Chapter 32 - I said I was taking you back to your childhood

After returning home with her parents, Lin Xian lay on the familiar bed she had slept in for years. But strangely, sleep evaded her. Eyes closed, she tried to summon drowsiness, but her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, endlessly spinning, making it impossible to find peace.

Did Auntie Xiao read her script yet? She bit her lip, her heart filled with anxiety.

Truthfully, she hadn't mapped out the story from the start. She simply followed her heart as she wrote, and only after finishing did she realize what the story had become. Before handing it to Xiao Wanqing, Lin Xian had hesitated for a long time. She had always remembered how withdrawn and melancholy Xiao Wanqing became when speaking of her parents. She remembered Xiao Wanqing’s tearful breakdown at the memorial hall all those years ago, the pain and disarray etched into her face. And she remembered, most clearly, how Xiao Wanqing had never once dared—or perhaps refused—to set foot in the northern district again, paralyzed by fear and sorrow.

Something must’ve happened between them… of that, Lin Xian was sure.

She had always been living in quiet agony, in regret, haunted by the past… Lin Xian had pieced this together from countless little signs.

She didn’t know what feelings her script might stir in Xiao Wanqing. She had wanted to evoke emotion, even had a bit of a selfish ambition to win the competition. She wanted to remind people not to wait until it was too late—that we’re so willing to give warmth and time to strangers, yet so stingy when it comes to our own lonely parents. She had never intended to reopen old wounds for Xiao Wanqing. But emotions and thoughts stirred by words aren't something an author can ever truly control. A thousand readers, a thousand Hamlets. What Xiao Wanqing might see in it, Lin Xian couldn’t possibly predict.

But now that the script was written, Lin Xian looked at the finished pages and thought—maybe, just maybe, she could do something through this story. She wanted to try. She truly wanted to try.

How heavy it must be to carry pain forward in silence. Such a tired Xiao Wanqing couldn’t possibly be what her parents had wished for her. They had loved her so dearly, after all.

Lin Xian still remembered how, years ago, Xiao Wanqing’s parents had come alone to visit her own family. In an attempt to ease the tension, her own parents had deliberately mentioned bits and pieces of Xiao Wanqing’s life. And in those moments, Lin Xian had seen the way Xiao Wanqing’s parents had listened—so quietly, so attentively. Even though they hid it well, never asking questions or initiating conversation, the love was there. And once, when her mother had casually mentioned that Xiao Wanqing had been hospitalized with an illness, her mother’s eyes had reddened instantly, and her father’s gaze had softened with heartache.

She might still be young, still unable to fully grasp the depth of emotions between people. But Lin Xian, in her quiet stubbornness, believed one thing with certainty: they had never truly blamed Xiao Wanqing.

Because they shared the same heart, the same wish—just like her, they loved Xiao Wanqing. They ached for her, and all they wanted was for her to be happy.

Lin Xian opened her eyes and gazed into the still, silent night. She silently mouthed the word love, letting it roll slowly between her lips. Her hand lifted gently to her chest, where her heartbeat thudded faster and louder than usual as she thought of Xiao Wanqing’s calm and gentle face. A quiet smile tugged at her lips—sweet, and just a little bitter.

Auntie Xiao… your birthday gift is ready.

It’s a true coming-of-age gift.

A secret, sweet and aching, that I can’t say out loud.

The lyrics had it right—before you grow wise, and after your heart stirs, love lasts no longer than a single day.

The birthday banquet on Sunday afternoon—though she had negotiated with her mom beforehand—still ended up being a four-table event at a hotel. All the socializing left Lin Xian dizzy and exhausted, inwardly wailing.

People were considerate of her age—her parents forbade her from drinking, and none of the guests dared to push it. But after trailing her parents around two tables, drinking countless cups of soda, and running to the bathroom for the umpteenth time, Lin Xian couldn’t help but grumble in her heart: Whose birthday is this even? Why does the birthday girl feel so miserable?! Auntie Xiao not showing up? Genius move!

These guests—all of whom looked so polished and dignified at the podium—turned into relentless persuaders once seated. Even as a teenager only drinking soda, she wasn’t spared.

The banquet dragged on past 4 p.m. When it finally ended, and they’d seen the last of the guests off, Lin Xian was too tired to even fake a smile anymore. Her sour mood was written all over her face.

Zhou Qin, a little tipsy from the wine, was in an unusually indulgent mood. She didn’t scold Lin Xian for pulling a long face—instead, she teased her with a grin: “Oh? Are you playing the role of the dark-faced Justice Bao now?”

Lin Zhan, sitting in the front passenger seat, chuckled at that and asked, “Xianxian, tired already?” He sighed softly, then spoke with a tone she rarely heard from him—earnest, thoughtful. “I know you don’t enjoy these occasions, but now that you’re an adult, it’s something you’ll need to get used to.” He continued, “All the connections your mom and I have built… they’ll eventually be passed on to you.” His voice carried pride and expectation, like he was placing his future into her hands. Their daughter—she would surely surpass them one day.

Lin Xian wasn’t used to hearing her father speak to her like that. She didn’t know how to respond. So… this is the adult world?

Before she could reply, Zhou Qin cut in, clearly annoyed, “What are you even saying? She’s just a kid who hasn’t graduated yet—what could she possibly understand?”

Lin Zhan chuckled and backed down, “You’re right.” Then he switched to his usual playful tone and said mysteriously, “Xianxian, we already sent your gift to your Auntie Xiao’s place. Want to guess what it is?”

Lin Xian’s eyes sparkled as she leaned forward eagerly. “An iPad? Is it an iPad?!” She’d been hinting at one for ages, but Zhou Qin always insisted that with a laptop already, giving her an iPad would just be a distraction from studying—so she’d refused.

But before she could dream further, Zhou Qin dashed her hopes: “Keep dreaming.”

Lin Xian pouted dramatically and poked Zhou Qin’s arm. “Hmph! I’m mad now!”

Zhou Qin gave her a cool glance, completely unfazed. “Then don’t take it. I’ll call Little wan (Xiao Wanqing) and tell her to sell it.”

Immediately panicked, Lin Xian ignored the threat and leaned forward, clinging to the back of the front seat like a cat begging for treats. “Dad, tell me! What is it?”

Lin Zhan was no match for her sweet, spoiled tone. He caved instantly. “It’s an electric scooter. You said before that when school has events at night, you don’t want to trouble Auntie Xiao to pick you up. But waiting for the bus alone made you nervous.” They used to have one at home, and Lin Xian had learned to ride it from Zhou Qin. She’d even taken it on the road with Zhou Qin riding pillion, and her driving was decent—good enough that Zhou Qin felt at ease.

When Lin Xian heard that, she practically bounced with joy. “Thank you, Daddy!” Then, seeing the disapproving look from Zhou Qin, she quickly added, “Thank you, Mommy!” She wrapped her arms around Zhou Qin’s and planted a kiss on her cheek.

Zhou Qin immediately pushed her away, pretending to be annoyed. “You’re not a little kid anymore. Shame on you…”

But a soft smile had already crept onto her face.

Lin Xian saw right through her—Hah, her mom was the queen of saying one thing and meaning another. She leaned over again and gave her mom two loud smooches through her sleeve.

Zhou Qin yanked her arm away with exaggerated disgust. “Mind your drool! Drool!!”

Lin Zhan sat in the front passenger seat, grinning from ear to ear as she listened to the playful bickering between mother and daughter.

Too eager to see her birthday present, Lin Xian decided not to wait until the next morning for Lin Zhan to sober up and take her to school. She opted to take the bus back to the South District on her own.

Zhou Qin offered to have her stay for dinner, but Lin Xian patted her still-full stomach from lunch and politely declined. “I'm still stuffed.” Sensing how much Lin Xian wanted to go home, Zhou Qin didn’t insist. No matter how old she was or whether she was technically an adult, she was still very much a child at heart.

Zhou Qin packed up some handmade pastries and freshly made dishes she’d asked the hotel kitchen to prepare, then handed them to Lin Xian to bring back to Xiao Wanqing. She gently reminded her to drive her electric scooter safely, not to speed or make reckless turns, and finally let her go.

It was already past seven when Lin Xian arrived at Xiao Wanqing’s place, and the sky had turned completely dark.

Pushing open the door, Lin Xian stepped into a pitch-black living room. Thinking no one was home, she was just about to take off her shoes in the dark when she heard the soft sound of footsteps and a gentle voice calling out, “Xianxian?”

The lights flicked on, and there stood Xiao Wanqing, smiling warmly in the center of the room.

The sight of her made Lin Xian's lips lift into a natural, delighted smile. “I’m back, Aunt Xiao,” she said cheerfully. Then, noticing her makeup was still fresh and she was wearing a knit top with a short skirt, as if she’d only just returned home, Lin Xian asked with concern, “Have you had dinner yet?”

Xiao Wanqing walked over to her and, as if it were second nature, picked out the slippers from the shoe cabinet and placed them at Lin Xian’s feet. Her voice was soft and reassuring. “I have. What about you?”

Lin Xian blinked, not wanting to lie but also not wanting to trouble her. “I came back full,” she said vaguely. She placed the food Zhou Qin had packed on the shoe cabinet and sat down to change her shoes. Just as she bent over, something seemed to occur to her. She paused and looked up.

“Aunt Xiao, do you have time right now?”

Xiao Wanqing looked at her, a teasing tone in her voice as she said, “It’s your day. Whatever you want, you’ll get.”

Her voice was soft and low, warm like a whisper. Lin Xian’s fingers, which had been gripping her shoelaces, trembled ever so slightly. Her heart skipped a beat. After a moment, she stood up and extended an invitation. “Aunt Xiao, so... are you brave enough to ride my scooter?”

Xiao Wanqing smiled, her eyes gentle as she reached out to playfully tap Lin Xian’s nose. “What’s there to be afraid of? Are we going now?”

When Lin Xian nodded, she squatted down without hesitation to change her shoes.

Lin Xian tilted her head with a grin and tried to spook her. “I might not be very good at it, Aunt Xiao. Aren’t you scared?”

Xiao Wanqing stood, gently tousled her soft hair, and played along with a smile. “Then I’ll be the one protecting you.”

Lin Xian looked at her, her face so close—suddenly, she felt her cheeks burn. It was strange… she hadn’t even had a drink, yet she felt tipsy somehow…

Drunk on the way Xiao Wanqing’s eyes shimmered, like a still pool reflecting the soft glow of autumn.

She quickly looked away, flustered, and turned to open the door. “Let’s go then.”

Zhou Qin had already asked Xiao Wanqing in advance if the residential area had a suitable space to park an electric scooter. Once confirmed, she bought the vehicle. As soon as Xiao Wanqing found out, she immediately applied for a parking spot and a residential plate for it. The moment the scooter arrived, she registered it.

The scooter was white, sleek and shiny, with a petite and adorable look. Lin Xian’s eyes lit up with joy. She was thoroughly pleased—well, except for one thing: Zhou Qin had only gotten her one helmet.

She took the helmet from the handlebars, undid the strap, and raised it toward Xiao Wanqing’s head—but was gently stopped by her hand.

Xiao Wanqing shook her head. “You wear it.”

Lin Xian’s eyes sparkled as she looked at her beautiful face. She raised an eyebrow. “Whose birthday is it today?”

Xiao Wanqing stared at her for a moment, then let out a soft chuckle without replying. The answer was obvious.

Lin Xian beamed. “Then doesn’t that mean the birthday girl is the boss today? Shouldn’t you listen to me?”

She raised her hands again, gently placing the helmet on Xiao Wanqing’s head. This time, she didn’t resist.

Adjusting the strap delicately, Lin Xian fastened the buckle and stepped back to admire her. “So cute! Aunt Xiao, you’re such a good little girl!”

Being called “a good little girl” at her age made Xiao Wanqing’s fair cheeks flush faintly pink. She bit her lip and, for once, looked shy, feigning irritation. “You cheeky little thing. Who’s the kid here?”

Lin Xian giggled and lowered the visor for her. Her fingers lingered for a moment, brushing the edge gently, affectionately—but she didn’t say a word.

It wasn’t until they exited the neighborhood, turned a corner, and rolled onto the coastal ring road that Lin Xian spoke again.

The sea breeze whooshed past their ears. With the helmet on, Xiao Wanqing couldn’t hear what she said. She leaned in slightly, her hands circling Lin Xian’s waist as she asked louder, “What did you just say?”

Lin Xian glanced down at those soft, jade-like hands wrapped around her waist. Then she smiled faintly and said, “Nothing.”

But in truth, she had said, “I said I was taking you back to your childhood.”

Xiao Wanqing hadn’t heard her. Maybe… maybe it was better that way.

A soft, almost invisible smile curved Lin Xian’s lips. Then, she raised her voice, sounding pitiful. “Aunt Xiao, could you hold me a little tighter? I… I’m a bit cold.”

It was November, and the ring road ran along the coast. The sea breeze carried a penetrating chill. With too few layers on, the wind sliced through her clothes, enough to make anyone shiver.

Xiao Wanqing, unsuspecting, replied gently, “Okay.” She tightened her arms around Lin Xian’s waist, pressing herself closer in an attempt to warm her with body heat.

A mischievous sparkle danced in Lin Xian’s eyes. Her smile deepened.

Her heart, utterly satisfied, sighed with delight.