Candlelight flickered as the evening breeze swept across the star-filled sky. Stars twinkled one by one, as if they might tumble from the night and fall right into their eyes.
A sudden phone ring shattered the quiet.
Shen Jingsong picked up. “Sister Betty? I’m still at Jingyue. You say… um, um, okay, right away.”
She pointed at the phone toward Xia Zhuxi, then at the medicine on the bedside table. Clutching her phone, she hurried toward the door. “Before nine thirty, right? I’ll head over now.”
Xia Zhuxi let out a heavy breath.
~~~
The Little Squirrel with its puffed-up cheeks was black and white, motionless.
Xia Zhuxi tapped it open, entered the chat window, backed out, then tapped back in.
Chat with Why Not
March 9
22:18:36
Why Not: I’ve accepted your friend request. Now we can start chatting.
summer: waving hello.jpg
The emoji Xia Zhuxi had sent was still the last message. Three days had passed, and the chat history hadn’t updated.
“Sigh.” Xia Zhuxi flopped back onto the sofa, her hand dangling with the phone toward the floor. Just thinking about that night—asking Shen Jingsong if they should try getting married—made her cheeks burn with embarrassment. She wanted to blast off into outer space!
Her toes curled up involuntarily. She buried her face in her hands and resolved to swear off alcohol for a month as punishment.
But why hadn’t Shen Jingsong replied to her message?
Xia Zhuxi sat up, crossing her legs and hugging a throw pillow to her chest. She rested her chin on it, her eyes growing misty.
That phone call had interrupted them so abruptly. Shen Jingsong hadn’t refused her, but she hadn’t agreed either. What was she really thinking?
Couldn’t she at least give her some kind of response?
Xia Zhuxi scratched at her hair and pouted.
No, better not to respond at all. No matter how she looked at it, Shen Jingsong would never agree. Who flash-marries someone they haven’t seen in nine years, barely know, and happens to be their ex-girlfriend’s little sister?
From Shen Jingsong’s perspective, it was a total disaster.
If she did respond, it would only be to turn her down—and Xia Zhuxi didn’t want to see a message that heartbreaking.
Maybe Shen Jingsong felt the same way: too awkward to reject her to her face. The call had come at just the right moment, so she chose silence instead, pretending it had never happened. At least that way, they could keep up appearances.
Xia Zhuxi picked up her phone and refreshed the chat window for the umpteenth time, slowly coming to terms with the harsh reality of her drunken impulse.
Even ignoring the marriage fiasco, Shen Jingsong could have at least sent a simple hello emoji on QQ.
She wouldn’t even reply with a basic system sticker. Did she think Xia Zhuxi was being too forward? Did she hate her now?
Xia Zhuxi hugged the pillow tighter, her face clouded with worry.
She shook her head, sending her orange hair flying through the air before it drifted down, scattering across the wide neckline of her T-shirt and the expanse of bare shoulder it revealed.
Sister Jingsong must be swamped with work—maybe she just hadn’t had time to check her messages. Should she send another one? Shen Jingsong would see it the next time she refreshed.
Xia Zhuxi propped her cheek on her hand, her pretty brows knitting together.
Nah, better not. What if Shen Jingsong really didn’t want anything to do with her?
Besides, if she was going to send something, it had better be for a good reason.
“Xiao Xi!” Xia Mama called from downstairs.
“Coming!” Xia Zhuxi bolted out of her room.
The first floor of the villa rang with clinking sounds as Auntie and the hourly cleaner packed up suitcases of all sizes. Mom and Dad waited by the garden gate, ready to see Pei Ziying off to the airport. She and Li Han had a romantic pre-wedding getaway planned.
Xia Mama straightened Ziying’s collar and brushed back the hair from her ear. “Catch a little more sleep in the car—you were up late again last night.”
Ziying flashed a coquettish smile. “I’m fine. I can sleep on the plane.” Turning to Xia Zhuxi, she added, “Take good care of Mom while I’m gone. And don’t make Dad and Mom mad.”
Xia Zhuxi shot back, “When have I ever made them mad these past few years?”
Ziying ignored her and told their mom, “I’m bringing you a gift.”
Xia Mama beamed. “Our Yingying is so thoughtful.”
Xia Zhuxi headed for the back seat, but Papa Xia turned around from the passenger side. “The back’s for luggage, Xiao Xi. You stay here.”
Her hand froze on the door handle. She hesitated for two seconds, her gaze flicking to the driver. “I’ll drive you guys. It’s rush hour right now, but I can get you there fast.”
What was gridlock for ordinary folks was a breeze for a pro racer with top-tier skills.
Papa Xia rolled up the window. “No need.”
Fine.
She got it. Her family had always made a point of not riding in the same car with her, ever since she was little—just to avoid any suspicion.
She wouldn’t have pushed normally, but she’d only spoken up because she was worried they’d miss the flight. Talk about shooting herself in the foot.
Never again.
Xia Zhuxi went for her morning run when her phone buzzed.
A message from Jian Ge, her college friend and manager.
Jian Ge: Latest race schedule.xlsx
Xia Zhuxi skimmed it over, then messaged back: Why is there still F4?
Strictly speaking, F4 wasn’t a formal Formula race. It was a regional event mainly for hobbyists and entry-level professional drivers—a common stepping stone from karting to full Formula racing.
Jian Ge: “Oh, my mistake. It’s for the team’s newbie. I’ll fix it right away.”
Jian Ge again: “Xia Xia, you should enter an F4 race now and then. It’s total fan service—major points for your persona!”
Xia Zhuxi: “Won’t the Boss worry that rivals will spread rumors about my skills slipping and tank the team’s sponsorships?”
Jian Ge: “No way! Plenty of small races pay big names like you to boost their profile. The Boss would be thrilled.”
Jian Ge: “How about this Southern F4 Championship in Liulin City? Kristin is going—perfect chance for you to coach her.”
Xia Zhuxi: “No time.”
Jian Ge: “[So heartless.jpg]”
Jian Ge: “What do you mean, no time? As a single gal, what could you possibly have going on? Training? Training with Kristin is still training!”
Jian Ge: “Isn’t hanging out more with a hot teammate a win for a single??”
Jian Ge had always been a hopeless romantic back at J University, forever lost in pink bubbles. Some things never changed after she started working.
Xia Zhuxi had just opened her mouth to give her a piece of her mind when an incoming call lit up her screen—Director Guo You. Her eyes brightened. She tabbed out of the chat: “Not into girls. Got something come up. Bye.”
She strolled slowly to the shade of the trees by the lake. “Hello, Director Guo. This is Xia Jie’s daughter, Xia Zhuxi.”
Director Guo: “Hi, Xiao Xi. Sorry, I’ve been swamped lately and haven’t gotten back to you. You’re too polite—I’m the elder here; I should be the one treating you to dinner. How about this Friday evening?”
Delight lit up Xia Zhuxi’s face. “Perfect, no problem at all!”
She pulled up QQ and tapped into Little Squirrel, her fingers flying across the keys with a rapid string of words. Then she paused and deleted them one by one.
No, she couldn’t tell Shen Jingsong yet. Nothing was set with Director Guo—no audition opportunity locked in. It was all just wishful thinking for now.
Xia Zhuxi took a deep breath and broke into a jog along the lake’s edge.
Sunlight danced through the leaves, mirroring the flutter in her heart.
A light rain fell Friday morning, but by noon it had cleared, the sun emerged, and the air felt extraordinarily fresh.
Following her mother’s tastes, Xia Zhuxi booked a private cuisine restaurant. Director Guo and Xia Jie were from the same hometown; their palates wouldn’t differ much.
Green vines climbed over white walls, and broad floor-to-ceiling windows offered unobstructed views.
A black placemat lay over the wooden tablecloth, leather chairs lined up neatly, and a ceramic pendant lamp hung centered over the table.
Xia Zhuxi wore a simple Western-style suit. Seated across from her were Mrs. Guo, whom she’d met at the engagement banquet, and a woman in her thirties.
Mrs. Guo: “Xiao Xi, let me introduce my daughter, Guo Ying.”
Mrs. Guo’s eyes crinkled into crow’s feet as she smiled. “Sorry about this—Lao Guo promised to take you to dinner, but something came up on set at the last minute.”
“You mustn’t hold it against him. 《Eight Tones of Ganzhou》 is a film he’s been pouring his heart into for years. From the lighting and props down to the promotion and distribution, he handles it all personally.”
“It’s a crucial time for casting right now. He just can’t step away.”
Xia Zhuxi chimed in politely. “Director Guo is so dedicated. A true national treasure of a director.”
She’d suspected as much when Mrs. Guo arrived with family in tow but no sign of Guo You. Being busy wasn’t an excuse to skip dinner; the real reason was to dodge the networking aspect of the meal.
Xia Zhuxi fully grasped now what her mother had meant when she’d described Guo You as rigorously professional and warned her not to get her hopes up. His call-back and sending family in his stead were purely out of respect for Xia Jie—nothing more.
With a quiet inward sigh, Xia Zhuxi mustered a faint smile. “The wild game here is excellent. You have to try it.”
It was her setup, after all. Even if it hadn’t panned out, she’d see it through to the end.
The dishes weren’t even all served when Guo Ying’s phone rang. She answered with an awkward grimace. “Sorry, my husband’s stuck in a meeting and can’t pick up our son. I have to go get him from school.”
Mrs. Guo frowned slightly. “Auntie could pick up Haohao just fine.”
Guo Ying: “Star Lion Club is super strict. They won’t release kids to anyone but family.”
The familiar name caught Xia Zhuxi’s ear. “Star Lion Club?”
Guo Ying glanced her way. “That’s right.”
Xia Zhuxi: “Is your little one learning karting? What level is he at?”
Guo Ying: “Haohao’s still young—just started kids’ karting.”
Mrs. Guo: “He loves karting, poor thing. It’s a shame Feilian doesn’t have a junior program.”
Feilian Racing Team was Xia Zhuxi’s pro squad, one of the top teams in the country and the dream destination for countless racing hopefuls.
Something occurred to Guo Ying, and she pulled out a small helmet. “Zhuxi, could you sign this for us? Haohao’s a big fan of yours.”
“Thank you—he’s too kind.” Xia Zhuxi uncapped a marker, and the black tip left its mark on the glossy surface.
They wrapped up before the meal was complete.
Xia Zhuxi sat alone at the large round table, finishing her food in thoughtful silence. After a moment, she dialed Jian Ge.
Jian Ge said, “Weren’t you too busy? Why are you calling me?”
“Arrange two complimentary classes for me at Star Lion,” Xia Zhuxi replied.
Jian Ge wondered if she’d misheard. “Huh?”
“I’ll send you a kid’s name. Coordinate with Star Lion on your end—I’ll be teaching this child’s class.”
“Xia Xia, what happened to your principles? You won’t even look after the boss’s relatives. Whose influence is big enough to—”
“I’ve sent it. I can start teaching tomorrow.”
In the office department of Feilian Racing Team, Jian Ge clutched her hair in disbelief, staring at the call-end screen.
“Xia Zhuxi’s pulling some stunt here. An F1 rookie phenom teaching a kids’ class? Tsk tsk, Star Lion hit the jackpot.” Jian Ge muttered to herself as she pulled up the Star Lion contact’s number.
~~~
Star Lion Club quickly put together a schedule for Xia Zhuxi and plastered exaggerated posters both online and around the venue:
A Date with Xia God · Star Lion Club Kids’ Karting Special Course
An opportunity too good to pass up!
Let your child get the jump on the competition!
Auditing reservations: yuan per hour.
It was the sort of promo that would make even Xia God herself cringe.
Kids’ karting classes were mostly for four- to six-year-olds just starting out. Xia Zhuxi began with the safety gear, then explained the kart’s components, the track layout, and the driving rules.
Guo You’s grandson Haohao was full of energy and loved interacting with Xia Zhuxi. He warmed up to her in no time.
During the break, Haohao bounced over. “Teacher Xia! I scored a hundred points—Grandpa’s gonna reward me! But I haven’t decided on a prize yet.”
He’d just taken first in the lap practice, so Xia Zhuxi had stuck a shiny sticker on his helmet. “Whoa, Haohao, you’re awesome!”
She leaned in and whispered to the little boy, “The race next class has a prize for first place too—a feast at the racing restaurant, on the house.”
Haohao’s eyes went wide. “Wow!”
Smiling, Xia Zhuxi ruffled the boy’s hair. “You confident about taking the championship?”
“Yes!” Haohao shouted at the top of his lungs.
“Good!” Xia Zhuxi shouted back, then added softly, “Make sure your whole family comes to watch—all the kids’ grandparents and everyone.”
“Mine too!” Haohao declared.
A crowd of fans had gathered outside Star Lion Club by then. Once class ended, Xia Zhuxi slipped out through the staff passageway.
Jian Ge kept her company in the changing room.
Jian Ge scrolled through the entertainment gossip. “Oh yeah! The first filming location for Eight Tones of Ganzhou is a scenic spot in Liulin City—right next to the Southern Championship track, and the timing lines up perfectly. Soon as Kristin’s race is over, I’m chasing stars. Hehe, can’t wait~.”
Xia Zhuxi’s fingers paused on the button she was fastening. Eight Tones of Ganzhou? That rang a bell.
Jian Ge went on. “They haven’t cast Exiled Fairy Ranran yet. I really hope Shen Jingsong gets the role! No one else in the historical drama scene has the looks or the vibe to pull it off.”
She sighed in frustration. “But the industry’s all about hype and connections these days. A production that big? Someone like Shen Jingsong doesn’t have the clout to snag it. Ugh, it’s so unfair!”
Xia Zhuxi’s hands slowed. Her fingertips brushed the hem of her shirt.
A memory welled up unbidden from that night.
Stars blanketing the sky like they were singing. Candlelight flickering in warm orange glows. Shen Jingsong’s lips a vivid red, autumn ripples stirring in her eyes with the breeze.
Xia Zhuxi lowered her gaze, a sour ache tugging at her lips.
Yes, no one in this world resembled an exiled fairy quite like Shen Jingsong.
No one else had ever claimed Xia Zhuxi’s girlish dreams and youthful stirrings the way she had—for nine years, and even longer.
Ding-dong!
A QQ notification chimed.
Xia Zhuxi paid it no mind and folded her racing suit into her backpack. Jian Ge set her phone aside and glanced over. “That’s not mine.”
Xia Zhuxi shot her a questioning look.
“It’s your QQ message,” Jian Ge said.
Xia Zhuxi unlocked her screen. “Probably just another ad push.”
“That’s from a system follow—you can unfollow. Want me to do it for you?”
Jian Ge reached out, but Xia Zhuxi froze with the phone clutched in her hand.
QQ Space message:
Why Not invites you to grow a little tree together!
Come water our space tree~
Xia Zhuxi’s breath hitched, her heart pounding.
She tapped the invite. A pink interactive screen popped up, a tiny sapling backed by a massive heart.
Jian Ge patted her. “Hey, hand over the phone?”
“No thanks—I like the ads.”
“Huh?”
“Give me a sec.”
Xia Zhuxi ducked into the bathroom, cradling her phone as she poked around QQ Space for the first time in five years.
A faint blush colored her cheeks, her eyes sparkling. Her fingers danced across the screen.
Space Little Tree Message Board
Summer: Free this Saturday afternoon? Come watch me teach a class—and dinner’s on me (winky starry eyes.jpg)
Ding!
Message Board Reply: Hold on, let me check my schedule.
Two minutes passed with no further replies on the message board. Fine beads of sweat seeped into Xia Zhuxi’s palms. She was just about to send another message when a QQ chat notification popped up in her phone’s messaging bar.
Why Not: *
The message preview had been pushed up by the weather forecast’s friendly reminder.
