Chapter 7: An Interrupted Confession

The following day saw Bi Qiao’an sleep in again and wake up at 9:00 AM. After her morning routine, she ventured out for shopping and lunch with her dorm mates.

The afternoon unfolded in various ways: Song Wennuan diligently researched and wrote for her thesis at the library, Chen Jin enjoyed a movie date with a handsome guy from another university, and Jiang Shanshan explored opportunities at a local job fair.

Just like in her previous life, this sequence of events resulted in Bi Qiao’an being the sole occupant of the dorm yet again. Turning on her computer, she attempted to watch a critically acclaimed film. However, her attention kept straying to her phone, which hindered her focus while watching the movie.

The movie ended at 5:30 PM. Her heart was pounding in anticipation as she checked the time. Would Xiao Fei call again at this time, which would mirror her past events? This scenario presented an opportunity to witness a potential divergence from her previous life.

As predicted, her phone rang at 5:45 PM. Glancing at the caller ID, she confirmed it was Xiao Fei. Bi Qiao’an’s heart felt heavy, and it was difficult to decipher her brewing emotions.

“Qiao’an, are you in? I’m downstairs. Can you come down for a bit?”

“Mm, on my way,” she replied and took a deep breath to compose herself. She decided that this situation demanded a resolution.

Her steps were slow and hesitant as she dreaded reliving the scene from her past life. She yearned for a second chance free of entanglements with Xiao Fei and Chen Jin. She simply desired peace.

Bathed in the golden sunset, Xiao Fei exuded the gentle charm that captivated the eyes of the people around them. Just like before, he stood with a bouquet of red roses and a gift bag at his feet. Inside was the chiffon white dress Bi Qiao’an remembered.

Some things, unfortunately, couldn’t be avoided. Bi Qiao’an braced herself and approached him. “Do you need something, Xiao Fei?”

“Yeah, I called Chen Jin earlier, hoping to surprise her with a confession. But she’s not around, and I can’t keep the flowers overnight. I was wondering if you could help pass them on to her?” His voice held a touch of awkwardness as he extended the roses and gift bag towards her.

Bi Qiao’an was caught off guard but nevertheless felt a flicker of relief. The scenario mirrored her past, but the intended recipient was different.

“I think it’s more appropriate and sincere to give a confession gift directly to the person you’re confessing to. Did Chen Jin mention when she’d be back? Wouldn’t it be better if you gave them to her directly, even if it’s late?” She politely declined.

Accepting the items felt too close to recreating a confession scene, and she anticipated trouble from Chen Jin later.

“She said she might not be back tonight, so I was asking if you could help,” Xiao Fei explained, hoping to persuade Bi Qiao’an since she was the only one present at their dorm.

“Qiao’an…”

Bi Qiao’an hesitated, uncertain how to proceed, when a familiar voice resonated like a forgotten melody. This voice, unheard for years yet echoing from her fading memories, offered an unexpected solution.

Following the voice, Bi Qiao’an turned her head and spotted a beloved figure about a hundred meters away who struggled to walk as he lugged two black suitcases. The backlit figure was tall and slender, accentuated by a long black wool coat. Each measured step revealed dark trousers and leather shoes, mirroring Shen Yanming’s typical attire.

As he drew closer, she found herself unable to hold back, and tears streamed down her face as she sprinted towards him.

As Bi Qiao’an threw herself at him, Shen Yanming decided right then that heaven was treating him well. He opened his arms wide and enveloped her in a warm hug.

“Brother Yanming, I missed you so much!” Bi Qiao’an sobbed into his coat.

Shen Yanming didn’t mind one bit. “There there, years gone, yet our little princess still hasn’t grown, huh? What’s with the waterworks right after seeing me, silly girl? Go on, wipe your face.”

As Shen Yanming spoke, he lifted his sleeves to gently wipe Bi Qiao’an’s tears and mucus.

Bi Qiao’an hurriedly grabbed his arm as she came to her senses. “Brother Yanming, don’t use your clothes! You’ll get it all dirty!”

“It’s already dirty either way, so I might as well put it to full use.” Shen Yanming was unfazed while pointing towards the damp mess on his chest.

Only then did she realize that she had utilized her brother as an impromptu tissue just now. She avoided meeting his eyes while flushing in embarrassment and mumbled softly, “S-sorry, Brother Yanming, I wasn’t paying attention. I’ll wash it when we get back.”

Shen Yanming patted her on the head. “Since you offered, then let’s head home for you to launder this brother’s clothes!”

His statement left Bi Qiao’an confused. Was Brother Yanming seriously going to have her hand wash his clothing?

Noting Bi Qiao’an’s dazed eyes and probably having guessed those little thoughts of hers, Shen Yanming longed to grab her hand, but both arms were occupied lugging luggage. He could only call out to anchor her awareness. “Let’s go, silly girl!”

He now regretted overpacking gifts. How he wished he’d sent them home beforehand.

Shen Yanming initially thought he had to look a bit disheveled to pull Bi Qiao’an out of the confession scene smoothly. After all, shouldn’t over a decade of affection make Bi Qiao’an prioritize hosting her newly returned brother first?

Shen Yanming basked in the smug assurance that his carefully orchestrated moves had unfolded precisely as planned. His Qiao’an never received the flowers, meaning she’s still single!

However, his self-congratulatory thoughts remained oblivious to the fact that this lifetime’s Xiao Fei never intended to confess to Bi Qiao’an at all.

Qingyu Community, Building 6, Unit 1602. Shen Yanming placed his fingerprint on the lock, and the sound of the lock turning echoed as the door opened.

Gazing at the familiar yet foreign space, strong emotions swelled within Shen Yanming’s heart. After nearly eight years, he finally made it home!

Stepping inside while towing the luggage, he noted the tidy living room with its virtually dust-free table and tea set and instantly understood.

He turned to Bi Qiao’an, who was still hovering hesitantly in the doorway, and said, “Thank you for taking care of everything while I was gone, Qiao’an. You’ve worked hard!”

Bi Qiao’an mumbled a reply, “It wasn’t much… I was a bit lazy, only coming by once a month…” She felt a pang of guilt for not cleaning more often. After all, she had volunteered to house-sit for Shen Yanming when he went abroad. However, after cleaning up each time, she would end up with a sore back and legs. Eventually, the cleaning schedule changed from weekly to monthly.

Bi Qiao’an did consider hiring a housekeeper before remembering Shen Yanming disliked strangers in the house. Having grappled with the idea for some time, she ultimately decided to abandon the thought.