Chapter 195: A Few Things About Travel
“You’re really too reckless.”
Li Yuexin entered the hospital room, a bouquet of flowers in her hand, sighing as she looked at Nangong Ying, her head bandaged. This girl… she was so foolish.
“Even if you’re dedicated to your work, you can’t joke about your own safety. That stunt… it was incredibly dangerous. One wrong move, and you could have been killed.”
The car window jump stunt had been incredibly risky. Though Nangong Ying had made it, she had suffered a head injury, almost a concussion. No wonder the stunt doubles had refused; it was too dangerous, even for a man, let alone a woman.
“I was just doing my job. The doctor said I can be discharged in three days. I’ll continue filming then.”
“You… Fine. I won’t interfere.”
If this girl was so determined, so be it. She wouldn’t listen to reason anyway.
And her success… it wasn’t without reason. Her dedication, her work ethic… it was admirable.
But…
Only Nangong Ying knew the real reason for her recklessness: to alleviate her guilt.
“Little Ying, about that thing I mentioned before… how are the preparations?”
“The concert? It’s fine. I’ve already spoken with the director. I’ll make time for it.”
Nangong Ying had joined Li Yuexin’s band, the same band that had composed the soundtrack for her debut film, The Storm Chronicle, gaining some recognition with their album release.
They had planned a concert for the summer, and Nangong Ying had agreed to participate.
She wanted to use this opportunity to express her unspoken feelings through music.
The Wenqing professional authors’ group chat was buzzing with activity, the authors, as usual, chatting, bragging, and reminiscing. Today, the topic of conversation was the newcomer, Shion.
◆ Roasted Sweet Potato: Have you guys heard? Shion’s Ballad of the Enchantress, Volume Two, is coming out in July!
◆ Scumbag Tin Foil Perm: What?! Didn’t they just finish the gaokao? It’s only been half a month! They’re already publishing a new book? That’s so fast!
◆ Rabbit: Shion-sensei is a machine! I couldn’t handle it! Writing and illustrating her own work… she’ll work herself to death!
◆ Dongqiao Lingyue: Reminds me of another Wenqing Gold Award winner… Air-sensei…
◆ Air: Hey! I’m working hard on my manuscript too! The Rich Man’s Game, Volume Four, is almost done!
◆ Star Dream: Air has appeared! When are you coming back? We miss you!
◆ Air: Alright, I’m looking for an opportunity to return.
◆ Bai Chen: Shion-sensei is our role model!
The authors in the group chat were all talking about Shion. Just half a month after the gaokao, she was already writing again. Shouldn’t she be relaxing, traveling? This Shion-sensei was a true workaholic.
Such a dedicated author was a rarity. And both Gold Award winners, Air and Shion, were a study in contrasts: one a master of procrastination, the other a relentless writer.
And both were managed by Chen Xi.
Which was why Chen Xi had been hounding Zhao Yuyan for her manuscript, practically threatening her, this procrastinating author, who, if not for her rising star status, would have been… dealt with.
Yu Linna, however, was a diligent worker, having already finished her manuscript and illustrations, now preparing for the release of Volume Two of Zixuan and the Paper Airplane. Unlike Zhao Yuyan, she was a dedicated professional, Chen Xi never having to worry about her missing a deadline.
Zhao Yuyan, on the other hand… she deserved to be punished.
But that was none of Yu Linna’s concern. Her work was done, and she was going on a trip with Huo Ningning. She visited her a day before their trip, Huo Ningning leading her into her apartment.
It was a significant improvement from their previous home, with an elevator and a new door, a far cry from the dilapidated apartment with its rickety door, a constant invitation to thieves. Now, there was even a carpet and an air conditioner, luxuries Yu Linna had never known.
“Ningning, you’re back… Is that… Nana? Come in! Come in!”
Wu Siyu, seeing the blonde girl, paused, then smiled, welcoming her into their home, just as she had years ago, though this time, Yu Linna wouldn’t be staying.
“Aunt Wu, long time no see. How are you?”
“I’m doing well. Ningning told me you’re in the same class. I only found out recently. It’s a small world, isn’t it? Haha.”
Wu Siyu prepared a fruit platter, eager to treat her guest. This child had always loved snacks, and though they couldn’t afford much before, now, with their improved circumstances, they could offer her a variety of treats. Wu Siyu still felt a sense of guilt towards her.
“I thought I heard a familiar voice! It’s Nana! It’s been so long! You’ve grown so beautiful!”
Huo Ningning’s father, Huo Qiulin, having heard Yu Linna was coming, had been waiting at home. Though he had more wrinkles now, he looked more mature, more stable, wearing glasses like his daughter, his figure slightly fuller, though not yet middle-aged.
“Uncle, long time no see. I’m sorry for any trouble I caused when I was younger. You look well.”
“Haha, I don’t remember you causing any trouble. You were much more well-behaved than my daughter. You’ve grown up, so beautiful, and I’ve grown old. Haha.”
Yu Linna, chatting with Huo Ningning’s family, sipping tea, smiled, her demeanor more reserved, more mature than her innocent, carefree childhood self, her years of hardship having taught her to be more observant, more cautious.
She had lived with the Huo family for only a month, a short time, but she remembered it well.
Though she hadn’t recognized Huo Ningning at first, her memory faded by time and Huo Ningning’s glasses, she now recalled her time with them, a rare period of warmth and stability in her otherwise turbulent childhood. She had never been mistreated or gone hungry at their house. Her real hardships had begun after she left.
Yu Linna chatted with Wu Siyu, their conversation turning to their upcoming trip, Wu Siyu’s face lighting up with excitement. The Huo family, now financially secure, could finally afford a family vacation, and they had chosen Hong Kong.
Huo Ningning had invited Yu Linna to join them, an offer she had accepted. She had never been to Hong Kong before; it would be a new experience. Hong Kong was close to Shenzhen; they could stay in Shenzhen, where accommodation was cheaper. That was Yu Linna’s suggestion.
Wu Siyu, however, had other plans, declaring they would stay in Hong Kong.
It couldn’t be helped; the Huo family was now wealthy, their lifestyle a stark contrast to their previous struggles, almost… nouveau riche, a transformation that explained Huo Ningning’s changed demeanor when they first met in their senior year.
What could Yu Linna say? She agreed. And even if they hadn’t invited her, she had her own money, a millionaire loli.
After their chat, Wu Siyu invited her to stay for dinner. Yu Linna and Huo Ningning sat in the living room, watching TV, waiting for the meal to be prepared. Being with Huo Ningning, watching television, brought back memories of their childhood, when they would do the same, waiting for dinner, usually watching whatever cartoons Huo Ningning wanted, Yu Linna never fighting over the remote.
“It feels… just like when we were younger, don’t you think?”
“Mmm, a little.”
Yu Linna’s reply was cool.
The television was playing a popular teen drama, a genre Yu Linna rarely watched, though it seemed to appeal to Huo Ningning.
“Little Linna, do you think… we can be like we were before?”
“…Why are you talking about that again? Let’s just watch TV.”
“You don’t smile at me. You smiled when you were talking to my parents, but not with me. You still haven’t forgiven me, have you?”
“…”
It wasn’t that she hadn’t forgiven her; it was just… difficult to forget.
Nangong Ying’s betrayal had made her wary of trusting anyone, of forming close relationships. She wouldn’t be so naive again.
She was no longer the freeloading, shameless girl she once was. Now… she rarely took advantage of others, rarely acted cute for a free meal. Though she still accepted free food, she no longer needed it to survive.
“Little Linna, I told you, I won’t give up. I won’t…”
Looking at her earnest expression, Yu Linna sighed. Why are you so persistent? Was it really necessary to cling to the past?
The past was the past; why not just move on? Why not just live their own lives, without interfering with each other?
“Huo Ningning…”
“…”
“Dinner’s… almost ready.”
