Chapter 24 - Lin Xian’s heart felt like it was wrinkling in on itself (Patreon)

After nearly a month of living together, Xiao Wanqing and Lin Xian finally welcomed a peaceful, uneventful weekend. Though it was the weekend, Xiao Wanqing didn’t sleep in. Over the past month, her biological clock had gradually adjusted to Lin Xian’s routine. Without needing an alarm, she now woke up early right on time.

She got out of bed, prepared breakfast as usual, and kept it warm in the pot. Then she picked up a book and reclined on the balcony lounger, flipping through the pages leisurely, waiting quietly for Lin Xian to wake up amid the gentle morning breeze and the soft glow of the sun.

Lin Xian, used to waking up early for her morning classes, usually found it difficult to sleep in. Xiao Wanqing understood this well. After all, getting through high school was perhaps the most intense and exhausting phase in many people’s lives. Now that it was over, a little relaxation seemed only fair. Xiao Wanqing wanted Lin Xian to enjoy a well-deserved lazy morning—just not too lazy. Her limit was 9 a.m.

Fortunately, before Xiao Wanqing had to wrestle with whether or not to wake her up, Lin Xian woke up on her own at 8:30.

She instinctively turned her head to glance at the alarm clock on her nightstand. Huh—it was already 8:30. Instantly, her heart filled with joy. Aunt Xiao was truly the sweetest! She hadn’t come to drag her out of bed!

At home, even on weekends, Zhou Qin was unwavering—she’d have her up by 7:30, rain or shine, under the righteous banner of “The early bird catches the worm. Youth should not be wasted sleeping.” Even Lin Zhan’s attempts to plead for mercy on her behalf never worked. Zhou Qin would unleash a barrage of life lessons, about how habits formed in youth would influence a lifetime. Lin Zhan would end up silenced, giving Lin Xian only a helpless “good luck” look. Lin Xian, though reluctant, had no choice but to surrender.

Aunt Xiao was practically an angel!

With that grateful and excited thought in mind, Lin Xian washed up and left her room in search of Xiao Wanqing.

Following her usual path, she checked the bedroom, the kitchen, and the living room, before finally spotting that familiar figure on the balcony. Xiao Wanqing turned slightly to glance back at her, eyes lifting from her book to her face. Bathed in golden sunlight, her smile seemed even more radiant than the morning light. “You’re up. Good morning.”

Lin Xian’s eyes softened as she smiled. “Good morning, Aunt Xiao.”

Xiao Wanqing closed her book and stood up, smiling as she turned to head inside. “Hungry? Let’s have breakfast.”

Lin Xian blinked in surprise. “You haven’t eaten yet?”

Xiao Wanqing opened the rice cooker, ladled out some porridge, and responded with a gentle laugh, “What a silly question. Of course I waited to eat with you.”

Lin Xian immediately felt a little embarrassed.

She had no idea when Xiao Wanqing had woken up or how long she had waited—whether she was hungry or not. Lin Xian made a mental note to herself: I should try waking up earlier tomorrow.

After breakfast, Xiao Wanqing headed to her study to work. She gave Lin Xian full freedom, telling her she could watch TV, go online, or even play video games—there was a console prepared in the cabinet. “As long as you can manage your time and keep yourself balanced, it’s fine to relax a little.”

At that moment, Lin Xian was even more convinced—Aunt Xiao had to be a guardian angel sent from the heavens to save her from the tyranny of Zhou Qin!

But after so many years under Zhou Qin’s strict discipline, Lin Xian had developed study habits that were hard to break. Unless she had finished some schoolwork first, she couldn’t fully enjoy herself. She couldn’t concentrate on watching TV, nor could she relax in front of a computer. Eventually, she returned to her room, sat at her desk, and began reviewing her notes and textbooks.

Still, her mind kept drifting.

She had just seen Xiao Wanqing not long ago, yet she couldn’t help but think about her again. She remembered the last time she’d seen her working in the study, how elegant and focused she looked. Time seemed to slow around Xiao Wanqing, making everything feel calm, safe, and serene.

Unable to shake the restlessness in her heart, Lin Xian finally made up her mind. She gathered a stack of books and tiptoed out of her room.

She gently knocked on the study door. When she caught Xiao Wanqing’s attention, she peeked her head in, slightly shy, and asked, “Aunt Xiao, can I… can I study in here with you?”

Xiao Wanqing was mid-sentence, writing something at her desk. She paused, looked up at Lin Xian with warm eyes, and nodded with a smile. “Of course you can. As long as you don’t mind the clicking of my mouse and keyboard.”

Lin Xian lit up, bounced inside, and settled into the same seat she had used before. Tilting her head, she grinned, “Not at all—as long as I’m not disturbing your work!”

Xiao Wanqing capped her fountain pen, then, with a gentle laugh, reached out and tapped Lin Xian’s nose with the tip of the pen. “Silly girl…” Her tone was tender and affectionate, making Lin Xian’s heart melt, her smile blooming with delight.

Later that evening, during dinner, Xiao Wanqing suddenly asked Lin Xian if she was afraid of being home alone.

That’s when Lin Xian learned that every Saturday night, Xiao Wanqing usually had dinner with Wen Tong, followed by a workout session at the gym. The past two weeks, she had stayed home for Lin Xian’s sake. But after repeatedly standing Wen Tong up, the latter had started to complain. Even if they couldn’t share a meal, at least they could still exercise together. So this week, Xiao Wanqing would likely have to go.

“Have to go”—that was Xiao Wanqing’s own phrase. When she said it, her tone held a kind of helpless affection, the way one only spoke about someone truly close and dear.

Lin Xian bit her lip, then suddenly asked, “Can I come with you?”

Of course she wasn’t afraid of being alone. She had spent plenty of nights at home by herself while Zhou Qin and Lin Zhan were busy. But something stirred in her now. She suddenly wanted to meet this “Wen Tong” who had been mentioned so many times—this person who could be so intimately spoken of by Xiao Wanqing, someone who clearly held such a special place in her life.

Xiao Wanqing looked surprised for a moment, then smiled. “Of course. I actually thought about inviting you, but I wasn’t sure if you’d be interested in going to the gym. I didn’t want to take up your hard-earned rest time.”

Lin Xian smiled knowingly, “Oh, but I am very interested! I’ve been wondering how you’ve kept such a beautiful figure all this time—turns out it’s thanks to regular workouts!”

Xiao Wanqing, of course, saw right through the flattery, though her eyes softened further with fondness. “You and that mouth of yours…”

Lin Xian grinned, flashing her perfect white teeth. “I meant every word!”

And so, after dinner and a short break, Xiao Wanqing drove them both to the gym. She had arranged to meet Wen Tong there.

As soon as they stepped into the gym, Lin Xian saw the receptionist at the front desk greet Xiao Wanqing with easy familiarity. “Long time no see! Haven’t spotted you around for the past two weeks.”

She didn’t even ask Xiao Wanqing to swipe her membership card and simply let her in, though she did cast a curious glance at the younger girl trailing behind her.

Xiao Wanqing gave a soft, pleasant smile and responded warmly, “I’ve been busy spending time with this little one here—so much fun I didn’t even think about coming! I brought her along today to try it out. If she likes it, I’ll sign her up for a membership.”

The receptionist had no objections and welcomed them in with great politeness. She even reminded them about a new class happening that evening, suggesting they give it a try. Xiao Wanqing nodded with a gentle “Thank you,” and agreed pleasantly.

There was a treadmill at Lin Xian’s home too. Her parents, Lin Zhan and Zhou Qin, would occasionally hop on for a run if they had time. But Lin Xian never liked the indoor air—she preferred the open road and the breeze on her skin when she jogged outside. She’d never really tried gym equipment before. As for the other equipment, she had only ever seen it on TV. Arriving at the gym for the first time, she felt like a child in a toy store, everything filled her with novelty.

As they made their way inside to look for Wen Tong, Xiao Wanqing thoughtfully pointed out the various machines along the way, patiently explaining what each one was used for. Whenever they came across a piece of equipment that caught Lin Xian’s eye and happened to be free, she would gently encourage her to give it a try.

Lin Xian, buoyed by her encouragement, became more eager with each step. She tested out several machines, gaining a bit more confidence each time. But just as she was trying one that Xiao Wanqing had said was for strengthening back muscles, Wen Tong finally appeared.

Lin Xian had her back to the door and didn’t see her arrive—she only heard a low, magnetic, and slightly cool-toned voice behind her, half-complaining, “I’ve been waiting for you inside forever. Meanwhile, you’re out here having a great time.”

At first, Lin Xian didn’t realize it was directed at them. She thought it was just someone nearby chatting. But then she heard Xiao Wanqing respond—her voice as gentle and melodious as always, but with a rare touch of playful teasing. “I was on my way in to look for you, wasn’t I?”

It clicked. Lin Xian immediately dropped her arms from the equipment and sprang up, spinning around to look.

Xiao Wanqing noticed and quickly warned, “Slow down, don’t twist anything.”

Lin Xian steadied herself and lifted her gaze—and there she was.

A tall woman stood just a step away, her long dark ponytail tied high, dressed in a sleek, dark-colored workout outfit. She was stunning—striking in a way that contrasted completely with Xiao Wanqing’s gentle elegance. Her features were sharp, with bold brows, bright amber eyes like polished resin, a high-bridged nose, and thin, firmly pressed lips. Her face was sculpted and intense—immediately unforgettable. There was something exotic about her too, something foreign in her beauty.

Lin Xian thought to herself, Wow, those eyes are so calm… but her presence—it’s kind of intimidating.

While Lin Xian was sizing her up, Wen Tong was also examining Lin Xian.

Xiao Wanqing stood between them, the corners of her lips curved up as she made the introductions. “Xianxian, this is your mom’s junior from school—my old classmate and good friend, Wen Tong. Wen Tong, this is Lin Xian.”

As the younger one, Lin Xian knew to be polite. She greeted warmly, “Hello, Aunt Wen. I’m Lin Xian…”

But before she could finish, she was met with a sharp look from Wen Tong—an obvious glare that sent a chill down her spine. She immediately turned to Xiao Wanqing for help, eyes silently pleading.

Xiao Wanqing chuckled softly, teasing Wen Tong, “You scared her. What’s the matter—having trouble accepting your age? What’s wrong with being called ‘Auntie’? Go on then, try calling Zhou Qin ‘Auntie’ and see if you get to be the same generation as Xianxian.”

Wen Tong shot her a look. Oddly enough, her usually piercing expression softened. After a long pause, she sighed in defeat and said to Lin Xian, “All right… I’m your Aunt Wen.”

Xiao Wanqing burst into bright laughter, genuinely amused.

Lin Xian couldn’t help but feel a little sour. She seems so much happier… more relaxed when she’s with Wen Tong.

Thankfully, though Aunt Wen looked fierce and had a powerful presence, she was actually patient and kind while helping Xiao Wanqing guide Lin Xian through the rest of the gym equipment.

The three of them strolled around, chatting as they went. Eventually, they each took a treadmill side by side and started their actual workout.

Lin Xian had no idea how long they’d been running when, suddenly, a phone rang from nearby. The ringtone was loud and unexpected:

♪ “Lately, you and I have been feeling the same… a kind of something that feels like love. On the same day, we realized it… getting closer, that is love—it’s not just a maybe…” ♪

It was Elva Hsiao’s Love, Almost. Lin Xian hummed along silently in her heart, familiar with the song. But then, she noticed Xiao Wanqing suddenly reach out and press the button on her treadmill, stopping it abruptly.

Wen Tong noticed and also began to slow her machine down until she, too, came to a stop.

Lin Xian blinked in confusion. She was about to stop as well, when Wen Tong handed Xiao Wanqing a towel and gave Lin Xian a sideways glance, saying calmly, “It’s fine, you keep going.”

Lin Xian hesitated, then nodded and focused back on running, though her thoughts quietly drifted to the two women beside her.

After a long moment of silence, Wen Tong finally spoke in a low, slightly hoarse voice, “Are you still waiting?”

The air felt still. After a while, Xiao Wanqing replied. Her voice carried a faint smile, but it sounded more like self-mockery. “No. I’m not stupid. I never really believed it would happen. I never really waited.”

Wen Tong looked at her, her expression shifting—she wanted to ask, Then have you forgotten? But in the end, she just sighed and said, “I heard… he might be having a second child. His family’s been wanting a boy.”

Lin Xian didn’t understand what kind of cryptic conversation they were having, but she could vaguely sense that… whoever this man was, he had something to do with Xiao Wanqing’s past. Something very deep.

Xiao Wanqing had her back to her, so Lin Xian couldn’t see her expression. But the voice that drifted over was light and soft—so soft it almost sounded like a sigh in the wind, a kind of desolate murmur she’d never heard from her before: “Is that so? That’s good… That’s really good.”

Wen Tong’s face changed instantly. Her sharp brows furrowed tightly, and her expression turned conflicted, like there were words she wanted to say but couldn’t.

Suddenly, Lin Xian’s heart felt like it was wrinkling in on itself. Watching Xiao Wanqing’s quiet, delicate silhouette, something in her chest twisted up. Her steps faltered. She couldn't run anymore, and also didn't want to run anymore.