You Must Be Good

1 unlock every wednesday and saturday

The first time Chu Xinrou saw Qiao Xiaoxiao, the girl was wearing a faded T-shirt and a pair of washed-out jeans, standing behind her uncle and looking around in terror.

Having tested from a rural middle school into the county’s top high school, Qiao Xiaoxiao’s academic achievements were plain for all to see. Yet, regardless of what anyone said, she always kept her head down, her long eyelashes fluttering. She was withdrawn and suffered from low self-esteem.

By chance, Chu Xinrou discovered purple bruises on Qiao Xiaoxiao’s arms and body. She poured her heart and soul into helping Qiao Xiaoxiao, guiding her out of her shell step by step until she finally saw a smile in the younger girl’s eyes.

Growing up, Qiao Xiaoxiao revered Chu Xinrou as if she were a goddess.

Once, Chu Xinrou had smiled and ruffled her hair, saying, “You must be good. Study hard, get into a top university, and after you graduate, you can have a new life of your own.”

Qiao Xiaoxiao looked up, gazing at the older sister who cherished her so dearly, and asked softly, “Jiejie, if I get into university and graduate, can you grant me one wish?”

Chu Xinrou watched her and gave a gentle nod.

Qiao Xiaoxiao’s gaze was intense. “Promise me.”

Chu Xinrou smiled. “I promise.”

Four years later, Qiao Xiaoxiao graduated. She eagerly sought out Chu Xinrou to have her fulfill that long-ago promise.

Chu Xinrou looked at the girl who had once been so small and reliant on her, now half a head taller, and was left shocked and stunned by her words.

The closed-off, lonely, and naive little girl from all those years ago had grown up.

With her own hands, Qiao Xiaoxiao pulled her down from the pedestal. Staring at her lips, she murmured the same words Chu Xinrou once always used to say: “You must be good.”

A ten-year age gap.

Tags: Drama, Slice of Life, Cool Older Woman, Secret Crush