Chapter 22: Bringing Someone Home

At the dining table, the other dishes were fine, except for a stir-fried chicken that was slightly burnt. Still, it was mostly edible, just a bit charred in places.

“This can’t be blamed on me, right?” Qin Muxue cautiously said.

“Stop talking, eat.”

Lin Beixiu didn’t say much, calmly eating, picking up the burnt chicken. He bit off the burnt parts and ate the good ones, but there was still a strange taste.

“Were you joking just now or what?”

Lin Beixiu looked at her strangely, wondering why she would suddenly want to go back with him. Although they had become quite familiar, it hadn’t reached such a level.

“I’m serious.”

Qin Muxue looked up at him, saying, “My mom is very busy, it doesn’t matter whether I go back or not, and I don’t want to go back. It’s boring staying here, so I thought, maybe you could take me in.”

…

Lin Beixiu met her pleading eyes, nearly unable to refuse, feeling a strange sensation in his heart for a moment, almost pitying her, he found himself saying.

“Okay.”

Lin Beixiu didn’t know why he agreed, it seemed like an instinctual reaction.

“Really? Thank you so much.”

Then Qin Muxue thought for a moment and added, “Mainly because your cooking is too good. It would be a shame not to eat it for so many days.”

Lin Beixiu didn’t say much, thinking, let her come if she wants, it wasn’t a big deal. Although it was his first time inviting a classmate to his home.

Of course, Qin Muxue had her own motives, wanting to see where Lin Beixiu lived. This would allow her to learn more about him and see if he was the childhood friend from her memories.

“You’re really latching onto me, huh?”

Qin Muxue smiled, “Maybe deciding to be roommates with you was the best decision I’ve made. I almost missed out on a great chef.”

Lin Beixiu chuckled, fate is unpredictable, after all.

Initially, he thought having such a beautiful girl as a roommate wouldn’t be too bad.

…

After the afternoon’s anticipation, the bell rang, and cheers filled the campus.

Vacation time.

Lin Beixiu and Qin Muxue returned home to pack, planning to leave that evening. Lin Beixiu’s grandfather’s home was in An province (安省), just over half an hour by train.

Lin Beixiu had few belongings, carrying only a backpack. Qin Muxue, on the other hand, had a lot to pack and was still in her room. Lin Beixiu sat on the sofa, playing with his phone, waiting for her.

After a while, Qin Muxue came out with a small suitcase.

“You’re too slow.”

Lin Beixiu stood up, not forgetting to tease her.

“Girls have a lot of stuff, okay? Have some patience.”

Qin Muxue glared at him, this straight man.

“Should I bring something for your family?”

Lin Beixiu’s mood cooled, he clenched his teeth before calming down.

“No need, it’s just me and my grandfather. He doesn’t need anything.”

“Oh.”

Qin Muxue found his emotional shift peculiar, staring at his back intently.

Little brother Lin, what exactly happened to you?

In the evening, the subway station was crowded, as expected during the National Day holiday, with many rushing home.

“Hurry up, don’t dawdle.”

Lin Beixiu led the way, incessantly urging, contemplating whether it was a mistake to bring her.

Irritated, Qin Muxue sped up, startling Lin Beixiu. Seeing her fierce approach, he turned to run, but she grabbed the collar of his shirt.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Lin Beixiu felt a kick to his rear, then suddenly held her suitcase.

“A man, letting a girl carry things, now it’s your turn,” Qin Muxue said, clapping her hands as if it was only natural.

Lin Beixiu looked at her strangely, grateful her suitcase wasn’t heavy.

He wondered why it took her so long to pack such light belongings.

“Stop staring, go buy the tickets, and get one for me too.”

“Okay.”

Lin Beixiu, carrying her things, headed to the ticket vending machine, waiting in line, while Qin Muxue sat on a distant bench, enjoying the scene.

Soon, Lin Beixiu returned, handing her a small token.

“Let’s go, don’t lose this.”

“You make it sound like I’ve never ridden the subway before,” Qin Muxue grumbled, rolling her eyes at him.

Her tone sounded like an elder brother reminding his little sister, even though she was older than him.

Lin Beixiu just smiled, not responding.

They headed into the subway station, passed through security, and boarded the train. It was crowded, with no seats left and luggage everywhere.

Lin Beixiu and Qin Muxue stood in a corner. Initially, they maintained some distance, but as more people boarded, they ended up close together.

Feeling his distinctly male scent, Qin Muxue’s face flushed.

“Don’t stand so close to me.”

Lin Beixiu, exasperated, “I wish I could, but it’s crowded, and people are pushing from behind.”

Qin Muxue looked around, realizing she was somewhat protected by Lin Beixiu from the crowded conditions, which was somewhat embarrassing.

After a few stops, with more people boarding, their close contact became unavoidable.

“Sorry, I’m doing my best.”

Lin Beixiu carefully watched her, fearing retaliation for any unintended advantage taken.

“It’s okay, just be careful,” Qin Muxue’s voice grew softer.

…

Eventually, some people disembarked, freeing up a bit of space. Lin Beixiu immediately moved aside, turning away, and Qin Muxue could even see his ears turning red.

Why did he seem so cute?

Recalling their physical contact, Qin Muxue’s thoughts wandered.

The feeling of safety, of being cared for, it had been a long time…

Then, she felt someone touching her arm. Lin Beixiu reminded her.

“Don’t daydream, we need to get off.”

Qin Muxue nodded, and they disembarked, leaving the subway station.

On the sidewalk, Qin Muxue sat on a bench, and Lin Beixiu handed her a bottle of water bought from a convenience store.

“The car I called might take a while to arrive, drink some water first.”

“Okay.”

“I made you suffer.”

Hmm?

Qin Muxue understood his concern and said, “Don’t say that, I chose to come.”

Just then, Lin Beixiu’s phone rang. It was his grandfather calling.

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