“Teacher Lin, are you worried about me?” Lin Huayan’s scolding, with anger plain on her face, didn’t provoke any defiance in Lou Yixuan.
She quickly wiped the dripping water from her hair and hands, then gripped the damp wad of paper towels as she patiently explained, “In certain social settings, within controllable limits, having a little to drink is out of courtesy and respect.”
“Half a glass of red wine—nothing more.”
“I had no intention of drinking further, nor did I want to worry anyone there. Teacher Lin, please don’t overthink it. Back in the private room, I already contacted my friend. She’s on her way to pick me up and drive my car home.”
So, I’m not using this alcohol allergy to draw your attention, your concern.
I’m certainly not trying to “morally blackmail” you or anyone else into taking care of me.
Lin Huayan, is suspicion that I have ulterior motives part of why you’re angry? There must be some, right?
Lou Yixuan’s airtight explanation left Lin Huayan speechless.
Before this dinner, she hadn’t known about Lou Yixuan’s alcohol allergy. The Lou Yixuan of the past had never mentioned it, and they had never drunk together back then.
Their seats had been close together, so when Du Heming exclaimed “allergy” in the private room, she heard it.
She had also seen Lou Yixuan gesture for Du Heming not to make a fuss.
The consequences of an alcohol allergy could range from minor to severe.
How could Lou Yixuan treat her own health so carelessly?
She admitted that for a moment, she had angrily thought Lou Yixuan did it on purpose—deliberately triggering her own allergy, deliberately in front of her.
That’s why she had considered ignoring it.
Even if she stayed out of it, Du Heming and He Huan could handle the care promptly and thoroughly—no major issues would arise.
But when He Huan said she wanted to check, worry won out, and she stopped her.
She, with her dual roles as grade director and homeroom teacher for Class 9, had the most reason and duty to look after Lou Yixuan.
For her to check was only natural. Not checking would be heartless.
“Teacher Lin.”
Lou Yixuan tossed the wet paper towels.
She closed the few steps of distance she’d put between them earlier, smiling as she looked straight into Lin Huayan’s eyes.
“Have I explained the causes and effects of my alcohol allergy to your satisfaction? Does this show of restraint from me meet your standards?”
The words dripped with sarcasm, the approach aggressive, but paired with Lou Yixuan’s innocently harmless expression and tone laced with helpless grievance, it came off like she’d suffered some great injustice.
And she truly had.
Lin Huayan took half a step back by way of apology. “As long as you’re okay. Best dry your hair and clothes a bit more before heading out.”
Lou Yixuan glanced down at her chest. The wet spot sat just below her collarbone—this fabric wasn’t see-through, but in public, it would look improper.
She agreed, “Yeah, going out like this wouldn’t be decent. Teacher Lin, you go ahead. I’ll need a bit longer.”
With nothing more to say, Lin Huayan left with a heavy heart.
She had just turned when the voice called from behind: “Teacher Lin, could you print an extra copy of that Class 9 military training group photo from this morning for me?”
Lin Huayan didn’t turn back. “Sure.”
…
The restaurant was prepared for such things.
Du Heming fetched anti-allergy meds and a disposable ice pack from the front desk, then strode back to the restroom.
“Lou Lou, got the meds and ice pack.”
“Thanks.”
Lou Yixuan took the warm water and pills from Du Heming, tore open the packet without looking, and swallowed them down.
The symptoms were mild; the cold water had already eased the itching.
“Here, press the ice pack on it—feels better.” Du Heming had only grabbed one; two would’ve been cumbersome anyway.
“When I was rushing over, I think I saw Teacher Lin heading out from here. Did she come to check on you?”
What Du Heming saw was Lin Huayan walking away while tying her hair back one-handed.
Lou Yixuan finished the water, tossed the empty paper cup, and pressed the ice pack to her face. “Yeah, she did. She saw I was okay, and I told her I was waiting for you to get meds, so she went back to the private room first.”
“Oh, got it.”
Du Heming took her at her word. “See? Teacher Lin’s the classic cold-faced but warm-hearted type—reads people like a book. Says little, does much.”
Another person pushed the door open—a teacher from the grade group.
Lou Yixuan didn’t recognize her, but Du Heming greeted her and signaled for Lou Yixuan to head out.
“Teacher Du, you seem to know Teacher Lin well.”
“Well… we’ve taught together for two years—how could I not? Though it’s just what I think I know.”
Du Heming chose her words carefully. “Teacher Lin… anyway, in the years I’ve been at Tianmu, I’ve never seen her get close to anyone from school. Out of 365 days a year, she spends at least 300 nights on campus.”
She herself hated going home to stare-downs with her nagging parents, but she always went back for holidays and breaks.
Lin Huayan… left campus for holidays sometimes, but stayed for nearly every winter and summer break.
She’d heard it from Old Man Zhang at the security room.
Old Man Zhang had even told her to hang out more with Teacher Lin, invite her out on weekends or whatever.
She’d tried hanging out, tried inviting.
Yeah, real tough. And kinda soul-crushing.
“So in all these years, no one’s pursued Teacher Lin?”
“…” Du Heming’s eyes bulged like saucers as she stared at Lou Yixuan like she’d grown a second head.
Who dares?
Just who dares? That was the infamous heartbreaker Lin Menopause from the sister schools!
And…
“What’s wrong, Teacher Du? Did I ask something I shouldn’t have?”
Lou Yixuan was asking out of self-interest. She wanted to know why, if Lin Huayan couldn’t accept her, she hadn’t accepted anyone else in all these years?
She flat-out refused to believe no one had pursued Lin Huayan. Eight years and not one decent option?
“If Teacher Du doesn’t want to say, but if you don’t…”
“Keep it down. Over here, to the corner.” Du Heming pulled her aside.
…
The one who came to pick up Lou Yixuan was Xu Yaning.
At the restaurant entrance, Lou Yixuan waved and called out affectionately, “Ya Ning-jie!” She jogged down the steps, only for Xu Yaning to grab her shoulders and inspect her face and neck.
“It’s mostly gone,” Lou Yixuan tilted her neck, turning left, then right. “See? No fibbing.”
Back when she first returned to the country, Lu Lingxuan had “confined” her at home, living together for a month to make up for the eight lost years of sisterly bond.
Lu Lingxuan was like blood to her, and that affection extended to Xu Yaning—they’d become family in days.
“Yeah, good as long as you’re fine.”
Xu Yaning looked up at the approaching group. “Said goodbye to your colleagues?”
In her red dress and big waves of hair, Xu Yaning exuded effortless allure, stirring varied thoughts in Lin Huayan, Du Heming, and the others.
“Teacher Du, Teacher Lin, Teacher He—my friend’s here to get me.”
Lou Yixuan loosely linked arms with Xu Yaning, flashing a smile bright as starlight. “Sorry for tonight, really. I worried you all. Next time something like this comes up, I’ll steer clear—no drop of alcohol.”
“Sorry, Xuan gave you all trouble.”
Xu Yaning picked up seamlessly. “Thanks for looking after Xuan these days. I’m her friend—and her big sis. I run a restaurant. Next time, she’ll treat you all at my Youjian Little Tavern. You can have any of the fruit wines; she’ll stick to plain water.”
“Really? I already owe Teacher Lin, Teacher Du, and Teacher He a meal each.” Lou Yixuan lit up, eyes sparkling at Xu Yaning.
She had planned to treat them, but not at Xu Yaning’s Youjian Little Tavern.
Didn’t want to burden her.
But since coming back, she was the burden.
She’d dragged Lu Lingxuan and Xu Yaning down with her these past days.
“You doubt me?”
“No, I believe you.”
Their exchange and gaze, to the three onlookers, brimmed with coquettishness and doting.
As Du Heming watched, she suddenly understood what Lou Yixuan meant by I’ve thought about it, tried to give up. Failed.
With a “big sister” like this—eyebrows like distant mountains, eyes like autumn leaves, wearing a wedding ring, impossible to have or let go—how bitter must Lou Yixuan’s heart be?
Lou Yixuan smiled, but Du Heming felt a pang of dense heartache. “Lou Lou, even at home, don’t get careless. Watch for any lingering rash—if it doesn’t fade, see a doctor ASAP.”
“No worries. She won’t be alone tonight.”
Xu Yaning nodded gratefully, slipping her arm free to smoothly pat Lou Yixuan’s back. “Xuan, we should head out.”
“Okay.”
Lou Yixuan was obedient as a child, bidding them farewell one by one. “Teacher Du, Teacher Lin, Teacher He—grab cabs home soon too. Enjoy the four-day break, see you next week. And the meal? Not just talk—I’ll set a date.”
All three had to return to school; Lou Yixuan’s car couldn’t fit them.
No offers to drop anyone off.
They exchanged goodbyes. Lou Yixuan and Xu Yaning turned toward the parking spot.
Their easy chatter and intimate gestures screamed unspoken rapport.
Lin Huayan’s mind raced, her feet leaden, rooted in place.
It was a late-summer night, still sweltering, lit by countless streetlamps and headlights—yet she felt abandoned in a desolate wasteland, surrounded by endless dark and cold.
“Teacher Lin, let’s go too.”
Du Heming pulled her gaze from the receding figures. “Teacher Lin?”
“Yeah… let’s go.”
She said it, but every step weighed a thousand pounds.
In the car, Xu Yaning didn’t start the engine right away. She sent a voice message to Lu Lingxuan: picked up Lou Yixuan.
Then she asked, “You acted like that just now—aren’t you afraid she’ll misunderstand?”
Lou Yixuan had called Lu Lingxuan, but since Lu Lingxuan had met Lin Huayan at the hospital, only Xu Yaning could come.
Better if she misunderstands.
Let Lin Huayan misunderstand.
Only then would she believe Lou Yixuan’s return wasn’t to upend her life, would she lower her guard, live carefree as always.
Only then could I self-deceive, keep playing the silent sentinel behind a facade of peace.
