The Goddess and the Ugly Duckling

Normally, in their little family, regardless of whether the matter was big or small, Lu Xiaobei would always put Xiaoya's opinion first. So even if Xiaoya wanted the worldT/n: the phrase used is one used for people (usually girls) who get into a world of trouble and somewhat spoiled., Lu Xiaobei would do everything in her power to help her achieve it.

Lu Xiaobei: Xiaoya, why aren't you picking up your phone? I've made it to Shanghai safely, so please message me back as soon as you see this. I'm worried about you.

"I won't. We've known each other for a year and exchanged over a hundred cards since then," Xiaoya said in refusal.

"I won't. We've known each other for a year and exchanged over a hundred cards since then," Xiaoya said in refusal.

But upon seeing Lu Xiaobei's wooden expression, Xiaoya realised she had no way out of it, and not only was she hopeless, she was also afraid. She feared Lu Xiaobei was really angry this time around, which kicked up feelings of her not being good enough, so unworthy she was also undeserving of love.

"Did you hear me?" Lu Xiaobei didn't so much as offer a sliver on consolation towards her, neither any of her usual warmth as she spoke, only asking those words bluntly.

It wasn't until the security door closed that Xiaoya realised Lu Xiaobei was really gone. Before she left, after using the stick, she left a couple datesT/n: a show of force and a gift to make up for it. Carrot and stick is the closet thing I could come up with in English. as a peace offering, as though such a thing would quell her anger.

Xiaoya: [blows kiss]

The only thing she had relied on was Lu Xiaobei's favour.

So, if Lu Xiaobei was to turn her back on her, she felt like she would return to that girl sitting in that first year classroom from all those years ago. As though she would again be in that classroom, that afternoon, where everyone sat together, seats full, while hers was empty, as if only she was left out.

By the time Xiaoya wandered back to the apartment, she was met by a locked door she couldn't open because she had forgotten her keys.

Lu Xiaobei: "Then you could just ask me."

Lu Xiaobei: Where are you?

While she stood at her door, Xiaoya was still dressed in her pyjamas, but luckily it was her winter pyjamas so the material was thick, and although it might look little strange strange, it wasn't enough to warrant any unnecessary attention. So, like this, Xiaoya made her way to her dorm room at Nancheng University that was not too far and no more that twenty minutes away by foot.

So, if Lu Xiaobei was to turn her back on her, she felt like she would return to that girl sitting in that first year classroom from all those years ago. As though she would again be in that classroom, that afternoon, where everyone sat together, seats full, while hers was empty, as if only she was left out.

"I won't. We've known each other for a year and exchanged over a hundred cards since then," Xiaoya said in refusal.

But all Lu Xiaobei did was point to the two drawers Xiaoya used to keep her postcards then say, "I still haven't torn up all the cards you own. That pen pal of yours goes by the name 'Lover of Women?', did you even hear the kind of nickname she has?! Yu Xiaoya, listen to me, every card in your possession that has anything to do with her needs to be thrown out. Not even one of them should be left behind!"

Lu Xiaobei: Xiaoya, why aren't you picking up your phone? I've made it to Shanghai safely, so please message me back as soon as you see this. I'm worried about you.

Lu Xiaobei was genuinely convinced, "You have a reason for anything you say, don't you?" But after she spoke, to those postcards she held, she tore them into pieces and threw them in the trash.

Lu Xiaobei: What's wrong?

The already defeated Xiaoya couldn't bring herself to tell Lu Xiaobei that the real reason was because she had run out to chase after her and had failed. Not to mention this causing her to feel angered by her her own embarrassment since Lu Xiaobei was the one who went far away, yet she had to be the one worrying about her.

"E-even about t-this I have to as you about too? How much more stupid do I have to be?" Xiaoya sputtered between sobs.

This feeling has always trailed behind Xiaoya like a shadow.

Xiaoya: I messed up, too. I'm sorry, too.

When she ran out, however, the elevator had already went down.

Xiaoya: "Are you talking about jinjiangT/n: one of the most popular websites for webnovels, even this novel is posted there, link is on the ToC page. Anyhow, jiang means river? It's as clear as a lake there, nothing like that could be found so what could I learn from there?"

Lu Xiaobei: Xiaoya, why aren't you picking up your phone? I've made it to Shanghai safely, so please message me back as soon as you see this. I'm worried about you.

It wasn't until the security door closed that Xiaoya realised Lu Xiaobei was really gone. Before she left, after using the stick, she left a couple datesT/n: a show of force and a gift to make up for it. Carrot and stick is the closet thing I could come up with in English. as a peace offering, as though such a thing would quell her anger.

Xiaoya: Without you... I can't live, can I?

Lu Xiaobei: "So why are you writing about things like that in those cards? Does every one of those pen pals write about intimate romantic affairs like this as well?" Lu Xiaobei had almost driven her to let out a maddened laugh.

It was also one she never shared with Mo Yichen, her mother, nor Lu Xiaobei, as voluntarily exposing her weaknesses to others was not something she wished to do, even if they were the ones closest to her.

Not all of her luck had run out, however, because when she got back to her dorm she did meet one of her roommates there, which meant she wouldn't have to keep looking for a place to stay.

Xiaoya: [blows kiss]

"To see the dentist. Lately, my gums have been swelling up a lot, so I said I had to go get my teeth cleaned. It'll take one day to draw blood and another to get them cleaned, so I can technically spend two nights in Nancheng. Mr. Li even agreed to it and accepted my request." Xiaoya then beamed, "This is your first time competing in a national competition, right? So I want to cheer you on!"

"E-even about t-this I have to as you about too? How much more stupid do I have to be?" Xiaoya sputtered between sobs.

In return, Lu Xiaobei looked at her in a gaze that was ice-cold.

Happy New Year!

Lifting her luggage, she walked past Xiaoya. But despite things currently not being as good as they usually were, she still tried her best to slow and lower her intonation as she spoke. "There's steamed buns and soy milk on the table, so don't forget to eat them. In the fridge, I left some dumplings I made you, so if you want to eat them, boil them three timesT/n: the process of readding cold water to stop and restart the boiling process while cooking. before you do. There's also milk in the fridge that has two more before it goes bad, I left a sticky note with a reminder on it, too. But if you can't finish it, just toss it out."

Ba-thump. Ba-thump. Ba-thump...

"I heard you," defeated, Xiaoya whispered.

"I can't stand watching those kind of movies! You now that!" Xiaoya cried. When she and Lu Xiaobei first started dating, Xiaoya had never felt uncomfortable. But later in their relationship, for the sake of studying up to take their relationship to the next step, Lu Xiaobei wanted to watch those kinds of movies with her but Xiaoya expressed a bit of apprehension.

Furthermore, this all went on to prove there was a real cause for Lu Xiaobei's concern.

Xiaoya fell to the floor in a squat, hugging her knees as she wailed. "You're literally a tyrant!"

It was also one she never shared with Mo Yichen, her mother, nor Lu Xiaobei, as voluntarily exposing her weaknesses to others was not something she wished to do, even if they were the ones closest to her.

It was also one she never shared with Mo Yichen, her mother, nor Lu Xiaobei, as voluntarily exposing her weaknesses to others was not something she wished to do, even if they were the ones closest to her.

Lu Xiaobei: Did something happen?

Tears had begun streaming down Xiaoya's face, and with a crying voice she asked, "Why are you acting so menacing?! You're the one who brought up the card today, so I have no idea what she even wrote."

Lu Xiaobei: "Couldn't you just read novels? Isn't that easier than asking some stranger?"

Xiaoya: I messed up, too. I'm sorry, too.

Without thinking, Xiaoya went from standing in the hallway to sprinting down the steps in an effort to catch up to Lu Xiaobei.

We've made up, yeah? Xiaoya thought.

In the end, with her nose running and tears streaming from her eyes, Xiaoya had returned to her dorm room.

Not all of her luck had run out, however, because when she got back to her dorm she did meet one of her roommates there, which meant she wouldn't have to keep looking for a place to stay.

Xiaoya cried even more fervently. She had a faint idea of what Lu Xiaobei was upset over, but... "She's just a pen pal! We haven't even met one another face to face—we don't even know each other's real names..."

But Lu Xiaobei's voice was like crushed ice, while the postcard was still held in her hand. "Then it means you have some idea of what it is she wrote in this card."

Right then, Xiaoya didn't stay at her dorm, but made her way to Lu Xiaobei's father's house to get the spare key.

Lu Xiaobei: "Then, can you explain this?"

Lu Xiaobei: I'll call you again later tonight. [blows kiss]

Xiaoya defended, "It's not like the postmen are going to read it, they have to deliver tons of mail. Plus, we always full up the card with a lot of text so nobody else can just see it; and when our group has a lot of people, there can be dozens of cards sent a day..."

Lu Xiaobei was genuinely convinced, "You have a reason for anything you say, don't you?" But after she spoke, to those postcards she held, she tore them into pieces and threw them in the trash.

Lu Xiaoya: You didn't bring your keys? Did you bring any money with you? Are you at your dorm right now?

"Tyrant," Xiaoya whispered to herself.

Furthermore, this all went on to prove there was a real cause for Lu Xiaobei's concern.

Lu Xiaobei: "What excuse did you use to get a day off from your teacher?"

But Lu Xiaobei countered, "You don't even realise what I'm angry about at all, it has nothing to do with whether the postman sees it! It's about why you would talk to other people about something like this!"

"I can't stand watching those kind of movies! You now that!" Xiaoya cried. When she and Lu Xiaobei first started dating, Xiaoya had never felt uncomfortable. But later in their relationship, for the sake of studying up to take their relationship to the next step, Lu Xiaobei wanted to watch those kinds of movies with her but Xiaoya expressed a bit of apprehension.

But this was the first time since they had entered university that they hadn't hugged and kissed one another upon parting.

Lu Xiaobei then dropped a scolding on Xiaoya that was so fierce it could be considered a storm. "Your end of term exams for your first semester are not far away. Do you still think the college entrance exams are a world away? Do you think your final exams aren't important? You come here wearing a backpack wanting to go with me, but did you ever think of whether I'll take you with me? You may think your plan is foolproof, but what if your mother decides to call Mr. Li? What if she asks about you and Mr. Li tells her that you went with her to see the dentist? Tell me, how many mothers do you have that can take you to see the dentist? Before my competition, without revising, without modelling, you suggested I come to Yunta Town to see you. Is this the surprise you had planned for me?"

Xiaoya cried even more fervently. She had a faint idea of what Lu Xiaobei was upset over, but... "She's just a pen pal! We haven't even met one another face to face—we don't even know each other's real names..."

Furthermore, this all went on to prove there was a real cause for Lu Xiaobei's concern.

Lu Xiaobei: Where are you?

Lu Xiaobei then dropped a scolding on Xiaoya that was so fierce it could be considered a storm. "Your end of term exams for your first semester are not far away. Do you still think the college entrance exams are a world away? Do you think your final exams aren't important? You come here wearing a backpack wanting to go with me, but did you ever think of whether I'll take you with me? You may think your plan is foolproof, but what if your mother decides to call Mr. Li? What if she asks about you and Mr. Li tells her that you went with her to see the dentist? Tell me, how many mothers do you have that can take you to see the dentist? Before my competition, without revising, without modelling, you suggested I come to Yunta Town to see you. Is this the surprise you had planned for me?"

Lu Xiaobei: "So why are you writing about things like that in those cards? Does every one of those pen pals write about intimate romantic affairs like this as well?" Lu Xiaobei had almost driven her to let out a maddened laugh.

Lu Xiaobei: What's wrong?

"I can't stand watching those kind of movies! You now that!" Xiaoya cried. When she and Lu Xiaobei first started dating, Xiaoya had never felt uncomfortable. But later in their relationship, for the sake of studying up to take their relationship to the next step, Lu Xiaobei wanted to watch those kinds of movies with her but Xiaoya expressed a bit of apprehension.

Without thinking, Xiaoya went from standing in the hallway to sprinting down the steps in an effort to catch up to Lu Xiaobei.

Lu Xiaobei: What's wrong?

Xiaoya: I messed up, too. I'm sorry, too.

Xiaoya: "Of course not!"

Xiaoya fell to the floor in a squat, hugging her knees as she wailed. "You're literally a tyrant!"

Lu Xiaobei: "Then, can you explain this?"

Lu Xiaobei: Did something happen?

The already defeated Xiaoya couldn't bring herself to tell Lu Xiaobei that the real reason was because she had run out to chase after her and had failed. Not to mention this causing her to feel angered by her her own embarrassment since Lu Xiaobei was the one who went far away, yet she had to be the one worrying about her.

"Tyrant," Xiaoya whispered to herself.

Xiaoya: I went out to buy something and I forgot to bring my keys.

While she stood at her door, Xiaoya was still dressed in her pyjamas, but luckily it was her winter pyjamas so the material was thick, and although it might look little strange strange, it wasn't enough to warrant any unnecessary attention. So, like this, Xiaoya made her way to her dorm room at Nancheng University that was not too far and no more that twenty minutes away by foot.

Lu Xiaobei: I'll call you again later tonight. [blows kiss]

Lu Xiaobei: We can consider this us making up then, yeah? When I get back, I'll make you a huge feast.

Xiaoya: "We're like confidants. We talk about what celebrities we think are good looking or not, and other stuff like that. Sometimes it gets more specific, but it's only discussed scientifically and nothing else."

After saying this, and seeing there was nothing else she had to remind her of, she just said, "That's all, I'll be leaving first. When I arrive in Shanghai, I'll message you you you won't worry. "

Xiaoya: No. No. Yeah.

Looking down at her watch, Lu Xiaobei then said, "I have to get to the train station. I'll be back this weekend, and when I get back, I'll check your postcards so don't let me find even one of them with her name on it. If I find even one card related to card, I won't let you send or receive any of them again."

"Discussed scientifically? Then... were our private matters 'discussed scientifically' with her, too?" Lu Xiaobei felt as though none of her words could reach Xiaoya. "When I asked you to watch 'movies'T/n: Lesbian movies that are rated R (or TV 14 since were dealing with censorship from Chyna, fyi, this story got locked chapters for a darn kiss). with me, you never wanted to, always refusing. But you went out to ask some stranger!"

"Discussed scientifically? Then... were our private matters 'discussed scientifically' with her, too?" Lu Xiaobei felt as though none of her words could reach Xiaoya. "When I asked you to watch 'movies'T/n: Lesbian movies that are rated R (or TV 14 since were dealing with censorship from Chyna, fyi, this story got locked chapters for a darn kiss). with me, you never wanted to, always refusing. But you went out to ask some stranger!"

But Lu Xiaobei's voice was like crushed ice, while the postcard was still held in her hand. "Then it means you have some idea of what it is she wrote in this card."

The already defeated Xiaoya couldn't bring herself to tell Lu Xiaobei that the real reason was because she had run out to chase after her and had failed. Not to mention this causing her to feel angered by her her own embarrassment since Lu Xiaobei was the one who went far away, yet she had to be the one worrying about her.

"What are you doing?! Even if you're upset, why would you tear up all my cards?"

But Lu Xiaobei countered, "You don't even realise what I'm angry about at all, it has nothing to do with whether the postman sees it! It's about why you would talk to other people about something like this!"

"I can't stand watching those kind of movies! You now that!" Xiaoya cried. When she and Lu Xiaobei first started dating, Xiaoya had never felt uncomfortable. But later in their relationship, for the sake of studying up to take their relationship to the next step, Lu Xiaobei wanted to watch those kinds of movies with her but Xiaoya expressed a bit of apprehension.

Normally, in their little family, regardless of whether the matter was big or small, Lu Xiaobei would always put Xiaoya's opinion first. So even if Xiaoya wanted the worldT/n: the phrase used is one used for people (usually girls) who get into a world of trouble and somewhat spoiled., Lu Xiaobei would do everything in her power to help her achieve it.

Lu Xiaobei: Xiaoya, why aren't you picking up your phone? I've made it to Shanghai safely, so please message me back as soon as you see this. I'm worried about you.

Making her way past Xiaoya, Lu Xiaobei took the stacks of folded clothes on the bed and packed it into her suitcase, added a few more daily necessities then zipped the case shut.

But Lu Xiaobei countered, "You don't even realise what I'm angry about at all, it has nothing to do with whether the postman sees it! It's about why you would talk to other people about something like this!"

You really are a huge аsshоle!

Ba-thump. Ba-thump. Ba-thump...

Tiny note: About Female Hobbies/Lover of women's name. At first I translated it as Lover of Women, but in Xiaoya's defence, she could've read it as "Gender: Female, Hobbies/Likes:?" since it's a way people introduce themselves, instead of "Gender: Female, Preference: ?/Likes women?/S*x Female Preference?". Which could imply the person is looking for companionship and not just friendship. []I get where both of them are coming from, and the root is from the same place, too. Insecurity is a female dog. Oh, and the last two chapter titles have noting to do with the chapter, they were just posted on New Years originally. The chapter title is accurate, though... T_T

Lu Xiaobei didn't force the matter then either, but some time later, the times she did ask again, Xiaoya's apprehension didn't subside and had become full blown rejection, so she never brought it up again.

People who are not used to exercising, whose entire body was covered in soft and tender skin and muscles, can't make miracles out of thin air. So when Xiaoya finally did run out of the apartment building, not even a glimpse of Lu Xiaobei could be found.

Lu Xiaobei: "Couldn't you just read novels? Isn't that easier than asking some stranger?"

Xiaoya: Without you... I can't live, can I?

Xiaoya: "Are you talking about jinjiangT/n: one of the most popular websites for webnovels, even this novel is posted there, link is on the ToC page. Anyhow, jiang means river? It's as clear as a lake there, nothing like that could be found so what could I learn from there?"

Xiaoya: Do I have to go 'meet your parents' now?

Xiaoya: "Of course not!"

But this was the first time since they had entered university that they hadn't hugged and kissed one another upon parting.

Xiaoya: Do I have to go 'meet your parents' now?

Looking down at her watch, Lu Xiaobei then said, "I have to get to the train station. I'll be back this weekend, and when I get back, I'll check your postcards so don't let me find even one of them with her name on it. If I find even one card related to card, I won't let you send or receive any of them again."

Lu Xiaobei: "Then you could just ask me."

Lifting her luggage, she walked past Xiaoya. But despite things currently not being as good as they usually were, she still tried her best to slow and lower her intonation as she spoke. "There's steamed buns and soy milk on the table, so don't forget to eat them. In the fridge, I left some dumplings I made you, so if you want to eat them, boil them three timesT/n: the process of readding cold water to stop and restart the boiling process while cooking. before you do. There's also milk in the fridge that has two more before it goes bad, I left a sticky note with a reminder on it, too. But if you can't finish it, just toss it out."

"E-even about t-this I have to as you about too? How much more stupid do I have to be?" Xiaoya sputtered between sobs.

In the end, with her nose running and tears streaming from her eyes, Xiaoya had returned to her dorm room.

"E-even about t-this I have to as you about too? How much more stupid do I have to be?" Xiaoya sputtered between sobs.

The only thing she had relied on was Lu Xiaobei's favour.

Lu Xiaobei: "So why are you writing about things like that in those cards? Does every one of those pen pals write about intimate romantic affairs like this as well?" Lu Xiaobei had almost driven her to let out a maddened laugh.

Lu Xiaobei: "Then, can you explain this?"

Lu Xiaobei was genuinely convinced, "You have a reason for anything you say, don't you?" But after she spoke, to those postcards she held, she tore them into pieces and threw them in the trash.

Lu Xiaobei: "Then, can you explain this?"

People who are not used to exercising, whose entire body was covered in soft and tender skin and muscles, can't make miracles out of thin air. So when Xiaoya finally did run out of the apartment building, not even a glimpse of Lu Xiaobei could be found.

But Lu Xiaobei countered, "You don't even realise what I'm angry about at all, it has nothing to do with whether the postman sees it! It's about why you would talk to other people about something like this!"

"What are you doing?! Even if you're upset, why would you tear up all my cards?"

Lu Xiaobei didn't force the matter then either, but some time later, the times she did ask again, Xiaoya's apprehension didn't subside and had become full blown rejection, so she never brought it up again.

Xiaoya: I went out to buy something and I forgot to bring my keys.

Xiaoya fell to the floor in a squat, hugging her knees as she wailed. "You're literally a tyrant!"

Lu Xiaobei: Did something happen?

"E-even about t-this I have to as you about too? How much more stupid do I have to be?" Xiaoya sputtered between sobs.

Xiaoya: "Of course not!"

Lu Xiaoya: You didn't bring your keys? Did you bring any money with you? Are you at your dorm right now?

But all Lu Xiaobei did was point to the two drawers Xiaoya used to keep her postcards then say, "I still haven't torn up all the cards you own. That pen pal of yours goes by the name 'Lover of Women?', did you even hear the kind of nickname she has?! Yu Xiaoya, listen to me, every card in your possession that has anything to do with her needs to be thrown out. Not even one of them should be left behind!"

Xiaoya: Okay, sounds good.

People who are not used to exercising, whose entire body was covered in soft and tender skin and muscles, can't make miracles out of thin air. So when Xiaoya finally did run out of the apartment building, not even a glimpse of Lu Xiaobei could be found.

But upon seeing Lu Xiaobei's wooden expression, Xiaoya realised she had no way out of it, and not only was she hopeless, she was also afraid. She feared Lu Xiaobei was really angry this time around, which kicked up feelings of her not being good enough, so unworthy she was also undeserving of love.

To which Xiaoya replied giddily, "Aren't you going to a competition? I asked the teacher for a leave of absence so I'm tagging along with you."

Xiaoya: "We're like confidants. We talk about what celebrities we think are good looking or not, and other stuff like that. Sometimes it gets more specific, but it's only discussed scientifically and nothing else."

"I won't. We've known each other for a year and exchanged over a hundred cards since then," Xiaoya said in refusal.

Xiaoya: "Are you talking about jinjiangT/n: one of the most popular websites for webnovels, even this novel is posted there, link is on the ToC page. Anyhow, jiang means river? It's as clear as a lake there, nothing like that could be found so what could I learn from there?"

Lu Xiaobei, you аsshоle!

But Lu Xiaobei countered, "You don't even realise what I'm angry about at all, it has nothing to do with whether the postman sees it! It's about why you would talk to other people about something like this!"

"Tyrant," Xiaoya whispered to herself.

Ba-thump. Ba-thump. Ba-thump...

In return, Lu Xiaobei looked at her in a gaze that was ice-cold.

But upon seeing Lu Xiaobei's wooden expression, Xiaoya realised she had no way out of it, and not only was she hopeless, she was also afraid. She feared Lu Xiaobei was really angry this time around, which kicked up feelings of her not being good enough, so unworthy she was also undeserving of love.

Furthermore, this all went on to prove there was a real cause for Lu Xiaobei's concern.

But Lu Xiaobei's voice was like crushed ice, while the postcard was still held in her hand. "Then it means you have some idea of what it is she wrote in this card."

In return, Lu Xiaobei looked at her in a gaze that was ice-cold.

Xiaoya: ...

Xiaoya: Oh, okay then.

Xiaoya: "We're like confidants. We talk about what celebrities we think are good looking or not, and other stuff like that. Sometimes it gets more specific, but it's only discussed scientifically and nothing else."

Xiaoya fell to the floor in a squat, hugging her knees as she wailed. "You're literally a tyrant!"

Xiaoya: No. No. Yeah.

Lu Xiaobei: Anyhow, it's inconvenient for you to not have your phone, and your books and stuff are all back at our place. There's actually a spare key at my father's house, so I'll tell him you'll be coming to pick it up.

"I won't. We've known each other for a year and exchanged over a hundred cards since then," Xiaoya said in refusal.

Xiaoya: Without you... I can't live, can I?

Xiaoya: I went out to buy something and I forgot to bring my keys.

Normally, in their little family, regardless of whether the matter was big or small, Lu Xiaobei would always put Xiaoya's opinion first. So even if Xiaoya wanted the worldT/n: the phrase used is one used for people (usually girls) who get into a world of trouble and somewhat spoiled., Lu Xiaobei would do everything in her power to help her achieve it.

Xiaoya: Without you... I can't live, can I?

Looking down at her watch, Lu Xiaobei then said, "I have to get to the train station. I'll be back this weekend, and when I get back, I'll check your postcards so don't let me find even one of them with her name on it. If I find even one card related to card, I won't let you send or receive any of them again."

It wasn't until the security door closed that Xiaoya realised Lu Xiaobei was really gone. Before she left, after using the stick, she left a couple datesT/n: a show of force and a gift to make up for it. Carrot and stick is the closet thing I could come up with in English. as a peace offering, as though such a thing would quell her anger.

Xiaoya cried even more fervently. She had a faint idea of what Lu Xiaobei was upset over, but... "She's just a pen pal! We haven't even met one another face to face—we don't even know each other's real names..."

Not all of her luck had run out, however, because when she got back to her dorm she did meet one of her roommates there, which meant she wouldn't have to keep looking for a place to stay.

"E-even about t-this I have to as you about too? How much more stupid do I have to be?" Xiaoya sputtered between sobs.

Lu Xiaobei: What's wrong?

Xiaoya cried even more fervently. She had a faint idea of what Lu Xiaobei was upset over, but... "She's just a pen pal! We haven't even met one another face to face—we don't even know each other's real names..."

Lu Xiaobei: Where are you?

"Tyrant," Xiaoya whispered to herself.

Xiaoya: "Of course not!"

We've made up, yeah? Xiaoya thought.

Lu Xiaobei: I'll call you again later tonight. [blows kiss]

"Did you hear me?" Lu Xiaobei didn't so much as offer a sliver on consolation towards her, neither any of her usual warmth as she spoke, only asking those words bluntly.

But Lu Xiaobei's voice was like crushed ice, while the postcard was still held in her hand. "Then it means you have some idea of what it is she wrote in this card."

But all Lu Xiaobei did was point to the two drawers Xiaoya used to keep her postcards then say, "I still haven't torn up all the cards you own. That pen pal of yours goes by the name 'Lover of Women?', did you even hear the kind of nickname she has?! Yu Xiaoya, listen to me, every card in your possession that has anything to do with her needs to be thrown out. Not even one of them should be left behind!"

In the end, with her nose running and tears streaming from her eyes, Xiaoya had returned to her dorm room.

Xiaoya: [blows kiss]

Making her way past Xiaoya, Lu Xiaobei took the stacks of folded clothes on the bed and packed it into her suitcase, added a few more daily necessities then zipped the case shut.

"I heard you," defeated, Xiaoya whispered.

But Lu Xiaobei countered, "You don't even realise what I'm angry about at all, it has nothing to do with whether the postman sees it! It's about why you would talk to other people about something like this!"

Lu Xiaobei: My dad doesn't know anything about my business, so all you have to do is go there to pick up the key. There's nothing to worry about.

"Did you hear me?" Lu Xiaobei didn't so much as offer a sliver on consolation towards her, neither any of her usual warmth as she spoke, only asking those words bluntly.

You really are a huge аsshоle!

But Lu Xiaobei's voice was like crushed ice, while the postcard was still held in her hand. "Then it means you have some idea of what it is she wrote in this card."

Normally, in their little family, regardless of whether the matter was big or small, Lu Xiaobei would always put Xiaoya's opinion first. So even if Xiaoya wanted the worldT/n: the phrase used is one used for people (usually girls) who get into a world of trouble and somewhat spoiled., Lu Xiaobei would do everything in her power to help her achieve it.

Xiaoya: Do I have to go 'meet your parents' now?

"Say it louder!"

Ba-thump. Ba-thump. Ba-thump...

"I heard you!" Xiaoya lifted her head, her two reddened eyes locked on Lu Xiaobei as she shouted in response.

Without thinking, Xiaoya went from standing in the hallway to sprinting down the steps in an effort to catch up to Lu Xiaobei.

Lu Xiaobei: I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lost my temper with you today. I just got so mad for a moment there. But, Xiaoya, sometimes I can feel insecure, too.

Lu Xiaobei: "What excuse did you use to get a day off from your teacher?"

Lu Xiaobei: You and your pen pals have so many things you like in common, and every time you get one of their cards you light up so much.

Right then, Xiaoya didn't stay at her dorm, but made her way to Lu Xiaobei's father's house to get the spare key.

Lu Xiaobei: Anyhow, it's inconvenient for you to not have your phone, and your books and stuff are all back at our place. There's actually a spare key at my father's house, so I'll tell him you'll be coming to pick it up.

Xiaoya: "We're like confidants. We talk about what celebrities we think are good looking or not, and other stuff like that. Sometimes it gets more specific, but it's only discussed scientifically and nothing else."

Making her way past Xiaoya, Lu Xiaobei took the stacks of folded clothes on the bed and packed it into her suitcase, added a few more daily necessities then zipped the case shut.

Tears had begun streaming down Xiaoya's face, and with a crying voice she asked, "Why are you acting so menacing?! You're the one who brought up the card today, so I have no idea what she even wrote."

Lifting her luggage, she walked past Xiaoya. But despite things currently not being as good as they usually were, she still tried her best to slow and lower her intonation as she spoke. "There's steamed buns and soy milk on the table, so don't forget to eat them. In the fridge, I left some dumplings I made you, so if you want to eat them, boil them three timesT/n: the process of readding cold water to stop and restart the boiling process while cooking. before you do. There's also milk in the fridge that has two more before it goes bad, I left a sticky note with a reminder on it, too. But if you can't finish it, just toss it out."

Lu Xiaobei: "Are you crazy!"

Alright now, those are nothing but memories long gone.

Lu Xiaobei: Where are you?

It was rare for Lu Xiaobei to ever speak to Xiaoya like this, while Xiaoya was no different than a quail and as quiet as a cicada.

"Did you hear me?" Lu Xiaobei didn't so much as offer a sliver on consolation towards her, neither any of her usual warmth as she spoke, only asking those words bluntly.

Lu Xiaobei then dropped a scolding on Xiaoya that was so fierce it could be considered a storm. "Your end of term exams for your first semester are not far away. Do you still think the college entrance exams are a world away? Do you think your final exams aren't important? You come here wearing a backpack wanting to go with me, but did you ever think of whether I'll take you with me? You may think your plan is foolproof, but what if your mother decides to call Mr. Li? What if she asks about you and Mr. Li tells her that you went with her to see the dentist? Tell me, how many mothers do you have that can take you to see the dentist? Before my competition, without revising, without modelling, you suggested I come to Yunta Town to see you. Is this the surprise you had planned for me?"

"To see the dentist. Lately, my gums have been swelling up a lot, so I said I had to go get my teeth cleaned. It'll take one day to draw blood and another to get them cleaned, so I can technically spend two nights in Nancheng. Mr. Li even agreed to it and accepted my request." Xiaoya then beamed, "This is your first time competing in a national competition, right? So I want to cheer you on!"

After saying this, and seeing there was nothing else she had to remind her of, she just said, "That's all, I'll be leaving first. When I arrive in Shanghai, I'll message you you you won't worry. "

It was rare for Lu Xiaobei to ever speak to Xiaoya like this, while Xiaoya was no different than a quail and as quiet as a cicada.

It wasn't until the security door closed that Xiaoya realised Lu Xiaobei was really gone. Before she left, after using the stick, she left a couple datesT/n: a show of force and a gift to make up for it. Carrot and stick is the closet thing I could come up with in English. as a peace offering, as though such a thing would quell her anger.

Lu Xiaobei: You and your pen pals have so many things you like in common, and every time you get one of their cards you light up so much.

Lu Xiaobei, you аsshоle!

Xiaoya: "Of course not!"

Ba-thump. Ba-thump. Ba-thump...

"Discussed scientifically? Then... were our private matters 'discussed scientifically' with her, too?" Lu Xiaobei felt as though none of her words could reach Xiaoya. "When I asked you to watch 'movies'T/n: Lesbian movies that are rated R (or TV 14 since were dealing with censorship from Chyna, fyi, this story got locked chapters for a darn kiss). with me, you never wanted to, always refusing. But you went out to ask some stranger!"

"I heard you!" Xiaoya lifted her head, her two reddened eyes locked on Lu Xiaobei as she shouted in response.

Lu Xiaobei: "Are you crazy!"

But this was the first time since they had entered university that they hadn't hugged and kissed one another upon parting.

Xiaoya: I went out to buy something and I forgot to bring my keys.

The only thing she had relied on was Lu Xiaobei's favour.

Lu Xiaobei, you аsshоle!

For a while, Xiaoya sat there hugging her knees before finally shooting up and dashing out the door because she still hadn't given Lu Xiaobei her goodbyes.

"What are you doing?! Even if you're upset, why would you tear up all my cards?"

Xiaoya: "Are you talking about jinjiangT/n: one of the most popular websites for webnovels, even this novel is posted there, link is on the ToC page. Anyhow, jiang means river? It's as clear as a lake there, nothing like that could be found so what could I learn from there?"

The only thing she had relied on was Lu Xiaobei's favour.

When she ran out, however, the elevator had already went down.

Happy New Year!

Without thinking, Xiaoya went from standing in the hallway to sprinting down the steps in an effort to catch up to Lu Xiaobei.

Lu Xiaobei, you аsshоle!

Lu Xiaobei: I'll call you again later tonight. [blows kiss]

Lu Xiaobei: "Are you crazy!"

You really are a huge аsshоle!

Xiaoya fell to the floor in a squat, hugging her knees as she wailed. "You're literally a tyrant!"

"Say it louder!"

Lu Xiaobei: "What excuse did you use to get a day off from your teacher?"

People who are not used to exercising, whose entire body was covered in soft and tender skin and muscles, can't make miracles out of thin air. So when Xiaoya finally did run out of the apartment building, not even a glimpse of Lu Xiaobei could be found.

Lu Xiaobei: "Then you could just ask me."

"I heard you!" Xiaoya lifted her head, her two reddened eyes locked on Lu Xiaobei as she shouted in response.

Tears had begun streaming down Xiaoya's face, and with a crying voice she asked, "Why are you acting so menacing?! You're the one who brought up the card today, so I have no idea what she even wrote."

Happy New Year!

Right then, Xiaoya didn't stay at her dorm, but made her way to Lu Xiaobei's father's house to get the spare key.

Right then, Xiaoya didn't stay at her dorm, but made her way to Lu Xiaobei's father's house to get the spare key.

For a while, Xiaoya sat there hugging her knees before finally shooting up and dashing out the door because she still hadn't given Lu Xiaobei her goodbyes.

By the time Xiaoya wandered back to the apartment, she was met by a locked door she couldn't open because she had forgotten her keys.

For a while, Xiaoya sat there hugging her knees before finally shooting up and dashing out the door because she still hadn't given Lu Xiaobei her goodbyes.

Xiaoya: ...

Tears had begun streaming down Xiaoya's face, and with a crying voice she asked, "Why are you acting so menacing?! You're the one who brought up the card today, so I have no idea what she even wrote."

Right then Xiaoya rested her weight onto the door, her emotions fluctuating between crying or not.

Lu Xiaobei: We can consider this us making up then, yeah? When I get back, I'll make you a huge feast.

To which Xiaoya replied giddily, "Aren't you going to a competition? I asked the teacher for a leave of absence so I'm tagging along with you."

Making her way past Xiaoya, Lu Xiaobei took the stacks of folded clothes on the bed and packed it into her suitcase, added a few more daily necessities then zipped the case shut.

Lu Xiaobei: Xiaoya, why aren't you picking up your phone? I've made it to Shanghai safely, so please message me back as soon as you see this. I'm worried about you.

Lu Xiaobei: "Then you could just ask me."

In return, Lu Xiaobei looked at her in a gaze that was ice-cold.

Tiny note: About Female Hobbies/Lover of women's name. At first I translated it as Lover of Women, but in Xiaoya's defence, she could've read it as "Gender: Female, Hobbies/Likes:?" since it's a way people introduce themselves, instead of "Gender: Female, Preference: ?/Likes women?/S*x Female Preference?". Which could imply the person is looking for companionship and not just friendship. []I get where both of them are coming from, and the root is from the same place, too. Insecurity is a female dog. Oh, and the last two chapter titles have noting to do with the chapter, they were just posted on New Years originally. The chapter title is accurate, though... T_T

Lu Xiaobei, you аsshоle!

While she stood at her door, Xiaoya was still dressed in her pyjamas, but luckily it was her winter pyjamas so the material was thick, and although it might look little strange strange, it wasn't enough to warrant any unnecessary attention. So, like this, Xiaoya made her way to her dorm room at Nancheng University that was not too far and no more that twenty minutes away by foot.

"I can't stand watching those kind of movies! You now that!" Xiaoya cried. When she and Lu Xiaobei first started dating, Xiaoya had never felt uncomfortable. But later in their relationship, for the sake of studying up to take their relationship to the next step, Lu Xiaobei wanted to watch those kinds of movies with her but Xiaoya expressed a bit of apprehension.

Xiaoya: Without you... I can't live, can I?

Lifting her luggage, she walked past Xiaoya. But despite things currently not being as good as they usually were, she still tried her best to slow and lower her intonation as she spoke. "There's steamed buns and soy milk on the table, so don't forget to eat them. In the fridge, I left some dumplings I made you, so if you want to eat them, boil them three timesT/n: the process of readding cold water to stop and restart the boiling process while cooking. before you do. There's also milk in the fridge that has two more before it goes bad, I left a sticky note with a reminder on it, too. But if you can't finish it, just toss it out."

Lu Xiaobei: I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lost my temper with you today. I just got so mad for a moment there. But, Xiaoya, sometimes I can feel insecure, too.

You really are a huge аsshоle!

For a while, Xiaoya borrowed her roommate's computer and played some games. Then when two hours had passed, she she saw an alert flicker at the bottom of her screen, indicating she was being messaged by Lu Xiaobei.

Tears had begun streaming down Xiaoya's face, and with a crying voice she asked, "Why are you acting so menacing?! You're the one who brought up the card today, so I have no idea what she even wrote."

"Say it louder!"

"E-even about t-this I have to as you about too? How much more stupid do I have to be?" Xiaoya sputtered between sobs.

Lu Xiaobei: Xiaoya, why aren't you picking up your phone? I've made it to Shanghai safely, so please message me back as soon as you see this. I'm worried about you.

While she stood at her door, Xiaoya was still dressed in her pyjamas, but luckily it was her winter pyjamas so the material was thick, and although it might look little strange strange, it wasn't enough to warrant any unnecessary attention. So, like this, Xiaoya made her way to her dorm room at Nancheng University that was not too far and no more that twenty minutes away by foot.

Xiaoya: ...

Back then, they had met up at the same place they always had. Lu Xiaobei thought she would be meeting a stressed out from studies girlfriend of hers whom she was planning on giving a 'love rub'. But never did se expect she would be meeting that girlfriend of hers wearing a huge backpack with a face covered in a full flush.

Xiaoya fell to the floor in a squat, hugging her knees as she wailed. "You're literally a tyrant!"

Xiaoya: Okay, sounds good.

In the end, with her nose running and tears streaming from her eyes, Xiaoya had returned to her dorm room.

Not all of her luck had run out, however, because when she got back to her dorm she did meet one of her roommates there, which meant she wouldn't have to keep looking for a place to stay.

Lu Xiaobei: "What excuse did you use to get a day off from your teacher?"

"E-even about t-this I have to as you about too? How much more stupid do I have to be?" Xiaoya sputtered between sobs.

Upon seeing her, Lu Xiaobei had asked, "What is this?"

For a while, Xiaoya borrowed her roommate's computer and played some games. Then when two hours had passed, she she saw an alert flicker at the bottom of her screen, indicating she was being messaged by Lu Xiaobei.

Xiaoya: Oh, okay then.

"Did you hear me?" Lu Xiaobei didn't so much as offer a sliver on consolation towards her, neither any of her usual warmth as she spoke, only asking those words bluntly.

Tiny note: About Female Hobbies/Lover of women's name. At first I translated it as Lover of Women, but in Xiaoya's defence, she could've read it as "Gender: Female, Hobbies/Likes:?" since it's a way people introduce themselves, instead of "Gender: Female, Preference: ?/Likes women?/S*x Female Preference?". Which could imply the person is looking for companionship and not just friendship. []I get where both of them are coming from, and the root is from the same place, too. Insecurity is a female dog. Oh, and the last two chapter titles have noting to do with the chapter, they were just posted on New Years originally. The chapter title is accurate, though... T_T

Lu Xiaobei: Where are you?

Lu Xiaobei: I'll call you again later tonight. [blows kiss]

Lu Xiaoya: You didn't bring your keys? Did you bring any money with you? Are you at your dorm right now?

Tiny note: About Female Hobbies/Lover of women's name. At first I translated it as Lover of Women, but in Xiaoya's defence, she could've read it as "Gender: Female, Hobbies/Likes:?" since it's a way people introduce themselves, instead of "Gender: Female, Preference: ?/Likes women?/S*x Female Preference?". Which could imply the person is looking for companionship and not just friendship. []I get where both of them are coming from, and the root is from the same place, too. Insecurity is a female dog. Oh, and the last two chapter titles have noting to do with the chapter, they were just posted on New Years originally. The chapter title is accurate, though... T_T

Lu Xiaobei: Xiaoya, why aren't you picking up your phone? I've made it to Shanghai safely, so please message me back as soon as you see this. I'm worried about you.

"I heard you!" Xiaoya lifted her head, her two reddened eyes locked on Lu Xiaobei as she shouted in response.

"E-even about t-this I have to as you about too? How much more stupid do I have to be?" Xiaoya sputtered between sobs.

Lu Xiaobei: Where are you?

Xiaoya: Without you... I can't live, can I?

Upon seeing her, Lu Xiaobei had asked, "What is this?"

Lu Xiaobei: Did something happen?

Right then Xiaoya rested her weight onto the door, her emotions fluctuating between crying or not.

Lu Xiaobei: "What excuse did you use to get a day off from your teacher?"

But this was the first time since they had entered university that they hadn't hugged and kissed one another upon parting.

Tiny note: About Female Hobbies/Lover of women's name. At first I translated it as Lover of Women, but in Xiaoya's defence, she could've read it as "Gender: Female, Hobbies/Likes:?" since it's a way people introduce themselves, instead of "Gender: Female, Preference: ?/Likes women?/S*x Female Preference?". Which could imply the person is looking for companionship and not just friendship. []I get where both of them are coming from, and the root is from the same place, too. Insecurity is a female dog. Oh, and the last two chapter titles have noting to do with the chapter, they were just posted on New Years originally. The chapter title is accurate, though... T_T

Happy New Year!

But this was the first time since they had entered university that they hadn't hugged and kissed one another upon parting.

Lu Xiaobei: Did something happen?

Xiaoya: I went out to buy something and I forgot to bring my keys.

This feeling has always trailed behind Xiaoya like a shadow.

The already defeated Xiaoya couldn't bring herself to tell Lu Xiaobei that the real reason was because she had run out to chase after her and had failed. Not to mention this causing her to feel angered by her her own embarrassment since Lu Xiaobei was the one who went far away, yet she had to be the one worrying about her.

Alright now, those are nothing but memories long gone.

"Say it louder!"

Lu Xiaobei: Did something happen?

Lu Xiaobei: "Then, can you explain this?"

"Say it louder!"

The only thing she had relied on was Lu Xiaobei's favour.

Lu Xiaobei: My dad doesn't know anything about my business, so all you have to do is go there to pick up the key. There's nothing to worry about.

Furthermore, this all went on to prove there was a real cause for Lu Xiaobei's concern.

By the time Xiaoya wandered back to the apartment, she was met by a locked door she couldn't open because she had forgotten her keys.

Xiaoya: No. No. Yeah.

Lu Xiaobei: What's wrong?

But upon seeing Lu Xiaobei's wooden expression, Xiaoya realised she had no way out of it, and not only was she hopeless, she was also afraid. She feared Lu Xiaobei was really angry this time around, which kicked up feelings of her not being good enough, so unworthy she was also undeserving of love.

Xiaoya: No. No. Yeah.

Lu Xiaoya: You didn't bring your keys? Did you bring any money with you? Are you at your dorm right now?

Lu Xiaobei then dropped a scolding on Xiaoya that was so fierce it could be considered a storm. "Your end of term exams for your first semester are not far away. Do you still think the college entrance exams are a world away? Do you think your final exams aren't important? You come here wearing a backpack wanting to go with me, but did you ever think of whether I'll take you with me? You may think your plan is foolproof, but what if your mother decides to call Mr. Li? What if she asks about you and Mr. Li tells her that you went with her to see the dentist? Tell me, how many mothers do you have that can take you to see the dentist? Before my competition, without revising, without modelling, you suggested I come to Yunta Town to see you. Is this the surprise you had planned for me?"

Xiaoya: No. No. Yeah.

"Tyrant," Xiaoya whispered to herself.

Lu Xiaobei was genuinely convinced, "You have a reason for anything you say, don't you?" But after she spoke, to those postcards she held, she tore them into pieces and threw them in the trash.

But Lu Xiaobei countered, "You don't even realise what I'm angry about at all, it has nothing to do with whether the postman sees it! It's about why you would talk to other people about something like this!"

"To see the dentist. Lately, my gums have been swelling up a lot, so I said I had to go get my teeth cleaned. It'll take one day to draw blood and another to get them cleaned, so I can technically spend two nights in Nancheng. Mr. Li even agreed to it and accepted my request." Xiaoya then beamed, "This is your first time competing in a national competition, right? So I want to cheer you on!"

Back then, they had met up at the same place they always had. Lu Xiaobei thought she would be meeting a stressed out from studies girlfriend of hers whom she was planning on giving a 'love rub'. But never did se expect she would be meeting that girlfriend of hers wearing a huge backpack with a face covered in a full flush.

Lu Xiaobei: I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lost my temper with you today. I just got so mad for a moment there. But, Xiaoya, sometimes I can feel insecure, too.

This wasn't the first time the two had fought, though, but it was only their second time. The first time was during Xiaoya's third year of high school when Lu Xiaobei had gone to her school to visit her.

Lu Xiaobei: Did something happen?

"Say it louder!"

We've made up, yeah? Xiaoya thought.

Lu Xiaobei: Anyhow, it's inconvenient for you to not have your phone, and your books and stuff are all back at our place. There's actually a spare key at my father's house, so I'll tell him you'll be coming to pick it up.

Lu Xiaobei: You and your pen pals have so many things you like in common, and every time you get one of their cards you light up so much.

Lu Xiaobei: Where are you?

Xiaoya: I messed up, too. I'm sorry, too.

Lu Xiaobei: I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lost my temper with you today. I just got so mad for a moment there. But, Xiaoya, sometimes I can feel insecure, too.

Lu Xiaobei: We can consider this us making up then, yeah? When I get back, I'll make you a huge feast.

"To see the dentist. Lately, my gums have been swelling up a lot, so I said I had to go get my teeth cleaned. It'll take one day to draw blood and another to get them cleaned, so I can technically spend two nights in Nancheng. Mr. Li even agreed to it and accepted my request." Xiaoya then beamed, "This is your first time competing in a national competition, right? So I want to cheer you on!"

Xiaoya: "Of course not!"

Lifting her luggage, she walked past Xiaoya. But despite things currently not being as good as they usually were, she still tried her best to slow and lower her intonation as she spoke. "There's steamed buns and soy milk on the table, so don't forget to eat them. In the fridge, I left some dumplings I made you, so if you want to eat them, boil them three timesT/n: the process of readding cold water to stop and restart the boiling process while cooking. before you do. There's also milk in the fridge that has two more before it goes bad, I left a sticky note with a reminder on it, too. But if you can't finish it, just toss it out."

Xiaoya: Okay, sounds good.

Looking down at her watch, Lu Xiaobei then said, "I have to get to the train station. I'll be back this weekend, and when I get back, I'll check your postcards so don't let me find even one of them with her name on it. If I find even one card related to card, I won't let you send or receive any of them again."

Lifting her luggage, she walked past Xiaoya. But despite things currently not being as good as they usually were, she still tried her best to slow and lower her intonation as she spoke. "There's steamed buns and soy milk on the table, so don't forget to eat them. In the fridge, I left some dumplings I made you, so if you want to eat them, boil them three timesT/n: the process of readding cold water to stop and restart the boiling process while cooking. before you do. There's also milk in the fridge that has two more before it goes bad, I left a sticky note with a reminder on it, too. But if you can't finish it, just toss it out."

"Did you hear me?" Lu Xiaobei didn't so much as offer a sliver on consolation towards her, neither any of her usual warmth as she spoke, only asking those words bluntly.

Lu Xiaobei: Anyhow, it's inconvenient for you to not have your phone, and your books and stuff are all back at our place. There's actually a spare key at my father's house, so I'll tell him you'll be coming to pick it up.

"E-even about t-this I have to as you about too? How much more stupid do I have to be?" Xiaoya sputtered between sobs.

Lu Xiaoya: You didn't bring your keys? Did you bring any money with you? Are you at your dorm right now?

It was also one she never shared with Mo Yichen, her mother, nor Lu Xiaobei, as voluntarily exposing her weaknesses to others was not something she wished to do, even if they were the ones closest to her.

Lu Xiaobei: Anyhow, it's inconvenient for you to not have your phone, and your books and stuff are all back at our place. There's actually a spare key at my father's house, so I'll tell him you'll be coming to pick it up.

The already defeated Xiaoya couldn't bring herself to tell Lu Xiaobei that the real reason was because she had run out to chase after her and had failed. Not to mention this causing her to feel angered by her her own embarrassment since Lu Xiaobei was the one who went far away, yet she had to be the one worrying about her.

Xiaoya: ...

"E-even about t-this I have to as you about too? How much more stupid do I have to be?" Xiaoya sputtered between sobs.

Lu Xiaobei: What's wrong?

To which Xiaoya replied giddily, "Aren't you going to a competition? I asked the teacher for a leave of absence so I'm tagging along with you."

Xiaoya: Do I have to go 'meet your parents' now?

Lu Xiaoya: You didn't bring your keys? Did you bring any money with you? Are you at your dorm right now?

For a while, Xiaoya sat there hugging her knees before finally shooting up and dashing out the door because she still hadn't given Lu Xiaobei her goodbyes.

Lu Xiaobei: You and your pen pals have so many things you like in common, and every time you get one of their cards you light up so much.

In the end, with her nose running and tears streaming from her eyes, Xiaoya had returned to her dorm room.

This wasn't the first time the two had fought, though, but it was only their second time. The first time was during Xiaoya's third year of high school when Lu Xiaobei had gone to her school to visit her.

Normally, in their little family, regardless of whether the matter was big or small, Lu Xiaobei would always put Xiaoya's opinion first. So even if Xiaoya wanted the worldT/n: the phrase used is one used for people (usually girls) who get into a world of trouble and somewhat spoiled., Lu Xiaobei would do everything in her power to help her achieve it.

It was also one she never shared with Mo Yichen, her mother, nor Lu Xiaobei, as voluntarily exposing her weaknesses to others was not something she wished to do, even if they were the ones closest to her.

Lu Xiaobei: My dad doesn't know anything about my business, so all you have to do is go there to pick up the key. There's nothing to worry about.

But all Lu Xiaobei did was point to the two drawers Xiaoya used to keep her postcards then say, "I still haven't torn up all the cards you own. That pen pal of yours goes by the name 'Lover of Women?', did you even hear the kind of nickname she has?! Yu Xiaoya, listen to me, every card in your possession that has anything to do with her needs to be thrown out. Not even one of them should be left behind!"

Back then, they had met up at the same place they always had. Lu Xiaobei thought she would be meeting a stressed out from studies girlfriend of hers whom she was planning on giving a 'love rub'. But never did se expect she would be meeting that girlfriend of hers wearing a huge backpack with a face covered in a full flush.

Normally, in their little family, regardless of whether the matter was big or small, Lu Xiaobei would always put Xiaoya's opinion first. So even if Xiaoya wanted the worldT/n: the phrase used is one used for people (usually girls) who get into a world of trouble and somewhat spoiled., Lu Xiaobei would do everything in her power to help her achieve it.

When she ran out, however, the elevator had already went down.

Lu Xiaobei: "Couldn't you just read novels? Isn't that easier than asking some stranger?"

Xiaoya: Oh, okay then.

Xiaoya: [blows kiss]

Right then Xiaoya rested her weight onto the door, her emotions fluctuating between crying or not.

Lu Xiaobei then dropped a scolding on Xiaoya that was so fierce it could be considered a storm. "Your end of term exams for your first semester are not far away. Do you still think the college entrance exams are a world away? Do you think your final exams aren't important? You come here wearing a backpack wanting to go with me, but did you ever think of whether I'll take you with me? You may think your plan is foolproof, but what if your mother decides to call Mr. Li? What if she asks about you and Mr. Li tells her that you went with her to see the dentist? Tell me, how many mothers do you have that can take you to see the dentist? Before my competition, without revising, without modelling, you suggested I come to Yunta Town to see you. Is this the surprise you had planned for me?"

"To see the dentist. Lately, my gums have been swelling up a lot, so I said I had to go get my teeth cleaned. It'll take one day to draw blood and another to get them cleaned, so I can technically spend two nights in Nancheng. Mr. Li even agreed to it and accepted my request." Xiaoya then beamed, "This is your first time competing in a national competition, right? So I want to cheer you on!"

For a while, Xiaoya borrowed her roommate's computer and played some games. Then when two hours had passed, she she saw an alert flicker at the bottom of her screen, indicating she was being messaged by Lu Xiaobei.

Lu Xiaobei: I'll call you again later tonight. [blows kiss]

Making her way past Xiaoya, Lu Xiaobei took the stacks of folded clothes on the bed and packed it into her suitcase, added a few more daily necessities then zipped the case shut.

You really are a huge аsshоle!

"I can't stand watching those kind of movies! You now that!" Xiaoya cried. When she and Lu Xiaobei first started dating, Xiaoya had never felt uncomfortable. But later in their relationship, for the sake of studying up to take their relationship to the next step, Lu Xiaobei wanted to watch those kinds of movies with her but Xiaoya expressed a bit of apprehension.

Xiaoya: I messed up, too. I'm sorry, too.

Xiaoya: "Of course not!"

Lu Xiaobei, you аsshоle!

But Lu Xiaobei's voice was like crushed ice, while the postcard was still held in her hand. "Then it means you have some idea of what it is she wrote in this card."

Xiaoya: [blows kiss]

Xiaoya: "We're like confidants. We talk about what celebrities we think are good looking or not, and other stuff like that. Sometimes it gets more specific, but it's only discussed scientifically and nothing else."

Tiny note: About Female Hobbies/Lover of women's name. At first I translated it as Lover of Women, but in Xiaoya's defence, she could've read it as "Gender: Female, Hobbies/Likes:?" since it's a way people introduce themselves, instead of "Gender: Female, Preference: ?/Likes women?/S*x Female Preference?". Which could imply the person is looking for companionship and not just friendship. []I get where both of them are coming from, and the root is from the same place, too. Insecurity is a female dog. Oh, and the last two chapter titles have noting to do with the chapter, they were just posted on New Years originally. The chapter title is accurate, though... T_T

Lu Xiaobei: "Then, can you explain this?"

We've made up, yeah? Xiaoya thought.

But this was the first time since they had entered university that they hadn't hugged and kissed one another upon parting.

This wasn't the first time the two had fought, though, but it was only their second time. The first time was during Xiaoya's third year of high school when Lu Xiaobei had gone to her school to visit her.

The only thing she had relied on was Lu Xiaobei's favour.

Lu Xiaobei: I'll call you again later tonight. [blows kiss]

Xiaoya: Without you... I can't live, can I?

Lu Xiaobei: You and your pen pals have so many things you like in common, and every time you get one of their cards you light up so much.

Xiaoya: "Of course not!"

But this was the first time since they had entered university that they hadn't hugged and kissed one another upon parting.

For a while, Xiaoya sat there hugging her knees before finally shooting up and dashing out the door because she still hadn't given Lu Xiaobei her goodbyes.

Back then, they had met up at the same place they always had. Lu Xiaobei thought she would be meeting a stressed out from studies girlfriend of hers whom she was planning on giving a 'love rub'. But never did se expect she would be meeting that girlfriend of hers wearing a huge backpack with a face covered in a full flush.

Xiaoya cried even more fervently. She had a faint idea of what Lu Xiaobei was upset over, but... "She's just a pen pal! We haven't even met one another face to face—we don't even know each other's real names..."

But all Lu Xiaobei did was point to the two drawers Xiaoya used to keep her postcards then say, "I still haven't torn up all the cards you own. That pen pal of yours goes by the name 'Lover of Women?', did you even hear the kind of nickname she has?! Yu Xiaoya, listen to me, every card in your possession that has anything to do with her needs to be thrown out. Not even one of them should be left behind!"

Happy New Year!

Lu Xiaobei: You and your pen pals have so many things you like in common, and every time you get one of their cards you light up so much.

Upon seeing her, Lu Xiaobei had asked, "What is this?"

"E-even about t-this I have to as you about too? How much more stupid do I have to be?" Xiaoya sputtered between sobs.

So, if Lu Xiaobei was to turn her back on her, she felt like she would return to that girl sitting in that first year classroom from all those years ago. As though she would again be in that classroom, that afternoon, where everyone sat together, seats full, while hers was empty, as if only she was left out.

Upon seeing her, Lu Xiaobei had asked, "What is this?"

Lu Xiaobei: Anyhow, it's inconvenient for you to not have your phone, and your books and stuff are all back at our place. There's actually a spare key at my father's house, so I'll tell him you'll be coming to pick it up.

To which Xiaoya replied giddily, "Aren't you going to a competition? I asked the teacher for a leave of absence so I'm tagging along with you."

When she ran out, however, the elevator had already went down.

Xiaoya: No. No. Yeah.

Lu Xiaobei: Xiaoya, why aren't you picking up your phone? I've made it to Shanghai safely, so please message me back as soon as you see this. I'm worried about you.

Lu Xiaobei: "What excuse did you use to get a day off from your teacher?"

N/A

"To see the dentist. Lately, my gums have been swelling up a lot, so I said I had to go get my teeth cleaned. It'll take one day to draw blood and another to get them cleaned, so I can technically spend two nights in Nancheng. Mr. Li even agreed to it and accepted my request." Xiaoya then beamed, "This is your first time competing in a national competition, right? So I want to cheer you on!"

"Say it louder!"

Lu Xiaobei: "Are you crazy!"

In return, Lu Xiaobei looked at her in a gaze that was ice-cold.

Xiaoya: ...

Making her way past Xiaoya, Lu Xiaobei took the stacks of folded clothes on the bed and packed it into her suitcase, added a few more daily necessities then zipped the case shut.

Xiaoya: Okay, sounds good.

But Lu Xiaobei's voice was like crushed ice, while the postcard was still held in her hand. "Then it means you have some idea of what it is she wrote in this card."

Ba-thump. Ba-thump. Ba-thump...

We've made up, yeah? Xiaoya thought.

Lu Xiaobei then dropped a scolding on Xiaoya that was so fierce it could be considered a storm. "Your end of term exams for your first semester are not far away. Do you still think the college entrance exams are a world away? Do you think your final exams aren't important? You come here wearing a backpack wanting to go with me, but did you ever think of whether I'll take you with me? You may think your plan is foolproof, but what if your mother decides to call Mr. Li? What if she asks about you and Mr. Li tells her that you went with her to see the dentist? Tell me, how many mothers do you have that can take you to see the dentist? Before my competition, without revising, without modelling, you suggested I come to Yunta Town to see you. Is this the surprise you had planned for me?"

We've made up, yeah? Xiaoya thought.

It was rare for Lu Xiaobei to ever speak to Xiaoya like this, while Xiaoya was no different than a quail and as quiet as a cicada.

You really are a huge аsshоle!

Lu Xiaobei: I'll call you again later tonight. [blows kiss]

But Lu Xiaobei countered, "You don't even realise what I'm angry about at all, it has nothing to do with whether the postman sees it! It's about why you would talk to other people about something like this!"

In the end, with her nose running and tears streaming from her eyes, Xiaoya had returned to her dorm room.

Lu Xiaobei: My dad doesn't know anything about my business, so all you have to do is go there to pick up the key. There's nothing to worry about.

Alright now, those are nothing but memories long gone.

Xiaoya defended, "It's not like the postmen are going to read it, they have to deliver tons of mail. Plus, we always full up the card with a lot of text so nobody else can just see it; and when our group has a lot of people, there can be dozens of cards sent a day..."

Lu Xiaobei: Where are you?

Right then Xiaoya rested her weight onto the door, her emotions fluctuating between crying or not.

Right then, Xiaoya didn't stay at her dorm, but made her way to Lu Xiaobei's father's house to get the spare key.

Lu Xiaobei: "So why are you writing about things like that in those cards? Does every one of those pen pals write about intimate romantic affairs like this as well?" Lu Xiaobei had almost driven her to let out a maddened laugh.