to buy matching couple slippers, towels, toothbrushes, cups, and more before finally ending their shopping trip contentedly.

While queuing up to pay, Lin Xian and Xiao Wanqing stood side by side, with Xiao Wanqing helping the cashier pack the items into bags. As they were about to scan the last item for payment, Xiao Wanqing was still getting her wallet when Lin Xian deftly took out her phone, revealing the payment QR code, and said softly, “WeChat.”

This time, Xiao Wanqing did not insist on paying instead. She stood in front of the counter, tilting her head slightly, quietly admiring her lover’s act of payment, with a complex mix of contentment and nostalgia in her eyes.

Lin Xian raised her gaze to meet hers, a spark lighting up in her eyes as she remembered something. After neatly packing the bags, she deftly lifted the bags and the umbrella with one hand and held Xiao Wanqing’s hand with the other, walking out while gently saying, “When we get home, I have something for you.”