50. Otherwise, do you want to sleep in the same bed as me?

Zhou Jia’s call came unexpectedly, bringing Luo Tianming’s name back to Moon Island once again.

It had been twelve years since he left Moon Island.

In twelve years, Moon Island had built a brand-new elementary school and constructed a cultural square.

The port’s ships traveled back and forth tirelessly, their sails replaced numerous times.

Even the trees in the center of the island had added twelve rings to their trunks.

And even the islanders rarely mentioned Luo Tianming in front of Luo Yue.

Now he had become a special-appointed professor at Jiayi University, married a new wife, had a lovely son, and lived a life envied by many.

The only connection with Luo Yue that remained was the birthday gifts he sent every year on time.

But it had been many years since the gifts were to her liking.

There were the latest math journals and beautiful dresses that didn’t fit.

Even though she could barely be considered a “clothes hanger,” wearing the dresses he sent made her look like she was wearing a child’s clothes.

In his memory, Luo Yue might still be that high school girl in a blue and white uniform with a ponytail.

But twelve years had passed, and Luo Yue had grown into a graceful young woman, attracting much attention when she walked down the street.

Luo Yue thought the last time she ran into him at Jiayi University and chose not to disturb him would be their final interaction.

She planned to deliberately avoid Jiayi University and Jiayi City from then on.

It would be best never to meet again.

The past had blown away with the wind, and with her mother’s passing, her father was also buried on Moon Island.

Professor Luo was just Professor Luo, not her father.

But suddenly, Zhou Jia’s call came, disrupting all her thoughts.

A usually composed person, upon hearing this news, found herself undecided.

It must be said, for a moment, her heart softened.

Yet there was also a moment of hate.

In the café, everyone’s eyes were on her.

Worried, anxious, and resolute.

Luo Yue stood there gently, as steady as a pine tree, unmoved by the winds from any direction, as if nothing could knock her down.

After a long while, Luo Yue patched up her broken heart and smiled faintly, “Have I made a decision?”

She glanced at everyone, finally looking at Qin Zhaoyi, “I might not go, so you don’t need to accompany me.”

Cheng Shijing suddenly breathed a sigh of relief.

Luo Yue gave him a push, “Ge, don’t you need to go find Shiyu? Hurry up.”

Her tone was light, as if trying to break the heavy atmosphere, “Be careful, Shiyu might run away.”

Cheng Shijing looked at her worriedly, “Don’t make decisions on your own, discuss things with me if something comes up.”

“I know,” Luo Yue said, “It’s not like he’s a monster, what’s he going to do, eat me?”

Cheng Shijing paused, “Luo Yue.”

His voice deepened, indicating he was serious.

Cheng Shijing’s expression was severe, about to warn Luo Yue not to act rashly, when Qin Zhaoyi pulled Luo Yue behind her, positioning herself in front of Luo Yue, frowning as she said coldly, “Why are you being so fierce?”

Cheng Shijing: “…?”

Qin Zhaoyi’s warm fingers touched Luo Yue’s wrist, as if returning the energy she had just absorbed.

Luo Yue looked at her back, slender and steadfast, ready to shield her from any harm.

Her smile broadened.

Cheng Shijing looked past Qin Zhaoyi to see Luo Yue’s smile, and his building tension was instantly diffused. He could only say helplessly, “I wasn’t trying to be fierce.”

“Then why are you so serious?” Qin Zhaoyi’s usually cool voice sounded combative, angrily retorting, “She said she knows what she’s doing, why do you have to say all that?”

Cheng Shijing: “…”

“You don’t understand…” Cheng Shijing began to explain.

He wanted to talk about Luo Yue’s stubborn nature, her complicated feelings towards Luo Tianming, so many things he wanted to say.

But he hesitated.

Why should Qin Zhaoyi know about these things?

Qin Zhaoyi, unaware of his thoughts, only found his words grating and cut in, “I don’t know and I don’t need you to tell me.”

“What I know is, she’s an adult, capable of being responsible for her own life.” Qin Zhaoyi defended Luo Yue unconditionally, “She doesn’t need you overstepping under the guise of concern.”

Cheng Shijing: “…”

All these years, it was the first time anyone had spoken to him like this.

Because Luo Yue was too obedient.

Especially on Moon Island.

Her naturally gentle face made her seem easygoing.

She accepted all the kindness she received.

Let alone that Cheng Shijing had watched her grow up.

It was normal for him to give her advice, no matter how old she was; he was still her brother.

But today, someone stood in front of Luo Yue, saying his interference was too much.

Cheng Shijing’s expression was as unpleasant as if he’d swallowed a fly, unable to argue.

It was almost a silent standoff.

At the counter, Yan Ci suddenly changed the song, playing a guzheng piece, “Ambush from Ten Sides,” as if watching a show.

The atmosphere turned tense yet carried a hint of absurdity.

Luo Yue looked back at her, and Yan Ci raised her eyebrows with a playful smile.

It seemed to say, “This is quite entertaining.”

Luo Yue shook her head silently, about to break the stalemate, but Cheng Shijing spoke first, “I’m sorry.”

Luo Yue was slightly taken aback.

Qin Zhaoyi had been ready to further reprimand this stubborn man but was surprised by Cheng Shijing’s apology.

Cheng Shijing looked past her to Luo Yue, sincerely saying, “Luo Yue, I’m sorry for ignoring your feelings.”

Indeed, he was too worried about Luo Yue getting hurt, worried she would fall back into her old state because of this, so he pulled her into his protective circle.

He was the one being presumptuous, not Luo Yue.

“No,” Luo Yue denied.

Cheng Shijing seriously reflected on his actions, “You can make your own decisions, but if you need anything, you can come to me.”

Hearing this, Luo Yue felt it was better for both her and Cheng Shijing.

Occasionally, she also felt that Cheng Shijing was overly controlling.

For instance, just now, when he forcefully took the phone from her hand and hung up, it made her irritated before she had a chance to process it.

Yet she also knew he did it because he feared she would be hurt by those words.

But sometimes his actions were inappropriate.

It’s a good thing Cheng Shijing could realize this.

Healthy interactions are what sustain relationships in the long run.

Otherwise, if one always assumes what’s best for the other without asking or telling, one day it will create a rift.

Such rifts grow over time, and by the time they try to mend them, it’s often too late.

“Okay,” Luo Yue said softly, looking up at him with a determined gaze.

It was as if she was telling him that the little girl who once cried uncontrollably because of her father’s departure, who walked into the sea at night, had grown up.

Grown up enough to handle things on her own, to face the world’s sorrows and farewells with composure.

Cheng Shijing’s eyes welled up, but he took a deep breath, “Alright, then I won’t interfere anymore, let this Meimei ^[1]Younger sister take care of it.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

“Who’s your Meimei?” Qin Zhaoyi frowned, giving him a sideways glance, “Don’t climb relationships.”

Cheng Shijing chuckled, “You’re so young, what else should I call you? Yi Jie?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “… Go.”

Having gotten somewhat familiar with Cheng Shijing, she knew he occasionally liked to make inappropriate jokes, and teasing her was one of his joys.

At this moment, anyone could see that Cheng Shijing was trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere.

As he wished, after a few jokes, the atmosphere eased a lot.

He didn’t mention Luo Yue’s father again. Instead, he rolled up his sleeves, “I’ll go catch Cheng Shiyu first. How dare she stay out all night? Just wait till I see her, I’ll teach her a lesson.”

With that, he left the café.

Luo Yue stood on her tiptoes and waved at him, “Shijing Ge, be careful not to get beaten up by Shiyu.”

Cheng Shijing slipped, almost falling.

Everyone in the café burst into laughter.

Cheng Shijing hurriedly left, but they could still see his reddened ears from embarrassment.

Although she had reprimanded Cheng Shijing, Qin Zhaoyi was still very concerned about Luo Yue’s situation.

Luo Yue had mentioned that she had no parents and had always lived with her aunt and cousin, receiving much kindness from the people on Moon Island.

The most came from Cheng Shijing’s family.

But she had never deliberately mentioned her father.

Qin Zhaoyi had always thought that Luo Yue’s father had passed away, but now she discovered that he was still alive.

And he was sick now.

It felt like a kind of moral blackmail no matter how she thought about it.

It was just like those cliché soap operas where a father, who was once a philanderer and irresponsible, came to his daughter’s side seeking recognition as a “father” when he had no one to rely on in his old age.

But seeing Luo Yue like this, Qin Zhaoyi didn’t dare to ask.

Yan Ci changed the music to a cheerful Japanese song, picked up a book, and hid behind the counter, trying to minimize her presence.

Luo Yue collected her complex thoughts, took a white piece from the go box, and asked, “Do you want to play Go or Gomoku ^[2]Five-In-A-Row: Game similar to tic-tac-toe?”

“You know how to play Go?” Qin Zhaoyi asked.

Luo Yue nodded, “A little.”

Qin Zhaoyi took out a black piece and placed it on the board first, “My grandmother is a Go expert. I learned a bit from her, so I know a little too.”

Luo Yue placed her white piece down gently, her voice soft, “Let’s just play casually.”

Qin Zhaoyi casually placed her second piece, “Alright.”

Luo Yue’s movements were not slow, and each piece seemed to be placed casually.

But Qin Zhaoyi could tell at a glance that the technique was not simple. However, since she had only learned a little, she couldn’t figure out exactly what made it so complex.

Go is not like Five-in-a-Row; its strategy is very complex. From the first piece, you have to consider many moves ahead.

You have to predict your opponent’s moves and find a way to win.

Before long, the board was filled with densely packed pieces, black and white interwoven, like a maze that one couldn’t escape from.

Qin Zhaoyi found it increasingly difficult to play.

Finally, Luo Yue placed a white piece down, threw the pieces in her hand back into the go box, and said lightly, “You lost.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

“You said you knew a little,” Qin Zhaoyi said dejectedly as she picked up her black pieces one by one, “This is like a max-level player slaughtering in the novice village.”

Luo Yue also started picking up her pieces, “I just learned for a month when I was a child.”

Because Professor Luo would sometimes play a game with her mother when he had nothing to do.

They would sit under the cherry blossom tree in the yard, and she would sit nearby, watching patiently even though she didn’t understand.

After her mother passed away, Professor Luo cut down the cherry blossom tree in the yard.

Recalling the past, Luo Yue felt a bit sad but still said to Qin Zhaoyi, “Do you want to play two more games with me? Best two out of three.”

Adding a wager.

Qin Zhaoyi asked, “What if I win?”

Luo Yue thought for a moment, “I’ll grant you one wish.”

Qin Zhaoyi asked again, “What if you win?”

Luo Yue let out a small sigh, placed a piece on the board, and said with a slightly heavy voice, “Accompany me to Jiayi.”

This decision was not an easy one for Luo Yue to make.

After Qin Zhaoyi placed a piece on the board, Luo Yue said, “Let’s not play Go, let’s play Five-in-a-Row.”

Rather than a best two out of three, it was more like a single decisive match.

Luo Yue had already won the previous game, so unless Qin Zhaoyi won this one, the outcome was already determined.

Being a graduate of Jiayi University’s Mathematics Department, Luo Yue was far superior in both logic and strategy compared to the more emotional Qin Zhaoyi.

Whether it was Go or Five-in-a-Row, Qin Zhaoyi didn’t seem to have a chance.

Qin Zhaoyi glanced up at her, watching her focus intently on the board.

“I have to be serious now,” Qin Zhaoyi said. “Five-in-a-Row is my strong suit.”

After all, as the daughter of a physics professor at Jiayi University, she had often played games of Five-in-a-Row and Chinese Chess with Old Qin.

While Old Qin preferred Go, she would only play Five-in-a-Row and Chinese Chess with him.

Under Old Qin’s tutelage, Qin Zhaoyi had become very skilled at Five-in-a-Row.

Luo Yue nodded and smiled, “Then do your best.”

Qin Zhaoyi said, “If I win, does that mean you won’t go to Jiayi?”

Luo Yue responded softly, “We’ll see what fate decides.”

While fate is predestined, Qin Zhaoyi believed more in human effort.

“Alright,” Qin Zhaoyi said.

She herself wasn’t sure if Luo Yue should go, but seeing Luo Yue’s conflicted expression, she had a vague answer in her heart.

Giving it her all was the greatest respect she could show Luo Yue.

The café’s music shifted from one song to another, and the board filled with pieces, leaving almost no gaps.

When they ran out of pieces and still had no winner, even Yan Ci, who usually had no interest in these things, brought them a new set to continue their game.

Zhong Yu sat on the stairs leading to the second floor, sketching the scene with her pencil.

After delivering the new pieces, Yan Ci didn’t leave. Instead, she stood nearby, watching the game.

Finally, Qin Zhaoyi placed a black piece, completing a diagonal line of five.

Qin Zhaoyi had won.

They were now tied, moving on to the third and final game.

As they picked up the pieces, Luo Yue said, “I guess fate doesn’t want me to go. What do you think?”

“Not necessarily,” Qin Zhaoyi replied. “You’re a worthy opponent.”

Luo Yue smiled, “It’s my first time playing Five-in-a-Row.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

Her talent was terrifying.

The board was cleared, and the pieces returned to the box, everything back to its original state.

Qin Zhaoyi made the first move. Black and white pieces were placed alternately, almost without thinking.

Yan Ci watched as if she were watching a movie.

Sunlight streamed through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the serious expressions on their faces.

It was like a duel between masters, with neither giving an inch.

As the board neared full, Qin Zhaoyi’s mind wandered, and she placed a piece incorrectly.

Luo Yue paused with her piece in hand, “You made a mistake.”

Qin Zhaoyi looked regretful, “My hand slipped.”

Luo Yue said, “You can take it back.”

Qin Zhaoyi tossed the piece in her palm back into the box, creating a clatter like pearls falling onto a jade plate. Her cold voice was crisp, “A gentleman playing chess does not regret their move.”

Luo Yue hesitated, not placing her piece.

Qin Zhaoyi fixed her gaze on her, “You won.”

Luo Yue shook her head, “No, I haven’t placed my piece yet.”

The piece in her warm fingers became slippery, the sweat making the once clean piece smudged.

After a while, Luo Yue placed her piece.

Five in a row.

Qin Zhaoyi shrugged, “My concentration still isn’t enough.”

Luo Yue stared at the board in a daze.

Qin Zhaoyi said, “I’ll go to Jiayi with you.”

Luo Yue slowly started to pack up the pieces on the board, separating the black from the white.

Suddenly, a tear fell onto the board.

Qin Zhaoyi panicked, “What’s wrong? Don’t cry.”

Luo Yue kept her head down.

Seeing this, Yan Ci handed Qin Zhaoyi a tissue and went behind the counter.

Turning around, she saw Zhong Yu, who had been drawing, look up. Their eyes met.

Zhong Yu’s gaze followed Yan Ci’s swaying waist, only looking away when she sat down.

She looked at the two sketches beside her.

One was of Qin Zhaoyi and Luo Yue playing chess, and the other was of Yan Ci watching the game.

They should have been in the same picture, but out of a strange sense of possessiveness, Zhong Yu had drawn Yan Ci separately.

Fearing someone might notice, Zhong Yu placed Yan Ci’s sketch at the bottom of the stack and continued outlining the other.

This way, she could work openly.

Luo Yue had shed only that single tear, not even using the tissue Qin Zhaoyi handed her.

It was just, for that moment, she felt immense sadness.

Sadness overflowed, hence the tear.

When she looked up at Qin Zhaoyi again, she had already regained her composure, smiling at her, “Heaven has made the decision for me, so I will follow it.”

Qin Zhaoyi began to doubt if her move to let Luo Yue win was the right one.

It seemed… she had misread Luo Yue’s thoughts.

Her heart felt as if it were being twisted, causing her great pain.

Luo Yue returned the chess set to Yan Ci, paid for the coffee and milk, and asked Yan Ci to take care of the yellow dog. If she didn’t return from Jiayi soon, she hoped Yan Ci could walk it every day.

Yan Ci looked at the yellow dog lying in the sun and agreed without hesitation, telling her not to worry.

After leaving the café, Luo Yue walked ahead, and Qin Zhaoyi followed closely behind.

It wasn’t until they reached her home that Luo Yue stopped and said, “I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, possibly for the funeral, so you can leave anytime.”

Qin Zhaoyi feigned a relaxed smile, “I don’t have much to do anyway.”

“Besides, did you forget?” Qin Zhaoyi said, “My home is in Jiayi.”

Luo Yue paused, “Then I wish you a pleasant trip home.”

It was clear she didn’t have the energy for more social interaction.

Qin Zhaoyi didn’t say much, only asking when they would leave.

Luo Yue said, “I’ll call her to find out which hospital.”

Qin Zhaoyi waited patiently.

Zhou Jia hadn’t expected Luo Yue to call again. She cautiously asked, “Luo Yue?”

“It’s me,” Luo Yue said. “Which hospital are you at?”

Zhou Jia paused, “You’re coming?”

“Isn’t that what you wanted?” Luo Yue asked.

Zhou Jia immediately gave the address, “Jiada Affiliated Hospital, Building 5, Ward 1109.”

“I got it.”

Without waiting for Zhou Jia to say more, Luo Yue hung up.

Standing close, Qin Zhaoyi heard the address.

Unexpectedly… it was near her home.

Jiada Affiliated Hospital was one of the best hospitals in Jiayi, and also one of the top hospitals in the country for treating heart diseases.

The cardiology department was the flagship specialty of Jiada Affiliated Hospital.

Coincidentally, Qin Zhaoyi’s uncle was the head of the cardiology department at Jiada Affiliated Hospital.

“What disease?” Qin Zhaoyi tentatively asked Luo Yue.

Luo Yue shook her head, “I didn’t ask.”

She was prepared to go with the intention of attending a funeral and didn’t plan to ask about his illness. She had even decided that if she were asked to donate a liver or kidney for a match, she wouldn’t do it. Meeting her father once before his death was already more than enough kindness.

It wasn’t unreasonable for her to think this way. Otherwise, she couldn’t understand why he would call her now that he was ill.