Lovesick
As the day turned, everyone noticed that something was off between Qiao Yu and Lin Qing.
By the third day of the trip, Qiao Yu, who had been tired from the previous days, finally had her day off, but the conditions for her rest were far from comfortable.
At the dining table, Cong Ye examined Qiao Yu to his left, then Lin Qing to his right, truly experiencing the feeling of stopping one’s cup and throwing down one’s chopsticks, having no appetite.
These two people had always been seated together for meals, often indulging in public displays of affection by picking food for each other. Why, then, today had Qiao Yu squeezed up next to him?
When they woke up, it was as if the sky itself had changed. Cong Ye, barely tasting his food, shifted his bowl closer to Qiao Yu and whispered to her.
“…Did you and Lin Qing have a fight?”
Qiao Yu’s chopsticks twitched, and in silence, she slopped her portion of natto into Cong Ye’s bowl.
Not talking? Fine! But why the hell treat him like a trash can for her unwanted food?!
Cong Ye scrunched up his face in disgust and put down his bowl, then, with muttered curses, scooted over to Lin Qing’s side.
“You and Qiao Yu—”
“I’m done eating.”
This side had zero intention of discussing the matter, and just put down her chopsticks and left the table.
Cong Ye miserably pushed his food around, feeling like an unloved, pathetic little bok choy.
Luckily, the table wasn’t just the three of them; a few gossip-loving adults were ready to step up after Cong Ye bit the dust. With a belly full of food and drink, Father Qiao, clearly amused, decided to lay it all out: “Did Yuyu really get into a quarrel with Lin Qing? That’d be a rare spectacle for the two of you.”
Qiao Yu tried to keep it together, but inevitably her cheeks flushed as she mumbled while mushing the rice in her bowl, “We didn’t fight…”
“Hm,” Mother Cong chewed thoughtfully and nodded slowly, “Doesn’t seem like it to me.”
“I feel like they’re blushing like a couple of newlyweds who’ve just met.”
“You—”
Why does this person always come up with such bizarre comparisons?! The first time I went to Cong family’s house for dinner, right in front of everyone, they said I was the new daughter-in-law coming into the family!
Qiao Yu was seething, nearly toppling over the miso soup next to her in her agitation.
She clumsily set down her utensils and stiffened her neck in rebuttal, essentially accusing Mother Cong of being disrespectful and making inappropriate jokes about kids. President Cong, ever unmoved, commented that the radishes here were quite tasty – they were sweet.
Qiao Yu was at her wit’s end with her; she had no choice but to beat a hasty retreat from the table and bolt.
It’s not that she didn’t want to get along with Lin Qing; it’s just that today, she really couldn’t bear to look Lin Qing in the eye.
Let’s not even start on what happened in the hot springs yesterday, but that dream she had last night—
Qiao Yu shuddered and banged into the wall twice.
Shameless! Lewd! Ulterior motives!
No matter how much she cursed herself, it couldn’t change the fact that Qiao Yu had that weird dream. Although the specifics of the dream were now blurry in her memory, she still felt too ashamed to face Lin Qing.
Her feelings weren’t pure in the slightest! She craved Lin Qing’s body!
Leaning against the wall, Qiao Yu was engulfed in a mix of guilt and remorse, ultimately having to accept that she was just a vulgar person.
Because she was vulgar, her emotions were tainted with desire, making it hard to restrain herself when she was near the person she fancied.
…Maybe keeping a distance would be better.
This thought had surfaced in her mind countless times, and with a hint of bitterness, Qiao Yu smiled.
If it were as easy to do as it was to think, then the world wouldn’t have so many people trapped by their emotions.
Lin Qing, of course, noticed that Qiao Yu was avoiding her.
Having not been able to speak properly from morning till noon, it was the first time since Lin Qing had known Qiao Yu to experience this.
To say she didn’t care would be a lie, but Lin Qing still decided to step back temporarily, to give Qiao Yu some time to think.
Coincidentally, she herself reflected on her bold actions from yesterday and felt ashamed, admitting she wasn’t ready to interact with Qiao Yu without any awkwardness. If their relationship were compared to a tug-of-war, then this was the halftime break, and Lin Qing was willing to wait patiently.
Besides, this waiting wasn’t hard to endure.
It was Qiao Yu, the one who used to be oblivious to her feelings, the object of her adoration.
Seeing distress, embarrassment, and a flustered reaction on Qiao Yu’s face caused by her, was in some way gratifying.
That person finally noticed her, beyond the scope of just friendship.
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She got a glimpse of the deep care and attention Qiao Yu had for her, which made her happier than anything else.
After lunch, Lin Qing hadn’t been back in her room long when she heard someone knocking at the door.
Lin Qing had braced herself for a day without seeing Qiao Yu, so when she opened the door, she was surprised to see her standing there with Cong Ye.
Qiao Yu, positioned a half step behind Cong Ye, casually nodded at Lin Qing as a greeting when the door opened, pretending to be nonchalant while fiercely pushing Cong Ye’s back, trying to calm her own racing heart.
“Don’t push me—ah, good afternoon Lin Qing. We’ve come because there are a couple of things to tell you. Firstly, the adults are playing mahjong in the entertainment area. Aunt Lin sent us over to summon you to help her out, otherwise she and my mom are gonna end up losing their shirts.”
As Lin Qing looked on with a blank expression, Qiao Yu silently lowered her head to hide the smirk on her face.
They had just watched a round of mahjong, and the situation at the table was nothing short of a disaster. Qiao Yu would have never imagined that her parents, who were so commanding in the business world, could be so utterly defeated at the mahjong table, unable to hold their heads up in the game.
Mother Lin was on a losing and winning streak, but seeing President Cong so pitifully unfortunate, she quietly sent them to fetch reinforcements—even though it sounded ridiculous to ask underage high schoolers for help with mahjong, Qiao Yu inexplicably believed that Lin Qing would definitely play better than President Cong.
Besides, they had something else to discuss with Lin Qing, so they gladly accepted the mission. On the way there, Qiao Yu hesitantly and clumsily negotiated with Cong Ye that he would take full charge of communicating with Lin Qing. Cong Ye was actually reluctant, but couldn’t resist Qiao Yu’s persistent cajoling and nagging, agreeing out of a sense of loyalty to a friend.
“And another thing, Qiao Yu and I have to go out this afternoon; we’ll be back before dinner. We’ve also mentioned this to my mom and the others.”
Yes, this was a rare opportunity for them to venture out alone together. As to why—
“It’s because Qiao Yu is going to help me pick a birthday present for you, so we can’t take you with us. After all, everyone says that birthday gifts should be a surprise.”
“…Eh? You just spelled it out like that?”
Qiao Yu couldn’t help but interject, looking at Cong Ye’s face which plainly read “or else what,” not knowing whether the problem was his or hers.
“I see.”
Lin Qing nodded with easy grace, not showing any surprise that the gift was revealed ahead of time, nor discontent that they had only started choosing it two days before the birthday. This made Qiao Yu start to question if it was her own common sense that had an issue.
“I got it, then you guys be careful on the way. After all, this is overseas, so you should pay extra attention.”
“Don’t worry! With a guide accompanying us, I’ll make sure Qiao Yu comes back in one piece! I won’t let her get lost!”
“…”
It looks like Cong Ye is still hung up on her unlucky fortune.
Qiao Yu was at a loss for words, feeling improper to just follow Cong Ye and leave, so she hesitated and looked back.
Lin Qing seemed to be waiting for her to do just that, casually leaning against the doorframe, watching her intently. Her brows were like distant hills, her eyes held the mistiness of autumn waters, radiating unabashed tenderness.
“…As for the gift, is there anything in particular you want?”
She forced out the question, Qiao Yu shifting her gaze away, inexplicably nervous.
Hearing this, Lin Qing smiled softly, playfully tilting her head.
“I have something I want, will you go find it and bring it to me?”
“…”
Qiao Yu choked, bowing her head, unsure of how to respond. From yesterday until today, Lin Qing’s words seemed to always carry a deeper meaning, leaving her unable to cope.
“Just kidding.”
Lin Qing quickly eased the tension, naturally walking over to untie Qiao Yu’s scarf, which she had haphazardly tied into a mess, and then neatly wrapped it around her again.
“It’s your choice; whatever it is, I’d like it.”
Easily closing the gap, Lin Qing’s voice was soft and deep, her speech controlled to a volume only the two of them could hear.
Qiao Yu had no room to retreat, merely lowering her eyes and nervously tugged the scarf that Lin Qing had just neatly arranged, partially covering her face, and mumbled an acknowledgment.
Then Qiao Yu followed Cong Ye out, her steps clumsy as if fleeing in panic.
Lin Qing watched her leave, reminiscing about the tall girl obediently bowing her head to make it easier for her to tie the scarf, revealing the flush of red on her ears peeping through her hair.
Her mood was so good that it was hard to contain.
“How about this one? Don’t all girls like pink stuff?”
“Ugly.”
“…Hmm, what about this one?”
“Even uglier.”
Having reached the end of his patience, Cong Ye put down the product in his hands and crossed his arms with an air of indignation.
“Ever since we came out, the only feedback you’ve given me is ‘ugly’! You’re not putting your heart into your role as an advisor at all!”
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“…That’s because everything you pick really is ugly…”
Though she said that, Qiao Yu still turned her head away, feeling guilty.
“Enough! How could I not know what’s going on with you!”
With his head held high, Cong Ye snorted in disdain.
“This half-dead appearance of yours, if it isn’t because of Lin Qing, what else could it be?”
“…”
Qiao Yu really wanted to refute his baseless assertion, but since he had indeed hit a nerve, she found herself speechless and could only give him a resentful glare as a form of protest.
“What are you looking at! I’ve never seen you so spirited in front of Lin Qing!”
There was a tone of frustration as if scolding iron for not turning into steel in his voice. Cong Ye became infuriated, rolling up his sleeves with agitation.
“You won’t say what exactly has happened between you and Lin Qing, just look at you!”
It was just like lecturing a child. Qiao Yu felt a complex mix of emotions.
“I don’t care what’s going on, but hurry up and make up,” Cong Ye said resentfully, letting out a sigh, “You should know it’s painful for onlookers to see you like this, especially since you obviously care about each other — don’t tell me you don’t care, my eyes aren’t just for decoration!”
Qiao Yu didn’t plan to say she didn’t care. She helplessly watched Cong Ye, who had worked himself up into a state, patiently listening to him finish speaking.
“In any case, you’re bound to make up eventually, right? So why waste time dodging each other? Why not just make up directly?”
“Look, Lin Qing only had a few bites at lunch before claiming to be done. She definitely hasn’t eaten enough. Aren’t you worried?”
Cong Ye muttered his complaints, casting a reproachful look at Qiao Yu.
…It’s truly unbelievable, but it seems like I’m about to be convinced by Cong Ye.
Although the logic seems quite peculiar, and his words are filled with his intense personal feelings, strangely, Qiao Yu somewhat understood what Cong Ye meant.
“I get it… You really are something else.”
“Huh? What do you mean? Are you secretly cursing me out in your mind again?”
“Not this time.”
“This time??”
Observing Cong Ye, who was quickly getting worked up again, Qiao Yu felt a profound sense of emotion.
He may seem difficult to get along with, but once you get to know him, he turns out to be a person who values relationships deeply. He has his own logic, lives with clarity and understanding, and is always sincere to those he trusts.
This is the male lead of this world, Qiao Yu thinks that perhaps she should take back the bad things she said about him earlier. Cong Ye, in her eyes, might not be a good match for Lin Qing, but he is definitely a competent male lead and someone likable.
His words were very right; she shouldn’t waste her time dodging and evading.
Qiao Yu lowered her eyelashes.
If she can’t completely cut ties at once, at least she should try to maintain a semblance of peace.
After all, time is a precious thing to her.
When Qiao Yu returned to the hotel, it was already past five o’clock, not yet dinner time, and the mahjong group was still playing enthusiastically.
Hesitantly, Qiao Yu, holding a paper bag, peeked her head into the entertainment area and was immediately spotted by the sharp-eyed President Cong.
“Ah, Qiao Yu is back.”
Mother Cong’s sudden call drew everyone’s attention to Qiao Yu, who had to step out.
“You’re here to pick up Qingqing, right?” Mother Lin said with smiling eyes, patting Lin Qing, who was sitting next to her, on the hand, “Go ahead, we won’t keep you.”
“Mm.”
Mother Cong nodded earnestly, with a sincere expression, telling Qiao Yu.
“Here you go, and by the way, Qingqing is really good at mahjong.”
Amidst the teasing from everyone, Lin Qing quickly walked to Qiao Yu’s side, took her hand, and led her away from this place of gossip, leaving a trail of laughter and cheerful voices behind them.
Throughout the whole process, Qiao Yu had no chance to speak; she didn’t say a single word before the matter was concluded.
Qiao Yu felt quite conflicted.
But indeed, she came to find Lin Qing, and smooth progress is a good thing… perhaps.
This matter can’t withstand overthinking; Qiao Yu decided to set it aside and not mention it for now.
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She was now walking alongside Lin Qing in the corridor, stealing glances at her and deciding to break the silence by handing over the paper bag.
“I… bought some taiyaki, do you want some?”
“When I came out of the shopping center, I saw a stall on the side. It looked pretty delicious, so I bought one of each filling to bring back. Let me think, there are red bean, matcha, and cheese… um, I can’t quite remember them all.”
“The vendor said there was also a milk tea and pearl filling, but I really thought you wouldn’t like—it seemed a bit like dark cuisine, so I didn’t get that one.”
“Ah, of course, we’re not far from dinner time, so maybe having snacks isn’t great, it’s okay not to eat them!”
Qiao Yu, nervous, rambled on, and before she finished speaking, she had already given herself a way to gracefully retreat.
… This is tricky. She really isn’t skilled at dealing with her own bizarre reactions.
Things aren’t leisurely or relaxed; the air around them seems to be mixed with thick syrup, making it hard for Qiao Yu to breathe.
“Thank you.”
Lin Qing’s gentle voice reaches her ear. Qiao Yu feels the paper bag lighten in her grasp, staring dumbly as Lin Qing takes out a taiyaki and takes a bite.
“It’s very sweet.”
She licks the corner of her lips, and Qiao Yu’s gaze involuntarily sticks to that little red tip of her tongue, swiftly moving her eyes away as if scalded.
Qiao Yu’s heart feels like it’s overturned a spice rack, managing only vague, monotonous responses, incapable of deeper contemplation.
Being alone with Lin Qing seems to have added new troubles after yesterday, making Qiao Yu’s heart float and sink like it’s bobbing on the sea surface.
…What to do, she really wants to kiss her.
Kiss her!
Kiss her!