Chapter 26: Lin Beixiu’s Family

In her room, Qin Muxue answered a call from her mother, hesitating before saying, “I won’t be coming home for the holiday. I’m busy with school.”

Her mother, Qin Han, sounded disappointed over the phone.

“It’s boring at home anyway, isn’t it? Do you suddenly become free during holidays?”

Qin Han fell silent, having hoped to take her out for some fun.

“Just stay safe at school, and let us know if you need money.”

After hanging up, Qin Muxue lay on her bed, her expression unchanged. Since starting university, she had seldom asked her family for money.

She had to thank her grandfather. Without his support, she wouldn’t have encountered little Bei due to financial constraints, leading to their cohabitation and everything that followed.

…

In her office, Qin Han felt helpless after the call, her daughter’s attitude towards her remaining lukewarm.

At that moment, Su Yun offered her a cup of water.

“Thanks, little Yun.”

Su Yun smiled, “Worried about little Xue again?”

“Yes, I had hoped she’d come home so you could take her out.”

“It’s useless, Sister Han. This won’t ease your strained relationship,” Su Yun advised.

“And that male classmate…”

At Su Yun’s hint, Qin Han understood.

After investigating Lin Beixiu, they learned all they could about him, including his cohabitation with Qin Muxue and her part-time job. Qin Han had wanted to intervene, but as the Qin family heiress, even during the company’s downturn, they weren’t short of money.

Furthermore, cohabitating with a boy seemed bound to lead to issues. Qin Han was worried.

Remembering her daughter’s temperament and Su Yun’s advice, Qin Han reluctantly dropped the idea.

Still, the thought of her daughter living with a boy troubled her, and she considered buying a nearby apartment for Qin Muxue.

“Let’s visit Tianxing City after the holiday ends to check on little Xue, especially that guy,” Qin Han said, frowning with concern.

“Alright.”

“Also, look into that other matter.”

…

After a midday nap to recharge, Zhang Lao suggested Lin Beixiu take his classmate out in the afternoon while he went to buy ingredients.

Lin Beixiu glanced at Qin Muxue, thinking of declining.

Why would he take this madwoman out? Wasn’t staying home better?

Qin Muxue kicked Lin Beixiu, who was lounging on the couch, “Hurry up, didn’t you hear grandpa? Take me out for some fun.”

“What’s there to do? You might as well go back to sleep.”

“Sleep my foot. Look at you, lazy as a pig and weak. You couldn’t even run for long without giving up. You need more exercise,” Qin Muxue scolded, disappointed in his lack of stamina.

“I think it’s fine.”

Qin Muxue cracked her knuckles threateningly.

“Hurry up.”

…

Ultimately, Lin Beixiu, reluctantly booted up, took her for a walk. They hadn’t fully explored the park last time, so he decided to show her around this riverside park. Standing at the railing, Lin Beixiu looked out over the wide river, with a bridge visible across and some people fishing below.

Qin Muxue sensed his mood shift and hesitated before asking,

“What about your parents? Are they working away?”

Lin Beixiu, leaning on the railing, turned with a look of complex and colder emotions.

“They divorced. Neither wanted me, so I live with Grandpa.”

Silence.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know,” Qin Muxue said, shocked and unsure how to comfort him.

“Heh, it’s all in the past,” Lin Beixiu replied, looking down. Though he claimed it was over, the pain lingered, far from the calm facade he presented.

Who wouldn’t want to cuddle in their parents’ embrace, enjoying their care? Unfortunately, these comforts had left Lin Beixiu early in his childhood.

As he was lost in thought, a gentle hand grasped his.

“Does this make you feel a bit better?”

Qin Muxue’s cheeks were flushed, perhaps more boldly than ever before.

Lin Beixiu’s face turned even redder than hers.

“Let… let go.”

He managed to withdraw his hand, as if Qin Muxue had a question mark above her head.

“You’re like a female thug, always looking to take advantage of me,” Lin Beixiu said, on guard.

“Lin Beixiu, you bastard!”

Lin Beixiu: !!!

In the park, he fled; she chased…

“You’re the one taking advantage of me. Why am I the one getting hit?”

“Shut up and take your beating,” Qin Muxue shouted, chasing after him.

“No way.”

…

Back in his room, Lin Beixiu lay on his bed, gasping for air.

“Damn, that really hurts.”

He thought he’d never talk back again; her punches were too fierce.

Lying there, Lin Beixiu reflected on Qin Muxue’s changes. Sometimes, he couldn’t stand her temperament.

It felt like their relationship had gone beyond mere classmates…

And he did find a familiar comfort in her, especially when she forced him to call her “sister.”

This long-lost title brought back memories for Lin Beixiu.

Shaking his head, he tried to dismiss these thoughts.

“It couldn’t be, right?”

“Little Bei, come out and cook.”

Lin Beixiu’s mouth twitched, “You’re really…”

“Coming.”

In the end, Lin Beixiu couldn’t say more. He glanced at Qin Muxue before turning away with a grimace.

Qin Muxue’s lips curved up, pleased that he had finally learned to keep quiet. Just speaking could infuriate someone, and a few punches weren’t enough.

That evening, as grandpa Zhang prepared the next day’s buns, the two helped out again.

This time, grandpa Zhang inquired about their school experiences, which Qin Muxue shared.

Lin Beixiu found little to add, letting Qin Muxue tell their story.

The chance cohabitation, class encounters, running for class president, and the amusing incidents during military training…

Grandpa Zhang watched them bicker and listened quietly.

“Not bad, little Bei having such a good classmate makes me happy.”

Soon, they finished making buns, and it was past ten.

Lin Beixiu told her to shower while he tidied the living room. Qin Muxue wanted to help but was dissuaded by both, so she went to shower.

In her room, combing her hair, she heard a knock.

“Come in.”

Lin Beixiu entered with some milk bottles, freshly showered himself, his hair still damp.

“Grandpa asked me to give you these. Drinking milk before bed helps you sleep.”

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