52. Good Baby.

Qin Zhaoyi’s gaze was too intense, almost melting Luo Yue.

In a moment of distraction, Qin Zhaoyi succeeded.

Qin Zhaoyi reached out in front of her, mimicking Luo Yue’s earlier gesture, extending his fingers toward Luo Yue’s lips.

Luo Yue came back to her senses and shook her head slowly.

But even this did not dampen Qin Zhaoyi’s enthusiasm.

“Don’t you want to taste your own flavor?” Qin Zhaoyi asked.

Luo Yue curled her lips in a light smile. “What are you… Hmm…”

Damn it.

She was ambushed by Qin Zhaoyi.

Qin Zhaoyi, successful in her ambush, didn’t dare to be too reckless and quickly withdrew.

Luo Yue let both her arms hang beside her head, like a doll at Qin Zhaoyi’s mercy.

Qin Zhaoyi became bolder and bolder, until—

“Qin Princess.” Luo Yue clasped her hand. “Are you trying to hurt me?”

“Huh?” Qin Zhaoyi was briefly stunned.

“How long has it been since you cut your nails?” Luo Yue asked. “Are you planning to keep them for a manicure?”

Qin Zhaoyi glanced at the nails on her other hand.

They had indeed been left untrimmed for some time.

When they didn’t look good, she would trim them a little.

She used to write a lot before and wasn’t used to getting manicures.

Finally having some free time recently, she decided to grow her nails a little longer for a manicure.

Qin Zhaoyi felt a bit guilty but still provocatively replied, “Is that not allowed?”

“I’m not that domineering.” Luo Yue said with a slight rise in her tone, seizing the opportunity while Qin Zhaoyi was stunned, she also grabbed her hand and held it up to her face. “But take a look yourself, are these long nails suitable?”

Comparatively, Luo Yue’s fingers were very pretty, with nails neatly trimmed and even the nail beds tinted pink.

Qin Zhaoyi’s fingers curled slightly. “I’ll trim my nails now.”

“Nails just trimmed can be very sharp.” Luo Yue patted her face. “Puppy, don’t you want your owner to go to the hospital tomorrow?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

Qin Zhaoyi, who had just felt victorious, suddenly felt defeated.

And a bit annoyed.

“Puppy Qin.” Luo Yue said, “With such a fierce expression, are you planning to bite your owner?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

She felt like Luo Yue was playing cosplay with her.

But unfortunately, there was no evidence.

After all, it was she who first made this metaphor.

She felt that Luo Yue’s attitude of handling her with ease was exactly like how she treated her family’s dog, coming and going as she pleased.

No, even worse than a dog.

Luo Yue took care of the big yellow dog she raised, feeding it regularly every day, and entrusted Yan Ci to look after it when she couldn’t go back.

When the big yellow dog was lazy, Luo Yue would patiently squat in front of it to coax it out.

Qin Zhaoyi didn’t receive such treatment from Luo Yue.

“Luo Yue~” Qin Zhaoyi gritted her teeth and called out to her.

But Luo Yue just smiled, that victorious smile made Qin Zhaoyi even more furious.

“What are you doing?” Luo Yue asked.

In fact, Luo Yue even kindly gave her an option: “Or, shall we not do it tonight?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

This posture of having everything under control made Qin Zhaoyi feel uneasy.

It was as if she couldn’t hide anything from Luo Yue.

Everything was laid bare by her.

Qin Zhaoyi felt a lump in her throat, but only managed to let out a sound: “Wang ^[1]Onomatopoeia; bark/woof !”

The tone was fiercely aggressive.

This bark left Luo Yue stunned for a few seconds.

Then she reacted, smiling as she patted Qin Zhaoyi’s face, “Good girl.”

Qin Zhaoyi glared at her.

Luo Yue pushed further, “Good girl, give me a few more barks.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

Luo Yue bit her earlobe, “Good baby, bark for your owner to hear.”

Her gentle voice was as sweet as honey, so sweet it could drown someone in an instant.

Qin Zhaoyi’s heart raced, she squirmed, “Jiejie.”

Her voice was as soft as a mosquito.

When Luo Yue reached over, Qin Zhaoyi became tense all over.

Different from that night she got drunk.

After getting drunk, she was relaxed all over, wishing she could turn into a snake and wrap herself around Luo Yue.

But now, Luo Yue just touched her sensitive spot.

She resisted instinctively.

Because it was unknown.

The unknown was more terrifying.

“Are you afraid?” Luo Yue asked softly.

Qin Zhaoyi trembled and nodded slightly, then shook her head.

She feared that if she nodded, Luo Yue would stop.

Indeed, it was something Luo Yue could do.

Unexpectedly, Luo Yue gently patted her leg and whispered, “Good baby, relax.”

This affectionate address once again made Qin Zhaoyi fall.

“Luo Yue.” Qin Zhaoyi called out to her.

“What?” Luo Yue didn’t move.

Immediately, Qin Zhaoyi spoke up, “Jiejie.”

Luo Yue leaned in close and whispered, “What’s wrong?”

Here’s the translation of the text into English:

“Call me again.” Qin Zhaoyi’s lips were dry, feeling like her whole body was about to ignite.

She felt a bit embarrassed making this request.

But she wanted to hear it.

Really wanted to.

When Luo Yue called her “good baby,” it carried an indescribable sweetness.

Her whole body would tremble with her voice.

“What should I call you?” Luo Yue asked. “Princess Qin?”

Qin Zhaoyi shook her head.

“Puppy Qin?” Luo Yue played with her earlobe with one hand, causing Qin Zhaoyi to gasp before she could speak.

In the empty room, accompanied by the sound of rain outside, it felt particularly resonant.

But Qin Zhaoyi had never experienced anything like this before.

For a moment, she stood there stunned, unwilling to speak again.

But Luo Yue didn’t let her off, pinching her.

Qin Zhaoyi winced in pain, taking a sharp breath, and when she spoke again, it was another gasp.

She couldn’t speak normally anymore!

Frustrated, Qin Zhaoyi still really wanted to hear Luo Yue call her again.

Luo Yue continued to coax her, “Tell me, what do you want me to call you?”

“I want to hear…” Qin Zhaoyi swallowed, suppressing the burning fire inside her, “you call me, good baby.”

“How much do you want it?” Luo Yue asked.

Luo Yue’s gentle tone was tinged with passion and desire, as sweet as if it had been honeyed.

Qin Zhaoyi wanted to kiss her, but she was avoided.

“Why?” Qin Zhaoyi insisted.

But Luo Yue pressed on, “I’m still asking you, how much do you want it?”

Qin Zhaoyi looked at Luo Yue, who was really taming her like a dog. Clearly, this was a difficult topic to broach.

For her, simply asking Luo Yue to call her again was already hard enough.

But Luo Yue wanted to strip away all her hypocrisy, revealing her true desires and ambitions.

It was like finally evolving into a human, only to be confronted with your most primitive instincts.

This was Qin Zhaoyi’s favorite thing to do.

Here’s the translation of the text into English:

Especially towards Luo Yue.

Qin Zhaoyi also enjoys seeing Luo Yue go crazy for her.

It’s best when she’s so out of character that she’s unrecognizable.

Only then can Qin Zhaoyi prove that she is special to her.

For Luo Yue, Qin Zhaoyi is indeed special enough.

Only then can Qin Zhaoyi go through fire and water for Luo Yue.

Only then can she willingly be Luo Yue’s dog.

“I really want to.” Qin Zhaoyi didn’t want to be passive anymore, adjusting and squinting at her, “Can’t you feel how much I want it, Jiejie?”

Qin Zhaoyi’s voice had changed.

But it matched the ambiguous and romantic atmosphere of the room very well.

Luo Yue didn’t trouble her anymore, making her comfortable while whispering in her ear.

“Good baby, don’t be nervous,” Luo Yue said. “Just let me relieve you, no need to go further.”

“Princess Qin.” Luo Yue kissed her neck. “Good baby, relax.”

It rained heavily in Jiayi overnight.

Sure enough, as Qin Zhaoyi expected, the ground was covered with fallen leaves the next day.

Unlike autumn scenes, the tender green leaves were brighter after being washed by the rain, like a green belt laid on the asphalt road.

But the big trees were no longer as lush as before.

Qin Zhaoyi and Luo Yue slept embraced on a single bed all night.

To be precise, it was Luo Yue holding her.

Perhaps because of this closer intimacy, or perhaps because Luo Yue coaxed her by calling her “good baby” over and over again.

She didn’t resist being held while sleeping.

But before falling asleep last night, Qin Zhaoyi thought, since it’s like this, are we considered girlfriends now?!

But she was too tired. Just after calling Luo Yue, Luo Yue patted her shoulder like coaxing a child to sleep, so comfortable and cozy that she didn’t remember what she said afterwards, her mind was already muddled.

When she woke up in the morning and tried to recall, it seemed like she asked if the rain had stopped?

Luo Yue replied that it was probably going to rain for a long time.

It was in this sentence that Qin Zhaoyi fell asleep.

Qin Zhaoyi thought that this morning would be a scene of intimacy, such as playing around with Luo Yue in bed for a while, then going to wash up together, or forcing her to admit their relationship while calling her “good baby.”

Even last night, she had a rare beautiful dream.

But imagining it was too beautiful, it seemed especially bleak in reality.

Qin Zhaoyi didn’t know how exhausted she was last night.

But clearly, the person who exerted effort was more tired. Luo Yue whispered to her ear a few times to soothe her.

But in reality, she slept deeply, unaware of when Luo Yue left.

When she woke up groggily and reached out to touch the empty space beside her, it was icy cold.

Afterward, she slowly sat up and looked around the room.

It was empty.

She didn’t know when Luo Yue had left or where she had gone.

The curtains in the room were tightly drawn, as if it wasn’t yet dawn.

But when Qin Zhaoyi got up to open the curtains, it was already bright daylight.

The sky in Jiayi, just after the rain, was clear and pristine, except for the broken leaves on the ground, it was still a beautiful sight.

Even if the trees were no longer lush, they would grow out again in a few days.

The vitality of nature has always been vigorous and will turn into an appropriate appearance in the right season.

Qin Zhaoyi stood at the window and pondered for a moment.

Finally, she was somewhat awake.

Luo Yue’s silent departure contrasted with last night’s absurdly vivid dream, as if she had been the only one in the dream.

Even for a moment, she doubted, was last night really the hotel where she stayed with Luo Yue?

She wasn’t quite sure.

After Qin Zhaoyi came to her senses, she went to look for her phone, only to find it dead and turned off.

Unfortunately, she hadn’t brought the charger.

Qin Zhaoyi was afraid that Luo Yue had just gone out for a walk and would return to find her gone, feeling lost.

So she sat in the room like a log for a while.

When the clock struck 9, Qin Zhaoyi finally got up and left.

As she went downstairs, the front desk had changed shifts. They indeed didn’t remember her saying she wouldn’t stay but ended up staying the night, and they didn’t ask her for her ID for additional registration.

But she didn’t check out either, waiting for the front desk to contact Luo Yue on their own.

Not far from here, Qin Zhaoyi arrived home in a five-minute drive.

Parking her car in the underground garage, she glanced at her inexpensive car that didn’t fit in with all her luxury cars, and for a moment wondered if there was any difference between these things?

There was some difference when driving, whether in the push-back feeling or the sensation of pressing the accelerator, it was lacking.

But as a means of transportation, they were both usable.

This car could also take her back and forth to Moon Island.

And so could the other cars in the garage.

Qin Zhaoyi took the elevator up and unlocked the door with her fingerprint.

It had been a long time since she had been back, and she hadn’t hired a cleaner to clean up. As soon as she entered, she smelled a musty odor in the air.

There was a lot of floating dust in the air.

Qin Zhaoyi didn’t have time to see if anyone had been to her house, if anyone had touched her things, or even because it had been so long since it was cleaned, she didn’t even change her shoes before entering the study.

She opened a drawer to find a charging cable and charged her phone.

During this gap, she went to the bathroom to wash her face, and then went to the closet to find a few clothes, which she stuffed into her backpack.

Her size was similar to Luo Yue’s, so after packing her own clothes, she opened another wardrobe and found some clothes that hadn’t been worn yet, suitable for Luo Yue’s fresh style, and put them in her backpack.

After sorting out these things, Qin Zhaoyi finally went to the study to look at her phone.

She saw a message from Luo Yue at six in the morning: [After much thought, I’ve decided to go to the appointment alone. You can use this time to go home and spend time with your parents, or wait for me at the hotel. But I didn’t extend my stay at the hotel, I plan to return to Moon Island after meeting him in the morning. We’ll contact each other then.]

TN: Luo Yue actually irritates the f*ck out of me! I get it, she’s going through some shit but come on what the hell is this?!!! 

Qin Zhaoyi read it in silence.

After a long while, she replied: [You’re going back alone?]

Luo Yue didn’t reply.

Qin Zhaoyi felt abandoned.

It made her very uncomfortable.

Last night, she thought they had gotten closer again, so she wanted to accompany her to the hospital, risking encountering her step-uncle.

But this morning, Luo Yue decided to go alone.

In an instant, the distance between them widened, and their relationship became distant.

After sitting in the study for a while feeling stifled, Qin Zhaoyi finally left home.

Jiada Affiliated Hospital, Room 1109.

Luo Yue arrived at the hospital at seven in the morning. The city, still chilly from the recent downpour, sent a cool breeze against her as she walked from the hotel to the hospital.

She had hardly slept all night.

Between the torrential rains, there were flashes of lightning and rolls of thunder, making her feel extremely uneasy in this unfamiliar environment.

Even holding Qin Zhaoyi in her arms.

Whether it was due to exhaustion or sleepiness, Qin Zhaoyi slept soundly.

The loud thunder during the night didn’t wake her up even once.

But Luo Yue spent a restless night listening to those sounds.

It wasn’t until dawn broke that she got up, dressed quickly, and cautiously left the room.

Jiada Affiliated Hospital was near Jiada, just across the street.

Luo Yue was somewhat familiar with the area, but it had been several years, and many scenes now felt unfamiliar.

But the general direction hadn’t changed.

For example, the Gothic-style buildings, unique to Jiada, were still there.

Just looking at them from the outside gave a sense of grandeur.

During her schooling, the dormitory where Luo Yue lived was at the far east end. Every morning before eight, she had to walk a long way, especially for the early classes in mathematics, which were excruciatingly early.

During her four years of college, she hardly ever slept in.

Walking past familiar scenery, she saw the breakfast shop she occasionally visited during college was still open, so she went in and had a meal.

Only then did she arrive at the hospital.

It was quite a coincidence that she arrived just as Zhou Jia did.

And she was holding that little boy’s hand.

When he saw her, the boy tilted his head back and blinked, “Are you my sister?”

Luo Yue hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to acknowledge him or not.

After a moment of thought, she gave her answer: “From a biological standpoint, we’re half-siblings.”

“Hello,” the boy reached out his hand to her cautiously, with a mixture of caution and joy in his eyes. “My name is Luo Xu.”

Xu ^[2]Dawn/Rising Sun, sun^[3]太阳[tai yang] – sun).

Luo Yue((Moon, Luo Xing^[4]Star.

Stars and moons were never as dazzling as the sun.

Luo Yue paused for a moment, with the boy’s hand still suspended in the air.

Her palm was sweaty and warm, whether from anger or nervousness, she couldn’t tell.

Despite being prepared long ago and realizing her father was no longer just hers.

When facing the reality of the impact, she was still somewhat at a loss.

“Hello,” Luo Yue didn’t reach out to shake his hand, but turned to Zhou Jia instead. “Has he woken up?”

“Not yet,” Zhou Jia held her son’s awkward hand. The little boy seemed somewhat disappointed.

Luo Yue noticed it, but felt no pity.

A brother without any emotional connection was just a stranger to her.

“He usually wakes up after eight,” Zhou Jia said. “His heart’s under a heavy load, so he sleeps a lot.”

Luo Yue nodded at her.

It wasn’t long until eight o’clock. Luo Yue didn’t go into the ward; she just sat on a bench in the corridor, lost in thought.

Zhou Jia went in to check and came out to ask Luo Yue if she had eaten breakfast, saying she brought bread or could take her out to eat.

Luo Yue declined both offers.

It was the little boy who wanted to get closer to her. He tugged at her finger, which was resting on the bench, but Luo Yue withdrew her hand.

The child asked her, “Jiejie, are you going to live with us this time?”

Luo Yue shook her head. “I have my own home.”

“Are you married?” Luo Xu asked.

Luo Yue patiently replied, “No.”

“Then where is your home?” Luo Xu said. “Isn’t your home our home?”

Luo Yue hesitated briefly.

She didn’t know how to explain to such a young child. Although we have the same father, we don’t have the same home.

After thinking for a moment, she changed the topic, “What grade are you in?”

Luo Xu said, “First grade.”

Luo Yue asked more questions, some about what they were studying in first grade, how difficult the math problems were, and tested Luo Xu with a few riddles. Luo Xu couldn’t quite keep up.

Luo Xu’s math level seemed quite average.

Not to say it was poor, after all, for a first-grader, they only learn the basics.

But for Professor Luo’s son, this level was far from enough.

When Luo Yue was young, she was very quick with such riddles, especially sensitive to numbers.

While other kids her age were still learning addition and subtraction, Luo Yue was already studying exponents.

She didn’t really want to chat with him, but if she didn’t, she would have to chat with Zhou Jia.

Helplessly, she could only chat with him.

After all, she was still an elementary school teacher, and these things came naturally to her, treating him as a student at her own school.

With this thought, Luo Yue became more patient with him.

Seeing her coaxing Luo Xu patiently and gently, Zhou Jia couldn’t help asking, “What do you do now?”

Her attitude was as gentle as when they first met yesterday.

It was as if she hadn’t heard what Luo Yue had said last night.

Luo Yue looked up at her and then said, “I thought you knew everything about me.”

After all, you knew where she lived and her phone number.

It should be easy to find out about a job.

“No,” Zhou Jia understood the implication, “I’ve never inquired about you.”

“It’s okay,” Luo Yue said, “It’s not a secret. I’m an elementary school teacher.”

Zhou Jia was momentarily stunned.

“An elementary school teacher?” Zhou Jia repeated, somewhat incredulous. “Where?”

The education industry is booming now, and Zhou Jia had heard a bit about it.

It was possible for someone who graduated from the mathematics department of a prestigious university to become a teacher at a top primary school.

But… talent was still buried.

Just as Zhou Jia was lamenting this, Luo Yue casually said, “My hometown.”

“Your hometown?” Zhou Jia was surprised.

Zhou Jia’s tone suddenly rose a bit. “Then why didn’t you agree to my suggestion to come to Jiayi and work with your father on mathematical research? You have great talent. Your mentor praised you in front of your father, saying you’re a rare genius of the century.”

Luo Yue hadn’t expected this connection.

But her mentor had never mentioned Professor Luo to her.

Nor had she ever associated the two of them.

Perhaps her mentor had bragged, and happened to do so in front of Professor Luo, who didn’t recognize her as his daughter.

Luo Yue’s mind raced, but she suppressed Zhou Jia’s regret, “But geniuses often die young.”

Early talent tends to end in early death.

With that said, Zhou Jia’s attempts at persuasion were all thwarted.

And Luo Yue checked the time, “He should be awake now. I’ll go in.”

Because she didn’t want to face Zhou Jia’s pitying expression again, what she had thought would be difficult to push open the door became easy at this moment.

Her mind was filled with too much, so this bit of sorrow seemed insignificant.

After entering the ward, Professor Luo was still not awake.

But it had been many years since she had seen her father face-to-face like this, not from the side as before, but looking down at him directly.

Despite looking young, there were strands of gray at his temples.

He slept soundly with his eyes closed, lying in the clean single room. Faint bird calls could be heard sporadically, pleasant rather than noisy.

The window in the ward was slightly open, allowing fresh air to seep in, diluting the unpleasant smell of disinfectant.

Luo Yue asked Zhou Jia to take Luo Xu away. She would talk to Professor Luo after he woke up, and then she would leave.

No need to stay longer, no need to see them off.

Perhaps it was Luo Yue’s firm attitude that made Zhou Jia retreat, but she no longer showed the same enthusiasm as yesterday.

Finally, the ward quieted down, so quiet that footsteps couldn’t be heard in the corridor.

But Luo Yue heard Luo Xu asking Zhou Jia outside the ward, “Mom, does Jiejie dislike me?”

Zhou Jia immediately replied, “Why would she? Jiejie just isn’t familiar with you yet, hasn’t developed feelings.”

“Can you ask Jiejie to stay? I think she’s so beautiful,” Luo Xu pleaded.

He was nothing like the mischievous boy she saw outside the teaching building at Jia University that day.

Luo Yue didn’t hear Zhou Jia’s response.

The two had already walked away.

Luo Yue quietly waited for the person on the hospital bed to wake up.

Looking at this aged face, Luo Yue’s mind was filled with memories of the beauty of that courtyard on Moon Island all those years ago.

Perhaps it had been too beautiful back then, which made his departure particularly cruel.

But time is a good thing; it puts a beautiful filter on all cruelty, so much so that one forgets the pain.

After an unknown wait, the person on the hospital bed slowly began to wake up.

Upon seeing Luo Yue, he thought he was dreaming, closed his eyes and opened them again.

Still, Luo Yue looked at him calmly, “Long time no see.”

No titles, no endearment, just indifference.

Luo Tianming was stunned for a moment, looked around and found that Zhou Jia was not there. There were only the two of them in the ward.

A silent tension spread through the room.

Finally, Luo Tianming spoke, “Why did you come?”

“I was called by your wife,” Luo Yue said in a business-like tone. “I thought you were at death’s door and wanted to see me one last time, so here I am.”

Luo Tianming fell silent.

“Are you disappointed?” Luo Tianming asked. “Seeing that I’m still alive.”

“A bit,” Luo Yue admitted without hiding it. “After all, I thought you had died many years ago.”

Died on Moon Island, buried alongside her mother.

Not like now, with a new family.

So, consequently, even the past love seemed unreal.

After adjusting for such a long time, Luo Yue could face him calmly.

“That’s truly a pity,” Luo Tianming said.

Luo Yue lowered her eyes. “Do you have something to say to me?”

Luo Tianming hadn’t expected her to throw the question back at him. He thought Luo Yue was here to criticize him for his neglect over the years, for forgetting his deceased wife and marrying someone new. There were so many things he owed Luo Yue apologies for that he had never dared to face her. Even after hearing about her talent in mathematics, he wanted to mentor her, but couldn’t muster the courage to approach her, keeping it all inside.

Whatever Luo Yue’s attitude toward him, he deserved it.

But Luo Yue was too calm.

From her, he could faintly see the shadow of his late wife.

“No,” Luo Tianming replied weakly, his voice low.

Luo Yue smiled slightly. “Neither do I.”

No resentment, no bitterness, just strangers now.

“If there’s something,” after a moment of thought, Luo Tianming hesitated, “there is one thing.”

Luo Yue probably guessed what it was, but she looked calmly at him. “What is it?”

“You should move to Jiayi,” Luo Tianming said. “I’m currently researching a topic that, if successful, would be a breakthrough in the field of mathematics. I’m getting older now, and sometimes my thinking can’t keep up, but you’re different, you’re still young. You could be the lead author on this project.”

Luo Yue shook her head at his words. “I’m not interested.”

“I’ve heard from your supervisor that you’re very talented. I’ve also read your papers. They’re a bit raw still, but well ahead of your peers. This project, only you and I can do it,” Luo Tianming insisted.

At the mention of her supervisor, Luo Yue unconsciously shrugged her shoulders.

The tattooed area seemed to itch densely again, as if thousands of insects were crawling.

But Luo Tianming was already caught up in his excitement about the project, eager to get up and continue his calculations.

He didn’t notice Luo Yue’s discomfort.

Suppressing her inner pain, Luo Yue spoke coldly, “I have no interest in mathematics, and even less in your project.”

“I came this time out of humanitarian concern,” Luo Yue said. “Now that you’re fine, I’ll leave. I hope we never have to meet again.”

Luo Yue stood up to leave.

But just as she was about to step out, Luo Tianming suddenly said, “Your resistance to studying mathematics, isn’t it because Professor Cheng took your paper and gave it to his son?”

Luo Yue’s steps halted, as if stuck in place by sticky bubble gum.

Nauseated, but unable to move.

This long-lost title brought back painful memories to her mind, and despite her efforts to restrain herself, her expression turned ugly.

Luo Tianming continued, “With your abilities, it’s not like you can only publish that one paper! You can switch to another topic for research. Besides, when that SCI paper was published, weren’t you also listed as the third author? Such things happen all the time. You’re still young, making a big deal out of nothing. If you work with me on this project, I’ll make sure you get first authorship.”

Switch topics.

Third authorship.

Making a big deal out of nothing.

Each of these phrases, separately, was like a knife, enough to shatter Luo Yue’s painstakingly stitched-together heart.

But now, strung together and delivered by her father, they seemed bitterly ironic.

Tears welled up in Luo Yue’s eyes, almost choking her breath.

It was so unfair.

But she didn’t know how to articulate her grievances.

Even if she did, her father would only dismiss them as making a big deal out of nothing.

But she hadn’t been like this when she was little.

Back then, her parents had taught her that what was hers was hers, and no one could take it away.

Even when Cheng Shijing borrowed her toys without returning them on time, her father had held her hand and gone to his door to get them back under the cover of night, because her father said he couldn’t let his little princess be wronged.

When did it change?

Was it when he left Jiada?

Luo Yue didn’t know.

But right now, she was both angry and aggrieved, so much so that she had no more emotions left.

“He bullied you because you didn’t have backing. Only a poor student from a rural area would do such a thing,” Luo Tianming said. “If you work with me, no one will steal your academic achievements.”

“So you know that he stole my academic achievements to embellish his son’s resume. You know he took what I had painstakingly researched day and night and published it. In the end, I could only settle for third authorship. You also know his son is incompetent, loafing around school all day, yet was still sent to graduate school at Jiada. You know that year when I went to confront him with the published paper, his son cornered me in an alley and used a cigarette butt…” Luo Yue’s voice unintentionally rose as she spoke, memories of that night flooding back to her mind.

Too painful.

The heavy rain washed everything away.

It also washed away her pride and dignity.

Years of building confidence were destroyed by someone, making her flee back to Moon Island like a deserter.

Only Moon Island could tolerate her disgrace and let her be herself safely.

Luo Tianming only knew the front story, not what she revealed afterwards.

As for the front story, he had heard it during a dinner, where colleagues discussed how Professor Cheng from Jiada’s Mathematics Department had published a graduate’s paper to secure his son’s admission under his guidance.

They cursed him as inhumane, but also acknowledged the student’s talent.

Coincidentally, someone at the table had seen her and commented that the student was not only talented but also very beautiful.

Luo Tianming was not good with words. In such gatherings, aside from discussing academic trends, he mostly remained silent.

But suddenly, someone mentioned that the female student also had the surname Luo.

Almost involuntarily, Luo Tianming asked if there were any photos of her.

Later, they found a graduation photo of her.

Only then did Luo Tianming take this matter to heart. By the end, he was so furious his face turned red. He drank a bit more that night and stormed into Professor Cheng’s house, causing a huge scene.

It nearly landed him in the police station.

Later, intermediaries intervened, and after sobering up, Luo Tianming downplayed the incident as drunken antics, smoothing things over.

He didn’t want to see Luo Yue waste such great talent.

All he could do was console her against his conscience.

But to Luo Yue, these words sounded like lectures.

When she first found out about this, the first person she told was her mentor. However, due to Professor Cheng’s esteemed reputation and his position as department chair, her mentor advised her to swallow her pride and endure it.

Back then, her mentor had said the same thing about her.

Young age, lack of understanding.

But those were the results of her day and night hard work.

Why should she just hand them over?

Unwilling to accept defeat, unwilling to comply.

So she tirelessly sought justice for this matter, but no one was willing to help her.

Luo Tianming was right. Because she was a poor student from a rural area, without any backing.

But…

Who caused all this?

Her father was now a professor. Did that change anything about this matter?

No.

Her heart boiled for a moment and then cooled the next.

Luo Yue didn’t want to mention that day’s events anymore. She just wanted to return to Moon Island.

Now, only Moon Island could calm her heart.

Yet Luo Tianming asked her, “What did he do to you? With a cigarette butt?”

Luo Yue pretended to calmly say, “He burned my shoulder with a cigarette butt, telling me that without power and influence, I shouldn’t dream of publishing my own work. No matter how brilliant my academic achievements were, he would always take credit.”

After saying this, as if exhausted, she walked out of the hospital room with faltering steps.

Qin Zhaoyi received a call from Luo Yue in the afternoon.

At that moment, she was coming out of her studio, having just met her new editor.

Transitioning from operations to editing and managing, Gu Yi was still somewhat bewildered.

But when Qin Zhaoyi saw Luo Yue, she earnestly discussed their upcoming plans.

Including how many books Qin Zhaoyi would write in a year and what topics.

After listening, Qin Zhaoyi responded with just three words: “Don’t bother me.”

This was Qin Zhaoyi’s first rule in her studio.

The new manager was not entirely satisfied, but obediently followed Qin Zhaoyi’s instructions.

Even when Qin Zhaoyi decided to leave, no one asked where she was going.

And Qin Zhaoyi herself was unsure where she wanted to go, when she received Luo Yue’s call.

No one expected the sun to come out after the downpour, bringing temperatures nearing thirty-five degrees that nearly melted everyone. Qin Zhaoyi stood under the scorching sun and asked her, “Are you done with your business?”

Luo Yue asked, her voice trembling, “Where are you?”

Qin Zhaoyi immediately became anxious. “Where are you? I’ll come find you.”

“I’m at the entrance of Jiada Hospital.” Luo Yue said, “Still here.”

She could feel herself holding back her emotions.

“Wait for me.” Qin Zhaoyi immediately got into her car to find her.

Despite a twenty-minute drive, Qin Zhaoyi arrived in just fifteen.

In the crowd, she quickly found Luo Yue.

Luo Yue stood in front of a red sign, unafraid of the blazing sun, her head bowed in thought.

Qin Zhaoyi approached her, “What’s wrong?”

She had a bad feeling about this.

Luo Yue looked up, her eyes red.

“Did something happen?” Qin Zhaoyi asked.

The only thing she could think of was that something had happened to her father.

But Luo Yue saw through her thoughts in an instant, shaking her head. “He’s fine.”

“Then you…” Qin Zhaoyi hesitated, unsure if she should continue.

But Luo Yue looked at her, her gentle voice trembling slightly, “Princess Qin, could you take me home?”

In the next moment, it seemed she was about to cry.

Luo Yue took a deep breath, holding back her tears.

But those matters were like thorns, piercing her heart, making it hard to breathe.

Qin Zhaoyi immediately said, “Okay.”

Luo Yue reached out her hand to her, “Could you… hug me?”

She needed to draw strength from somewhere.

As soon as she spoke, Qin Zhaoyi hugged her without hesitation, stroking her hair, oblivious to the stares of everyone around them, holding her tightly.

The cold voice was gentle and affectionate, “Good baby let’s go home.”

And at that moment, a man preparing to leave the hospital in a car nearby happened to see this scene.

In the next second, a photo was taken, then promptly sent to the family group chat.

In the “Loving Family” group chat, chaos erupted instantly.

[Wai Po ^[5]Maternal grandmother: Is that Zhao Zhao?]

[Wai Gong ^[6]Maternal grandfather: Are your eyes failing you? That one in white clothes is our lovely little Zhao Zhao.]

[Ren Er Mei ^[7]Second Sister Ren): Whoa! Qin Zhaoyi keeping things under wraps! But, the gender seems a bit off, huh?]

[Er Meifu ((Second Younger Sister’s Husband: I just saw them at the hospital entrance, and it startled me! They were hugging in public!]

[Ren Er Mei: What’s going on? Is what’s trending true? Is Zhao Zhao really dating like Zhaoling? @Ren Dajie]

Qin’s mother was preparing afternoon class slides, her phone buzzing incessantly. She glanced at the group chat.

She enlarged the photo, smiling at her sister-in-law.

A colleague asked, “Teacher Ren, is there some good news?”

Qin’s mother smiled mysteriously, “It’s a secret.”

It seems their little piglet finally found a beautiful cabbage.

But… why were they at the hospital?

[Ren Dajie ^[8]Big Sister Ren: Seems so. She told us about it.]

[Ren Er Mei: Shouldn’t be, right? Didn’t my brother-in-law say anything?]

[Dajie Fu: I was choked before I could say anything. Your sister completely agreed to this marriage.]

[Ren Er Mei: Alright, then I agree too. When we get back, let’s give our Zhao Zhao’s girlfriend a big red packet.]

[Wai Po: Isn’t this just friends? Why girlfriend? Can’t girls hug each other?]

[Ren Dajie: @Wai Po, Mom, Zhao Zhao said she likes girls. She’s been chasing after this girl for a while.]

[Wai Gong: Chasing girls? Can they have children?]

[Ren Dajie: …………]

[Ren Er Mei: My silence is so loud even the deaf can hear.]

[Wai Po: What era are we in? All you think about is having children. Have you conquered mountains and seas you want to be inherited, huh?]

[Grandpa: …… No.]

[Grandma: Whoever it is, as long as Zhao Zhao likes them.]

Meanwhile, Qin Zhaoyi drove back to Moon Island, with soothing light music playing in the car.

As soon as they got on the highway, Luo Yue fell asleep in the passenger seat.

Perhaps she had expended too much emotion, too tired.

Qin Zhaoyi had been thinking about questions all morning but didn’t ask any upon seeing Luo Yue like this. She was too preoccupied with comforting her to press her for answers.

But now, Qin Zhaoyi treated her like a girlfriend.

Moreover, last night Luo Yue had said she would go home with her.

So, she should be considered a girlfriend.

When Qin Zhaoyi’s car stopped in front of the Little Red Pavilion, Luo Yue was still asleep, her brows furrowed as if she had a nightmare.

Night fell over Moon Island.

Perhaps sensing the traveler’s fatigue, even the wind tonight was gentle.

Qin Zhaoyi didn’t feel any discomfort when she caught the salty scent in the air of Moon Island.

Whether Moon Island accepted her or she had adapted to Moon Island, in any case, this place was quite reassuring.

Qin Zhaoyi didn’t dare to wake Luo Yue and instead picked up her phone from the side to check.

Two seconds later, Qin Zhaoyi sent a message in the group: [Did you all forget I’m also in this group? @Everyone]

[Wai Po: Show us a photo of your girlfriend.]

[QX: Uncle, you’re sneaky, no decency!]

[Er Meifu: What a coincidence, is your girlfriend’s father named Luo Tianming? He happens to be my patient.]

[QX: ……]

Really outrageous.

The next moment, Luo Yue woke up quietly. She looked around first and then at Qin Zhaoyi.

Just as Qin Zhaoyi was ready to engage in a lively battle with them in the group, she put down her phone and asked gently, “Are you awake?”

Luo Yue had just woken up, her voice still a bit hoarse, and she naturally asked, “Good baby, what time is it now?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “……”

Feeling rather weak, her heart skipped a beat.

Author’s Note:

Good baby Good baby Good baby~

My little Puppy Qin has surrendered even the last shred of her dignity, hahaha~

Luo Yue will surely be loved by many in the future √