Chapter 55: A Likable Kind of Trouble

Wen Xin didn’t quite understand what she meant, her gaze following Shi Qianyu as she wanted to ask for clarification.

But Shi Qianyu clearly had no intention of elaborating. She bent down and squatted in front of a small stall, picking up a glowing bunny-ear hair clip and holding it up to Wen Xin. “This one’s so cute. It’d look great on you.”

“Really?” Wen Xin nodded shyly and squatted down beside her. “It is pretty cute.”

“But not for me. These are for kids.”

Shi Qianyu heard her but pretended not to. She looked toward the vendor. “We’ll take this one.”

“What were you saying, Sis?” She scanned the code, clipped the hair accessory onto Wen Xin’s head, and only then continued, “It was too noisy around here. I didn’t catch it.”

“…”

After a moment, Wen Xin sighed. “Never mind.”

Shi Qianyu smiled and looked up to study the person in front of her. “It suits you perfectly.”

“Then I’ll get one for A-Yu too.” Wen Xin’s eyes scanned the stall, immediately spotting a cat-ear version. She picked it up casually. “What about this one?”

Shi Qianyu didn’t resist. “If you like it, that’s good enough for me.”

Wen Xin grinned, paid for it, and carefully clipped it onto Shi Qianyu’s hair. The cute cat-ear hair clip matched her surprisingly well.

The view from the bridge was excellent, offering a panoramic sweep of the beautiful riverside scenery. Wen Xin suddenly felt inspired. Shi Qianyu like this wasn’t something she saw every day—it was worth capturing in a photo.

“Let’s take one together.” Shi Qianyu noticed her intention, stepped back to lean against the railing, and draped an arm around her shoulders. They both faced the camera.

Wen Xin gently pressed the shutter. The perfect moment was captured forever. Time past couldn’t be reclaimed, but photos could preserve it all.

These pictures would surely be just as wonderful years from now.

Wen Xin smiled, pocketed her phone, and continued strolling with Shi Qianyu. The crowd was thick—perhaps fearing they’d get separated, Shi Qianyu kept holding her hand, staying right by her side.

It felt so reassuring, so warm.

Wen Xin wondered if she’d ever get to experience this kind of happiness again. She wasn’t one to seize the day without a care; she always had so many worries. The surging crowds, the dappled light and shadow, the glow of the streetlamps—all stirred her thoughts, drawing them out to distant places.

She couldn’t help pondering many things. This lover’s bond wasn’t all that solid. It would probably end someday. If that day came, when would it be?

A year? Two years? Or just a month or two? Shi Qianyu had given her so much. Her presence had woven itself into Wen Xin’s daily life. She’d grown accustomed to having her around every day. If they ever parted, Wen Xin hoped it would come slowly.

She really wanted to spend the next Mid-Autumn Festival with her too.

With that thought, Wen Xin stole a glance at Shi Qianyu’s face. She thought she’d hidden it well, but she was spotted right away.

Shi Qianyu turned to her. “What are you thinking about?”

Wen Xin shook her head. “Nothing.”

Shi Qianyu called her out directly. “You’re lying again.”

Wen Xin was momentarily surprised. “That obvious, huh?”

Shi Qianyu nodded. “Yeah.”

“Will you tell me?” She drew closer to the person before her, her beautiful eyes reflecting Wen Xin’s figure. Wen Xin instinctively looked away, afraid Shi Qianyu would see right through to her heart.

After a pause, Shi Qianyu chuckled. “If you don’t say anything, I’ll kiss you.”

That did the trick. Wen Xin looked back, murmuring softly, “I was just wondering if we’ll get to spend the next Mid-Autumn together.”

“Of course we will.” Shi Qianyu answered promptly. “Not just Mid-Autumn—every holiday from now on. Mid-Autumn, National Day, New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year… And if you want, we can do Youth Day and Children’s Day too.”

Wen Xin couldn’t help but laugh despite herself. Youth Day was one thing, but Children’s Day? “We’re adults now. Can’t exactly steal holidays from kids.”

Shi Qianyu reached up and touched her bunny-ear hair clip. “That doesn’t carry much weight coming from you, Miss Bunny.”

She was teasing her.

Wen Xin paused, then mimicked her tone. “Well, it’s the truth, Ms. Catcat.”

Ms. Catcat—what a cute name.

Shi Qianyu laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement and warmth. People hurried past, tourists rushing along; no one paid any mind to them. Even the nearby flowers and plants seemed to kindly provide some cover.

~~~

Shi Qianyu said nothing more, leaning in to plant a soft kiss on Wen Xin’s cheek.

Wen Xin froze for a second before reacting, her cheeks flushing bright red. She whispered, “A-Yu, what was that for!”

“I told you I would… and you still kissed me…”

Shi Qianyu gently caressed her cheek, replying with a voice full of laughter. “Sorry about that.”

“This time, I’m the one who lied.”

~~~

It was late by the time they headed back.

Wen Xin had promised Lady Fang during dinner that she’d help make handmade mooncakes the next day, which meant an early start.

Shi Qianyu didn’t press her. She bid her goodnight and reminded her to get some rest.

“Got it.” Wen Xin nodded. “You too, A-Yu.”

They parted ways. Wen Xin returned to the guest room, tidied up, and slipped into bed.

She’d spent the whole day having fun, and her body was thoroughly worn out. Yet her mind was still buzzing with excitement. This had been the happiest Mid-Autumn Festival of her life—but maybe not the last one. Like Shi Qianyu said, there would be a next one, and the one after that.

This was nice.

Wen Xin closed her eyes and whispered to herself, “This is really nice.”

Morning came quickly. Wen Xin spent the day just as fully, immersed in the lively atmosphere that gave her a fleeting sense of family. It filled her with satisfaction and joy. They made mooncakes together, shared a meal, and admired the moon.

Lady Fang, as usual, regaled them with stories from her youth. Wen Xin eagerly chimed in, laughing along with everyone.

It was so joyful—such rare joy.

Soon, it was the last day of the holiday.

Wen Xin said goodbye to Lady Fang, explaining she had some things to take care of and couldn’t stay longer. Shi Qianyu spoke up. “Want me to come with you?”

“No need.” Wen Xin shook her head. Visiting her parents’ graves was something she preferred to do alone; she didn’t want to burden Shi Qianyu. “Thanks, A-Yu. I can handle it myself.”

“Alright then.” Shi Qianyu respected her wishes and didn’t pry. She just told her to be careful on the road.

“Mm, I will.” Wen Xin waved farewell, left the Shi Family Old Mansion, and after some transfers, arrived at the cemetery.

Compared to the bustle outside, the cemetery was eerily quiet and desolate.

Wen Xin always felt a heavy weight in her chest whenever she came here. Even though her parents had been gone for years, she still couldn’t let go. A single accident had snatched away her family in an instant, shattering what had once been a happy home.

Sometimes Wen Xin felt hatred—for the car crash, for the driver who caused it, for her parents leaving her so heartlessly, forcing her to endure all that hardship alone.

But those feelings were rare. Mostly, it was longing and pain that dominated.

In the early years, Wen Xin couldn’t sleep at night. Nightmares plagued her endlessly. Though she hadn’t been at the scene and hadn’t seen her parents’ final moments, her imagination filled in the horrific details.

She dreamed of them covered in blood, wounds mangled. She dreamed of their mouths gaping open, silent, throats emitting only guttural rasps.

Those nightmares tormented her, preventing her from finding peace or forgetting. They even warped her memories and state of mind. For a long time, she drifted through life in a haze, as if space itself was distorted and time sped up or slowed unpredictably.

It was self-inflicted torture. Her heart was shrouded in gloom, mirroring the shadows of her existence. She’d thought she’d spend her life in darkness, but eventually, sunlight had found its way to her.

Wen Xin located her parents’ tombstone and gently set down the mooncakes she’d brought.

She’d never had much to say on these visits beyond her longing. But now her life was fuller; even without trying, she had plenty of memories to share.

She told her parents about her job, her daily life—the joys, the sorrows, the pains, the happiness.

Time flew by, and before she knew it, the sun was setting.

Wen Xin finally stood, bidding them a reluctant goodbye. She got into the car for the ride home. The beautiful scenery along the road soothed her mood, and a message from Shi Qianyu helped her relax completely.

The day should have ended peacefully.

That’s what Wen Xin thought, until she stepped out of the elevator and reached her front door.

There stood the two people she feared most in the world.

Her uncle and aunt.