Troublesome – Chapter 25

Kind Words

Say more kind things.

Jin Shuilan stepped out of the room. With her gone, Lu Zhenqiu became more relaxed and focused on her recording. Jin Shuilan didn’t close her door; she just stood quietly in the doorway for a few seconds. Her eyes met Maomao’s, and the dog trotted over to nuzzle her leg. She wanted to pat Maomao’s head but curled her hand back into a fist. She returned to her room, grabbed her nightgown, and went to the bathroom for a bath.

A cold bath, at that.

The moment she submerged herself, the chill seeped through her skin, instantly clearing her head. She scooped up a handful of cold water and splashed it on her face, but instead of extinguishing the scorching flames in her heart, it seemed to heat the surrounding water. The warmth lapped against her skin, burning hot.

Giving in, Jin Shuilan submerged her entire body, tilting her head back and opening her eyes. The reflection of the lights shimmered on the water’s surface, as indistinct and flickering as the light that had danced in Lu Zhenqiu’s eyes when she smiled.

She couldn’t hold her breath any longer and resurfaced with a soft exhale.

Jin Shuilan lost track of how long she’d been soaking. It was only when Lu Zhenqiu knocked on the door that she snapped back to reality. “Teacher Jin?” Lu Zhenqiu called from outside.

“Coming,” she replied.

Her voice was slightly hoarse, a little deeper than usual. Jin Shuilan hastily grabbed her nightgown from the side and slipped it on, completely forgetting to dry herself. The fabric was instantly soaked, clinging to her body and outlining the faint, exquisite curves of her figure.

Jin Shuilan had always maintained a regular workout routine. No matter how busy she was, she always found time for the treadmill or some yoga, so she was in excellent shape.

When Lu Zhenqiu opened the door, she saw Jin Shuilan looking as if she had just emerged from the water. She paused, a little startled. “I noticed you’d been in the bath for a long time.”

Jin Shuilan kept irregular hours, and it was the middle of the night. Lu Zhenqiu had finished her recording a while ago, but when Jin Shuilan didn’t come out of the bathroom, she worried she might have fallen asleep in the tub and caught a cold. That’s why she couldn’t help but knock.

“I was tired, so I soaked a little longer,” Jin Shuilan said. “Do you want to take a bath?”

Lu Zhenqiu shook her head. “No, that’s okay. I’ll just take a quick shower later.”

“You should soak if you have the time,” Jin Shuilan insisted. “Especially since you’re often sitting for long periods. You need to improve your circulation and move around. This bathtub has an automatic massage function. It’s very convenient, perfect for you.”

After what had just happened, Lu Zhenqiu felt a bit closer to Jin Shuilan. Moreover, since moving in, her single greatest feeling was one of comfort. Everything was comfortable—the room was comfortable, and communicating with Jin Shuilan was exceptionally comfortable. In her heart, Jin Shuilan was practically a benefactor. Since her benefactor was saying so, she couldn’t possibly refuse. She nodded and said, “I’ll try it next time, then.”

Jin Shuilan beckoned. “Come in.”

Lu Zhenqiu walked in. Jin Shuilan turned sideways. The water in the tub was still rippling, its surface glistening. Jin Shuilan drained the cold water and turned on the hot tap. As water slowly streamed in, she crouched down and said to Lu Zhenqiu, “Look here.”

She pointed to a control panel beneath a transparent cover. “To turn on the massage, you open this.”

There was a green button next to a red one. Lu Zhenqiu nodded. “Got it.” As she said that, Jin Shuilan pressed the green button. A low hum came from the tub, and the water stirred with faint ripples. “Put your hand in,” Jin Shuilan said.

Lu Zhenqiu put her hand in the water and tilted her head, a little confused. Jin Shuilan let out a muffled laugh, then took Lu Zhenqiu’s hand and guided it to a crevice under the tub’s edge. “When you’re lying down, you can rest your hands here and your legs over here.”

There really was a suction force!

And it was rolling, too. Lu Zhenqiu found it fascinating. She looked at Jin Shuilan in slight astonishment, her eyes sparkling with surprise. Seeing her look of curious discovery, Jin Shuilan’s heart softened. The palm holding Lu Zhenqiu’s hand grew hot, and her grip tightened unconsciously. Fortunately, Lu Zhenqiu’s attention was entirely on the massaging bathtub, so she didn’t notice Jin Shuilan’s unusual reaction.

“Teacher Jin, this really is nice,” Lu Zhenqiu said, the end of her sentence lilting upwards. It was sweet, so sweet it was as if a whole pot of syrup had been poured into Jin Shuilan’s heart, bubbling with warmth. She lowered her gaze. The steam from the hot water wafted onto her face, and she knew without looking that her cheeks were flushed. She deliberately used her usual tone of voice. “I’m glad you like it. I’ll fill it up a bit for you. Want to try it in a little while?”

Lu Zhenqiu genuinely liked it; this was a godsend for after-work relaxation. She nodded. Seeing her happy expression, Jin Shuilan couldn’t help but smile. She showed Lu Zhenqiu which products were for cleaning the tub and which were for disinfecting. Lu Zhenqiu watched intently as Jin Shuilan disinfected and cleaned the tub right in front of her before refilling it. She asked Lu Zhenqiu, “Is the water temperature okay?”

“It’s perfect,” Lu Zhenqiu nodded.

Jin Shuilan filled the tub halfway. “Don’t fill it too much, or the water will overflow.”

Lu Zhenqiu committed this to memory, nodding repeatedly like a well-behaved child. At some point, Maomao had snuck over and wedged its head between them. Maomao licked Lu Zhenqiu’s face, and she laughed. “Stop it, Maomao. Go play for a bit.”

Maomao whined twice before trotting away with its head down.

Jin Shuilan said, “Alright, I’ll leave this on so you don’t have to turn it on again when you get in.”

She was referring to the massage function. Lu Zhenqiu nodded. “Okay.”

Jin Shuilan stood up. As she reached the door, she couldn’t resist turning back. Lu Zhenqiu looked at her. “Teacher Jin?”

“Do you need me to get you a glass of water?” Jin Shuilan asked. “You can get dehydrated if you soak for too long.”

Lu Zhenqiu walked past her. “I can get it myself.”

Jin Shuilan hummed in agreement, watching as Lu Zhenqiu poured a glass of water and went to her room to get her nightgown. She pursed her lips, then went to the kitchen and prepared a fruit platter for Lu Zhenqiu, even drizzling half a carton of fresh milk over it. Finally, she had Lu Zhenqiu take it with her into the bathroom and set it on the tub’s armrest. Before leaving, she even turned on the television mounted above the bathtub. “You can cast directly from your phone. Watch whatever you want.”

It’s so convenient, and Teacher Jin is so thoughtful!

Lu Zhenqiu was endlessly grateful and readily agreed. “Thank you, Teacher Jin!”

Jin Shuilan nodded and left the bathroom. Lu Zhenqiu closed and locked the door, placed her phone on the armrest, undressed, and got in. The moment she lay down, her body settled into the rolling suction of the massagers. Just when she thought a spot might ache, the pressure had already moved on. It was too comfortable, like living a divine existence. Lu Zhenqiu couldn’t help but call Hua Luo. “A massaging bathtub really is amazing.”

Hua Luo was in the middle of typing. Hearing this, she muttered something and asked plaintively, “You’re in it now?”

Lu Zhenqiu said, “Yeah, I just learned how to use it, so I’m soaking.”

Hua Luo’s voice was filled with envy. “I want one too. I’ve been sitting all afternoon, my bones are aching.”

“You don’t have space for one,” Lu Zhenqiu reminded her.

Hua Luo sighed. “That’s true. The more I think about it, the more depressed I get. I’m moving as soon as the New Year is over! I’m getting a bigger place, one that can fit my beloved bathtub!”

Before Lu Zhenqiu could speak, Hua Luo asked, “It seems like you and Teacher Jin are getting along well. She’s even letting you use her bathtub.”

Lu Zhenqiu thought for a moment. “It’s great. Teacher Jin is a really good person. She even recommended a radio drama to me.”

Hua Luo was confused. “What radio drama?”

“It’s one she’s preparing for recently,” Lu Zhenqiu explained. “She let me try out for a role in it. I did, and she said it was pretty good. I might… I might actually get to do voice acting.”

Hua Luo: “Holy sh#t!¹ For real? You’re awesome, girl!”

She knew Lu Zhenqiu had always loved voice acting, but she wasn’t familiar with that circle. And because of Xiao Yu’s conflict with Lu Yan, they had barely set foot in that world again, so they couldn’t help her.

She never expected Lu Zhenqiu to have a chance to pick up voice acting again.

She asked excitedly, “Did Teacher Jin take the initiative to let you try?”

“Not exactly,” Lu Zhenqiu explained. “One morning, Teacher Ji came over, probably to discuss the radio drama with her. She happened to see me, and Teacher Ji asked if I was interested.”

Hua Luo: “Teacher Ji? Ji Zibo?”

She was the gold-standard producer and director in the radio drama circle. Back when radio dramas weren’t popular, she insisted on doing unpaid projects. After they took off, countless people lined up to work with her. She was picky about scripts and people, and anyone who collaborated with her ended up doing very well. Hua Luo said, “That’s amazing, Qiuqiu! You’re going to be famous!”

Lu Zhenqiu laughed at her teasing. “You’re thinking too far ahead.”

“What’s wrong with thinking far ahead? If we think far ahead, we can let go of what’s happening now.”

Lu Zhenqiu’s smile faded. She knew Hua Luo was talking about Tang Yingxia. After a moment of silence, Hua Luo said, “Qiuqiu, I watched your stream tonight. Did that Tang Yingxia come looking for you again?”

Tang Yingxia had sent a few gifts, but she hadn’t messaged her. Lu Zhenqiu said, “Hua Luo, I’ve already let it go.”

“As long as you’ve let it go,” Hua Luo said. “Tang Yingxia isn’t worth it. Look how great you’re doing now. Your streaming is on the right track, you have news about voice acting, you’ve rented such a nice place, and tonight you even get to soak in my little darling…”

Lu Zhenqiu chuckled. “This is Teacher Jin’s.”

“Fine, fine,” Hua Luo corrected herself. “You’re soaking in Teacher Jin’s little darling.”

The conversation was getting more and more ridiculous. Lu Zhenqiu said, “Alright, I’m going to enjoy my bath. No more chitchat.”

“Hey, turn on your video, let me see.”

Lu Zhenqiu sucked in a breath. “I’m lying in the bathtub.”

Hua Luo was completely unconcerned. “I’m not interested in you…”

Lu Zhenqiu laughed and joked with her for another moment before hanging up, her mood suddenly much lighter. Hua Luo was right. Her life was getting better, bit by bit, and it would only improve from here. She clutched her phone, picked up a slice of apple from the side, and took a bite. It was sweet and sour, absolutely delicious.

Perhaps it was because of the massage that night, but Lu Zhenqiu slept exceptionally soundly. The next day, sunlight streamed into her room as Maomao’s head nudged her. Its nose was damp from breathing. She hugged Maomao and gave it a few pets before getting up.

There wasn’t a sound from outside the door; Jin Shuilan wasn’t up yet. Lu Zhenqiu tiptoed into the bathroom to wash up, then changed Maomao’s food and went into the kitchen.

It was rare for her to have a free morning. She cooked some rice porridge, made two hand-pulled pancakes, and since she didn’t know what flavors Jin Shuilan liked, she also fried some chive and egg pancakes. Jin Shuilan was awakened by the aroma. She sat on her bed for a few seconds, thinking the smell was wafting in from a neighbor’s apartment. When she realized it might be Lu Zhenqiu, she pulled open her door.

Sure enough, Lu Zhenqiu was in the kitchen, busy in a cartoon-print apron. She was wearing pajamas with the sleeves rolled up, revealing her slender, beautiful wrists and arms. Her skin looked fair, glowing like white jade in the sunlight. She was focused on her task with her head down, her hair casually held up with a clip. The ends of her hair cascaded from the top of the clip, brushing against her swan-like neck and, somehow, against Jin Shuilan’s heart.

A tingling numbness spread through her.

Jin Shuilan walked over. “Morning. Making breakfast?”

Lu Zhenqiu turned her head, her smile relaxed. “Morning, Teacher Jin.”

Jin Shuilan nodded, then remembered she hadn’t washed up yet and immediately spun around. Lu Zhenqiu was puzzled. “Teacher Jin, what’s wrong?”

“No, nothing,” Jin Shuilan cleared her throat. “I’m going to wash up.”

Without waiting for a reply, she hurried into the bathroom and closed the door. She took a shallow breath and looked in the mirror. Her hair was a mess, and her pajama buttons weren’t done up properly. She frowned as she buttoned them, wondering if Lu Zhenqiu had noticed.

Only after washing up and tidying herself did she come out. Lu Zhenqiu was already sitting at the kitchen island. When she saw Jin Shuilan approach, she handed her a pair of chopsticks. Jin Shuilan said, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” said Lu Zhenqiu. “Thank you for taking care of me these past few days, Teacher Jin. Please try these and tell me which ones you like, so I’ll know what to make next time.”

So that’s why she made so much. She’s testing my tastes?

That’s really unnecessary. I like everything she makes. Why bother testing?

But Jin Shuilan was still delighted by Lu Zhenqiu’s thoughtfulness. She drank a glass of warm water and started on breakfast. They chatted as they ate. Jin Shuilan asked, “Do you have anything to do after this?”

“No,” Lu Zhenqiu said. “I was planning to take Maomao for a walk downstairs. Do you have something on, Teacher Jin?”

Jin Shuilan nodded. “Then after we eat, let’s take Maomao for a walk together, and then I’ll take you to the studio to sign the contract.”

Lu Zhenqiu’s heart beat a little faster. It had been such a short time from submitting the audio to getting it approved; it all felt unreal. The sudden talk of signing a contract was like a stabilizing needle. She glanced at Jin Shuilan and said, “Okay.”

Jin Shuilan lowered her head and continued eating. Lu Zhenqiu asked, “Teacher Jin, which pancake do you like?”

“They’re all good,” Jin Shuilan said, looking up at her. “I’m pretty easy to please. You don’t have to make so much next time. I’m not a picky eater.”

Lu Zhenqiu made a mental note.

After their meal, they put the leftover pancakes in the fridge. By the time Jin Shuilan had washed the dishes, Lu Zhenqiu had Maomao on its leash. They went downstairs for a walk together. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, making the dewdrops on them sparkle. The world was awash in a gentle glow. Lu Zhenqiu said, “Teacher Jin, the scenery in this complex is really nice. The property prices must be high, right?”

“A bit higher than in the city center,” Jin Shuilan said.

Lu Zhenqiu knew that prices in the city were already very high; for this place to be even higher was truly astonishing. But the greenery and environment here were worth the price. Jin Shuilan turned her head and asked, “What’s on your mind? Thinking of buying a house?”

“I can’t afford it right now,” Lu Zhenqiu laughed. “Maybe in the future.”

Jin Shuilan nodded. “What kind of house would you want to buy in the future?”

Lu Zhenqiu thought seriously. “A one-bedroom apartment would probably be enough, right?” She mused to herself, “I hope it has a sunny balcony, and just enough space for me and Maomao.”

Jin Shuilan said, “There are quite a few one-bedroom apartments in this complex.”

Lu Zhenqiu gave a dry laugh. “I probably can’t afford one in this complex.”

Jin Shuilan was silent for a few seconds. “If you want to buy one in the future, I can help you inquire and get the lowest price.”

Lu Zhenqiu was slightly surprised. “Teacher Jin, do you know someone at the sales office?”

“You could say that,” Jin Shuilan replied.

Lu Zhenqiu marveled, “Teacher Jin, your network is so vast.”

Jin Shuilan smiled. “But is a one-bedroom apartment big enough? In the future—” She paused. “Won’t your parents come to stay?”

Lu Zhenqiu shook her head, touching her nose. “They won’t. My mother is doing quite well now.”

Jin Shuilan glanced at her. “What about your father?”

Lu Zhenqiu’s expression froze for two seconds. Her brows knitted instinctively, her pupils contracting. It was a fleeting change, but Jin Shuilan saw it clearly. Lu Zhenqiu did not like hearing about her father. She quickly changed the subject. “There’s a swimming pool up ahead. Want me to show you?”

“There’s a swimming pool too?” Lu Zhenqiu pushed down her earlier emotions and said to Jin Shuilan, “I’ve been wandering around for days and never found it.”

“It’s below the sales office,” Jin Shuilan said. “On the second basement level. There’s also a children’s playground inside.”

They were too old for a children’s playground, so they just strolled around the pool area. Even though it was morning, there were already people swimming. A few girls in swimsuits were sitting on chairs. One of them recognized Jin Shuilan and greeted her with pleasant surprise. “Miss Jin!”

Jin Shuilan looked over. It was someone from her building. They had met in the elevator a few times. The girl was the type to get friendly quickly and had even invited her to go swimming together, an offer she had politely declined. As Jin Shuilan walked over, she heard the girl say, “Miss Jin, are you here to swim too?”

As she spoke, her eyes lingered on Jin Shuilan, carrying a deeper meaning beyond simple observation. Jin Shuilan pulled Lu Zhenqiu closer to her side and said, “I’m showing my friend around.”

Only then did the girl notice Lu Zhenqiu. She was pretty, with a good temperament and a tall figure. The two of them looked quite well-matched standing together. The girl gave a faltering smile. “Your friend is very beautiful.”

Jin Shuilan turned her head and smiled. “Right? I think she’s very beautiful too.”

Being praised like that made the side of Lu Zhenqiu’s face burn. As for beautiful, she felt Jin Shuilan was even more so; it was just that her features were so sharp they often gave off a false impression of being aloof.

Evidently, the girl in front of them didn’t find Jin Shuilan aloof and still wanted to get closer. Jin Shuilan said, “Let’s leave it here for now. I still have to take her to work.”

Her tone and posture were both intimate. After speaking, Jin Shuilan even took the initiative to take Maomao’s leash and gave Lu Zhenqiu a look. Lu Zhenqiu understood and stepped in front of Jin Shuilan, telling the girl, “Yes, sorry about that.”

Jin Shuilan stood behind her, not expecting her to move in front of her like that, as if to shield her. Her heart stirred with an unknown emotion at the thought, and a dense wave of sweet-and-sour feelings washed over her. Jin Shuilan cleared her throat. The girl said, “Alright then, we’ll talk next time.”

Lu Zhenqiu smiled, nodded, and brushed past the girl’s shoulder, with Jin Shuilan following close behind.

Only after they left the swimming pool did Lu Zhenqiu turn her head and ask, “Teacher Jin, that person just now…” She chose her words carefully. “Was she trying to pursue you?”

Lu Zhenqiu knew Jin Shuilan had many admirers, though she didn’t know the full extent. Most of what she knew came from Hua Luo—gossip about some author trying to get close to her, a public confession on Weibo, a screenwriter who was interested in her. While it was all gossip, it was undeniable that many people were chasing Jin Shuilan. But Lu Zhenqiu hadn’t expected someone to make a move just from a casual stroll by the swimming pool.

“Yeah,” Jin Shuilan said. “She’s mentioned it before.”

Lu Zhenqiu turned her head. “What did you say?”

Jin Shuilan was very honest. “I said I wasn’t interested.”

After saying that, she looked at Lu Zhenqiu. “I’m sorry about just now.”

Lu Zhenqiu waved her hand. “It’s fine.”

It wasn’t fine. Jin Shuilan’s heart was still pounding from her protective gesture, yet Lu Zhenqiu’s expression was calm. She said, “Shall we head back now?”

Jin Shuilan came back to her senses. “Yeah.”

They went back together. Lu Zhenqiu changed into a slightly more formal outfit and whispered a few things to Maomao. Jin Shuilan came out of the study with her glasses on and asked, “Are you ready?”

Lu Zhenqiu grabbed her bag. “Coming.”

They took the elevator together. Lu Zhenqiu glanced at Jin Shuilan out of the corner of her eye. The edges of her gold-rimmed glasses glinted with a cold light. With those glasses perched on her nose, Jin Shuilan’s aura was subtly different, her features appearing even sharper. After spending so much time at home together, this was the first time she had seen Jin Shuilan wear glasses.

After getting off the elevator, Lu Zhenqiu sat in the passenger seat. Jin Shuilan said, “You can put your bag in the back.”

Lu Zhenqiu nodded slightly. As she placed her bag in the back, her hand brushed against Jin Shuilan’s clothes. A crisp, cool fragrance washed over her. It was a cold scent, but very pleasant. Lu Zhenqiu sat up straight. Jin Shuilan waited until she had fastened her seatbelt before starting the engine.

As the car headed toward the city center, they chatted idly. Jin Shuilan’s hands were on the steering wheel, and the light reflecting off her gold watch danced on Lu Zhenqiu’s collarbone. Jin Shuilan merely spared it a glance before quickly looking away, not daring to let her gaze linger.

They finally arrived at the studio.

Because it was a studio recording, many of the voice actors were staying in hotels nearby. Since they lived in the suburbs, they hadn’t moved in. When Lu Zhenqiu arrived, the place was mostly empty and quiet. There were three or four connected studios. She had no idea which crew was in the one next door, as its door was closed. Lu Zhenqiu said, “Teacher Jin, we’re early.”

“Let’s go in,” Jin Shuilan said.

Lu Zhenqiu walked inside. Ji Zibo was yawning as she watched them enter. She cut her yawn short and waved. “Zhenqiu! Teacher Jin!”

She rubbed her eyes. “Morning.”

It was clear she had pulled an all-nighter. Lu Zhenqiu smiled. “Morning, Teacher Ji.”

Ji Zibo pulled her clothes tighter around herself. “Have a seat. I’ll get you a cup of tea, then I’ll take you to the workroom.”

“Okay,” Lu Zhenqiu nodded.

She sat on a nearby sofa. The heater was on, so it wasn’t cold. Ji Zibo bustled around, tidying things up. Finally, she said, “Come on, let’s go to the workroom.”

The workroom was large, with two computers and a full set of voice acting equipment. Lu Zhenqiu was familiar with all of this from her past experiences. Ji Zibo took a file out of her bag and handed it to Lu Zhenqiu. “Want to look over the contract first? We can talk details after you sign.”

Lu Zhenqiu had no objections. She took the contract and began to read. Ji Zibo said, “Teacher Jin, come here.”

Jin Shuilan shot her a look and walked over. Ji Zibo tugged on her sleeve. “Let’s talk over here.”

She pulled Jin Shuilan to the doorway and asked, “So what’s the word?”

Jin Shuilan was baffled. “What?”

Ji Zibo frowned. “On pursuing her! How’s it going? Any progress?”

Jin Shuilan said irritably, “If you had just broken up and someone started pursuing you, would you agree?”

Ji Zibo had a moment of realization. “That’s true. But I’m telling you, you’d better keep a close watch this time.”

Jin Shuilan asked, “What do you mean?”

Ji Zibo held her tongue for a moment, then said, “The crew next door… I did some asking around. Turns out, it’s been rented out for that radio drama of Tang Yingxia’s. Tang Yingxia might show up, so…”

Jin Shuilan’s face darkened, the gold rims of her glasses flashing with a frosty light, sharp as a blade. Ji Zibo muttered, “Don’t let someone else beat you to it again.”

The moment the words left her mouth, the person beside her shot her an icy glare. Ji Zibo quickly said, “Tsk, tsk, tsk, what a jinx. Let me say something nice. What kind of kind words does Teacher Jin want to hear?”

Jin Shuilan didn’t respond.

Ji Zibo continued, “Then I hope she falls for you soon, that you win the beauty’s heart soon, that you successfully hold hands soon!”

She clapped for herself after she finished. Just as she was about to leave, Jin Shuilan blocked her path. Ji Zibo took half a step back. “What?”

The tips of Jin Shuilan’s ears were slightly red. “Keep talking.”

Ji Zibo was dumbfounded. “Say what?”

Jin Shuilan spoke, her voice laced with awkwardness, “Say more kind words.”

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The author has something to say:

Thirty red envelopes, muah muah.

Lu Zhenqiu: Teacher Jin, why is your face so red?

Jin Shuilan: I heard too many kind words.

Lu Zhenqiu: …

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