Chapter 107

◎Our Qian is very gentle, isn't he?◎

My mood improved again because of this promise.

After dinner, Shi Ziqian went to clear the dishes, and Zhan Xinyue happily shrunk back onto the sofa. She now realized that the open kitchen was a really great design; from this angle, she could see Shi Ziqian's profile perfectly. He had changed into a loose sweater, and the slightly hunched back he wore with his head down was a very beautiful curve.

Zhan Xinyue leaned back on the sofa and looked at him, casually flipping through her phone, which she hadn't checked in a long time.

Several new messages appeared on her WeChat. She opened them and glanced at them. One was from Dai Yun asking when her vacation was and if she wanted to go back together. The other messages were from Yi Qing tagging her in the dorm group chat, sending several calling emojis. Looking at the time, it was already last night.

She first replied to Dai Yun's message, then replied to Yi Qing: What's wrong? I just woke up...

Yiqing quickly replied below: Dear Xiaoyue, I only realized I forgot something when I got home. Have you left school yet? Could you mail it for me?

Zhan Xinyue shuddered at the phrase "Dear Xiaoyue," and it took her a while to reply: Okay, what is it? I'll send it to you later; I'm not in the dorm right now.

The message had barely been sent when Dudu immediately chimed in, sending several penguin screaming emojis: "What did I just see? She just woke up and isn't even in the dorm yet? That's a lot of information!"

Yiqing chimed in from below: !!! You've really made something of yourself, Yue!

Xiao Ye: -0-

Yiqing: Don't worry, we are all very open-minded. We will never ask you why you didn't come home at night as soon as your dear roommates left school!

Dudu: That's right! We are both open-minded parents, and we are very happy that our child has grown up!

New Moon: ...

Several people in the group started spamming emojis like fireworks, creating a festive atmosphere like Chinese New Year. Even Xiao Ye joined in, secretly setting off firecracker emojis.

Zhan Xinyue glanced quickly at Shi Ziqian not far away, her face flushed slightly, and she quickly explained: I was just sick and stayed at Shi Ziqian's house for one night. Nothing happened. Don't overthink it.

Dudu: Don't be shy. You two have been talking for so long, it's normal for something to happen. We're not old-fashioned.

Yiqing: It's good that you're sick. One of you is delicate and frail, while the other takes care of you tirelessly. In the end, you're so moved that you repay him with your body, and naturally, the two of you kiss and hug to exchange body heat...

Zhan Xinyue could hardly bear to look, and typed with difficulty: There really is nothing. We haven't done anything except hold hands so far.

Dudu: ...

Yiqing:......

Xiao Ye: ……

A row of neat ellipses.

Dudu: You two shouldn't be this innocent in your pure love story... Yezi, based on your experience of dating the longest, is this normal?

Xiao Ye: You've never even kissed?

Zhan Xinyue hesitated for a moment, then typed an ellipsis: ...No.

Yiqing: Plato, I admire you.

Xiao Ye: Well, how should I put it, it seems a bit abnormal, uh.

Zhan Xinyue couldn't help but look up at Shi Ziqian again.

She began to seriously consider this question that had troubled her before. She could sense that Shi Ziqian truly liked her; besides the details of their interactions, his physical reactions were undeniable. He loved touching her; when they were together, he would unconsciously squeeze her hand, gently put his arm around her waist, or repeatedly stroke her hair. But he had never actually kissed her; even in the height of passion, he would only kiss her forehead.

No matter how I think about it, it seems like something's really not normal.

Her mood, which had just started to improve, started to dip again. With her emotions fluctuating wildly, Zhan Xinyue didn't know what to say.

She tossed her phone onto the sofa, buried her face in the blanket, and felt her cold suddenly worsen.

Dating can be really annoying sometimes.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell again?" Shi Ziqian's voice gradually approached, sounding above her head.

Zhan Xinyue didn't want to look up, her face still buried, and she mumbled an "Mmm".

"Take your medicine again later." Shi Ziqian sat down next to her. "I've prepared the powder, but it's still a bit hot, so let it cool down for a while."

"I won't eat it," Zhan Xinyue said.

"Why aren't you eating?" Shi Ziqian raised his hand and gently patted her back, his voice tinged with amusement. "Are you afraid of the bitterness?"

Zhan Xinyue felt that his actions were like stroking Panpan's fur. She stopped talking, lay motionless pretending to be dead, and only left him with her back view.

Shi Ziqian continued to gently stroke her back, his voice also gentle: "You'll feel better after eating it twice more, and then we'll go home together, okay?"

As Zhan Xinyue listened to his gentle voice, her mood gradually improved. She wanted to compromise and say okay, but suddenly she felt that Shi Ziqian's hand, which was on her back, seemed to have slipped down a little and was gently pinching her waist.

It's a little itchy, and a little strange...

Shi Ziqian fell silent, his breathing heavy. Zhan Xinyue, her head still buried in the blanket, suddenly felt as if Shi Ziqian's gaze was tangibly fixed on her lower back.

The familiar heat surged up her face again, and Zhan Xinyue didn't know whether to move or not. Suddenly, she heard her phone, which she had tossed in front of her, ring. She immediately felt relieved and propped herself up, crawling forward a couple of times to reach for the phone.

The moment her hand touched the phone, she immediately sensed something was even more wrong. Because of her sudden movement, Shi Ziqian's hand, which had been resting on her lower back, was pulled back a little further and landed right on her hip.

It was only then that she finally remembered that she was wearing a nightgown.

What on earth is she climbing for? It's so strange...

She desperately wanted to pull her skirt down a bit, but the atmosphere was already strange, and she didn't want Shi Ziqian to see what she was thinking. She froze, and really had the urge to bury her head in the sofa and pretend to be dead again.

Shi Ziqian's fingers, which were resting on her buttocks, moved almost imperceptibly, bringing a clear yet ambiguous sensation.

At that moment, a strange feeling suddenly arose in Zhan Xinyue's heart.

She really wanted to turn around and see what kind of expression Shi Ziqian would have on his face.

But Shi Ziqian didn't give her a chance to peek. His hand was raised almost immediately, and then a soft blanket was placed over her from behind, covering her entire back.

“You should cover your back, otherwise you’ll catch a cold,” Shi Ziqian said.

Before she could react, Shi Ziqian had already stood up: "I'll go feed Panpan first."

...

Hate.

Hate!

Zhan Xinyue rolled over and turned to face up, burying her face in the blanket. Well, now the troubles that hadn't dissipated before were back.

After fretting for a while, she finally remembered her ringing phone and peeked out from under the blanket to check it. It was a message from Dai Yun. Zhan Xinyue had replied that morning that she would be home in a couple of days, and Dai Yun had asked her to buy plane tickets together.

"Okay." Zhan Xinyue typed slowly, glancing at Shi Ziqian on the balcony out of the corner of her eye, and added: "Shi Ziqian is coming with us too, you don't mind, do you?"

Dai Yun: Hmm? You two have gotten in touch.

Zhan Xinyue: Actually, we're dating...

Dai Yun paused for two seconds, then sent a long string of silly clapping emojis.

Dai Yun: That's great! I knew you two would date back in high school, and I was right! I wish you all the best.

Zhan Xinyue felt a mix of amusement and wistfulness. Back in high school, Dai Yun had been shipping her and Shi Ziqian as a couple. At the time, she was simply amazed and never imagined that one day she and Shi Ziqian would actually be together.

Moreover, Dai Yun played a part in bringing the two of them together. She was not only a witness to their relationship but also a small matchmaker. Thinking of this, Zhan Xinyue replied earnestly: Thank you, we'll treat you to a meal sometime.

Dai Yun: No need for meals, we can eat alone next semester when we have time. I won't bother you two anymore, I'm buying my own plane ticket and going back tomorrow.

Zhan Xinyue: Hey, aren't you coming with us?

Dai Yun sent a speechless emoji: "I'm not saying this to be mean, but Qian's personality in his senior year is really chilling me. I'm afraid that if I see him, I'll dream about the past again. I'd better not."

She said "your Qian" quite smoothly, clearly accepting the fact that she and Shi Ziqian were dating in just half a second. Zhan Xinyue's gaze shifted from the screen to Shi Ziqian once again. He was leaning against the wall watching Panpan eat, his gaze gentle.

What's wrong with Qian's personality? He's very gentle, isn't he? Zhan Xinyue thought to herself.

Zhan Xinyue's cold lasted for a few more days, during which she spent a very leisurely time at Shi Ziqian's place. Shi Ziqian's cooking skills were surprisingly good; although the meals he prepared were quite bland because of her illness, they all tasted very good. She had absolutely no skill in cooking, but she loved watching him cook. Whenever he was busy, she would go over and hover around him, feeling a warm and happy feeling.

A few days later, after she had fully recovered, the two finally bought return tickets.

Two days before departure, Shi Ziqian was visibly nervous and asked her parents about their preferences several times.

"No need to bring gifts," Zhan Xinyue said. "Don't feel guilty, just think of it as visiting my home. My parents are very nice people."

When the two were together earlier, Zhan Xinyue had already called her family to tell them. Her parents remarked for a while that it was fate that the two could meet again in college, but they didn't say much more. Naturally, she had already informed her family beforehand that she was bringing Shi Ziqian home.

Shi Ziqian shook his head: "Etiquette is essential, and first impressions are very important."

He hesitated for a moment, "Xinyue, what if your parents don't like me?"

"No, don't worry. I told my parents I was going to take you back home, and they were very welcoming," Zhan Xinyue said. "Besides, you've already met my parents before, at the parent-teacher conference."

"That happened a long time ago; they've probably forgotten about it long ago."

Zhan Xinyue comforted him, "No, they remember you very clearly. My dad even mentioned you once by chance."

Shi Ziqian looked confused: "What about me?"

Zhan Xinyue smiled: "Then I can't tell you. Anyway, just relax!"

That's what she said, but after returning to her bedroom that night, Zhan Xinyue still secretly made another phone call home: "Dad, Mom, Shi Ziqian is a little nervous. You two should be extra enthusiastic and not make things difficult for him."

Although her parents didn't object to her dating, they weren't particularly supportive either, which made Zhan Xinyue feel uneasy.

Upon hearing this, Zhan Wei sneered on the other end: "What, are you starting to side with outsiders now? Have your mother and I ever made things difficult for anyone?"

Zhan Xinyue chuckled, quickly told him the date she would be returning home, and then hung up the phone.

Upon reflection, she realized that her parents must know what they were doing, and she gradually felt relieved.

After taking some time to go back to the dormitory to mail some things for Yiqing and pack her luggage, the two of them embarked on their journey home together.

Although she had advised Shi Ziqian for a long time that he really didn't need to bring gifts, when she got home, all sorts of gift boxes still piled up outside the door.

Along with them came Panpan, which had been randomly transported back. Originally, Shi Ziqian had heard that Pang Yun had mild asthma and couldn't keep a dog, so he planned to find a foster home in Beijing to send Panpan there. However, after Zhan Xinyue asked Pang Yun, Pang Yun insisted that the two of them bring Panpan back as well, saying that they could keep it on the balcony.

Pang Yun and Zhan Wei opened the door to greet them, but before they could even greet the two of them, they were taken aback by the gifts.

"Hey, Xiaoqian, why are you being so polite when you come over to play?" Pang Yun looked at Zhan Xinyue reproachfully. "Yueyue, why didn't you stop her?"

Zhan Xinyue looked innocent: "I tried to stop them, but it was no use."

Shi Ziqian bowed deeply to the two of them: "Hello, Uncle and Aunt. This is just a small token of my appreciation. Please don't find it offensive. I'm so sorry to have bothered you this time."

"What are you disturbing? We're happy to have you here." Pang Yun patted the slightly reserved Shi Ziqian and pulled him in. "Come on in, we've been waiting for you for ages."

"I was just saying I'd pick you up from the airport, and here you are." Zhan Wei's gaze fell on Shi Ziqian, and he chuckled.

Seeing that his expression was normal, Zhan Xinyue was completely relieved: "Our original flight was a bit late, so we changed our tickets."

The group carried the gifts that Shi Ziqian had brought into the house. Pang Yun noticed the dog cage in the corner, where Panpan was idly chewing on it.

"Wow, Panpan has changed so much, she looks so much more energetic." Pang Yun reached out to pick up the cage. "Let's take her inside and let her out for some fresh air. She's been suffocating in the cage."

Shi Ziqian quickly stepped in front of her, saying, "Auntie, let me do it. I heard you can't touch dog hair."

"Was it Yueyue who said that? It's not that exaggerated. At most, it might make your throat a little itchy if you get too close." Pang Yun laughed. "She said you were planning to board it up outside, but I thought that nowadays everyone treats their pets like family. How can you feel at ease boarding it up outside? It's better to bring it back."

"I'll take it in." Zhan Wei took the dog cage directly and looked at Shi Ziqian. "We prepared a nest for it on the balcony. The size is roughly the same as the one Yueyue sent in the photo. We don't know if it will fit. I'll take it to try it out."

"Uncle and Aunt, you are really..." Shi Ziqian was a little speechless. His gaze followed the figure and swept into the house, and he was stunned again.

The sofa and dining table were covered with all sorts of dolls, each wearing a pointed, colorful hat on its head, as if they were waving enthusiastically at him.

Zhan Xinyue smiled, her eyes crinkling, and looked at Shi Ziqian: "This is the highest level of welcome I've ever received in my family. I've only experienced it a few times."

“These are all collected by Yueyue since she was little. She loves these plush toys.” Pang Yun stood behind Zhan Xinyue, smiling just like her: “Xiao Qian, welcome to our home for the first time with you and Panpan.”

"Thank you, Uncle and Aunt," Shi Ziqian said solemnly.

"No need to thank me, we're very happy that you came back with Yueyue." Pang Yun smiled gently. "Don't be shy, your uncle and I are easy to get along with, so just make yourself at home. The food will take a little while, I have to go back to the kitchen first, you two sit and rest for a while."

"Is there anything I can do? Let me help," Shi Ziqian said quickly.

“No need, it’ll be ready soon,” Pang Yun waved her hand in refusal. “Yueyue, take Xiaoqian to the room next to yours. There are new slippers here, and the sheets and blankets in the room are all new and freshly washed.”

"Okay." Zhan Xinyue grabbed Shi Ziqian's arm. "Come with me."

Shi Ziqian was going to stay in a guest room. Although the room wasn't particularly large, it was decorated very cozyly. Since the room had been vacant for many years, it was clear that his parents had specially added some things. The bedding was neatly arranged, and the air conditioner remote control was carefully placed on the bedside table.

Shi Ziqian looked around and suddenly said, "Xinyue, Auntie actually recognizes Panpan."

"Of course," Zhan Xinyue said casually. Seeing that Shi Ziqian looked a little confused, she explained, "Do you remember when Panpan went missing in high school? Actually, my parents and I found it together."

“So that’s how it is…” Shi Ziqian said in a low voice.

Zhan Xinyue nodded and introduced the room to him: "This room has two doors. The back door connects to the balcony. My room is next to yours and also faces the balcony."

As she spoke, she pushed open the door to the balcony. Panpan was drinking water on the balcony, and as soon as she heard the door open, she immediately ran over.

"Hey, my parents even prepared a dog bowl for Panpan, that's nice." Zhan Xinyue turned to look at Shi Ziqian, only to find him staring at Panpan, somewhat lost in thought.

"What's wrong?" Zhan Xinyue waved her hand in front of him.

Shi Ziqian grasped her hand and pulled it in front of him: "I just think that your uncle and aunt are really nice."

"Right? I told you, they're very nice people, you don't need to be nervous at all." Zhan Xinyue said with a smile.

"Hmm." Shi Ziqian pinched her cheek. "That's why you're so nice."