Chapter 30 - Then let me—take you back to being a child, okay?

It wasn’t until they saw the mid-distance runners emerging from the sheltered tunnel under the stands, heading toward the track, that Shi Man and Xiao Wanqing finally began walking toward the starting point, taking their time.

Lin Xian and Xia Zhijin were on adjacent lanes, warming up, stretching their limbs. Around them, a few student council members from Lin Xian’s department and others cheering for Xia Zhijin gathered by the track.

As soon as Lin Xian saw Xiao Wanqing approaching with her DSLR camera, she stopped stretching and stood upright, grinning as she flashed a peace sign toward the lens, just like a celebrity ready for an interview.

Xiao Wanqing noticed she had already changed into her spiked shoes. She lowered her gaze, carefully inspecting her shoelaces. Once she confirmed everything was secure, she raised her elegant brows slightly and softly encouraged her, “Good luck, okay?” Her voice, as always, was gentle and soothing.

Not far off, Shi Man was anything but reserved. Her clear, bright voice rang out across the track, drawing attention: “Zhijin! Go get her! Leave Lin Xian in the dust! Hmph, she teased me during the fitness test the other day—you’ve got to avenge me!”

Lin Xian turned, offended. “Excuse me? Who helped you walk when you were wobbling like jelly after your run, huh?”

Shi Man's peach blossom eyes sparkled mischievously. She was completely unfazed. “Sure, I remember the kindness. I remember the grudge, too. Who says I can’t remember both?”

Xia Zhijin gave Shi Man a gentle pat on the head and smiled apologetically at Lin Xian. “Thanks for helping Manman.”

Lin Xian hadn’t meant anything serious by her teasing and now felt slightly embarrassed by the formal gratitude. She waved her hands quickly. “It was nothing. Don’t mention it.”

With that, Xia Zhijin relaxed and smiled, her cool demeanor softened. She glanced at Shi Man still full of sass, then turned to Lin Xian and said playfully, “Then I’ll give it my all.”

“Wow, what kind of line is that! Of course you should give it your all. That makes it sound like I’m blackmailing you into paying me back!” It's hard to believe someone as serious as Xia Zhijin can joke around like this! Birds of a feather flock together, huh?  Lin Xian huffed dramatically. “Aunt Xiao, aren’t they infuriating?”

Xiao Wanqing smiled, trying to soothe her. “It’s okay. We’re not afraid. No need to argue—just let your performance speak.”

Lin Xian nodded.

Xiao Wanqing gently patted the top of her head. “I’ll be right here waiting for you.”

Those words hit Lin Xian straight in the heart. A warm flush spread across her cheeks, and a beaming smile bloomed. “Alright. Wait for me.”

She added, “I won’t keep you waiting long.” The confidence in her eyes was almost dazzling. Xiao Wanqing couldn’t help but feel her own spirits lift.

Two minutes before the race began, Xiao Wanqing stepped back with the other spectators to the side of the track. She switched her DSLR to video mode, locking her focus on Lin Xian.

The starting gun cracked through the air like thunder. All the athletes, coiled like springs, shot forward like arrows. They charged down the track, feet pounding in powerful rhythm.

The whole field came alive. As the runners passed each section of the stadium, cheers erupted from that part of the stands, voices booming as each faculty shouted support for their team.

As Lin Xian and Xia Zhijin ran past the stands designated for the School of Finance and Economics, the unmistakable sound of their two large, lacquered red drums erupted, shaking the air. Their enthusiastic chant boomed: “Business elites emerging, pushing beyond limits! Finance students, boundless energy! Go!

Through her camera lens, Xiao Wanqing tracked Lin Xian’s silhouette as it grew smaller, blurry, then came back into sharp focus as she rounded the track again. A smile began tugging at her lips.

After the first curve, Xia Zhijin had pulled ahead slightly. As the first lap neared its end, the two girls were in third and fourth place, trailing the leaders with steady, patient strides.

Shi Man couldn’t contain her excitement as Xia Zhijin drew closer. She cupped her hands into a makeshift megaphone and called out, joined by fellow student council members: “Zhijin (Director)! You got this! You’re the best!”

From elsewhere in the crowd, a few scattered voices called out: “Go Lin Xian! Go!”

Xiao Wanqing stood quietly among the noise, holding her DSLR with stiff arms. She suddenly felt awkward—like she didn’t quite belong.

But then, through her viewfinder, she saw Lin Xian’s figure growing larger as she approached. Just as she passed, Lin Xian turned ever so slightly toward the camera. Her face brightened with a gentle smile, eyes shining brilliantly beneath her brow.

Xiao Wanqing’s fingers froze on the shutter. That smile—it was like a pebble dropping into her heart’s still waters, sending ripples through her chest.

She stopped recording.

As Lin Xian’s figure raced past, her strong stride and bouncing ponytail full of youthful energy, Xiao Wanqing clutched her hands together nervously, licked her lips, and finally, quietly, whispered “Go Lin Xian…”

Her cheeks, pale and delicate, turned a deep, soft pink. The blush crept up her ears, making them glow like little cherries.

Shi Man, always alert, couldn’t help but tease her: “Aunt Xiao, if you whisper like that, Lin Xian won’t hear you at all.”

Xiao Wanqing looked down slightly, biting her rosy lip. Her ears only turned redder.

She looked… so pitiful. So cute. So… bite-sized?

Shi Man had to fight the urge to reach out and comfort her. Instead, she turned to shout toward the track again: “Xia Zhijin! Let’s goooo—!” Then she looked back at Xiao Wanqing with a wink. “See? That’s how you cheer.”

Xiao Wanqing was still flustered. “I’ll try my—”

But before she could finish, the crowd around them suddenly broke into excited shouts.

“Lin Xian’s overtaking her—she’s catching up to Director Xia!”

The student council burst into chatter. Xiao Wanqing followed their gaze.

Lin Xian, who had been in third, just behind Xia Zhijin, suddenly began picking up speed. Xia Zhijin matched her pace. Together, they closed in on the leading runner. Then—first Xia Zhijin overtook, followed by Lin Xian.

Xia Zhijin now led. Lin Xian second.

Then slowly, steadily, Lin Xian drew up beside her once again

Shiman could no longer stay still. She didn’t care if the distance was too far for Xia Zhijin to hear her—she just shouted at the top of her lungs, cheering madly for her beloved: “Zhijin, go! Zhijin, go! Zhijin, go!” Each cry louder than the last, each one more urgent, more desperate.

Xiao Wanqing gazed at the girl in the bright red athletic jacket darting across the track. She watched Lin Xian gradually pull ahead of Xia Zhijin and, at about a hundred meters from the finish line, speed up once more and charge forward with everything she had.

The whole track erupted. The crowd was thunderous with cheers of “Come on! Come on!” Her classmates around her had also let loose, shouting even louder than they had on the first lap: “Lin Xian! Go!! Director!! Go!!”

Shiman had already taken off running, getting as close as she could to Xia Zhijin. Watching Xia Zhijin drenched in sweat, her heart ached. She ran along the inside of the track at the fastest speed she had ever managed in her life, wanting to pace her—so that as soon as Xia Zhijin crossed the finish line, she’d be there to catch her.

Even Xiao Wanqing couldn’t resist the infectious excitement of the crowd. Swept up in the moment, she raised her voice for the first time, calling out: “Lin Xian, go!”

The words escaped her quickly, and she bit her lip, glancing around self-consciously—only to realize that no one was looking at her. No one cared if she seemed composed or unrestrained. No one cared if she was a woman in her thirties who ought to be dignified.

And all of a sudden, her lips curved into a relieved smile.

The next second, imitating what Shiman had just shown her, she cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted loudly into the distance: “Lin Xian! Go! Lin Xian! Go!”

Her voice, always gentle and clear, didn’t sound shrill even when raised.

Lin Xian had never heard Xiao Wanqing raise her voice like that before. Her mind was already growing a bit fuzzy, but somehow, in that sea of loud cheers, she picked out Xiao Wanqing’s voice—immediately.

She looked toward the finish line, and in the distance, she saw her—Xiao Wanqing, usually so poised and elegant, now waving her arms like a child, shouting with all the younger students. It didn’t look strange at all—in fact, it looked natural, even radiant.

Lin Xian’s legs felt like they were made of lead, but she still thought, Faster. Just a little faster…

She was waiting for her at the finish line.

She wanted to reach her sooner. To fall into her arms.

She wanted to get closer. To see the unguarded, brilliant smile on Xiao Wanqing’s face…

A smile she had never seen before—so bright, so full of joy…

Was this what Xiao Wanqing used to smile like when she was young?

Finally, to the sound of wild cheers and gasps, Lin Xian crossed the finish line in first place—and didn’t stop running. She kept going, straight into the soft embrace of Xiao Wanqing, who had been waiting for her all along.

Lin Xian collapsed into her, almost entirely giving up her weight to that slender, warm body. She was exhausted—but incredibly content.

Xiao Wanqing held her tightly, supporting her. She patted Lin Xian’s back with affection and whispered joyfully into her ear, unable to hide the happiness in her voice: “Xianxian, you were amazing.”

Nestled into the crook of her neck, Lin Xian caught her breath, her voice still faint and unsteady—but already teasing: “I heard you cheering for me just now, Aunt Xiao. That was the first time I’ve ever heard you shout like that.”

Xiao Wanqing’s body tensed slightly, and her pale face flushed red… Did she really lose her composure like that? In front of the younger ones… how embarrassing…

Flustered, she tugged lightly at the sleeve of Lin Xian’s T-shirt, clearly at a loss. She awkwardly changed the subject: “Let’s take a short walk. Then we’ll find somewhere quieter to rest.”

Lin Xian smiled gently, not exposing her, and replied softly, “Okay.”

The two of them slowly walked off the open track and made their way to a quiet patch of grass by the basketball court across the way.

Xiao Wanqing had Lin Xian stretch her legs out, and she gently massaged the tired muscles in her thighs and calves. Lin Xian gazed at her peaceful and graceful profile, her eyes flickering with an unnoticed undercurrent.

She thought of that rare, lively expression Xiao Wanqing had shown while cheering for her, and couldn’t help but feel a desire to know more. She asked softly, “Aunt Xiao, what were you like when you were a student?”

Xiao Wanqing’s hands paused briefly. With a faint smile, she replied, “Honestly, I think most student days are the same.” Full of energy and vitality, carefree and spirited… right?

Lin Xian let out a light laugh, teasing: “Really? Was it like what they show in dramas? Falling in love with someone unforgettable during those youthful years?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Lin Xian felt a bit dazed. She wasn’t sure why she asked. What was she trying to find out? She knew Xiao Wanqing probably had some memories that were hard to let go of.

Xiao Wanqing’s hands stopped completely.

Lin Xian noticed the soft smile on her profile had quietly disappeared. A sharp ache pricked at her chest, like the sting of a tiny needle. She whispered, “I’m sorry…”

But Xiao Wanqing resumed her gentle massage. Her tone returned to lightness, her voice calm and soothing: “It’s alright. There’s nothing to apologize for.”

Lin Xian looked at her deeply for a moment, then suddenly placed her hand over Xiao Wanqing’s, her smile bright and inviting. “Aunt Xiao, let me take you somewhere.”

Without waiting, she stood up and held Xiao Wanqing’s slender hand, tugging her up. Xiao Wanqing followed, puzzled, as Lin Xian led her with purpose.

The place Lin Xian took her was a small corner on the northernmost side of the campus, tucked near the perimeter wall. It was a spot Xiao Wanqing had never visited during her student days in Jingnan.

It was secluded, but incredibly quiet and beautiful. A white steel frame formed a simple, artsy little canopy, surrounded by scattered flowerpots of all kinds. A wooden round table, covered in dust, sat nearby with a few matching chairs. Off to the side, a few steps higher, hung a solitary swing. Opposite the swing stood a low wall, and beneath it, several bricks were casually stacked.

Lin Xian asked Xiao Wanqing for some tissues and began carefully wiping the dust off the swing. She explained, “I found this little place by accident with Shiman and the others. It’s super hidden, so barely anyone ever comes here, but… it’s fun.”

She took Xiao Wanqing’s hand, urging her to sit on the swing.

Xiao Wanqing felt that, at her age, she really didn’t have the nerve to do things that only young girls could pull off. She shook her head and politely declined.

But Lin Xian was adamant. She stubbornly tugged on Xiao Wanqing’s arm and nudged her toward the swing, insisting she sit down. She pestered her relentlessly, “You just gave me a massage for so long to ease my fatigue. I want to return the favor by pushing you on the swing—won’t you even give me that chance? Do you really want me to be someone who doesn’t know how to repay kindness, who bites the hand that feeds her?”

What kind of logic was that? Xiao Wanqing couldn’t out-argue her. Seeing how determined Lin Xian was, and how she was willing to indulge her even in the smallest things, she finally gave in and took a seat on the swing.

Anyway… there’s no one around right now, is there? Xiao Wanqing blushed slightly, comforting herself with a bit of wishful thinking.

In the distance, the broadcast continued to report updates on various games and sports news. Cheers and the beat of drums occasionally drifted through the air. Sitting upright on the swing, Xiao Wanqing suddenly felt the world around her falling silent.

All that remained were the soft sounds of the breeze brushing past her ears and Lin Xian’s bright, melodious voice: “See that enclosed wall over there? When I was horsing around with Shi Man earlier, I accidentally discovered that behind it is a lavender field. There’s a stone stele standing in the middle—I caught a glimpse of it when I jumped up, but it was too far, I couldn’t see what was carved on it. Shi Man and I made a bet: whoever reads the inscription first gets to have the other fetch water for a week. Aunt Xiao, you’re taller than me—can you help me take a look?”

Xiao Wanqing teased, “Isn’t that cheating?”

Lin Xian gave the swing’s ropes a gentle shake, pouting and acting cute.

Xiao Wanqing sighed with indulgent affection. “Little trickster…” she murmured, then stepped forward toward the wall, not suspecting anything.

Only when she stood before the wall did she realize it was much taller than it had looked—easily more than half a head taller than she was. She rose on her tiptoes and tried to peer over, but all she could catch was a glimpse of violet.

Even before Xiao Wanqing had to tiptoe to peer over the crowd, Lin Xian, eager to please, had already squatted down and was carefully stacking the loose bricks by the wall into a neat little step for her. When she saw Xiao Wanqing still couldn't see well, she called out helpfully, “Aunt Xiao, why don't you step up here? You'll get a much better view from up top.”

Xiao Wanqing looked down at the neatly stacked bricks, and then at Lin Xian looking up at her with the bright, goofy grin of a Samoyed puppy. She was helpless against her. Oh well—at this point, her dignity was already long gone. Might as well go along with the nonsense a little longer.

She stepped up. Her view did improve slightly—she could see more of what was behind the wall. A swath of lush lavender stretched beyond the barrier. The blossoms were slightly past their peak, but still vibrant. She stood on tiptoe again, and this time, she caught sight of what seemed like a vaguely outlined stone.

At that moment, Lin Xian had quietly stood up beside her. Her lips curved in a sly smile, a flash of mischief gleaming in her eyes. Just as Xiao Wanqing rose up to peer again, Lin Xian, without a sound, swiftly raised her right hand and hurled the small stone she had hidden in her palm—right over the wall.

“I think I see the stele you mentioned,” Xiao Wanqing said, just as she was getting ready to take a closer look at the carving.

She didn’t see the inscription.

What she saw—was a German Shepherd chained up behind the wall, leaping and lunging toward her with a deafening bark: “Woof! Woof! Woof!!!”

Caught completely off guard, Xiao Wanqing let out a startled cry—“Ah!” Her foot instinctively stepped back off the brick platform. She lost her balance and began to fall

And in that split second, Lin Xian caught her firmly in her arms, holding her steady.

The very next moment, Lin Xian burst into a fit of laughter—“Hahahahahahaha!”

Still shaken, Xiao Wanqing leaned against her, heart racing. After just two seconds, she realized what had happened. She pushed Lin Xian away and turned to her, half-angry, half-amused: “Lin Xian! Did you set me up on purpose?!”

Her voice was a mix of panic, frustration, and amusement.

Lin Xian clung to her hand, swaying it back and forth like a spoiled child, laughter still spilling out of her lips, tears even starting to well up in her eyes from how hard she laughed.

Xiao Wanqing’s anger couldn’t last long. Eventually, she too couldn’t help but burst into laughter, her cheeks softening as she scolded, “Childish!”

Holding her aching stomach from laughing too hard, Lin Xian tugged at Xiao Wanqing’s hand and led her back to the swing. She helped her sit down, waited until she’d caught her breath, and grinned as she protested, “What’s wrong with being childish? Didn’t you laugh just now? Didn’t you feel happy?”

The swing began to move again, gently swaying back and forth. Xiao Wanqing looked up at the shifting sunlight above, and finally curved her lips into a small smile. “Happy,” she admitted.

It felt like that single fright and burst of laughter had blown away all the lingering sorrow stirred up by old memories.

Lin Xian looked at the woman’s delicate, graceful silhouette and suddenly felt a pang of longing and regret: If only I had been born earlier.

If that were the case, maybe she could’ve spent her youth side by side with Xiao Wanqing—sharing swings, witnessing her wild and spirited younger days, instead of only the reserved gentleness and occasional wistfulness she saw now.

Xiao Wanqing’s calm elegance, her quiet sadness—it was captivating.

But also… heartbreaking.

Her thoughts drifted far away. There had once been someone who sat with her like this on tranquil afternoons, listening to the whispers of the wind on a gently swaying swing. Later… they…

What’s wrong with being childish? She snorted inwardly.

Perhaps that’s just how fate between people works. Like tumbleweed blown by the wind—meeting is by chance, parting is inevitable.

Suddenly, Lin Xian’s soft voice brushed her ear: “Aunt Xiao, what are you thinking about?”

Xiao Wanqing gave a faint smile, not bothering to hide it. “I was thinking about what you said earlier—about being childish. There was once someone who asked me, could I stop being so childish and start acting like a grown-up?” Her voice was light, almost emotionless, and Lin Xian couldn’t read her tone. “It feels like ever since then… I really did start becoming an adult.”

Sometimes, real growing up happens in an instant.

It might come with the rush of falling in love. Or the hollow silence of a heart breaking.

Lin Xian’s bright expression dimmed slightly.

She frowned, then gave the swing a stronger push and said with clear, determined warmth: “But grown-ups always have so many troubles. They’re always… not happy. Aunt Xiao, I hope you can always be happy.”

“There was someone who taught you how to be an adult… Then let me—take you back to being a child, okay?”

The breeze skimmed softly past her ear, and Xiao Wanqing felt as if her heart had been stirred by that same breeze—ticklish, and tender.

She lowered her eyes, the corners of her lips tugging upward in the faintest smile, one laced with melancholy… and a trace of loss.