Chapter 28 Bibi Dong: I can’t take it anymore!
"That’s why I said my craftsmanship isn’t very good," Jiang Bai said, scratching his head.
Qian Renxue carefully tucked the two hand puppets into her storage spirit tool, as if she were collecting some rare and precious treasure.
Then she looked up, her purple eyes swirling with complex emotions—joy, touched sentiment, shyness, and a certain firm resolve.
She took a step forward and reached out to hug Jiang Bai.
The hug came so suddenly that Jiang Bai’s body stiffened for a moment before he relaxed.
He could feel Qian Renxue’s arms wrapped around his waist, smell the faint fragrance of her hair, and feel her slightly quickened heartbeat through their clothes.
"Thank you, Jiang Bai," she said, burying her face in his shoulder, her voice muffled. "I really like it—"
Before she could finish, she suddenly looked up, her face flushed red. Closing her eyes, she gently kissed his lips.
The kiss was very light, carrying the unique innocence and trembling of a young girl.
But in that instant, Jiang Bai’s mind went blank.
By the time he reacted, his hands had already uncontrollably moved to support Qian Renxue’s waist.
Slender and soft, he could feel her warm body temperature through the fabric.
And his other hand—couldn’t help but slide up her spine.
Qian Renxue’s body jolted, her beautiful eyes widening instantly as her long eyelashes fluttered.
Her face was so red it looked like it might bleed. She froze in place, yet she didn’t push him away; instead, she slowly closed her eyes, allowing this unexpected contact to continue.
Time seemed to freeze at this moment.
Meanwhile, in a certain shadow.
The crystal glass in Bibi Dong’s hand had already been squeezed until fine cracks appeared.
Her nails dug deep into her palm, but she was oblivious to the trickling blood.
Every detail of the scene just now had clearly fallen into her eyes.
"Heh—"
She suddenly let out a low laugh, one that was hoarse and broken.
Many years ago, there had also been a night like this.
It was also in Yelin City. Back then, she had looked at Yu Xiaogang and laughed so happily, as if she had grasped all the happiness in the World.
And then?
Then Qian Xunji appeared.
—
Then Yu Xiaogang left like a coward—
Then that nightmare began.
But now, this daughter she had always loathed and tried to ignore was enjoying the sweetness that should have belonged to her.
The way that young man looked at Qian Renxue was so focused and gentle, just like—just like how Yu Xiaogang used to look at her.
Why?
Why did she have to struggle in endless resentment and pain, while Qian Renxue could possess such pure feelings?
Why was her love crushed into dust, while this little wench could embrace someone amidst the dim lights?
"Xiaogang—" she murmured the name unconsciously, her eyes so dry they ached.
If those things hadn’t happened back then, if Yu Xiaogang hadn’t left, if—if they had a child, it would be about this age now, wouldn’t it?
Perhaps they would also release lanterns together on the night of a lantern festival, recite poetry together, and share sweet pastries in a teahouse.
Instead of how it was now, with her hiding alone in the shadows, spying on someone else’s happiness and chewing on her own pain.
Bibi Dong’s gaze was deadlocked on the two people on the teahouse balcony.
Qian Renxue was currently taking small bites of Osmanthus Cake, occasionally glancing up at Jiang Bai before quickly lowering her head, her ears still red.
Meanwhile, Jiang Bai was saying something that made her let out a light laugh.
That smile stung Bibi Dong’s eyes.
She remembered when Qian Renxue was little; she had once smiled at her like that too.
Back then, the child didn’t know any better and would always stumble toward her, reaching out her little hands for a hug.
But every single time, she would coldly push her away and turn to leave, leaving that tiny figure standing there, not understanding why her mother didn’t like her.
When did Qian Renxue stop smiling at her?
Forget it—
It doesn’t matter anymore.
None of it matters.
What mattered was that seeing the smile on Qian Renxue’s face now only felt incredibly eyesore and—envious.
Yes, envy.
She was envious that Qian Renxue could have such pure feelings, envious that she could accept someone else’s love without any burden—
While she, Bibi Dong, could only sink deeper and deeper into the darkness, where even her memories were tainted with poison.
The sharp shards of the water glass cut her palm, and blood dripped through her fingers, blooming into dark red flowers on the dark floor.
Bibi Dong seemed not to feel the pain, merely staring intently at the teahouse opposite, her eyes churning with a near-insane malice and killing intent.
That boy named Jiang Bai—must die!
Not just because he might affect Qian Renxue’s future, not just because of Qian Daoliu’s tacit approval of him, and not just because he had talked back to Hu Liena.
But because he made Qian Renxue smile.
Because he gave Qian Renxue the warmth she had never given.
Because—the way he looked at Qian Renxue reminded her of a past she could never return to.
"You will regret this."
She whispered to the air, her voice as cold as the ice of the Far North.
She took one last look at the pair on the teahouse balcony and turned to vanish into the shadows.
Up on the teahouse, Jiang Bai suddenly shivered.
"What’s wrong?" Qian Renxue asked with concern. "Are you cold?"
"It’s nothing." Jiang Bai shook his head and instinctively looked toward the building across the street.
There was only a deep darkness there, with no one behind the window.
But he felt as if an extremely cold gaze had just fallen upon him.
Was it an illusion?
"It’s getting late." Qian Renxue looked at the sky. "We should head back."
The two paid the bill, went downstairs, and rejoined the flow of people in the market.
On the way back, Qian Renxue naturally took Jiang Bai’s hand again.
They took a carriage back to the academy.
The two then walked into the academy hand-in-hand.
At the fork in the dormitory area, Qian Renxue stopped and turned to face Jiang Bai.
"Today—I was very happy."
She spoke softly, her purple eyes appearing exceptionally clear under the moonlight.
"Me too," Jiang Bai smiled.
Qian Renxue bit her lip, then stepped forward and hugged Jiang Bai again.
"Jiang Bai," she whispered, burying her face in the crook of his neck, "we’ll be together forever, right?"
Jiang Bai’s heart stirred. He hugged her back and said solemnly, "We will!"
Qian Renxue let go, smiling with a hint of bashfulness.
"That’s good. Goodnight, Jiang Bai."
"Goodnight, Sister Xue’er."
Qian Renxue turned and walked back to her villa.
Jiang Bai stood there, watching her figure disappear into the depths of the building before slowly letting out a breath.
He turned toward his own dormitory, his steps becoming light and cheerful involuntarily.
Tonight really felt like a dream too beautiful to be real—
The night grew deep.
Just as Jiang Bai returned to his room and prepared to rest, a cold voice transmission suddenly reached his ears.
"Jiang Bai! Come to the back mountain!"