Chapter 24: The Chase

Lin Beixiu felt a pang of regret, having been able to drink while at the apartment, only to be denied now that he was home. Why had she become so domineering all of a sudden?

Zhang Yunwu stood up with a chuckle, “Little Bei, go take a shower. I’ve already washed up.”

Lin Beixiu, feeling sullen, got up to grab some clothes, with Qin Muxue standing at the door. In the end, she just added, “Drinking is harmful to your health.”

“You’re quite naggy. I’m starting to think inviting you here was a mistake,” Lin Beixiu joked.

“It’s too late for regrets. Now that I’m here, I won’t go back even if you kill me.”

Qin Muxue clenched her fists, itching to punch him.

If it weren’t for suspecting you’re little Bei, I wouldn’t care about you at all.

“I was just joking. It seems my grandpa likes you.”

“But the first part of what I said was true.”

After saying that, Lin Beixiu made his escape, leaving Qin Muxue standing there, dazed. But soon, she realized he was just calling her meddlesome.

“Lin Beixiu!”

Qin Muxue turned around, only to see the bathroom door, already closed. Fuming, she returned to the study.

Lin Beixiu, showering, smirked upon hearing Qin Muxue’s earlier outburst, feeling victorious.

He whistled cheerfully as he returned to his room.

The next day, Lin Beixiu’s biological clock had readjusted, waking him up at just after 4 a.m. Zhang Yunwu, seeing his grandson, couldn’t help but comment.

“Why don’t you sleep in a bit longer? What’s the rush getting up so early?”

“It’s a habit.”

Lin Beixiu, nonchalant, clutching his bag, “Less talking, be careful on the stairs.”

Grandfather Zhang’s bun shop, just beyond the alley and onto the main street, was close but still a long trek for the elderly.

Most breakfast joints start their day in the wee hours, but not Zhang Yunwu. His buns and shaomai were prepared the night before, stored at home. He’d wake up around 4 a.m. to transport the stored buns to his shop in several trips. After closing at noon, he’d clean up and head out in the afternoon to buy ingredients and prepare the filling for the next day’s buns.

Upon reaching the shop, Zhang Yunwu lifted the shutter and began cleaning up, placing the brought buns into steamers to cook.

“I’ll go back and bring the rest,” Lin Beixiu said.

“Alright.”

Zhang Yunwu watched his grandson’s departing figure with a smile, appreciating the convenience his presence brought.

After several trips, Lin Beixiu stayed to help. The day brightened, and sporadic customers began to arrive, all served by Lin Beixiu.

Soon, his phone vibrated with a message from Qin Muxue, inquiring about their whereabouts.

Lin Beixiu texted her the address, asking her to come over.

Old Zhang’s Bun Shop, that was the name of the store. When Qin Muxue arrived, she found the duo busy at work.

“What time did you get up?”

Joining in the bustle, Qin Muxue asked.

“Around 4 a.m.”

Qin Muxue teased, “Never seen you this diligent at school.”

Lin Beixiu’s face twitched, his mood souring.

“What the hell… That’s different.”

“Ha, how’s it different?” Qin Muxue retorted without giving any quarter.

Lin Beixiu had no comeback.

At the doorway, a middle-aged man paused at the stall.

“The usual, Old Zhang.”

“Right away.”

The man, Old Li, glanced inside, his eyes lighting up.

“Isn’t that little Bei? Back for the holiday?”

Lin Beixiu smiled, “Uncle Li, off to work again.”

“Yeah, working through the National Day. It’s all for a living.”

Old Li’s gaze shifted to Qin Muxue, joking, “Oh, Xiaobei brought back a girlfriend?”

Qin Muxue blushed, unsure how to respond, but Lin Beixiu quickly clarified, “Just a classmate. She’s staying with us for a few days due to family issues.”

Qin Muxue clenched her fists, annoyed at his dismissive tone.

After a brief chat, Old Li left with his buns.

“Lin Beixiu!”

Lin Beixiu leaped out, running, with Qin Muxue hot on his heels. Thus began their chase through the early morning streets.

“Stop! I’ve had enough of you. I have to hit you.”

She had wanted to hit him since yesterday; his mouth was just too annoying.

As if I’d stop.

Lin Beixiu thought, speeding up, with Qin Muxue closing the gap between them.

Reaching a park, they continued their pursuit among the elderly dancing.

Lin Beixiu hid behind a bench, relieved to have lost her, his unexercised body protesting the exertion.

“Should be far enough, right?”

“Yeah.”

Before he could relax, he heard her familiar voice, stiffening as he saw Qin Muxue, arms crossed, amusedly watching him.

“Uh-huh.”

Lin Beixiu’s awkward, polite smile didn’t save him. Attempting to flee, his slower start let Qin Muxue easily catch him, pinning him down on the bench.

“Keep running, see if I don’t beat you.”

Qin Muxue’s cold laugh and clenched fists showcased her anger.

Lin Beixiu shook his head, “Can’t run anymore, let’s rest.”

“Heh.”

Qin Muxue showed no mercy, raining blows upon him, forcing Lin Beixiu to defensively raise his hands.

“Darn, how do you still have energy?”

“Go easy, heroine, spare my life.”

Her frustrations vented, Qin Muxue felt refreshingly vindicated.

Now pinned under her, Lin Beixiu’s predicament amused passing elders, prompting comments of youthful playfulness.

Seeing his blushing ears, Qin Muxue felt an urge to tease him further.

“Call me ‘sister’, and I’ll let you go.”

Lin Beixiu, at a loss, “Why should I?”

“Heh, because I’m older.”

“How do you know you’re definitely older?” Lin Beixiu challenged.

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