When an Omega said no, it could be refused or accepted depending on the situation. If they played hard to get, it meant they actually wanted it.
In a corner where Shu Qingyou couldn’t stop her in time, Lin Xu secretly opened a shopping app. Her fingertips tapped, placing an order for a maid outfit—the kind with a bow collar that exposed the thighs.
A University was located on the edge of the city, nestled against mountains and rivers, with vast grounds. It was a comprehensive university, a key institution covering liberal arts, sciences, engineering, and crafts… especially its affiliated College of Arts, known as the heart of southern ceramics.
Lin Xu followed Shu Qingyou unhurriedly, even forced to wear a mask.
She looked around; it really was verdant with green mountains and waters.
Glancing down at her phone, she unwittingly read aloud from the school’s introduction. “So you’re a student here?”
Shu Qingyou blocked her phone screen with a hand. “Yeah. Don’t look at your phone while walking. If you want to know something, just ask me directly.”
What a braggart, Lin Xu thought as she put away her phone and held Shu Rong with one arm. “I’ve never been to your mom’s alma mater. Come on, take a good look. You have to get into a top university like this in the future.”
Suddenly burdened with high expectations, Shu Rong stared at the energetic young students and felt a surge of fear instead.
So many strangers. She clung to Lin Xu’s neck, trying to hide herself.
“Rongrong can go wherever she wants.”
Shu Rong was still so young, yet Lin Xu was already issuing commands to study hard every day. Shu Qingyou felt like Lin Xu was still abusing her daughter.
“You’re right. She doesn’t even have to go to school.”
Lin Xu was a pro at shifting with the wind. She swung Shu Rong’s little hand back and forth; she would never contradict Shu Qingyou’s opinion.
Knowing that Lin Xu had basically gotten into university through her family’s company connections, Shu Qingyou pointed out awkwardly, “Don’t lead her astray. She still needs to study.”
After passing several new teaching buildings, they arrived at the southwest corner of the campus. This area was special: gray bricks and dark tiles, with vines climbing from the base of the walls to the window frames.
Everything exuded the baptism of time’s patina.
Lin Xu looked around curiously, wondering why she wasn’t going in. “Your sister’s not here?”
She hoped she wouldn’t run into her sister. Why come to the school on purpose? Asking for trouble.
Shu Qingyou lifted her chin slightly; the words “Ceramics Department” were clearly visible above.
A pair of girls emerged side by side from the entrance. One carried an unfired practice piece, the other held a cardboard to shield it from the wind.
As they drew closer, their conversation became clear.
“You nearly crashed into that sculpture during class. Be careful.”
“Teacher Yue assigned so much homework. I pulled an all-nighter and I’m dead tired. So what if I bumped it?”
“What do you know? That’s a work by Teacher Yue’s prized student. If you had to make one just like it, you’d be complaining nonstop.”
As the two walked away, leaving only their backs, Shu Qingyou’s brows furrowed. She turned toward the girls’ dorm.
Seeing Shu Qingyou walk briskly, Lin Xu couldn’t hold her back. “Let’s go in and take a look. They just mentioned Teacher Yue. At least say hi.”
“Mm, next time.”
The rift couldn’t be mended in a moment. Shu Qingyou had just mentioned resuming her old craft to her teacher, but it weighed on her mind. She was practically a fallen artist now.
Perhaps not fallen enough, but close. Her skills had rusted; these days, pinching clay wasn’t as effortless as during university.
She knew she shouldn’t rush.
Lin Xu whined affectedly, feeling uncomfortable all over. “I don’t want to see your sister.”
Understood. Shu Qingyou didn’t want to bring her along either; it was just coincidence after the hospital visit.
“She’s not a wild beast. What, is she going to eat you?”
“Not eat exactly.” Lin Xu had a flash of inspiration—this was a perfect shield, a little hostage in Shu Rong.
“Oh, it’s fine. Anyway, she wouldn’t dare do anything to me on campus.”
Shu Wan Ning was wearing earphones, listening to music while scratching her head over her paper. A knock-knock-knock sounded at the door.
Her roommate, fresh from the bathroom, patted her. “Someone’s here.”
Shu Wan Ning looked baffled. Who? Lost in her paper, she was disoriented until she suddenly remembered asking her sister to come by if she had time last week.
“Oh oh, probably my sis.”
She slammed her laptop shut and opened the door. The dim light in the dorm hallway outlined Shu Qingyou’s gentle contours. Her long hair was pinned up, with a few stray strands falling along her temples, brushing coolly past her cheek.
“Sis, you came…” Before she finished, her words were blocked. Even with the mask, she recognized those fake-innocent peach-blossom eyes.
Why was this woman here? Her expression complex, she couldn’t air family laundry outside. First, close the door.
She pulled Shu Qingyou aside and whispered in her ear, “She hasn’t rolled out of our house yet?”
Shu Qingyou felt a bit ticklish and glanced at Lin Xu, who looked ready for battle, with Shu Rong trapped helplessly in her arms like a human pillow.
“I took her to the doctor today. She’s got some minor neurological issues. I couldn’t just ditch her.”
Did Lin Xu’s brain get damaged? That’s good news. “Alright, wait here. I’ll go talk.”
Before Shu Qingyou could ask, her sister was already facing off with Lin Xu.
They wouldn’t actually fight, right…
Lin Xu had leverage and wasn’t afraid. Bring it on. “Heh, long time no see.”
“It’s not been that many days.” Shu Wan Ning had no idea what she was up to. “Let me hold Rongrong.”
Lin Xu dodged immediately, running to Shu Qingyou’s side and sticking out her tongue. “She’s mine. Why should I give her to you?”
Did Lin Xu already know? Shu Wan Ning shot Shu Qingyou a puzzled, shocked look.
Shu Qingyou shook her head. “Sis is hungry.”
At those words, everyone present behaved.
Shu Qingyou spent a long time explaining to her sister before the latter accepted Lin Xu staying at their house—though she’d glossed over Lin Xu’s unfair conditions.
If Shu Wan Ning found out, with her fiery temper, she’d probably march straight to the police and have Lin Xu hauled away.
At the cafeteria, Lin Xu insisted on sitting with Shu Qingyou. “The kid can’t leave you, and neither can I.”
Shu Wan Ning miserably carried her stir-fried dish, only to see Lin Xu hogging her sister. She had nowhere to vent her anger.
Whatever. Actually, last week Gu Huaiyuan had come to her bluntly and said that before their mom got into the accident, she’d deliberately rammed another car.
By sheer luck—or not—it was Lin Xu’s mom’s car. Everyone died.
She suspected that Gu woman disliked her and was retaliating on purpose.
She’d searched online for old news but found nothing. But it was serious; her sister needed to know.
But her sister said Lin Xu’s brain was damaged. If she dropped that bombshell, what if Lin Xu got suicidal?
It was stifling Shu Wan Ning. “Lin Xu, go get rice. My sis and I need to talk alone.”
Fine, sisterly private talk. Lin Xu got it.
“Okay, but don’t badmouth me.”
Lin Xu’s looks were top-tier. Even with just the black mask covering, her facial contours and tall, slender figure drew a wave of admiring girls.
Next to Shu Qingyou, she was like a lapdog. Alone, a bold female Omega student mustered her courage. “Um, classmate, you’re so cool. Can I add your WeChat?”
Lin Xu was waiting at the serving window. Hearing “classmate,” she thought she still looked pretty young.
Who didn’t like compliments on looks and youth? Her naturally curled lashes lowered, her smile obvious. “No can do. I’ve got someone I like.”
She picked up her tray and apologized to the disappointed girl.
Back at the table, Shu Wan Ning eyed Lin Xu with disgust. “You’re such a flirt.”
Lin Xu picked some veggies for Shu Qingyou, knowing she ate more vegetables than meat but didn’t mind eggs.
Scolded, she shot back, “You’re the flirt. I’m righteous, loyal, and devoted.”
Shu Wan Ning shoveled a big mouthful of rice and chewed. “Yeah, right. You think I buy that?”
Lin Xu had endless backbone against others.
“Tch, you’re not my girlfriend. No need to explain to you.”
So sanctimonious. Shu Wan Ning picked a few pork ribs for Shu Qingyou, making her case.
“Sis, even if you don’t like meat, force yourself a bit. I remember you used to be all about balanced nutrition with meat and veggies.”
A pointed jab at Lin Xu. Lin Xu glared at Shu Wan Ning; their eyes sparked like a duel.
Caught in the middle, Shu Qingyou looked troubled. Her bowl was piled like a small mountain with veggies and meat.
“Thanks, you two…”
Lin Xu huffed. She knew the drill, grabbing a spoon to feed the waiting Shu Rong some egg custard.
It shocked Shu Wan Ning so much she nearly choked, eyes wide. She lowered her voice. “Sis, she… she…”
Shu Qingyou nodded calmly, unfazed.
Shu Wan Ning bit her chopsticks. Her sis wasn’t exaggerating; Lin Xu had become their family nanny.
Fine. Being kept by her sis meant no freeloading.
After bidding farewell to the university and the out-of-sight, out-of-mind Shu Wan Ning, Lin Xu was in high spirits.
“What did Shu Wan Ning say to you?”
Shu Qingyou was puzzled too. She’d sent Lin Xu away, but they hadn’t discussed anything major—just family trivialities, not worth a special campus trip.
But her sister always wore her heart on her sleeve; she probably really just wanted to see Shu Rong, as claimed.
“Not telling.”
Lin Xu found it boring. She pouted. “Right, right. As an outsider, what right do I have to meddle in your family affairs?”
With that petulant wife vibe, Shu Qingyou chuckled inwardly. Lin Xu had been fairly obedient, following the doctor’s advice to use familiar things to trigger her memories.
“Lin Xu, do you want to play games?”
Lin Xu perked up. She touched Shu Qingyou’s thigh—no lust, just bright-eyed excitement. She nodded vigorously like pounding garlic.
“Yes, yes! But what if I’m bad at games? Will you hate me?”
She’d thought Shu Qingyou wanted to play. Lin Xu found it odd that someone as pure and aloof as snow plum liked controlling virtual characters.
Back when they gamed, Lin Xu had dragged her down, even joking it was underdeveloped cerebellum.
But motion sickness in 3D wasn’t Shu Qingyou’s fault. She smiled. “I won’t hate it.”
Lin Xu eagerly opened the Dangdang app.
“I’ll order right now.”
Shu Qingyou pulled over in a safe spot and looked together: graphics card, motherboard, chip set.
“Why not buy in-store?”
The sweet scent rushed to her head. Lin Xu’s throat felt dry. She lifted her gaze; they were very close. Backlit from the window, it cast a porcelain sheen on Shu Qingyou’s profile, with an innate aloof chill.
Shu Qingyou’s aura was naturally restrained, gentle to the point of self-control.
“Lin Xu?”
So tempting. She’d nearly gone in for a kiss. Lin Xu snapped back. “Online’s reliable and cheaper. I want to save you some money.”
Lin Xu was kinda cute right now, full of everyday charm.
If she hadn’t seen her flirting with that girl in the cafeteria, Shu Qingyou might’ve lost control and patted her head.
“You know how to build a PC?”
This was right in her wheelhouse. Lin Xu had binged PC building tutorials. She thumped her chest.
“Leave it to me. I can even set up water cooling—so flashy and cool, you’ll love it.”
Time to show off. If big sis Shu liked gaming, she’d help all the way.
Shu Qingyou’s soft fingertip swiped Lin Xu’s shopping page. “Get good parts.”
“No problem.” Lin Xu harbored other thoughts. They’d already shared scents in small ways, without touching—it was definitely Shu Qingyou sending friendly signals.
She boldly proposed, “Can we kiss?”
“Hm?”
Shu Qingyou thought she’d misheard, recalling the pre-hospital promise of a cheek kiss reward.
Just a cheek kiss, like kissing a daughter.
Within acceptable bounds. She pondered briefly, her words light, but Lin Xu heard.
“Alright. We’ll talk about it at home.”
