Accompany my girlfriend

Yue Qianling felt that Gu Xun was quite clever.

With just one sentence, he had transferred all the awkwardness to others, leaving himself unscathed.

If only she were not the one involved.

At this moment, the most effective way to deal with the awkwardness was to escape.

The guy obviously couldn’t understand the current situation, only aware that he might have made a big mistake. Awkwardly scratching the back of his head, he turned and walked away.

With the instigator gone, Yue Qianling was left to clean up the mess.

But she could not think of anything else apart from forcing a smile.

“So you didn’t lose your school ID. That’s great.”

Yue Qianling quietly took a step back, with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Then… Happy New Year.”

After saying that, she turned around calmly.

It wasn’t until she turned a corner and made sure her figure was out of Gu Xun’s sight that she started to run.

When she returned to the restaurant, she was panting, her eyebrows lowered, looking like she had just experienced a life-or-death crisis.

No words needed to be said for Yin Xue to know that things didn’t develop according to her expectations.

But why such an expression?

“What happened? Did you not get his WeChat?”

“Don’t even mention it!”

Yue Qianling covered her face, refusing to answer Yin Xue’s question.

Having spent several years together, she should have known that Yin Xue, a born soloist in this area, was also extremely unreliable. Yet, one dared to give advice, and the other actually dared to listen.

Now, not only did she fail to get his WeChat, but she also lost face big time.

After a while, Yue Qianling calmed down her emotions, lifted her head, and continued to eat, but she didn’t tell Yin Xue what had happened.

It wasn’t until the two of them returned to the dorm that she had the courage to tell Yin Xue everything that had just happened.

However, Yin Xue, the dog-headed strategic master, not only did not reflect on herself, but she also had no sympathy. She laughed so much that the dormitory auntie, who was on patrol, came to ask if they were violating any rules by boiling water in a kettle.

The New Year’s Day ended in such an unpleasant way.

The short holiday came to an end, and on the morning of the fourth, Yue Qianling went to work as usual.

Because she remembered that she had forgotten to bring her phone when she reached the school gate, Yue Qianling turned back to get her phone, which delayed her by more than twenty minutes, so she arrived at the company a little later than usual.

Almost all the people on the team had arrived, and it looked like nothing out of the ordinary, but when Yue Qianling sat down, she felt that something was wrong.

She looked around at her nearby colleagues, and no one spoke, but there were always some furtive glances directed at her.

So, Yue Qianling turned on her computer, logged into WeChat, and opened Huang Jie’s chat window.

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: Did something happen?

Huang Jie, who sat across from her, glanced at Yue Qianling, then typed while smiling.

【Huang Jie】: Uhuh, didn’t you notice that someone was missing?

Yue Qianling scanned the surroundings again, and her eyes suddenly widened.

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: Could it be that Yin Qin got expelled???

【Huang Jie】: No, that’s not it. It’s just that the incident in the elevator last week has been circulating in the company. She probably knows she has attracted a lot of attention, so she hasn’t come in yet.

【Huang Jie】: If it weren’t for the bad job market right now, I guess she would have resigned already.

【Huang Jie】: Anyway, if it were me, I wouldn’t be able to stay.

As soon as Huang Jie’s message popped up, Yue Qianling heard footsteps behind her.

She turned around, and sure enough, Yin Qin was really late.

She looked the same as usual, but upon closer inspection, her face seemed a bit haggard.

It seemed that this New Year’s short vacation didn’t go very smoothly for her.

However, Yin Qin was best at pretending that nothing had happened. She put down her bag, and still greeted everyone with a smile, just intentionally skipping Yue Qianling.

Yue Qianling didn’t mind this. She had no desire to deal with Yin Qin, and she couldn’t be happier about it.

However, thinking about working with someone who had some grievances with her in the future was a bit disheartening.

She even thought that if she could turn back time, she would prefer to be an invisible person, avoiding getting involved in these inexplicable troubles and making her life a little more comfortable.

But it seemed that fate didn’t favor her wishes.

During the eleven o’clock regular meeting, the lead artist seemed normal, everything proceeded as usual. However, when tasks were assigned, Yin Qin was obviously marginalized.

As a nominal team leader, being pushed to the sidelines was awkward for her, and even though Yin Qin was good at pretending, her face couldn’t hide the discomfort at that moment.

Everyone present understood that the lead artist’s behavior was more or less the boss’s intention.

Yin Qin couldn’t blame the boss or the lead artist, so she could only look at Yue Qianling with a displeased glance.

Coincidentally, when Yue Qianling raised her head, she caught this look, and Yin Qin quickly averted her gaze in panic.

Yue Qianling sighed silently, knowing that this conflict had probably deepened.

Actually, Yue Qianling never understood why Yin Qin didn’t like her. Looking back on her internship, she didn’t think she had done anything wrong.

Although she was not very enthusiastic usually and liked to be lazy after work, she had never delayed her work nor had she caused trouble for others.

After thinking about it, the only reason could probably be that—she was too beautiful?

After the regular meeting, everyone left the conference room one after another and went to order takeout.

In the elevator, Huang Jie was swiping through the ticket booking app and asked, “It’s almost the holiday, have you bought your ticket?”

“No hurry, I’ll take the high-speed train,” Yue Qianling replied.

Speaking of this, Yue Qianling suddenly took out her phone to inform her mother about going home.

As soon as she opened WeChat, she saw an unread message.

【Tang Xin】: Qianling, when are you going home?

Yue Qianling scratched her head and reluctantly typed a few words.

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: Not yet decided.

【Tang Xin】: Then tell me when you’ve decided, I’ll pick you up at the high-speed rail station.

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: Don’t bother. My dad will come to pick me up.

【Tang Xin】:  It’s fine, it’s not a bother. Anyway, I’m on vacation early, and there’s nothing to do at home.

Now that things have gone this far, Yue Qianling didn’t know how to refuse.

Tang Xin was a neighbor who moved to the upstairs of her house two years ago. The relationship between the two families was good, and their parents often made plans to play together.

As for Tang Xin himself, Yue Qianling had no opinion of him, but she just felt that… her liked her.

He was a year older than Yue Qianling and was studying in a graduate school in another city, so he could only chat with Yue Qianling on WeChat.

Handling this wasn’t a problem for Yue Qianling, but every winter and summer break, he was always particularly enthusiastic, always finding opportunities to invite Yue Qianling out to play.

With the two families being close and their parents getting along well, Yue Qianling couldn’t refuse every time.

And he never explicitly stated his intentions, so Yue Qianling couldn’t accurately break it and could only play a game of Tai Chi with him.

She had also hinted at it in secret several times, but Tang Xin seemed to be oblivious.

After a while, it became a bit tiring.

After getting the takeout back to her workstation, Yue Qianling had no appetite. Staring at Tang Xin’s chat box, she repeatedly weighed her words but still couldn’t come up with the perfect reason to refuse.

As a neighbor offering to pick her up, she couldn’t just ignore this kindness, right?

However, accepting these small favors too much, if he were to confess in the future, Yue Qianling wouldn’t have the confidence to reject him.

Yue Qianling sighed several times in a row, wanting to find someone to discuss this issue with.

Scrolling down in the chat box, she saw their gaming group.

Men understand men the best. Maybe they would have some good ideas.

Yue Qianling thought for a moment, then began typing.

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: I have a question for you guys.

【Luo Tuo】: Go ahead, I’m just waiting for takeout.

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: That is, how do you dispel improper thoughts from a guy who hasn’t confessed?

【Luo Tuo】: ?

【Xiao Mai】: ?

【School Grass】:?

【Xiao Mai】: If he hasn’t confessed, how can you be sure he likes you?

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: I just know it!

【Xiao Mai】: But what if you misunderstood?

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: How could I have misunderstood?

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: He often chats with me, and he is more diligent than my parents in asking about my health. Every time he comes home on vacation, he always invites me out. He will also bring me back whatever delicious food he eats, oh right, he always gives me gifts on special occasions.

【Luo Tuo】: Well, that indeed indicates he likes you.

【Luo Tuo】: Just hint at him a few times, for example, when he asks you out, you refuse a few times.

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: We’re neighbors, and our parents have a good relationship. It’s not good to keep refusing, and we’ll have to get along in the future.

【Xiao Mai】: Then just say it directly. I think many guys don’t understand hints.

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: How can I say it directly? It’s so awkward, and we see each other every day.

【Xiao Mai】: emmmm

【Xiao Mai】: Scratching_head.jpg

【Luo Tuo】: This is a bit tricky.

It seemed that these guys didn’t have any good ideas.

She could only figure it out later.

Yue Qianling sighed again, opened the takeout, and prepared to eat.

At this moment, another message popped up in the group.

【School Grass】: This is simple.

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: ?

【School Grass】: The next time he invites you out, just say you’re going to accompany your boyfriend.

【School Grass】: Can he still not understand that?

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: But where can I find a boyfriend to show in front of him?

【School Grass】: Long-distance relationship doesn’t work?

【School Grass】: Can’t you play games with your boyfriend?

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: That seems to make sense.

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: But what if he doesn’t believe it?

【School Grass】: If he doesn’t believe it,

【School Grass】: I can reluctantly pretend to be your boyfriend and call you.

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: That’s something!

【Luo Tuo】: [Smile]

【Xiao Mai】: [Smile]

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: What’s wrong? Do you guys think it’s not feasible?

【Luo Tuo】: No, I think it’s very feasible. [Thumbs up]

【Luo Tuo】: Someone is too clever. [Thumbs up]

【Xiao Mai】: That’s too good. Why can’t I think of such a good idea? [Thumbs up]

【Xiao Mai】: It’s really a win-win situation. [Thumbs up]

【School Grass】: Do you two have some problem?

【Luo Tuo】: No.

【Xiao Mai】: No, it’s very good.

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: Hehe, then the next time he invites me out, I’ll say that.

After a while, Yue Qianling thought of another issue.

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: But what if my parents expose the truth?

【School Grass】: Isn’t it good to find out?

【School Grass】: If he still doesn’t understand that you’re rejecting him, is he an idiot?

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: [Thumbs up]

【School Grass】: Any other questions?

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: None!

【School Grass】: Go online tonight.

【Glutinous Rice Twist】: Okay!

Having resolved this matter, Yue Qianling’s mood was much happier all of a sudden. While eating, she thought that if Tang Xin invited her out again after she returned home, she would immediately claim to have a boyfriend.

A permanent solution.

In the blink of an eye, it was time to get off work.

As the Spring Festival approached, everyone’s thoughts had already flown to the holiday. When leaving, groups of three or two were chatting about how to arrange their trips home for the New Year.

Yue Qianling stood at the elevator entrance, rehearsing in her mind how to deceive Tang Xin into thinking she had a boyfriend.

She was so excited that she could successfully avoid a big trouble. It wasn’t until the elevator doors opened that she snapped back to reality.

When she looked up, she saw Gu Xun standing inside the elevator.

Yue Qianling’s eyes lit up.

But in the next second, thinking about what happened a few days ago, the sense of shame instantly overwhelmed all other emotions. Yue Qianling dared not look directly at Gu Xun and silently lowered her head as she walked in.

Turning around, facing away from Gu Xun, she recalled the scene with the school card again, and even her breathing became cautious.

The elevator descended slowly.

In the quiet and narrow space, she heard a girl say, “Gu Xun, do you have any plans for the Chinese New Year?”

Men understand men, and similarly, women understand women.

Just from this sentence, Yue Qianling sensed the hidden thoughts of the speaker.

She immediately tightened her breath, clenched her fists, and forced herself not to turn around.

Then, Gu Xun’s voice sounded.

“Why?”

The girl’s tone was very generous, “Would you like to go to Yunnan for a trip? It’s rare to have such a long holiday, so we’re forming a group. It’s more fun to have more people.”

“……!”

Damn it!

Yue Qianling clenched her teeth but still couldn’t resist sneaking a peek back.

After quickly glancing at the girl who spoke, she immediately averted her gaze.

Not good.

That girl was so beautiful.

She was also a 3D modeling artist from the Ninth Business Division, someone you would interact with day in and day out.

Countless bad premonitions flashed through Yue Qianling’s heart. She almost held her breath, nervously waiting for Gu Xun’s response.

At the same moment, Gu Xun lowered his eyes and his gaze swept over Yue Qianling’s back.

She was motionless, her ears were a little red, her shoulders were stiff, and her fingers were tightly gripping her sleeves.

She seemed nervous.

“……”

Gu Xun withdrew his gaze and calmly said, “Not going.”

Hearing these two words, Yue Qianling breathed a sigh of relief.

However, before that breath could completely settle, Gu Xun’s voice came again.

“I want to accompany my girlfriend over the New Year.”

“…”

In an instant, Yue Qianling felt her vision darken.

***

The winter vacation was less than two weeks, and the school had already started to prepare for the Chinese New Year.

Red lanterns were hung on the trees on both sides of the avenue, and the green belts were also lit up with decorative light. At night, it looked particularly festive.

Yue Qianling was like a wandering ghost, walking around the playground again and again.

As people finished their night runs and left one by one, Yue Qianling became the only person left on the playground.

The cold wind blew fiercely, stinging Yue Qianling’s cheeks.

Her chest felt like it was being crushed by a big rock, and even though she was outdoors, she couldn’t breathe.

Her eyes welled up several times, but she couldn’t cry. She couldn’t find a reasonable outlet for her emotions.

After all, she didn’t even have the right to cry.

She should have known.

Someone like Gu Xun, how could he not have a girlfriend?

He had never said he was single, and all expectations were made by herself. So, she could only bear the discomfort she was feeling.

But when she thought about his usual indifference to her while showing tenderness to another girl, Yue Qianling felt an overwhelming sense of discomfort that she choked back tears several times.

Her first love had just begun to bud, only to be extinguished.

And that person never knew her feelings.

The lights on the playground for night runs were turned off, leaving only a few distant streetlights providing faint starry lights.

Yue Qianling sat on the steps, trying to let the cold wind clear her mind a bit.

At this moment, her phone vibrated again.

She thought it was Yin Xue looking for her, so she quickly took it out.

But it was a call from Lin Xun.

Yue Qianling didn’t want to answer, but her fingers were a little stiff from the cold, and she accidentally pressed the answer button, so she had to put the phone to her ear.

“What time is it? You haven’t reached home yet?”

Yue Qianling didn’t want to talk, so she just let out a sullen “Hmm”.

“I’m glad you’re alive.”

He said nonchalantly. “I’ll give you ten minutes to go online.”

Yue Qianling wasn’t in the mood to play games right now.

“Not coming.”

Probably sensing Yue Qianling’s mood, the person on the other end suddenly softened his tone.

“What’s wrong?”

What’s wrong?

She just experienced a heartbreak.

And as soon as she heard him speak, Yue Qianling thought of the idea he had come up with this afternoon.

Unexpectedly, before she could use it on Tang Xin, the bad luck rebounded to her.

How ironic.

With that, Yue Qianling didn’t have much goodwill left for Lin Xun.

She kicked away a small stone by her feet and spoke in a dull voice.

“You’re so unlucky.”

“?”