45.2. Princess Qin, I like you.

The office was not far from the library, and students had started coming in gradually.

The scorching heat made everyone uncomfortable.

Once inside the library, Qin Zhaoyi turned around and pressed Luo Yue against the door, still holding the doorknob and locking it from the inside.

“What are you doing?” Luo Yue looked at her warily.

Outside, people were coming and going, and the noise was loud. You could even faintly hear the voices of her students amidst the hustle and bustle.

Caught off guard by her actions, Luo Yue didn’t know her intentions and tensed up.

“Nothing,” Qin Zhaoyi approached even closer. “I just wanted to ask, what really happened that night?”

Luo Yue pursed her lips. “…”

“To you,” Qin Zhaoyi pressed on. “What did I do?”

Luo Yue remained silent, seemingly weighing her words.

Qin Zhaoyi, not willing to give up without an answer, pressed further. “That night, were we really that close?”

The events of that night flashed through Luo Yue’s mind. The darkness of the night was tinged with ambiguity, and at the time, she was deeply immersed and didn’t feel embarrassed. But now, recalling it made her feel hot all over, even her ears felt feverish.

Qin Zhaoyi found her reaction so unusual that it only fueled her curiosity.

“You said it,” Qin Zhaoyi continued. “I told you about Cheng Shiyu, so now it’s your turn. Teacher Luo.”

Qin Zhaoyi’s finger traced her neck, leisurely, as if enticing prey.

“Your students are all outside,” Qin Zhaoyi leaned closer, her lips brushing against Luo Yue’s earlobe, her breath warm and eager. “You must keep your promise.”

Luo Yue: “…”

In this confined embrace, Luo Yue felt her breath disrupted. “Qin Zhaoyi.”

Even when she called out her name, she lacked confidence, yet she still lightly reprimanded, “Don’t cause trouble.”

Qin Zhaoyi chuckled softly against her neck. “Teacher Luo, who’s really causing trouble here?”

Luo Yue: “You.”

Qin Zhaoyi bit down on her neck, then leaned in closer, her sucking action resembling planting a strawberry mark on her neck.

The warmth enveloped her neck.

It had to be said, it felt very comfortable.

But…

Luo Yue pushed her and said, “I still have classes in the afternoon.”

“Summer has arrived, and there are many mosquitoes,” Qin Zhaoyi said without pausing

She had already found excuses for her.

It seems that she just wanted to leave her strawberry prints.

Luo Yue reached out and pushed her, with her palm resting on her forehead. “Anyone with eyes can tell that what mosquitoes bite is completely different from what humans bite,” she said.

“Elementary school students can’t distinguish clearly,” Qin Zhaoyi said.

Luo Yue didn’t know if she was specifically challenging her, or just to know what happened that night.

“There are more than just students in school,” Luo Yue stopped her.

Qin Zhaoyi chuckled casually and teased, “Then tell me what happened.”

Luo Yue paused slightly, holding her neck with both hands.

The Qin Dynasty was caught off guard and stunned for a moment.

Luo Yue hesitated for a moment, then wrapped her arms around Qin Zhaoyi’s neck.

Qin Zhaoyi was caught off guard by the embrace, momentarily stunned.

Luo Yue kissed her on the lips, then stared straight at her. “Just like this.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…?”

She… being this affectionate?

If this had happened before, Qin Zhaoyi would never have believed it.

But now, Qin Zhaoyi felt like it was something she could do.

Emboldened by alcohol, acting without restraint.

Qin Zhaoyi felt a bit embarrassed.

It’s not scary to get drunk, but it’s scary when someone helps you remember.

So she was socially dying more and more each time.

But she was the one who willingly walked into it, forcing others to help her remember.

Yet Luo Yue wasn’t ready to let go.

Wasn’t she clamoring to know?

So her wish was granted.

Qin Zhaoyi’s hand loosened the doorknob and stepped back, but was grabbed by Luo Yue.

It was like a game of chase, friendly one-upmanship, you advance I retreat.

Qin Zhaoyi whispered softly, “Enough.”

Luo Yue raised an eyebrow. “Don’t ah”

Qin Zhaoyi pursed her lips. “I think I’ve got the idea.”

So let’s stop talking about it.

But Luo Yue just chuckled. “We’re just getting started.”

She held onto Qin Zhaoyi’s neck, leaned in again, her chin resting on her shoulder, and whispered into her ear, “Jiejie, I think… I’m getting wet.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

Qin Zhaoyi tensed up completely, her ears turning bright red in an instant.

But Luo Yue wasn’t planning to let her off the hook. “Need me to help you relieve it?”

Qin Zhaoyi shuddered with goosebumps, pushing her away abruptly.

Feeling a mix of embarrassment and anger, she pinched her earlobe and walked towards the stack of books. “It’s time for class, you should go.”

Qin Zhaoyi’s words stumbled out: “I… I need to continue organizing the books.”

Luo Yue stood still, arms crossed, smiling teasingly. “Princess Qin.”

Qin Zhaoyi glanced back at her.

Luo Yue teased, “You’re naturally inclined to being served, aren’t you?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “?”

But Luo Yue didn’t explain further, turning around and leaving.

She had the air of a victor.

After she left, the temperature in the room finally cooled down.

The movements were swift and decisive.

Luo Yue helped on the side and couldn’t help but ask, “Do you often do this kind of work?”

Qin Zhaoyi hesitated slightly. “First time.”

It was easy to guess; she was usually exceptionally lazy. Except for writing books, where she could be called a model worker, she hardly did anything else.

The phrase ” to have no need to fend for oneself” seemed tailor-made for her.

*lead a pampered life

Luo Yue paused for a moment and praised, “You’re quite talented.”

Qin Zhaoyi always believed that she was simply too lazy to bother, not that she couldn’t do it. And she also discovered for the first time that immersive craftsmanship could bring happiness.

There’s a sense of accomplishment in following a marked line, knowing that soon enough, you’ll be done and feel a swell of achievement.

It took Qin Zhaoyi nearly a week to assemble the bookshelf.

The new bookshelf in the library stood out distinctly from the others, obviously of higher quality.

Just by looking at them, one could tell they were not cheap.

Luo Yue quietly asked, “How much did these bookshelves cost?”

“Quite cheap,” Qin Zhaoyi replied vaguely without specifying.

One day, while wiping the new bookshelf, Luo Yue noticed a brand logo on one of the boards. She searched online and found the same model.

A 4×4 grid bookshelf cost eight hundred yuan.

As for the bookshelves in the library, with dimensions of 100×40, there were no ready-made sizes, so they needed to be customized.

Luo Yue asked customer service and found out that customizing such a row would cost around 18,000 yuan, with discounts for buying more.

Luo Yue was not naive, just a rough estimate showed that the new rows of bookshelves were probably worth the entire library’s budget.

And Qin Zhaoyi had spent quite a bit.

Feeling a bit guilty, Luo Yue deliberately cooked an extra dish that evening and brought it over to Qin Zhaoyi.

But she found a plaster on the coffee table, and even the room was filled with the smell of plaster.

“Are you injured?” Luo Yue asked.

Qin Zhaoyi shrugged indifferently, pretending it was nothing, but when she moved, the pain made her inhale sharply, “I’m fine.”

But her tough words didn’t match the reality.

Luo Yue frowned, looking ready to get angry.

Qin Zhaoyi had already opened the lunchbox, and the aroma of the food masked the smell of the plaster. “It looks very delicious.”

Qin Zhaoyi tried to change the subject, but Luo Yue reached out and pulled open her collar.

Plasters were haphazardly stuck on her smooth back, with creases.

Sensing the chill, Qin Zhaoyi immediately backed away, “What are you doing?”

Luo Yue stared at her intently, “From assembling the bookshelf?”

Qin Zhaoyi shrugged, adjusting her clothes to cover the wound tightly, “I didn’t do much, just assembled it.”

She hadn’t done much physical work before, so she was enthusiastic during the process. But after finishing, she felt like her body had been disassembled and reassembled, and her bones ached all over.

On the way, she met Cheng Shijing, who saw through her at a glance and handed her a box of plasters. After sticking them on, her whole back felt hot, relieving the pain.

Luo Yue glanced inside the box and noticed two plasters were missing.

Looking at Qin Zhaoyi again, her eyes were full of pity.

Qin Zhaoyi wasn’t quite comfortable with it. She picked up her bowl and ate, her voice muffled, “Stop looking at me like that.”

Luo Yue didn’t know how to describe her feelings at the moment.

The person in front of her seemed to be really living up to her words, brave, fearless, and unstoppable.

It seemed like she really loved her.

Thousands of words condensed into one sentence: “Thank you.”

This “thank you” was awkward and difficult, but it was the most weighty thing Luo Yue could say.

Qin Zhaoyi was slightly stunned, then smiled faintly, “Why are you thanking me?”

Qin Zhaoyi was afraid she would feel burdened, so she put down her bowl and patiently said, “Do you think I did this just because of you?”

Luo Yue didn’t say anything.

Qin Zhaoyi said calmly, “Students should have a beautiful library. When I was in school, the library was very large, with many books. So, when I was in elementary school, I had already read thousands of books. Reading is the cheapest way to understand the world. This island is small and remote, and the only thing that can connect us with the world is books. Perhaps now the internet is very developed, and you can see all kinds of scenes from around the world from the comfort of your home, but without words, these landscapes wouldn’t be so vast.”

Qin Zhaoyi’s expression was very serious, “I sincerely hope that all children can read.”

It’s not just the knowledge from textbooks, but many aspects of the world extended from books.

Only by reading more can one understand the meaning of reading.

Only then can one understand what it means to go out.

Perhaps Qin Zhaoyi had some selfish motives towards Luo Yue, but fundamentally it was because she wanted to support education.

Since she started making money from writing books, she has been doing things like this.

Qin Zhaoyi admitted to herself that she was not a great person; she just did what she believed was right within her capabilities.

That’s why she could live so calmly and openly.

After a while, Luo Yue praised her, “You’re very capable.”

Luo Yue said, “Then let me thank you on behalf of our students.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

Qin Zhaoyi’s lips curved slightly, “Alright.”

Luo Yue took out two movie tickets, “So, to express my gratitude to you, can I invite you to watch a movie?”

Qin Zhaoyi was slightly taken aback.

Last time she bought tickets for the movie “Spring Tide,” but for various reasons, she didn’t go.

And this time, Luo Yue took the initiative to invite her to the movies.

Qin Zhaoyi was pleasantly surprised, momentarily stunned.

But seeing that she didn’t react much, Luo Yue was about to retract her offer, “If you’re busy, then forget about it…”

“I’m free,” Qin Zhaoyi interrupted her, taking the tickets.

It was a showing at 6:20 on Saturday evening, for the movie “Lively Night.”

It sounded like an artsy film.

Qin Zhaoyi asked, “Can we grab a meal before going?”

Luo Yue nodded, “My treat.”

On the day they watched the movie, Qin Zhaoyi specially changed into a new outfit and drove Luo Yue to town.

Because Luo Yue had some last-minute matters to attend to, they left very late, and by the time they arrived in town, it was almost time for the movie to start, so there was no time for dinner.

The two of them could only hurriedly rush to the cinema, just making it in one minute before the movie started.

Luo Yue quietly asked her, “Are you hungry?”

Before leaving home, Qin Zhaoyi thought she would eat something in the evening, so she ate very little at noon.

Now she was hungry, but didn’t want to distract Luo Yue, so she shook her head, “Not hungry.”

But then, Luo Yue called out to her, “Hold out your hand.”

Qin Zhaoyi was slightly surprised as a candy was placed in her palm.

“Have this first,” Luo Yue said, “I’ll treat you to dinner after the movie.”

Qin Zhaoyi unwrapped the candy, popped it into her mouth, and tasted the sweetness spreading.

Before the movie started, the screen went dark. In the darkness, Qin Zhaoyi accurately found Luo Yue’s hand and laid her own hand on top of hers.

The warm palm covered the cool back of the hand, the touch was very distinct.

However, the next moment, Luo Yue withdrew her hand, casually looking at the big screen.

Qin Zhaoyi’s hand curled a few times, feeling somewhat awkward.

Qin Zhaoyi leaned over and asked, “Is it not okay?”

Luo Yue placed her hands on her side, simply shaking her head.

The movie was a typical art film, with a few scenes so slow that people almost fell asleep.

So there were only a few scattered people sitting in the cinema.

Qin Zhaoyi stared at the big screen, seemingly watching the movie attentively, but her mind had already flown elsewhere.

Luo Yue’s refusal to hold hands made her feel a bit disappointed.

But she couldn’t say anything and could only silently feel unhappy.

When the movie ended and the lights came on in the cinema, Luo Yue looked at her, “Go eat?”

Qin Zhaoyi muttered, “Not hungry.”

Luo Yue grabbed her wrist and pulled her up, “But you still need to eat.”

Qin Zhaoyi was pulled out by her, but as soon as they stepped out, she was let go.

It felt like the only connection between them had been severed.

It was almost nine o’clock after the movie, past dinner time, and the restaurants in town were no longer bustling.

Luo Yue took her to a Japanese restaurant as if it were second nature.

It was quite a miracle to find a Japanese restaurant in such a run-down town.

It was clear that Luo Yue wanted to treat her to a good meal.

However, Qin Zhaoyi couldn’t muster any happiness.

The decoration of the Japanese restaurant was very nice, with a distinctly Japanese style. Luo Yue chatted with the owner for a few moments, showing that they were familiar with each other, and then asked for a private room.

After entering the room, they scanned the QR code to order. Qin Zhaoyi, felt famished but had little appetite.

But Luo Yue insisted she order, saying she had just received her paycheck and there was no need to hold back.

Qin Zhaoyi ordered a portion of fried pork chops, along with seaweed, salmon, and sushi.

Luo Yue ordered a set meal.

After placing the order, Luo Yue poured tea for her again, providing attentive service.

But Qin Zhaoyi just stared at her with a cold face.

All of Qin Zhaoyi’s grievances were written on her face, her eyes saying, “Why aren’t you coming to comfort me?”

But Luo Yue acted as if she hadn’t noticed, not reacting until the food arrived. Qin Zhaoyi ate without much gusto, while Luo Yue hardly touched her food.

To be fair, the food at this restaurant was quite good.

One might have thought that in such a small place, they wouldn’t find authentic Japanese flavors, but it was quite rare; the chef made everything very delicious.

But Qin Zhaoyi still found it tasteless.

After a few bites of rice, Luo Yue put down her chopsticks. Qin Zhaoyi couldn’t hold back and asked her first, “Why aren’t you eating?”

Luo Yue hesitated for a moment, honestly saying, “I don’t like Japanese food.”

Qin Zhaoyi frowned instantly, “Then why did you come?”

Luo Yue looked at her, “But don’t you quite like it?”

Qin Zhaoyi was left speechless.

Qin Zhaoyi was slightly pacified by this.

But only slightly.

Qin Zhaoyi picked up a piece of sushi and handed it to her plate, “Then eat this.”

“I don’t like it,” Luo Yue shook her head.

Especially hated the taste of that sauce.

Qin Zhaoyi then picked up some seaweed for her, but Luo Yue still shook her head, “Not that fond of it.”

Helpless, Qin Zhaoyi looked at the table full of food and couldn’t help asking, “Is there anything you like on this table?”

With a hint of annoyance, the frustration from the cinema also emerged.

Qin Zhaoyi also realized she had lost her temper, pursing her lips. Just as she was about to apologize and try to make up for it, she heard Luo Yue say lightly, “You.”

Qin Zhaoyi froze, her hand holding the chopsticks stiffened.

Then, unable to help it, she raised the corners of her mouth.

Luo Yue handed her a piece of sushi, “Have some more.”

Qin Zhaoyi didn’t expect to get such a firm answer from Luo Yue, and her smile couldn’t be stopped.

But she still tried to take advantage, “What did you say you liked just now?”

Luo Yue looked at her with great patience, “You.”

With the repeated answer from Luo Yue, Qin Zhaoyi smiled and said, “Alright.”

As they left, Luo Yue paid the bill. Qin Zhaoyi stood at the door waiting, still savoring the words Luo Yue said during the meal, feeling like her heart had exploded into fireworks in an instant.

And the next moment, a pair of hands directly grabbed hers, palm to palm.

Qin Zhaoyi turned around in a daze, only to see Luo Yue standing behind her against the light, smiling at her, “What are you staring at? Let’s go.”

Qin Zhaoyi was speechless, but didn’t say anything. She was already being led forward by Luo Yue.

She felt light-headed.

When they reached the car, Luo Yue finally let go of her hand.

As they got into the car, Qin Zhaoyi hesitated to start the engine.

In this secluded area, only the distant sound of music from the shops could be heard.

[Blindly follow suit / Follow you to unfathomable depths / Worry about personal gains and losses / Afraid that you may not be far away / But only that you remain unchanged]

*rough translation. Couldn’t find the English lyrics online

Separated by the glass, only a few sentences could be vaguely heard.

Qin Zhaoyi choked up a bit, “Why did you hold my hand?”

Clearly, she had been unwilling to do so in the cinema before.

Luo Yue lowered her eyebrows and eyes, her voice gentle, “Don’t you like it?”

Qin Zhaoyi asked, “Aren’t you afraid?”

Luo Yue hesitated for a moment, then chuckled softly, “If you like it, then I’m not afraid.”

This smile left Qin Zhaoyi in a daze, and she couldn’t help but lean over and kiss her.

Caught off guard, Luo Yue didn’t get angry, but instead waved at her.

Qin Zhaoyi leaned over, and Luo Yue licked her earlobe.

It made Qin Zhaoyi tremble all over.

Luo Yue whispered softly in her ear, “Princess Qin, I like you.”

Qin Zhaoyi suddenly felt a rush of blood, her mind going blank.

And the song from not far away came in just right—

[For you I admit。]

Qin Zhaoyi thought to herself, she surrendered.

Author’s Note:

Ying ying ying, Puppy Qin, look at you, smiling like it isn’t worth much!

The lyrics are from “喜欢” (Like) by A Si LINK.