Chapter 29 - When I say something, it’s always from the heart

In the end, Lin Xian gave in to the temptation of bonus points for the comprehensive quality test and signed up for the school’s 800-meter race, along with the after-school training that followed. But since the training never actually took up her usual evening time to return home, she hadn’t mentioned it specifically to Xiao Wanqing.

That was, until one night a week before the sports meet, when she brought it up unintentionally.

Upon hearing that Lin Xian was going to participate in a middle-distance race at the school’s sports day, Xiao Wanqing couldn’t help but be a little surprised. Lin Xian wasn’t particularly tall, but she had excellent proportions—those long, slender legs of hers had a delicate elegance, nothing like the muscular build one might expect of a runner. It was hard to imagine she possessed such stamina and speed—especially since her strength lay in the final sprint.

That night, Xiao Wanqing had just finished her shower. As usual, they were both quietly doing their own work in the study.

Xiao Wanqing sat upright at her desk. Her freshly washed hair, still damp, fell loosely behind her. Her clean, makeup-free face highlighted her natural beauty, her skin as smooth as cream. One hand gently supported her chin, lips pursed in a soft and graceful line.

Lin Xian had just finished an assignment and casually looked up—only to be met with that picturesque sight. Her movements stilled as her gaze fixated on those elegantly pursed lips, and she… got a little lost in them.

Out of the corner of her eye, Xiao Wanqing sensed that Lin Xian was staring. She turned her head slightly, a hint of curiosity in her eyes, and smiled. “What’s wrong?”

Caught off guard, Lin Xian didn’t have time to look away. She hurriedly grabbed a pen from the table, opening and closing the cap repeatedly, before finding a way to change the subject. “Aunt Xiao, I’ll be running the 800 meters for our department next Saturday at the school sports meet.”

Xiao Wanqing’s elegant brows lifted in obvious surprise. “Xianxian’s a runner?” She gave Lin Xian a thoughtful once-over, teasing, “Looks like I really misjudged you. I honestly can’t picture how a tiny frame like yours pulls that off.”

Lin Xian was slightly shorter and slimmer than her. Not long after military training, Lin Xian had quickly regained her fair skin, making her look like a delicate, soft-featured girl through and through. Even though Xiao Wanqing had signed her up for a gym membership and they went together once a week, Lin Xian never seemed particularly enthusiastic about it. On the surface, there were no clues at all.

Noticing the disbelief in Xiao Wanqing’s expression, Lin Xian blinked, then said with a slightly smug grin, “I’ve gotta keep a few tricks up my sleeve, so you’ll keep being surprised and curious about me.”

Xiao Wanqing’s expression softened. Looking into the girl’s vibrant, animated face, she reached out and gently tapped her straight little nose, her voice full of fondness. “Yes, yes, our Xianxian is a treasure through and through.”

Something about those words didn’t sit right with Lin Xian. She mulled it over, then realized what it sounded like. Her face turned mock-stern, brows lifting with indignation. “Aunt Xiao, did you just call me a pig?”

She leaned toward Xiao Wanqing and reached out to tickle her waist.

Xiao Wanqing was extremely ticklish and immediately shrank back, her usually serene face suddenly flustered. She hurried to plead in a soft voice, quickly backtracking, “I really mean it! Little piggies are adorable—pink, soft, silly, and a little clever too. So cute…”

Seeing that rare flustered expression, Lin Xian’s eyes sparkled with amusement. Still, she wasn’t going to let her off the hook that easily. With a playful pout, she whined, “I don’t care. My fragile, delicate little heart has been wounded! Aunt Xiao actually called me a pig. I’m so upset…”

She dramatically raised her hands to cover her face, pretending to cry.

Xiao Wanqing knew she was joking, but she still worried. Maybe she had said the wrong thing? Maybe it had genuinely upset the girl. Girls that age cared about their appearance, and comparisons to pigs—even playfully—could strike a nerve. Perhaps Lin Xian was just too shy to say it outright, and this was her roundabout way of expressing discomfort.

After a moment of seriousness, she gently furrowed her brows, eyes tinted with concern. “Xianxian, I was only joking. I’m sorry if I upset you.”

Lin Xian lowered her head, just about to reassure her, when a mischievous idea suddenly popped up. She spoke in a muffled tone, “Then… how about I give you a chance to make it up to me?”

Xiao Wanqing, catching the playful tone beneath her words, felt her worry fade away. She smiled, reassured, and replied light-heartedly, “Alright, name it.”

In an instant, Lin Xian dropped the fake sobbing act. She lowered her hands and grinned brightly. “Then, if you’re not working overtime next Saturday, come cheer me on at the sports meet, okay?”

She didn’t want to think too hard about why she suddenly had that idea—it just felt right. She had a feeling that if she could see Xiao Wanqing waiting at the finish line, she’d be really happy. Especially happy.

Xiao Wanqing’s smile deepened, her eyes growing even gentler. She reached out and ruffled Lin Xian’s hair. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

Then, as if something occurred to her, she added thoughtfully, “I’ll bring the camera and try to get some good shots of you in action. Maybe we can put together a little college photo album afterward. What do you think?”

Delighted, Lin Xian hugged Xiao Wanqing’s slender arm, nuzzling her like a satisfied puppy being petted. “Aunt Xiao, you’re the best.”

Xiao Wanqing watched the girl’s cute antics, her heart melting. With her free hand, she gently flicked Lin Xian’s smooth forehead and teased, “Silly girl…”

The last weekend of October brought clear skies and warm sunshine. The sports meet was held as scheduled, and just as promised, Xiao Wanqing didn’t bail. She personally drove Lin Xian to Jinnan University and accompanied her to the stadium, ready to serve as her photographer and cheer squad.

They didn’t arrive particularly early. The field was already bustling with people, and the loudspeakers kept broadcasting updates about the day’s events.

Walking side by side with Lin Xian, Xiao Wanqing followed her through the crowd until they reached the main base camp for the School of Finance and Economics—a blue tent set up beside two large red drums.

Under the tent, Shi Man and Xia Zhijin were chatting. As soon as they spotted Lin Xian and Xiao Wanqing approaching, Shi Man waved enthusiastically. “Lin Xian, over here!”

Lin Xian walked with an easy pace. Hearing Shi Man calling out to her, she raised her hand in a small wave to show she’d heard. Then, turning to Xiao Wanqing, she explained, “Senior Xia Zhijin is competing on behalf of our faculty too. We’re both in the same event.”

After that, a mischievous grin played on her lips as she asked, “So, what do you think, Aunt Xiao—between me and her, who runs faster?”

Xiao Wanqing took a good look at Xia Zhijin not far away, tall and elegant in her sporty outfit, hair pulled up in a high ponytail. She couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—looks can be deceiving, indeed.

But without even a moment’s hesitation, she answered in a gentle yet firm voice, “You do.”

Her tone was resolute, without a hint of doubt.

The smile on Lin Xian’s lips deepened slightly, her eyes shimmering with a kind of soft anticipation she hadn’t even noticed in herself. She leaned in a little and asked with mock suspicion, “How are you so sure, Aunt Xiao?”

Xiao Wanqing gently tugged at her arm, motioning her to stop walking. Then she crouched down in front of her. Before Lin Xian could react, she was already tying the shoelace that had somehow come undone.

Lin Xian watched her the entire time, her gaze following every movement. It wasn’t until Xiao Wanqing stood up again, their eyes meeting at the same height, that Lin Xian felt a sudden heat blooming in her chest.

But Xiao Wanqing seemed completely unaware. She casually tucked a few loose strands of Lin Xian’s hair behind her ear, smiled softly, and said in her calm, reassuring tone, “Because I just know. Our Xianxian is the best, always.”

Lin Xian looked at her, and her smile widened with satisfaction.

Unnoticed by them, Shi Man and Xia Zhijin had come over. Shi Man beamed at Xiao Wanqing, cheerful and familiar as ever. “You came too, Sister Xiao? Are you here just to cheer Lin Xian on?”

The moment Lin Xian heard her call Xiao Wanqing “Sister,” her brow twitched—this girl was such a 'siscon' (sister complex), calling her ‘Sister’...

She immediately retorted, clearly annoyed, “Who are you calling‘Sister’ Don't just call anyone that! Your actual sister is standing right next to you! Are you trying to make me your aunt or something?

Xiao Wanqing couldn’t help but laugh, and even the usually calm and composed Xia Zhijin showed a rare smile. Shi Man let out an exaggerated groan—what had Lin Xian eaten for breakfast, chili peppers?

After a bit more playful banter, the loudspeaker crackled to life, announcing that the 800-meter race would begin in twenty minutes, and all participants should gather at the covered track.

Xia Zhijin reminded Lin Xian it was time to head over.

Lin Xian pointed anxiously toward one of the entrances beneath the bleachers. “That’s where the covered track is—if you need anything, come find me there…”

Before she could finish, Shi Man pushed her and Xia Zhijin toward the field. “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Aunt Xiao. You just go already.”

The words Aunt Xiao were clearly said with pointed emphasis—she hadn’t let it go.

Xiao Wanqing nodded to Lin Xian, who turned back to look several times. “Don’t worry,” she reassured her. “Remember—I graduated from here too.” Then, as if something suddenly occurred to her, she lifted the camera hanging from her neck and mimed taking a photo, gesturing for Lin Xian and Xia Zhijin to pose.

That’s when Lin Xian remembered—of course! Aunt Xiao was a graduate of Jingnan too. She probably knew the place better than Lin Xian did as a freshman. Feeling reassured, she relaxed a little. Her expression softened as she leaned closer to Xia Zhijin and tilted her head, smiling sweetly into the camera while forming a heart shape with her hands. Xia Zhijin simply smiled and threw up a classic peace sign.

Shi Man, not one to miss a chance, suddenly jumped into the frame, stood on tiptoe, and playfully posed like she was about to kiss Xia Zhijin. Xia Zhijin didn’t mind being hugged by Shi Man, remaining calm and unbothered.

Lin Xian, on the other hand, could hardly bear to look—this girl was too much! She stole a glance at Xiao Wanqing and, seeing her still serene and unaffected, felt a strange mix of relief and... something else she couldn’t quite name.

Xiao Wanqing smiled as she pressed the shutter. In the viewfinder, she saw three bright and spirited girls, full of life. A gentle wistfulness crept into her eyes.

She, too, had once sweated on this very field, laughed just as freely.

The place was the same as ever.

The only thing that had aged... was her.

Lin Xian, still reluctant to part, gave Shi Man one last serious request: “Take good care of Aunt Xiao, okay?” Then, ignoring Shi Man’s impatient wave, she finally left with Xia Zhijin, glancing back every few steps.

Shi Man led Xiao Wanqing back under the tent to escape the sun, explaining with a smile, “Let’s wait until the race is about to start, then we’ll head to the finish line. It’s way too hot out right now.”

She noticed a few boys in the stands and under the neighboring tent stealing glances their way.

Xiao Wanqing stood calmly under the shade, snapping pictures of the clusters of energetic young people across the field. At Shi Man’s suggestion, she turned and smiled. “Alright, I’ll follow your lead.”

Shi Man stared at her for a moment, then suddenly leaned in close and whispered, “Aunt Xiao, you know... you look more like a college student than half the girls here.”

Xiao Wanqing’s brows arched in amusement. “Kids these days... is this how you all talk now? Just flattering old aunties to make them happy?” She thought of Lin Xian, and now Shi Man. Did sweet talkers just naturally become friends?

Shi Man let out a soft laugh, completely unbothered. “I never flatter people. When I say something, it’s always from the heart.”

She spoke with that charming confidence unique to youth, her eyes full of light and pride.

Xiao Wanqing looked at her and smiled gently.

It was only through moments like this, surrounded by these girls, that she truly felt it—the quiet, inescapable truth of growing older. No matter how well she kept up her appearance, her heart, once young and brave, had already begun to age in ways she couldn’t undo.