Chapter 51: Good Child Is the Most Obedient

“No? I remember it’s in the contract.” Li Yunli had clearly read Ji Zhenshi’s contract in detail.

Ji Zhenshi smugly raised an eyebrow. “It was changed later on. I didn’t want the day to come when we faced our feelings for each other and you’d have qualms because of it. Besides, it’s just a violinist, not some idol or anything. The company won’t regulate relationships that strictly.”

“So, love boldly. We don’t have that big an audience.”

Ji Zhenshi’s eyes shimmered with deep affection.

She no longer had to sneak glances at Li Yunli. She no longer had to hold back.

Touched in her heart, Li Yunli smiled faintly. “Thank you, Xiao Zhen.”

“You’re welcome. If you really want to thank me, you could give me a kiss.”

“……”

Was Ji Zhenshi’s mind filled with nothing but pink bubbles?

“Hey, Teacher Tang, why are you back?”

Ji Zhenshi’s sharp eyes spotted Tang Xien emerging from the practice room. She waved enthusiastically, beckoning her over.

Tang Xien looked up and opened her palm, revealing a jet-black fountain pen. “Forgot my pen. Just came back for it. Remember to practice the piece until it’s familiar, and pay attention to what I told you.”

With that, Tang Xien’s gaze passed through Ji Zhenshi and landed on Li Yunli, whose fingers were intertwined with hers.

Her eyes paused, looking at Li Yunli with some surprise.

So it really had been Li Yunli who reminded her that day. And now, seeing their tightly clasped hands…

What exactly was their relationship?

Had Li Yunli’s reminder that day been a coincidence, or had she known about her connection with Ji Zhenshi in advance?

Noticing Tang Xien’s gaze on Li Yunli, Ji Zhenshi casually introduced the woman at her side without a care. “Oh, right—let me introduce my girlfriend, Li Yunli.”

“Sister A-Yun, this is the Teacher Tang I’ve told you about.”

Tang Xien’s gaze deepened as she thought of the identical medical record card. Her eyes grew complex as she looked at Li Yunli, then curved her lips faintly. “Hello, Miss Li.”

Li Yunli nodded, offering a slight smile as she tried to withdraw her hand to sign.

“Um… sorry, Teacher Tang. Sister A-Yun can only communicate through sign language due to certain reasons. She was just greeting you.” Ji Zhenshi spoke up promptly and explained generously before shifting from holding Li Yunli’s hand to draping an arm around her shoulders.

Tang Xien wasn’t surprised; after all, she had seen it before.

After a moment of silence, she suddenly said, “Miss Li, if you don’t mind, could we chat for a bit?”

“Huh? Chat with Sister A-Yun? What do you two even have to talk about…” Ji Zhenshi couldn’t fathom what Tang Xien was up to. She had thought this was just a quick greeting, so why did it feel like Tang Xien wasn’t surprised at all and was even suggesting a chat with Li Yunli?

They were meeting for the first time. What was there to discuss?

In that instant, Ji Zhenshi’s mind raced through countless possibilities, but she ultimately concluded there was nothing for Li Yunli and Tang Xien to talk about—no need for it.

Tang Xien’s presence was too overpowering. Li Yunli didn’t seem like a match for her. What if she ended up feeling wronged?

Ji Zhenshi had personally experienced Tang Xien’s sharp tongue before.

Tang Xien’s face was as cold as ice. Facing Ji Zhenshi’s doubts, she countered unhurriedly, “Was I not clear? As for what to talk about, there’s surely something, isn’t there?”

“…”

Ji Zhenshi was at a loss for words, completely stumped by Tang Xien.

“Miss Li, wouldn’t you mind a private chat? It’ll only take five minutes of your time—very quick.” Tang Xien sought Li Yunli’s opinion again, seemingly oblivious to Ji Zhenshi’s displeasure.

Li Yunli figured Tang Xien had recognized her, so she nodded lightly. “I don’t mind.”

“Xiao Zhen, you go ahead inside and wait. I’ll be right back.”

“Huh? Why?” Ji Zhenshi hadn’t expected Li Yunli to agree. She watched in astonishment as they walked together toward the end of the corridor.

Why did she suddenly feel like she had missed something important?

Weren’t they meeting for the first time? The only possible connection between Tang Xien and Li Yunli was through her, right?

And now they were going off to chat alone behind her back?

Li Yunli followed Tang Xien into a conference room. She gently closed the door behind them.

Tang Xien turned back, but before she could speak, Li Yunli had already raised her notebook. “Miss Tang, no need to worry. That day was just a coincidence. I won’t tell anyone, including Xiao Zhen.”

Li Yunli knew exactly what Tang Xien wanted to say and had anticipated it.

It was nothing more than Tang Xien not wanting anyone to know she was seeing a psychologist—specifically, not wanting Li Yunli to tell Ji Zhenshi, which might lead to even more people finding out.

Having clawed her way through this industry for so many years, Tang Xien knew full well that the fewer weaknesses she exposed, the better.

Otherwise, she’d face scenes like the one with Zheng Siqi that day—subtle mockery that she didn’t care about but still found grating.

Tang Xien lifted her gaze slightly to meet Li Yunli’s smiling face. Li Yunli’s slender fingers held the notebook as she offered a faint, gentle smile.

She clearly seemed like a person with no aggression.

This left Tang Xien, who had prepared a whole speech, momentarily speechless. Even the frost on her expression softened involuntarily, her sharp edges retracting. “Then thank you, Miss Li.”

The conversation went more smoothly than expected.

“You’re welcome. I don’t have the habit of gossiping about others behind their backs, and neither does Xiao Zhen.” Li Yunli deliberately emphasized the last part.

Even if Ji Zhenshi found out, she wasn’t the type to spread someone else’s privacy. Tang Xien’s worries were unnecessary.

Tang Xien’s fingertips paused slightly, her features strikingly clear. “I didn’t mean anything about Ji Zhenshi. I just habitually assume the lowest level of trust from those around me.”

In other words, she trusted no one—only herself.

After a second of silence, Tang Xien changed tack. “But Miss Li, you recognized me right away back then, didn’t you? That’s why you stopped to remind me.”

What she had thought was a coincidence now seemed like Li Yunli had turned back because she recognized her.

Li Yunli nodded candidly. “Because you’re Xiao Zhen’s mentor, I took the liberty of looking up some information about you online beforehand. That day, I did recognize you, so I spoke to you.”

Hearing this, Tang Xien’s gaze toward Li Yunli gained deeper layers.

It was normal, though—nothing wrong with researching the mentor who would be spending so much time with one’s girlfriend.

Since Li Yunli had already promised not to say anything, Tang Xien had no desire to delve further. She mustered a polite, distant smile. “In any case, thank you again, Miss Li.”

“You’re welcome. Xiao Zhen says you’re a great teacher and that she’s learned a lot from you, so I should be the one thanking you. She’s always hoped to meet a real mentor. Thanks to your guidance, she’s able to perform on stage so soon. If there’s a chance, we must treat Miss Tang to a meal to thank you properly.”

Li Yunli’s pen moved quickly across the page, and throughout, Tang Xien watched her quietly.

Though she had never asked outright, she could sense Ji Zhenshi’s attachment to this person wasn’t ordinary. The way Ji Zhenshi had so openly introduced her, the pride in her words—it was unmistakable.

It felt like pride in her relationship, no hiding or masking it, and no odd thoughts about her partner’s physical limitations.

Ji Zhenshi was truly proud.

Once, someone close to her had introduced her to everyone the same way, eager to declare their bond to the world.

An inexplicable ache stabbed at her heart. Tang Xien hurriedly lowered her eyes to conceal the pain.

Tang Xien didn’t respond for a long while. Li Yunli glanced at her curiously, assuming she wanted to refuse but didn’t know how to say it.

So she took the initiative. “Miss Tang? It’s fine if it’s inconvenient. I know you’re busy. Still, thank you for looking after Xiao Zhen. We’re truly grateful.”

Tang Xien pressed her lips tightly together, as if enduring immense pain, her expression nearly cracking.

She took a deep breath to steady herself, pondered for a moment with her head down, then suddenly smiled—an unexpected response. “Taking care of Ji Zhenshi is just part of my job assignment. But if Miss Li is sincerely inviting me, I can’t refuse. We could have a meal together sometime when I’m free.”

Perhaps on a whim, she found herself curious about Ji Zhenshi now—what kind of upbringing and environment had shaped her into who she was.

Before offering anyone unearned help, she needed to fully understand them first. That was why she was willing to break her principle of non-interference.

Ji Zhenshi, I’m curious if we’re truly on the same path.

Selfishly speaking, you’ve piqued my interest. I want to see just how high you can climb.

“Mm, then it’s settled.”

“Should we exchange contact info? How else will we coordinate later?” Tang Xien asked proactively, pulling a business card from her bag. The look she gave Li Yunli held hidden depths.

Li Yunli was a bit surprised. This Tang Xien seemed different from the strict, aloof, unapproachable Teacher Tang that Ji Zhenshi had described.

Without time to think further, Li Yunli accepted the card with both hands and wrote her phone number on a sticky note from her bag. “Then we’ll be in touch.”

Tang Xien glanced at the number on the sticky note, her eyebrow arching slightly. From the corner of her eye, she caught the shadowy figure at the conference room door—pacing back and forth like a gecko plastered to the glass, trying to eavesdrop.

How interesting.

Tang Xien’s lips curved faintly as she asked with keen interest, “Ji Zhenshi doesn’t know you’re undergoing psychological treatment, does she, Miss Li?”

The answer was easy to guess. Why else wouldn’t Ji Zhenshi know they’d met at the clinic before? With this casual question, Tang Xien appeared ready to leave.

She shouldn’t have wondered why Li Yunli didn’t want Ji Zhenshi to know about her therapy.

Li Yunli’s lashes trembled lightly. “So we’ll keep each other’s secrets, then.”

“Of course. One good turn deserves another.”

With that, Tang Xien reached the conference room door and exchanged a glance with Li Yunli. “Miss Li, Ji Zhenshi really is an interesting person.”

Both noticed the shadow outside. Li Yunli smiled indulgently. Xiao Zhen was so cute.

Tang Xien withdrew her gaze and abruptly pulled open the glass door.

“Hey? I thought there was a restroom around here. Did I get it wrong… Oh, Teacher Tang, Sister A-Yun, you’re chatting in here? What a coincidence—I was just looking for the restroom.” Ji Zhenshi pretended to hurriedly pat the glass door up and down, then flashed a smile and waved at them.

“……”

Tang Xien crossed her arms, watching her performance silently.

“Um… you’re done chatting?” Ji Zhenshi glanced guiltily at Li Yunli. “I was just looking for the restroom. Drank too much water.”

Tang Xien’s voice was flat. “The restroom is at the end of the hall to the right. You went the wrong way.”

Such a lame excuse and performance—embarrassingly obvious.

“Oh, look at that, I forgot. I was in such a rush, I went the wrong way.” Ji Zhenshi smacked her forehead and turned to Li Yunli, who was stifling a laugh. “You’re done chatting, right?”

What was so funny? She was just worried Li Yunli might get the short end of the stick.

Tang Xien’s aura was overwhelmingly strong. Even their first meeting had startled her.

“We’re done. See you tomorrow, Ji Zhenshi.” Tang Xien nodded slightly to Li Yunli before turning to leave.

Once Tang Xien was gone, Ji Zhenshi hurriedly grabbed Li Yunli’s hand. “Sister A-Yun, what did you and Teacher Tang talk about? Was it about me? What did she say? She didn’t say anything weird to scare you, did she?”

Like a curious baby, Ji Zhenshi bombarded her with questions.

She was dying of anxiety.

Ji Zhenshi could take Tang Xien calling her hypocritical, but she absolutely couldn’t tolerate Li Yunli being hurt by her words.

“Nothing. Don’t worry—we just chatted casually.” Li Yunli gave her a reassuring look, signaling there was no need for concern.

Ji Zhenshi spotted the business card in Li Yunli’s notebook and widened her eyes. “She gave you her card? You got that close after just meeting once?”

Her crisis radar blared. Ji Zhenshi reached for the card, but Li Yunli deftly tucked it into the back of her notebook, keeping it from her grasp.

“Nothing much. Let’s head back for lunch.”

Li Yunli wasn’t telling Ji Zhenshi—more precisely, she didn’t know how to explain it.

“Sister A-Yun, you don’t love me anymore.”

“Do you like sweet-and-sour fish? I tried making it for the first time today. I don’t know how it turned out, but Xiao Ning said it was delicious. Not sure if it suits your taste.”

“You don’t love me anymore.”

“But since you like sweet flavors, you should enjoy it.”

“Sister A-Yun, I’m heartbroken.”

“Oh, you can be heartbroken after lunch, Good Child.”

Back in the practice room alone together, Ji Zhenshi buried herself in Li Yunli’s embrace, nuzzling discontentedly. “Sister A-Yun! Tell me—why did she give you her card? Did you add each other’s contacts? Show me your phone quick.”

Li Yunli let her fuss unreasonably in her arms, her face full of the usual indulgent tolerance. She calmly unpacked the food she’d brought, its aroma filling the air and making one’s mouth water.

She handed Ji Zhenshi the chopsticks. “Go wash your hands and eat.”

Ji Zhenshi had no appetite for food. When she said she wanted to see the phone, she meant it. She reached for Li Yunli’s phone.

She knew the passcode. As soon as she unlocked it, however, Li Yunli suddenly took it back.

Seeing she wouldn’t wash her hands, Li Yunli pulled a tissue from her bag to wipe them for her. “Be good and eat.”

“I want to see.” Ji Zhenshi insisted.

She had finally won over this sister of hers. She wouldn’t allow anyone to covet her!

She had to nip even the slightest hint of a threat in the bud—her little heart couldn’t take the torment.

“Nothing to see. Eat.” Li Yunli put the phone in her bag, firm in not letting Ji Zhenshi touch it.

It wouldn’t have mattered before, but now she was keeping in touch with Lin Qi. She was afraid Ji Zhenshi might notice something, so she kept it away.

Ji Zhenshi pouted, gripping her chopsticks. “Fine. Have you eaten?”

“I have. You eat.” Li Yunli sat beside Ji Zhenshi and noticed her dejected expression—so pitifully adorable—that she hooked her pinky finger with hers, drawing Ji Zhenshi’s gaze.

“Hmph. Cold war with Sister A-Yun for one minute.”

This was the person who started acting spoiled the moment Li Yunli showed a hint of weakness.

Li Yunli chuckled, playing with her pinky. Her fingertip slowly traced the prominent veins on the back of Ji Zhenshi’s hand. “Good Child, we didn’t talk about much. I just said I wanted to thank her for taking care of you, so we agreed to have a meal together sometime.”

At those words, a smile bloomed on Ji Zhenshi’s face. She leaned close to Li Yunli, gazing at her with starry eyes.

She had no resistance to her Good Child.

Their distance closed abruptly. Li Yunli knew what Ji Zhenshi was anticipating. She pursed her lips slightly, tapped the tip of her nose with a fingertip, and mouthed the words, “Good Child is the most obedient.”

Ji Zhenshi couldn’t help laughing, satisfied as she pulled back.

She had actually hoped for a kiss. Sister A-Yun was still too restrained.

She wished Sister A-Yun would let loose a bit more. She wouldn’t mind.